Boxing News Thread

  • Wanna Join? New users you can now register lightning fast using your Facebook or Twitter accounts.
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Vitali Klitschko Says: "I'm Ready To Fight David Haye"

By Mark Vester

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko can't wait to get David Haye in the ring for a fight in 2010. After disposing of Kevin Johnson this past Saturday, Klitschko is looking for his next challenge. Haye is facing his WBA mandatory challenger John Ruiz in the first quarter of the coming year.

He was due to face Haye in September but the British fighter pulled out and took a fight against Nikolai Valuev for the WBA title, which Haye captured via decision. Klitschko doesn't see Haye as a world champion of boxing. He sees him as the world champion of trash talking. He doesn't like all of the big talk coming from Haye and he wants to shut his mouth for good.

“I’m ready to fight Haye but he has to fight Ruiz next and I wish him good luck. Maybe after that we can do a unification fight next year. Haye talks too much and if he fights either me or Wladimir he gets beat. Haye is the world champion of trash talking," Klitschko said.
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Lucian Bute Receives Feeler For Allan Green Fight

By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com has learned that Lou DiBella, promoter for Allan Green, is exploring a possible fight against undefeated IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute. With Jermain Taylor refusing to walk away from the Super Six tournament, Green [a Super Six backup] obviously needs an alternate plan. Bute's side, and HBO, would prefer a fight with WBO/WBC middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. That possibility is looking more unlikely by the week. Promoter Bob Arum insists that Pavlik is going to remain at 160-pounds for the better of 2010. Arum would like to see Pavlik fight either Paul Williams or WBA champion Felix Sturm - or both. That leaves Bute in the hunt for an opponent.

International matchmaker/agent Don Majeski confirmed that DiBella reached out for a Bute-Green encounter.

"We have had some talks for a fight with Allan Green. We would really like to fight Kelly Pavlik but we've heard that he might stay at middleweight so who knows. We have to see what happens with Pavlik," Majeski told BoxingScene.
 
Aug 31, 2003
5,551
3,189
113
www.ebay.com
Malignaggi has no real title at JWW. Juan Diaz' first fight at 140 was the first against Malignaggi and this was only his second. Neither had a belt going into it .. Malignaggi was picked because he doesn't have much pop and has serious hand problems .. bad move on Golden Boy's part, especially the rematch.

Malignaggi should try and score a fight with Urango to get his IBF strap back and be able to lure the bigger names at 140 to fight him.
 
Aug 31, 2003
5,551
3,189
113
www.ebay.com
Did anyone see the Bradley-Peterson scrap?


I missed it...
Yea, Bradley taxed that ass. Beat him nearly every round & put him on his ass in over of the early rounds with a shot behind the ear. I thought Peterson was gonna end up getting KO'd but he hung in there and scrapped. Was a fight worth checking out but I wouldn't go crazy looking for it.
 
May 13, 2002
49,944
47,801
113
44
Seattle
www.socialistworld.net
Bradley is the truth, I do believe he may be deserving of the top 10 pound 4 pound list.

As for Malignaggi, Urango is probably one of the only top guys at 140 I can see him beating. Bradley, Amir Khan, Devon Alexander and of course Pacquiao would all fuck him up. And I'd love to see him get smashed on.
 
May 13, 2002
49,944
47,801
113
44
Seattle
www.socialistworld.net
Oh man, James Toney is just too fuckin funny. Best interview I read in a while, he blasts everyone lol.




JAMES TONEY ACCEPTS TARVER'S CHALLENGE!
By G. Leon

Calls Kevin Johnson "Queenpin"

GL: I spoke with Antonio Tarver earlier today, and he was trying to get a rematch with Bernard Hopkins, who turned him down. The next name out of his mouth was fighting you at heavyweight, and the winner should be able to challenge David Haye for the WBA heavyweight title. He says he's ready to make it happen ASAP.

James Toney: Really? We can do this. Finally, one of the bitches came out the closet. I've been chasing everybody. I've been wanting to fight the Klitschko sisters, no heart David Haye, Christine Arreola, I've been trying to fight everybody. All of these guys run their ****ing mouths. I'm mad at Chris Arreola, he made a comment about knocking out all these bums, and he mentioned my name. I may be old, but I'm definitely not a bum. I've forgotten more boxing than he's learned.

GL: He called you an old bum? I missed that.

