Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
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we'll see against DeMarco. If he wins that by KO, then I'll officially say he's the real deal. Hopefully he does and can land on the Pac-Floyd undercard.
btw, the guy he fought was fighting extremely dirty. He headbutted Valero more times than I could count. Worse than Holyfield. In the first round he butted Valero about 5-6 times and opened up a couple cuts on Valero and was deducted a point. Nasty fighter.
btw, the guy he fought was fighting extremely dirty. He headbutted Valero more times than I could count. Worse than Holyfield. In the first round he butted Valero about 5-6 times and opened up a couple cuts on Valero and was deducted a point. Nasty fighter.
LOL .. if you thought Velazquez fought dirty you should watch Soto/Chavez. Chavez at one point threw him out of the ring, was lunging in with headbutts and threw and a ridiculous low blow that I thought was gonna put Soto down for good. Shit was crazy.
Cermeno/Valdez was a good fight too .. Cermeno now has back to back wins against Mijares and now a win over Valdez. If he didn't have such an "amateurish" style he'd be getting a lot more play. They should set up Moreno Vs. Cermeno to eliminate the interim WBA belt .. two extremely underrated bantamweights.
Cermeno/Valdez was a good fight too .. Cermeno now has back to back wins against Mijares and now a win over Valdez. If he didn't have such an "amateurish" style he'd be getting a lot more play. They should set up Moreno Vs. Cermeno to eliminate the interim WBA belt .. two extremely underrated bantamweights.
"Fast" Eddie Chambers - America's Last Hope For A Heavyweight Champion Any Time Soon?
by James Slater - 27-year-old Philly big man Eddie Chambers will become the latest in a fairly long line of recent American heavyweight title challengers next March, when he will travel to Germany to face Ring magazine, IBF and WBO ruler Wladimir Klitschko. Should the man known as "Fast" Eddie lose, U.S fight fans will be left scratching their heads when it comes to who they can turn to who has any chance of bringing a world heavyweight title back home. The pressure on the softly-spoken and always friendly Chambers will be quite something as a result.
Because, but for the 35-1(18) contender, who else is there with any real chance of bringing a belt back to the States any time soon? Chris Arreola and Tony Thompson, two of the highest ranked U.S heavyweights according to the ratings of BoxRec, have already been beaten by a Klitschko, James Toney and the recently returned Shannon Briggs are seen as too old, as is the stubborn Evander Holyfield. While Kevin Johnson, who can talk a whole lot better than he can fight, was a major letdown against Vitali Klitschko recently. No, aside from Puerto Rican John Ruiz (who was born and resides in the U.S) who faces WBA champ David Haye some time early next year, Chambers is America's best bet to bring home a belt..
To my mind, 37-year-old Ruiz, though still durable, will not beat Haye; and that leaves just the Philly nice guy when it comes to valid U.S heavyweight championship challengers capable of ending America's drought. Can Chambers beat Wladimir?
Most fans seem to be giving the man who slimmed down to the 208-pound mark for his most recent, and most impressive victory - the points win over the previously unbeaten Alexander Dimitrenko - next to no chance. Chambers knows this, yet he is sure he will, as he puts it, "drop a lot of jaws" by causing the upset on March 20th. And let's face it, as good as he is, Wladimir is not invincible. The 33-year-old has been beaten before, and he has also been stopped. "Dr. Steel Hammer" will also be entering the Chambers fight having recently undergone shoulder surgery. Klitschko may also be suffering from a touch of ring-rust when he faces the slickster who has only been beaten once, as a result of him having had just one fight this year. Could it be that the timing is almost perfect for "Fast" Eddie?
Winning via the kind of TKO's Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster scored over Klitschko isn't how those few who think Chambers can win will do so. Not a massive puncher (but also no feather fist), Chambers' best shot is to use his quite beautiful boxing skills to win a decision next year. And, southpaw Chris Byrd aside, Klitschko has never met anyone as fast, as clever and as slick as Chambers. Many fans have compared Chambers to Byrd - who Wladimir stopped in 2006 and out-pointed in an earlier, 2000 meeting - but the man from Philly hits harder than Byrd did and he is also right at his peak; whereas Byrd had had a lot of tough fights before going into the rematch with Klitschko.
Chambers, a better inside fighter than Byrd, has made it clear he will give it a massive effort in March. Of course, Byrd gave it his best when he met the heavyweight ruler, but feeling Chambers will meet the same fate simply because he reminds them of Byrd is a mistake being made by the fans. Though both guys are small for the heavyweight division, Byrd had come all the way up from 169-pounds, whereas Chambers turned pro at heavyweight and he is and always will be a heavyweight.
In the best condition of his life, coming in off the best performance of his life and going in against a champion who has had surgery and who has been inactive; Eddie Chambers will have a lot going for him on March 20th. If - and it is a big if - he can get inside Klitschko's superb left jab and make the champion work harder than he is accustomed, Chambers could get into his groove and shock us all by winning a close decision.
He'll have to fight a near perfect fight to do it, but "Fast" Eddie is looking forward to the challenge!
by James Slater - 27-year-old Philly big man Eddie Chambers will become the latest in a fairly long line of recent American heavyweight title challengers next March, when he will travel to Germany to face Ring magazine, IBF and WBO ruler Wladimir Klitschko. Should the man known as "Fast" Eddie lose, U.S fight fans will be left scratching their heads when it comes to who they can turn to who has any chance of bringing a world heavyweight title back home. The pressure on the softly-spoken and always friendly Chambers will be quite something as a result.
Because, but for the 35-1(18) contender, who else is there with any real chance of bringing a belt back to the States any time soon? Chris Arreola and Tony Thompson, two of the highest ranked U.S heavyweights according to the ratings of BoxRec, have already been beaten by a Klitschko, James Toney and the recently returned Shannon Briggs are seen as too old, as is the stubborn Evander Holyfield. While Kevin Johnson, who can talk a whole lot better than he can fight, was a major letdown against Vitali Klitschko recently. No, aside from Puerto Rican John Ruiz (who was born and resides in the U.S) who faces WBA champ David Haye some time early next year, Chambers is America's best bet to bring home a belt..
To my mind, 37-year-old Ruiz, though still durable, will not beat Haye; and that leaves just the Philly nice guy when it comes to valid U.S heavyweight championship challengers capable of ending America's drought. Can Chambers beat Wladimir?
Most fans seem to be giving the man who slimmed down to the 208-pound mark for his most recent, and most impressive victory - the points win over the previously unbeaten Alexander Dimitrenko - next to no chance. Chambers knows this, yet he is sure he will, as he puts it, "drop a lot of jaws" by causing the upset on March 20th. And let's face it, as good as he is, Wladimir is not invincible. The 33-year-old has been beaten before, and he has also been stopped. "Dr. Steel Hammer" will also be entering the Chambers fight having recently undergone shoulder surgery. Klitschko may also be suffering from a touch of ring-rust when he faces the slickster who has only been beaten once, as a result of him having had just one fight this year. Could it be that the timing is almost perfect for "Fast" Eddie?
Winning via the kind of TKO's Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster scored over Klitschko isn't how those few who think Chambers can win will do so. Not a massive puncher (but also no feather fist), Chambers' best shot is to use his quite beautiful boxing skills to win a decision next year. And, southpaw Chris Byrd aside, Klitschko has never met anyone as fast, as clever and as slick as Chambers. Many fans have compared Chambers to Byrd - who Wladimir stopped in 2006 and out-pointed in an earlier, 2000 meeting - but the man from Philly hits harder than Byrd did and he is also right at his peak; whereas Byrd had had a lot of tough fights before going into the rematch with Klitschko.
Chambers, a better inside fighter than Byrd, has made it clear he will give it a massive effort in March. Of course, Byrd gave it his best when he met the heavyweight ruler, but feeling Chambers will meet the same fate simply because he reminds them of Byrd is a mistake being made by the fans. Though both guys are small for the heavyweight division, Byrd had come all the way up from 169-pounds, whereas Chambers turned pro at heavyweight and he is and always will be a heavyweight.
In the best condition of his life, coming in off the best performance of his life and going in against a champion who has had surgery and who has been inactive; Eddie Chambers will have a lot going for him on March 20th. If - and it is a big if - he can get inside Klitschko's superb left jab and make the champion work harder than he is accustomed, Chambers could get into his groove and shock us all by winning a close decision.
He'll have to fight a near perfect fight to do it, but "Fast" Eddie is looking forward to the challenge!
The United States’ Louie Byrd Wins Gold at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Flyweight Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.) won a gold medal for his United States team on Sunday with a 9-6 victory over France’s Jeremy Veccu in championship round action at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries in Khanty-Mansisysk, Russia. The win was Byrd’s third victory of the tournament, which featured 13 teams and several of the world’s top Olympic-style boxers. For the first time in the event, Byrd fell behind in the first round, with Veccu holding a 3-2 lead after three minutes. Yet Byrd could not be denied, enjoying a strong second round to claim a 6-4 advantage with one stanza remaining. The American boxer refused to relinquish his lead in the final round, scoring three points to Veccu’s two to win the 9-6 final victory and the gold medal..
In addition to winning the tournament, Byrd was named the Boxer with the Best Ring Tactics in the tournament. He won the only medal for the United States team at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries. Byrd is the reigning flyweight champion in the United States, and was less than two weeks two young to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Team. He now has his focus set on the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
U.S. Results
112 lbs/51 kg: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo./USA dec. Jeremy Veccu, France, 9-6
Flyweight Louie Byrd Earns a Berth in the Championship Bout at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries
Flyweight Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.) continued his winning ways on Saturday at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries on Saturday. Byrd won his second straight 8-2 victory of the tournament, defeating Moldova’s Alexander Ryshkin at the Tennis Center in Khanty-Mansisysk, Russia. Byrd is the lone remaining U.S. participant in the competition. Both boxers started slowly in the semifinal match-up between Byrd and Ryshkin with the bout locked at one after the opening round. Yet, Byrd took over in the second, scoring six points to one by Ryshkin to give him a 7-2 lead with one round remaining. He held on to his advantage in the final three minutes, holding Ryshkin scoreless throughout the third round to win the 8-2 decision.
Byrd will face France’s Jeremy Veccu in the championship round on Sunday.
