Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
Yeah, man...this internet shit isn't that serious, you know, since I don't know any person on here personally, but I don't wish bad things on anyone. Hopefully all is well. I have a feeling, though, that the reason he's going through this, or at least part of it, is because of that gay-ass sig naner has.
Just saying, though...:ermm:
Just saying, though...:ermm:
WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito departed Puerto Rico today for Los Angeles to begin training camp for his scheduled November 1st fight in Anaheim, California. Margarito was in town for Saturday's fight between Ivan Calderon and Hugo Cazares. Though Margarito dethroned Puerto Rican hero Miguel Cotto back in June, he actually became more popular in Puerto Rico. During the press tour for the Cotto-Margarito fight in Puerto Rico, Margarito was very professional, just as he was after defeating Cotto and the Puerto Rican fans remembered that. During his short stay on the island, Margarito was constantly mobbed by fans wherever he went but never would turn down anyone's request for an autograph or photo.
Monday, September 1 2008
Monday, September 1 2008
01.09.08 - by James Slater - As has been reported on ESPN.com, former three-weight world champion and proven great Marco Antonio Barrera has signed a five year deal with promoter extraordinaire Don King. This news has come as quite a shock, especially considering the Mexican's age of 34. Barrera planning to fight again, once, is one thing, but to plan on having a further five years of ring activity? That's something else entirely..
Barrera, who has not fought since his rematch loss to Manny Pacquiao in October of last year, severed ties with Golden Boy Promotions in July and now says he wants to become the first Mexican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes. Originally, Marco announced his retirement after the points loss to "Pac-Man," but now he has surprised us all by signing the five year deal. Can this possibly be a wise move on the part of "The Baby Faced Assassin?"
Barrera has had a long career. Turning pro way back in 1989, the former super-bantamweight, featherweight and super-featherweight world champion has engaged in a total of 70 pro bouts so far. Not having won a fight since September 2006, and his rematch points win over Rocky Juarez, Barrera is surely kidding himself if he thinks he has anything like another five hard years left in him. After having fought a number of incredibly draining wars with the likes of Erik Morales, Kennedy McKinney, Junior Jones and Pacquiao, the only thing the 34-year-old legend should be doing now is taking it easy and reflecting on a Hall of Fame career. But Barrera says he can win a world title at lightweight and make boxing history.
According to ESPN, Don King can offer Barrera a chance to make his dream come true. King promotes unified lightweight champion Nate Campbell, and, providing "The Galaxxy Warrior" can get past Joan Guzman later this month, King will promote a Campbell-Barrera showdown next year. Or, should Campbell lose to Guzman, King may match Barrera with Japan's Yusuke Kobori, who captured the WBA interim lightweight belt back in May. Kobori has a mandatory defence scheduled against yet another King fighter, in Paulus Moses, and should he lose to Moses, Marco would face the Namibian instead. So either way, Barrera looks set to challenge for one version or another of the 135 pound world title some time next year.
It is not beyond reason that the 63-6(42) Barrera can win a version of the lightweight title, but the odds are surely against it. Barrera really has no business opting to fight on, much less for a further five years. But of course, this is his decision and the proud fighter will do as he pleases - even though we all know he has absolutely no need to box again, as he has nothing to prove and should not risk tarnishing his reputation by picking up an additional number of avoidable defeats.
Barrera, who has not fought since his rematch loss to Manny Pacquiao in October of last year, severed ties with Golden Boy Promotions in July and now says he wants to become the first Mexican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes. Originally, Marco announced his retirement after the points loss to "Pac-Man," but now he has surprised us all by signing the five year deal. Can this possibly be a wise move on the part of "The Baby Faced Assassin?"
Barrera has had a long career. Turning pro way back in 1989, the former super-bantamweight, featherweight and super-featherweight world champion has engaged in a total of 70 pro bouts so far. Not having won a fight since September 2006, and his rematch points win over Rocky Juarez, Barrera is surely kidding himself if he thinks he has anything like another five hard years left in him. After having fought a number of incredibly draining wars with the likes of Erik Morales, Kennedy McKinney, Junior Jones and Pacquiao, the only thing the 34-year-old legend should be doing now is taking it easy and reflecting on a Hall of Fame career. But Barrera says he can win a world title at lightweight and make boxing history.
According to ESPN, Don King can offer Barrera a chance to make his dream come true. King promotes unified lightweight champion Nate Campbell, and, providing "The Galaxxy Warrior" can get past Joan Guzman later this month, King will promote a Campbell-Barrera showdown next year. Or, should Campbell lose to Guzman, King may match Barrera with Japan's Yusuke Kobori, who captured the WBA interim lightweight belt back in May. Kobori has a mandatory defence scheduled against yet another King fighter, in Paulus Moses, and should he lose to Moses, Marco would face the Namibian instead. So either way, Barrera looks set to challenge for one version or another of the 135 pound world title some time next year.
