Boxing News Thread

[heyzel]

U.S. Future Stars Semifinals are Set, Quotes

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Quarterfinal action concluded Monday night at the 2008 U.S. Future Stars National Championships Monday at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs with some crowd-pleasing, high-scoring bouts on the women's side and some outstanding performances on the men's side.

The women's welterweight (145 lbs) division featured the biggest comeback of the night, as Brittany Inkrote (Red Lion, Pa.) and Jennifer Fenn-Wolfe (Cedar Creek, Texas) put on a show that left the crowd buzzing. Fenn-Wolfe scored early and often, earning 17 points in the first two rounds and holding a commanding 23-11 lead heading into the fourth and final round. Inkrote came roaring back in the fourth, however, tying the score late in the fourth before landing one last left hook – her 15th point of the round – in the final seconds to earn a 26-25 victory.

Inkrote said that Fenn-Wolfe's aggressive style took her by surprise, but it became a detriment to her in the later rounds. At the same time, Inkrote said she was able to feed off the energy of the crowd for her final points.

"If you come out swinging that hard that early, you have to put people out," Inkrote said. "If you don't, you get really tired and struggle the last few rounds.

"I love the feel of the crowd and I love to get the crowd involved. I could hear my trainer and everyone in the crowd when I hit that tie point."

Another high-scoring contest came in the women's featherweight (125 lbs) division between Alexandria Cardenas (San Angelo, Texas) and 2005 National Champion Ashley Barnett (Cleveland, Ohio). Cardenas came out strong, jumping ahead to a 14-6 lead after two rounds. Barnett would have her strongest round in the third, winning the round 8-5, but Cardenas put up a strong defensive effort in the fourth, shutting out Barnett on her way to a 22-14 decision.

Cardenas credited her coach for keeping her head and executing in the final round.

"My coach told me, 'Alex, you gotta step it up. You're winning, but you can't get lazy and get behind, so you really need to pick it up,'" Cardenas said.

In men's featherweight (125 lbs) action, Robert Rodriguez (Evans, Colo.) and Andre Ramirez (Camp LeJeune, N.C. – Marines) had a nip-and-tuck first round (4-2 Rodriguez) before Rodriguez shut out Ramirez through the middle rounds on his way to a 19-3 win.

After the match, Rodriguez said that he was able to earn the win by staying patient and using his head.

"Coach just kept telling me to keep doing what I was doing," Rodriguez said. "I just wanted to keep my head, get my points, be smart and wait for a shot."

Another strong defensive effort came from Daniel O'Connor (Framingham, Mass.) in his light welterweight (141 lbs) match with Jamal James (Minneapolis, Minn.). James, who held the height and reach advantage over O'Connor, came in numerous times over the course of the match but was unable to score any significant blows. O'Connor scored when the opportunity presented itself, and used a 7-0 fourth round to come away with an 18-2 win.

Semifinal competition begins tomorrow with the women's matches starting at noon MST, followed by the men's matches at 6:00 p.m.