U.S. Results
112 lbs/51 kg: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo./USA dec. Alexander Ryshkin, Moldova, 8-2
Team USA’s Louie Byrd Advances to Semifinal Round Action at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries
(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Flyweight Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.) enjoyed a victorious debut at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries on Friday in Khanty-Mansisysk, Russia, winning his event opener over Russia’s Andrei Maslak. Byrd recorded the lone victory for his team on a rough day for the United States squad as his five teammates lost their quarterfinal contests on Friday.
Byrd opened the bout on fire, controlling the early action to move out to a 4-0 lead after one round. His pace slowed slightly in the second, but he still enjoyed a 5-2 edge at the end of two. The American boxer held Maslak scoreless in the final round to win an 8-2 final decision and a spot in the medal rounds. He will face Alexander Ryshkin of Moldova on Saturday with a berth in the final round on the line.
In other U.S. action, bantamweight Adam Lopez (San Antonio, Texas) dropped a 9-5 decision to Russia’s Zafar Parpiev. The bout was close throughout with Lopez trailing by a slim 4-3 margin at the end of two, but Papiev wouldn’t relinquish his lead and went on to claim the victory. Lightweight Duran Caferro (Helena, Mont.) struggled to score in his bout with Belarus’ Vazgen Safaryants and lost a 5-1 final decision. Middleweight Terrell Gausha (Cleveland, Ohio) won his event opener on Thursday, but couldn’t repeat the feat on Friday in his quarterfinal match-up with Ukraine’s Ivan Golub. The two battled in a low-scoring affair throughout, but Golub claimed the 2-0 victory. In light heavyweight competition, Robert Brant (Oakdale, Minn.) lost a 6-2 decision to Latvia’s Nikolaj Grishunin. Super heavyweight Javier Torres (Commerce, Calif.) kept his bout with Ukraine’s Andrey Tomchuk highly competitive through the first two rounds, but dropped a 7-1 final decision.
Semifinal action will begin at the Tennis Center in Khanty-Mansisysk at 1 p.m. (3 a.m. EST) on Saturday.
U.S. Results
112 lbs/51 kg: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo./USA dec. Andrei Maslak, RUS, 8-2
119 lbs/54 kg: Zafar Parpiev, RUS, dec. Adam Lopez, San Antonio, Texas/USA
132 lbs/60 kg: Vasgen Safaryants, BLR, dec. Duran Caferro, Helena, Mont./USA, 5-1
165 lbs/75 kg: Ivan Golub, UKR, dec. Terrell Gausha, Cleveland, Ohio/USA, 2-0
178 lbs/81 kg: Nikolaj Grishunin, LAT, dec. Robert Brant, Oakdale, Minn./USA, 6-2
201+ lbs/91+ lbs: Andrey Tomchuk, UKR, dec. Javier Torres, Commerce, Calif./USA, 7-1
The United States Squad Prepares to Open Competition at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries in Russia
(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – The United States squad has arrived in frigid Russia for the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries, December 17-20 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. The temperature is dipping well below -30 degrees daily, but the U.S. team is working to stay warm in their new surroundings while preparing for the competition.
Two teams from host-country Russia as well as squads from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova, Latvia, Armenia, Sweden, France, Serbia, and Belarus will compete in the event. The eight boxers representing the United States in the final international competition of the year are Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.), bantamweight Adam Lopez (San Antonio, Texas), lightweight Duran Caferro (Helena, Mont.), welterweight Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas), middleweight Terrell Gausha (Cleveland, Ohio), light heavyweight Robert Brant (Oakdale, Minn.), heavyweight Jordan Shimmell (Hudsonville, Mich.), and super heavyweight Javier Torres (Commerce, Calif.).
The U.S. team completed their long journey to Russia on Monday, and is currently acclimating to their new environment before competition begins on Thursday at the Tennis Center in Khanty-Mansisysk following the event draw. Quarterfinal competition will be contested on Friday with semifinal action taking place on Saturday. The event will conclude with final round action on Sunday.
The unique event will provide outstanding international experience for all of the competitors involved as the U.S. team works toward the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
U.S. Roster
112 lbs: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colorado
119 lbs: Adam Lopez, San Antonio, Texas
132 lbs: Duran Caferro, Helena, Montana
152 lbs: Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas
165 lbs: Terrell Gausha, Cleveland, Ohio
178 lbs: Robert Brant, Oakdale, Minnesota
201 lbs: Jordan Shimmell, Hudsonville, Michigan
201+ lbs: Javier Torres, Commerce, California
USA Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States’ member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). It is responsible for the selection and management of the United States Olympic Boxing Team, and for the governance and oversight of USA Boxing’s national organization of 38,000 members, 1,400 individual boxing clubs, and 1,600 sanctioned events annually.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Flyweight Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.) won a gold medal for his United States team on Sunday with a 9-6 victory over France’s Jeremy Veccu in championship round action at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries in Khanty-Mansisysk, Russia. The win was Byrd’s third victory of the tournament, which featured 13 teams and several of the world’s top Olympic-style boxers. For the first time in the event, Byrd fell behind in the first round, with Veccu holding a 3-2 lead after three minutes. Yet Byrd could not be denied, enjoying a strong second round to claim a 6-4 advantage with one stanza remaining. The American boxer refused to relinquish his lead in the final round, scoring three points to Veccu’s two to win the 9-6 final victory and the gold medal..
In addition to winning the tournament, Byrd was named the Boxer with the Best Ring Tactics in the tournament. He won the only medal for the United States team at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries. Byrd is the reigning flyweight champion in the United States, and was less than two weeks two young to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Team. He now has his focus set on the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
U.S. Results
112 lbs/51 kg: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo./USA dec. Jeremy Veccu, France, 9-6
Flyweight Louie Byrd Earns a Berth in the Championship Bout at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries
Flyweight Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.) continued his winning ways on Saturday at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries on Saturday. Byrd won his second straight 8-2 victory of the tournament, defeating Moldova’s Alexander Ryshkin at the Tennis Center in Khanty-Mansisysk, Russia. Byrd is the lone remaining U.S. participant in the competition. Both boxers started slowly in the semifinal match-up between Byrd and Ryshkin with the bout locked at one after the opening round. Yet, Byrd took over in the second, scoring six points to one by Ryshkin to give him a 7-2 lead with one round remaining. He held on to his advantage in the final three minutes, holding Ryshkin scoreless throughout the third round to win the 8-2 decision.
Byrd will face France’s Jeremy Veccu in the championship round on Sunday.
U.S. Results
112 lbs/51 kg: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo./USA dec. Alexander Ryshkin, Moldova, 8-2
Team USA’s Louie Byrd Advances to Semifinal Round Action at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries
(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Flyweight Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.) enjoyed a victorious debut at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries on Friday in Khanty-Mansisysk, Russia, winning his event opener over Russia’s Andrei Maslak. Byrd recorded the lone victory for his team on a rough day for the United States squad as his five teammates lost their quarterfinal contests on Friday.
Byrd opened the bout on fire, controlling the early action to move out to a 4-0 lead after one round. His pace slowed slightly in the second, but he still enjoyed a 5-2 edge at the end of two. The American boxer held Maslak scoreless in the final round to win an 8-2 final decision and a spot in the medal rounds. He will face Alexander Ryshkin of Moldova on Saturday with a berth in the final round on the line.
In other U.S. action, bantamweight Adam Lopez (San Antonio, Texas) dropped a 9-5 decision to Russia’s Zafar Parpiev. The bout was close throughout with Lopez trailing by a slim 4-3 margin at the end of two, but Papiev wouldn’t relinquish his lead and went on to claim the victory. Lightweight Duran Caferro (Helena, Mont.) struggled to score in his bout with Belarus’ Vazgen Safaryants and lost a 5-1 final decision. Middleweight Terrell Gausha (Cleveland, Ohio) won his event opener on Thursday, but couldn’t repeat the feat on Friday in his quarterfinal match-up with Ukraine’s Ivan Golub. The two battled in a low-scoring affair throughout, but Golub claimed the 2-0 victory. In light heavyweight competition, Robert Brant (Oakdale, Minn.) lost a 6-2 decision to Latvia’s Nikolaj Grishunin. Super heavyweight Javier Torres (Commerce, Calif.) kept his bout with Ukraine’s Andrey Tomchuk highly competitive through the first two rounds, but dropped a 7-1 final decision.
Semifinal action will begin at the Tennis Center in Khanty-Mansisysk at 1 p.m. (3 a.m. EST) on Saturday.
U.S. Results
112 lbs/51 kg: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo./USA dec. Andrei Maslak, RUS, 8-2
119 lbs/54 kg: Zafar Parpiev, RUS, dec. Adam Lopez, San Antonio, Texas/USA
132 lbs/60 kg: Vasgen Safaryants, BLR, dec. Duran Caferro, Helena, Mont./USA, 5-1
165 lbs/75 kg: Ivan Golub, UKR, dec. Terrell Gausha, Cleveland, Ohio/USA, 2-0
178 lbs/81 kg: Nikolaj Grishunin, LAT, dec. Robert Brant, Oakdale, Minn./USA, 6-2
201+ lbs/91+ lbs: Andrey Tomchuk, UKR, dec. Javier Torres, Commerce, Calif./USA, 7-1
The United States Squad Prepares to Open Competition at the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries in Russia
(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – The United States squad has arrived in frigid Russia for the 2009 World Cup of Petroleum Countries, December 17-20 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. The temperature is dipping well below -30 degrees daily, but the U.S. team is working to stay warm in their new surroundings while preparing for the competition.
Two teams from host-country Russia as well as squads from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova, Latvia, Armenia, Sweden, France, Serbia, and Belarus will compete in the event. The eight boxers representing the United States in the final international competition of the year are Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.), bantamweight Adam Lopez (San Antonio, Texas), lightweight Duran Caferro (Helena, Mont.), welterweight Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas), middleweight Terrell Gausha (Cleveland, Ohio), light heavyweight Robert Brant (Oakdale, Minn.), heavyweight Jordan Shimmell (Hudsonville, Mich.), and super heavyweight Javier Torres (Commerce, Calif.).
The U.S. team completed their long journey to Russia on Monday, and is currently acclimating to their new environment before competition begins on Thursday at the Tennis Center in Khanty-Mansisysk following the event draw. Quarterfinal competition will be contested on Friday with semifinal action taking place on Saturday. The event will conclude with final round action on Sunday.