It is not beyond reason that the 63-6(42) Barrera can win a version of the lightweight title, but the odds are surely against it. Barrera really has no business opting to fight on, much less for a further five years. But of course, this is his decision and the proud fighter will do as he pleases - even though we all know he has absolutely no need to box again, as he has nothing to prove and should not risk tarnishing his reputation by picking up an additional number of avoidable defeats.
I wish MAB the best in his come back, just hope he comes out of it without any serious damage.
I haven't said anyting about Paq vs DLH yet, mostly because I don't see the point in it other than the money. Paq just moved up to 135, and now he's doing it again at 147. dlh has to cut a bunch just to meet there. Its another DLH vs Hopkins but with the roles reversed. Just dont see the point in it. Oh well. DLH in his prime mops the floor with Pac, comming from a Pac fan since day one. But seriously, a 1996 De La Hoya would murder a 2008 Manny. Talk about bieng out classed.
On a bigger note:
WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito departed Puerto Rico today for Los Angeles to begin training camp for his scheduled November 1st fight in Anaheim, California.
I'll be there....
I haven't said anyting about Paq vs DLH yet, mostly because I don't see the point in it other than the money. Paq just moved up to 135, and now he's doing it again at 147. dlh has to cut a bunch just to meet there. Its another DLH vs Hopkins but with the roles reversed. Just dont see the point in it. Oh well. DLH in his prime mops the floor with Pac, comming from a Pac fan since day one. But seriously, a 1996 De La Hoya would murder a 2008 Manny. Talk about bieng out classed.
On a bigger note:
WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito departed Puerto Rico today for Los Angeles to begin training camp for his scheduled November 1st fight in Anaheim, California.
I'll be there....
Five Very Exciting Fighters Right Now
02.09.08 - By Ted Sares - There are many out there who bring electricity into the ring, but if forced to select five, here they are in no particular order. And keep in mind the emphasis here is on excitement and not necessarily skill. Kelly Pavlik is skilled and destructive, but in a perverse way may not be as exciting as Edison Miranda whom he destroyed.
1) Antonio Margarito. (37-5 ) My favorite style is a “stalk, stun and kill” type and that’s exactly what Tony brings to the fray. His stunning blow-out of Citron and classic win over Miguel Cotto puts him on just about any top list.
2) Manny Pacquiao. (47-3-2) His exciting whirlwind, in-and-out style combined with his systematic destruction of opponents makes this future legend an easy pick. Heck, he just might be a legend in his own time.
3) Christian Mijares. (36-3-2 ) The technically skilled Mijares, showing defensive skills that are astounding and a punch volume that is eye popping, brings tools into the ring that are reminiscent of other great Mexican fighters of yore. Yes, he is that good and so is his non-stop style of fighting..
4) Vic Darchinyan. (30-1-1)This rugged Australian by way of Armenia brings a special (maybe cocky) attitude into the ring that says, “I’m going to take you out.” While not the most popular fighter (perhaps for all the wrong reasons), no one can deny that he is one of the most exciting. When Vic works, most will watch because there usually are fireworks.
5) Miguel Cotto. (32-1) Heavy-handed WBC featherweight titleholder Jorge Linares might well have been my pick, but his inactivity keeps him off this list. Thus, despite his crushing defeat at the hands of Margorito, my choice is Junito whose style always brings with it an aura of scintillating excitement reminiscent of the Golden Ages of Boxing.
Honorable mention: Israel Vasquez, Rafael Marquez, Juan Manuel Lopez, Rey Bautista, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Arthur Abraham, Edison Miranda, Joel Julio, Ricardo Torres, Michael Katsidis, Jorge Barrios, Alejandro Berrio, Lucian Bute, Librado Andrade, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, Daisuke Naito, Jorge Arce and Edwin Valero.
Interestingly, there are no heavyweights on my list, but that was the easiest thing to do.
02.09.08 - By Ted Sares - There are many out there who bring electricity into the ring, but if forced to select five, here they are in no particular order. And keep in mind the emphasis here is on excitement and not necessarily skill. Kelly Pavlik is skilled and destructive, but in a perverse way may not be as exciting as Edison Miranda whom he destroyed.
1) Antonio Margarito. (37-5 ) My favorite style is a “stalk, stun and kill” type and that’s exactly what Tony brings to the fray. His stunning blow-out of Citron and classic win over Miguel Cotto puts him on just about any top list.
2) Manny Pacquiao. (47-3-2) His exciting whirlwind, in-and-out style combined with his systematic destruction of opponents makes this future legend an easy pick. Heck, he just might be a legend in his own time.
3) Christian Mijares. (36-3-2 ) The technically skilled Mijares, showing defensive skills that are astounding and a punch volume that is eye popping, brings tools into the ring that are reminiscent of other great Mexican fighters of yore. Yes, he is that good and so is his non-stop style of fighting..