JT: I tried to be friends with the dude, he's a sorry-ass bum. He cried like a bitch when he got beat by Klitschko in September. What man goes and cries because he got beat by another man? Only bitches do shit like that.

GL: You weighed 217 in your last fight. Are you maintaining that weight?

JT: I want to go down, because I want fake ass Bernard Hopkins. Fake ass, old school. What mother****er goes in there with a hood on his head?" Nobody does that, they fight. He fights to survive. The last guy he fought had no business going the distance with him."

GL: With all the heavyweights you want to fight, are you surprised a light heavyweight like Tarver is the one calling you out?

JT: "I'm very surprised, but I'm happy because I'm finally going to get a fight worthy of note. I ain't got to fight no stiff, bum, or so called contenders. But if you think about it, everybody in the heavyweight is a bum. Look at the Queenpin [Kevin Johnson, who had a wek performance against Vitali Klitschko]. He ain't do shit like he said he was going to do. Queenpin stunk up the joint and nobody in America wants to see the Klitschkos, only people in Germany do. And people in Germany are boring anyway, so they're used to boring shit."

GL: How does a fight with you and Tarver play out?

JT: "I love the fight. I think it's a great fight. He's going to try and talk trash, but he's a solid fighter and I get up for fights like this"

GL: He's never been stopped before...

JT: (Cutting in) "He ain't never fight James Toney, so he's going to get ready for a bunch of new experiences if he got the balls to get in the ring with me. I want to make this fight as soon as possible. If he wants a tune up because he been off for a while, that's fine. I just don't want no excuses from him when I put this ass whooping on him."

GL: Back to Arreola for a second. Are you surprised it's been difficult to make since you share the same promtoer?

JT: Dan wants to make the fight, but his manager Alvin Haymon. He don't want to make the fight with Arreola and somebody like me because he knows he really don't got shit. Everybody knows I destroy Arreola. He's a C+ fighter and he'd have no chance with me. That last bum he fought would have won had he stayed up for another couple rounds."

GL: Saying the word mother****er has never helped you as much as Arreola...

JT: (cutting in) "Oh my God, I'm glad you said that. When I do it, I'm a degrading, disgusting person. When he does it, people think he's a comedian that deserves another bum right behind his shitty showing against Klitschko. Greg, I'm telling you I'm not playing with these fools and none of them can **** with me when I'm right and I'm right now. I'm healthy, I ain't got no injuries, quirks or nothing. I'm going to handle my business and get these pretender contenders out the game"

GL: Closing thoughts?

JT: Tarver needs to put up or shut up. If you said it, you better have meant it because you know you're not going to be able to get that snaggle tooth sissy in the ring. I can't get him the ring. I told him I'd go down to 185 and he still wouldn't do it.
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Kelly Pavlik Plans To Destroy Miguel Espino, Says Loew

Today, both fighters hosted media workouts at Jack Loew’s South Side Boxing Club in Youngstown. Here’s what they had to say:

KELLY PAVLIK

Espina is in for a butt whipping. I’m back and I’m 100%. My sparring partners have told me I’m hitting as hard as I ever have. My hand feels great. During my first sparring session I took it easy, but when I felt no pain, I switched to normal sparring gloves and never looked back. I don’t think the layoff was a detriment to me. I just wish it had been for a different reason. But I feel excited and refreshed. My weight is on target and I’m raring to go. As the saying goes, ‘There’s no place like home.’ Making my return in Youngstown in front of family and friends is just what the doctor ordered.

JACK LOEW

The snap in Kelly’s punches is back. Over the past seven day of training Kelly has returned to his world championship form. Kelly is ready to drop Espino more times than Tiger Woods' trousers!”

MIGUEL ESPINO

I know I’m considered an underdog. That doesn’t bother me. It never has. I’ve been training to win this fight. I’ve been training to become a world champion. My trainer John Bray and I have not wasted one moment of training camp. It’s a tough fight, perhaps the toughest I’ve ever had. But I have full confidence in my abilities as a fighter. If Kelly has chosen to take me lightly, he’s made a big mistake. I can’t wait until Saturday night.”

JOHN BRAY

Miguel and I have been together for 10 years and this is by far his best training camp. He won’t be overwhelmed by the experience, he will embrace it. We are very appreciative for this opportunity and we intend to make the most of it. Kelly Pavlik is a very talented fighter. He is a good champion, a strong champion. But we have prepared well. Miguel is ready. This is going to be a great fight and a great night for boxing.
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Vitali Klitschko-David Haye Preliminary Deal Reached?