The unique event will provide outstanding international experience for all of the competitors involved as the U.S. team works toward the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
U.S. Roster
112 lbs: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colorado
119 lbs: Adam Lopez, San Antonio, Texas
132 lbs: Duran Caferro, Helena, Montana
152 lbs: Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas
165 lbs: Terrell Gausha, Cleveland, Ohio
178 lbs: Robert Brant, Oakdale, Minnesota
201 lbs: Jordan Shimmell, Hudsonville, Michigan
201+ lbs: Javier Torres, Commerce, California
USA Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States’ member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). It is responsible for the selection and management of the United States Olympic Boxing Team, and for the governance and oversight of USA Boxing’s national organization of 38,000 members, 1,400 individual boxing clubs, and 1,600 sanctioned events annually.
The Ghost" Is Back; Could We See Pavlik-Williams Next Year?
by James Slater - Returning to the ring for the first time in ten months, middleweight king Kelly Pavlik got rid of some demons last night, as he smashed a game challenger in Miguel Espino inside five-rounds. Fighting before his hometown fans, "The Ghost" scored what was just his second win since losing his unbeaten record to the great Bernard Hopkins last October. Feeling good about how he also ridded himself of some of the ring-rust he'd picked up in what has been a largely awful and inactive year, Pavlik is now looking ahead to a big 2010.
After he'd improved to 36-1(32), the Youngstown man wasted no time in calling out the man he was twice supposed to fight, in Paul "The Punisher" Williams. Happy that his troubled left hand held up well in last night's exciting-while-it-lasted rumble, a victorious Pavlik spoke of how he very much wants to face the tall southpaw; the fighter he calls "the top name in the division."
"We wanted him (in 2008) but he pulled out of that fight," Pavlik said of Williams last night. " That's why we jumped up two weight classes to fight Bernard Hopkins."
As we know, Pavlik's decision to face "The Executioner" in a catch-weight fight held at 170-pounds proved to be a bad one. Had he faced Williams as originally planned, maybe Kelly would still be an unbeaten fighter today? But based on what we saw last night, and what we saw in Williams' last fight, against the much tougher than expected Sergio Martinez, who will win if and when the two exciting warriors finally get it on?
If things work out okay, and if both camps can agree to a third date for the sought after super-fight, it will take place next year. But who wins?
Pavlik, though he was too much for Espino, didn't have things all his own way. Indeed, Pavlik later admitted he'd wanted something of a gut check, as it had "been a while" since he'd last fought. The rust was almost certainly a factor in it, but the 27-year-old was there to be hit by his 29-year-old challenger. Sure, the middleweight champ's chin held up to Espino's punches, but would this be the case against southpaw Williams - a man who throws a whole bunch of shots in each and every round?
Kelly pavlik
Taking the flip side to this coin though, it shouldn't be forgotten how much leather Williams ate in his war of a points win over Martinez. Styles make fights, and fellow lefty Martinez proved to be way more of a threat than Williams and his trainer George Peterson felt going in, and "The Punisher" really had his chin tested. How would Paul's chin have held up had it been the middleweight champion who was landing the shots Martinez was getting home with?
In fact, neither Williams nor Pavlik have that great a defence. Both guys are warriors and they both like to rumble and give the fans thrilling fights. What this all adds up to, in my opinion, is a potentially brutal war when the two punchers meet. Both men will give and take some hurt and the action figures to be quite incredible. Simply put, Pavlik-Williams has to happen. Hopefully, now that he's back and asking for the fight, "The Ghost" will indeed square off with the two-weight titlist in what really could be a massive 2010.
by James Slater - Returning to the ring for the first time in ten months, middleweight king Kelly Pavlik got rid of some demons last night, as he smashed a game challenger in Miguel Espino inside five-rounds. Fighting before his hometown fans, "The Ghost" scored what was just his second win since losing his unbeaten record to the great Bernard Hopkins last October. Feeling good about how he also ridded himself of some of the ring-rust he'd picked up in what has been a largely awful and inactive year, Pavlik is now looking ahead to a big 2010.
After he'd improved to 36-1(32), the Youngstown man wasted no time in calling out the man he was twice supposed to fight, in Paul "The Punisher" Williams. Happy that his troubled left hand held up well in last night's exciting-while-it-lasted rumble, a victorious Pavlik spoke of how he very much wants to face the tall southpaw; the fighter he calls "the top name in the division."
"We wanted him (in 2008) but he pulled out of that fight," Pavlik said of Williams last night. " That's why we jumped up two weight classes to fight Bernard Hopkins."
As we know, Pavlik's decision to face "The Executioner" in a catch-weight fight held at 170-pounds proved to be a bad one. Had he faced Williams as originally planned, maybe Kelly would still be an unbeaten fighter today? But based on what we saw last night, and what we saw in Williams' last fight, against the much tougher than expected Sergio Martinez, who will win if and when the two exciting warriors finally get it on?
If things work out okay, and if both camps can agree to a third date for the sought after super-fight, it will take place next year. But who wins?
Pavlik, though he was too much for Espino, didn't have things all his own way. Indeed, Pavlik later admitted he'd wanted something of a gut check, as it had "been a while" since he'd last fought. The rust was almost certainly a factor in it, but the 27-year-old was there to be hit by his 29-year-old challenger. Sure, the middleweight champ's chin held up to Espino's punches, but would this be the case against southpaw Williams - a man who throws a whole bunch of shots in each and every round?
Kelly pavlik
Taking the flip side to this coin though, it shouldn't be forgotten how much leather Williams ate in his war of a points win over Martinez. Styles make fights, and fellow lefty Martinez proved to be way more of a threat than Williams and his trainer George Peterson felt going in, and "The Punisher" really had his chin tested. How would Paul's chin have held up had it been the middleweight champion who was landing the shots Martinez was getting home with?
In fact, neither Williams nor Pavlik have that great a defence. Both guys are warriors and they both like to rumble and give the fans thrilling fights. What this all adds up to, in my opinion, is a potentially brutal war when the two punchers meet. Both men will give and take some hurt and the action figures to be quite incredible. Simply put, Pavlik-Williams has to happen. Hopefully, now that he's back and asking for the fight, "The Ghost" will indeed square off with the two-weight titlist in what really could be a massive 2010.
Joshua Clottey To Return Against Michel Rosales In January?
by James Slater - Middleweight king Kelly Pavlik isn't the only fighter to have had a quite lousy 2009. Though this year hasn't treated him as badly as it's treated Pavlik, 2009 has been a year in which former IBF welterweight champ Joshua Clottey's fortunes have been decidedly mixed. The tough warrior from Ghana lost out on a big-money clash with "Sugar" Shane Mosley, he also saw a couple of other potential fights disappear and he's been forced to remain idle as a result.
Inactive since his very close points loss to Miguel Cotto in June (a fight some fans felt Clottey could have been awarded had his luck been slightly better), the 32-year-old has had just the one fight this year. Frustrated at the way he feels he is being and has been avoided, Clottey, 35-3(20) is angry at the way a good number of what should be the most productive months of his career are being wasted.. This year has been a letdown for him in terms of getting the big fights (Cotto aside), and last year wasn't much better; with "The Grand Master" having just two bouts.
Hopefully, the hardworking fighter will get some breaks in 2010. Kicking the year off for the man who will turn 33 in March - according to BoxRec, anyway - will be a keep-busy fight with little-known Mexican slugger Michel Rosales on January 16th. According to the web site, Clottey will face the 26-year-old with the 25-3(21) record at The Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas. A decent fighter, who has been in with some good names, such as Jesus Soto Karass, Mike Alvarado and Saul Alvarez (being stopped by all three) Rosales has boxed most of his career in his homeland.
The 26-year-old has fought in the U.S before, however, and his last fight took place in America - a close points win over the 16-1 Mark Jason Melligen back in November of this year. The Clottey fight will give the Mexican who can hit quite hard (all but four of his wins coming inside the distance) a chance to elevate himself into a bigger league. This will provide Rosales with all the motivation he needs, but how will Clottey get himself up for the fight?
Perhaps the former champ will take out some of his frustration on his young opponent, or maybe, as we have seen in the past many times, Clottey will take the fight lightly and struggle as a result. With all due respect, Clottey is many notches higher in class than Rosales and he knows it. Having been in with top names like Zab Judah, Antonio Margarito and Cotto, the hard man who lives in New York will feel no reason at all to get nervous ahead of this upcoming fight. But will he win the fight with ease?
In all probability, Clottey will take care of Rosales pretty much as he pleases and stop him some time in the second half of the bout. Unless we see one of the earliest upsets 2010 is sure to provide us with, Clottey will get himself a good rust-remover of a fight, as he continues hoping to land another fight of the magnitude he deserv
by James Slater - Middleweight king Kelly Pavlik isn't the only fighter to have had a quite lousy 2009. Though this year hasn't treated him as badly as it's treated Pavlik, 2009 has been a year in which former IBF welterweight champ Joshua Clottey's fortunes have been decidedly mixed. The tough warrior from Ghana lost out on a big-money clash with "Sugar" Shane Mosley, he also saw a couple of other potential fights disappear and he's been forced to remain idle as a result.
Inactive since his very close points loss to Miguel Cotto in June (a fight some fans felt Clottey could have been awarded had his luck been slightly better), the 32-year-old has had just the one fight this year. Frustrated at the way he feels he is being and has been avoided, Clottey, 35-3(20) is angry at the way a good number of what should be the most productive months of his career are being wasted.. This year has been a letdown for him in terms of getting the big fights (Cotto aside), and last year wasn't much better; with "The Grand Master" having just two bouts.
Hopefully, the hardworking fighter will get some breaks in 2010. Kicking the year off for the man who will turn 33 in March - according to BoxRec, anyway - will be a keep-busy fight with little-known Mexican slugger Michel Rosales on January 16th. According to the web site, Clottey will face the 26-year-old with the 25-3(21) record at The Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas. A decent fighter, who has been in with some good names, such as Jesus Soto Karass, Mike Alvarado and Saul Alvarez (being stopped by all three) Rosales has boxed most of his career in his homeland.