4) Vic Darchinyan. (30-1-1)This rugged Australian by way of Armenia brings a special (maybe cocky) attitude into the ring that says, “I’m going to take you out.” While not the most popular fighter (perhaps for all the wrong reasons), no one can deny that he is one of the most exciting. When Vic works, most will watch because there usually are fireworks.
5) Miguel Cotto. (32-1) Heavy-handed WBC featherweight titleholder Jorge Linares might well have been my pick, but his inactivity keeps him off this list. Thus, despite his crushing defeat at the hands of Margorito, my choice is Junito whose style always brings with it an aura of scintillating excitement reminiscent of the Golden Ages of Boxing.
Honorable mention: Israel Vasquez, Rafael Marquez, Juan Manuel Lopez, Rey Bautista, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Arthur Abraham, Edison Miranda, Joel Julio, Ricardo Torres, Michael Katsidis, Jorge Barrios, Alejandro Berrio, Lucian Bute, Librado Andrade, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, Daisuke Naito, Jorge Arce and Edwin Valero.
Interestingly, there are no heavyweights on my list, but that was the easiest thing to do.
David Haye Feels He Would Dominate James Toney
By Mark Vester
Finally answering the call of a possible fight with James Toney, former undisputed cruiserweight champion David Haye downplayed Toney as the potential opponent for his heavyweight re-debut, and gave more credibility to former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, still the front-runner to land the fight.
He doesn't believe that Toney's recent string of fights is enough to make him the best candidate for the fight. There are holes in Haye's answer. Everyone, except the three ringside judges, thought Toney beat Peter in their first meeting, everyone thought Toney beat Ruiz and I'm not exactly sure how Haye saw Toney losing the first two-rounds of the Rahman rematch.
“The only problem with James Toney is, I’ve looked at his record on boxrec and he’s only won one of his last six fights," Haye told Setanta Sports. "He got disqualified for steroids, he drew with Hasim Rahman and lost to Samuel Peter twice. [The last fight] was a no decision. I thought he lost the first two rounds then he won the third, then [Rahman] got a cut."
Haye wouldn't overlook Toney is they fought, but he thinks that he would dominate the action with either a late knockout or a lopsided decision.
“I think it would be an interesting fight. He’s deceiving. He fights a lot better than he looks. If you look at him, you think he’s just a pumped up fat middleweight, but he’s got a lot of skills. I definitely think I’d stop him late or win a big decision on points.”
By Mark Vester
Finally answering the call of a possible fight with James Toney, former undisputed cruiserweight champion David Haye downplayed Toney as the potential opponent for his heavyweight re-debut, and gave more credibility to former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, still the front-runner to land the fight.
He doesn't believe that Toney's recent string of fights is enough to make him the best candidate for the fight. There are holes in Haye's answer. Everyone, except the three ringside judges, thought Toney beat Peter in their first meeting, everyone thought Toney beat Ruiz and I'm not exactly sure how Haye saw Toney losing the first two-rounds of the Rahman rematch.
“The only problem with James Toney is, I’ve looked at his record on boxrec and he’s only won one of his last six fights," Haye told Setanta Sports. "He got disqualified for steroids, he drew with Hasim Rahman and lost to Samuel Peter twice. [The last fight] was a no decision. I thought he lost the first two rounds then he won the third, then [Rahman] got a cut."
Haye wouldn't overlook Toney is they fought, but he thinks that he would dominate the action with either a late knockout or a lopsided decision.
“I think it would be an interesting fight. He’s deceiving. He fights a lot better than he looks. If you look at him, you think he’s just a pumped up fat middleweight, but he’s got a lot of skills. I definitely think I’d stop him late or win a big decision on points.”
Warren: "I Wanted Joe Calzaghe To Fight Kelly Pavlik"
By Mark Vester
Promoter Frank Warren, in the middle of a nasty split with super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe, recently revealed that after Calzaghe won a split-decision over Bernard Hopkins in April, he wanted the Welsh fighter to take on WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. Instead, Calzaghe cut ties with Warren after a relationship that lasted over a decade, and signed to fight Roy Jones Jr. on November 8 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Warren has since sued Calzaghe for breach of contract and Calzaghe has counter-sued for $4 million dollars that he claims Warren owes him from the Hopkins bout.
"Joe didn't realize how much he was in the driving seat. Roy Jones had nowhere to go. I wanted Joe to fight Kelly Pavlik instead," Warren told The Guardian.
According to Warren, Calzaghe would have been to big for the middleweight champ and the win would have meant a lot more to Calzaghe's legacy than a win over Jones, who lost three of his last six fights. He also says Calzaghe would have made more money with Pavlik.