By Mark Vester

According to WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, there is a preliminary agreement in place to face WBA champion David Haye in a unification bout in 2010. Klitschko and Haye was set to meet in September but the British fighter withdrew and instead took a fight with 7'2 Nikolai Valuev. Klitschko instead fought and stopped Chris Arreola. Last weekend Klitschko won an easy twelve round decision over Kevin Johnson.

"In the near future I plan to fight Haye and take the title," Ukrainian daily Fakty quoted Klitschko as saying. "The preliminary agreement has already been reached."

Haye must first defeat WBA mandatory John Ruiz in the first quarter of 2010. Klitschko has been rumored to be interested in a fight with Valuev to pass the time. It would mark the first time where Klitschko would step in the ring as the smaller man.
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Glen Johnson on Facing Yusaf Mack, Cloud, Tarver

By Ryan Burton

BoxingScene.com speaks to light heavyweight contender Glen Johnson (49-13-2) in this exclusive interview. Johnson speaks about his loss to Dawson and his upcoming IBF title eliminator bout versus Yusaf Mack (28-2-2) on the Shane Mosley versus Andre Berto undercard January 30th at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The Road Warrior looks to move on to bigger and better things after that bout and has his eyes on Tavoris Cloud's light heavyweight strap.

BoxingScene.com: You are getting back in the ring pretty fast since your fight with Chad Dawson. Why is that?

Glen Johnson: I am not getting any younger you know. When you get an opportunity you have to jump at it. I believe this is a good opportunity coming off a fight where I didn't get to do what I really wanted to do so this is an opportunity to get back in the mix for bigger fights in the boxing game. I am happy for the opportunity and I look to take advantage of it.

BoxingScene.com: What do you think a win over Yusaf Mack does for you?

Glen Johnson: Anytime I can beat a younger guy it helps me. There are some young guys out there that are there to be beat. Obviously I think I won the first fight with Dawson and I cleary won the second fight with him. Now we move on to whatever else is out there and Yusaf Mack is a credible guy and I look forward to competing with him and winning that fight.

BoxingScene.com: Speaking of the fight with Dawson you were the aggressor but Dawson was boxing and moving and backing up a lot. What do you think went wrong in the fight?

Glen Johnson: You know Dawson doesn't have to win the fight. He just has to not lose the fight so he did what he was supposed to do which was try to survive. Even his hometown fans that cheered him so loudly (when he entered the ring) were booing him by the end of the fight. They were booing me when I entered the ring and then they started booing him. That goes to show you his commitment to pleasing the fans but again all he has to do is win. If I had his same opportunities I guess I would do things the same way.

BoxingScene.com: This is your first fight in Las Vegas since 2002. How does it feel to be fighting back in Vegas?

Glen Johnson: Vegas obviously is a fantastic city. It is a great fight town. The support out there for boxing is second to none and I am boxing out there on a big card. Two of my favorite fighters (Mosley and Berto) are fighting in the main event. I like both fighters very much so I am happy about that. I am excited to be part of such a major shows and there will be a lot of eyes there to see me. I know a lot of people saw my last fight where I didn't look so good and this is another opportunity for me to show the people that I am still a major part of the light heavyweight division.

BoxingScene.com: Antonio Tarver was on Showtime saying he was ready to get back in the ring. Would you entertain fighting him again?

Glen Johnson: Of course. You know me. There is nobody I wouldn't fight. It is all about the right timing and the right opportunities. I am looking to fight all comers. I want to fight the fights that are available to me. If Tarver is available all they have to do is make a phone call.

BoxingScene.com: How much longer do you see yourself boxing?

Glen Johnson: You know I have been asked that question a lot and I really don't have an answer. The truth of the matter is we all know that when you age we don't know what it will be like until you are there. I still feel good and I still feel I can do all the things that I want to do so it is hard for me to speak about things that I don't know about. I am not that wealthy where I am as wealthy as Bernard Hopkins where I don't need to box. I am trying to make as much money as I can so I can have have as much security as possible financially. I feel if Bernard Hopkins at 44 can still do it and do it well when he doesn't have to be fighting because he is financially secure well that gives me hope to keep going.

BoxingScene.com: Besides the financial stability do you have your eye on being a champion again?