The 26-year-old has fought in the U.S before, however, and his last fight took place in America - a close points win over the 16-1 Mark Jason Melligen back in November of this year. The Clottey fight will give the Mexican who can hit quite hard (all but four of his wins coming inside the distance) a chance to elevate himself into a bigger league. This will provide Rosales with all the motivation he needs, but how will Clottey get himself up for the fight?
Perhaps the former champ will take out some of his frustration on his young opponent, or maybe, as we have seen in the past many times, Clottey will take the fight lightly and struggle as a result. With all due respect, Clottey is many notches higher in class than Rosales and he knows it. Having been in with top names like Zab Judah, Antonio Margarito and Cotto, the hard man who lives in New York will feel no reason at all to get nervous ahead of this upcoming fight. But will he win the fight with ease?
In all probability, Clottey will take care of Rosales pretty much as he pleases and stop him some time in the second half of the bout. Unless we see one of the earliest upsets 2010 is sure to provide us with, Clottey will get himself a good rust-remover of a fight, as he continues hoping to land another fight of the magnitude he deserv
Sergio Martinez Ready and Willing To Fight Vanes
By Rick Reeno
WBC junior middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is in the holiday spirit and wants to give Vanes Martirosyan the perfect present - a title shot in 2010. The BoxingScene.com readership is very fond of their verbal war that took place a few months ago [Click Here To Read]. Vanes appeared last Saturday in Youngstown on the Pavlik-Espino undercard. Following the TKO win of Willie Lee, Vanes and his trainer Freddie Roach set their sights on a major title shot.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is in line for Martinez. Chavez is another fighter who wants his shot at the WBC title. Martinez,’s team doesn't take Chavez Jr. seriously. Nobody believes Top Rank will ever put Chavez Jr. in the ring with Martinez, at least not for a very long time.
"If Top Rank doesn't want to give us one contender, then I'll fight their other contender Vanes. Freddie Roach said that he’s ready, so let’s do it," Martinez said.
By Rick Reeno
WBC junior middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is in the holiday spirit and wants to give Vanes Martirosyan the perfect present - a title shot in 2010. The BoxingScene.com readership is very fond of their verbal war that took place a few months ago [Click Here To Read]. Vanes appeared last Saturday in Youngstown on the Pavlik-Espino undercard. Following the TKO win of Willie Lee, Vanes and his trainer Freddie Roach set their sights on a major title shot.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is in line for Martinez. Chavez is another fighter who wants his shot at the WBC title. Martinez,’s team doesn't take Chavez Jr. seriously. Nobody believes Top Rank will ever put Chavez Jr. in the ring with Martinez, at least not for a very long time.
"If Top Rank doesn't want to give us one contender, then I'll fight their other contender Vanes. Freddie Roach said that he’s ready, so let’s do it," Martinez said.
Shawn Porter May Drop To The Welterweight Division
By Ryan Burton
Rising junior middleweight prospect Shawn "Showtime" Porter speaks to BoxingScene.com.com about his victory Friday night over Jamar Patterson. Porter also speaks on moving down to welterweight, sparring with Manny Pacquiao and more in this exclusive interview.
BoxingScene.com: First off congratulations on the win Friday night. How do you grade your performance?
Shawn Porter: I give myself a B. What did you give me?
BoxingScene.com: I thought you did pretty good. I would say B+.
Shawn Porter: My dad gave me a B+, for TV maybe an A. There were some things I could have done. It wasn't a perfect fight.
BoxingScene.com: Patterson was 8-0 going into the fight. Were you surprised you got him out of there so early (4th round TKO)?
Shawn Porter: No, not at all. I believe in myself and I know what my abilities are so I knew coming in he was 8-0 but I knew I would win the fight.
BoxingScene.com: Are you glad you stepped up to fighting a guy with a record like that versus some of the guys with losing records or slightly winning records?
Shawn Porter: Oh yeah. These guys are more orthodox and they are more talented guys. They bring more skills to the ring and that is something I really enjoy going up against. It helps me improve my craft.
BoxingScene.com: The Showtime commentors mentioned the average height of the junior middleweight champions is 5'11". Being that you are 5'7" is a move down to 147 in your future?
Shawn Porter: I definitely feel 147 is going to be in my future but I still feel I will be champion at 154 as well. You will see me at 147 soon. We can fight at 54 with no problem at all. I fought at 165 in the amateurs and I beat the top guys in that weight class.
BoxingScene.com: You have a lot of power at 54. Do you feel you will be even more explosive facing 147 pounders?
Shawn Porter: Most definitely. I have a lot of power at 54 and I know moving down I will have even more power. In both divisions I will have success.
BoxingScene.com: What do you know about your next opponent Damian Frias, whom you face on 2/19?
Shawn Porter: Not much yet. We were worried about Patterson and fighting him and I try not to look ahead. I am returning to the ring
2/19 though.
BoxingScene.com: I see it is going to be in Cleveland close to your Akron home. Is it going to be televised?
Shawn Porter: Yes it will be on ESPN2 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland.
BoxingScene.com: You fought 11 times this year. How many times are you looking to fight in 2010?
Shawn Porter: We will probably be just as busy. I like to stay busy and I have a great work ethic. The busier I am the better it is for me.
BoxingScene.com: Is the plan to get to 22-0 or 23-0 by the end of 2010 and look at a title shot in 2011?
Shawn Porter: The plan is to be a world champion. However we have to do it to get there we will do it. We just want to be world champions.
BoxingScene.com: You were here on BoxingScene.com last week speaking with Ronnie Nathanielsz about your desire to spar with Manny Pacquiao again. Have you heard anything more about that?
Shawn Porter: Not yet. We are waiting on the phone call. I am sure we will talk soon.
BoxingScene.com: It was one thing to help him prepare for a stalking fighter like Cotto. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a completely different animal. Are you confident you can help prepare him for that style as well?
Shawn Porter: I definitely can. I take it to Pacquiao and I make him work hard. I think he needs that type of work where he has to really work at it. I think it will really help him get ready for the fight. Freddie Roach liked the work I gave Manny so hopefully it will work out again.
BoxingScene.com: Last question. Do you have a message for the fans?
Shawn Porter: I want to thank the fans who watched the fights and follow me. Keep looking out for me. You can also follow me at shawnporterboxing.com.
By Ryan Burton
Rising junior middleweight prospect Shawn "Showtime" Porter speaks to BoxingScene.com.com about his victory Friday night over Jamar Patterson. Porter also speaks on moving down to welterweight, sparring with Manny Pacquiao and more in this exclusive interview.
BoxingScene.com: First off congratulations on the win Friday night. How do you grade your performance?
Shawn Porter: I give myself a B. What did you give me?
BoxingScene.com: I thought you did pretty good. I would say B+.
Shawn Porter: My dad gave me a B+, for TV maybe an A. There were some things I could have done. It wasn't a perfect fight.
BoxingScene.com: Patterson was 8-0 going into the fight. Were you surprised you got him out of there so early (4th round TKO)?
Shawn Porter: No, not at all. I believe in myself and I know what my abilities are so I knew coming in he was 8-0 but I knew I would win the fight.
BoxingScene.com: Are you glad you stepped up to fighting a guy with a record like that versus some of the guys with losing records or slightly winning records?
Shawn Porter: Oh yeah. These guys are more orthodox and they are more talented guys. They bring more skills to the ring and that is something I really enjoy going up against. It helps me improve my craft.
BoxingScene.com: The Showtime commentors mentioned the average height of the junior middleweight champions is 5'11". Being that you are 5'7" is a move down to 147 in your future?
Shawn Porter: I definitely feel 147 is going to be in my future but I still feel I will be champion at 154 as well. You will see me at 147 soon. We can fight at 54 with no problem at all. I fought at 165 in the amateurs and I beat the top guys in that weight class.
BoxingScene.com: You have a lot of power at 54. Do you feel you will be even more explosive facing 147 pounders?
Shawn Porter: Most definitely. I have a lot of power at 54 and I know moving down I will have even more power. In both divisions I will have success.
BoxingScene.com: What do you know about your next opponent Damian Frias, whom you face on 2/19?
Shawn Porter: Not much yet. We were worried about Patterson and fighting him and I try not to look ahead. I am returning to the ring
2/19 though.
BoxingScene.com: I see it is going to be in Cleveland close to your Akron home. Is it going to be televised?
Shawn Porter: Yes it will be on ESPN2 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland.
BoxingScene.com: You fought 11 times this year. How many times are you looking to fight in 2010?
Shawn Porter: We will probably be just as busy. I like to stay busy and I have a great work ethic. The busier I am the better it is for me.
BoxingScene.com: Is the plan to get to 22-0 or 23-0 by the end of 2010 and look at a title shot in 2011?
Shawn Porter: The plan is to be a world champion. However we have to do it to get there we will do it. We just want to be world champions.
BoxingScene.com: You were here on BoxingScene.com last week speaking with Ronnie Nathanielsz about your desire to spar with Manny Pacquiao again. Have you heard anything more about that?
Shawn Porter: Not yet. We are waiting on the phone call. I am sure we will talk soon.
BoxingScene.com: It was one thing to help him prepare for a stalking fighter like Cotto. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a completely different animal. Are you confident you can help prepare him for that style as well?
Shawn Porter: I definitely can. I take it to Pacquiao and I make him work hard. I think he needs that type of work where he has to really work at it. I think it will really help him get ready for the fight. Freddie Roach liked the work I gave Manny so hopefully it will work out again.
BoxingScene.com: Last question. Do you have a message for the fans?
Shawn Porter: I want to thank the fans who watched the fights and follow me. Keep looking out for me. You can also follow me at shawnporterboxing.com.
Pavlik vs Sturm The Target if Williams Falls Through
by Mark Vester
WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik is pushing for a shot at Paul Williams. Injuries and failed negotaitions have pushed the fight back for nearly two years. There had been some talk that Pavlik would test the waters at super middleweight but he plans to stay at 160 for the moment. There are two targets at the weight, Williams and WBA champion Felix Sturm. If Pavlik can't get Williams, he wants Top Rank to get him a unification with Sturm.
“If we can’t get Williams, I definitely want Sturm, but right now I think Williams is definitely the better fight,” Pavlik said to The Vindicator. “I think that’s the fight that the fans want to see. That’s the fight that I want.”
Pavlik's trainer Jack Loew agrees. He would like to see Pavlik in against Williams or Sturm next. He thinks Sturm would a great test now that trainer Freddie Roach is in his corner.
