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Odlanier Solis Released By Top Rank, Signs With King
By Rick Reeno & Lem Satterfield
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has confirmed to BoxingScene.com that Odlanier Solis was granted an "amicable" release from his Top Rank contract, and quickly signed a promotional agreement with Don King. Solis (16-0), a Cuban-born 2004 Olympic gold medal winner, is quickly rising in the heavyweight ranks. Solis is co-promoted by Ahmet Oner of Arena Box.
"He did so with our permission. It was an amicable deal," said Arum. "Solis is better off with King in the heavyweight division, which we're not active in. They offered us our money back and everything, and so he's going to work with Don King."
By Rick Reeno & Lem Satterfield
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has confirmed to BoxingScene.com that Odlanier Solis was granted an "amicable" release from his Top Rank contract, and quickly signed a promotional agreement with Don King. Solis (16-0), a Cuban-born 2004 Olympic gold medal winner, is quickly rising in the heavyweight ranks. Solis is co-promoted by Ahmet Oner of Arena Box.
"He did so with our permission. It was an amicable deal," said Arum. "Solis is better off with King in the heavyweight division, which we're not active in. They offered us our money back and everything, and so he's going to work with Don King."
Arum Blasts De La Hoya: Chavez Jr. Still Under Contract
By Lem Satterfield
In response to an earlier story that was posted on BoxingScene.com, Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum has come out swinging. During a recent video interview with AOL FanHouse, Golden Boy President Oscar De La Hoya expressed his interest in an all-Mexican mega-fight between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Golden Boy's hot prospect Saul Alvarez. Chavez Jr. is promoted by Golden Boy's business rival, Top Rank.
The Golden President dropped a bombshell when he disclosed that Chavez Jr. is claiming to be a free agent and already reached out to Golden Boy to discuss a possible working relationship. Before De La Hoya's company actually speaks with Chavez Jr., they will verify his free agent status. Chavez is headlining a Top Rank Latin Fury pay-per-view on December 4 against Alfonso Gomez.
"I believe that it's [Chavez Jr. vs. Alvarez] a possibility, absolutely. I believe that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. made some comments about him being a free agent in Mexico. He has no more contract with Top Rank. He has no more contract with [manager Fernando] Beltran. Obviously, if that's the case, then Julio Cesar Chavez has reached out to us already, saying that we can talk to him," said De La Hoya.
"Well, obviously, we will talk to him and we can talk to him if he has no contract -- if that's the case. But we respect every other contract that every fighter has with every promoter," said De La Hoya. "But if that's the case, then that would be a very special project that we would put together over the next two, three years. Because a fight like that between [Alvarez] and Chavez Jr. would be huge. If Chavez Jr. wants to sit down and talk to us, we're more than happy to talk to him if he has no contract."
Arum was furious when he read the comments from De La Hoya. According to Arum, Chavez has two to three years remaining on his contract with Top Rank/Zanfer Promotions. Arum says Chavez met with Top Rank and [Zanfer President] Fernando Beltran last week to discuss their plan for 2011 and a possible fight with WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto.
"We currently have a two to three year contract with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.," said Arum. "This is tortious interference, and we're referring it to our lawyers, and we're going to take legal action against this moron [De La Hoya]."
"As recently as last week, Julio Jr. was in our office. There is no problem there. He came in with Fernando Beltran," said Arum. "He's fighting on Dec. 4, and we have other fights for him planned next year with Cotto. So, this is totally a baloney story. He's trying to tamper with one of our fighters."
Tension between Golden Boy and Top Rank is at an all-time high. On Sept. 21, Golden Boy Promotions filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Nevada against Top Rank, Arum and Top Rank CFO, David Lopez, accusing the duo of racketeering and fraud and seeking damages in the range of $3 to $5 million plus attorneys fees related to money generated from three Manny Pacquiao fights. Golden Boy Promotions owns a percentage of Pacquiao's promotional contract in accordance with a settlement between the two companies in 2007.
By Lem Satterfield
In response to an earlier story that was posted on BoxingScene.com, Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum has come out swinging. During a recent video interview with AOL FanHouse, Golden Boy President Oscar De La Hoya expressed his interest in an all-Mexican mega-fight between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Golden Boy's hot prospect Saul Alvarez. Chavez Jr. is promoted by Golden Boy's business rival, Top Rank.
The Golden President dropped a bombshell when he disclosed that Chavez Jr. is claiming to be a free agent and already reached out to Golden Boy to discuss a possible working relationship. Before De La Hoya's company actually speaks with Chavez Jr., they will verify his free agent status. Chavez is headlining a Top Rank Latin Fury pay-per-view on December 4 against Alfonso Gomez.
"I believe that it's [Chavez Jr. vs. Alvarez] a possibility, absolutely. I believe that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. made some comments about him being a free agent in Mexico. He has no more contract with Top Rank. He has no more contract with [manager Fernando] Beltran. Obviously, if that's the case, then Julio Cesar Chavez has reached out to us already, saying that we can talk to him," said De La Hoya.
"Well, obviously, we will talk to him and we can talk to him if he has no contract -- if that's the case. But we respect every other contract that every fighter has with every promoter," said De La Hoya. "But if that's the case, then that would be a very special project that we would put together over the next two, three years. Because a fight like that between [Alvarez] and Chavez Jr. would be huge. If Chavez Jr. wants to sit down and talk to us, we're more than happy to talk to him if he has no contract."
Arum was furious when he read the comments from De La Hoya. According to Arum, Chavez has two to three years remaining on his contract with Top Rank/Zanfer Promotions. Arum says Chavez met with Top Rank and [Zanfer President] Fernando Beltran last week to discuss their plan for 2011 and a possible fight with WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto.
"We currently have a two to three year contract with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.," said Arum. "This is tortious interference, and we're referring it to our lawyers, and we're going to take legal action against this moron [De La Hoya]."
"As recently as last week, Julio Jr. was in our office. There is no problem there. He came in with Fernando Beltran," said Arum. "He's fighting on Dec. 4, and we have other fights for him planned next year with Cotto. So, this is totally a baloney story. He's trying to tamper with one of our fighters."
Tension between Golden Boy and Top Rank is at an all-time high. On Sept. 21, Golden Boy Promotions filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Nevada against Top Rank, Arum and Top Rank CFO, David Lopez, accusing the duo of racketeering and fraud and seeking damages in the range of $3 to $5 million plus attorneys fees related to money generated from three Manny Pacquiao fights. Golden Boy Promotions owns a percentage of Pacquiao's promotional contract in accordance with a settlement between the two companies in 2007.
Abraham-Froch, Dirrell-Ward Double Set For 11/27
The matchup between breakout American stars and friends, Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell, will headline the SHOWTIME® telecast on Saturday, Nov. 27, live at 9p.m. ET/PT. Ward vs. Dirrell, one of the most talked about matchups of the year, will be contested for Ward’s WBA championship and the newly vacated WBC belt, adding yet another dramatic layer to an already captivating fight.
Ward has already locked up his Semifinal berth, but will be protecting his title and undefeated professional record. Dirrell, conversely, needs a win to guarantee his place in the Semis. Dirrell conceivably could get in with two points but he would need help from fellow tournament competitors.
On the same night, Saturday, Nov. 27 from Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland, Arthur Abraham will meet former WBC titlist Carl Froch for their pivotal Group Stage 3 fight. Promoters Kalle Sauerland and Mick Hennessy are working with the Hartwell Areena to finalize details for the event. This bout, matching arguably the two toughest and most aggressive punchers in the Super Six, has been rescheduled from Oct. 2 due to a back injury to Froch.
Allan Green, whose Group Stage 3 bout with Mikkel Kessler was waylaid when Kessler withdrew from competition with an eye injury, has left the perennial contender without an opponent. A decision on Green’s Group Stage 3 bout is expected in the coming days.
