Boxing News Thread
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De La Hoya-Pacquiao already Sold out! 2nd largest gate in boxing history
Tickets to "The Dream Match" -- the 12-round welterweight super fight between six-division world champion OSCAR DE LA HOYA and boxing's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter MANNY PACQUIAO – are already gone just hours after going on sale today, making the almost 16,000-seat arena a complete sell out with a gross gate of almost $ 17.0 million, making it the second biggest gate in boxing history.
Tickets to "The Dream Match" -- the 12-round welterweight super fight between six-division world champion OSCAR DE LA HOYA and boxing's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter MANNY PACQUIAO – are already gone just hours after going on sale today, making the almost 16,000-seat arena a complete sell out with a gross gate of almost $ 17.0 million, making it the second biggest gate in boxing history.
Only 500 seats were available to the public aka real boxing fans...anyways this is the 2nd time I've tried to get tickets for a big fight and came up empty.
Bullshit. All of the tickets went to brokers and comp tickets for the GBP, Top Rank, and MGM high rollers. Most of whom could give a fuck less about the actual fight or the sport.
Sad. But I do understand its a business. I still want to go but Im not about to shell out 500 a seat for some nosebleeds.
Bullshit. All of the tickets went to brokers and comp tickets for the GBP, Top Rank, and MGM high rollers. Most of whom could give a fuck less about the actual fight or the sport.
Sad. But I do understand its a business. I still want to go but Im not about to shell out 500 a seat for some nosebleeds.
I was told that they dont even release all the tickets at once, they still hold onto a lot of tickets and use it as media hype. Towards the actual fight they start releasing more and more. That's what ticket brokers have told me. Not just for this fight, but other things that just get sold out in "minutes" (World Series, Stanley Cup, etc).
It works though. Hell, made me look forward to it more...
It works though. Hell, made me look forward to it more...
Miguel Cotto Returns on 2/14, Berto or Clottey Possible
By Mark Vester
Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank has revealed that Miguel Cotto's return is being eyed for February 14, which is Valentine's Day, and falls on President's Day weekend. The fight will be the first since suffering the first loss of his career at the hands of Antonio Margarito back in July. Margarito stopped Cotto in the eleventh-round of a brutal bout in Las Vegas.
Arum confirmed the rumors that were swirling prior to the Margarito fight, a rift was brewing between Cotto and his uncle/trainer Evangelista Cotto. This past Tuesday, the veteran promoter met with Cotto, Evangelista and their legal counsel Gabby Peñagarícano to go over Cotto's return and the Margarito rematch for next June.
"The reason why Miguel lost is because he did not have good communication with Evangelista. They had their problems and during the preparation for the fight they were not speaking. But that is now behind them, they spoke and resolved their differences. Now they are on the same page", said Arum to El Nuevo Dia.
"Miguel and I we had not spoken personally since the fight [with Margarito] and we had a very positive meeting. We speak about what was wrong and the plans for the future"
Not the first time that Cotto and his uncle has been feuding. Prior to Cotto win over Carlos Quintana in December of 2006, the two were not speaking and tensions were so high that rumors were running wild in Puerto Rico that Cotto would hire a new trainer after the Quintana bout was finished. The rumors began to catch fire during the final weeks prior to the fight with Margarito. Evangelista did not travel in to the United States with Cotto and his team, adding a mountain of fuel to the rumors.
Arum said, according to what he saw on Tuesday, that both sides appeared to be very have patched up any bad feelings. Cotto's return will take place in Puerto Rico or Atlantic City .
"It is a possibility that that fight will be in Puerto Rico, but that all depends on a deal being done [locally] and what help their government will give us. If it won't be in Puerto Rico, then it will be in Atlantic City, where Cotto has fought many times and has done very well," Arum said.
There several possible opponents being looked at. Arum told the paper that he would not rule out IBF champion Joshua Clottey [who Arum promotes] and WBC champion Andre Berto. Arum initially wanted Margarito to return on the same night, with the fight being staged in a different city, but it appears that Mexican champion will probably come back at the end of January.
"The plan continues to be that Cotto and Margarito win, they will do a rematch on the first week of June. The fight could happen in New York as part of the festivities of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, in Atlantic City, or once again in Las Vegas."
By Mark Vester
Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank has revealed that Miguel Cotto's return is being eyed for February 14, which is Valentine's Day, and falls on President's Day weekend. The fight will be the first since suffering the first loss of his career at the hands of Antonio Margarito back in July. Margarito stopped Cotto in the eleventh-round of a brutal bout in Las Vegas.
Arum confirmed the rumors that were swirling prior to the Margarito fight, a rift was brewing between Cotto and his uncle/trainer Evangelista Cotto. This past Tuesday, the veteran promoter met with Cotto, Evangelista and their legal counsel Gabby Peñagarícano to go over Cotto's return and the Margarito rematch for next June.