"He definitely wants to fight Paul Williams next; hopefully we can make it happen," says Loew. "And we'd love to fight Felix Sturm. He's got the great Freddie Roach in his corner now."
by Mark Vester
WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik is pushing for a shot at Paul Williams. Injuries and failed negotaitions have pushed the fight back for nearly two years. There had been some talk that Pavlik would test the waters at super middleweight but he plans to stay at 160 for the moment. There are two targets at the weight, Williams and WBA champion Felix Sturm. If Pavlik can't get Williams, he wants Top Rank to get him a unification with Sturm.
“If we can’t get Williams, I definitely want Sturm, but right now I think Williams is definitely the better fight,” Pavlik said to The Vindicator. “I think that’s the fight that the fans want to see. That’s the fight that I want.”
Pavlik's trainer Jack Loew agrees. He would like to see Pavlik in against Williams or Sturm next. He thinks Sturm would a great test now that trainer Freddie Roach is in his corner.
"He definitely wants to fight Paul Williams next; hopefully we can make it happen," says Loew. "And we'd love to fight Felix Sturm. He's got the great Freddie Roach in his corner now."
Bradley, Berto, Khan: Roach Eyes Pacquiao's Army
y Peter Wellington
Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach is trying to put together a dream team of sparring partners for the big fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13. Roach wants to recruit quick-fisted boxers with boxing ability to assist Pacquiao with his first defense of the WBO welterweight title. Last week Roach mentioned WBA junior welterweight Amir Khan as a sure sparring partner to help them in camp. If Andre Berto doesn't get injured in his January unification with Shane Mosley, Roach would like to add him to camp. During a conversation with philboxing.com, Roach added WBC junior welteweight champion Timothy Bradley on the sparring partner list.
The idea of Roach is similiar to Oscar De La Hoya's training camp against Mayweather in 2007. De La Hoya used sparring partners like Shane Mosley to prepare. Roach trained De La Hoya for that fight.
“Other than Amir Khan as Pacquiao’s main sparring partner, I like to include Timothy Bradley in my list," Roach said.
y Peter Wellington
Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach is trying to put together a dream team of sparring partners for the big fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13. Roach wants to recruit quick-fisted boxers with boxing ability to assist Pacquiao with his first defense of the WBO welterweight title. Last week Roach mentioned WBA junior welterweight Amir Khan as a sure sparring partner to help them in camp. If Andre Berto doesn't get injured in his January unification with Shane Mosley, Roach would like to add him to camp. During a conversation with philboxing.com, Roach added WBC junior welteweight champion Timothy Bradley on the sparring partner list.
The idea of Roach is similiar to Oscar De La Hoya's training camp against Mayweather in 2007. De La Hoya used sparring partners like Shane Mosley to prepare. Roach trained De La Hoya for that fight.
“Other than Amir Khan as Pacquiao’s main sparring partner, I like to include Timothy Bradley in my list," Roach said.
Kevin Cunningham Talks Alexander-Maidana, Spinks, More
By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com spoke with manager/trainer Kevin Cunningham about the status of Devon Alexander defending his WBC 140-pound title against Marcos Maidana, IBF junior middleweight champion Cory Spinks appearing on the undercard and more.
BoxingScene.com: First off can we confirm that Devon Alexander is fighting Marcos Rene Maidana on March 6th on HBO?
Kevin Cunningham: That is what the rumor is (laughing). At this point I know for sure we are fighting on HBO March 6th. As we speak I haven't heard that the final contract had been signed yet. Is that what you heard with Maidana?
BoxingScene.com: I heard he just needed to sign the contract but it had been agreed to.
Kevin Cunningham: I know he was mentioned as the guy but I haven't heard confirmation that he officially signed up for the fight. I know for sure that we have a March 6th HBO date.
BoxingScene.com: Is the fight going to be in St. Louis?
Kevin Cunningham: No I don't think it is going to be in St. Louis. Both of the venues (Scottrade Center and Amway Arena) are booked on that day so I don't see it happening here.
BoxingScene.com: What is new with Cory Spinks? He hasn't been active since winning the IBF junior middleweight championship.
Kevin Cunningham: Well from what I hear he is supposed to be on the card as well. Not sure against who yet but I know his promoter (Don King) is working to get him on it.
BoxingScene.com: His fight with Deandre Latimore in April was a very exciting fight. I am surprised he hasn't been back in the ring since then.
Kevin Cunningham: Well I don't manage him anymore. I just train him now. That is up to his promoter to get him fights. I do know they are trying to get him on the same card. I don't know if it will be a co-feature or televised or any of the details.
BoxingScene.com: Are you and Devon going going away for training camp?
Kevin Cunningham: Yes we are going to Las Vegas on January 4th. I believe on January 6th we start training camp.
BoxingScene.com: What did you think of Malignaggi vs Diaz 2?
Kevin Cunningham: It was pretty much the same fight as the first one. Diaz had trouble catching Malignaggi. To me it was basically the same fight as before.
BoxingScene.com: If Maidana falls through who else would you want Devon to fight?
Kevin Cunningham: We would fight Diaz or Malignaggi. We would beat both of those guys. Any of the guys at 140 we would fight.
BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Kevin Cunningham: Stay tuned in for March 6th on HBO. Devon will be defending his title. We want to thank all the fans at BoxingScene.com for following Devon's career. Keep it locked in to BoxingScene for all the breaking news and remember to watch the fight on March 6th.
By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com spoke with manager/trainer Kevin Cunningham about the status of Devon Alexander defending his WBC 140-pound title against Marcos Maidana, IBF junior middleweight champion Cory Spinks appearing on the undercard and more.
BoxingScene.com: First off can we confirm that Devon Alexander is fighting Marcos Rene Maidana on March 6th on HBO?
Kevin Cunningham: That is what the rumor is (laughing). At this point I know for sure we are fighting on HBO March 6th. As we speak I haven't heard that the final contract had been signed yet. Is that what you heard with Maidana?
BoxingScene.com: I heard he just needed to sign the contract but it had been agreed to.
Kevin Cunningham: I know he was mentioned as the guy but I haven't heard confirmation that he officially signed up for the fight. I know for sure that we have a March 6th HBO date.
BoxingScene.com: Is the fight going to be in St. Louis?
Kevin Cunningham: No I don't think it is going to be in St. Louis. Both of the venues (Scottrade Center and Amway Arena) are booked on that day so I don't see it happening here.
BoxingScene.com: What is new with Cory Spinks? He hasn't been active since winning the IBF junior middleweight championship.
Kevin Cunningham: Well from what I hear he is supposed to be on the card as well. Not sure against who yet but I know his promoter (Don King) is working to get him on it.
BoxingScene.com: His fight with Deandre Latimore in April was a very exciting fight. I am surprised he hasn't been back in the ring since then.
Kevin Cunningham: Well I don't manage him anymore. I just train him now. That is up to his promoter to get him fights. I do know they are trying to get him on the same card. I don't know if it will be a co-feature or televised or any of the details.
BoxingScene.com: Are you and Devon going going away for training camp?
Kevin Cunningham: Yes we are going to Las Vegas on January 4th. I believe on January 6th we start training camp.
BoxingScene.com: What did you think of Malignaggi vs Diaz 2?
Kevin Cunningham: It was pretty much the same fight as the first one. Diaz had trouble catching Malignaggi. To me it was basically the same fight as before.
BoxingScene.com: If Maidana falls through who else would you want Devon to fight?
Kevin Cunningham: We would fight Diaz or Malignaggi. We would beat both of those guys. Any of the guys at 140 we would fight.
BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Kevin Cunningham: Stay tuned in for March 6th on HBO. Devon will be defending his title. We want to thank all the fans at BoxingScene.com for following Devon's career. Keep it locked in to BoxingScene for all the breaking news and remember to watch the fight on March 6th.
Paul Williams' Promoter Fires Back at Kelly Pavlik, Arum
By Rick Reeno
In response to comments that were made on Saturday night by WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik and his promoter Bob Arum [Click Here To Read] - Paul Williams' promoter, Dan Goossen, has fired back with comments of his own. Goossen is willing to negotiate with Top Rank for Pavlik-Williams, as long as there is a 50-50 co-promotion on the event. Goossen counters Arum's comments regarding the contract for Pavlik-Williams in 2008 and December 5, 2009.
There was never a signed contract for a fight in 2008, or for the date in December, says Goossen. The fight was originally set for October, and Pavlik's staph infection forced the fight to be postponed to December. The December date was not going to happen either, as Pavlik was still fighting the staph infection.
"I just finished reading the latest comments by Bob Arum from last nights "big" victory for Kelly Pavlik which I just wanted to cry after reading, oh sorry, that's what Bob wanted to do fighting in Ohio where his fighter couldn't draw two thousand paid attendance and made over $1.5 Million Dollars less than Paul Williams did in his fight against a World Champion two weeks ago, that also happens to be considered a Fight of the Year candidate," Goossen said.
"Kelly Pavlik beats Miguel Espino and they believe they have Superman. Pavlik made $1.5 million less and couldn't draw two thousand paid in his own hometown. The wheels of justice have finally prevailed in Paul Williams' favor."
"Just a few factual comments starting with Paul Williams never pulled out of any fight with Kelly Pavlik as Kelly proclaimed in Mr. Vester's article prior to his loss to Bernard Hopkins. No contract was signed, hence the ability for them to fight Hopkins. As a matter of fact, despite what Bob said, there was no contract signed for December 5 either as discussions were ongoing. Bob can spin it anyway he wants to, but the bottom line is the only way this fights get done in the future is a simple 50/50 co-promotion. Period."
Based on Goossen's comments, it appears negotiations will once again take place, at some point in 2010. Goossen has very little confidence in the fight actually coming off. The two sides tried to make it happen on four occasions, and on four occasions it never happened.
"There isn't much more to say other than the fact that Paul Williams has demonstrated he will fight anyone at any weight between 147 and 160 pounds, including changing complete fighting styles weeks before a scheduled fight as he did with Martinez. Let me also remind everyone, it is Kelly Pavlik that has opted out of four different opportunities to get into the ring with Paul Williams for whatever reasons they want to use for the reasons: staph infections, money, making a fist, mandatories," Goossen said.
