Boxing discussion thread

[Blues84]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

blues, good call on tonight's main event again.

Great fight......I didn't expect any less from both of these great fighters.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Movie theater boxing is back

Boxing is headed back to movie theaters. Buoyed by the success of the Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez fight being shown in high definition on about 200 big screens nationwide in September, Golden Boy made a new deal with NCM Fathom to go back to theaters for two upcoming fights, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com.
The April 3 Roy Jones-Bernard Hopkins rematch and the May 1 Mayweather-Shane Mosley fight, along with their undercards, will be in select movie theaters, he said.
Jones-Hopkins will be available on between 150 and 200 screens while Mosley-Mayweather will play on more than 400 screens.
"They did a survey about Mayweather-Marquez and it was No. 1 for positive feedback of any event they ever had in their theaters. It was unbelievable," Schaefer said. "It was a huge success. We're doing it again and believe it will be another huge success."
Although Golden Boy will generate revenue from the theater tickets (Mayweather-Mosley theater tickets will cost between $20 and $25 with Jones-Hopkins being priced lower), the real enticement of the deal is the thousands of screens that will advertise the fight before movies begin.

Rodel Mayol vs. Omar Nino Romero ruled a draw

At the Coliseo Olimpico de la UG in*Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Omar Nino Romero (28-3, 11KOs) and Rodel Mayol (26-4, 20KOs) fought to a three round technical draw. Mayol keeps his WBC junior flyweight title. The ending was very controversial and the announcers, at first, called Romero the winner by TKO.

Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. knocks out Marvin Sonsona in four

At the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (18-0-1, 15KOs) knocked out previously undefeated Marvin Sonsona (14-1-1, 12KOs) in four rounds to capture the vacant WBO super bantamweight title.

Mike Jones decisions Henry Bruseles over ten rounds

At Ballys Casino in*Atlantic City, top welterweight contender Mike Jones (20-0, 16 KOs)*continued his run by pulling out a*unanimous ten round decision over*veteran Henry Bruseles (28-4-1, 15 KOs). The scores were were 98-92, 98-92 and*97-92. Bruseles had some moments during the action. Jones was able to adapt and used his better overall boxing abilities to pile up the points. The action was close in some of the early rounds. Jones took over the second half of the fight and dominated down the stretch.

Escalante drops, tops Roman in featherweight war

They began the night as bitter longtime rivals. By night’s end, Antonio Escalante and Miguel Roman earned each other’s respect, while giving boxing fans their money’s worth in a terrific featherweight brawl at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.
In the end, it was Escalante coming out on top, withstanding Roman’s relentless pressure to score a late knockdown en route to a well-deserved unanimous decision in the main event of ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Photos: Escalante vs Roman: The Wild War in Texas

Don King: "I told Amir Khan to stop hiding"

Promoter Don King told WBA junior welterweight champion to stop hiding from real competition. King promotes WBC champion Devon Alexander. He tried to make a fight between Alexander and*Khan. He tells Steve Bunce of The Mirror that Khan ran away from the fight.
"I told Amir that he has to come out of hiding and fight one of the champions,"*King said. "I had a fight with my world champion Devon Alexander lined up but Amir ran away from his promoter Frank Warren and ran away from the deal."

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Roach: Shane Mosley has trouble with speed, movement

During a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach gave his thoughts on the May showdown between WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather Jr. As much as Roach would like Mosley to win, he think Mayweather’s speed and movement will be too much.
"I like Mayweather to win," Roach said. "I do hope Shane finds a way; he's my friend, but he has trouble with speed and the movement he'll get from Mayweather, so I think Floyd will win a decision."

Pavlik starts training camp for Sergio Martinez bout

World middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik is in the ring today, training at the South Side Gym in Youngstown, Ohio to prepare for his upcoming title defense against Sergio Martinez of Argentina.
Pavlik shook out today in front of local media at the South Side. He is with his chief trainer, Jack Loew. Pavlik said he was anxious to take on Martinez in a world championship fight scheduled April 17 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

(LAS VEGAS, NEV.) – Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (Flint, Mich.) (18-1, 13 KOs) will make his long-awaited Detroit debut on Saturday, March 27 in a super middleweight clash with former middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (Berlin, Germany) (31-0, 25 KOs) at Joe Louis Arena. The fight will kick off the second round of the SHOWTIME Super Six Super Middleweight tournament, and be broadcast live to millions on SHOWTIME. After traveling to enemy territory for his opening bout of the tournament against WBC Champion Carl Froch, Dirrell will enjoy the chance to compete in front of his hometown fans in his fight with Abraham. The 2004 Olympic bronze medalist and Michigan native plans to give Detroit residents a reason to celebrate following a difficult few years in the area which has been hard hit by the economic recession.
“It’s an honor to be able to bring an event this big to Michigan and to have the chance to fight so close to my hometown of Flint,” Dirrell said. “I plan to make the most of it and put on a show for the fans that come out to Joe Louis Arena.”

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Mayweather, Mosley nearly brawl at NYC presser

The big punches were nearly exchanged a months early. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley met face to face to announce their big May 1st showdown at the Nokia Theater in Times Square, which is located in the heart of Manhattan.

The two fighters met head to head at the start of the press conference. When they met face to face to start talking trash, things got heated very quickly when Mayweather put his hands on Mosley and shoved him back. Mosley charged forward at Mayweather and the two of them engaged in a shoving/wrestling match.

Mayweather/Mosley revives terrific 24/7

We all know Floyd Mayweather Jr. is comfortable in the boxing ring, but as we all have learned over the past few years, he's just as comfortable in front of the camera.

Mayweather's presence is what helped make HBO's "24/7" reality series a big hit since the inception of the show in 2007 with "De La Hoya/Mayweather 24/7" and "Mayweather/Hatton 24/7."

So it should come as no surprise that HBO announced on Tuesday at the kickoff news conference in New York to promote the Shane Mosley-Mayweather welterweight title fight that the series will return to follow the build up to the much-anticipated HBO PPV fight on May 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The four-episode "24/7 Mayweather/Mosley" will begin airing April 10 (10 p.m. ET). The second and third episodes will air on subsequent Saturday nights (the April 17 episode debuts at 9:30 p.m. ET and the April 24 episode debuts at 8:30 p.m.). The finale will air on Friday, April 30 (8:30 p.m. ET), allowing HBO's cameras to capture that day's weigh-in.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Cloud/Johnson bout aborted amid controversy

Ask promoter Lou DiBella and he'll say that what happened was the dirty side of boxing -- that Don King stole light heavyweight titlist Tavoris Cloud using a pile of cash as bait and screwed up his April 10 HBO "World Championship Boxing" card less than 48 hours before Wednesday's news conference at which Cloud's mandatory defense against former champ Glen Johnson was supposed to be announced.

King, of course, told a different story. In his version, yes, he signed Cloud, but that the fight wasn't going to happen anyway because Cloud has a left hamstring injury.

Regardless of the version you believe this much is clear: Cloud did sign with King even though he may have an existing promotional agreement with Richie Boy Promotions and he isn't going to face Johnson April 10 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. That's where welterweight titlist Andre Berto defends his belt against former titleholder Carlos Quintana in the HBO main event.

Arthur Abraham says Detroit venue will not save Dirrell

BERLIN*- King Arthur Abraham (31-0, 25 KOs) has returned to Germany following the postponement of his Super Six World Boxing Classic second-round clash with Andre Dirrell (18-1, 13 KOs).

The fight has been moved back to March 27 after Dirrell injured his back in practice. It will now take place at Detroit´s famous Joe Louis Arena and will air live on SHOWTIME, Saturday, March 27, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. “I am not at all concerned about the change of the date,” King Arthur said. “We had a great time in Palm Springs. I love America and I enjoyed to stage my training camp in the Californian sun. Postponements happen all the time in boxing. I don´t mind when and where I will take on Dirrell -I will defeat him everywhere, even in his backyard. I am in the Super Six tournament to become a star in America and all over the world. After the KO win over Jermain Taylor, another spectacular victory over Dirrell in front of his home fans will further raise my international profile.”

Tyson Fury looks for respect

LONDON- Manchester born Tyson Fury looks set to resume his assault on the domestic heavyweight scene this Friday on the undercard of Gary Sykes vs. Andy Morris, who battle for the vacant British Super Featherweight title.* His opponent for the stay-busy fight has yet to be named.