The third and final Group Stage will complete the round-robin portion of the tournament and determine the four fighters who will advance to the single-elimination Semifinals. Through the first two Stages, the WBA world champion Ward is the only fighter to have secured a berth in the Semis. No fighter has been eliminated from contention creating a virtual win-or-go-home scenario for each of the men.
Hershman said, “We have asked these fighters to challenge themselves against the best fighters in the world; not in one mega-fight, but in a consecutive series of career defining fights. Injuries and delays are inevitable. However, each one of them has accepted the challenge and brought a level of intensity to the ring that, in my estimation, is unmatched in all of sports.
“We are still on pace to complete the tournament in 2011, at which time we will have delivered to boxing fans around the world a number of the most compelling and meaningful matches in the sport.
“So, the drama continues with all the fighters still alive heading to Group Stage 3. I couldn’t have scripted this any better.”
The matchup between breakout American stars and friends, Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell, will headline the SHOWTIME® telecast on Saturday, Nov. 27, live at 9p.m. ET/PT. Ward vs. Dirrell, one of the most talked about matchups of the year, will be contested for Ward’s WBA championship and the newly vacated WBC belt, adding yet another dramatic layer to an already captivating fight.
Ward has already locked up his Semifinal berth, but will be protecting his title and undefeated professional record. Dirrell, conversely, needs a win to guarantee his place in the Semis. Dirrell conceivably could get in with two points but he would need help from fellow tournament competitors.
On the same night, Saturday, Nov. 27 from Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland, Arthur Abraham will meet former WBC titlist Carl Froch for their pivotal Group Stage 3 fight. Promoters Kalle Sauerland and Mick Hennessy are working with the Hartwell Areena to finalize details for the event. This bout, matching arguably the two toughest and most aggressive punchers in the Super Six, has been rescheduled from Oct. 2 due to a back injury to Froch.
Allan Green, whose Group Stage 3 bout with Mikkel Kessler was waylaid when Kessler withdrew from competition with an eye injury, has left the perennial contender without an opponent. A decision on Green’s Group Stage 3 bout is expected in the coming days.
The third and final Group Stage will complete the round-robin portion of the tournament and determine the four fighters who will advance to the single-elimination Semifinals. Through the first two Stages, the WBA world champion Ward is the only fighter to have secured a berth in the Semis. No fighter has been eliminated from contention creating a virtual win-or-go-home scenario for each of the men.
Hershman said, “We have asked these fighters to challenge themselves against the best fighters in the world; not in one mega-fight, but in a consecutive series of career defining fights. Injuries and delays are inevitable. However, each one of them has accepted the challenge and brought a level of intensity to the ring that, in my estimation, is unmatched in all of sports.
“We are still on pace to complete the tournament in 2011, at which time we will have delivered to boxing fans around the world a number of the most compelling and meaningful matches in the sport.
“So, the drama continues with all the fighters still alive heading to Group Stage 3. I couldn’t have scripted this any better.”
Alfredo Angulo's Manager Working Hard To Fix Visa Issue
By Michael Marley
Despite Alfredo "Perro" Angulo's tangled legal status, the Mexican fighter's manager, former Yale University policeman Mike Criscio is not ready to throw in the towel.
I revealed exclusively Tuesday that HBO's Legal Department had circulated a letter advising they would not show any Angulo bout due to his lack of legitimate status in the United States.
Criscio conceded the situation had "blindsided" both he and promoter Big Gary Shaw.
"The kid is upset, naturally," Criscio told me Friday. "But I am working through political and legal channels every way that I can on his behalf. He's not a criminal. He's not a drug dealer. He's not a murder or a molestor.
"The kid has always paid his taxes here. He's a boxer who has paid his taxes. I'm not abandoning him. It's not a crime to be a Mexican fighter who came here to improve to his life. Hopefully, we can get anything, a temporary visa or something else, so he can remain in America and keep fighting."
The boxing seas have been churning lately for Criscio, who owns check cashing and pawn shops around New Haven. He was pushed out as manager of former light heavyweight champ Chadwick Dawson and now Dawson has taken on former adviser and rap music mogul James Prince as his de facto manager in a settlement of a lawsuit.
"No doubt, I'm continuing my legal fight on that front," Criscio said. "I am going full tilt on that. If I was there, I'd have made sure Chad had a proper training camp and everything else and he would not have lost (in Montreal) to Jean Pascal. If was there, with Chad, he'd have won that fight."
As far as Angulo, who was once removed from the USA for illegal entry, Criscio hopes the political climate will cool on the hot button issue of immigration.
"I hope we can find some officials, some politicians, who will listen," Criscio said. "The kid is not any kind of a crook."
Angulo, age 28, owns a 19-1 with 16 knockouts.
Criscio said Angulo is still living in Los Angeles as his career mess hopefully gets sorted out.
Angulo comes from the border town of Mexicali.
By Michael Marley
Despite Alfredo "Perro" Angulo's tangled legal status, the Mexican fighter's manager, former Yale University policeman Mike Criscio is not ready to throw in the towel.
I revealed exclusively Tuesday that HBO's Legal Department had circulated a letter advising they would not show any Angulo bout due to his lack of legitimate status in the United States.
Criscio conceded the situation had "blindsided" both he and promoter Big Gary Shaw.
"The kid is upset, naturally," Criscio told me Friday. "But I am working through political and legal channels every way that I can on his behalf. He's not a criminal. He's not a drug dealer. He's not a murder or a molestor.
"The kid has always paid his taxes here. He's a boxer who has paid his taxes. I'm not abandoning him. It's not a crime to be a Mexican fighter who came here to improve to his life. Hopefully, we can get anything, a temporary visa or something else, so he can remain in America and keep fighting."
The boxing seas have been churning lately for Criscio, who owns check cashing and pawn shops around New Haven. He was pushed out as manager of former light heavyweight champ Chadwick Dawson and now Dawson has taken on former adviser and rap music mogul James Prince as his de facto manager in a settlement of a lawsuit.
"No doubt, I'm continuing my legal fight on that front," Criscio said. "I am going full tilt on that. If I was there, I'd have made sure Chad had a proper training camp and everything else and he would not have lost (in Montreal) to Jean Pascal. If was there, with Chad, he'd have won that fight."
As far as Angulo, who was once removed from the USA for illegal entry, Criscio hopes the political climate will cool on the hot button issue of immigration.
"I hope we can find some officials, some politicians, who will listen," Criscio said. "The kid is not any kind of a crook."
Angulo, age 28, owns a 19-1 with 16 knockouts.
Criscio said Angulo is still living in Los Angeles as his career mess hopefully gets sorted out.
Angulo comes from the border town of Mexicali.
They made an example out of Hatton. They guy is retired anyways, who cares. Nothing lost. Well worth the example.
PBF is mad now? Haha...
Hopefully he will lay off the testing demands.
First time I have ever heard anything about him being hungry for a fight.
Angulo needs a workers Visa. He basically just needs someone to sponsor him. He'll be back, it takes time though...
PBF is mad now? Haha...
Hopefully he will lay off the testing demands.
First time I have ever heard anything about him being hungry for a fight.
Angulo needs a workers Visa. He basically just needs someone to sponsor him. He'll be back, it takes time though...
Schaefer plans for Khan to be fight Mayweather soon
By Scott Gilfoid: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer has big things planned for WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KO’s). Indeed, Schaefer’s plans sound more like an incredible pipe dream rather than one that is reality based on the true picture of Khan’s actual talent and limitations. With Khan facing knockout artist WBA light welterweight interim champion Marcos Maidana (29-1, 27 KO’s) on December 11th at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Schaefer revealed his vision for Khan to Steve Bunce. Schaefer says “The plan as it’s set up, if he wins [against Maidana], to then fight the winner of the Alexander and Bradley, then have another fight before Ramadan, and then another in the winter time. Ideally, one of these fights will take place in the U.K. Then, if all goes to plan, my recommendation, and I have said this to Amir, is for him to fight Floyd Mayweather.”