Glen Johnson: Absolutely. That is why we are working out. We are always trying to get that strap. Everyone wants to be a champion in everything we do.

BoxingScene.com: Assuming you defeat Mack where do you want to go from there? It is an IBF Elimator bout correct?

Glen Johnson: Yes it is. I want to fight the IBF champion, Tavoris Cloud. That would be my ideal fight.

BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?

Glen Johnson: Thanks for the great support they have showed me through the years and keep supporting me. It should be a great fight next month so please come out if you can make it.
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Mayweather-Pacquiao Could Be Finalized This Week

By Mark Vester

According to a source close to the negotiations, speaking with AOL's Fan House, the March 13 super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be finalized as early as this week.

There is still nothing solid on the venue. The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is the frontrunner. Texas' Dallas Cowboys has made a strong $25 million dollar bid to steal it away. That may not be enough. The MGM is said to be putting together a deal that will reach over $30 million. Everything has been agreed upon, including Olympic style drug testing of both fighters.

"[The fight will] definitely be finalized this week," according to the source. "I really believe that it will be done by late Thursday. It will definitely be finalized this week. I'm just not sure if it's going to be Dallas or the MGM."

Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's adviser, told Fan House that Pacquiao-Mayweather will more than likely end up at the MGM Grand.

"I believe that it will end up at the MGM because both fighters want to fight in Las Vegas," said Koncz. "I think that both fighters have expressed their desire to fight in Las Vegas."
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Shawn Estrada's Surgery a Success; Eyes 2010 Run

Los Angeles, CA - On Tuesday of last week, US Olympian and current undefeated super middleweight boxer Shawn Estrada underwent surgery at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The surgery, headed up by Dr. Roy Meals at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, involved repairing a ruptured extensor tendon in the sagittal band of Estrada’s right ring finger which was injured in sparring while the hot East L.A. prospect was preparing for a scheduled November 28 bout.

“The doctors basically told us by doing surgery the injury should never re-occur or be a problem again. He should be ready to return to the ring in three months,” Estrada’s co-manager Eric Scholnick said.

Since signing with Goossen Tutor in October 2008 and turning pro a month later with a one-minute demolition of Lawrence Jones in Ontario, CA, the 24-year old Estrada has knocked out all six of his opponents – five in the first round. In his most recent bout back in May, he registered a first-round stoppage of Cory Jones in Oakland, CA.

“I had some bad luck with injuries this year,” said Estrada, who, in addition to missing a fight due to his recent surgery, had to pull out of a scheduled bout on the Chris Arreola-Vitali Klitschko undercard at LA’s Staples Center in September. “I am confident that I will remain healthy in 2010 and continue to fulfill my goal as a world class professional.”

Promoter Dan Goossen added: “the key is having Shawn healthy and fit going into 2010, and he’ll take care of the rest
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Exclusive Interview - Timothy Bradley Speaks About His Win Over Lamont Peterson And A

by James Slater - Reigning WBO light-welterweight champion scored a fine and very engrossing-to-watch victory over the unbeaten Lamont Peterson on Saturday, and in so doing the 26-year-old solidified his position atop the 140-pound rankings. Calling the fight his toughest so far, "Desert Storm" admitted he had to dig deep so as to win.

Now, with talk going on that he may face WBA champ Amir Khan next, the fighter who has proven he only wants to fight the best in the world can look ahead.

Very kindly taking the time to speak with me about Saturday's win and what the future may hold, the unbeaten 25-0(11) warrior gave the following answers to my questions:

James Slater: It's always a real pleasure to speak with you, Champ. Congratulations on the win over Lamont Peterson - a great win in a great fight. You must be feeling good right now?

Timothy Bradley: Yeah, it was an awesome fight and I had an awesome time. Lamont Peterson brought out the best in me and I showed the world what I can do. I showed I can fight well on the inside and on the outside. I'm best on the outside, boxing, but I dug deep and I fought well on the inside..

J.S: You said post-fight that this was the toughest win of your career?

T.B: Absolutely. This was a real tough fight, physically and mentally. It was a real tough fight in a mental aspect. He was undefeated and he brought it to me. It's always a lot easier to beat a guy who has been beaten before; because they know how to lose. Lamont had never lost before and you have to teach a guy like that how to lose. He stepped up and we had a real tough fight - we went back and forth for 12 hard rounds. It was a great slugfest and it was not a boring fight at all.