Fury, who has been absent from the ring for 5 months, has came under scrutiny following his winning efforts over John McDermott. But since then Fury has been busy working hard in the gym to realise his potential and to win back those who criticised him.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

UFC officially announces James Toney has signed to fight

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – He’s one of the premier boxers of the last 25 years, a future Hall of Famer who has won world titles in three weight classes while taking on a Who’s Who of the sport, including fellow champions Evander Holyfield, John Ruiz, Hasim Rahman, Vassiliy Jirov, Roy Jones Jr., Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, and Michael Nunn. But there is one more mountain left to climb for James “Lights Out” Toney, and that’s to show if he can defeat the mixed martial arts warriors of the UFC®.

So later this year, UFC President Dana White is prepared to give Toney his shot, signing the boxing superstar to a multi-fight contract this week to compete in the UFC.

“A lot of pro boxers have made a lot of noise about how they would do in mixed martial arts, but nobody on the level of a James Toney has been willing to back up his talk,” said White. “He’s a legend whose boxing record speaks for itself, and he’s a guy who I’ve got a lot of respect for. Now he’s got every intention of matching that success in MMA, and I think he’s got the right attitude – let’s see if he can do it.”

Owner of an amazing 72-6-3 (2 no contests) record that includes 44 wins by knockout, 41-year old James Toney is respected throughout the boxing world for his old-school approach to the fight game. For him, that means fighting anyone at anytime, and doing so by emphasizing all aspects of the sweet science.

Abraham vs. Direll: Both are very confident of victory

NEW YORK — Super Six World Boxing Classic standings leader “King” Arthur Abraham and Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell both took part in a media conference call on Thursday to talk about their Group Stage 2 matchup. The two square off March 27, 2010, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich., live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

The Armenian Abraham (31-0, 25 KOs) currently leads the Super Six point standings with three points by way of his last-second knockout against American Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor Oct. 17 in Berlin, Germany. The former middleweight bronze medalist at the 2004 Summer Olympics from Flint, Mich., Dirrell (18-1, 13 KOs) dropped a close 12-round decision to Carl Froch for the World Boxing Council (WBC) World Championship the same night in Nottingham, England.

ARTHUR ABRAHAM

“This is a really big chance for me to be a big star in America. It’s what I’ve been looking for. I really feel that there is so much interest from America and from SHOWTIME and from the journalists in the Super Six. I’m just really happy to be here and this is a great chance for me.”

“I guess it will be a little bit of an advantage for him to fight in front of his home fans, but inside the ring we are all just by ourselves and you have to fight on your own, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

“I never really expect the KO. If you have that kind of attitude you don’t get it and you won’t win. All I’m expecting is a win for myself and that is the most important thing.

“My sparring partners copy Andre Dirrell’s style every day and they run away a lot. So, I’m prepared for that. If you compare Dirrell and (Jermain) Taylor they have different styles. Taylor is more a fighter and more aggressive while Dirrell is more of a technical guy who is very fast.”

ANDRE DIRRELL

“It’s unfortunate I hurt my back, but I’m 90 percent back and still pushing forward and getting everything ready with preparations for my victory over Arthur Abraham.

“Fighting at home is going to be a real confidence booster for me. I call it a do-or-die situation for me. I’m training harder than I ever did and even smarter than I ever did because I always train hard. I’m highly prepared for battle on the 27th.”

Alexander Povetkin-Javier Mora is set for March 13

Russian heavyweight contender and IBF mandatory Alexander Povetkin in his next fight will face Mexican Javier Mora (22-5-1, 18 KOs). The bout will take place on March 13 in Berlin and will consist of 10 rounds.
Mora, 28, met with Sultan Ibragimov 3 years ago and was knocked out in the first round. In September he lost by way of decision to Johnathon Banks.

Alexander Povetkin is the official contender to champion Wladimir Klitschko.

After this fight, he will likely fight the winner of the upcoming bout between Klitschko and Eddie Chambers, who Povetkin already decisioned.

Chavez Sr. plans to take over Chavez Jr’s training

Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. plans to take over the training of his two undefeated sons, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Omar Chavez. Chavez was unhappy with his son's recent seven month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Chavez Jr. was suspended for using a diuretic prior to a fight last November. A lot of fighters use diuretics to lose weight. Chavez Jr. was unaware the drug was illegal in the state of Nevada.
While he thinks the suspension is a bit unfair, he also says the punishment will teach his son a lesson to approach his training with a more serious attitude.

"I've also used it, many times, and a lot of fighters use it. However, it's not something that someone uses to exploit the opponent. It's something that helps the body by dehydrating you. So I think the ruling was unfair," Chavez Sr. told The Record.

"He's trying to make the best of this situation. I think that it's helped him realize that things must be done well. He will fight in June. They need a change and I'll be the one to work on it. Most of the time they have not wanted to work with me because they know what I demand and there can be no mistakes with me."

Juan Urango can spring the upset…and here’s why

Experience at the world-class level: For Urango, this will be his sixth fight with a major belt at stake while for Alexander this is just his second. While it is true that Alexander is unbeaten in 19 fights and Urango has suffered two losses and a draw in 25 matches, a championship contest is a completely different animal in terms of atmosphere, importance and pressure – especially the pressure generated from within.

Recent form at 140 pounds: Since his lone loss at 140 to Hatton in January 2007, Urango has gone 5-0 with four knockouts in junior welterweight contests. The last two were a decisive decision victory over Herman Ngoudjo – in Ngoudjo’s adopted hometown of Montreal – and a bulldozing 11th round stoppage of former titlist Bailey (who came into the bout off an electrifying one-punch knockout of Francisco Figueroa). At age 29, Urango is fighting as well as he ever has and he will need to maintain that level of performance to beat Alexander.

Dawson/Pascal set for August 14

Chad Dawson and Jean Pascal have agreed to fight Aug. 14 in Montreal on HBO, said Gary Shaw, Dawson's promoter.

The fight, for Pascal's light heavyweight belt, was expected to take place June 19 but Pascal reportedly needs more time to recover from a shoulder injury he suffered in his last fight against Adrian Diaconu.

Dawson, No. 8 in THE RING magazine's pound-for-pound ratings and No. 1 at 175 poundsis coming of an impressive one-sided decision over veteran Glen Johnson in November for an interim title.

The two-time 175-pound titleholder from New Haven, Conn., might be facing his biggest test. Pascal, a Haitian-born Canadian, is at his peak and fighting in his home country.

Pascal(25-1, 16 knockouts) has won four straight since he lost a decision to Carl Froch in 2008. THE RING's No. 4 light heavyweight outpointed Diaconu last June to win his belt, stopped Silvio Branco and then outpointed Diaconu again with a dislocated shoulder.

Shaw thinks Pascal will bring out the best in Dawson (29-0, 17 KOs).

"It's a spectacular fight," he said. "And a tough fight. We're really going into enemy territory. There'll be, what, 16,000, 17,000 Canadians there rooting against us. I think Pascal will make Chad fight, like Glen Johnson did."

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Spinks-Bundrage, Cunningham-Godfrey double on 3/26

BoxingScene.com had been advised of a televised doubleheader on March 26. ESPN's Friday Night Fight's will carry the show. In the main event, Cory Spinks will defend his IBF junior middleweight title against mandatory Cornelius Bundrage. Spinks, now being trained by Buddy McGirt, is coming off a near one-year layoff.
The co-feature will have an interesting cruiserweight fight between Steven Cunningham and Matt Godfrey.

Cotto-Foreman: Deal reached for Yankee Stadium bout

Bxoing will return to Yankee Stadium for the first time since Muhammad Ali fought Ken Norton on Sept. 28, 1976. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who promotes both fighters and handled the Ali-Norton event in 1976, confirmed*to the Associated Press *that a deal was reached with the Yankees organization to hold Yuri Foreman vs. Miguel Cotto at the stadium on June 5.

Arum said the stadium will be scaled for about 30,000-35,000 seats. The ticket prices*will be reasonable, with the amounts*ranging from $400 to $50 dollars.*Top Rank continues their talks with HBO to keep*fight on*the network. If they are unable to reach a deal, the fight will take place on pay-per-view.

David Haye: "I've got to absolutely batter Ruiz to a pulp"

DAVID HAYE admits he must stop John Ruiz on April 3 if he is to be seen as the new star of the heavyweight division.

‘The Hayemaker’ is looking for his 22nd KO victim in his 25th fight when he meets American Ruiz in the first defence of his WBA world heavyweight title at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

Former WBA champion Ruiz, 38, has been halted only once in a 54-fight career when he was blasted away by Kiwi David Tua in 19 seconds in 1996.

Since then, Ruiz has gone the distance with Roy Jones Jnr, Valuev, Evander Holyfield and James Toney.

