I think the biggest upset of the night happened in England. Amir Khan get's KTFO in less than a minute. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1hLX9j1gEg
Boxing News Thread
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Chris John vs. Rocky Juarez Talks are Underway
By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com has been informed that talks are once again underway for Rocky Juarez (28-4, 20KOs) to challenge WBA featherweight champion Chris John (41-0, 22KOs).
There were negotiations a few months ago to match the two of them as the co-feature to the September 13 pay-per-view featuring Joel Casamayor vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. Talks broke down after Team John claimed that Juarez took too long to sign the contract.
There is no information yet as to the date or the fight location. Talks are in the early stages as John has a tough title defense ahead of him on October 24, against undefeated Hiroyuki Enoki (27-0, 19KOs) at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan
By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com has been informed that talks are once again underway for Rocky Juarez (28-4, 20KOs) to challenge WBA featherweight champion Chris John (41-0, 22KOs).
There were negotiations a few months ago to match the two of them as the co-feature to the September 13 pay-per-view featuring Joel Casamayor vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. Talks broke down after Team John claimed that Juarez took too long to sign the contract.
There is no information yet as to the date or the fight location. Talks are in the early stages as John has a tough title defense ahead of him on October 24, against undefeated Hiroyuki Enoki (27-0, 19KOs) at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan
Breidis Prescott: "I'll Fight Amir Khan Again in England"
By Mark Vester
After blowing out UK superstar Amir Khan in less than a minute of the first-round in Manchester, Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott (20-0, 18KOs) has world title dreams on his mind. He made good on his promise to knock Khan out, but even Prescott was surprised with how quick the fight was over.
"I was saying from the moment I got to England that I was going to knock him out and that's just what I did. Now I feel great. I think Amir Khan is a great fighter who has got lots of skills," Prescott said to Sky. "It's just that I went in there and let him hands go. I'm very powerful and I caught him. That's what happened."
Prescott said he is open to fighting Khan at any time, even back in England, but doesn't really think that Khan would want to face him again. Khan is scheduled to return on December 6 in Birmingham. Frank Warren, Khan's promoter, has future fight options on Prescott and there has been no word on what he plans to do with the big puncher.
"I'm not really sure if he would want it (a rematch)! I'll do whatever it takes, like I said, I'll give it to him in his house of he wants. If he wants a rematch, I don't care," Prescott said. "This is how you have to do it; in order to become a great champion you have to knock out great people in your career - and that's where I'm going in the future."
By Mark Vester
After blowing out UK superstar Amir Khan in less than a minute of the first-round in Manchester, Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott (20-0, 18KOs) has world title dreams on his mind. He made good on his promise to knock Khan out, but even Prescott was surprised with how quick the fight was over.
"I was saying from the moment I got to England that I was going to knock him out and that's just what I did. Now I feel great. I think Amir Khan is a great fighter who has got lots of skills," Prescott said to Sky. "It's just that I went in there and let him hands go. I'm very powerful and I caught him. That's what happened."
Prescott said he is open to fighting Khan at any time, even back in England, but doesn't really think that Khan would want to face him again. Khan is scheduled to return on December 6 in Birmingham. Frank Warren, Khan's promoter, has future fight options on Prescott and there has been no word on what he plans to do with the big puncher.
"I'm not really sure if he would want it (a rematch)! I'll do whatever it takes, like I said, I'll give it to him in his house of he wants. If he wants a rematch, I don't care," Prescott said. "This is how you have to do it; in order to become a great champion you have to knock out great people in your career - and that's where I'm going in the future."
Amir Khan: "I'll Return Stronger" - Rubio To Be Fired?
By Mark Vester
There were no excuses from UK superstar Amir Khan (18-1, 14KOs), who earlier was destroyed in less than one-minute of the first-round by Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott (20-0, 18KOs), stunning the entire crowd at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England.
Afterwards, Khan vowed to return to the ring better and stronger. He was always under the radar for having a suspect chin, and that weakness was exposed to the highest level by Prescott who wasted no time in putting Khan away.
"I made a little mistake and just couldn't get it back again. That's boxing for you. I need to have a look at the video and come back stronger," Khan said. "I'm fine. I need to go back to the drawing board and put it right. I'm going to come back and I'm going to come back stronger."
There is some speculation in the UK that Khan's new trainer, the legendary Jorge Rubio, will be fired. Khan's promoter promoter Frank Warren revealed that Rubio was the one who recommended Prescott as the opponent for Khan. Warren feels that Khan can come back from the loss.