Quarterfinal Results – Evening Session

112 lbs/51 kg: Raul Lopez, Bronx, N.Y. dec. Adam Lopez, San Antonio, Texas, 21-15
112 lbs/51 kg: Michael Ruiz, Fresno, Calif. dec. Mike Herrera, Arroyo Seco, N.M., 30-17
112 lbs/51 kg: Randy Caballero, Coachella, Calif. dec. Johnny Determan, Omaha, Neb., 20-8
119 lbs/female: Raelene Pineda, San Bernardino, Calif. dec. Latonya King, Warren, Mich., 14-8
125 lbs/57 kg: Guy Robb, Sacramento, Calif. dec. Derrick Murray, St. Louis, Mo., 26-23
125 lbs/57 kg: Robert Rodriguez, Evans Colo. dec. Andre Ramirez, Camp Lejeune, N.C. – USMC, 19-3
125 lbs/57 kg: Lesley Walker, Las Vegas, Nev. dec.Glenn Dezurn, Baltimore, Md., 13-11
125 lbs/57 kg: Mercedes Manriquez, Houston, Texas vs. Nicholas Chin, Port St. Lucie, Fla., 30-15
125 lbs/female: Cherrie Moyer, Garden City, N.Y. dec. Carmen Montes, Oxnard, Calif., 20-5
125 lbs/female: Alexandria Cardenas, San Angelo, Texas dec. Ashley Barnett, Cleveland, Ohio, 22-14
125 lbs/female: Diedra Rhodes, St. Louis, Mo. walked over Victoria Munoz-Cardoza, Dallas, Texas, WO
125 lbs/female: Jody-Ann Weller, Pomona, N.Y. vs. Patricia Manuel, Gardena, Calif., 20-18
141 lbs/64 kg: Charles Watson, Johnson City, Tenn. dec. Oscar Soto, St. Paul, Minn., 11-8
141 lbs/64 kg: Jared Robinson, Sumter, N.C. dec. Jeff Strum, Wichita, Kansas, +8-8
141 lbs/64 kg: Dan O'Conner, Framington, Mass. dec. Jamal James, Minneapolis, Minn., 18-2
141 lbs/64 kg: Emanuel Taylor, Edgewood, Md. stopped Adrian Granados, North Riverside, Ill., RSCOS-3, 1:28
145 lbs/female: Christina Swanson, Hollywood, Fla. dec. Suzana Rodriguez, Plymouth, Ind., 17-9
145 lbs/female: Jackie Peterson, Vancouver, Wash. dec. Nakisha Copeland, Aiken, S.C., 22-4
145 lbs/female: Brittany Inkrote, Red Lion, Pa. dec. Jennifer Fenn-Wolfe, Austin, Texas, 26-25
165 lbs/75 kg: Shawn Porter, Stow, Ohio dec. Jesse Hart, Philadelphia, Pa., 12-10
165 lbs/75 kg: Christopher Chapman, San Diego, Calif. dec. Lamar Russ, Fayetteville, N.C.,18-13
165 lbs/75 kg: Aleem Whitfield, Geneva, N.Y. dec. Cerresso Fort, St. Paul, Minn., 13-6
165 lbs/75 kg: Luis Arias, Milwaukee, Wis. dec. James Taylor, San Diego, Calif. - Navy, 16-0
201 lbs/91 kg: Paul Koon, Philadelphia, Pa. dec. Donnavan Dennis, Davenport, Iowa, 20-5
201 lbs/91 kg: Michael Bissett, Smyna, Tenn. won by medical disqualification over Joey Dawejko, Philadelphia, Pa., MDISQ
201 lbs/91 kg: Jeremiah Graziano, Lenexa, Kansas stopped Craig Lewis, Detroit, Mich., RSCOS-3
201 lbs/91 kg: Craig Barker, Baytown, Texas stopped Akeem Holland, Fairfield, Calif., RSC-3, :45

Thursday Semifinal Match-ups

WOMEN'S SEMIFINAL BOUT SHEETS – NOON MST

Ring 1
Bout 1: 101 lbs/female: Sylvia Villapondo, Houston, Texas vs. Sadie Roberts, Hudson, Iowa
Bout 2: 106 lbs/female: Melissa McMorrow, San Francisco, Calif.. vs. Amber Goodwin, San Jose, Calif.
Bout 3: 114 lbs/female: Amy Sowers, Bozeman, Mon. vs. Keisher McLeod, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Bout 4: 119 lbs/female: Cynthia Moreno, Phoenix, Ariz. vs. Diedra Rhodes, San Bernardino, Calif.
Bout 5: 125 lbs/female: Jody-Ann Weller, Pomona, N.Y. vs. Diedra Rhodes, St. Louis, Mo.
Bout 6: 138 lbs/female: Queen Underwood, Seattle, Wash. vs. Ishika Lay, Jacksonville, Fla.
Bout 7: 154 lbs/female: Grace Parks, Bellingham, Wash. vs. Bambi Manzo, Baytown, Texas

Ring 2
Bout 1: 101 lbs/female: Brittany Walker, Beach Island, S.C. vs. Samantha Guzman, Oak Park, Ill.
Bout 2: 110 lbs/female: Jasmine Springwater, Wichita, Kansas vs. Cheryl Houlihan, Santee, Calif.
Bout 3: 114 lbs/female: Sacred Downing, Trenton, N.J. vs. Nicole Pasillas, Aurora, Colo.
Bout 4: 132 lbs/female: Jessica Chambers, Tacoma, Wash. vs. Katonya Fisher, Bakersfield, Calif.
Bout 5: 125 lbs/female: Cherrie Moyer, Garden City, N.Y. vs. Alexandria Cardenas, San Angelo, Texas
Bout 6: 145 lbs/female: Vanessa Jackson, Columbus, Ohio vs. Christina Swanson, Hollywood, Calif.
Bout 7: 154 lbs/female: Lisa Kuronya, Portland, Mass. Vs. Franchon Crews, Capitol Heights, Md.