Haye-Ruiz will be screened live on Sky Box Office HD.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Devon Alexander knocks out Juan Urango to unify titles

At the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in CT, Devon Alexander (20-0, 13KOs) knocked out Juan Urango (22-3-1, 17KOs) in*eight rounds to unify the WBC and IBF junior welterweight titles.

Alexander came out working a stuff jab. Urango stayed back and looked for openings. Alexander's jab was keeping Urango at bay. He continued to move and was able to land good punches off the jab. Urango landed a hard right hand at the end but Alexander took it well and continued to work the jab. At the start of the second, Urango came charging out with power punches. Alexander stayed on the outside, using the jab to the head and body. They traded some hard punches in the middle of the round. Alexander landed a hard uppercut when Urango came in. At the start of the third, Urango came out charing again. Alexander continued to land the jab and counter punches when Urango would miss. Urango would land another hard hook but not enough to do damage. Alexander was landing some hard counters to open up a cut above Urango's left eye. They traded some punches at the end of the third.

Urango picked up the pace in the fourth. He was going to the body, landing hooks to the head and continued to throw hard shots. Alexander stayed with the jab and landed combos off the exchange. In the fifth, Alexander landed some shots and couldn't really hurt Urango. Urango kept coming and throwing. In the sixth, Urango had his best round. He was able to land some hard combinations. Alexander stayed in and started trading punches. Urango was getting the better of the exchanges.

The seventh saw Urango continue his trend of landing some good punches to the chin of Alexander. They were trading punches throughout the round. Alexander used some good counters but none of them were able to push Urango back. During an exchange in the eight, Alexander landed a massive uppercut to send Urango down. As they traded punches, Alexander dropped Urango again. Urango was very hurt when he got up and the fight was stopped.

Photos: Devon Alexander drops and stops Juan Urango

Zab Judah tries to crash Alexander's party, and fails

After Devon Alexander knocked out Juan Urango to unify the IBF/WBC junior welterweights titles at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in CT, former two division champion Zab Judah entered the ring to crash the celebration party. While HBO's Max Kellerman was conducting an interview with Alexander, Judah cut in with some comments.

"This the hardest person [Urango] at 140 and I can beat anybody. I said if I can beat him, I can beat anybody...Zab, Timothy Bradley. Whoever can come get it," Alexander said.

Judah then came in the frame, attempting to duplicate Shane Mosley's in-ring display after Floyd Mayweather Jr. decisioned Juan Manuel Marquez last September.

"I just want to congratulate Devon Alexander on his win tonight. He looked good tonight but we know who holds the title in the Lou," Judah said.

Judah's remark was a verbal jab*to point at*his knockout win over Cory Spinks from a few years ago in St. Louis.

Alexander shot back and said Judah was the past, and the future is now here. If Judah was trying to secure a shot at Alexander by creating some drama, it didn't work.

"Zab is past tense, I'm present tense. I'm the future and it's going to stay that way for ten years straight," Alexander said.

Darchinyan beats down Guerrero; Zappavigna wins title

At the Agua Caliente Casino in*Rancho Mirage, California, Vic*Darchinyan (34-2-1, 27 KOs)*retained his*WBC/WBA super flyweight*titles with a battering of*Rodrigo*Guerrero (13-2-1, 9 KOs) over twelve rounds. Darchinyan hit Guerrero with everything but the kitchen sink -*but could not knock him out. He was landing some heavy shots. Guerrero showed a solid, rock chin. The scores were 118-110, 117-111 and 120-108.

In the co-feature, lightweight contender Lenny Zappavigna (23-0, 15 KOs) picked up a twelve round unanimous decision over Fernando Angulo (22-7, 14 KOs) to win the vacant IBO title. The scores were 116-111, 116-111, and 114-113.*The fight had a lot of action with the Zappavigna controlling the majority of the first half and Angulo coming back in the late rounds to make it close. Zappavigna was able to hang on and stayed composed to win.

Vic Darchinyan: "Nonito Donaire is scared to fight"

After Vic*Darchinyan (34-2-1, 27 KOs)*retained his*WBC/WBA super flyweight*titles with a battering of*Rodrigo*Guerrero (13-2-1, 9 KOs) over twelve rounds at the*Agua Caliente Casino in*Rancho Mirage, California - he sent a message to WBA-interim champion Nonito Donaire. Darchinyan was knocked out by Donaire in five rounds in 2007.

Darchinyan told Showtime's Steve Farhood that he doesn't want to talk about Donaire any more. He think the Filipino champion is scared to make a rematch.

"I don't think*they are*going to fight me. He's scared.*Here are*two belts. If you already knocked him out, why not come and get these two belts. I don't want to mention his name anymore. It's not fair. I want to move up and fight better champions," Darchinyan said.

Donaire laughs at Darchinyan, eyes Montiel vs Hasegawa

WBA super flyweight interim champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire has laughed off claims by Armenian-born Australian Vic Darchinyan that he (Donaire) is scared to face him in a rematch.

Donaire told BoxingScene.com he keeps talking “but there’s no offer on the table and Cameron Dunkin (Donaire’s manager) knows that I’m moving up in weight and I’m not looking back. I announced let’s make it happen but they didn’t.* I said I’ll fight him because I want those two belts that he’s holding” after Donaire took the two belts Darchinyan held before, away from him.

At the same time Donaire who is growing and*has had problems making the super flyweight limit told us he has his eyes set on WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel or WBC champion Hozumi Hasegawa who face- off in a unification bout in Japan on April 30 in Tokyo.

Donaire said that should Hasegawa win “I am willing to go out there because I want that belt.”

Team Klitschko give Valuev "Take it or Leave it" notice

Team Klitschko have given Nikolai Valuev a "take it or leave it" notice for a potential heavyweight fight with WBC champion Vitali Klitschko. For the last few weeks, the two parties have been negotiating but the money has been far apart. Klitschko's side offered Valuev a million, then raised it to $2 million and gave a final offer of $2.5 million.

Valuev, led by his promotional team of Don King and Sauerland Event, made a demand for $4 million dollars almost from the start. In the last few days, Valuev's side budged and said they were willing to accept the offer of $2.5 million - if they also receive a piece of the TV money from Russia, Germany and possibly the United States.

Klitschko's manager Bernd Bönte said the offer of $2.5 million is still on the table but his side is not going any higher and they are not going to make any more concessions.

"Our offer is very high. We are*not going to make any further concessions. So either Valuev takes 1.8 million euros [2.5 million] - or the fight bursts," Bönte said.

King refutes Tyson rumors

Promoter Don King shot down a rumor making the rounds Friday that he had a deal to promote former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a third fight with Evander Holyfield, but he was evasive about whether he was in talks with Tyson about a comeback against somebody else.

Mills Lane to be honored with writers award

NEW YORK -- Longtime boxing referee Mills Lane will be honored with the James J. Farley Award by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

The award is given out periodically to those who exemplify "honesty and integrity" in boxing.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Ricky Hatton to call off comeback, set to retire

According to a report in the Daily Mail , a paper with sources inside the Hatton camp, former two division champion Ricky Hatton plans to call off a recently announced ring return and*instead will announce his retirement next week.* The report claims Hatton told close friends over the weekend he no longer has the motivation to return. Hatton has been inactive since last May's crushing two round knockout at the hands of Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather to Alexander: "I will pass the torch to you"

Junior welterweight Devon Alexander has arrived. This past Saturday, the boxing world took notice as Alexander made quite a debut on HBO. He boxed his way to a eight round knockout of Juan Urango to unify the WBC and IBF titles. Urango had never been stopped in any*of previous fights, and that includes taking hard punches in recent fights with Randall Bailey and Andre Berto.*Prior to the Alexander loss, Urango had only been down once, against a pure puncher like Bailey, and he still managed to get up and win by knockout.

After the victory, HBO's official website reports that Alexander received an endorsement from one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport, Floyd Mayweather Jr. The unbeaten*Mayweather, training for his May 1*clash with Shane Mosley, views Alexander as the next great*fighter in our sport. "Money" made a phone call to "The Great" and told him on speakerphone [with others listening]:

"I just wanted to tell you, when I pass the torch - I'm passing it to you," Mayweather told Alexander.

Khan-Malignaggi, Hatton-Marquez winners to face off?