Boy, that sounds really ambitious of Schaefer to be thinking so highly of Khan. There’s just one problem that immediately gets my attention. Khan is likely going to get knocked out by Maidana on 12/11. That could really mess up Schaefer’s grand dream for Khan, won’t it? I mean, I seriously doubt that Mayweather will want to fight Khan when/if he gets knocked out again.
To humor Schaefer for a minute, let’s say that Khan does beat Maidana. Well, I don’t like Khan’s chances against the winner of the Alexander-Bradley fight. That looks like certain loss for Khan. Bradley appears to be a better fighter overall compared to Khan. You can argue and say it’s not true, but that’s the way I see it. I think Bradley is a lot better than Khan, and I think he’ll beat him. So that’s another loss for Khan and that will ruin Khan’s chances for a Mayweather bout. And if Khan is matched tough in his two fights after fighting the Bradley vs. Alexander winner, I can see Khan getting beaten, especially if he’s put in with Victor Ortiz.
I see Ortiz knocking Khan out cold. I seriously doubt Khan will be matched up against Ortiz, though, but who else are they going to match Khan up against? If they put him in with two scrubs in a row, boxing fans are going to be unhappy and see Khan milking his title. Also, Khan will have to fight his mandatory by then. The last time I checked, Ortiz is ranked number #1 by the WBA. I see Khan getting knocked out by Ortiz. As such, that’s yet another fighter that will stop Schaefer from seeing his grand vision for Khan come true.
This is my vision for Khan: I see him getting knocked out by Maidana in four or five rounds in December. After that, I see Schaefer trying to rebuild Khan by putting him in with nothing but light punchers for the next two to three years. After which point, Schaefer will finally have to put Khan in with a decent puncher like Ortiz. I then see Khan getting knocked out yet again and his career ending up right about where Enzo Maccarinelli’s career is at right now. Freddie Roach will be long gone by then, replaced twice by trainers that have to work in trying to keep Khan from getting knocked out
By Scott Gilfoid: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer has big things planned for WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KO’s). Indeed, Schaefer’s plans sound more like an incredible pipe dream rather than one that is reality based on the true picture of Khan’s actual talent and limitations. With Khan facing knockout artist WBA light welterweight interim champion Marcos Maidana (29-1, 27 KO’s) on December 11th at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Schaefer revealed his vision for Khan to Steve Bunce. Schaefer says “The plan as it’s set up, if he wins [against Maidana], to then fight the winner of the Alexander and Bradley, then have another fight before Ramadan, and then another in the winter time. Ideally, one of these fights will take place in the U.K. Then, if all goes to plan, my recommendation, and I have said this to Amir, is for him to fight Floyd Mayweather.”
Boy, that sounds really ambitious of Schaefer to be thinking so highly of Khan. There’s just one problem that immediately gets my attention. Khan is likely going to get knocked out by Maidana on 12/11. That could really mess up Schaefer’s grand dream for Khan, won’t it? I mean, I seriously doubt that Mayweather will want to fight Khan when/if he gets knocked out again.
To humor Schaefer for a minute, let’s say that Khan does beat Maidana. Well, I don’t like Khan’s chances against the winner of the Alexander-Bradley fight. That looks like certain loss for Khan. Bradley appears to be a better fighter overall compared to Khan. You can argue and say it’s not true, but that’s the way I see it. I think Bradley is a lot better than Khan, and I think he’ll beat him. So that’s another loss for Khan and that will ruin Khan’s chances for a Mayweather bout. And if Khan is matched tough in his two fights after fighting the Bradley vs. Alexander winner, I can see Khan getting beaten, especially if he’s put in with Victor Ortiz.
I see Ortiz knocking Khan out cold. I seriously doubt Khan will be matched up against Ortiz, though, but who else are they going to match Khan up against? If they put him in with two scrubs in a row, boxing fans are going to be unhappy and see Khan milking his title. Also, Khan will have to fight his mandatory by then. The last time I checked, Ortiz is ranked number #1 by the WBA. I see Khan getting knocked out by Ortiz. As such, that’s yet another fighter that will stop Schaefer from seeing his grand vision for Khan come true.
This is my vision for Khan: I see him getting knocked out by Maidana in four or five rounds in December. After that, I see Schaefer trying to rebuild Khan by putting him in with nothing but light punchers for the next two to three years. After which point, Schaefer will finally have to put Khan in with a decent puncher like Ortiz. I then see Khan getting knocked out yet again and his career ending up right about where Enzo Maccarinelli’s career is at right now. Freddie Roach will be long gone by then, replaced twice by trainers that have to work in trying to keep Khan from getting knocked out
Allan Green – Still no decision on what happens to him in the Super Six tourney
By Scott Gilfoid: Earlier today, it was announced that the other Super Six tournament fighters – Andre Ward, Andre Dirrell, Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham – all would be fighting their semifinal bouts on November 27th. However, Super Six tournament fighter Allan Green (29-2, 20 KO’s) still doesn’t have a date or an opponent for his next fight. In press release, it was said that a decision will be made on Green in the near future. It’s expected that Green will be out of the tournament because his previously scheduled opponent Mikkel Kessler dropped out of the Super Six tournament recently due to an eye problem.
This left Green without an option for his next fight, and since Showtime wants to get the tournament completed by 2011, it’s not likely they’re going to extend it by having one of the four other contestants take on Green. I think an ideal situation, short of dismissing Green from the tournament, would be to have him as an alternate in case there are any more injuries that occur during training camp. We’ve already seen Carl Froch postpone his fight with Arthur Abraham due to a back injury.
My suggestion is if Froch’s injury continues to be a problem, then Showtime should insert the back-up Green in Froch’s place and get the tournament completed. Froch, in turn, could be given a date on Showtime outside of the Super Six tournament to show his stuff. This could apply to any of the Super Six contestants. If there’s any more injuries, then Green steps in and replaces that fighter and we get this thing concluded. It might cause some of the fighters to think twice about postponing their bouts, what can you say. When you get hurt working, you sometimes get replaced in real life. It’s dog eat dog.
It’s unfortunate that Kessler came up with the eye injury when he did, because I think Green would have given him pure hell in there. With Green’s big power, good hand speed and his need to prove himself after his embarrassing 12 round shut out loss to Ward, I think he would have battered Kessler and possibly stopped him. Kessler took a lot of punishment in his win over Froch, and Green would have come into the fight the stronger fighter. I can see Green beating up Kessler and taking him out with big power shots. Kessler wouldn’t have been able to mug Green on the ropes the way that Ward did, because Green wouldn’t be weight drained like he was against Ward, and Kessler doesn’t fight on the inside like Ward does. It would have been an outside war, and that would have favored the faster and stronger Green.
By Scott Gilfoid: Earlier today, it was announced that the other Super Six tournament fighters – Andre Ward, Andre Dirrell, Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham – all would be fighting their semifinal bouts on November 27th. However, Super Six tournament fighter Allan Green (29-2, 20 KO’s) still doesn’t have a date or an opponent for his next fight. In press release, it was said that a decision will be made on Green in the near future. It’s expected that Green will be out of the tournament because his previously scheduled opponent Mikkel Kessler dropped out of the Super Six tournament recently due to an eye problem.
This left Green without an option for his next fight, and since Showtime wants to get the tournament completed by 2011, it’s not likely they’re going to extend it by having one of the four other contestants take on Green. I think an ideal situation, short of dismissing Green from the tournament, would be to have him as an alternate in case there are any more injuries that occur during training camp. We’ve already seen Carl Froch postpone his fight with Arthur Abraham due to a back injury.
My suggestion is if Froch’s injury continues to be a problem, then Showtime should insert the back-up Green in Froch’s place and get the tournament completed. Froch, in turn, could be given a date on Showtime outside of the Super Six tournament to show his stuff. This could apply to any of the Super Six contestants. If there’s any more injuries, then Green steps in and replaces that fighter and we get this thing concluded. It might cause some of the fighters to think twice about postponing their bouts, what can you say. When you get hurt working, you sometimes get replaced in real life. It’s dog eat dog.