"Joe would have been too big for Pavlik and it would have meant so much more than beating Jones. Calzaghe and Pavlik are two pin-ups and undefeated world champions. Jones has lost three of his last six fights," Warren said.
"Joe would also have made more money against Pavlik, who would have taken the short end of the purse. But, yeah, it's very disappointing. Joe was undefeated as a world champion of 11 years - and that's a real legacy."
By Mark Vester
Promoter Frank Warren, in the middle of a nasty split with super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe, recently revealed that after Calzaghe won a split-decision over Bernard Hopkins in April, he wanted the Welsh fighter to take on WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. Instead, Calzaghe cut ties with Warren after a relationship that lasted over a decade, and signed to fight Roy Jones Jr. on November 8 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Warren has since sued Calzaghe for breach of contract and Calzaghe has counter-sued for $4 million dollars that he claims Warren owes him from the Hopkins bout.
"Joe didn't realize how much he was in the driving seat. Roy Jones had nowhere to go. I wanted Joe to fight Kelly Pavlik instead," Warren told The Guardian.
According to Warren, Calzaghe would have been to big for the middleweight champ and the win would have meant a lot more to Calzaghe's legacy than a win over Jones, who lost three of his last six fights. He also says Calzaghe would have made more money with Pavlik.
"Joe would have been too big for Pavlik and it would have meant so much more than beating Jones. Calzaghe and Pavlik are two pin-ups and undefeated world champions. Jones has lost three of his last six fights," Warren said.
"Joe would also have made more money against Pavlik, who would have taken the short end of the purse. But, yeah, it's very disappointing. Joe was undefeated as a world champion of 11 years - and that's a real legacy."
Ivan Calderon Placed on 120-Day Medical Suspension
By Mark Vester
WBO junior flyweight champion Ivan Calderon can forget about returning in 2008, the Puerto Rico Boxing Commission placed him on a 120-day medical suspension to allow the deep cut he suffered during last Saturday's rematch with Hugo Cazares to properly heal. During the seventh-round of the fight, a clash of heads opened up a deep cut in the middle of Calderon's forehead, causing the immediate halt to the fight. Calderon won a unanimous technical decision on the cards. The cut required 19-stitches to close.
"It's a cut that went down to the bone, and therefore Ivan will need sufficient time so the healing process is adequate. He will be able to run and do other kinds of exercises, but not have any kind of physical contact (to the cut) for 90 days," said José "Toto" Peñagarícano, president of the Puerto Rican Commission.
As reported yesterday, plans were being discussed to place Calderon on the November 1 undercard to Antonio Margarito-Joshua Clottey, but the cut scrapped that idea. Calderon was still hoping to return one more time before the year was out.
"The original idea was that Ivan do at least one more fight this year, but he will need more time to heal because that is quite a nasty cut," said Ivan Rivera of Puerto Rico Best Boxing, Calderon's co-promoter, to Primera Hora
By Mark Vester
WBO junior flyweight champion Ivan Calderon can forget about returning in 2008, the Puerto Rico Boxing Commission placed him on a 120-day medical suspension to allow the deep cut he suffered during last Saturday's rematch with Hugo Cazares to properly heal. During the seventh-round of the fight, a clash of heads opened up a deep cut in the middle of Calderon's forehead, causing the immediate halt to the fight. Calderon won a unanimous technical decision on the cards. The cut required 19-stitches to close.
"It's a cut that went down to the bone, and therefore Ivan will need sufficient time so the healing process is adequate. He will be able to run and do other kinds of exercises, but not have any kind of physical contact (to the cut) for 90 days," said José "Toto" Peñagarícano, president of the Puerto Rican Commission.
As reported yesterday, plans were being discussed to place Calderon on the November 1 undercard to Antonio Margarito-Joshua Clottey, but the cut scrapped that idea. Calderon was still hoping to return one more time before the year was out.
"The original idea was that Ivan do at least one more fight this year, but he will need more time to heal because that is quite a nasty cut," said Ivan Rivera of Puerto Rico Best Boxing, Calderon's co-promoter, to Primera Hora
TRAINING CAMP QUOTES: TIMOTHY BRADLEY & EDNER CHERRY
link: http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content3346.html
The new World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Champion Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley will defend his title for the first time against Edner "Cherry Bomb" Cherry on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, which begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
link: http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content3346.html
The new World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Champion Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley will defend his title for the first time against Edner "Cherry Bomb" Cherry on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, which begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
ESTRADA MOVING FORWARD WITH PRO DREAMS
link: http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content3344.html
The past month has been quite an emotional roller coaster ride for U.S. Olympic middleweight Shawn Estrada. Although his dream of fighting at the Olympics came true, the flight to China had one less passenger as Shawn's father, Juan Estrada, had become ill and was confined to a hospital. It was his father who got Shawn started in boxing to begin with. Juan's dream was to some day see one of his sons fight in the Olympics.
link: http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content3344.html
The past month has been quite an emotional roller coaster ride for U.S. Olympic middleweight Shawn Estrada. Although his dream of fighting at the Olympics came true, the flight to China had one less passenger as Shawn's father, Juan Estrada, had become ill and was confined to a hospital. It was his father who got Shawn started in boxing to begin with. Juan's dream was to some day see one of his sons fight in the Olympics.