Ring 3
Bout 1: 106 lbs/female: Marlene Esparza, Houston, Texas vs. Katherine Rodriguez, Riverside, Calif.
Bout 2: 110 lbs/female: Gina D'Andrea, Baltimore, Maryland vs. Amaris Quintana, San Diego, Calif.
Bout 3: 119 lbs/female: Kayla Combs, Lubbock, Texas vs. Christina Cruz, New York, N.Y.
Bout 4: 132 lbs/female: Caroline Barry, Colorado Springs, Colo. vs. Athena Saunders, Atlantic City, N.J.
Bout 5: 138 lbs/female: Wendy Casey, Binghampton, N.Y. vs. Kimberly Rose, San Diego, Calif.
Bout 6: 145 lbs/female: Jackie Peterson, Vancouver, Wash. vs. Brittany Inkrote, Red Lion, Pa.
Bout 7: 154 lbs/female: Nikki Cane, Wendell, N.C. vs. Tiffany Hearn, Louisville, Ky.

MEN'S SEMIFINAL BOUT SHEETS

Ring 1
Bout 1: 106 lbs/48 kg: Stephen Young, St. Louis, Mo. vs. Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo.
Bout 2: 112 lbs/51 kg: Raul Lopez, Bronx, N.Y, vs. Bruno Escalante, Waimanalo, Hawaii
Bout 3: 125 lbs/57 kg: Guy Robb, Sacramento, Calif. vs. Robert Rodriquez, Evans, Colo.
Bout 4: 132 lbs/60 kg: Shemuel Pagan, Brooklyn, N.Y. vs. Fidel Maldonado, Albuquerque, N.M.
Bout 5: 152 lbs/69 kg: Jovante Starks, Maples, Minn. vs. Anthony Campbell, Covington, Tenn.
Bout 6: 165 lbs/75 kg: Aleem Whitfield, Geneva, N.Y. vs. Shawn Porter, Stow, Ohio
Bout 7: 201 lbs/91 kg: Jeremiah Graziano, Lenexa, Kansas vs. Craig Baker, Baytown, Texas
Bout 8: 201+ lbs/91+ kg: Tor Hamer, New York, N.Y. vs. Andrew Shepard, Fort Carson, Colo.

Ring 2
Bout 1: 106 lbs/48 kg: Sergio Ramirez, Omaha, Neb. vs. Fabian Cervantes, Ableto, Calif.
Bout 2: 119 lbs/54 kg: Roman Morales, San Ardo, Calif. vs. Ronny Rios, Santa Ana, Calif.
Bout 3: 125 lbs/57 kg: Mercedes Manriquez, Houston, Texas vs. Lesley Walker, Las Vegas, Nev.
Bout 4: 141 lbs/64 kg: Emmanuel Taylor, Edgewood, Md. vs. Charles Watson, Johnson City, Tenn.
Bout 5: 152 lbs/69 kg: Greg Carter, Waterbury, Conn. vs. Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas
Bout 6: 178 lbs/81 kg: DeRae Crane, Marquette, Mich. vs. Michael Faulk, St. Paul, Minn.
Bout 7: 201 lbs/91 kg: Michael Bissett, Smyrna, Tenn. vs. Paul Koon, Philadelphia, Pa.

Ring 3
Bout 1: 112 lbs/51 kg: Michael Ruiz, Fresno, Calif. vs. Randy Caballero, Coachella, Calif.
Bout 2: 119 lbs/54 kg: Antonio Nieves, Cleveland, Ohio vs. Paul Romero, Phoenix, Ariz.
Bout 3: 132 lbs/60 kg: Miguel Gonzales, Cleveland, Ohio vs. Jesse Carradine, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bout 4: 141 lbs/64 kg: Jared Robinson, Sumter, N.C. vs. Dan O'Conner, Framingham, Mass.
Bout 5: 165 lbs/75 kg: Luis Arias, Milwaukee, Wis. vs. Christopher Chapman, San Diego, Calif.
Bout 6: 178 lbs/81 kg: Jeff Page, Andover, Kansas vs. Dorian Anthony, Lynwood, Calif. Bout 7: 201+ lbs/91+ kg: Darlington Agha, Richmond, Texas vs. Lenroy Thompson, Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Additional quotes from Tuesday night:

Robert Rodriguez (dec. Andre Ramirez)

"I like to see what they've got in the first round, throw some little fast jabs out there and see if they throw anything back."

Alexandria Cardenas (dec. Ashley Barnett)

"She came out so hard and it was definitely affecting my pace. I always try to set my rhythm the first round and feel out my opponent a little bit."

"It's a little hard to go four rounds when you're not used to it."

"I'm a little nervous for tomorrow. I've been watching my competition and sizing them up but I'm confident."

Dan O'Connor (dec. Jamal James)

"If I see the guy slowing down a little bit I'll go faster to try and pick him apart. Other than that I try to be really patient."

It's part of my strategy to use defense and dodging all the time. All you have to do is keep your hands up high and block as much as you can."