"We'll see just how bad they want to fight Paul Williams. They had their opportunity. We wanted it this year and they wanted it next year. If he doesn't want to do it, he can fight Bernard Hopkins again because it was brilliant the first time around."
"As I said before, I do have too much respect for our sport to react to any of Bob's personal attacks and the distortion of the facts, especially when so much could be said in response about Bob with the numerous transgressions we've endured as a sport. As for the possibilities of a Williams-Pavlik bout in the future, as the recent events have shown, Paul is doing quite nicely with his career, and has shown his greatness and heart inside the ring and not with his words. Now it's up to Kelly Pavlik if he really wants to fight Paul Williams or find the many other reasons he can, I'm sure, not to fight The Punisher?
By Rick Reeno
In response to comments that were made on Saturday night by WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik and his promoter Bob Arum [Click Here To Read] - Paul Williams' promoter, Dan Goossen, has fired back with comments of his own. Goossen is willing to negotiate with Top Rank for Pavlik-Williams, as long as there is a 50-50 co-promotion on the event. Goossen counters Arum's comments regarding the contract for Pavlik-Williams in 2008 and December 5, 2009.
There was never a signed contract for a fight in 2008, or for the date in December, says Goossen. The fight was originally set for October, and Pavlik's staph infection forced the fight to be postponed to December. The December date was not going to happen either, as Pavlik was still fighting the staph infection.
"I just finished reading the latest comments by Bob Arum from last nights "big" victory for Kelly Pavlik which I just wanted to cry after reading, oh sorry, that's what Bob wanted to do fighting in Ohio where his fighter couldn't draw two thousand paid attendance and made over $1.5 Million Dollars less than Paul Williams did in his fight against a World Champion two weeks ago, that also happens to be considered a Fight of the Year candidate," Goossen said.
"Kelly Pavlik beats Miguel Espino and they believe they have Superman. Pavlik made $1.5 million less and couldn't draw two thousand paid in his own hometown. The wheels of justice have finally prevailed in Paul Williams' favor."
"Just a few factual comments starting with Paul Williams never pulled out of any fight with Kelly Pavlik as Kelly proclaimed in Mr. Vester's article prior to his loss to Bernard Hopkins. No contract was signed, hence the ability for them to fight Hopkins. As a matter of fact, despite what Bob said, there was no contract signed for December 5 either as discussions were ongoing. Bob can spin it anyway he wants to, but the bottom line is the only way this fights get done in the future is a simple 50/50 co-promotion. Period."
Based on Goossen's comments, it appears negotiations will once again take place, at some point in 2010. Goossen has very little confidence in the fight actually coming off. The two sides tried to make it happen on four occasions, and on four occasions it never happened.
"There isn't much more to say other than the fact that Paul Williams has demonstrated he will fight anyone at any weight between 147 and 160 pounds, including changing complete fighting styles weeks before a scheduled fight as he did with Martinez. Let me also remind everyone, it is Kelly Pavlik that has opted out of four different opportunities to get into the ring with Paul Williams for whatever reasons they want to use for the reasons: staph infections, money, making a fist, mandatories," Goossen said.
"We'll see just how bad they want to fight Paul Williams. They had their opportunity. We wanted it this year and they wanted it next year. If he doesn't want to do it, he can fight Bernard Hopkins again because it was brilliant the first time around."
"As I said before, I do have too much respect for our sport to react to any of Bob's personal attacks and the distortion of the facts, especially when so much could be said in response about Bob with the numerous transgressions we've endured as a sport. As for the possibilities of a Williams-Pavlik bout in the future, as the recent events have shown, Paul is doing quite nicely with his career, and has shown his greatness and heart inside the ring and not with his words. Now it's up to Kelly Pavlik if he really wants to fight Paul Williams or find the many other reasons he can, I'm sure, not to fight The Punisher?
Cintron: “A fight between Cotto and I makes the most sense. It’s about Puerto Rican p
December 21, 2009) It’s Christmas time, but despite having a great family to share the season with, Kermit Cintron is feeling a little lonely. That’s because since his May victory over highly touted contender Alfredo Angulo, it seems as though everyone else from welterweight (where he has twice held world titles) to junior middleweight (where he pulled a convincing upset over Angulo) has forgotten about Cintron, the WBC #2, WBO #2, IBF #3 ranked contender..
To bide his time, Cintron (32-2-1, 28 KOs) fulfilled a lifelong dream by returning to his native Puerto Rico and stopping Juliano Ramos in five rounds. Now he’s back on the prowl for the biggest names and toughest challenges.
“I don’t discriminate,” said Cintron. “From 147 to 154, I feel like I can beat anyone in the world. My only two losses were to a guy who was later found to have loaded gloves. Almost no else has a track record as good as mine, and yet everyone else seems to be getting opportunities.”
Among those getting opportunities is Angulo, who was back on the HBO airwaves six months after losing to Cintron in a battle for the interim WBO junior middleweight title against untested Harry Joe Yorgey. Angulo won easily and is now planning his first title defense while Cintron sits in limbo.
“How does this make sense? I beat Angulo and he gets two more dates like it’s nothing,” asked Cintron. “Since I beat Angulo, the only fight I’ve been offered was to fight Joshua Clottey and I was already scheduled to fight down in Puerto Rico. So my DiBella Entertainment stablemate Carlos Quintana took the fight, and it ended up getting cancelled anyways.”
While Cintron is eager to fight the best from 147 to 154, it is a fight against fellow Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto that tops his wish list.
“A fight between Cotto and I makes the most sense. It’s about Puerto Rican pride,” said Cintron. “There could not be a bigger fight than me versus Cotto on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. What would make no sense would be for Cotto to give Margarito another fight.”
If a fight versus Cotto cannot happen, Cintron is willing to put to clear up any questions that remain with regard to his bout against Sergio Martinez.
“Because the Cotto fight wouldn’t happen until June, I’d like to get a rematch against Sergio Martinez. Some people disputed the draw. Look, the guy wore so much hair gel and moose, that the fumes were making me dizzy. And I still managed to put it on him on only 4 weeks’ notice. Let’s clear the air for good. With an eight week camp, I knock him out. Simple as that!”
Added Cintron, “And if I can’t get either of those fights, I’ll gladly move up to middleweight to fight Kelly Pavlik. If no is stepping up to the plate to fight me, they better know I am ready and willing to fight them!”
December 21, 2009) It’s Christmas time, but despite having a great family to share the season with, Kermit Cintron is feeling a little lonely. That’s because since his May victory over highly touted contender Alfredo Angulo, it seems as though everyone else from welterweight (where he has twice held world titles) to junior middleweight (where he pulled a convincing upset over Angulo) has forgotten about Cintron, the WBC #2, WBO #2, IBF #3 ranked contender..
To bide his time, Cintron (32-2-1, 28 KOs) fulfilled a lifelong dream by returning to his native Puerto Rico and stopping Juliano Ramos in five rounds. Now he’s back on the prowl for the biggest names and toughest challenges.
“I don’t discriminate,” said Cintron. “From 147 to 154, I feel like I can beat anyone in the world. My only two losses were to a guy who was later found to have loaded gloves. Almost no else has a track record as good as mine, and yet everyone else seems to be getting opportunities.”
Among those getting opportunities is Angulo, who was back on the HBO airwaves six months after losing to Cintron in a battle for the interim WBO junior middleweight title against untested Harry Joe Yorgey. Angulo won easily and is now planning his first title defense while Cintron sits in limbo.
“How does this make sense? I beat Angulo and he gets two more dates like it’s nothing,” asked Cintron. “Since I beat Angulo, the only fight I’ve been offered was to fight Joshua Clottey and I was already scheduled to fight down in Puerto Rico. So my DiBella Entertainment stablemate Carlos Quintana took the fight, and it ended up getting cancelled anyways.”
While Cintron is eager to fight the best from 147 to 154, it is a fight against fellow Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto that tops his wish list.
“A fight between Cotto and I makes the most sense. It’s about Puerto Rican pride,” said Cintron. “There could not be a bigger fight than me versus Cotto on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. What would make no sense would be for Cotto to give Margarito another fight.”
If a fight versus Cotto cannot happen, Cintron is willing to put to clear up any questions that remain with regard to his bout against Sergio Martinez.
“Because the Cotto fight wouldn’t happen until June, I’d like to get a rematch against Sergio Martinez. Some people disputed the draw. Look, the guy wore so much hair gel and moose, that the fumes were making me dizzy. And I still managed to put it on him on only 4 weeks’ notice. Let’s clear the air for good. With an eight week camp, I knock him out. Simple as that!”
Added Cintron, “And if I can’t get either of those fights, I’ll gladly move up to middleweight to fight Kelly Pavlik. If no is stepping up to the plate to fight me, they better know I am ready and willing to fight them!”
One Writer's Year End Awards - The Best Of 2009
by James Slater - There is less than a week to go in the year, before 2010 will be upon us. And, with all the boxing action of the last 12 months now ready to be reassessed, there will soon be a number of "the best of 2009" lists surfacing both in print and on the net. The choices made when picking an award winner for things such as fighter of the year and fight of the year are down to personal opinion and nothing more.
With that said, here are my picks for five categories; the best of the last 12 months.
1: Fighter of the year: Manny Pacquiao.
Who else could it possibly be by the all-conquering Manny Pacquiao? The Filipino southpaw fought just twice this year - in May and in November - but how he made his wins count. Utterly destroying both Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, the former inside just two-rounds, "Pac-Man" proved his greatness. Could 2009 even have been his very best year as a pro?
(honourable mention: Timothy Bradley. Having fought three times this year and each time against a top quality foe, "Desert Storm" is second only to Pacquiao in my opinion..)
2: Fight of the year: Paul Williams WM 12 Sergio Martinez.
These two warrior southpaws, who met at middleweight on December 5th, gave everything they had over 12 quite furious rounds of fighting. They traded knockdowns early in the fight, before settling into a brutal and gruelling war of a distance fight. Both men's chins were severely tested, and the guts and heart on display by both men was also something to behold. Williams looked the worse for wear at the end, due to the two cuts he'd suffered during the war, but "The Punisher" had done enough to get the majority verdict. These two have to fight again!
(honourable mention: Shane Mosley TKO 9 Antonio Margarito. A splendid battle that took place in the year's first month, the two welterweights went at it with gusto until the superior skills of underdog Mosley took over and saw to it that the Mexican warrior's legendary chin could take no more. Of course, the fight became infamous shortly after it had ended, due to the "loaded gloves" scandal involving the loser.)