"The reason why Miguel lost is because he did not have good communication with Evangelista. They had their problems and during the preparation for the fight they were not speaking. But that is now behind them, they spoke and resolved their differences. Now they are on the same page", said Arum to El Nuevo Dia.
"Miguel and I we had not spoken personally since the fight [with Margarito] and we had a very positive meeting. We speak about what was wrong and the plans for the future"
Not the first time that Cotto and his uncle has been feuding. Prior to Cotto win over Carlos Quintana in December of 2006, the two were not speaking and tensions were so high that rumors were running wild in Puerto Rico that Cotto would hire a new trainer after the Quintana bout was finished. The rumors began to catch fire during the final weeks prior to the fight with Margarito. Evangelista did not travel in to the United States with Cotto and his team, adding a mountain of fuel to the rumors.
Arum said, according to what he saw on Tuesday, that both sides appeared to be very have patched up any bad feelings. Cotto's return will take place in Puerto Rico or Atlantic City .
"It is a possibility that that fight will be in Puerto Rico, but that all depends on a deal being done [locally] and what help their government will give us. If it won't be in Puerto Rico, then it will be in Atlantic City, where Cotto has fought many times and has done very well," Arum said.
There several possible opponents being looked at. Arum told the paper that he would not rule out IBF champion Joshua Clottey [who Arum promotes] and WBC champion Andre Berto. Arum initially wanted Margarito to return on the same night, with the fight being staged in a different city, but it appears that Mexican champion will probably come back at the end of January.
"The plan continues to be that Cotto and Margarito win, they will do a rematch on the first week of June. The fight could happen in New York as part of the festivities of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, in Atlantic City, or once again in Las Vegas."
David Haye vs. Monte Barrett Officially Set For 11/15
After months of speculation and numerous pull-outs, former world cruiserweight champion David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye has today been able to officially name the heavyweight opponent he will face on November 15 at The O2 in North Greenwich. The chosen heavyweight is New York contender Monte ‘Two Gunz’ Barrett, ranked at number six by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and a former WBC and WBA world heavyweight title challenger.
The fight - scheduled for 10 rounds and screened live and exclusively by Setanta Sports – will pit the man considered the future of the heavyweight division against a man, in Barrett, who has fought a who’s who of recent heavyweight contenders and champions.
The 37-year-old Barrett sports a record of 34-6 (20 KO), including a stunning first-round knockout of Tye Fields in his most recent, nationally-televised fight. Renowned for his durability, cute skills and dangerous right hand, Barrett has shared ring duties with such title-holding luminaries as Wladimir Klitschko, Hasim Rahman and Nicolay Valuev. Barrett also applied the first career defeats to the unbeaten records of Dominic Guinn and Owen Beck. A pro heavyweight since August 1996, Barrett appears to be the ideal barometer of Haye’s hopes as a heavyweight.
“Barrett is pretty much a perfect opponent,” says Haye, 21-1 (20 KO). “He’s a an exciting heavyweight who always puts up a good fight. At the same time, though, he’s also a dangerous heavyweight who has surprised many other up and coming heavyweights. Nobody can ever take anything for granted with Barrett. There haven’t been many boring Monte Barrett fights and I’m sure he’ll be there swinging on November 15.”
As well as remaining dangerous at 37, Barrett also holds a ‘name’ that has been in and around the heavyweight top 10 for the best part of a decade.
“Monte Barrett is a guy that everyone knows,” explains Haye. “He’s fought on all the major US TV networks and his last win over Tye Fields was shown live over here in the UK on Setanta Sports. People know what they’re getting with Barrett. He’s been fighting world-class heavyweights and hanging with them for years. When I beat Monte better than anybody has before, people will start to realise I’m serious about becoming world heavyweight champion.”
Most men that have beaten Barrett have gone on to win versions of the world heavyweight title. The ones that lose to Monte, however, are now nowhere to be seen. A master in the art of snapping unbeaten records and exposing hyped heavyweight contenders, Barrett can’t wait to examine the abilities of Britain’s leading heavyweight player.
“Haye’s caught my attention with all the talk he's been giving,” says Barrett. “David Haye will be in real deep water coming up to heavyweight, because he's not bringing any power with him - he may bring a little speed - but he's going to get annihilated when he fights me because I'm a seasoned guy who's hungry. I'm not just hungry - I'm desperate. And when you're desperate you do desperate things. I mean, I don't wash up when I'm in training camp - I don't change my clothes. All I do is train and fight. You ask my trainer and he'll tell you - before the Fields fight I was hitting the wall. I was ready to go."
The road warrior Barrett is no stranger to the role of underdog and has no fears boxing away from home. He’s been there before.