"I've got to take responsibility," Warren said. "He got caught cold first round. We knew he was a dangerous puncher and, as Amir said, it's back to the drawing board. Hopefully he'll learn from it. He's not the first fighter to get beat. Lots of fighters get beaten and come back and win world titles
By Mark Vester
There were no excuses from UK superstar Amir Khan (18-1, 14KOs), who earlier was destroyed in less than one-minute of the first-round by Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott (20-0, 18KOs), stunning the entire crowd at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England.
Afterwards, Khan vowed to return to the ring better and stronger. He was always under the radar for having a suspect chin, and that weakness was exposed to the highest level by Prescott who wasted no time in putting Khan away.
"I made a little mistake and just couldn't get it back again. That's boxing for you. I need to have a look at the video and come back stronger," Khan said. "I'm fine. I need to go back to the drawing board and put it right. I'm going to come back and I'm going to come back stronger."
There is some speculation in the UK that Khan's new trainer, the legendary Jorge Rubio, will be fired. Khan's promoter promoter Frank Warren revealed that Rubio was the one who recommended Prescott as the opponent for Khan. Warren feels that Khan can come back from the loss.
"I've got to take responsibility," Warren said. "He got caught cold first round. We knew he was a dangerous puncher and, as Amir said, it's back to the drawing board. Hopefully he'll learn from it. He's not the first fighter to get beat. Lots of fighters get beaten and come back and win world titles
It's hard to follow much of Khan's training, nutrition, etc. but the one thing I disagree with most is that they got him down to 3 percent body fat for this fight. That takes an insane toll on the body and if he did make it past the first, he probably wouldnt be able to go the distance. He would crumble of fatigue. My opinion...
Ask in this forum homie ..
http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f16/
You'd get a much better and accurate answer.
You fight professional or amateur?
http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f16/
You'd get a much better and accurate answer.
You fight professional or amateur?
damn, amir khan got KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT!!!!!! lol, I never liked him. But seriously, whats up with Colombians and raw punching power? Seems like every fighter to come out of Colombia has serious power. Breidis Prescott has a seriously good KO ratio (20 wins 18 KO's), granted he hasn't fought anyone good besides Khan, but still. Gotta hope he turns out to be something special.
Roach: "True Mexicans Will Support Manny Pacquiao"
By Mark Vester
Freddie Roach, trainer of WBC lightweight champ Manny Pacquiao, told Filipino scribe Dennis Principe that true Mexicans will support Manny when he challenges Oscar De La Hoya on December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Roach says that De La Hoya has never been accepted by boxing fans who live in Mexico, and only Mexican-Americans have actually supported him.
“Believe me, the true Mexican fans are going to be on Manny Pacquiao’s side. Because you know what, Oscar’s never been accepted by the true Mexican fans from Mexico. Mexican-Americans yes, but not Mexicans,” said Roach.
Roach says it's Pacquiao's explosive ring style and his battles with Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez, that earned the respect of true Mexican boxing fans.
“And Manny Pacquiao’s style, the Mexican’s love that. People call Manny the 'Mexican Assassin' but Manny’s never really taken that name. He doesn’t dislike anybody,” Roach said. “But believe me, the Mexican fans from Mexico will be cheering for Manny that night. I believe that with my heart."
By Mark Vester
Freddie Roach, trainer of WBC lightweight champ Manny Pacquiao, told Filipino scribe Dennis Principe that true Mexicans will support Manny when he challenges Oscar De La Hoya on December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Roach says that De La Hoya has never been accepted by boxing fans who live in Mexico, and only Mexican-Americans have actually supported him.
“Believe me, the true Mexican fans are going to be on Manny Pacquiao’s side. Because you know what, Oscar’s never been accepted by the true Mexican fans from Mexico. Mexican-Americans yes, but not Mexicans,” said Roach.
Roach says it's Pacquiao's explosive ring style and his battles with Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez, that earned the respect of true Mexican boxing fans.
“And Manny Pacquiao’s style, the Mexican’s love that. People call Manny the 'Mexican Assassin' but Manny’s never really taken that name. He doesn’t dislike anybody,” Roach said. “But believe me, the Mexican fans from Mexico will be cheering for Manny that night. I believe that with my heart."