"I feel really strong and ready to rock it tomorrow."

Brittany Inkrote (dec. Jennifer Fenn-Wolfe)

"I was more experienced coming into it, so I knew a little bit more of what to expect than her. She came out swinging and I'm not used to that, so I really had to be patient."

"A lot of her blows hit me in the back of the head and I was rolling with them, so I didn't think she was scoring that many points."

"I think the altitude had a little bit to do with her getting tired but it was more the way she was fighting."

"My dad is also my trainer, and he was real calm and told me I needed to throw the one two."

"I came out here to win the U.S. Championships. Every year, I've fallen short. Last year I had two knockouts going into the finals and I lost in the finals."

Luis Arias (dec. James Taylor)

"I thought he hit me at least one time, but I guess I was catching all those shots with my gloves."

"I'm always kind of a body shot person. My coach wanted me to hit him in the body to soften him up and slow him down."

"The guy I'm fighting tomorrow is a little taller and stronger, but I've just got to keep doing what I need to do."

 

[heyzel]

Zou showing that boxing has a home in China

Not so long ago, the words "boxing" and "China" were unlikely to show up in the same sentence.

If they did, it was often to recall how pugilism was long banned in China by Chairman Mao Tse-Tung and slow to emerge from those many years in the shadow of other sports.

While a number of Eastern European and Asian nations, particularly from the former Soviet Union, have recently positioned fighters in the top ranks of amateur and professional boxing -- including all four of the current world pro heavyweight champions -- the huge expanse of China has been a notable noncontributor … until now.

Three factors have suddenly put China on the boxing map.

First, the Chinese city of Macau has been built into a glitzy gambling center whose nickname has evolved from "Lisbon of the Orient" into "Asia's Las Vegas." Its huge casinos have caught the eye of top U.S. prizefight promoters.

Second, as the host country for this year's Olympics, China has an amateur boxing team eager to compete and raise the sport's profile.

And third, that team includes a superstar who has already won two amateur world championships.

Nearly 600 boxers from more than a hundred countries went to Chicago last fall for the amateur world boxing championships. Those who reached or exceeded the quarterfinals qualified to compete in this summer's Beijing Olympic Games.

At least one fighter in that crowd, however, had a goal that extended far beyond making his nation's team.

Zou Shiming is from China. As an amateur world boxing champion who is already a hero in a country that is only now truly awakening to the sport, he is seen as a top contender for a gold medal.

Besides that reward, the 106-pound light flyweight has ambitions to fight professionally and become a world champion. His country has designs for venues for pro fights, and U.S. boxing promoters are paying attention.

If champions Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz win their respective bouts against Juan Manuel Marquez and Ramon Montano on a March 15 card in Carson, Calif., "We're heading for Macau," promoter Bob Arum said.

Arum has negotiated to bring a June 21 Pacquiao-Diaz title bout to "a new arena built in the Venetian." A 3,000-suite resort hotel, the Venetian is a property of the Las Vegas Sands Corp. and houses one of the more than a dozen casinos in and around the city of Macau.

Promoter Don King, Arum's elite-level competitor, is also eyeing the Chinese market.

[+] EnlargeAP Photo/Greg Baker

Don King, center, tried to bring boxing to China before with heavyweights John Ruiz, left, and Evander Holyfield. King and his team are eyeing the Chinese market again.
"There is a very good possibility that we will go there soon," said Alan Hopper, chief spokesman for Don King Productions, adding that such talks have already begun.

Another U.S. promoter, Art Pelullo, has also talked of bringing bouts to Macau.

It's been a long dry spell for boxing in China. Bouts that were supposed to import the likes of George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, John Ruiz, Mike Tyson and Tim Witherspoon all fell through for varying political and/or financial reasons.

In April 2000, a heavyweight main event was made in Quangzhou, China, with Andrew Golota knocking out Marcus Rhode. On the undercard, Laila Ali knocked out Kristina King.

Amid the scarcity of big-time bouts, female lightweight Zhang Xiyan became China's first pro boxing champion in 2006, beating American Alicia Ashley in the city of Chengdu.

Today, with U.S. promoters' apparent renewed interest in China, there could be some home-grown talent for China to add to fight cards, depending on how its boxers fare at the Beijing Games, Aug. 8-24 -- and whether they want to turn pro.

For now, at least, Shiming Zou tops the list.

After winning a gold medal and world champion designation at the Amateur International Boxing Association World Championships in Chicago, Zou said through a translator, "Boxing was [originally] a western sport. Now, a Chinese boxer has won two championships."

He refrained from more specific self-praise, but he is that boxer who won two championships. Zou was also a 2005 amateur world champion. Although he was the sole Chinese champion in Chicago, four of his teammates reached the semifinals, bolstering hopes for this year's Olympics host country.