“I love the U.K,” says Barrett. “Also, I've got to redeem myself. The last time I was in the U.K I lost to (Wladimir) Klitschko. You could say I'm not that great against big guys, but Haye isn't a big guy himself. I'll get redemption this time in the U.K."
After months of speculation and numerous pull-outs, former world cruiserweight champion David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye has today been able to officially name the heavyweight opponent he will face on November 15 at The O2 in North Greenwich. The chosen heavyweight is New York contender Monte ‘Two Gunz’ Barrett, ranked at number six by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and a former WBC and WBA world heavyweight title challenger.
The fight - scheduled for 10 rounds and screened live and exclusively by Setanta Sports – will pit the man considered the future of the heavyweight division against a man, in Barrett, who has fought a who’s who of recent heavyweight contenders and champions.
The 37-year-old Barrett sports a record of 34-6 (20 KO), including a stunning first-round knockout of Tye Fields in his most recent, nationally-televised fight. Renowned for his durability, cute skills and dangerous right hand, Barrett has shared ring duties with such title-holding luminaries as Wladimir Klitschko, Hasim Rahman and Nicolay Valuev. Barrett also applied the first career defeats to the unbeaten records of Dominic Guinn and Owen Beck. A pro heavyweight since August 1996, Barrett appears to be the ideal barometer of Haye’s hopes as a heavyweight.
“Barrett is pretty much a perfect opponent,” says Haye, 21-1 (20 KO). “He’s a an exciting heavyweight who always puts up a good fight. At the same time, though, he’s also a dangerous heavyweight who has surprised many other up and coming heavyweights. Nobody can ever take anything for granted with Barrett. There haven’t been many boring Monte Barrett fights and I’m sure he’ll be there swinging on November 15.”
As well as remaining dangerous at 37, Barrett also holds a ‘name’ that has been in and around the heavyweight top 10 for the best part of a decade.
“Monte Barrett is a guy that everyone knows,” explains Haye. “He’s fought on all the major US TV networks and his last win over Tye Fields was shown live over here in the UK on Setanta Sports. People know what they’re getting with Barrett. He’s been fighting world-class heavyweights and hanging with them for years. When I beat Monte better than anybody has before, people will start to realise I’m serious about becoming world heavyweight champion.”
Most men that have beaten Barrett have gone on to win versions of the world heavyweight title. The ones that lose to Monte, however, are now nowhere to be seen. A master in the art of snapping unbeaten records and exposing hyped heavyweight contenders, Barrett can’t wait to examine the abilities of Britain’s leading heavyweight player.
“Haye’s caught my attention with all the talk he's been giving,” says Barrett. “David Haye will be in real deep water coming up to heavyweight, because he's not bringing any power with him - he may bring a little speed - but he's going to get annihilated when he fights me because I'm a seasoned guy who's hungry. I'm not just hungry - I'm desperate. And when you're desperate you do desperate things. I mean, I don't wash up when I'm in training camp - I don't change my clothes. All I do is train and fight. You ask my trainer and he'll tell you - before the Fields fight I was hitting the wall. I was ready to go."
The road warrior Barrett is no stranger to the role of underdog and has no fears boxing away from home. He’s been there before.
“I love the U.K,” says Barrett. “Also, I've got to redeem myself. The last time I was in the U.K I lost to (Wladimir) Klitschko. You could say I'm not that great against big guys, but Haye isn't a big guy himself. I'll get redemption this time in the U.K."
David Rodriguez wants an all out war with Chris Arreola
By James Blears
Texan heavyweight David Rodriguez who’s roots stretch back south of the US Border, says he wants to collide with Chris Arreola in the ring, and Mexican pride is at stake.
Rodriguez threw down the gauntlet in Mexico City, where he’s on the undercard of the Edgar Sosa vs. Sonny Boy Jaro WBC Light Flyweight title bout, scheduled for Saturday night. He feels at home here. It’s also where his Grandfather originated from, his father was baptized in Mexico City, and his cousins who live here, met him at the airport.
Rodriguez who’s record is 28-0 with 26 KOs, 22 which have come in the first round was to fight Robert Davis, but that’s fallen through and his opponent is Andy Sample.
Chris Arreola who’s currently ranked number four by the WBC, which is twenty one places higher than David Rodriguez, has just mauled Israel “King Kong”Garcia to a third-round TKO. He has a 25-0 record with 22 KO’s.
David Rodriguez is the first to acknowledge that Chris Arreola who is also of Mexican descent, fully deserves to be above him in the rankings: “Because he’s fought some very tough fighters. I give Chris a lot of respect, but I think we’re on a collision course at some point, which I look forward to.