J.S: No way was it boring! I don't think I've seen you in a boring fight. Is Lamont the best boxer you've ever faced?

T.B: Well, not the best boxer, but he changed his strategy in the fight and I changed mine. He brought it to me, he wanted to stay right with me. He was a little better on the inside than me, whereas I was the better boxer on the outside. He felt safe on the inside and he was taking it to my body, trying to wear me down. Nobody else has ever really stood there right with me like that before.

J.S: Were you surprised when the cards had you up so clearly? One judge had you up 120-107, a shut-out. Did that surprise you at all?

T.B: Not at all. I thought I'd definitely won a unanimous decision. Those guys [the judges] know boxing. I've watched the fight on tape, and I think Lamont won two, maybe three rounds. The third round was a great round. I dropped him and he got up and came back at me. He pressured me and tried to wear me down. That could have been a 9-9 round, but with the knockdown it was a 10-8 round for me. In the fourth round he brought it to me and got the best of me a little. It was a great fight.

J.S: You've said it was your toughest win, but was the fight also your best win - a win to really be proud of?

T.B: Yeah, absolutely. Because I showed the world what I can do. I showed I'm not in any way a one-dimensional fighter. I showed that I'm a double threat to other fighters. The other guys will have to figure me out now - can they out-box me? No, because I can box real well. Can they out-slug me? No, because I proved I can go backwards and forwards and fight well on the inside. I showed that I can adjust and dig deep if I need to.

J.S: You mentioned Lamont's body work after the fight? Were they his best weapons, his most hurtful punches?

T.B: Absolutely. He threw some hellacious body shots on the inside! They say Lamont hurt Floyd Mayweather to the body [in sparring in training], and that it was him who made him have to postpone his fight [against Juan Manuel Marquez]. I can understand why now. He worked the body ridiculously! But I finished the fight strong. I was in great condition.

J.S: We hear it could possibly be Amir Khan for you next. Gary Shaw was quoted as saying he's been in talks about that fight. Have you heard anything?

T.B: I haven't heard anything about an Amir Khan fight. So I really don't know. I've just got through this fight but I hear they are talking. It's a unification fight, so let's talk; let's negotiate. I'll go that route if my manager Cameron Dunkin assesses the fight and likes what he sees. I want to fight the best fighters in the world, and Khan has the WBA title. I want that title, it would be great in my collection. I have tonnes of fans in England and I'd be happy to come to England. Khan is one of the best 140-pound fighters in the world. He's at number-two with Ring magazine, and I'm number-one, so this fight would be a fight to cement who is the best in the world at 140. I certainly consider Khan to be one of the best. A fight between us would be to decide the linear championship and the Ring magazine title, so I'm excited about the fight.

J.S: It would be great to see you fight here in the U.K again. You had a good win last time, when you beat Junior Witter, who was being avoided at the time.

T.B: Yes, I think that fight would be lots of fun if it happened. Don't miss this fight if it happens. I'll let you know now, that would be a great fight.

J.S: Did you see the Khan-Salita fight that took place recently?

T.B: I didn't get a chance to see it, but I hear he looked very impressive, taking the guy out in quick time. I will look at the video and definitely study that fight. I think Khan is a very impressive fighter; Freddie Roach is doing a great job with him, and I think he's ready for the top dogs now.

J.S: Well, you're the top dog at 140. Do you think Khan's speed would be a match for yours? You're both super-fast!

T.B: I have yet to see any fighter in the ring that is faster than me, so we'll see how quick Khan is. We'll see how he fights on the inside. It would be a great fight - we're both young, we're both hungry and we've both been looking good.

J.S: You've had a great year in 2009, what with three excellent wins - even though the Nate Campbell win was later changed to a no-contest. Did that upset you?

T.B: Absolutely it upset me. I felt like I would have gone on to win the fight; I don't think Nate would have lasted with me. It would have been good to have had Nate Campbell's name on my resume, but these things happen in boxing, and it's all right. At least nobody lost and we both got paid.

J.S: You have had a great year, regardless. Do you think you may get mentioned as one of 2009's fighters of the year?

T.B: It's possible, but I think they'll give it to Manny Pacquiao, due to his status. He had good wins over Ricky Hatton, who he knocked out in fine fashion, and Cotto, who he knocked out as well in fashion. So I think they'll give it to him. But I've faced top guys only this year - all of the guys I've fought were ranked in the top-five with the major organisations and in the world. So I've fought and defeated some of the best fighters in the world this year.