Along with my former colleague at the Chicago Tribune, the paper's Beijing bureau chief Evan Osnos, I watched Zou show Western-influenced flash and speed, often carrying his fists low as he hit, ducked and moved to elude opponents en route to winning a gold medal.

His performance was among several that were trumpeted by writers at the tournament (the showings of American gold medalists Rau'shee Warren and Demetrius Andrade were also held in high regard). Zou also received a subsequent singular profile in Osnos' piece for The New Yorker magazine.

Osnos noted that Zou is already a celebrity in his hometown of Zunyi in Southwestern China, where his picture on cutouts and posters recently was "almost as prevalent" as Mao's.

If he becomes an Olympic champion this summer, Zou's timing would seem just right for the new American explorers looking to establish a boxing beachhead in China

 

[REdRUM]

**crickets**

Grrrrr...I want Winky to get a good fight.

I'd like to see him dismantle Pavlik.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Ah, so uh Vitali hasn't fought since 2004, and yet he gets a title shot? Interesting....

Samuel Peter Ordered To Fight Vitali Klitschko


By James Blears

WBC President Jose Sulaiman has confirmed that Vitali Klitschko will be the first defense for the new heavyweight champion, Sam Peter.

Vitali who’s battled back from a series of injuries, is an emeritus champion and as such, his opportunity for this fight was confirmed at the WBC’s Convention in Manila.

Don Jose said: “The first thing Samuel must do is to confront Vitali Klitschko, and the free negotiations period will start next Monday.”

Don Jose also added: “Vitali Klitschko has a lot to prove. After his retirement and his many injuries, he felt in his heart that he was the champion of the world, because he stepped down without losing the title in the ring. But after such a long retirement, he needs a lot of training and dedication to become again, the great fighter that he was.”

Sam Peter has expressed his desire for a re-match with Vitali’s brother, Wladimir, to avenge the only loss of his professional career, in spite of the fact that he decked Wladmir three-times on route to losing a unanimous decision back in September 2005. Peter also confirmed that he’s more than happy to fight both brothers tomorrow.

He might have to wait a bit longer than that. Peter-Klitschko is slated for the Fall.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Miranda: "Hey Winky, Kessler, Let's Do It!"


HOLLYWOOD, FL – The internet connections were all working, website and newspaper reporters were calling the Seminole Warriors Boxing office for comments, so the press release from Edison Miranda calling out Mikkel Kessler must have gone out.

But where’s Kessler?

Conspicuously quiet since Miranda let the world know that the so-called “Viking Warrior” refused to fight him, Kessler - a former world champion in need of some career rehabilitation after the 12 round boxing lesson he was given by Joe Calzaghe last November – is presumed to be missing and refusing to come out until the big, bad ‘Pantera’ goes away.

“I’m not surprised Kessler the Kitten disappeared when the big cat came around,” said Miranda. “I wish him luck in his future endeavors as a model, actor, race car driver or video game player, because it’s obvious that he’s no longer a fighter.”

The proposed Miranda-Kessler fight received significant offers from both HBO and Showtime until Kessler backed out of negotiations. He has not been heard from since – not surprising, since no one else in the upper reaches of the super middleweight division want to deal with the concussive punching Miranda.

“I want the Kessler fight, the fans want it, but he doesn’t want to step up and fight the best,” said Miranda. “He’s just like the rest of the division. I think the only man left in this fight game besides me is Winky Wright. Hey Winky, since Pavlik turned you down and you need a dance partner. Call my promoter and let’s do it.”

 

[ChuckTaylor84]

TAYLOR-MAYORGA IN THE WORKS

Sources from Cancun have informed Boxingtalk.com that Don King and Lou DiBella met in Cancun last night to discuss an interesting game plan. The high haired one and barely haired one are looking to make a Jermain Taylor-Ricardo Mayorga fight this summer, as early as June or July. The promoters are hopeful that the winner of that bout will be in the running for a potential PPV date Roy Jones Jr sometime this fall.

 

[REdRUM]

Make it happen.

EDIT: Winky and Miranda.

 

[ChuckTaylor84]

HOLYFIELD INTERVIEW

EVANDER PLUGGING BOOK AS WELL AS THIRD TYSON FIGHT
By Brad Cooney

Boxingtalk sat down with former multi-division world champion Evander Holyfield to continue our discussions concerning a possible third fight against Mike Tyson. Holyfield also talks about his new book “Becoming Holyfield” which is available now in all book stores.

BT – Evander you were recently in England at the David Haye-Enzo Maccarinelli fight [Haye won by second-round technical knockout]. What's the latest?