“He’s an aggressive fighter, but so am I. I’d be just as aggressive as he is. I’d be a calculated killer with him. I’d be using my jab to pick him apart. It’d be consistently in his face. I’d use my jab like there’s no tomorrow. I’d also be dropping bombs on him and I feel the knockout would come, with my “La fea.” That’s my signature punch- my left hook. Nobody gets away from that!
“Chris is tough and has endurance, because he’s knocked guys out in the later rounds. I also know that when you put Mexican pride on the line for both us, it could be an all out war.”
By James Blears
Texan heavyweight David Rodriguez who’s roots stretch back south of the US Border, says he wants to collide with Chris Arreola in the ring, and Mexican pride is at stake.
Rodriguez threw down the gauntlet in Mexico City, where he’s on the undercard of the Edgar Sosa vs. Sonny Boy Jaro WBC Light Flyweight title bout, scheduled for Saturday night. He feels at home here. It’s also where his Grandfather originated from, his father was baptized in Mexico City, and his cousins who live here, met him at the airport.
Rodriguez who’s record is 28-0 with 26 KOs, 22 which have come in the first round was to fight Robert Davis, but that’s fallen through and his opponent is Andy Sample.
Chris Arreola who’s currently ranked number four by the WBC, which is twenty one places higher than David Rodriguez, has just mauled Israel “King Kong”Garcia to a third-round TKO. He has a 25-0 record with 22 KO’s.
David Rodriguez is the first to acknowledge that Chris Arreola who is also of Mexican descent, fully deserves to be above him in the rankings: “Because he’s fought some very tough fighters. I give Chris a lot of respect, but I think we’re on a collision course at some point, which I look forward to.
“He’s an aggressive fighter, but so am I. I’d be just as aggressive as he is. I’d be a calculated killer with him. I’d be using my jab to pick him apart. It’d be consistently in his face. I’d use my jab like there’s no tomorrow. I’d also be dropping bombs on him and I feel the knockout would come, with my “La fea.” That’s my signature punch- my left hook. Nobody gets away from that!
“Chris is tough and has endurance, because he’s knocked guys out in the later rounds. I also know that when you put Mexican pride on the line for both us, it could be an all out war.”
De La Hoya: "Above All, I Want To Knock Pacquiao Out"
By Mark Vester
Oscar De La Hoya will not be satisfied by just beating WBC lighterweight champion Manny Pacquiao on December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, he wants to get the knockout. De La Hoya views Pacquiao as a stepping stone to the dream of having a career ending fight at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which holds over 100,000 fans.
"Above all, I want a win over Manny Pacquiao. I want a knockout (because) this is somewhat personal and I will prepare hard to achieve it (by knockout)," De La Hoya told Salvador Rodriguez of La Opinion,and translated by Nick Giongco.
De La Hoya says that he will not be overconfident in the fight. He views Pacquiao as a natural welterweight and believes the fight will be tough.
"It’s been a dream of mine (to fight in Estadio Azteca) but first thing is to knock out Manny Pacquiao on Dec. 6 and then to fight in the Estadio Azteca," said De La Hoya "In the Philippines, they believe that (Pacquiao) is going to knock me out. I doubt it a lot but Manny is a fighter who is very strong and fast and (his style) can cause problems. Once, I was overconfident (in a middleweight fight) against Felix Sturm and it was a tougher fight than what we expected so this time I will not be overconfident."
"I am not going to have problems and in this aspect, I will have no worries. My concern is to knock Manny Pacquiao out."
By Mark Vester
Oscar De La Hoya will not be satisfied by just beating WBC lighterweight champion Manny Pacquiao on December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, he wants to get the knockout. De La Hoya views Pacquiao as a stepping stone to the dream of having a career ending fight at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which holds over 100,000 fans.
"Above all, I want a win over Manny Pacquiao. I want a knockout (because) this is somewhat personal and I will prepare hard to achieve it (by knockout)," De La Hoya told Salvador Rodriguez of La Opinion,and translated by Nick Giongco.
De La Hoya says that he will not be overconfident in the fight. He views Pacquiao as a natural welterweight and believes the fight will be tough.
"It’s been a dream of mine (to fight in Estadio Azteca) but first thing is to knock out Manny Pacquiao on Dec. 6 and then to fight in the Estadio Azteca," said De La Hoya "In the Philippines, they believe that (Pacquiao) is going to knock me out. I doubt it a lot but Manny is a fighter who is very strong and fast and (his style) can cause problems. Once, I was overconfident (in a middleweight fight) against Felix Sturm and it was a tougher fight than what we expected so this time I will not be overconfident."
"I am not going to have problems and in this aspect, I will have no worries. My concern is to knock Manny Pacquiao out."