Are Golden Boy Promotions*setting up a junior welterweight eliminator to*leave one man standing? Golden Boy's recent signing, WBA champion Amir Khan will defend his title against former Paulie Malignaggi on May 15*at the WaMu Theater in New York City's Madison Square*Garden.*Richard Schaefer, the CEO for Golden Boy, recently told Lem Satterfield of AOL's FanHouse, that he will try to make a fight between Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez. Schaefer has tried to*put this fight together for the last few months.

Pacquiao says: "I will crush Mayweather, knock him out

According to trainer Freddie Roach, WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is hungry to get Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the ring. Roach told the Washington Post that Pacquiao is still steaming over the failed January negotiations to make a fight. Pacquiao wants to defend his honor by getting Mayweather in the ring. He feels Mayweather tried to ruin his reputation by pushing him to take random drug tests to detect steroids.

"It's an honor thing to Manny," Roach says. "Manny says things to me like: 'I will knock him out; I will crush him.' He's never talked like that about another fighter.

Eddie Chambers thinking upset against Klitschko

The snow was melting yesterday at the Pocono ski lodge where Eddie Chambers & Co. were winding down their seven-week training camp and preparing to shock the world, never mind what anybody (everybody?) else thinks.

Philly-based Chambers fights Wladimir Klitschko on March 20 in Dusseldorf, Germany, for a bagful of heavyweight belts. Chambers and trainer Rob Murray insist that despite the heavy 8-1 odds, the 27-year-old Chambers will beat Klitschko handily. Handily!

"Klitschko fights the same way every time. That robotic, Eastern European style. It's easy to train for him, because you know what he's gonna do," Murray said.

Montiel: Hasegawa fight not done, the money is not right

WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel has spoken out about the unification with WBC champion Hozumi Hasegawa for April 30 in Japan. Despite rumors of a signed contract by the Mexican fighter, Montiel says the deal is not done and he is not going to Japan unless the money is right.*Montiel was upset over what he*claimed were false reports on the internet that claimed he signed a contract for the fight.

"I am not going to fight for*peanuts.*I am going to leave to get deceive by anybody. I clearly*come from a*boxing family and we know perfectly well*how much*you should get to fight in Mexico, United States and Japan.*I'm not turning down the fight,*I just want them to pay me what's right," Montiel told boxnoticias.

If they reach a financial agreement, Montiel is pretty sure that he will knock Hasegawa out.

"I won't go.*If I don't get paid what's right, then I'll stay in Mexico and look for something else. I pretty am sure that if I go to Japan, I am going to win. I have no doubt that I am going to knock Hasegawa out,*but first*the business with my*salary has to be fixed," Montiel said.

Lara vs. Perez headlines Golden Boy's ShoBox debut

LOS ANGELES -*For years, SHOWTIME has featured boxing's top prospects and future World Champions on its hit series ShoBox: The New Generation giving boxing fans a glimpse of the World Champions of tomorrow today.* On Friday, April 2, live on SHOWTIME, Golden Boy Promotions is proud to present its first event on the series.

Undefeated Cuban junior middleweight rising star Erislandy Lara puts his perfect record on the line against the always-dangerous Danny Perez in a 10-round main event and Puerto Rican featherweight standout Carlos Velasquez returns to dazzle fans in the co-feature on what promises to be a night to remember at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Joan Guzman talks Funeka, training with Beard in the UK (Part 1 of 2)

Joan Guzman’s childhood in the Dominican Republic was so impoverished the youngster had to venture outside for shelter when the rain came; the leaky roof of the family home rendered useless by a patchwork of holes and tears.* Indeed, when Guzman won the Central American Boxing title as an amateur the Dominican president, H. E. Joaquin Balaguer, presented the teenager with a family home.

Guzman, who won 300 out of 320 fights in the unpaid ranks, turned over in 1997, defeating Juan Miguel Rivera by 2nd round TKO in Phoenix, USA; he followed his maiden victory with a second stanza win over Henry Bowden in New York.

Frank Warren talks Royal Albert Hall, Mayweather, Khan

For years, London’s Royal Albert Hall was synonymous with boxing.

Years ago, I staged some big shows there, and until a few years ago almost every big name in Britain – and more than a few from overseas – had fought there.

I took the likes of Nigel Benn and Naseem Hamed to Kensington, and the public loved it.

In the new Millennium, the Royal Albert Hall has dropped off the radar, with the east end and Wembley the capital’s top destinations for the sport.

Yet like the prodigal son, boxing folk have always dreamed of returning to the RAH.Those hopes are no nearer fulfilment after local residents successfully blocked a bid for the resumption of boxing.

De La Hoya joins effort to land World Cup in United States

Oscar De La Hoya, the retired former 10-time titleholder in six weight classes, will always be linked to boxing. But he also has ties to soccer as part-owner of Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo.

Now, he's joined the effort to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022, accepting an invitation to join the board of directors for the USA Bid Committee in its effort to land soccer's biggest tournament.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Ricky Hatton denies retirement rumors, training hard

Ricky Hatton has moved swiftly to scotch rumors alleging that he is set to quit the sport of boxing by telling Sky Sports News that he is in the gym and is back in training.* It was earlier reported that Hatton, 31, had confessed to his friends that he was in two-minds about whether or not to return to the sport.

Indeed, BoxingScene.com’s sources have informed us that Hatton changes his mind daily in regards to his comeback and that the plans for his next fight have waxed and waned accordingly.

Vitali
Klitschko to fight Albert Sosnowski

Unable to finalize a deal to fight former heavyweight titleholder Nikolai Valuev, Vitali Klitschko will make his fourth defense against Poland's Albert Sosnowski, Klitschko's K2 Promotions announced Tuesday.

Klitschko and Sosnowski will meet May 29 at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Vitali Klitschko urges Wladimir: Let me fight David Haye!

The*Klitschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir, might have to*flip a coin to decided which of them will fight David Haye first. The three fighters own all of the major titles at heavyweight. Wladimir defends his WBO/IBF/IBO titles against Eddie Chambers on March 27. Haye defends his WBA title against John Ruiz on April 3 and Vitali defends his WBC title against Al Sosnowksi on May 29.

The two brothers went back and forth on which of them will fight Haye first. Vitali is pushing Wladimir to stay back because he*wants*to get the first crack at Haye.

"I told my brother, 'I want to fight Haye', but he said no, he wants to fight him. For him it is personal, but for me I want the title. My brother already has two but I have to clear it with him. I really hope he listens to his older brother," Vitali told CNN.

Amir Khan to defend title against Malignaggi

NEW YORK -- Amir Khan is ready to make a splash in the United States.

The exciting British silver medalist from the 2004 Olympics will defend his WBA 140-pound title against former champion Paulie Malignaggi on May 15 at Madison Square Garden, Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions told The Associated Press.

Mayweather associate faces charges in shooting

LAS VEGAS -- Police say an associate of boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been arrested on attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon charges in an August shooting outside a Las Vegas skating rink.

Las Vegas police Lt. George Castro said Tuesday that 27-year-old Ocie Harris was arrested several weeks ago in Chicago, and extradited to Las Vegas where he was released Sunday after posting unspecified bail.

Harris is due Wednesday before a Las Vegas judge. It's not immediately clear if he has a lawyer.

Castro identifies Harris as a Mayweather friend or associate. He's accused of shooting at a BMW sedan with two men inside after one of the men exchanged words with Mayweather on Aug. 23 at the Crystal Palace Skating Center.

Freddie Roach talks Khan vs. Bradley, Khan vs. Marquez

Trainer Freddie Roach recently spoke to reporters about some possible fights*involving WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan, who makes his American/HBO boxing debut on May 15 against Paulie Malignaggi at the WaMu Theater in New*York's Madison Square Garden.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Mayweather legal update, Ricky Hatton hustles

An arrest was finally made in last August's shooting outside of a Las Vegas skating rink. If everyone*remembers, Floyd Mayweather Jr. had words with*Quincey Williams, 24, at the skating rink. Mayweather was upset over some text messages where Williams told him Juan Manuel Marquez was going to beat him.*Williams made*allegations that that*Mayweather threatened his life during the argument. Less than an hour*later, an associate of Mayweather was standing in the parking lot and fired shots into Williams' vehicle. Nobody was hurt.

Las Vegas police*now report*that 27-year-old Ocie Harris was arrested for the shooting and charged with attempted murder. Someone bailed Harris out on Sunday. He will make a court appearance this week on the charge. Mayweather has denied any involvement in the shooting.

Speaking of Mayweather, his trainer/uncle Roger Mayweather has his own legal mess in Las Vegas. Roger is facing up to 10 years in prison for beating and choking female boxer Melissa St. Vil. That incident also took place last August.*The judge in the case dismissed a felony coercion charge.*Roger still faces charges of*battery-strangulation and battery causing substantial bodily harm. A trial is scheduled for June 1.