3: KO of the year: Manny Pacquiao KO 2 Ricky Hatton.
This one, in May of the year, was chilling. Hatton, who had only been stopped once, by the sublime Floyd Mayweather Junior up at 147-pounds, felt his natural size and strength at 140 would see him to victory over the man who began his pro career as a 106-pounder. Never expecting his usually reliable chin to be so violently shattered, or so quickly, Hatton went down from Pacquiao's blistering left hand as though he'd been shot. Up there with Sugar Ray Robinson's one-punch KO of Gene Fulmer, Pacquiao KO 2 Hatton instantly became highlight reel material of the highest quality.
(honourable mention: Randall Bailey KO 4 Francisco Figueroa. Known as "The Knock Out King," light-welterweight Bailey showed why in April of this year, when he iced Figueroa with one perfect right hand that split his young opponent's gloves. Downed hard, Figueroa had no chance at all of getting back up before the count of 30, never mind 10.)
4: Round of the year: Paul Samuels-Cello Renda Round-two.
Neither guy is a big name, but so what? This all-British middleweight battle, that took place in November, was short and sweet and a great little fight all the way through. However, round-two gave us something that is usually meant only for the movies. Both men, amazingly, landed with left hooks to the jaw at EXACTLY the same time! Both guys hit the mat, as the mouths of fans at ringside also dropped. Just like in Rocky II, both warriors had to beat the count. They both did, and the battle raged on until Samuels stopped Renda in the next round. The two are set to meet again in January.
(Honourable mention: Pacquiao-Cotto Round-three. Both men are light years ahead of the two fighters I've bestowed the round of the year award on, and it may seem odd having Pacquiao-Cotto round-three below Samuels-Renda. Round-three of the November super-fight was indeed a great three minutes. Cotto stood and traded with Pacquiao in the round, resulting in breathtaking action, and he also came back from a knockdown to push "Pac-Man" later in the session. A superb round of boxing.)
5: Comeback of the year: Floyd Mayweather Junior.
Away for almost two years, "Money" proved in his dominant, almost ridiculously easy points won over pound-for-pound entrant Juan Manuel Marquez that his skills are as sharply tuned and impressive even after he's been out of action for a good while. Perhaps looking even quicker than before, the 32-year-old simply dazzled against the gritty Mexican. He may not have reclaimed his spot atop the P-4-P charts with the win, but Mayweather immediately went back in at #2 with the September shutout.
(Honourable mention: Carl Froch. This dramatic comeback occurred in an actual fight, as "The Cobra," well behind of the scorecards against Jermain Taylor in April, rescued his WBC 168-pound title and unbeaten record with a sensational 12th-round stoppage win. With Taylor looking like he'd make it to the final bell and thus take his title with a decision, Froch put on a tremendous display of never giving up. Decking "Bad Intentions" with a right hand, the Brit finished Taylor off with a barrage near the end of the round, prompting the referee's stoppage. How near to the end of the round? 14 seconds before the final bell, that's how near!)
by James Slater - There is less than a week to go in the year, before 2010 will be upon us. And, with all the boxing action of the last 12 months now ready to be reassessed, there will soon be a number of "the best of 2009" lists surfacing both in print and on the net. The choices made when picking an award winner for things such as fighter of the year and fight of the year are down to personal opinion and nothing more.
With that said, here are my picks for five categories; the best of the last 12 months.
1: Fighter of the year: Manny Pacquiao.
Who else could it possibly be by the all-conquering Manny Pacquiao? The Filipino southpaw fought just twice this year - in May and in November - but how he made his wins count. Utterly destroying both Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, the former inside just two-rounds, "Pac-Man" proved his greatness. Could 2009 even have been his very best year as a pro?
(honourable mention: Timothy Bradley. Having fought three times this year and each time against a top quality foe, "Desert Storm" is second only to Pacquiao in my opinion..)
2: Fight of the year: Paul Williams WM 12 Sergio Martinez.
These two warrior southpaws, who met at middleweight on December 5th, gave everything they had over 12 quite furious rounds of fighting. They traded knockdowns early in the fight, before settling into a brutal and gruelling war of a distance fight. Both men's chins were severely tested, and the guts and heart on display by both men was also something to behold. Williams looked the worse for wear at the end, due to the two cuts he'd suffered during the war, but "The Punisher" had done enough to get the majority verdict. These two have to fight again!
(honourable mention: Shane Mosley TKO 9 Antonio Margarito. A splendid battle that took place in the year's first month, the two welterweights went at it with gusto until the superior skills of underdog Mosley took over and saw to it that the Mexican warrior's legendary chin could take no more. Of course, the fight became infamous shortly after it had ended, due to the "loaded gloves" scandal involving the loser.)
3: KO of the year: Manny Pacquiao KO 2 Ricky Hatton.
This one, in May of the year, was chilling. Hatton, who had only been stopped once, by the sublime Floyd Mayweather Junior up at 147-pounds, felt his natural size and strength at 140 would see him to victory over the man who began his pro career as a 106-pounder. Never expecting his usually reliable chin to be so violently shattered, or so quickly, Hatton went down from Pacquiao's blistering left hand as though he'd been shot. Up there with Sugar Ray Robinson's one-punch KO of Gene Fulmer, Pacquiao KO 2 Hatton instantly became highlight reel material of the highest quality.
(honourable mention: Randall Bailey KO 4 Francisco Figueroa. Known as "The Knock Out King," light-welterweight Bailey showed why in April of this year, when he iced Figueroa with one perfect right hand that split his young opponent's gloves. Downed hard, Figueroa had no chance at all of getting back up before the count of 30, never mind 10.)
4: Round of the year: Paul Samuels-Cello Renda Round-two.
Neither guy is a big name, but so what? This all-British middleweight battle, that took place in November, was short and sweet and a great little fight all the way through. However, round-two gave us something that is usually meant only for the movies. Both men, amazingly, landed with left hooks to the jaw at EXACTLY the same time! Both guys hit the mat, as the mouths of fans at ringside also dropped. Just like in Rocky II, both warriors had to beat the count. They both did, and the battle raged on until Samuels stopped Renda in the next round. The two are set to meet again in January.
(Honourable mention: Pacquiao-Cotto Round-three. Both men are light years ahead of the two fighters I've bestowed the round of the year award on, and it may seem odd having Pacquiao-Cotto round-three below Samuels-Renda. Round-three of the November super-fight was indeed a great three minutes. Cotto stood and traded with Pacquiao in the round, resulting in breathtaking action, and he also came back from a knockdown to push "Pac-Man" later in the session. A superb round of boxing.)
5: Comeback of the year: Floyd Mayweather Junior.
Away for almost two years, "Money" proved in his dominant, almost ridiculously easy points won over pound-for-pound entrant Juan Manuel Marquez that his skills are as sharply tuned and impressive even after he's been out of action for a good while. Perhaps looking even quicker than before, the 32-year-old simply dazzled against the gritty Mexican. He may not have reclaimed his spot atop the P-4-P charts with the win, but Mayweather immediately went back in at #2 with the September shutout.
(Honourable mention: Carl Froch. This dramatic comeback occurred in an actual fight, as "The Cobra," well behind of the scorecards against Jermain Taylor in April, rescued his WBC 168-pound title and unbeaten record with a sensational 12th-round stoppage win. With Taylor looking like he'd make it to the final bell and thus take his title with a decision, Froch put on a tremendous display of never giving up. Decking "Bad Intentions" with a right hand, the Brit finished Taylor off with a barrage near the end of the round, prompting the referee's stoppage. How near to the end of the round? 14 seconds before the final bell, that's how near!)
2010: The Year of Edwin Valero?
By Zach Yanowitz - Edwin Valero is a controversial guy. Whether or not you think he’s legitimate, you have to respect his record. 26-0, with all those wins coming by way of knockout. I know, he’s no LaMar Clark, but that’s damn impressive. Sure, he throws some wide, sloppy punches, his defense is suspect, and he gets overly aggressive when hit. But hey, I’d rather watch a balls-out brawler with unbelievable power than a pussyfooting boxer who wouldn’t come forward and slug unless there was a shotgun in the small of his back (I’m talking to you, Pretty Boy Floyd).
Sure, he may not have fought the best competition so far, but Dougie Fisher makes some good points in his most recent article on the subject. Antonio Pitalua is a legitimate B-fighter, if not better.. Vincente Mosquera was a total badass. The guy was ranked behind Barrera, Morales, and Pacquiao, and is in prison for murder now. Sure, it took Valero 10 rounds to knock him out, but he did it eventually. His competition hasn’t been amazing, but he’s no Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. or Dimitry Salita in terms of stacking one’s record against bums.
And then there’s his own personal issues that have stood in his way. The head injury that keeps him from fighting anywhere but Texas, the visa problems, the DUI in Vegas, the troubles back in Venezuela, none of it is going in El Inca’s favor. But this is a new year.
With Saturday’s win over Hector Velazquez, Valero’s fight against exciting young contender Antonio DeMarco is rushing ever closer (February 6th, to be exact). DeMarco is a relatively recognizable name, and it’s about time Valero got some exposure on Showtime. Now, I like DeMarco, but El Inca is going to knock him out. That’s fine. Antonio’s still got plenty of time to develop, but eventually Edwin is going to catch him and he’s going down.
After that? He can step up and challenge any number of the major lightweights. Juan Manuel Marquez and Ricky Hatton should both retire after their seemingly inevitable showdown, but that still leaves Michael Katsidis, Ali Funeka, and potentially Juan Diaz if he moves down to his natural weight. Will Valero be able to beat them? Maybe. Probably Katsidis, maybe Diaz, probably not Funeka. But a loss could lead Valero to get a legitimate trainer, learn some better boxing skills, and get his life in order. I hear Freddie Roach is a fan.
And after that, who knows? The Junior Welterweight division is stacked these days and could always use a new addition.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
By Zach Yanowitz - Edwin Valero is a controversial guy. Whether or not you think he’s legitimate, you have to respect his record. 26-0, with all those wins coming by way of knockout. I know, he’s no LaMar Clark, but that’s damn impressive. Sure, he throws some wide, sloppy punches, his defense is suspect, and he gets overly aggressive when hit. But hey, I’d rather watch a balls-out brawler with unbelievable power than a pussyfooting boxer who wouldn’t come forward and slug unless there was a shotgun in the small of his back (I’m talking to you, Pretty Boy Floyd).