Joe Calzaghe: "I'll Make Roy Jones Jr. Pay in The Ring"
By Mark Vester
Super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe plans to make Roy Jones Jr. pay for years of trash-talking and negative comments. The two collide on November 8 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Calzaghe says that he can't wait for the press tour so he can look Jones right in the face. He plans to intimidate Jones when the words start flying to hype their fight.
"I can't wait to see Jones in the flesh and look him in the eyes," said Calzaghe to The Mirror Sport. "I've been listening to him bad-mouth me for about six or seven years. When we get to New York and Los Angeles I will get the chance to put him on his back foot and shut him up. This is the start of the fight for me and when I get in the ring I will make him pay for all the bad comments he's ever made."
Jones told the paper that he's very happy that Calzaghe agreed to fight him, but he knows the Welsh champion will regret the decision.
"I'm pleased Joe has finally agreed to fight me but I know that he will regret it," said Jones. "This is a fight between two great champions and it is a fight that all boxing fans deserve. Joe is a great British fighter but I'm a great American fighter and that will be the difference
By Mark Vester
Super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe plans to make Roy Jones Jr. pay for years of trash-talking and negative comments. The two collide on November 8 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Calzaghe says that he can't wait for the press tour so he can look Jones right in the face. He plans to intimidate Jones when the words start flying to hype their fight.
"I can't wait to see Jones in the flesh and look him in the eyes," said Calzaghe to The Mirror Sport. "I've been listening to him bad-mouth me for about six or seven years. When we get to New York and Los Angeles I will get the chance to put him on his back foot and shut him up. This is the start of the fight for me and when I get in the ring I will make him pay for all the bad comments he's ever made."
Jones told the paper that he's very happy that Calzaghe agreed to fight him, but he knows the Welsh champion will regret the decision.
"I'm pleased Joe has finally agreed to fight me but I know that he will regret it," said Jones. "This is a fight between two great champions and it is a fight that all boxing fans deserve. Joe is a great British fighter but I'm a great American fighter and that will be the difference
Antonio Margarito's Ring Return Postponed Until Next Year
By Mark Vester
It appears that WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito will not be fighting on November 1 as previously planned by his team and promotional company Top Rank. Margarito widely reported as the headliner to a big show being planned by Top Rank, with the event taking place in either Las Vegas or California.
IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey was at the top of the list to become Margarito's opponent, but Steve Kim of MaxBoxing reports that terms were never reached with Clottey and because the tough Mexican was in the dark as to who the opponent would be, there were immediate concerns over the lack of adequate time to prepare for whoever the opponent would end up being.
Margarito plans to return in early 2009, but Top Rank's Bob Arum is still planning to put together a pay-per-view for the November 1 date. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is still said to be fighting Matt Vanda in a rematch, previously scheduled as the co-feature to Margarito, and will probably now land the main event slot. Unbeaten Junior middleweight Yuri Foreman is also scheduled see action on the date.
By Mark Vester
It appears that WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito will not be fighting on November 1 as previously planned by his team and promotional company Top Rank. Margarito widely reported as the headliner to a big show being planned by Top Rank, with the event taking place in either Las Vegas or California.
IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey was at the top of the list to become Margarito's opponent, but Steve Kim of MaxBoxing reports that terms were never reached with Clottey and because the tough Mexican was in the dark as to who the opponent would be, there were immediate concerns over the lack of adequate time to prepare for whoever the opponent would end up being.
Margarito plans to return in early 2009, but Top Rank's Bob Arum is still planning to put together a pay-per-view for the November 1 date. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is still said to be fighting Matt Vanda in a rematch, previously scheduled as the co-feature to Margarito, and will probably now land the main event slot. Unbeaten Junior middleweight Yuri Foreman is also scheduled see action on the date.
John Ruiz Protests Recent Decision Loss To Nikolai Valuev
Valuev recaptured the WBA belt by way of a 12-round decision clouded in controversy. Team Ruiz is demanding a full videotape of Valuev-Ruiz II to further review for evidence of alleged corrupt practices.
Points of contention include the following issues:
1. Judge Takeshi Shimakawa improperly kept a running score during the fight, which is prohibited by the WBA, as well as the only way he could have “corrected” his scorecard after the scores were announced (Shimakawa’s scoring changed from 114-113 in favor of Ruiz to 114-113 for Valuev.
2. Ruiz was not credited with a legitimate knockdown when he floored Valuev in the second round. Ruiz blasted Valuev with punches, knocking “The Giant” into the ropes, but the referee incorrectly ruled a slip when Valuev’s knee hit the canvas after he careened off of the ropes. Scoring that round would have been different, in Ruiz’ favor, if it was ruled a knockdown.