NSAC Sets The Record Straight on De La Hoya-Pacquiao
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has set the record straight following a debate in the Philippines over suggestions that the Games and Amusements Board which has supervision and control over professional boxing in the country and licenses fighters should try to stop the “Dream Match” between Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao and “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya.
Congressman Rufus Rodriguez cited the height, reach and size advantage of De La Hoya and said he will “kill the smaller Pacquiao even as he asked the chairman of the Games and Amusements Board to try to stop the December 6 showdown at the MGM Grand by cancelling the license of Pacquiao.
The GAB is the government regulatory body that has supervision and control over professional sports, including boxing, and licenses fighters and approves fights abroad.
However, former WBC founding secretary general, lawyer Rudy Salud said neither the GAB nor the World Boxing Council have jurisdiction over the Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight and the only body that can disallow the bout is the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
In an email response to questions from insidesports.ph, NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer said the NSAC had “approved the fight” and that it is only the Nevada Commission that has “jurisdiction over the fight” since it is being held in Las Vegas.
Kizer also maintained that any cancellation of Pacquiao’s license by the GAB which Salud earlier maintained “cannot be done unilaterally and without a proper hearing” will not have any “effect or impact” on the NSAC decision allowing Pacquiao to fight De La Hoya.
Kizer also said the WBC has no jurisdiction over the fight which is not a WBC-sanctioned event. This was earlier conceded by WBC chairman Don Jose Sulaiman who did say however that just like Chairman Buhain he was concerned over the disparity between Pacquiao and De La Hoya.
When Kizer was named executive director of the NSAC in March 2006 it was clear, as respected boxing writer Kevin Iole pointed out, that a large portion of his job was ensuring that fighters are evenly matched.
Iole quoted Kizer as saying “every boxer, no matter at what level he or she is at, what purse they might be paid, what card they may fight on, is important to us. We owe it to them to ensure an even playing field. That’s been the case since I came on board as legal counsel and I am sure its going to be the case well into the future.”
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has set the record straight following a debate in the Philippines over suggestions that the Games and Amusements Board which has supervision and control over professional boxing in the country and licenses fighters should try to stop the “Dream Match” between Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao and “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya.
Congressman Rufus Rodriguez cited the height, reach and size advantage of De La Hoya and said he will “kill the smaller Pacquiao even as he asked the chairman of the Games and Amusements Board to try to stop the December 6 showdown at the MGM Grand by cancelling the license of Pacquiao.
The GAB is the government regulatory body that has supervision and control over professional sports, including boxing, and licenses fighters and approves fights abroad.
However, former WBC founding secretary general, lawyer Rudy Salud said neither the GAB nor the World Boxing Council have jurisdiction over the Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight and the only body that can disallow the bout is the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
In an email response to questions from insidesports.ph, NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer said the NSAC had “approved the fight” and that it is only the Nevada Commission that has “jurisdiction over the fight” since it is being held in Las Vegas.
Kizer also maintained that any cancellation of Pacquiao’s license by the GAB which Salud earlier maintained “cannot be done unilaterally and without a proper hearing” will not have any “effect or impact” on the NSAC decision allowing Pacquiao to fight De La Hoya.
Kizer also said the WBC has no jurisdiction over the fight which is not a WBC-sanctioned event. This was earlier conceded by WBC chairman Don Jose Sulaiman who did say however that just like Chairman Buhain he was concerned over the disparity between Pacquiao and De La Hoya.
When Kizer was named executive director of the NSAC in March 2006 it was clear, as respected boxing writer Kevin Iole pointed out, that a large portion of his job was ensuring that fighters are evenly matched.
Iole quoted Kizer as saying “every boxer, no matter at what level he or she is at, what purse they might be paid, what card they may fight on, is important to us. We owe it to them to ensure an even playing field. That’s been the case since I came on board as legal counsel and I am sure its going to be the case well into the future.”
Joe Calzaghe Vacates WBO Title After a Ten-Year Run
By Mark Vester
After nearly eleven-years and a record 21 title defenses, Joe Calzaghe has vacated the WBO super-middleweight and is fully focused on his light heavyweight bout with Roy Jones Jr. on November 8 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Calzaghe says his body can no longer get down to the weight limit of 168.
"It was a tough decision to make, relinquishing the belt, I can tell you that without hesitation," Calzaghe told South Wales Argus. "It's just too hard to get down to the 12 stone super-middleweight limit."
Calzaghe won the title from Chris Eubank on October, 11 1997. He was the longest reigning current champion in boxing. He won every major title at the super middleweight limit, including the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBC.
"I did my best to unify the division, I held all the titles at one time or another, but I owed it to the WBO to be totally honest with them," Calzaghe added. "The 10-year anniversary was a wonderful marker for me and I feel it's an appropriate time to end any doubt about me fighting at that weight again.