Cristian Mijares-Vic Darchinyan Slated For November?
By Mark Vester
According to Ignacio Huízar, co-promoter of WBC/WBA super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (36-3, 15KOs), a deal has been reached to fight IBF champion Vic Darchinyan (30-1, 24KOs) in a unification bout that is slated for November 1 or November 8, with the Staples Center in California or the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas as possible venues.
"The fight is signed with Darchinyan, the only things we need is a set date and place", said Huízar to Busca Todo.
Last month, Darchinyan battered Dimitri Kirilov to capture the IBF title with a fifth-round knockout. A win over Mijares, considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world, would go a long way to re-position himself among the best after suffering a crushing knockout at the hands of Nonito Donaire.
Mijares is one of the most active champions in the sport, fighting four times in 2007, including a one-sided beating of Jorge Arce, and already piling up three wins in 2008. Mijares has been undefeated since 2002 and never stopped as a pro
By Mark Vester
According to Ignacio Huízar, co-promoter of WBC/WBA super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (36-3, 15KOs), a deal has been reached to fight IBF champion Vic Darchinyan (30-1, 24KOs) in a unification bout that is slated for November 1 or November 8, with the Staples Center in California or the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas as possible venues.
"The fight is signed with Darchinyan, the only things we need is a set date and place", said Huízar to Busca Todo.
Last month, Darchinyan battered Dimitri Kirilov to capture the IBF title with a fifth-round knockout. A win over Mijares, considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world, would go a long way to re-position himself among the best after suffering a crushing knockout at the hands of Nonito Donaire.
Mijares is one of the most active champions in the sport, fighting four times in 2007, including a one-sided beating of Jorge Arce, and already piling up three wins in 2008. Mijares has been undefeated since 2002 and never stopped as a pro
Nikolai Valuev Says December 13 Return More Likely
By Alexey Potapov
Fresh off his unanimous decision win over John Ruiz in Germany, newly crowned WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev has informed BoxingScence.com that he will likely return to the ring on December 13, and not December 12 as reported in several circles. Valuev will take one more fight before a rematch with the only man to beat him, Ruslan Chagaev, which will take place some point in 2009.
After Valuev arrived back home to St. Petersburg, the Russian giant gave the following statement to BoxingScene;
"I have decided to make a voluntary defense of the title. Presumably the fight will take place on December 13 of this year. The challenger will be a contender from the top-ten rankings of the WBA. Right now we have begun negotiations which will soon be complete," said Valuev.
By Alexey Potapov
Fresh off his unanimous decision win over John Ruiz in Germany, newly crowned WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev has informed BoxingScence.com that he will likely return to the ring on December 13, and not December 12 as reported in several circles. Valuev will take one more fight before a rematch with the only man to beat him, Ruslan Chagaev, which will take place some point in 2009.
After Valuev arrived back home to St. Petersburg, the Russian giant gave the following statement to BoxingScene;
"I have decided to make a voluntary defense of the title. Presumably the fight will take place on December 13 of this year. The challenger will be a contender from the top-ten rankings of the WBA. Right now we have begun negotiations which will soon be complete," said Valuev.
Scott Harrison Sent To Prison For Eight Months
By Mark Vester
The troubled career of former WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison has taken another turn for the worse. Earlier today Harrison was jailed for eight months on charges of assaulting his girlfriend and drunk driving. He was given a two month sentence for attacking Stacy Gardener and a police officer in May, and another six months for driving nearly four times over the legal limit in Glasgow last week.
Harrison pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced in separate hearings at the Glasgow Sheriff Court. Harrison's lawyer told the court that his client was battling an alcohol problem and was getting help. Harrison lost his WBO in 2006 after a string of legal troubles, including a five week stay in a Spanish jail for assault and being unable to make weight for a title defense.
Earlier this year, Harrison tried without success to regain his boxing license
By Mark Vester
The troubled career of former WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison has taken another turn for the worse. Earlier today Harrison was jailed for eight months on charges of assaulting his girlfriend and drunk driving. He was given a two month sentence for attacking Stacy Gardener and a police officer in May, and another six months for driving nearly four times over the legal limit in Glasgow last week.
Harrison pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced in separate hearings at the Glasgow Sheriff Court. Harrison's lawyer told the court that his client was battling an alcohol problem and was getting help. Harrison lost his WBO in 2006 after a string of legal troubles, including a five week stay in a Spanish jail for assault and being unable to make weight for a title defense.