Ricky Hatton is staying quiet on whether he plans to fight again, but he is marching fast with his Hatton Promotions company. Junior middleweight Badru ‘Mr Crush’ Lusambya (21-1, 19KOs) told The Daily Monitor that Hatton will promote his next two fights in United Kingdom. He fights Yassine El Maachi in London on March 26 and then faces Thomas McDonough in June for the Commonwealth title.

Hatton is in talks with lightweight Alex Arthur, who recently split with long time promoter Frank Warren. Arthur thinks the two sides will reach a deal very soon.

Vitali Klitschko still taking shots at Lennox Lewis

Vitali Klitschko is still finding it hard to let go, the WBC heavyweight champion has been talking about Lennox Lewis once again and is now claiming that Lewis's mother, Violet, is the sole reason there wasn't a rematch between the two men.

“Lennox promised me (a rematch) but his mum decided he wasn't going to fight,” said Klitschko when talking to Sky Sports.* “He invited me to London, without managers, he said he wanted to talk just together.* I came to the room and his mum is there.

“We talked for two hours and his mum was looking at me and scanning me.* After that I went away and he called me a couple of hours later and said 'Sorry, but no'.* I felt it wasn't his decision, his mum decided.* I tried to change his decision, but it's difficult.* But I was appreciative to Lennox Lewis that I got the chance to prove my skills against the toughest fighter in the world.* But he was lucky, because I was ahead but the doctor stopped the fight with the cut.”

Vitali
Klitschko says: "Nikolai Valuev is a chicken"

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko can't believe the seven-foot giant, former champion Nikolai Valuev, turned down an offer of $2.5 million for a fight. The two sides have been negoiating for several weeks. The offer began at $1 million and then went to $2 million and ended with $2.5 million. Valuev's side made a demand for $4 million. The only way Valuev was willing to take the $2.5 million, is if Klitschko's side kicked in a percentage of the money from the Russian, German and possibly American television.

Klitschko thinks Valuev is scared and fear is the real reason the former champ turned down all of his offers. K2 announced on Tuesday Klitschko would fight Polish heavyweight Albert Sosnowski on May 29.

"Valuev is chicken," Klitschko said. "We gave him the biggest financial proposal of his career – $2.5 million – and he says 'no'. He understands that if he loses this fight, that's it for a long time in his career. Because it's the money for his pension – that's why he wanted $4 million. He's not a big champion," Klitschko said.

Cotto vs. Foreman heads to HBO, no pay-per-view

In a very smart move, HBO and Top Rank have reached an agreement to keep Miguel Cotto vs. Yuri Foreman from heading to pay-per-view. Arum confirmed the information to noted Puerto Rico scribe Carlos Gonzalez. The fight will take place on June 5 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. There will be a press conference to announce the fight on March 22 in Tampa, Florida, where the Yankees will be having spring training. Another press conference is scheduled for early April in Yankee Stadium.

Arum is not sure if this will be the final fight for Cotto. He plans to have the stadium sized for about 30,000 fans. Cotto*goes for his third divisional title when he challenges Foreman*for the WBA 154-pound title. Cotto has called 2010 the final year in*his boxing career, but Arum is not so*sure of that.

"I can't say if this is going to be the final fight for Cotto. I don't think so.*The important to know is that he would like to win the title," Arum said.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Roach: We want the Mayweather-Mosley winner next

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach wants his fighter to get the winner of May's welterweight bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Shane Mosley. Pacquiao has to get past Clottey first.

"If the winner of the (Floyd) Mayweather-(Shane) Mosley fight (May 1) doesn't come around, where do we have to go? Without Mayweather, there's nothing else to prove. (But) let's face it. The people … want to see Mayweather and Pacquiao fight. It's a great fight for the world of boxing. It's a much better fight than Mayweather because both guys will come to fight and that's a real battle, a very tough fight, but it's one I welcome. If (Mosley) wins, we will definitely fight him," Roach told USA Today.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Top Rank vs. Golden Boy: The war is escalating further

The war between the top boxing promotional companies, Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, is not cooling down any time soon. MGM/Mirage, the company that operates the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is now caught in the middle of the feud.

Speaking with the Los Angeles Times , Arum said MGM/Mirage president Richard Sturm turned down the opportunity to host Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey because the date of March 13 was reserved by Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer. Golden Boy had date reserved for two possible fights, Roy Jones Jr. vs. Bernard Hopkins and then it was eyed for Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Paulie Malignaggi. Neither fight played out for the date. Arum thinks the company showed favoritism by holding the date for two fights that weren't finalized.

Schaefer was reached by the paper after Arum said "f**k Golden Boy" in response to a reporter asking him if he was worried about Golden Boy's reaction to his comments. Schaefer had no intention of engaging Arum in a verbal sparring session.

"It sounds like Bob is declaring war," Schaefer said. "I am sorry he feels like that. I respect him and Top Rank, and I won't get involved in this back-and-forth."

Pacquiao vs. Mosley may very well happen, says Arum

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum says a unification fight between welterweight champions Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley is almost sure to happen if both men win their upcoming fights. Pacquiao defends the WBO title this Saturday against Joshua Clottey and Mosley defends against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 1.*During a recent interview with our friends at*boxingnewsonline.net, Arum said he likes Mosley because of his non-trash talking personality. The remark is clear on who he would rather not do business with.*Arum later says he would rather not deal with Mayweather, a fighter who loves to talk pre-fight trash.

Timothy Bradley-Luis Carlos Abregu set for HBO June 26

BoxingScene.com has learned that WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (25-0, 11KOs)*will be making his HBO debut on June 26 against welterweight Luis Carlos Abregu (29-0, 23KOs). Bradley, unable to find an opponent willing to face him at 140, is moving up to fight Abregu at*147, but plans to go back to junior welterweight after this fight.*The*event will likely take place at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California.

Amir Khan: I want to be the first to beat Mayweather

WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan has some high hopes for his boxing career. Khan will make his American debut on May 15 against Paulie Malignaggi at New York's WaMu Theater in Madison Square Garden. Earlier this year Khan signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions. He expects Golden Boy to really boost his career in the next two years and put him in the ring with the big names.

Khan has achieved a lot of his dreams. He won an Olympic medal. He won a world title. Now when he wakes up in the morning, he can only think of one goal - to become the first man to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“Mayweather’s never been beaten. I want to be the first guy to beat him. That’s what I think of,” Khan said.

Khan and Malignaggi exchange words at London presser

WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and Paulie Malignaggi met face to face in London, England to announce their May 15 clash in New York. Malignaggi promised to redeem himself for the bad to loss to Ricky Hatton from 2008. After weeks of bad blood and trash talking over the internet, they are ready to fight.

"I am a much better fighter today than when I fought Ricky Hatton,"*Malignaggi said. "I have been inconsistent a lot, but there have been shining moments where I have looked tremendously good, and I feel I am getting back to that point now. I feel sharp, and with a strong team around me. I am now coming into my own."

Khan watched multiple tapes of Malignaggi and claims to know everything about his style. He thinks the styles match up well. Khan promised to put on a show in America and return to England with the title still around his waist.

"We have watched a lot of tapes of Paulie, and we really think it is a style we can beat - with my style and his style, it is going to be electric. We both have heart and just don't quit. I respect Paulie, he has some great fights in the past and has a great record, beaten only by great fighters like Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto - but now there is another fighter coming out who is going to beat him," Khan said.

Montiel: Money is right, Hasegawa fight is now on!

A few days ago, WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel was upset over the money he was being offered to fly to Japan for a unification with WBC champ Hozumi Hasegawa on April 30.*The financial situation has been sorted out and Montiel is now ready to challenge the WBC champ in hostile territory.

Montiel views the fight with Hasegawa as his big chance to show the world how talented he really is.

"I'm going to Japan and I'm happy. I feel very happy because the matter was settled with the money and I am very motivated for this fight, which*is going to*put the eyes of the world, particularly the Asian region, on*this fight,"*Montiel told boxnoticias. "I am happy because I know I can win the fight against Hasegawa,*and show the world who's the best bantamweight in the world."

Mayweather-Pacquiao may never happen, says Oscar

Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya thinks a mega-fight*between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao has a good chance of never taking place in the future. Speaking with Sky Sports,*De La Hoya is leaning in the direction of Shane Mosley to beat Mayweather on May 1. If that happens, De La Hoya doesn't think the much talked boxing showdown will ever take place.