It’s unfortunate that Kessler came up with the eye injury when he did, because I think Green would have given him pure hell in there. With Green’s big power, good hand speed and his need to prove himself after his embarrassing 12 round shut out loss to Ward, I think he would have battered Kessler and possibly stopped him. Kessler took a lot of punishment in his win over Froch, and Green would have come into the fight the stronger fighter. I can see Green beating up Kessler and taking him out with big power shots. Kessler wouldn’t have been able to mug Green on the ropes the way that Ward did, because Green wouldn’t be weight drained like he was against Ward, and Kessler doesn’t fight on the inside like Ward does. It would have been an outside war, and that would have favored the faster and stronger Green.
Schaefer says Khan had to fight Maidana or else he would have been stripped of his ti
By William Mackay: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer explains the real reason why World Boxing Association (WBA) light welterweight champion Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KO’s) decided to fight WBA light welterweight interim champion Marcos Maidana (29-1, 27 KO’s) in an interview with Steve Bunce in London, saying “There was no real choice with taking this fight, as he [speaking about Maidana] is the mandatory [for Amir Khan]. It was either fight him or be stripped of the belt. And what great champion wants to lose his belt outside of the ring by being stripped.” This is interesting, because Khan has been saying that he took on the Maidana fight because he wants to quiet his critics.
But now Schaefer is saying something completely different, that Khan had no choice but to fight Maidana. Getting stripped of his title by the WBA would have made Khan look horrible, because it would essentially make clear what a lot of boxing fans have long suspected – that Khan has been ducking Maidana. Thankfully, Khan has decided to take the risky fight with Maidana rather than face the shame of having it stripped from him by the WBA.
Schaefer says “This fight is clearly the most dangerous out there for Amir Khan. [Devon] Alexander and [Tim] Bradley are both very skilled fighters, but no one has the punch Maidana has. Marcos Maidana is without doubt the most dangerous opponent out there in the 140 pound division.” What Schaefer says is true. Maidana, with his big power, high pressure offense and excellent chin, is a very dangerous opponent for Khan. Alexander and Bradley are obviously very tough as well, but neither of them can punch like Maidana. Khan could end up out-boxing Alexander and Bradley, but with Maidana, he’s going to have to fight for his life the full 12 rounds to keep from getting sparked out. Victor Ortiz is also a very dangerous opponent for Khan that Schaefer has failed to mention. He hits as hard as Maidana and is faster. However, he doesn’t have the chin or the same aggressiveness that Maidana has going for him.
By William Mackay: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer explains the real reason why World Boxing Association (WBA) light welterweight champion Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KO’s) decided to fight WBA light welterweight interim champion Marcos Maidana (29-1, 27 KO’s) in an interview with Steve Bunce in London, saying “There was no real choice with taking this fight, as he [speaking about Maidana] is the mandatory [for Amir Khan]. It was either fight him or be stripped of the belt. And what great champion wants to lose his belt outside of the ring by being stripped.” This is interesting, because Khan has been saying that he took on the Maidana fight because he wants to quiet his critics.
But now Schaefer is saying something completely different, that Khan had no choice but to fight Maidana. Getting stripped of his title by the WBA would have made Khan look horrible, because it would essentially make clear what a lot of boxing fans have long suspected – that Khan has been ducking Maidana. Thankfully, Khan has decided to take the risky fight with Maidana rather than face the shame of having it stripped from him by the WBA.
Schaefer says “This fight is clearly the most dangerous out there for Amir Khan. [Devon] Alexander and [Tim] Bradley are both very skilled fighters, but no one has the punch Maidana has. Marcos Maidana is without doubt the most dangerous opponent out there in the 140 pound division.” What Schaefer says is true. Maidana, with his big power, high pressure offense and excellent chin, is a very dangerous opponent for Khan. Alexander and Bradley are obviously very tough as well, but neither of them can punch like Maidana. Khan could end up out-boxing Alexander and Bradley, but with Maidana, he’s going to have to fight for his life the full 12 rounds to keep from getting sparked out. Victor Ortiz is also a very dangerous opponent for Khan that Schaefer has failed to mention. He hits as hard as Maidana and is faster. However, he doesn’t have the chin or the same aggressiveness that Maidana has going for him.
Jeff Mayweather on Floyd Jr's Troubles and Future
By Chris Robinson
There was once a time when Jeff Mayweather and his nephew Floyd were extremely close. Jeff was around when Floyd turned professional in October of 1996 with a 2nd round stoppage over Robert Apodaca in Las Vegas and he would serve as somewhat of a mentor and manager as the young pugilist climbed the junior lightweight rankings.
The two men shared a special night together on October 3rd, 1998 when Floyd thoroughly outclassed then-champion Genero Hernandez to win his first world title and the tears that came streaming down from each man’s face were for real. It was a confirmation of what the Mayweather’s had been working to and believed in but soon nephew and Uncle would go their separate ways.
Obviously basking in the glow of his newly found championship status, Floyd’s persona seemed to change and he brought in former music mogul James Prince as his new manager. The news was unbeknownst to Jeff, who had essentially been replaced out of the blue after years of dedication to something he believed in, and instead of taking on a secondary role he would simply walk away from the situation.
“Basically I had to do my own thing,” Mayweather says reflecting back over ten years. “I didn’t come out [to Las Vegas] with the intentions of my nephew ever coming out here or ever being able to make a dime off of him because that was never my intention. That was just something that just kind of fell in my lap. Basically it was a situation where I felt in time that hopefully things would work themselves out but I couldn’t dwell on anything that happened between us. I didn’t feel that I did anything wrong and he didn’t feel that he did anything wrong and that’s probably why it took us so long to reconnect. I was still a fan of his and I still came out to support him. There was nothing lost.”
There was little communication between the two men for several years as Floyd continued to collect titles while Jeff went through the rigors that come with a trainer’s life in Nevada. Last month the men were spotted together inside of Floyd’s personal gym and there were no signs of tension or bitterness, only understanding and a hint of forgiveness.
“Basically we talked more about life than boxing or anything like that,” Jeff claims of his time with Floyd. “He talked about some things in his life that he had to amend as well and we talked a little bit about boxing. To be honest, he’s my nephew and I never had any animosity towards him or anything. To be honest things just picked up as they left off. Now our conversation is more mature than it was before. He’s grown as a man now.”
While Floyd indeed may be grown his actions of late haven’t exactly been too mature as in this month alone he has gone on an ill-advised UStream tirade against Manny Pacquiao as well as having found himself in quite the legal battle as he is now facing various forms of larceny and four misdemeanors stemming from a September 10th run in with the mother of three of his children, Josie Harris. Giving his thoughts on Floyd’s current dilemma, you can sense the concern in Jeff’s tone.
“It’s bad publicity,” Mayweather continues. “But more importantly it is serious charges that he is facing. I hope there is a way he can get himself out of it and hopefully turn things around.”
Whatever happens to the 33-year old Mayweather, Jeff will always be his own man and in recent times he has had much to be grateful for as he has been working with two extremely talented fighters in former super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero and middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales. Things are definitely looking up for the mild-mannered trainer but he still takes the time to express his obvious love for Floyd. Despite any rifts or disagreements in the past, family is family and Jeff is standing by his blood during these times.
“I just hope he gets himself out of the situation. There is a lot at stake. Of course the whole world is waiting for him and Pacquiao to fight, that’s one thing. But of course there are other things that are on the table that are more important that just boxing. We’re hoping that things go his way but you never know. Sometimes you have judges that want to make an example out of you and sometimes you get that star treatment. I think it’s just a matter of who is making the decision as the judge at the time.”
By Chris Robinson
There was once a time when Jeff Mayweather and his nephew Floyd were extremely close. Jeff was around when Floyd turned professional in October of 1996 with a 2nd round stoppage over Robert Apodaca in Las Vegas and he would serve as somewhat of a mentor and manager as the young pugilist climbed the junior lightweight rankings.