"I received my promoter's license this week, Calzaghe Promotions is up and running and I feel like I am entering a new phase, not just in my career, but in my life. I had a great relationship with the WBO and although it was painful to give up the title, I know I have made the right decision."
"If I do say so myself, there is going to be quite a void now in super-middleweight boxing and I can't wait to see who will step up and fill it."
By Mark Vester
After nearly eleven-years and a record 21 title defenses, Joe Calzaghe has vacated the WBO super-middleweight and is fully focused on his light heavyweight bout with Roy Jones Jr. on November 8 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Calzaghe says his body can no longer get down to the weight limit of 168.
"It was a tough decision to make, relinquishing the belt, I can tell you that without hesitation," Calzaghe told South Wales Argus. "It's just too hard to get down to the 12 stone super-middleweight limit."
Calzaghe won the title from Chris Eubank on October, 11 1997. He was the longest reigning current champion in boxing. He won every major title at the super middleweight limit, including the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBC.
"I did my best to unify the division, I held all the titles at one time or another, but I owed it to the WBO to be totally honest with them," Calzaghe added. "The 10-year anniversary was a wonderful marker for me and I feel it's an appropriate time to end any doubt about me fighting at that weight again.
"I received my promoter's license this week, Calzaghe Promotions is up and running and I feel like I am entering a new phase, not just in my career, but in my life. I had a great relationship with the WBO and although it was painful to give up the title, I know I have made the right decision."
"If I do say so myself, there is going to be quite a void now in super-middleweight boxing and I can't wait to see who will step up and fill it."
'Call Em Out Fridays': It Was Once Sugar, Now It's Age We See In Shane Mostly
26.09.08 - By Vivek Wallace:
In this weeks 'Call Em Out Fridays' segment we delve into the essence of a fighter whom - despite accomplishing many great things - has suddenly found himself with much to prove as he enters the final quarter of a career that has seen many highs and lows. For years, Shane Mosley has been viewed as one of the best the sport has had to offer, however, on the heels of banned substance allegations and a loss to one of the sports newest, yet brightest stars, some have felt a need to publicly question more than his ability to compete. Out of respect for the fighter and to maintain the integrity of the ongoing litigation there will be no discussion in this article relative to the possible use of banned substances, however, this is a Call Out session, so all the other niceties start and end right there! Like any of my other 'Call Em Out Fridays' segments, we analyze the "Supportive" perspective, the "Critics" perspective, and after I toss my own analysis in the ring we let you, the fight fan, chime in with yours.
Shane Mosley - (Supportive Perspective): February 11, 1993, the world of boxing gave professional birth to a young man who many expected to be that proverbial once-a-generation type fighter.. Blazing speed, better than average power, durable chin, and to top it all off, a mega-watt smile. Prior to reaching the professional level, his speed and style was such an amazement to those who followed him that he was able to somehow seize the coveted nickname 'Sugar', and he wore it with pride like a rolex. What was even more amazing about Shane in the early days was the fact that he didn't approach fights like the typical rook with stellar speed who would use great reflexes to avoid contact. Instead, he openly engaged in combat, mixing it up with fighters, showing that he'd be willing to take a few punches to land a number of his own. This style which his trainer and Father Jack Mosley dubbed "power boxing" would help earn him a reputation for being the perfect all around fighter, matching grit with skills. After captivating audiences, 7 years and a record of 34-0 with 32KO's later, in June of 2000 Shane Mosley would be given the opportunity to do something on a very grand stage. That something was to headline a mega fight card in his own backyard against another fighter who also called this demographic home, the 'Goldenboy', Oscar De La Hoya. The fact that Oscar De La Hoya had lost to Puerto Rico's Felix 'Tito' Trinidad only 9 months prior would not serve as a reason to diminish the magnitude of this fight, as his decision against Trinidad was - and to some still is - heavily disputed. In the end, that fact would make the victory for Shane Mosley even greater as he would become the only fighter to legitimately defeat Oscar De La Hoya without question at the time. Shane saw his name rise to fame and there was very little that he could do wrong in the eyes of most fight fans. Commercials, awards, endorsements, every accolade one could possibly ponder had instantly become a part of Mosley's world. Unfortunately for Shane, the laws of gravity would quickly surface to remind him that "everything which goes up must one day come down". Not even the seemingly immortal 'Sugar' Shane could work his way around this one as fight fans would soon see.......