3. Judge Antonio Requena scored two rounds even, despite WBA instructions that there should be no even rounds scored in championship bouts. Ruiz would have been declared the winner if the two even rounds had been awarded to Ruiz in addition to the aforementioned second round scoring snafu being sorted out.
4. Most importantly, throughout the fight Valuev’s cornermen received judges’ scoring results as the rounds went on, something that happens regularly only in Germany, yet clearly constitutes major corruption in boxing.
In addition to demanding a full videotape of the fight for review, Team Ruiz plans to petition the WBA to rule the bout a no-contest and Valuev be stripped of the WBA title for a blatant violation of WBA rules. Team Ruiz will also seek sanctions against any officials involved in permitting these violations to happen, whether it’s enforced by the WBA or German Boxing Federation.
“The WBA needs to resolve this matter as quickly as possible,” Ruiz said. “Non-officials are not allowed to handle or read scorecards during the fight. Valuev should be stripped and a rematch ordered. It seems like everything possible has happened to me in boxing. Whether it was defending my title by disqualification (Kirk Johnson), my opponent testing positive for steroids (James Toney), or scores changed after a fight like this. It was chaotic after the fight. With all of the confusion going on, at one point while waiting to hear the results, I thought I was in Florida and the ‘hanging chads’ during the 2000 election.
“The WBA must investigate the judges and who was running the show, Sauerland. Everything was very weird at the end of the fight. The German people are wonderful and they’ve treated me very well each time I’ve fought there. They cheered loudly after the fight, but only when Valuev announced he was going to give me a rematch (He has since changed his tune and is talking about fighting an unnamed opponent in December.) They should hold Sauerland and the German Boxing Federation accountable. The great German boxing fans deserve much better. Things have to change in Germany, where everybody knows foreigners don’t have a chance of winning a close decision. I’m terribly disappointed with what went on over there. Boxing suffered another black eye.”
The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
Valuev recaptured the WBA belt by way of a 12-round decision clouded in controversy. Team Ruiz is demanding a full videotape of Valuev-Ruiz II to further review for evidence of alleged corrupt practices.
Points of contention include the following issues:
1. Judge Takeshi Shimakawa improperly kept a running score during the fight, which is prohibited by the WBA, as well as the only way he could have “corrected” his scorecard after the scores were announced (Shimakawa’s scoring changed from 114-113 in favor of Ruiz to 114-113 for Valuev.
2. Ruiz was not credited with a legitimate knockdown when he floored Valuev in the second round. Ruiz blasted Valuev with punches, knocking “The Giant” into the ropes, but the referee incorrectly ruled a slip when Valuev’s knee hit the canvas after he careened off of the ropes. Scoring that round would have been different, in Ruiz’ favor, if it was ruled a knockdown.
3. Judge Antonio Requena scored two rounds even, despite WBA instructions that there should be no even rounds scored in championship bouts. Ruiz would have been declared the winner if the two even rounds had been awarded to Ruiz in addition to the aforementioned second round scoring snafu being sorted out.
4. Most importantly, throughout the fight Valuev’s cornermen received judges’ scoring results as the rounds went on, something that happens regularly only in Germany, yet clearly constitutes major corruption in boxing.
In addition to demanding a full videotape of the fight for review, Team Ruiz plans to petition the WBA to rule the bout a no-contest and Valuev be stripped of the WBA title for a blatant violation of WBA rules. Team Ruiz will also seek sanctions against any officials involved in permitting these violations to happen, whether it’s enforced by the WBA or German Boxing Federation.
“The WBA needs to resolve this matter as quickly as possible,” Ruiz said. “Non-officials are not allowed to handle or read scorecards during the fight. Valuev should be stripped and a rematch ordered. It seems like everything possible has happened to me in boxing. Whether it was defending my title by disqualification (Kirk Johnson), my opponent testing positive for steroids (James Toney), or scores changed after a fight like this. It was chaotic after the fight. With all of the confusion going on, at one point while waiting to hear the results, I thought I was in Florida and the ‘hanging chads’ during the 2000 election.
“The WBA must investigate the judges and who was running the show, Sauerland. Everything was very weird at the end of the fight. The German people are wonderful and they’ve treated me very well each time I’ve fought there. They cheered loudly after the fight, but only when Valuev announced he was going to give me a rematch (He has since changed his tune and is talking about fighting an unnamed opponent in December.) They should hold Sauerland and the German Boxing Federation accountable. The great German boxing fans deserve much better. Things have to change in Germany, where everybody knows foreigners don’t have a chance of winning a close decision. I’m terribly disappointed with what went on over there. Boxing suffered another black eye.”