EH – I am on a book tour right now to promote my new book “Becoming Holyfield.” While in England I had a chance to see a good cruiserweight fight.

BT – What are your thoughts on David Haye's performance?

EH – He did a good job setting up his punches. He set up his punches and got the guy out of there, it was a decent fight.


BT – Tell the fans about your new book, “Becoming Holyfield”.

EH – The book is about a fighter's journey that shows people how I came up. It tells the fans about how I became the man that I am today.


BT – This book is already in the book stores?

EH – Yes, and it's already a best seller.


BT – Recently Mike Tyson brought your name up as a possible opponent for a comeback fight. Have you heard anything new on that?


EH – Our people are talking about it, and it's a good chance that this fight will happen.


BT – What happens in the ring if you two fight again?

EH – Well he will want to redeem himself, and prove that he's a better fighter than what he has shown against me. My job is to show the people that regardless of how good he is, I am just a little bit better.


BT – What does beating Mike Tyson do for your career at this point in your career?


EH – Well there are no fighters in the heavyweight division right now that can bring the excitement, and bring the reputations that Mike and I can. What's lacking in boxing is that there are no fighters that can bring excitement in the division. I want to fight for a title again so I can go ahead and get on out. If I have to take a step back and fight a guy who will make a big fight, like us two older guys I will. Us two older guys can make more money than the younger champions can.


BT – Do you feel a win over Tyson gets you back into the mix to fight Klitschko or Sam Peter?

EH – Well when you're a champion, the only thing that you can do higher than that is to fight a guy that can bring in the kind of money to signify why you are a champion.



BT – If you do get another title shot, win, lose or draw, would you keep going?

EH – That would be it for me.



BT – So if you get a title shot in 2008 and come up short, you will announce your retirement?

EH – Well my whole thing is to be undisputed champion. So hopefully whoever I fight will be the undisputed champion at the time.

BT – Evander, thanks for joining Boxingtalk. Do you have any closing thoughts?

EH – I'm ready!

 

[heyzel]

Miranda: "Hey Winky, Kessler, Let's Do It!"


HOLLYWOOD, FL – The internet connections were all working, website and newspaper reporters were calling the Seminole Warriors Boxing office for comments, so the press release from Edison Miranda calling out Mikkel Kessler must have gone out.

But where’s Kessler?

Conspicuously quiet since Miranda let the world know that the so-called “Viking Warrior” refused to fight him, Kessler - a former world champion in need of some career rehabilitation after the 12 round boxing lesson he was given by Joe Calzaghe last November – is presumed to be missing and refusing to come out until the big, bad ‘Pantera’ goes away.

“I’m not surprised Kessler the Kitten disappeared when the big cat came around,” said Miranda. “I wish him luck in his future endeavors as a model, actor, race car driver or video game player, because it’s obvious that he’s no longer a fighter.”

The proposed Miranda-Kessler fight received significant offers from both HBO and Showtime until Kessler backed out of negotiations. He has not been heard from since – not surprising, since no one else in the upper reaches of the super middleweight division want to deal with the concussive punching Miranda.

“I want the Kessler fight, the fans want it, but he doesn’t want to step up and fight the best,” said Miranda. “He’s just like the rest of the division. I think the only man left in this fight game besides me is Winky Wright. Hey Winky, since Pavlik turned you down and you need a dance partner. Call my promoter and let’s do it.”

I'll take WINKY ALL DAY OVER Edison

 

[heyzel]

Sources from Cancun have informed Boxingtalk.com that Don King and Lou DiBella met in Cancun last night to discuss an interesting game plan. The high haired one and barely haired one are looking to make a Jermain Taylor-Ricardo Mayorga fight this summer, as early as June or July. The promoters are hopeful that the winner of that bout will be in the running for a potential PPV date Roy Jones Jr sometime this fall.

this will be a good fight for jt to get back on the win streak

 

[2-0-Sixx]

I'll take WINKY ALL DAY OVER Edison

Me too. I want Miranda vs Kessler. I think Miranda has a good shot to KO him

 

[heyzel]

Me too. I want Miranda vs Kessler. I think Miranda has a good shot to KO him

I think thats the main reason why mikkel is not taking the fight after joe slap him around for 12rd with edison power mikkel will be ko by the 4th round

 

[heyzel]

Sulaiman Advises Jose Luis Castillo To Retire

By James Blears

World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman has confirmed that Jose Luis Castillo actually did shed the excess pounds and made the weight for his highly anticipated bout against Timothy Bradley, last Saturday in Cancun, but was not medically fit enough to fight.

Castillo missed the seven day weigh in, and had to lose a touch over three kilos in twenty-four hours to reach the limit.