The two men shared a special night together on October 3rd, 1998 when Floyd thoroughly outclassed then-champion Genero Hernandez to win his first world title and the tears that came streaming down from each man’s face were for real. It was a confirmation of what the Mayweather’s had been working to and believed in but soon nephew and Uncle would go their separate ways.
Obviously basking in the glow of his newly found championship status, Floyd’s persona seemed to change and he brought in former music mogul James Prince as his new manager. The news was unbeknownst to Jeff, who had essentially been replaced out of the blue after years of dedication to something he believed in, and instead of taking on a secondary role he would simply walk away from the situation.
“Basically I had to do my own thing,” Mayweather says reflecting back over ten years. “I didn’t come out [to Las Vegas] with the intentions of my nephew ever coming out here or ever being able to make a dime off of him because that was never my intention. That was just something that just kind of fell in my lap. Basically it was a situation where I felt in time that hopefully things would work themselves out but I couldn’t dwell on anything that happened between us. I didn’t feel that I did anything wrong and he didn’t feel that he did anything wrong and that’s probably why it took us so long to reconnect. I was still a fan of his and I still came out to support him. There was nothing lost.”
There was little communication between the two men for several years as Floyd continued to collect titles while Jeff went through the rigors that come with a trainer’s life in Nevada. Last month the men were spotted together inside of Floyd’s personal gym and there were no signs of tension or bitterness, only understanding and a hint of forgiveness.
“Basically we talked more about life than boxing or anything like that,” Jeff claims of his time with Floyd. “He talked about some things in his life that he had to amend as well and we talked a little bit about boxing. To be honest, he’s my nephew and I never had any animosity towards him or anything. To be honest things just picked up as they left off. Now our conversation is more mature than it was before. He’s grown as a man now.”
While Floyd indeed may be grown his actions of late haven’t exactly been too mature as in this month alone he has gone on an ill-advised UStream tirade against Manny Pacquiao as well as having found himself in quite the legal battle as he is now facing various forms of larceny and four misdemeanors stemming from a September 10th run in with the mother of three of his children, Josie Harris. Giving his thoughts on Floyd’s current dilemma, you can sense the concern in Jeff’s tone.
“It’s bad publicity,” Mayweather continues. “But more importantly it is serious charges that he is facing. I hope there is a way he can get himself out of it and hopefully turn things around.”
Whatever happens to the 33-year old Mayweather, Jeff will always be his own man and in recent times he has had much to be grateful for as he has been working with two extremely talented fighters in former super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero and middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales. Things are definitely looking up for the mild-mannered trainer but he still takes the time to express his obvious love for Floyd. Despite any rifts or disagreements in the past, family is family and Jeff is standing by his blood during these times.
“I just hope he gets himself out of the situation. There is a lot at stake. Of course the whole world is waiting for him and Pacquiao to fight, that’s one thing. But of course there are other things that are on the table that are more important that just boxing. We’re hoping that things go his way but you never know. Sometimes you have judges that want to make an example out of you and sometimes you get that star treatment. I think it’s just a matter of who is making the decision as the judge at the time.”
Sergio Martinez-Paul Williams: The Fight Everyone Wanted
By Keith Idec
NEW YORK — Sergio Martinez isn’t quite convinced Paul Williams wanted their rematch.
The middleweight champion from Argentina gets the impression Williams was coerced into meeting Martinez again, that he was eventually offered enough money to accept a fight he would’ve just as soon skipped. Williams, quite naturally, makes it sound as if the Martinez rematch was the only fight he wanted after Kermit Cintron impersonated Michael Phelps against Williams on May 8 in Carson, Calif.
No matter who you believe or how they got here, perhaps the second-most meaningful fight in boxing has been scheduled for Nov. 20 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. And during a year in which we’ve had few “Fight of the Year” candidates and entirely too much attention paid to the mega-fight that won’t happen, we should be extremely grateful that Martinez and Williams will go at it again five nights before Thanksgiving.
Lou DiBella, Martinez’s promoter, is just pleased he and Dan Goossen, Williams’ promoter, were able to work through countless issues to make sure Martinez (45-2-2, 24 KOs) and Williams (39-1, 27 KOs) didn’t make the same mistakes Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) and Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KOs) have made since December.
“Boxing needs this fight,” DiBella said during a press conference to promote it Thursday afternoon in Manhattan. “Boxing needs guys like [Martinez and Williams]. I wake up in the morning and I wonder if I’m working in a business that won’t exist five years from now. … If we don’t have more fights like this, we’re headed right to the toilet bowl.”
Williams and Martinez haven’t transcended boxing the way Pacquiao and Mayweather have by becoming crossover stars that are either adored or detested by mainstream sports fans. But they regularly rank right behind Mayweather and Pacquiao on pound-for-pound lists, their breathtaking brawl Dec. 5 in Atlantic City was widely viewed by fans as one of the two most satisfying fights of 2009 and their rematch won’t require an additional $50 or $60 to watch it.
The bout will be televised live on HBO’s “World Championship Boxing.”
“People come up at these press conferences and thank HBO for making fights,” DiBella said. “Well, HBO really made this fight.”
Executives at HBO Sports felt that producing the Williams-Martinez rematch was their second most-important order of business this year, behind a fight that could become the most lucrative event in boxing history if it ever materializes.
“A lot has been said recently by many of the writers in this room and a lot of the Internet writers about the fights that are not being made,” said Kery Davis, HBO Sports’ senior vice president for programming. “Certainly we’re all disappointed that the No. 1 and No. 2 fighter didn’t find their way to fighting on Nov. 13, in another fight that HBO really wanted. However, you can make an argument that this is the second-biggest fight that can be made in our sport. Because as Lou [DiBella] said, you probably have, by all objective criteria, the No. 3 and No. 4, at worst No. 5, pound-for-pound fighters in the sport [in this fight].
“And just like the mega-fight that we’re all missing, where you have the best welterweights in the sport, in this case specifically, you not only have the two best middleweights in the sport, but you can make an argument that you have the two best junior middleweights in the sport. So by every boxing criteria, this is a terrific fight. And we have one more benefit here — we’ve already seen the first one.”
What we witnessed in their first fight was two highly skilled southpaws with above-average power, better chins and the championship-caliber conditioning to tee off on each other throughout 12 thrill-filled rounds that probably should’ve resulted in a draw.
Instead, two judges — Lynne Carter (115-113) and Pierre Benoist (119-110) — credited Williams with a victory. The third judge, Julie Lederman, scored a bout in which Williams and Martinez knocked each other down during the first round even (114-114).
Neither fighter owned a middleweight title that night, but Martinez has since out-boxed former middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik so thoroughly that Pavlik (36-2, 32 KOs) declined to exercise the immediate rematch clause in the contract for their April 17 bout at Boardwalk Hall. The Oxnard, Calif., resident won Pavlik’s WBC and WBO 160-pound titles, but he was stripped by the WBO before deciding whether to remain at middleweight or move back down to 154 pounds.
He’ll make the first defense of his WBC title against Williams, but they’ll compete at a catch weight of 157 pounds because Williams believes, despite his height advantage, that he’s much more of a welterweight than he is a middleweight. Martinez made that concession to entice Williams into the bout, but DiBella expects Martinez to leave the ring Nov. 20 as one of the sport’s most prominent power brokers.
“This fight’s everything, because at the end of this fight no one’s going to be dictating anything to Team Martinez,” DiBella said. “Nothing. Nobody. Nobody’s going to be telling us who to fight, what weight to fight at, no one.”
The always-agitated DiBella cannot comprehend, either, why Martinez isn’t a bigger star after impressive performance against Pavlik, Williams and Cintron, all of which were broadcast by HBO since February 2009.
“I don’t understand why, frankly, his face isn’t more all over the place than it already is,” DiBella said. “Not for anything, the guy is good-looking. On top of it, he’s probably the most exciting new face in boxing. Even though he’s in his thirties, this is an athlete that didn’t start until late and I think he’s the most exciting guy in the ring right now.”