"I'm having my doubts now because Floyd Mayweather Jr is fighting Shane Mosley, and the interesting part about that fight is that Sugar Shane has the best shot at beating Floyd Mayweather," De La Hoya said.

Alexander vs. Maidana/Cayo winner on tap for July?

According to sources, if a proposed bout with Zab Judah falls through, then*HBO is looking to match WBC/IBF junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander versus the winner of the March 27th bout between Marcos Maidana and Victor Cayo.* HBO is holding a July date for Alexander.

Malignaggi: I say Khan's name, people say: 'Who's that?'

Paulie Malignaggi is taking some shots at Amir Khan's lack of a name in the United States. Malignaggi takes on Khan for his WBA junior welterweight title on May 15 at New York's WaMu Theater in Madison Square Garden. Malignaggi feels embarrassed on the streets when he has to explain to people who Khan is.

"[Khan is] not known in the US yet. He hasn't fought in the US yet so how are they going to know him? Every time I fight, people come up to me and say, 'Hey, Paulie, who are you going to fight?' and I say Miguel Cotto or Ricky Hatton or Juan Díaz and they go 'Wow'. But when I saw this guy's name, they say, 'Who's that?' They ask is he a contender and I have to tell them he's a world champion," Malignaggi told The Guardian.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Amir Khan: A great move by Ricky Hatton to retire

AMIR KHAN has told Ricky Hatton to start enjoying his retirement – and forget about boxing.

Hatton, 31, is set to announce his retirement this week.

There had been speculation he would fight Bolton’s WBA world light-welterweight champion Khan.

But Hatton’s younger brother Matthew says The Hitman had lacked his usual spark in training since being KO’d in two rounds by Filipino Manny Pacquiao in May.

Photos: Kelly Pavlik, Sergio Martinez meet face to face

Sergio Martinez says: "I will knock Kelly Pavlik out"

It's going to a boxing*brawl on April 17 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. WBC/WBO middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik and WBC*154-pound champion*Sergio Martinez met face to face during a Texas press conference to announce their fight. For much of 2009, Pavlik suffered from a staph infection in his right hand. He promises to make up for his bad stint by putting on a show in April.

"I have no doubts or second thoughts about taking this fight," Pavlik said. "It is great to be back training and it is great to be defending my titles in Atlantic City where my world title reign began."

In his last fight, Martinez lost a close majority decision to Paul Williams. It was a "fight of the year" candidate. This time he doesn't want the judges to decide the fight. He wants to knock Pavlik out before the end of*twelve.

"This is the fight of my life so I plan to take full advantage of it," Martinez said. "I am a much better fighter than before and I will win and I will win by a knockout. I will take the belt back to Argentina."

Pavlik: "I thought Martinez beat Paul Williams"

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ* – World Middleweight Champion KELLY “The Ghost” PAVLIK returns to his old haunt,* Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, on Saturday, April 17, to defend his titles against World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight champion SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ.* Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and Caesars Atlantic City, Pavlik vs. Martinez will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10 p.m. ET /7 p.m. PT.

Combined, these two sluggers boast an incredible record of 80-3-2 (56 KOs), a winning percentage of 94% and a victory by knockout ratio of 70%!

“It’s great to be back training and it’s great to be defending my titles in Atlantic City where my world title reign began,” said Pavlik, who had been sidelined for much of last year by various problems stemming from a nagging staph infection in his right hand.* “I feel terrific and training camp has been great. I am taking nothing for granted.* I saw Martinez’s fight against Paul Williams and I thought he won it.* His world title may be at super welterweight but he is a legitimate world-class middleweight and I am 110% focused on Sergio Martinez.”

Jose Luis Castillo retires: "I just don't have it anymore

Jose Luis Castillo (60-10-1), a one time lightweight king and once considered as one of the best pound for pound fighters in boxing, announced his retirement after the loss to Alfonso Gomez on the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey undercard at Cowboys Stadium in Texas. Castillo is only 36-years-old but he went through many wars during his pro*career, including the war with Diego Corrales in 2005, which is considered one of the greatest ring*battles of all-time. In their first meeting in 2002, he nearly handed Floyd Mayweather Jr. his first pro loss.

Against Gomez, Castillo was barely able to land much of anything and after five rounds he was unable to go on. He couldn't come out for the sixth round. He apologized to the fans for a poor ring showing.

“I just found out tonight I don’t have it anymore,” Castillo said. “I want to apologize to the public and I am definitely announcing my retirement.”

Pacquiao, Roach: "We'll fight Mayweather at any time!"

WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach want a piece of Floyd Mayweather Jr. After Pacquiao dominated Joshua Clottey for twelve rounds on Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, they both called for a fight with Mayweather. Both Pacquiao and Roach expect Mayweather to decision WBA champion Shane Mosley on May 1 in Las Vegas.

"It's up to him. For me, it's no problem to fight him. I will fight him any time. He should win against Mosley. If not, Mosley and I will fight. [Mayweather's] style is not a difficult style. He needs to handle his business in his next fight," Pacquiao said.

Roach wants the fight under the commission rules. They*refuse to agree to Mayweather's demand for both fighters to take part in random drug tests.

"It's the fight the world wants to see. Me and Manny want to see it," Roach said. "Floyd, let the commission do their job. You don't run the sport. Get in the ring and fight us."

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Twenty years later: Chavez-Taylor I remembered

Bradley-Abregu now on June 19

BoxingScene.com has learned that Timothy Bradley's HBO debut has been*shifted from June 26 to*June 19. Bradley, the current WBO junior welterweight champion, will be moving up to welterweight to fight*undefeated*Carlos Abregu (29-0, 23KOs). The date was switched due to a scheduling conflict with the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California. HBO had*previously reserved*the date of June 19 for Chad Dawson vs. Jean Pascal, which got pushed to August 14.

Mayweather-Mosley, Hopkins-Jones to hit movie theaters

Centennial, Colo.*– NCM Fathom, a division of NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology, has reached a new agreement with Golden Boy Promotions to continue presenting live world championship boxing on the big screen in high definition throughout 2010. The first bout in the 2010 series will be The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II featuring Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins vs. Roy “The Terminator” Jones, Jr., presented in more than 150 select movie theaters in high definition LIVE from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center on Saturday, April 3 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern / 6:00 p.m. Pacific.* The new agreement follows the highly successful cinema presentation of the Floyd “Money” Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez fight on the big screen in September 2009 – the first fight to be shown in movie theaters in over 20 years.

Broadcast live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II will be shown in more than 150 select movie theaters including AMC Entertainment Inc., Celebration! Cinema, Cinemark USA Inc., Clearview Cinemas, Goodrich Quality Theatres, Hollywood Theaters, Marcus Theatres and Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters, as well as the Carolina Theatre, Palace Cinema 9 (South Burlington, VT) and Penn Cinema (Lititz, PA), through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network – North America’s largest cinema broadcast network.

Through this new agreement, Fathom in conjunction with Golden Boy Promotions will also present Floyd “Money” Mayweather vs. “Sugar” Shane Mosley in the welterweight championship fight on Saturday, May 1. Tickets will be available beginning Friday, April 2.

Pacquiao-Valero is what I want, not Margarito: says Roach

BoxingScene.com spoke with trainer Freddie Roach about the possibility of Manny Pacquiao defending his WBO welterweight title against Antonio Margarito in November. Roach is not even thinking about Margarito because the Mexican fighter has yet to obtain a license to box in the United States.

Roach views undefeated Edwin Valero as the best fight for Pacquiao in November. Valero is licensed to box in the state of Texas. If the fight is held in Cowboys Stadium, Roach believes the entire venue will be sold out. But, Valero has some issues of his own. In early 2009, Valero was busted in Texas for driving under the influence of alcohol. Because of the charge, he's been unable to obtain a visa to enter the United States. Roach is confident the visa issue will be cleared up.

"Valero is licensed in Texas. If we do Valero there, we could sell out the whole place. You don't have to close half of it down. I've been watching him a little bit. I know he's a big puncher. He's a southpaw and does pose some difficulties. He's better than just a guy who could punch but I think that's the best marketable fight out there for us."

Pacquiao to add Malignaggi to lawsuit? Paulie not worried

During Tuesday's New York press conference to announce Amir Khan vs. Paulie Malignaggi for May 15 in Madison Square Garden, trainer Freddie Roach spoke with a handful of reporters about Malignaggi's statements regarding Manny Pacquiao possibly using performance enhancing drugs. Roach told reporters Malignaggi could become a possible co-defendant in Pacquiao's ongoing defamation suit in Las Vegas.