Earlier this year, Harrison tried without success to regain his boxing license
Left Out in the Cold: Losers in the Pacquiao Sweepstakes
By Mark Vester
Last week, Dave Scholler penned an article for BoxingScene.com titled “Left Out in the Cold: Losers in the Oscar Sweepstakes.” In the article Scholler ran down a list of candidates who were in the running, or trying to get in the running, for a possible fight with Oscar De La Hoya on December 6 in Las Vegas.
Last Thursday, after weeks of back and forth negotiations, a deal was finally struck for De La Hoya to face WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino icon will move up by two-weight divisions, from 135 to 147-pounds.
Pacquiao stands to make $15 million dollars from the fight, by far his biggest payday to date. The payday is so high that it’s already been revealed that Pacquiao is planning to fight two more times in 2009 and then retire from boxing to once again pursue a political career in his native Philippines.
While fighters like WBA welterweight champ Antonio Margarito, Winky Wright, 154-pound champ Sergio Mora, Miguel Cotto and Felix Trinidad were left out in the cold on the De La Hoya side, there were also a number of fighters who were left out in the cold on the Pacquiao side.
The Top Five Biggest Losers in The Pacquiao Sweepstakes
Fifth Place: Edwin Valero
Threat to Pacquiao: Moderate
Reason Why Considered: Impressive Professional Record
Valero was one the two opponents being considered to fight Pacquiao in November. His impressive record of 24-0, with 24 knockouts was enough to hype the fight as a bone-crushing slugfest. Several problems quickly came up. Valero was still under a medical suspension that prevented him from fighting in the United States. The suspension stems from the head injury Valero suffered from a motorcycle accident on February 5, 2001. Valero fractured his skull and required surgery to remove a blood clot. Fast forward to January 2004, in New York, Valero failed an MRI due to brain scan irregularities and the medical suspension was immediately issued.
But, a few months ago, there came a small light. Valero was medically cleared to fight in the state of Texas and a possible fight with Pacquiao was being discussed, but Top Rank was set on staging the fight in Las Vegas. The end came when Top Rank’s head, Bob Arum, felt the medical hurdles to get Valero cleared to fight in Las Vegas would have taken too long and the fight was taken off the table.
Other than being the WBA super featherweight champion and having a great record, some felt that he didn’t bring a lot to the table. There were concerns about Valero’s marketability as Top Rank and Pacquaio’s team saw him an unknown fighter to most American fans, and someone who didn’t possess a big enough fan base, locally, to make it a big pay-per-view extravaganza.
Fourth Place: Nate Campbell
Threat to Pacquiao: High
Reason Why Considered: Holder of Three Lightweight Titles, Possible Unification
Campbell’s name was mentioned a few times by Pacquiao’s team as a possible opponent down the line. A possible unification of the entire lightweight division. I don’t think anyone took the consideration of Campbell seriously. Campbell falls into the category of “high risk with little reward.” Not financially satisfying enough to make such a fight with the possible risk involved.
The biggest obstacle in putting the fight together would have been the promotional beef between Arum and Campbell’s co-promoter, Don King. Certainly not enough money in the fight to make those two put aside their differences. Does anyone even remember the last time Arum and King co-promoted a big how? Campbell defends his titles against undefeated Joan Guzman on September 13. If he beats Guzman, his next target will probably be the winner of Juan Manuel Marquez-Joel Casamayor, which takes place on the same night.
Third Place: Ricky Hatton
Threat To Pacquiao: High
Reason Why Considered: A Huge Payday, A Huge Event, On The Downside of His Career.
The plan to fight Hatton may still be open for some point in 2009, depending on how Pacquiao does against De La Hoya and whether or not Hatton gets past Paulie Malignaggi in November. The original plan by Top Rank was to have Pacquiao fight either Edwin Valero or Humberto Soto in November, and then face Hatton as the first bout of 2009. Because Hatton appears to be on the slide, Pacquiao’s handlers were demanding the fight take place.
During the time that Pacquiao and De La Hoya were in a dispute over the revenue split, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach was advising Manny to skip a November fight with Soto and jump straight to a showdown with Hatton in 2009.
Because Manny is fighting De La Hoya in December and making a possible $15 million dollar payday, the economics for a fight with Hatton are now completely different. After making such a big purse, there is no way that Pacquiao will take the short-end of the money to Hatton, and he might even want a much bigger slice than he would have previously demanded. Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired not because of a shortage of people to fight, but a shortage of people to fight for $20 million dollars. Pacquiao was unwilling to bow down to De La Hoya’s monetary demands and in the end he made out like a bandit with a better deal than Mayweather received when he fought De La Hoya last May. Pacquiao certainly won’t bow down to anything Hatton tries to demand.