Martinez seemingly is the anti-Mayweather. While he isn’t as fast-handed or technically proficient as Mayweather, he’s Hollywood handsome, humble, strongly supports causes that aid battered women, never says no to a fight and employs an entertaining style.
“Maybe I can get to that point,” Martinez said, “to be the new face of boxing, because I take boxing very seriously inside and outside the ring. And that will be the difference between me and the others that are having problems.”
Before the 35-year-old former cyclist can become a Lance Armstrong-sized star in a sport he didn’t embrace until he was 21, he’ll have to defeat a determined Williams, 29, of Augusta, Ga.
“He’s a fighter that I know is not going to make me wait all the way up until the last minute and pull out of a fight on me,” Williams said, alluding to Pavlik. “I know he’s not going to get in the ring and jump out of the ring on me. I know he’s going to fight. So that’s going to make a big fight for us and the fans out there. I see something I want now. I want them belts he’s got on that table. So it’s my job to go out there and take it. By me going out there to take it, y’all going to see a whole lot of explosiveness this time. I know he’s going to bring it, just like I’m going to bring it.
“I don’t know if it’ll last the whole 12 rounds … as long as it goes, I know we’re going to put it all out there for y’all. I just can’t wait to get in the ring and do it again. This is the biggest fight out there besides, you know, Mayweather-Pacquiao. They’re not fighting. I just know that Nov. 20 I’m going to do my best. I’m going to win. I know there a lot of questions about [how our first fight] was a close fight, this and that, but you know, it’s my job to make that right. I’m going to end all that. Come Nov. 20, I’m definitely going to be ready. We’re going to get it on once again. Y’all going to get your money's worth
By Keith Idec
NEW YORK — Sergio Martinez isn’t quite convinced Paul Williams wanted their rematch.
The middleweight champion from Argentina gets the impression Williams was coerced into meeting Martinez again, that he was eventually offered enough money to accept a fight he would’ve just as soon skipped. Williams, quite naturally, makes it sound as if the Martinez rematch was the only fight he wanted after Kermit Cintron impersonated Michael Phelps against Williams on May 8 in Carson, Calif.
No matter who you believe or how they got here, perhaps the second-most meaningful fight in boxing has been scheduled for Nov. 20 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. And during a year in which we’ve had few “Fight of the Year” candidates and entirely too much attention paid to the mega-fight that won’t happen, we should be extremely grateful that Martinez and Williams will go at it again five nights before Thanksgiving.
Lou DiBella, Martinez’s promoter, is just pleased he and Dan Goossen, Williams’ promoter, were able to work through countless issues to make sure Martinez (45-2-2, 24 KOs) and Williams (39-1, 27 KOs) didn’t make the same mistakes Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) and Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KOs) have made since December.
“Boxing needs this fight,” DiBella said during a press conference to promote it Thursday afternoon in Manhattan. “Boxing needs guys like [Martinez and Williams]. I wake up in the morning and I wonder if I’m working in a business that won’t exist five years from now. … If we don’t have more fights like this, we’re headed right to the toilet bowl.”
Williams and Martinez haven’t transcended boxing the way Pacquiao and Mayweather have by becoming crossover stars that are either adored or detested by mainstream sports fans. But they regularly rank right behind Mayweather and Pacquiao on pound-for-pound lists, their breathtaking brawl Dec. 5 in Atlantic City was widely viewed by fans as one of the two most satisfying fights of 2009 and their rematch won’t require an additional $50 or $60 to watch it.
The bout will be televised live on HBO’s “World Championship Boxing.”
“People come up at these press conferences and thank HBO for making fights,” DiBella said. “Well, HBO really made this fight.”
Executives at HBO Sports felt that producing the Williams-Martinez rematch was their second most-important order of business this year, behind a fight that could become the most lucrative event in boxing history if it ever materializes.
“A lot has been said recently by many of the writers in this room and a lot of the Internet writers about the fights that are not being made,” said Kery Davis, HBO Sports’ senior vice president for programming. “Certainly we’re all disappointed that the No. 1 and No. 2 fighter didn’t find their way to fighting on Nov. 13, in another fight that HBO really wanted. However, you can make an argument that this is the second-biggest fight that can be made in our sport. Because as Lou [DiBella] said, you probably have, by all objective criteria, the No. 3 and No. 4, at worst No. 5, pound-for-pound fighters in the sport [in this fight].
“And just like the mega-fight that we’re all missing, where you have the best welterweights in the sport, in this case specifically, you not only have the two best middleweights in the sport, but you can make an argument that you have the two best junior middleweights in the sport. So by every boxing criteria, this is a terrific fight. And we have one more benefit here — we’ve already seen the first one.”
What we witnessed in their first fight was two highly skilled southpaws with above-average power, better chins and the championship-caliber conditioning to tee off on each other throughout 12 thrill-filled rounds that probably should’ve resulted in a draw.
Instead, two judges — Lynne Carter (115-113) and Pierre Benoist (119-110) — credited Williams with a victory. The third judge, Julie Lederman, scored a bout in which Williams and Martinez knocked each other down during the first round even (114-114).
Neither fighter owned a middleweight title that night, but Martinez has since out-boxed former middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik so thoroughly that Pavlik (36-2, 32 KOs) declined to exercise the immediate rematch clause in the contract for their April 17 bout at Boardwalk Hall. The Oxnard, Calif., resident won Pavlik’s WBC and WBO 160-pound titles, but he was stripped by the WBO before deciding whether to remain at middleweight or move back down to 154 pounds.
He’ll make the first defense of his WBC title against Williams, but they’ll compete at a catch weight of 157 pounds because Williams believes, despite his height advantage, that he’s much more of a welterweight than he is a middleweight. Martinez made that concession to entice Williams into the bout, but DiBella expects Martinez to leave the ring Nov. 20 as one of the sport’s most prominent power brokers.
“This fight’s everything, because at the end of this fight no one’s going to be dictating anything to Team Martinez,” DiBella said. “Nothing. Nobody. Nobody’s going to be telling us who to fight, what weight to fight at, no one.”
The always-agitated DiBella cannot comprehend, either, why Martinez isn’t a bigger star after impressive performance against Pavlik, Williams and Cintron, all of which were broadcast by HBO since February 2009.
“I don’t understand why, frankly, his face isn’t more all over the place than it already is,” DiBella said. “Not for anything, the guy is good-looking. On top of it, he’s probably the most exciting new face in boxing. Even though he’s in his thirties, this is an athlete that didn’t start until late and I think he’s the most exciting guy in the ring right now.”
Martinez seemingly is the anti-Mayweather. While he isn’t as fast-handed or technically proficient as Mayweather, he’s Hollywood handsome, humble, strongly supports causes that aid battered women, never says no to a fight and employs an entertaining style.
“Maybe I can get to that point,” Martinez said, “to be the new face of boxing, because I take boxing very seriously inside and outside the ring. And that will be the difference between me and the others that are having problems.”
Before the 35-year-old former cyclist can become a Lance Armstrong-sized star in a sport he didn’t embrace until he was 21, he’ll have to defeat a determined Williams, 29, of Augusta, Ga.
“He’s a fighter that I know is not going to make me wait all the way up until the last minute and pull out of a fight on me,” Williams said, alluding to Pavlik. “I know he’s not going to get in the ring and jump out of the ring on me. I know he’s going to fight. So that’s going to make a big fight for us and the fans out there. I see something I want now. I want them belts he’s got on that table. So it’s my job to go out there and take it. By me going out there to take it, y’all going to see a whole lot of explosiveness this time. I know he’s going to bring it, just like I’m going to bring it.