The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
Could 2008 Become One Of The Worst Ever Years For British Boxing?
07.09.08 - by James Slater - Last night's destruction of the highly touted Amir Khan left ripples of shock amongst fight fans in the U.K. But the year could get much worse for British boxing before it's over. 2008 has already seen the demise (at least temporarily) of Enzo Maccarinelli, Clinton Woods, Junior Witter, Gavin Rees, Matt Skelton and now Khan. Will British boxing's remaining world champions/ stars in Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton and David Haye meet a similar fate before the year is out? It's a possibility that must be looked at by any patriotic British fight fan.
Firstly, "The Pride of Wales," Joe Calzaghe, faces the still formidable Roy Jones Junior on November 8th. At first, this writer felt the match-up was a fairly easily winnable one for the unbeaten Calzaghe. But now I'm not so sure. The 36-year-old Calzaghe has admitted he is coming to the end and has been picking up more injuries in the past couple of years, whilst training, than he has ever been accustomed before. And let's not forget the way the non too hard punching Bernard Hopkins put Joe on his back in the 1st round of their fight earlier this year.
If B-Hop can deck Calzaghe with a flush shot, what will Jones do? I fear we could very easily see another British boxing hero beaten in November - maybe even by a stoppage that will ruin Joe's hard-fought reputation. Then we have heavyweight wannabe David Haye. Making his re-debut in the ultimate division a week after the Calzaghe-Jones fight, "The Hayemaker" will be under enormous pressure to deliver an impressive performance - especially if Calzaghe has been defeated. Many fans have already expressed their belief that the big-talking Haye will meet the same fate Amir Khan met on Saturday, as soon as he meets a real heavyweight. Though he's undeniably gifted, powerful and athletic, as well as being a possible saviour of the heavyweight division, this thought has crossed my mind also.
We simply do not know how Haye's chin will react if he's cracked by a solid heavyweight's punch. After all the mouthing he's been giving, Haye would be a laughing stock if he were KO'd on November 15th. As unthinkable as this result may be to some, the same train of thought was applied last night - only for would-be star Khan to be smashed to defeat in embarrassing fashion almost as soon as bell one rang. If the same thing happened to Haye, British boxing would be left with one remaining hero - Ricky Hatton.
But there is a huge chance that "Magic Man," Paulie Malignaggi will do a number on "The Hitman" in New York on November 22nd. A KO is extremely unlikely, but Malignaggi may well outclass and out-point the fading Hatton. Never too hard to hit, paying the price for his ballooning weight between bouts and past his very peak, the soon to be 30-year-old Hatton may well be beaten and humiliated in the penultimate month of 2008. And if Hatton does lose, who will British boxing fans have left at world level? Carl Froch and Nicky Cook?
Sure, this is a very pessimistic article, but should all we U.K fight fans brace for the possibilities suggested above? Last year British boxing celebrated a fine year, could it be that Amir Kahn's devastation last night was an omen for the remainder of 2008? As conceivable as this scenario may be, we'd all better hope not!
Come on, Joe, come on, David, come on, Ricky!
07.09.08 - by James Slater - Last night's destruction of the highly touted Amir Khan left ripples of shock amongst fight fans in the U.K. But the year could get much worse for British boxing before it's over. 2008 has already seen the demise (at least temporarily) of Enzo Maccarinelli, Clinton Woods, Junior Witter, Gavin Rees, Matt Skelton and now Khan. Will British boxing's remaining world champions/ stars in Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton and David Haye meet a similar fate before the year is out? It's a possibility that must be looked at by any patriotic British fight fan.
Firstly, "The Pride of Wales," Joe Calzaghe, faces the still formidable Roy Jones Junior on November 8th. At first, this writer felt the match-up was a fairly easily winnable one for the unbeaten Calzaghe. But now I'm not so sure. The 36-year-old Calzaghe has admitted he is coming to the end and has been picking up more injuries in the past couple of years, whilst training, than he has ever been accustomed before. And let's not forget the way the non too hard punching Bernard Hopkins put Joe on his back in the 1st round of their fight earlier this year.