Second Place: Humberto Soto
Threat to Pacquiao: Moderate
Reason Why Considered: Knocked out Pacquiao’s brother Bobby, Mexico vs. Philippines Rivalry, Easy Fight To Make Since Top Rank Promotes Him.
Humberto Soto was very close to becoming Pacquiao’s opponent in November. Because Manny came to terms with De La Hoya, Soto may never be in line to fight Pacquiao again. Because he was promoted by Top Rank and willing to take a small piece of the pie, he was convenient. The story line being presented was Manny trying to get revenge for Soto knocking out his brother, Bobby.
When Pacquiao and De La Hoya had a dispute over the revenue percentage, Soto was being used as the bargaining chip for Pacquiao. If De La Hoya was not willing to budge on his 70-30 split, Pacquiao would fight Soto in November. Well De La Hoya budged, the fight as made and Soto was left in limbo.
First Place: Juan Manuel Marquez
Threat to Pacquiao: Extremely High
Reason Why Considered: Huge Rivalry, Two Exciting Close Fights, Found PPV Success in Their Rematch, Heavy Interest from Mexican and Filipino Fans.
If there was one fighter who can pull Pacquiao’s card and take him to his physical limits, it’s Juan Manuel Marquez. After he lost a close decision to Pacquiao earlier in the year, he actually traveled to the Philippines, and called Pacquiao out, face-to-face, on national television. Talk about a gutsy effort to secure a trilogy fight.
Everything Marquez has done since the loss, including a move up to lightweight, has been to chase down a third meeting with Pacquiao. It’s ironic that Marquez’s promoter, De La Hoya, came right under him and took Pacquiao for himself. The same De La Hoya, who along with Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer, were screaming that Marquez got robbed against Pacquiao in the rematch.
Making the trilogy bout will be tough. Now with the De La Hoya payday for Pacquiao, even tougher. A rematch between Marquez and Pacquiao took so many years to make because Marquez’s pride would not allow him to accept a fight where he was making a much smaller purse than Pacquiao. Going by history, the third bout will be even harder to put together, especially if Pacquiao wants at least $10 million and Marquez would be getting, well, a lot less.
Marquez is scheduled to fight Joel Casamayor on September 13, a fight originally put together to force a third meeting with Pacquiao. Win or lose, Manny will probably drop down to 140 to target Hatton, if he beats Malignaggi. Marquez was willing to follow Pacquiao to 135. Is he also willing to go to 140 to hunt for Pacquiao? With so many issues to be considered, it wouldn’t surprise me if Marquez and Pacquiao never fight again
By Mark Vester
Last week, Dave Scholler penned an article for BoxingScene.com titled “Left Out in the Cold: Losers in the Oscar Sweepstakes.” In the article Scholler ran down a list of candidates who were in the running, or trying to get in the running, for a possible fight with Oscar De La Hoya on December 6 in Las Vegas.
Last Thursday, after weeks of back and forth negotiations, a deal was finally struck for De La Hoya to face WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino icon will move up by two-weight divisions, from 135 to 147-pounds.
Pacquiao stands to make $15 million dollars from the fight, by far his biggest payday to date. The payday is so high that it’s already been revealed that Pacquiao is planning to fight two more times in 2009 and then retire from boxing to once again pursue a political career in his native Philippines.
While fighters like WBA welterweight champ Antonio Margarito, Winky Wright, 154-pound champ Sergio Mora, Miguel Cotto and Felix Trinidad were left out in the cold on the De La Hoya side, there were also a number of fighters who were left out in the cold on the Pacquiao side.
The Top Five Biggest Losers in The Pacquiao Sweepstakes
Fifth Place: Edwin Valero
Threat to Pacquiao: Moderate
Reason Why Considered: Impressive Professional Record
Valero was one the two opponents being considered to fight Pacquiao in November. His impressive record of 24-0, with 24 knockouts was enough to hype the fight as a bone-crushing slugfest. Several problems quickly came up. Valero was still under a medical suspension that prevented him from fighting in the United States. The suspension stems from the head injury Valero suffered from a motorcycle accident on February 5, 2001. Valero fractured his skull and required surgery to remove a blood clot. Fast forward to January 2004, in New York, Valero failed an MRI due to brain scan irregularities and the medical suspension was immediately issued.
But, a few months ago, there came a small light. Valero was medically cleared to fight in the state of Texas and a possible fight with Pacquiao was being discussed, but Top Rank was set on staging the fight in Las Vegas. The end came when Top Rank’s head, Bob Arum, felt the medical hurdles to get Valero cleared to fight in Las Vegas would have taken too long and the fight was taken off the table.
Other than being the WBA super featherweight champion and having a great record, some felt that he didn’t bring a lot to the table. There were concerns about Valero’s marketability as Top Rank and Pacquaio’s team saw him an unknown fighter to most American fans, and someone who didn’t possess a big enough fan base, locally, to make it a big pay-per-view extravaganza.