Last December, Pacquiao filed a defamation suit in Nevada against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Floyd Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer. Pacquiao alleges the defendants made defamatory statements by accusing him of taking performance enhancing drugs.

When asked if he worried about getting sued, Malignaggi was pretty calm and said "I'm not worried about it." He views the lawsuit as a publicity stunt to get the media, and the fans, to side with Pacquiao against the Mayweathers. In his opinion, the ongoing lawsuit will disappear.

"I think that whole lawsuit is full of sh*t. I think it's all for show to get the press talking and get the fans thinking 'oh you see, he is innocent.' I didn't see anything get done and I've done as much talking as anyone and I didn't get sued. I dare them to sue me. There is no lawsuit. There is nothing going on here. They know they have nothing. They have no basis. Even with that lawsuit with the Mayweathers. Where did it go? Have you heard anything about it? I haven't heard anything about it," Malignaggi said.

Margarito: "I am ready to fight Pacquiao anywhere"

Unless a deal is reached with the winner of the upcoming clash between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley, former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito appears to be the frontrunner*for a possible fight with WBO welterweight champion*Manny Pacquiao in November. Margarito went to Texas over the weekend to scout Pacquiao as he dominated Joshua Clottey before 51,000 fans at Cowboys Stadium.

Margarito does not have a license to box in the United States. His license was revoked last February by the California State Athletic Commission. A plaster-like susbstance was found in Margarito's gloves prior to the fight with Shane Mosley on January 24. Margarito returns to the ring on May 8 against Carson Jones in Mexico. He plans to go before the CSAC to regain his license, or at least try,*very soon.

Pacquiao will now concentrate on politics and run for office in the Philippines. Should he win a congressional seat, Margarito will fly over to fight him.

"I'm ready to face Pacquiao, anywhere. I'll go to the Philippines to fight him if he wins the election," Margarito said.

Froch vows to KO Kessler, slams Calzaghe again

Carl Froch has yet to meet a microphone that he didn’t like, Froch, 32, has thrown yet more vociferous verbiage in the direction of next month’s Super Six opponent Mikkel Kessler and former undisputed boss Joe Calzaghe.* Froch, 26-0 (20), has long believed that Joe ducked him and feels that Kessler, who was lost to Andre Ward in November, won’t be able to dodge his right hand come fight night.

“He hasn't got a chance against me,” said Froch when chatting with BBC Sport.* “It makes for a humdinger.* Kessler is going to be knocked out for the first time in his career, unless he's a lot tougher than I already think he is.”

Froch, though, still dreams of Joe Calzaghe; the two men have been waging a war of words for years, each proving the other’s favourite subject.* Carl believes that Joe, rumoured to be advising former opponent Kessler ahead of this fight, is trying to remain in the limelight by throwing out Carl’s name.

“Now Calzaghe is retired, he is scratching around thinking, ‘What can I say about Carl Froch this week?’* He could be getting itchy feet but let's be honest, he's going to struggle to come back and if he does want to come back and fight me he needs to get in line.* I've got Kessler, then Abraham, then I've got Ward or Dirrell again, a queue of people lining up to fight me.* But he won't be back, he's finished and it's getting embarrassing for him now,” blasted Froch.

Froch tells Calzaghe: You can't help Mikkel Kessler

As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, there have been rumors that retired super middleweight king Joe Calzaghe reached out to Mikkel Kessler's team and offered some guidance on beating WBC champion Carl Froch on April 24 in Denmark. Even with Calzaghe's retirement, the domestic rivalry with Froch*has continued.*Most thought it would end when Calzaghe retired early last year.

Froch is not concerned. He doesn't think Calzaghe has anything to offer Kessler in terms of help or advice. And he*called*Calzaghe a coward for never accepting his challenge prior to retirement.

"Calzaghe was not man enough to fight me and maybe feels a bit more secure whispering in another fighter's ear than taking my punches himself. He never had the bottle to fight me so how can he know how to beat me?" - Froch told ESPN.co.uk

Ward injured, fight with Allan Green postponed

Super middleweight titleholder Andre Ward's surgically repaired right knee has been giving him problems, forcing him to postpone his first defense against Allan Green and causing major friction between their promoters.

The fight, part of Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament, had been scheduled for April 24 in Ward's hometown of Oakland.

"I want this fight in the worst way, and am very excited about it. I have been having recurring problems with my right knee," Ward said. "I went to camp and tried for a week and half to two weeks, and I can't run like I'm supposed to. I want Allan Green to get an Andre Ward that's 100 percent, just like I want an Allan Green that is 100 percent."

Ward said his physician, Dr. Warren King, who is also the orthopedic surgeon for the Oakland Raiders, is recommending four to six weeks of rehab and rest.

Ward-Green was supposed to be the second half of a split-site Super Six doubleheader on April 24. The other bout, England's Carl Froch defending his belt against Denmark's Mikkel Kessler, will still take place in Herning, Denmark, and be televised on Showtime in the United States on same-day tape delay.

Green: Andre Ward stop bitching, get your ass in the ring

NEW YORK*– As reported, WBA World Champion Andre Ward has suffered an injury and is unable to fight Allan Green on April 24.* The scheduled Group Stage 2 tournament matchup between WBC world championship Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler will take place as planned on Saturday, April 24, from Herning Denmark, airing on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT as a one-fight card (same-day delay).

"I honestly don't think he will ever get in the ring with me,” said Green earlier this week. “I don't think this is a fight Andre Ward and his people ever wanted… If I had it my way he'd take a cortisone shot and fight on April 24. I seriously doubt he's ever going to fight me….. I hope it's valid, because there's been a lot put into this from everybody involved and there's no time to play games…”

Green continued: “… if he were fighting Jermain Taylor or Sakio Bika, I'm sure he'd be good to go right now. I'm a fighter. I fight through bumps, bruises and injuries and we go through that. I fought Tarvis Simms with a bad right shoulder.* If you're knee keeps getting hurt it could be something chronic and you're probably not going to be ready in six weeks. If your knee is swollen, just take a cortisone shot, stop bitching and get your ass in the ring."

Andre Ward responded, "I don’t think Allan Green and his team realize how bad I want this fight. They will get the fight as soon as a new date is rescheduled. I’m a pretty straight forward person and there is no gray area with me so if I say there’s something wrong with my knee, then that’s just what it is. I’m a champion and I’ve proven throughout my career in both the amateurs and professional ranks that I have no problem fighting the best. Everything is fine with my promotional and management team, and any negotiations that are going on are business as usual.* I look forward to getting back in the ring at 100% and defending my WBA title in the Super Six World Boxing Classic."

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Photos: Wladimir Klitschko trains with Emanuel Steward

Klitschko-Chambers: Virgin On Demand to carry PPV

Sport and events channel Primetime will now be available on Virgin TV via On Demand > Live Events. Since Primetime launched on the Sky platform in October 2009 with the Super Six Super middleweight boxing tournament there has been great demand for Primetime to expand onto Virgin by both boxing fans and promoters alike. The deal sees Primetime’s reach expand by over a third.

The action begins on Virgin this Saturday (20th March at 8pm) with Heavyweight title bout between ‘Dr Steelhammer’ Wladimir Klitschko and ‘Fast Eddie’ Chambers. Wladimir Klitschko will defend his WBO and IBF Heavyweight belts against American Eddie Chambers at Dusseldorf's Esprit Arena in Germany. With two belts on the line both men are going to be going for the big win.

Then on 24th April Primetime will broadcast on both Sky and Virgin On Demand our very own WBC undefeated World champion Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch as he takes on Mikkel Kessler.

Wladimir Klitschko says: "First Chambers, then Povetkin"

IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko talked to Sportbox.ru about*Saturday's title defense against*mandatory Eddie Chambers. The Ukrainian also mentioned Alexander Povetkin, who is the official IBF contender and his future opponent.

“I’m ready for the fight with Chambers. As for his speed, we’ll how fast he is in the ring”, - said Klitschko. – “However he is better than the majority of boxers*in the world ratings. Some say that Chambers doesn’t have powerful punch? I personally don’t intend to evaluate his punch. I’ll better let him to evaluate mine. During my preparation I watched Eddie’s last 4-5 bouts, including the ones with Alexander Dimitrenko, Alexander Povetkin and Samuel Peter. Chambers was really good in the fight with Dimitrenko, while against*Alexander, to be honest, disappointed me. But in his fight*with Povetkin, *Sasha was the better boxer, he was stronger. In the last 3-4 rounds Chambers*did almost nothing."