J.S: There's no doubt about that. As good as you've already looked and are looking, it seems you get better with each fight. How great can you become in, say, two or three years?

T.B: I tell you something, when you have God on your side, there is no limit. I've got God and my lord and saviour Jesus Christ on my side and it's going to be tough for anyone to beat me. That's how I feel. This is my time now and I'm at the top of my game and I will get better.

J.S: It's been great speaking with you, Timothy. I wish you all the best for the rest of your career and I look forward to your next fight, whoever it's against.

T.B: Thank you. I just want to say, I love all my fans, especially in the U.K. I love them right back. And I also want to thank Eastside Boxing. It's one of my favourite sites, I enjoy reading the comments of the fans and stuff.

J.S: That's very nice of you to say, Champ. It's most appreciated.

T.B: Okay, I'll talk to you after the next fight.
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
McDermott To Face Chisora for Tyson Fury's Vacated English Heavyweight Title; Fury To

by James Slater - There has been an interesting development on the British heavyweight scene. Unbeaten and heavily publicised 21-year-old Tyson Fury, who controversially won the English title with a points win over John McDermott back in September, has been forced to vacate the title because of the hand injury he suffered in his win over Tomas Mrazek. Fury's hand is still not 100-percent, and he has been unable to go ahead with the British Boxing Board of Control-ordered return fight with the man many felt he lost to in McDermott..

This has been reported by The Manchester Evening News, and Fury, who is highly upset at having to give up his first pro title, will now watch old foe McDermott fight another unbeaten hope in London's Derek "Del Boy" Chisora. It has been reported that Fury will fight the winner, in a bout that will be a final eliminator for the British heavyweight championship (currently held by Danny Williams, Danny set to meet Commonwealth champ Sam Sexton early next year).

So, we could be seeing some interesting all-British heavyweight rumbles in 2010. McDermott-Chisora is a good match-up, and one that will provide the fast-talking Chisora with his first real test. And the eventual winner versus Fury will be an intriguing fight either way - a return with McDermott would give both men a chance to set the record straight, while a Fury-Chisora clash has bad blood written all over it. And then, the winner of that fight would face whoever the British champion is after Williams and Sexton have met. Sounds good to me.

Fury, however, is annoyed at having to vacate his English title.

"I'm sick about it, but The BBB of C wouldn't give me any more time," Fury told The Manchester Evening News. "My hand is still only about 80-percent. Two specialists have recommended I have an operation and it looks like I'll have to [have one]. The Board said they will match McDermott and Chisora for the vacant title and I'll get the winner in a final eliminator for the British. I won't lose my position and it gives me hand more time."

So, if Chisora is as good as he seems to think he is, and he manages to defeat "Big Bad John," we may never see a Fury-McDermott II - even though their first meeting sparked off one of the biggest controversies in recent British boxing history. For what it's worth, I think the underrated McDermott will be able to defeat Chisora, most likely on points; and we will then get to see the demanded return with the 6'7" big name.

Fury, by the way, is now being trainer by knowledgeable veteran Brian Hughes; the man who took Robin Reid to a world super-middleweight title. Hughes, who has The Moston and Collyhurst Lads Club gym on the outskirts of Manchester, is the third trainer to have worked with Fury.
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Exclusive Interview - "Fast" Eddie Chambers Talks About His Upcoming Fight With Wladi

by James Slater - 27-year-old Eddie Chambers of Philadelphia, 35-1(18) was recently given the green light to face Ring magazine, IBF and WBO heavyweight ruler Wladimir Klitschko. "Fast" Eddie will travel to Germany to try and dethrone the man known as "Dr. Steel Hammer" on March 20th.

Already buzzing about the fight he sees as his long overdue opportunity, Chambers is feeling ultra-confident. And coming off his career-best showing against the huge Alexander Dimitrenko in his last fight back in July, so should he be. Very kindly taking the time to speak with me about the upcoming fight earlier today, the always accommodating nice guy had the following answers to my questions:

James Slater: It's always a pleasure to speak with you, Eddie. Firstly, it's great news you getting the world heavyweight title fight with Wladimir Klitschko on March 20th. You must be excited already?