“I don’t know if it’ll last the whole 12 rounds … as long as it goes, I know we’re going to put it all out there for y’all. I just can’t wait to get in the ring and do it again. This is the biggest fight out there besides, you know, Mayweather-Pacquiao. They’re not fighting. I just know that Nov. 20 I’m going to do my best. I’m going to win. I know there a lot of questions about [how our first fight] was a close fight, this and that, but you know, it’s my job to make that right. I’m going to end all that. Come Nov. 20, I’m definitely going to be ready. We’re going to get it on once again. Y’all going to get your money's worth
Alfredo Angulo: Deportation Tales Are a Smear Campaign
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Junior middleweight contender Alfredo Angulo has finally spoken out about the widespread reports that he's fighting to stay in the United States and faces possible deportation back to Mexico for living in the country illegally. Angulo, speaking from his home in California, says the stories are greatly exaggerated. He believes someone is orchestrating a smear campaign against him.
"I don't have the faintest idea why they are doing this [smear campaign]. I think the comments were made by Top Rank, but I'm not sure. If I had a problem, I wouldn't be here," Angulo told Sal Rodriguez.
Angulo says that he has a P-1 visa which provides him with temporary residency in the country. He does admit that his visa expired a few months ago and efforts are being made to renew the visa before any serious issues come up.
"I have to renew it by a certain time and in fact right I'm trying to renew it right now, but I pay my taxes, I'm fine with the government (United States) and I don't expect a problem [with approval being issued for the visa renewal], Angulo said.
Angulo is calm about the issue with his visa, but he is a bit nervous over the situation with HBO, who issued a letter to his promoter which stated that he won't be televised on their network until he establishes legal residency in the United States.
Angulo thinks the network is mad at him for making a high purse demand for a fight with WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez. Angulo was offered $750K to fight Martinez on HBO, but the Mexican fighter countered with a near seven-figure demand.
"I do not know what happened, perhaps because I turned down the fight against Sergio Martinez and perhaps in doing so [my decision] interfered in what they were planning [HBO and the promoters]," Angulo said
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Junior middleweight contender Alfredo Angulo has finally spoken out about the widespread reports that he's fighting to stay in the United States and faces possible deportation back to Mexico for living in the country illegally. Angulo, speaking from his home in California, says the stories are greatly exaggerated. He believes someone is orchestrating a smear campaign against him.
"I don't have the faintest idea why they are doing this [smear campaign]. I think the comments were made by Top Rank, but I'm not sure. If I had a problem, I wouldn't be here," Angulo told Sal Rodriguez.
Angulo says that he has a P-1 visa which provides him with temporary residency in the country. He does admit that his visa expired a few months ago and efforts are being made to renew the visa before any serious issues come up.
"I have to renew it by a certain time and in fact right I'm trying to renew it right now, but I pay my taxes, I'm fine with the government (United States) and I don't expect a problem [with approval being issued for the visa renewal], Angulo said.
Angulo is calm about the issue with his visa, but he is a bit nervous over the situation with HBO, who issued a letter to his promoter which stated that he won't be televised on their network until he establishes legal residency in the United States.
Angulo thinks the network is mad at him for making a high purse demand for a fight with WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez. Angulo was offered $750K to fight Martinez on HBO, but the Mexican fighter countered with a near seven-figure demand.
"I do not know what happened, perhaps because I turned down the fight against Sergio Martinez and perhaps in doing so [my decision] interfered in what they were planning [HBO and the promoters]," Angulo said
Roach: 'We Are Going To Scare The Sh*t Out of Margarito'
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
MANILA—Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao suffered a minor muscle injury during training at the Elorde Gym Saturday, but trainer Freddie Roach sees no cause for worry as the boxer’s camp prepares to leave for Baguio City.
In fact, Roach said it’s Antonio Margarito who should be scared.
“We are going to scare the sh_t out of Margarito,” Roach said to BoxingScene.com/The Inquirer. “That’s one thing Manny will do, he will scare people.”
Roach said the Pacman’s injury was nothing new to Team Pacquiao, which will motor to Baguio City Sunday for the more serious phase of preparations for the fight against the Mexican Margarito on Nov. 13.
“We will get that out of the way as soon as possible,” Roach said of the injury. “It’s not an injury we haven’t had before so we know how to deal with it.”
Pacquiao had a little swelling in his leg muscle during training Saturday. Strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza will check out the minor scrape before the team heads for the country’s summer capital.
Even Pacquiao didn’t seem bothered by the injury as he went 10 rounds with the mitts aside from doing his usual routine.
“His power is very, very good, his speed is coming along and his timing is getting better,” Roach said. “[His] accuracy is not a hundred percent yet but it’s getting better.”
Roach has trained with Pacquiao in Manila for a week already, and the celebrated boxing guru couldn’t ask anything more from his equally celebrated ward.
“I’m thrilled. The thing is we had a great training camp and I expect training camp to be like this all the way through.”
The Elorde gym was packed with Pacquiao fans, including former PBA Best Import bobby Parks and son Ray, who will see action for National University next season. Parks said he “couldn’t leave until we see Manny throw some punches.”
Roach disclosed he would clamp down on onlookers when training camp gets underway in Baguio.
“We are going to have it closed down for the sparring and keep our game plan to ourselves a little bit more,” said Roach, who added that he may open the gym to fans “a couple of times, probably on Saturdays.”
Roach said that when the HBO 24/7 crew comes up to shoot Pacquiao’s sparring sessions, “we are going to have to hush up a little bit because we have a couple of surprises for Margarito.”
Roach said Pacquiao still has a lot in him in terms of boxing.
“I would like to see him get a couple more fights, then get (Floyd) Mayweather Jr and get out of there,” he added.
“If his hunger stays there like it is now, he can do this for four more years if he wanted to. His work ethic is better now than it was the first day we met. He amazed me the first day and he amazes me everyday. He has achieved so much but he still has that drive. It’s for his people.”
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
MANILA—Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao suffered a minor muscle injury during training at the Elorde Gym Saturday, but trainer Freddie Roach sees no cause for worry as the boxer’s camp prepares to leave for Baguio City.
In fact, Roach said it’s Antonio Margarito who should be scared.
“We are going to scare the sh_t out of Margarito,” Roach said to BoxingScene.com/The Inquirer. “That’s one thing Manny will do, he will scare people.”
Roach said the Pacman’s injury was nothing new to Team Pacquiao, which will motor to Baguio City Sunday for the more serious phase of preparations for the fight against the Mexican Margarito on Nov. 13.
“We will get that out of the way as soon as possible,” Roach said of the injury. “It’s not an injury we haven’t had before so we know how to deal with it.”
Pacquiao had a little swelling in his leg muscle during training Saturday. Strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza will check out the minor scrape before the team heads for the country’s summer capital.
Even Pacquiao didn’t seem bothered by the injury as he went 10 rounds with the mitts aside from doing his usual routine.
“His power is very, very good, his speed is coming along and his timing is getting better,” Roach said. “[His] accuracy is not a hundred percent yet but it’s getting better.”
Roach has trained with Pacquiao in Manila for a week already, and the celebrated boxing guru couldn’t ask anything more from his equally celebrated ward.
“I’m thrilled. The thing is we had a great training camp and I expect training camp to be like this all the way through.”
The Elorde gym was packed with Pacquiao fans, including former PBA Best Import bobby Parks and son Ray, who will see action for National University next season. Parks said he “couldn’t leave until we see Manny throw some punches.”
Roach disclosed he would clamp down on onlookers when training camp gets underway in Baguio.
“We are going to have it closed down for the sparring and keep our game plan to ourselves a little bit more,” said Roach, who added that he may open the gym to fans “a couple of times, probably on Saturdays.”
Roach said that when the HBO 24/7 crew comes up to shoot Pacquiao’s sparring sessions, “we are going to have to hush up a little bit because we have a couple of surprises for Margarito.”
Roach said Pacquiao still has a lot in him in terms of boxing.
“I would like to see him get a couple more fights, then get (Floyd) Mayweather Jr and get out of there,” he added.