Fourth Place: Nate Campbell
Threat to Pacquiao: High
Reason Why Considered: Holder of Three Lightweight Titles, Possible Unification
Campbell’s name was mentioned a few times by Pacquiao’s team as a possible opponent down the line. A possible unification of the entire lightweight division. I don’t think anyone took the consideration of Campbell seriously. Campbell falls into the category of “high risk with little reward.” Not financially satisfying enough to make such a fight with the possible risk involved.
The biggest obstacle in putting the fight together would have been the promotional beef between Arum and Campbell’s co-promoter, Don King. Certainly not enough money in the fight to make those two put aside their differences. Does anyone even remember the last time Arum and King co-promoted a big how? Campbell defends his titles against undefeated Joan Guzman on September 13. If he beats Guzman, his next target will probably be the winner of Juan Manuel Marquez-Joel Casamayor, which takes place on the same night.
Third Place: Ricky Hatton
Threat To Pacquiao: High
Reason Why Considered: A Huge Payday, A Huge Event, On The Downside of His Career.
The plan to fight Hatton may still be open for some point in 2009, depending on how Pacquiao does against De La Hoya and whether or not Hatton gets past Paulie Malignaggi in November. The original plan by Top Rank was to have Pacquiao fight either Edwin Valero or Humberto Soto in November, and then face Hatton as the first bout of 2009. Because Hatton appears to be on the slide, Pacquiao’s handlers were demanding the fight take place.
During the time that Pacquiao and De La Hoya were in a dispute over the revenue split, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach was advising Manny to skip a November fight with Soto and jump straight to a showdown with Hatton in 2009.
Because Manny is fighting De La Hoya in December and making a possible $15 million dollar payday, the economics for a fight with Hatton are now completely different. After making such a big purse, there is no way that Pacquiao will take the short-end of the money to Hatton, and he might even want a much bigger slice than he would have previously demanded. Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired not because of a shortage of people to fight, but a shortage of people to fight for $20 million dollars. Pacquiao was unwilling to bow down to De La Hoya’s monetary demands and in the end he made out like a bandit with a better deal than Mayweather received when he fought De La Hoya last May. Pacquiao certainly won’t bow down to anything Hatton tries to demand.
Second Place: Humberto Soto
Threat to Pacquiao: Moderate
Reason Why Considered: Knocked out Pacquiao’s brother Bobby, Mexico vs. Philippines Rivalry, Easy Fight To Make Since Top Rank Promotes Him.
Humberto Soto was very close to becoming Pacquiao’s opponent in November. Because Manny came to terms with De La Hoya, Soto may never be in line to fight Pacquiao again. Because he was promoted by Top Rank and willing to take a small piece of the pie, he was convenient. The story line being presented was Manny trying to get revenge for Soto knocking out his brother, Bobby.
When Pacquiao and De La Hoya had a dispute over the revenue percentage, Soto was being used as the bargaining chip for Pacquiao. If De La Hoya was not willing to budge on his 70-30 split, Pacquiao would fight Soto in November. Well De La Hoya budged, the fight as made and Soto was left in limbo.
First Place: Juan Manuel Marquez
Threat to Pacquiao: Extremely High
Reason Why Considered: Huge Rivalry, Two Exciting Close Fights, Found PPV Success in Their Rematch, Heavy Interest from Mexican and Filipino Fans.
If there was one fighter who can pull Pacquiao’s card and take him to his physical limits, it’s Juan Manuel Marquez. After he lost a close decision to Pacquiao earlier in the year, he actually traveled to the Philippines, and called Pacquiao out, face-to-face, on national television. Talk about a gutsy effort to secure a trilogy fight.
Everything Marquez has done since the loss, including a move up to lightweight, has been to chase down a third meeting with Pacquiao. It’s ironic that Marquez’s promoter, De La Hoya, came right under him and took Pacquiao for himself. The same De La Hoya, who along with Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer, were screaming that Marquez got robbed against Pacquiao in the rematch.
Making the trilogy bout will be tough. Now with the De La Hoya payday for Pacquiao, even tougher. A rematch between Marquez and Pacquiao took so many years to make because Marquez’s pride would not allow him to accept a fight where he was making a much smaller purse than Pacquiao. Going by history, the third bout will be even harder to put together, especially if Pacquiao wants at least $10 million and Marquez would be getting, well, a lot less.
Marquez is scheduled to fight Joel Casamayor on September 13, a fight originally put together to force a third meeting with Pacquiao. Win or lose, Manny will probably drop down to 140 to target Hatton, if he beats Malignaggi. Marquez was willing to follow Pacquiao to 135. Is he also willing to go to 140 to hunt for Pacquiao? With so many issues to be considered, it wouldn’t surprise me if Marquez and Pacquiao never fight again