Eddie Chambers: Absolutely. I feel this is a great opportunity; this is what I've been fighting for the whole duration of my career. I know most folks don't think I have even an outside chance of winning, but I'm really gonna drop some jaws..

J.S: When will you start camp for the fight?

E.C: I'm already doing certain things, like running and doing some strength and conditioning work. I never allow my weight to go up too much between fights - I like to always stay in good shape. But officially, real camp will start at the end of January; that will be when I shut everything down. But I feel very good now and I'm very confident I will win this fight.

J.S: Do you have any idea yet who you will be sparring with?

E.C: I don't know for sure, but I will use some of the same guys I worked with for the [Alexander] Dimitrenko fight. And also some tall guys and some mobile and fast guys.

J.S: Talking about the Dimitrenko win you scored, you looked great in that fight - do you plan on coming in at around the same weight, around the 208 mark?

E.C: Yeah, well, me and my strength and conditioning guy, we go back and forth on that. I say I want to be around 210, and he says I should be more like 215 - and he knows more than I do about strength and conditioning, etc. I will say this; I won't be anywhere too far north of 215. My body will be cut and ready for this fight, and I will be in great shape. I'll be more than ready.

J.S: Do you feel, in doing what you did to Dimitrenko, a big guy, that that fight was a perfect fight to have taken before facing Wladimir? You proved beyond any doubt you can handle the really big guys.

E.C: Absolutely. There are lots of similarities between Dimitrenko and Klitschko - but there are also lots of differences. I don't want to slight Wladimir, because he has proven he is the world's number-one - but Dimitrenko is a little more fluid than he is, and he's a little more rounded a fighter. Dimitrenko can fight on the inside and various things like that - he's very athletic for a guy his size. And Klistchko is as well, and of course he has that championship pedigree. I think the Dimitrenko fight was an excellent blueprint for me, and that fight gave me a look at what I will face when I get in there with Wladimir.

J.S: A number of fans ask how will you handle the problem lots of other fighters have faced when fighting the Klitschkos - how will you get inside on them? How will you get past their left jab? Do you feel you can get in on Wladimir with your great speed?

E.C: I think mobility is a big factor. A lot of the guys who fought the Klitschkos didn't have the mobility I have, and also, I don't think they really had the will to try getting inside and to win. They were too concerned with they'd be getting hit with and what they [the Klitschkos] would do in the fight. But I'm different in that I'll make them miss. I plan to make myself a very difficult target in there. And I will use lots of offence also. People don't want to jab with the Klitschkos, but I will use my legs and jab while using movement. And being hard to hit, that will frustrate Wladimir. No matter how great any fighter is, if you take them out of their comfort zone, what they're used to, and back them up, turn them around, use angles - and not allow them to fight their usual fight, they can be beaten.

J.S: You proved you are a harder hitter than people perhaps think in the Dimitrenko fight. Will you perhaps jump right on Wladimir, instead of boxing him as he will maybe expect. Is that a possibility; because he doesn't handle pressure all that well, does he?

E.C: Of course that could be one way I could approach getting the win, and that's interesting. I have several ways in which I can win the fight. But my plan, really, is to dismantle all the thinking that people have that I can't do enough to get the win. Walking him down is an approach, where I will make him have to hold. Also, he'll be surprised at what I can do on the inside - and I will also use my athleticism and my movement and my jab. Even in the Vitali Klitschko fight on Saturday, against Kevin Johnson; when Johnson jabbed he made Klitschko back off. Had Johnson been more aggressive, and made more of a fight of it, he could have maybe done something. I will be way more aggressive. I will give this fight a massive effort. I'll give this fight my all - my absolute best effort!

J.S: You really sound pumped up for this fight, Eddie! More than for any other fight.

E.C: Oh, I am. I'm really looking forward to bringing the title back home to the U.S in this time of need, when we're in dire need for a heavyweight champion.

J.S: Another factor could possibly be the surgery Klitschko has had, and the layoff. He's only fought once this year - do you think he may not be 100-percent sharp? Could the timing be perfect for this fight on that score? All advantages must be taken, after all.

E.C: Honestly, even though I do think about these things, look at Floyd Mayweather - he had almost two years off and then he came back against the number-two pound-for-pound fighter in Juan Manuel Marquez, and he dominated him for all 12 rounds. So top athletes are at the top for a reason. I think that for a fighter who is on top of his game, a layoff can help them in that it gives them more time to get ready. These guys have the mental attitude needed to win. The ring-rust, as it's called, doesn't really take anything away from the top athletes. But I want to face the very best possible Wladimir Klitschko on March 20th - not a shell of his old self. That way, when I beat him, there will be no excuses - like, "oh, he's getting old."