“If his hunger stays there like it is now, he can do this for four more years if he wanted to. His work ethic is better now than it was the first day we met. He amazed me the first day and he amazes me everyday. He has achieved so much but he still has that drive. It’s for his people.”
Amir Khan Believes Maidana is Having Weight Struggles
By Mark Vester
During Saturday's live boxing broadcast on Sky Sports, WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan sat down with the broadcasters at a roundtable to discuss his upcoming fight with Marcos Maidana on December 11 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Khan, who went face to face with Maidana a fews ago at a London press conference, said the hard-punching challenger looked chubby. Khan estimates Maidana to be at least 154-pounds.
"Maidana looks pudgy to me. He looked heavy....about 11 stones. The fight is at 10 stones," Khan said.
Reports in Argentina indicate Maidana struggled to make weight for his recent fight against former champion DeMarcus Corley on August 28. In what many thought was an easy fight on paper, the opposite took place when Maidana struggled with Corley and looked exhausted in the late rounds. He still won by unanimous decision.
But the reports also said Maidana overlooked Corley and "took it easy" during training camp. For the fight Khan, which Maidana chased for over a year, he will train for the fight of his life. With over two months to go before the weigh-in, Maidana has more than enough time to easily make the junior welterweight limit of 140-pounds
By Mark Vester
During Saturday's live boxing broadcast on Sky Sports, WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan sat down with the broadcasters at a roundtable to discuss his upcoming fight with Marcos Maidana on December 11 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Khan, who went face to face with Maidana a fews ago at a London press conference, said the hard-punching challenger looked chubby. Khan estimates Maidana to be at least 154-pounds.
"Maidana looks pudgy to me. He looked heavy....about 11 stones. The fight is at 10 stones," Khan said.
Reports in Argentina indicate Maidana struggled to make weight for his recent fight against former champion DeMarcus Corley on August 28. In what many thought was an easy fight on paper, the opposite took place when Maidana struggled with Corley and looked exhausted in the late rounds. He still won by unanimous decision.
But the reports also said Maidana overlooked Corley and "took it easy" during training camp. For the fight Khan, which Maidana chased for over a year, he will train for the fight of his life. With over two months to go before the weigh-in, Maidana has more than enough time to easily make the junior welterweight limit of 140-pounds
Super Six Cruiserweights: Potential Bouts, Schedule
By Alexey Sukachev
During the Polish broadcast for Wlodarczyk vs Robinson, the broadcasters presented what will seemingly be a potential schedule for the first stage of proposed "Super Six" analogue among the cruiserweights. IBF champion Steve Cunningham (23-2, 12 KOs) will put his title at risk against hard-hitting Russian bomber Denis Lebedev (22-0, 17 KOs), while WBO master Marko Huck (30-1, 23 KOs) collides with French WBA interim beltholder Steve Herelius (20-1-1, 12 KOs) in a partial unification of the titles; both contests to be held in December. In January 2011, WBC champion Wlodarczyk will take on Yoan Pablo Hernandez (22-1, 11 KOs) in the third and last fight of the first stage. This schedule is surely a preliminary one
By Alexey Sukachev
During the Polish broadcast for Wlodarczyk vs Robinson, the broadcasters presented what will seemingly be a potential schedule for the first stage of proposed "Super Six" analogue among the cruiserweights. IBF champion Steve Cunningham (23-2, 12 KOs) will put his title at risk against hard-hitting Russian bomber Denis Lebedev (22-0, 17 KOs), while WBO master Marko Huck (30-1, 23 KOs) collides with French WBA interim beltholder Steve Herelius (20-1-1, 12 KOs) in a partial unification of the titles; both contests to be held in December. In January 2011, WBC champion Wlodarczyk will take on Yoan Pablo Hernandez (22-1, 11 KOs) in the third and last fight of the first stage. This schedule is surely a preliminary one
Froch says he has a bad chest cold, along with his back problem
By Scott Gilfoid: In his latest column at thisisnottingham.co.uk, former WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (26-1, 20 KO’s) revealed that he’s come down with a bad chest cold, along his back problem he’s been having for the past couple of weeks. With all the ailments that Froch is suffering all of a sudden, you have to wonder if these are going to be pulled out of his hat should he get spanked Arthur Abraham (31-1, 25 KO’s) in their stage 3 Super Six tournament fight on November 27th, in Helsinki, Finland. Froch sure has enough time for his cold and back problem to get better. I don’t know what to think if they’re still their plaguing him in some shape or form two months from now. But I like how he mentions them in his article.
As far as the rest of his column goes, Froch did some bellyaching about losing money on purchasing tickets for his family to travel to see him in Monaco. It looks like they wouldn’t let Froch get a refund. I’ve had the same thing happen to me, and I don’t understand how the airlines can do that. Other than that, it was mostly boring stuff with Froch crowing about some obscure gym never heard of saying that Froch is in “Fantastic physical condition” despite his back problem. How in the world can Froch be in fantastic physical condition when he’s complaining about a cold and a back injury?
The rest of the article was Froch reliving his drama with Abraham about him thinking Froch had lost it mentally over his loss to Mikkel Kessler in April. Froch then felt the need to remind Abraham that he had been beaten by Andre Dirrell, a fighter that Froch beat previously in Nottingham, England. Froch went on to brag about having fought Kessler “in front of 12,000 crazy Vikings in Kessler’s back yard.” Froch left out the fact that he lost that fight in front of those 12,000 crazy Vikings. Froch mentions having beaten Jermain Taylor on the road, but fails to mention that the fight wasn’t in Taylor’s home state of Arkansas. It took place in Connecticut, where there was only a small crowd with very few Taylor fans.
Froch might as well have fought in an isolated room, because that’s hardly fighting on the road. The rest of the article was just blather about Ricky Hatton and other stuff that’s not worth mentioning. I would have liked to have heard about how Froch was going to take Abraham’s head off. That would have made the column worth reading. Froch needs to put on his game face and start opening his yap more.
By Scott Gilfoid: In his latest column at thisisnottingham.co.uk, former WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (26-1, 20 KO’s) revealed that he’s come down with a bad chest cold, along his back problem he’s been having for the past couple of weeks. With all the ailments that Froch is suffering all of a sudden, you have to wonder if these are going to be pulled out of his hat should he get spanked Arthur Abraham (31-1, 25 KO’s) in their stage 3 Super Six tournament fight on November 27th, in Helsinki, Finland. Froch sure has enough time for his cold and back problem to get better. I don’t know what to think if they’re still their plaguing him in some shape or form two months from now. But I like how he mentions them in his article.
As far as the rest of his column goes, Froch did some bellyaching about losing money on purchasing tickets for his family to travel to see him in Monaco. It looks like they wouldn’t let Froch get a refund. I’ve had the same thing happen to me, and I don’t understand how the airlines can do that. Other than that, it was mostly boring stuff with Froch crowing about some obscure gym never heard of saying that Froch is in “Fantastic physical condition” despite his back problem. How in the world can Froch be in fantastic physical condition when he’s complaining about a cold and a back injury?
The rest of the article was Froch reliving his drama with Abraham about him thinking Froch had lost it mentally over his loss to Mikkel Kessler in April. Froch then felt the need to remind Abraham that he had been beaten by Andre Dirrell, a fighter that Froch beat previously in Nottingham, England. Froch went on to brag about having fought Kessler “in front of 12,000 crazy Vikings in Kessler’s back yard.” Froch left out the fact that he lost that fight in front of those 12,000 crazy Vikings. Froch mentions having beaten Jermain Taylor on the road, but fails to mention that the fight wasn’t in Taylor’s home state of Arkansas. It took place in Connecticut, where there was only a small crowd with very few Taylor fans.
Froch might as well have fought in an isolated room, because that’s hardly fighting on the road. The rest of the article was just blather about Ricky Hatton and other stuff that’s not worth mentioning. I would have liked to have heard about how Froch was going to take Abraham’s head off. That would have made the column worth reading. Froch needs to put on his game face and start opening his yap more.