Shane Mosley - (Critics Perspective): After defending his straps and supremacy three more times, Mosley would find himself on the brink of a very humbling experience. Coming into this fight, according to some insiders, Mosley began to read his own press, believing that he was on another level and in some ways unstoppable. Despite his opponents undefeated record, Mosley apparently couldn't see the 'Forrest' for the trees, as he would walk into a brick wall, shattering the image once built on what was viewed as an nontarnishable legacy at the time. In the eyes of most, despite defeating Shane in the '92 Olympic trials, Vernon Forrest was not viewed as the fighter with the better skills between the two, but after two 2nd round knock downs, the mental game was won, and what was not solidified at that point was later solidified by a sheer desire to overcome the odds. Forrest put on a masterful performance and shocked quite a few people, leaving Mosley in a very vulnerable position as the questions began to mount up. Is he really as strong as we thought? Is He really as good as we thought? Any question one could ponder was asked, cutting Shane's perceptive margin for error in half. Anxious to show that he could indeed overcome this obstacle, Mosley would take an immediate rematch 6 months later, only to net the same results. By this point, Mosley supporters were at a true crossroads, speculating on exactly how good Mosley really was? In his next 10 fights Mosley would go a modest 6-3 with one No-Contest. What was even more telling in that group of fights was that of the 6 he did manage to defeat, all had superb records, but none had truly been tested, and the one that had (Vargas) was already 'shot'. Of the three fights that he lost, two were to a defensive genius, (Winky Wright), and the other was to a fighter who had never been on such a grand stage, yet was able to seize the moment when the opportunity presented itself (Cotto). By now, the veil that once surrounded Mosley was completely lifted and the fear factor surrounding him was far removed, prompting one fighter (Floyd Mayweather jr.) to even label him as an official "sparring partner" at best. Looking back, it wasn't too easy to comprehend exactly how the pendulum swayed so quickly in the career of Shane Mosley, but one thing for sure, those critics who share this view have a very good point when they look at him and openly ask "What have you done for me lately"?
Shane Mosley - (This Writers Perspective): As I see it, Shane Mosley is still able to be competitive in fights only because he has the veteran ring smarts to do so. That being said, his days of being able to easily outspeed fighters I think are officially over. Miguel Cotto has been brilliant and I don't think I enjoyed watching any fighter prove himself worthy of the big stage more than I did watching his ascent to greatness, but never in a million years did I think he would be able to beat Mosley to the punch like I saw in their fight. Yes it was close, but against the old Mosley it never would have been. Age has a way of sneaking up on fighters like a thief in the night, and I think it's safe to say that the street lights on Shane's block are starting to flicker a bit. There's absolutely no doubt about that. He still has the ability to defeat a huge majority of fighters out there, but can he still hold his place amongst the sports elite? I'm not ready to concede on that one due to the fact that according to the Cotto blueprint, any fighter tough enough to take Shane's punch and intelligent in the ring enough to know how to land his own over 12 rounds has a strong chance to win. That wasn't always the case. A prime Oscar De La Hoya failed to defeat Shane twice and an evolving Miguel Cotto was able to get the job done? That puzzles me. Miguel Cotto is absolutely brilliant but his decision making and stamina against Margarito proved to me that he isn't the most formidable opponent out there, yet against an aging Shane, he had enough in the end. That barometer I think depicts an accurate reading of where Shane stands currently on the fight landscape. He's a great guy and a class act, but hence the title, although he's still a little sweet (in the ring), unfortunately, it's age that we've began to see in Shane mostly!
That's where my 'take' ends, now let the debates begin
26.09.08 - By Vivek Wallace:
In this weeks 'Call Em Out Fridays' segment we delve into the essence of a fighter whom - despite accomplishing many great things - has suddenly found himself with much to prove as he enters the final quarter of a career that has seen many highs and lows. For years, Shane Mosley has been viewed as one of the best the sport has had to offer, however, on the heels of banned substance allegations and a loss to one of the sports newest, yet brightest stars, some have felt a need to publicly question more than his ability to compete. Out of respect for the fighter and to maintain the integrity of the ongoing litigation there will be no discussion in this article relative to the possible use of banned substances, however, this is a Call Out session, so all the other niceties start and end right there! Like any of my other 'Call Em Out Fridays' segments, we analyze the "Supportive" perspective, the "Critics" perspective, and after I toss my own analysis in the ring we let you, the fight fan, chime in with yours.