Wladimir also denied rumors about taking a possible voluntary title defense between fights with Chambers and Povetkin. “No, next on my list is the mandatory IBF title defense, so at first I’ll meet Chambers, and then – Povetkin”, - promised the Ukrainian.

Chambers: "I am ready to beat Wladimir Klitschko"

Dusseldorf, Germany*– American heavyweight “Fast Eddie” Chambers – rated #1 in the WBO – took time after his training in Dusseldorf, Germany for an interview two days before his scheduled World Championship bout against WBO/IBF Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Said Chambers, “It's coming down to the wire and I am steadfast on my mission to beat Wladimir Klitschko and bring those titles back home to the United States. It's go time and I'm as ready as I will ever be."

Vazquez-Marquez IV: "Once and Four All" set for May 22

LOS ANGELES* - Following three epic battles, three-time World Champion Israel Vazquez and two-division World Champion Rafael Marquez will face off in the fourth installment of what is perhaps the greatest boxing trilogy of all-time on Saturday, May 22, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).* In the co-feature, Yonnhy Perez will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight World Title against unbeaten top contender Abner Mares.

Tickets, priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25 will be available starting Friday, March 19 at 10:00 a.m. PT online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000. Tickets will also be available starting Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. PT at the STAPLES Center Box Office.

Darchinyan/Donaire rematch in the works for August 7

BoxingScene.com was advised by several sources that*a deal is very close to being reached*between Top Rank and Gary Shaw for*a rematch between WBC/WBA super flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan (34-2-1, 27KOs) and WBA-interim champion Nonito Donaire (23-1, 15KOs).

Prior to the rematch with Darchinyan, Donaire*is probably*going to*take a tune-up on May 15. The tune-up will be televised as the headline bout on a "Top Rank Live" telecast from the Hard Rock in Las Vegas. Fox Sports will televise.

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

David Haye fires venom at Wladimir Klitschko, German boxing

WBA heavyweight champion David Haye has fired back at WBO/IBO/IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko over his recent trash talk in the British press. Klitschko told reporters that Haye "b*tched" out in two fight opportunities and questioned the British champion's chin. Haye fired back telling Wladimir to look in the mirror.

"Come on. How many times has he been knocked out? I've never been on the floor for more than eight seconds in my whole life. Ask him that same question," Haye told Kevin Micthell of The Guardian.

Haye called both Klitschko brothers cherry pickers, stating that both of them take fights with*opponents who do not present a legit threat.

Photos/Weights: Klitschko 244, Chambers 209

Steward: Klitschko will knock Chambers out in eight

IBF/IBO/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko is ready to go. After nearly ten months away from the ring, Klitschko returns on Saturday night at Duesseldorf's Espirit Arena. It was reported on Friday that*46,000 of the 51,000 available tickets have been sold. Klitschko's trainer Emanuel Steward*has a lot of*respect for*Chambers. He called*Chambers the*best fighter Wladimir has fought in his career, but the trainer predicts a knockout within eight rounds.

"Chambers is the best he's ever fought, but Wladimir is in the form of his life and he'll win by KO by round 8 at the latest," Steward said.

Wladimir knows about the danger involved with Chambers. He worked on speed and movement and the pistol-like jab is ready to go.

"I've never been so fast, I've never been so agile, I've never been so experienced as I am now. I am hungry. I am on fire. He wants my title but I won't allow it. He has an unorthodox style and he is very dangerous," Klitschko said.

Klitschko: David Haye bitched out against me and Vitali

WBO/IBO/IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has*a big defense this Saturday against Eddie Chambers in Germany, and then has a mandatory defense against Alexander Povetkin, but WBA*champion David Haye is still on his mind. Wladimir's older brother Vitali has the WBC title. They both want Haye's title and recently traded words over which brother would get him first.“

There is one title left that doesn’t belong to a Klitschko and Haye has that. My brother cares about winning the titles, but I care more about David Haye than belts. We had a conversation and I said, ‘Dude, I want to fight David Haye’, but he said, ‘You have too many titles. Give him to me’. I told Vitali I’ll fight Haye and if he cares about having belts at his house I’ll give Haye’s to him afterwards. I really care about fighting Haye," Klitschko told The Daily Star. “I’d prefer to fight him in a football stadium but I’d even face him in a car park. It doesn’t matter.”

Both brothers had fights scheduled with Haye in 2009. The British boxer withdrew from both contests. Instead he fought and beat Nikolai Valuev for the WBA title.*Wladimir only hopes Haye's mandatory John Ruiz does not score an upset on April 3.

“Haye bitched out from boxing me and bitched out from Vitali. I just hope that Haye doesn’t get hit on his glass chin. As much as I don’t like him I don’t want him beaten by Ruiz before I get there," Wladimir said.

Wladimir is not overlooking Chambers. He thinks*Chambers can beat just about any heavyweight out there, including David Haye.

Klitschko said: “He’d beat any heavyweight apart from me and my brother. I am 100 per-cent certain that Chambers would beat Haye if they fought.”

Marcos Maidana: I know I can knock Amir Khan out

WBA-interim junior welterweight champion Marcos Maidana is in training for his upcoming clash with undefeated Victor Cayo on March 27 in Las Vegas. Maidana is not underestimating Cayo. He views him as a very good opponent.

"I saw several videos of him. He has a*good style, he moves well, he's fast. I don't think that he will be able to withstand my power, and if he is, I am prepared to win on points," Maidana said.

Maidana has been the mandatory to*full champion Amir Khan for the last few months. Khan*stepped around Maidana to fight Paulie Malignaggi on May 15. Maidana plans to take two fights in the United States and then he is going to target a unification of the WBA titles with Khan.*He is confident of beating Khan by knockout.

"You know, Khan*doesn't want to*face me at the moment. This shows his intelligence. I would have liked to make a unification fight right now, but my manager Mario Margossian advised me that it would be better to make two fights in the U.S. before the unification, which will be a very important fight," Maidana said.

"I have watched various tapes of Khan's fights and*know him quite well. He will not be able to resist my attacks. I am sure that I am going to win by KO."

 

[TheAdmiral]

Re: 2010 Boxing discussion thread

Klitschko brutally KOs Eddie Chambers in 12

Wladimir Klitschko (54-3, 48KOs) retained his WBO/IBO/IBF heavyweights titles*with a brutal knockout of*Eddie Chambers (35-2, 18KOs) in the twelfth and final round. Klitschko has gone 12-0, 10KOs since suffering his last upset defeat to Lamon Brewster in 2004.

Chambers came out moving and Klitschko was stalking with that hard jab. Chambers got in a good right hand over the top. Chambers was able to get another right hand off when Klitschko pressed him against the ropes. Klitschko continued to stalk with the jab but couldn't land much through Chambers' guard.

In the second, Klitschko was back on the jab and it was pushing Chambers back, even with the guard. When Klitschko tried to get on top of Chambers to push his weight on him, Chambers picked the champion up and slammed him down to the mat and that was not exactly a smart move because the ref could have taken a point or went for a DQ call. A moment later Klitschko rocked Chambers with a right hand. He tried to finish him off but Chambers was able to hang on and survive.

Klitschko was moving forward and throwing some hard jabs in the third. He dominated almost all of the action with the hard jab. Chambers was able to get inside two or three times to land a shot to the body.

In the fourth, Klitschko was back to pushing forward with the hard left jab. Chambers was blocking well but not throwing enough punches. Chambers popped a few good jabs of his own. Klitschko would fire back his own in return.

The fifth, sixth and seventh was more of the same. Klitschko was getting off with his strong jab and Chambers did not work enough or countered enough to win the rounds.

In the eight, Chambers started to take some more risks but he was being pushed back with hard jabs and hard rights. Klitschko poured on the pressure in the ninth. Chambers was already looking tired and Klitschko was measuring him with the jab. During the ninth round, it was more of the same.

Before the start of the tenth round, Chambers had to replace the glove on his right hand. The glove had split during the prior action. It took several minutes to complete. When the action checked back in, Klitschko started the pressure back up and used the jab to pour on the big punches.

The eleventh had Chambers running and trying to survive. Klitschko was looking for a big shot, Chambers was making him miss but threw no counters in return. Klitschko was going for the kill in the twelfth and final round. Klitschko was trapping him against the ropes and pounding his arms and body. Chambers was a bit buzzed from a hard right and Klitschko was trying to finish him off. In the last 15 seconds a left hand knocked Chambers out cold. He went down face first for at least two minutes. The doctors and other officials ran in to help. Chambers was fine after the doctors checked on him.