Don Jose said: “Jose Luis Castillo made the weight, by eleven o'clock, on the morning of fight day, but the doctor told us he was not in good condition to fight, as he had high blood pressure.”

It’s by no means the first time that Jose Luis Castillo has bungled weigh-ins and it’s cost him dear.

Following his failure to make the weight on June 2nd 2006, which resulted in the scrapping of the trilogy bout with Diego Corrales. The Nevada State Commission fined him a quarter of a million dollars, suspended him for the rest of the year, and prohibited him from fighting below 140-pounds.

Don Jose confirmed there would be no financial penalty this time and commented: “I think, he’s thinking to retire. I believe Jose Luis Castillo should not box any more, because he if he does, it will not be at the same level that he did when he was in his prime.”

Timothy Bradley, who weighed in a pound under the required limit and was in truly magnificent shape, is now seeking a fight with the junior welterweight champion Junior Witter.

Don Jose explained: “We will appoint Tim Bradley as number-one challenger, once we get the voting of the Board of Governors, but he will be confirmed.”

Timothy Bradley showed real class by saying: “I’m not upset with him (Castillo). I have no grudge towards anybody from his camp. It’s just disappointing. I feel that if you have a great camp that your team would watch and monitor your weight and would do everything they can possibly do to help you get that weight down, and they didn’t with him.”

Tim explained that the priority is to get into the ring with Junior. But if Junior’s not immediately available, he’ll find an opponent: “Because I’m ready to get back into the ring. I’ve been off since August, and I’m hungry to get in there and fight.”

And Tim’s message to Junior is: “I know Junior Witter has a lot of things to say about me. I know he has a big mouth. It’s all good. He can say whatever he wants to say. That I’m not ready, that I’m young, this and that. But hey! He’s going to have to fight me, and it’s definitely going to be a great fight, for which I’ll be in the best shape of my life, so he better be ready because I’m coming to get that green belt!”

 

[heyzel]

Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Lazcano is Announced

By Mark Vester

The next fight for Ricky Hatton (43-1, 31KOs) has been officially announced by his camp. Hatton steps back in the ring against Juan Lazcano (37-4, 27KOs) at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24. He returns for the first time since suffering the only loss of his career, a knockout at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. last December.

"It is a homecoming fight and it's an absolute dream come true to be fighting back in Manchester," said Hatton told the BBC. "I'm down the home straight of my career with everything I have done so far. But I'm back down to my normal weight and it's my aim to come back and slam the door on everyone who thinks I'm finished. You prove yourself to be great by coming back from obstacles which are put in front of you."

Hatton's father/manager Ray told the Manchester Evening News that he expects a record crowd of 55K fans, breaking the the British attendance record of 42K for Benn/Eubank in 1993.

"Ricky is absolutely delighted. He's probably lost over £1m by having the fight here in Britain as a reward for his fans rather than going back to America which the satellite TV channels over there wanted him to do," Ray Hatton said.

"This is a Brit-friendly night. We're going for the record and hope to get up to 55,000 in the City of Manchester Stadium. It's Brit-friendly in terms of TV timings and the fans. Special planes are being laid on to bring in supporters from Ireland and throughout the UK."

 

[2-0-Sixx]

This is why boxing had been dope lately!

Edison Miranda vs Mikkel Kessler May 10th

Early rumors are HBO wants the date set for May 10th. Kessler's promoter recently said the fight is almost a done deal.

 

[heyzel]

This is why boxing had been dope lately!

Edison Miranda vs Mikkel Kessler May 10th

Early rumors are HBO wants the date set for May 10th. Kessler's promoter recently said the fight is almost a done deal.

thats whats up edison will body him by the 5th rd

 

[heyzel]

Pacquiao-Marquez Final Presser Quotes, Odds

LAS VEGAS, NEV. – The final press conference was held moments ago for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion between JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ vs MANNY PACQUIAO Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resorts and Casino and live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Romanza Boxing Productions and MP Promotions and sponsored by Tecate Beer, Rock Star Energy Drink and Southwest Airlines, Marquez vs. Pacquiao II Unfinished Business will be for the WBC and vacant Ring Magazine Super Featherweight World Championship. The world title bout will take place at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.

ODDS (as of press conference)

Manny Pacquaio -230

Juan Manuel Marquez +190

(*First fight at fight time, odds were closer with Pacquaio favored at -180 and Marquez +160.)

MARK TAFFET, HBO PPV

"Great turnout we have here today for one of the fights I have been looking forward to for a number months. And we are lucky to have these two warriors who are willing to get back in the ring to do it all over again.