Shane Mosley - (Supportive Perspective): February 11, 1993, the world of boxing gave professional birth to a young man who many expected to be that proverbial once-a-generation type fighter.. Blazing speed, better than average power, durable chin, and to top it all off, a mega-watt smile. Prior to reaching the professional level, his speed and style was such an amazement to those who followed him that he was able to somehow seize the coveted nickname 'Sugar', and he wore it with pride like a rolex. What was even more amazing about Shane in the early days was the fact that he didn't approach fights like the typical rook with stellar speed who would use great reflexes to avoid contact. Instead, he openly engaged in combat, mixing it up with fighters, showing that he'd be willing to take a few punches to land a number of his own. This style which his trainer and Father Jack Mosley dubbed "power boxing" would help earn him a reputation for being the perfect all around fighter, matching grit with skills. After captivating audiences, 7 years and a record of 34-0 with 32KO's later, in June of 2000 Shane Mosley would be given the opportunity to do something on a very grand stage. That something was to headline a mega fight card in his own backyard against another fighter who also called this demographic home, the 'Goldenboy', Oscar De La Hoya. The fact that Oscar De La Hoya had lost to Puerto Rico's Felix 'Tito' Trinidad only 9 months prior would not serve as a reason to diminish the magnitude of this fight, as his decision against Trinidad was - and to some still is - heavily disputed. In the end, that fact would make the victory for Shane Mosley even greater as he would become the only fighter to legitimately defeat Oscar De La Hoya without question at the time. Shane saw his name rise to fame and there was very little that he could do wrong in the eyes of most fight fans. Commercials, awards, endorsements, every accolade one could possibly ponder had instantly become a part of Mosley's world. Unfortunately for Shane, the laws of gravity would quickly surface to remind him that "everything which goes up must one day come down". Not even the seemingly immortal 'Sugar' Shane could work his way around this one as fight fans would soon see.......
Shane Mosley - (Critics Perspective): After defending his straps and supremacy three more times, Mosley would find himself on the brink of a very humbling experience. Coming into this fight, according to some insiders, Mosley began to read his own press, believing that he was on another level and in some ways unstoppable. Despite his opponents undefeated record, Mosley apparently couldn't see the 'Forrest' for the trees, as he would walk into a brick wall, shattering the image once built on what was viewed as an nontarnishable legacy at the time. In the eyes of most, despite defeating Shane in the '92 Olympic trials, Vernon Forrest was not viewed as the fighter with the better skills between the two, but after two 2nd round knock downs, the mental game was won, and what was not solidified at that point was later solidified by a sheer desire to overcome the odds. Forrest put on a masterful performance and shocked quite a few people, leaving Mosley in a very vulnerable position as the questions began to mount up. Is he really as strong as we thought? Is He really as good as we thought? Any question one could ponder was asked, cutting Shane's perceptive margin for error in half. Anxious to show that he could indeed overcome this obstacle, Mosley would take an immediate rematch 6 months later, only to net the same results. By this point, Mosley supporters were at a true crossroads, speculating on exactly how good Mosley really was? In his next 10 fights Mosley would go a modest 6-3 with one No-Contest. What was even more telling in that group of fights was that of the 6 he did manage to defeat, all had superb records, but none had truly been tested, and the one that had (Vargas) was already 'shot'. Of the three fights that he lost, two were to a defensive genius, (Winky Wright), and the other was to a fighter who had never been on such a grand stage, yet was able to seize the moment when the opportunity presented itself (Cotto). By now, the veil that once surrounded Mosley was completely lifted and the fear factor surrounding him was far removed, prompting one fighter (Floyd Mayweather jr.) to even label him as an official "sparring partner" at best. Looking back, it wasn't too easy to comprehend exactly how the pendulum swayed so quickly in the career of Shane Mosley, but one thing for sure, those critics who share this view have a very good point when they look at him and openly ask "What have you done for me lately"?
Shane Mosley - (This Writers Perspective): As I see it, Shane Mosley is still able to be competitive in fights only because he has the veteran ring smarts to do so. That being said, his days of being able to easily outspeed fighters I think are officially over. Miguel Cotto has been brilliant and I don't think I enjoyed watching any fighter prove himself worthy of the big stage more than I did watching his ascent to greatness, but never in a million years did I think he would be able to beat Mosley to the punch like I saw in their fight. Yes it was close, but against the old Mosley it never would have been. Age has a way of sneaking up on fighters like a thief in the night, and I think it's safe to say that the street lights on Shane's block are starting to flicker a bit. There's absolutely no doubt about that. He still has the ability to defeat a huge majority of fighters out there, but can he still hold his place amongst the sports elite? I'm not ready to concede on that one due to the fact that according to the Cotto blueprint, any fighter tough enough to take Shane's punch and intelligent in the ring enough to know how to land his own over 12 rounds has a strong chance to win. That wasn't always the case. A prime Oscar De La Hoya failed to defeat Shane twice and an evolving Miguel Cotto was able to get the job done? That puzzles me. Miguel Cotto is absolutely brilliant but his decision making and stamina against Margarito proved to me that he isn't the most formidable opponent out there, yet against an aging Shane, he had enough in the end. That barometer I think depicts an accurate reading of where Shane stands currently on the fight landscape. He's a great guy and a class act, but hence the title, although he's still a little sweet (in the ring), unfortunately, it's age that we've began to see in Shane mostly!
That's where my 'take' ends, now let the debates begin