If B-Hop can deck Calzaghe with a flush shot, what will Jones do? I fear we could very easily see another British boxing hero beaten in November - maybe even by a stoppage that will ruin Joe's hard-fought reputation. Then we have heavyweight wannabe David Haye. Making his re-debut in the ultimate division a week after the Calzaghe-Jones fight, "The Hayemaker" will be under enormous pressure to deliver an impressive performance - especially if Calzaghe has been defeated. Many fans have already expressed their belief that the big-talking Haye will meet the same fate Amir Khan met on Saturday, as soon as he meets a real heavyweight. Though he's undeniably gifted, powerful and athletic, as well as being a possible saviour of the heavyweight division, this thought has crossed my mind also.
We simply do not know how Haye's chin will react if he's cracked by a solid heavyweight's punch. After all the mouthing he's been giving, Haye would be a laughing stock if he were KO'd on November 15th. As unthinkable as this result may be to some, the same train of thought was applied last night - only for would-be star Khan to be smashed to defeat in embarrassing fashion almost as soon as bell one rang. If the same thing happened to Haye, British boxing would be left with one remaining hero - Ricky Hatton.
But there is a huge chance that "Magic Man," Paulie Malignaggi will do a number on "The Hitman" in New York on November 22nd. A KO is extremely unlikely, but Malignaggi may well outclass and out-point the fading Hatton. Never too hard to hit, paying the price for his ballooning weight between bouts and past his very peak, the soon to be 30-year-old Hatton may well be beaten and humiliated in the penultimate month of 2008. And if Hatton does lose, who will British boxing fans have left at world level? Carl Froch and Nicky Cook?
Sure, this is a very pessimistic article, but should all we U.K fight fans brace for the possibilities suggested above? Last year British boxing celebrated a fine year, could it be that Amir Kahn's devastation last night was an omen for the remainder of 2008? As conceivable as this scenario may be, we'd all better hope not!
Come on, Joe, come on, David, come on, Ricky!
James Toney vs. Audley Harrison Talks Still Ongoing
By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com was informed that talks are still ongoing to match former three division champion James Toney (70-6, 43KOs) against Olympic Gold Medal winner Audley Harrison (23-3, 17KOs). Toney's promoter Dan Goossen has spoken with Frank Warren about making the fight. When and where is still up for discussion.
Toney fought to a three-round no-contest with Hasim Rahman in July. It was initially ruled a TKO win for Toney after Rahman told the ringside physician that he was having trouble with his vision due an earlier clash of heads that opened up a cut above his eye. The ringside doctor stopped the fight after the third, but Rahman would later protest the decision, which the California State Athletic Commission would eventually overturn and change to the no-contest. Harrison fought last weekend in Manchester, putting on lackluster performance on route to a decision win over Brazilian heavyweight George Arias.
Toney-Harrison is a true heavyweight crossroads match. The size difference could make it an interesting fight. Harrison at 6'4-6'5 in height, is bigger than any of Toney's previous opponents. He also has a 14-inch reach advantage over Toney. Harrison is 4-3 in his last 7, Toney is 2-2-1-2 (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 2 no decisions) in his last 7. Both guys are up there in age, Harrison turns 37 next month and Toney turned 40 in August. A win could go a long way in a very open heavyweight division. Another loss, at their age, could close the door.
By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com was informed that talks are still ongoing to match former three division champion James Toney (70-6, 43KOs) against Olympic Gold Medal winner Audley Harrison (23-3, 17KOs). Toney's promoter Dan Goossen has spoken with Frank Warren about making the fight. When and where is still up for discussion.
Toney fought to a three-round no-contest with Hasim Rahman in July. It was initially ruled a TKO win for Toney after Rahman told the ringside physician that he was having trouble with his vision due an earlier clash of heads that opened up a cut above his eye. The ringside doctor stopped the fight after the third, but Rahman would later protest the decision, which the California State Athletic Commission would eventually overturn and change to the no-contest. Harrison fought last weekend in Manchester, putting on lackluster performance on route to a decision win over Brazilian heavyweight George Arias.
Toney-Harrison is a true heavyweight crossroads match. The size difference could make it an interesting fight. Harrison at 6'4-6'5 in height, is bigger than any of Toney's previous opponents. He also has a 14-inch reach advantage over Toney. Harrison is 4-3 in his last 7, Toney is 2-2-1-2 (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 2 no decisions) in his last 7. Both guys are up there in age, Harrison turns 37 next month and Toney turned 40 in August. A win could go a long way in a very open heavyweight division. Another loss, at their age, could close the door.