Sure, he may not have fought the best competition so far, but Dougie Fisher makes some good points in his most recent article on the subject. Antonio Pitalua is a legitimate B-fighter, if not better.. Vincente Mosquera was a total badass. The guy was ranked behind Barrera, Morales, and Pacquiao, and is in prison for murder now. Sure, it took Valero 10 rounds to knock him out, but he did it eventually. His competition hasn’t been amazing, but he’s no Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. or Dimitry Salita in terms of stacking one’s record against bums.
And then there’s his own personal issues that have stood in his way. The head injury that keeps him from fighting anywhere but Texas, the visa problems, the DUI in Vegas, the troubles back in Venezuela, none of it is going in El Inca’s favor. But this is a new year.
With Saturday’s win over Hector Velazquez, Valero’s fight against exciting young contender Antonio DeMarco is rushing ever closer (February 6th, to be exact). DeMarco is a relatively recognizable name, and it’s about time Valero got some exposure on Showtime. Now, I like DeMarco, but El Inca is going to knock him out. That’s fine. Antonio’s still got plenty of time to develop, but eventually Edwin is going to catch him and he’s going down.
After that? He can step up and challenge any number of the major lightweights. Juan Manuel Marquez and Ricky Hatton should both retire after their seemingly inevitable showdown, but that still leaves Michael Katsidis, Ali Funeka, and potentially Juan Diaz if he moves down to his natural weight. Will Valero be able to beat them? Maybe. Probably Katsidis, maybe Diaz, probably not Funeka. But a loss could lead Valero to get a legitimate trainer, learn some better boxing skills, and get his life in order. I hear Freddie Roach is a fan.
And after that, who knows? The Junior Welterweight division is stacked these days and could always use a new addition.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Mikkel Kessler's Training For Froch; Bouziane Vacates
By Per Ake Persson
French bantamweight Malik Bouziane has relinquished the EBU title to concentrate on a possible shot at WBA king Anselmo Moreno during 2010. There were going to be purse bids for Bouziane vs Jerome Arnould in Rome this week in what would have been a dangerous mandatory defense.
There was only one bidder for the fight between Denis Lebedev and Steve Herelius for the vacant EBU cruiserweight title and that was from AMI Production in France who put in an offer for 40,000 EUR. Date and site is to be announced.
Cruiserweights Rachid El Hadak and Zakaria Azzouzi clash for the national title February 25 in Hyeres. El Hadak will apparently drop out of a fight against Belgian Geoffrey Batello for the EU crown set for February 20 to fight Azzouzi.
Osaga Promotions in Denmark was at the last minute forced to cancel its planned promotion on December 19 in Aalborg. Osaga first had its Danish license withdrawn due to financial difficulties and then had obtained a license with the GBA in Germany. But in the last minute the promoter failed to come up with the necessary financial guarantee and the show was off.
Jr middleweight prospect "Golden" Jack Culcay, 1-0, turned pro Saturday night in Schwerin and have his next fight set for Magdeburg January 9 on the Stieglitz vs Miranda bill. As part of Culcay´s fight a lenghty clip was shown from when Eckhard Dagge, the last German world champ at light middleweight, won the WBC title by stopping Elisha Obed in the tenth round back in 76.
Who newly crowned IBF welterweight champ Jan Zaveck will fight in his first defense? Well, Pole Rafael Jackiewicz seems like a very likely opponent. Jackiewicz beat Zaveck on a close decision in 08 and a rematch have been talked about since then. Rafael then won a IBF eliminator while Jan stepped in at relatively short notice to win the IBF title against Isaac Hlatswayo.
Palm Promotions have welterweight veterans Allan Vester and Christian Bladt on the undercard to Larsen vs Magee January 30 in Aarhus.
Former WBA super middleweight champ Mikkel Kessler will work with a mental trainer as part of the preparations for the April 17 showdown against WBC king Carl Froch in Denmark. Kessler comes off a career worst performance against Andre Ward and the normal way back is through wins over suitable opponents to rebuild the confidence but not so for the participants in the Super Six tournament.
Swedish middles Vame Kartweli, 7-0, and Karlo Tabaghua, 12-1, are both featured on the undercard in the big Christmas Day show in Izegem, Belgium. Lightweight Jean Pierre Bauwens headlines against Christian Frias.
By Per Ake Persson
French bantamweight Malik Bouziane has relinquished the EBU title to concentrate on a possible shot at WBA king Anselmo Moreno during 2010. There were going to be purse bids for Bouziane vs Jerome Arnould in Rome this week in what would have been a dangerous mandatory defense.
There was only one bidder for the fight between Denis Lebedev and Steve Herelius for the vacant EBU cruiserweight title and that was from AMI Production in France who put in an offer for 40,000 EUR. Date and site is to be announced.
Cruiserweights Rachid El Hadak and Zakaria Azzouzi clash for the national title February 25 in Hyeres. El Hadak will apparently drop out of a fight against Belgian Geoffrey Batello for the EU crown set for February 20 to fight Azzouzi.
Osaga Promotions in Denmark was at the last minute forced to cancel its planned promotion on December 19 in Aalborg. Osaga first had its Danish license withdrawn due to financial difficulties and then had obtained a license with the GBA in Germany. But in the last minute the promoter failed to come up with the necessary financial guarantee and the show was off.
Jr middleweight prospect "Golden" Jack Culcay, 1-0, turned pro Saturday night in Schwerin and have his next fight set for Magdeburg January 9 on the Stieglitz vs Miranda bill. As part of Culcay´s fight a lenghty clip was shown from when Eckhard Dagge, the last German world champ at light middleweight, won the WBC title by stopping Elisha Obed in the tenth round back in 76.
Who newly crowned IBF welterweight champ Jan Zaveck will fight in his first defense? Well, Pole Rafael Jackiewicz seems like a very likely opponent. Jackiewicz beat Zaveck on a close decision in 08 and a rematch have been talked about since then. Rafael then won a IBF eliminator while Jan stepped in at relatively short notice to win the IBF title against Isaac Hlatswayo.
Palm Promotions have welterweight veterans Allan Vester and Christian Bladt on the undercard to Larsen vs Magee January 30 in Aarhus.
Former WBA super middleweight champ Mikkel Kessler will work with a mental trainer as part of the preparations for the April 17 showdown against WBC king Carl Froch in Denmark. Kessler comes off a career worst performance against Andre Ward and the normal way back is through wins over suitable opponents to rebuild the confidence but not so for the participants in the Super Six tournament.
Swedish middles Vame Kartweli, 7-0, and Karlo Tabaghua, 12-1, are both featured on the undercard in the big Christmas Day show in Izegem, Belgium. Lightweight Jean Pierre Bauwens headlines against Christian Frias.
Danny Green Will Look To Destroy Bernard Hopkins
By Mark Vester
IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green (28-3, 25 KOs) is planning to destroy Bernard Hopkins (50-5-1, 32 KOs) if the two fighters ever lock horns. Green loves to end his fights by knockout. He knows Hopkins will try to slow down the pace and make it a boxing match. Green tells the Philadelphia Daily News that he wants find out the hard way on which strategy will play out.
"I come to destroy my opponents," Green said. "Over 90 percent of my fights have ended in knockouts. My style is no secret. Bernard is a defensive genius. He's going to try to shut my offense down and hold out for a decision. I don't think he can do it, but there's only one way to find out, isn't there?"
The fight would make the most money in Australia. Hopkins' rematch with Roy Jones Jr. was crushed when Green stopped Jones in a single round on December 2. Hopkins sees the first round KO of Jones as the selling point for the Green bout. The fight taking place in Australia will not become a deal-breaker.
"Nobody's mentioning Danny Green but me," Hopkins said. "I'd get on a plane for 13 hours if that's what it took. Why not piggyback off [Green's wipeout of Jones]? I can see the promotion now: Can Danny Green do the same thing to Bernard Hopkins that he did to Roy Jones?"
Promoter Gary Shaw, adviser to Green, thinks Hopkins will be up for the fight - because of the money involved.
"At this stage of Bernard's career, he's going to follow the scent of the money," Shaw opined. "He knows what HBO is willing to pay for him to fight [Chad] Dawson, and it won't be enough to get a deal done. I don't believe he'll get [WBA heavyweight champion] David Haye in the ring, whether it's here or there [England], because after Haye fights and wins his mandatory against John Ruiz, he'll be forced into a rematch with [Nikolai] Valuev. So that fight's off the table, too
By Mark Vester
IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green (28-3, 25 KOs) is planning to destroy Bernard Hopkins (50-5-1, 32 KOs) if the two fighters ever lock horns. Green loves to end his fights by knockout. He knows Hopkins will try to slow down the pace and make it a boxing match. Green tells the Philadelphia Daily News that he wants find out the hard way on which strategy will play out.
"I come to destroy my opponents," Green said. "Over 90 percent of my fights have ended in knockouts. My style is no secret. Bernard is a defensive genius. He's going to try to shut my offense down and hold out for a decision. I don't think he can do it, but there's only one way to find out, isn't there?"
The fight would make the most money in Australia. Hopkins' rematch with Roy Jones Jr. was crushed when Green stopped Jones in a single round on December 2. Hopkins sees the first round KO of Jones as the selling point for the Green bout. The fight taking place in Australia will not become a deal-breaker.
"Nobody's mentioning Danny Green but me," Hopkins said. "I'd get on a plane for 13 hours if that's what it took. Why not piggyback off [Green's wipeout of Jones]? I can see the promotion now: Can Danny Green do the same thing to Bernard Hopkins that he did to Roy Jones?"
Promoter Gary Shaw, adviser to Green, thinks Hopkins will be up for the fight - because of the money involved.
"At this stage of Bernard's career, he's going to follow the scent of the money," Shaw opined. "He knows what HBO is willing to pay for him to fight [Chad] Dawson, and it won't be enough to get a deal done. I don't believe he'll get [WBA heavyweight champion] David Haye in the ring, whether it's here or there [England], because after Haye fights and wins his mandatory against John Ruiz, he'll be forced into a rematch with [Nikolai] Valuev. So that fight's off the table, too