J.S: You've had quite a bit of experience fighting in Germany. What will this be, your third fight over there?

E.C: This will be the third fight there. The first time (against Alexander Povetkin) was a fairly bad experience, even though I was ahead in the fight for the first 5 rounds. The second time (against Dimitrenko), that was what I needed to do, and was what I expected to do. And none of those fights were given to me. Never was I expected to win those fights, and I understand that. I'm looked at a B-level fighter, and I will be until I show that I am an A, A-plus fighter. I will be looked at as number-one when I win on March 20th. I will have earned the distinction these other fighters have.

J.S: It's been great speaking with you, Eddie. I really wish you the best for the fight. Finally, it will obviously mean so much to you to become heavyweight champion - and it will be Ring magazine, IBF and WBO champion - but will it also mean a lot to you to become the first heavyweight champion from Philly since the 1980s, with Tim Witherspoon?

E.C: That will obviously mean a lot too, yes. But most people say there are no U.S heavyweights right now - and that's unfair - but to bring the belts home will mean so much. And also the Philly thing as well. I've a chance to make history in so many ways. But think about this; I'm originally from Pittsburgh - how many heavyweight champions have there been from there? Can you even remember! I've got to say, this has been my dream for so long; it's been a long time coming. And I can't wait for people to say about me, that this little guy from Pittsburgh who moved to Philly, came good. I've been thinking about this for a long time, and It's long overdue.

J.S: Well, I wish you all the best for the fight, Eddie. It would be great to see you win, even though I'm supposed to be neutral! May the best man win, is the best way to put it.

E.C: Okay, thanks for calling. Take it easy.
 
Jul 24, 2005
12,836
2,137
0
45
Danny Green-Evander Holyfield A Possibility

by James Slater - Australian hard man Danny Green made a huge name for himself just less than a fortnight ago, when he sensationally TKO'd living legend Roy Jones Junior inside a single round. And now the 36-year-old is looking towards his next fight. It's been well documented since the Jones fight how another legend, in Bernard Hopkins, is interested in facing Green next year. And Green, too, very much wants this fight..

Despite the quite astonishing way in which Hopkins has said he'd still like to continue on with plan-A, and face Jones in a long awaited rematch next March, it's clear to all that Green's stunning upset over R.J ruined that fight. Green Vs. Hopkins makes perfect sense. However, according to a most interesting interview Green's trainer Angelo Hyder gave with Boxing News on line recently, there is something of a possibility that Green could face none other than heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield in the near future.

Though many fans will no doubt groan loudly when reading how Green's coach is interested in this fight for his man, in boxing crazy things do happen and maybe Green will actually move up to heavyweight and face "The Real Deal."

"Forget his age," Ryder told Boxing News about Holyfield. "It is less than a year since he fought 12 rounds with Nikolai Valuev and nearly won. Holyfield is a huge name and it would be a great fight; everyone would want to see it."

It's true that Holyfield is a huge name, but would a fight between the 47-year-old and the 36-year-old really be a great fight? And would it be one that everyone would want to see? Most fans seem to wish the former four-time heavyweight king would just retire, yet he is soldiering on; facing another veteran in Frans Botha early next year. If he wins, it could possibly be Green next. So far, though, no comments about this prospective fight have been made by Holyfield himself. It's Green's camp only who have expressed interest in the match-up, so we don't know if Holyfield, who has a dream of becoming world heavyweight ruler once again, is at all interested in a fight with the cruiserweight belt holder (IBO).

Green is really hoping to land the Hopkins fight, however, as he made clear in the Boxing News interview. This fight is "not about money," Green said. Convinced he can beat Hopkins, Green says he would then love a "dream fight" with the retired Joe Calzaghe!

"I'd love to fight Joe Calzaghe," he said. "I don't want to disrespect his retirement, but he is an awesome fighter and it would be a pleasure to fight in Wales."

To my mind, though both fights are long shots, A Green-Calzaghe clash is even more unlikely than a Green-Holyfield encounter. Let's hope both sides see sense and get the genuinely intriguing Green Vs. Hopkins bout made