"Pacquaio vs Marquez I was one of the most interesting, exciting fights. It epitomized best of sprot of boxing and on anyone's list they are at the top of the best pound for pound in the sport. These two guys carry a nation on their shoulders and that what makes it even mor e special. In ppv in the lighter weight classes, the industry supports these fights like they are heavyweight fights.

"We know Saturday night we are going to have a great fight and one that will be remembered for years to come."

BOB ARUM

"Not too many words or hyperboles for this fight. I've heard Juan Manuel is in great shape but I have witnessed with my own eyes how Manny Pacquaio trained for this fight. If I could get a blueprint for how he trained and get all other fighters to use it, we would have great fights night after night. The conditioning is so important as his stamina and ability to withstand punishment is at his highest peak. I don't know another fighter—and we have Pavlik and Cotto who worked hard—but I have never seen anyone prepare like Manny Pacquaio has for this fight.

"Card will start at 3:30pm with first televised fight at 6:30pm. This is such an internet feast with HBO, Yahoo and I think even ESPN getting behind it. All over you will see this fight so it is a great fight."

RICHARD SCHAEFER

"Another great night of boxing and it can't get much better than this, there is one dream match-up and this is the one they wanted to see (polls taken showed us that). Support has been tremendous and everyone has embraced this great event.

"And so did the sponsors—Tecate Beer, stepping up to the plate and help us take these fights to the people through support through supermarkets and the many conversions that take place as part of this sponsorship.

"Boxing related to their brands really works. There is a direct correlation between these brands, their sponsorships and reaching their customers through this message.

"Golden Boy is extremely pleased to be working with Juan Manuel and his team. He is an unbelievable Champion and you will truly see a magnificent performance by him Saturday night. This is a fight between two great warriors and I don't think anyone will be disappointed."

TEAM PACQUAIO

MANNY PACQUAIO

"First like to thank God for giving me the sign everyday. To both promoters and MP Promotions I thank you. Thanks to my wife who is very supportive of my boxing career.

"It will be a great fight on Saturday as I heard Marquez has trained very hard and doesn't want to let his countrymen down. But I don't either as I need to win this fight for my people as this is the key to the Filipino unity. Not only for myself but all the people who love boxing I want them to be satisfied with my performance and not disappoint them on Saturday. I will do my best to make them happy. I also pray that both Marquez and me will be safe and all fighters will not get hurt in the ring."

FREDDIE ROACH, TRAINER

"Manny came to camp early and we usually have a rule that we don't play basketball and I didn't even have to worry about it. He said he didn't want to play this time because this fight is so important.

"We are ready and I am looking forward to the fight and Saturday night."

TEAM MARQUEZ

JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ

"Thank your for being here. I am happy to be here for this fight and everyone watching this fight is a war. I have prepared very hard for 3 months. I don't really like to talk in the ring I do it in the ring. This fight is for my country, my people and I will win it with my heart."

IGNACIO BERISTAIN, TRAINER

"After recouping and swallowing the sour decision of the Juan's brother Rafael's fight against Vasquez, please watch and witness what well be a great fight with two warriors."

 

[naner12]

I don't see Miranda knocking Kessler out. Mirandas knockout power doesn't seem that impressive when he faces someone that can actually fight. He couldn't put away a broken jaw and battered Abraham or a running Allan Green. IMO, Kessler outboxes Miranda to a UD.

 

[naner12]

FIGHTS TONIGHT ON VERSUS!

The main event is Josue Blocus vs. the always horrible and plodding Tye Fields. Hopefully Blocus knocks him fucking silly .. but probably not. The REAL main event is the 21-0 Urbano Antillon taking a step up in competition against Mannys brother Bobby Pacquiao. If you have Versus check it out.

 

[heyzel]

Cotto: "Margarito Should Focus on Cintron

By Mark Vester

WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, speaking with El Nuevo Dia, said Antonio Margarito should stop thinking about him and focus his energy on the upcoming April 12 rematch with IBF champion Kermit Cintron.

Cotto is responding to Margarito's recent comments regarding a sweep of the Puerto Rican welterweight champions. Margarito said he plans to beat Cintron, then Cotto, and finish off the sweep by unseating WBO champion Carlos Quintana. The winner of Cintron-Margarito will land a shot at Cotto in June or July. Margarito's bout takes place on the undercard to Cotto's title defense against "Contender" star Alfonso Gomez.

"Instead of talking about me, Antonio Margarito should focus on his next fight against Kermit Cintron. Right now, we are focused on Gomez. Later on we'll talk about what happens next," Cotto said. "An opponent is an opponent. They are all dangerous and one properly prepare and make sure that he's 100%. I've seen a few of his fights on "The Contender" and I've noticed that he's a fighter that puts pressure on his opponents and that's the kind of fight that we like