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Vitali Klitschko: "David Haye Needs Two More Fights"
By Mark Vester
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko was impressed with David Haye's fifth round stoppage of Monte Barrett. He sat ringside at the O2 Arena in London and watched Haye drop Barrett five times before the fight was stopped. He feels Haye has the necessary tools become successful heavyweight, but still needs at least two more fights to prepare himself for a world title bout. Haye would like to fight Vitali or his younger brother Wladimir, who holds the IBF/WBO titles.
"He has everything he needs. He has power, speed and good reflexes. Two more fights and he will be ready to challenge for a world title. The heavyweight division has a crisis. Who is the strongest? My brother Wladimir and me - and who else? Heavyweight needs strong names, good fighters. I saw a new heavyweight fighter (in Haye) who can fight for a world title. I was very impressed - it is not so easy to go from cruiserweight to heavyweight, because it is a different (level of) power," Vitali told BBC radio.
Vitali has to make a mandatory defense of his title against Juan Carlos Gomez. Even with the mandatory obligation, he still appears to be desperate for another crack at former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. Lewis beat Vitali in 2003 on cuts and retired a few months later. Vitali has been chasing a rematch for the last few years. If he can't get Lewis, he would entertain a possible fight with Haye for next summer.
"David Haye makes it brilliant. If I fight Lennox Lewis then maybe Wladimir fights David Haye. If not then I am interested in a fight - maybe next spring or next summer, here in Great Britain or in Germany. I am interested in proving my skills against a new generation."
By Mark Vester
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko was impressed with David Haye's fifth round stoppage of Monte Barrett. He sat ringside at the O2 Arena in London and watched Haye drop Barrett five times before the fight was stopped. He feels Haye has the necessary tools become successful heavyweight, but still needs at least two more fights to prepare himself for a world title bout. Haye would like to fight Vitali or his younger brother Wladimir, who holds the IBF/WBO titles.
"He has everything he needs. He has power, speed and good reflexes. Two more fights and he will be ready to challenge for a world title. The heavyweight division has a crisis. Who is the strongest? My brother Wladimir and me - and who else? Heavyweight needs strong names, good fighters. I saw a new heavyweight fighter (in Haye) who can fight for a world title. I was very impressed - it is not so easy to go from cruiserweight to heavyweight, because it is a different (level of) power," Vitali told BBC radio.
Vitali has to make a mandatory defense of his title against Juan Carlos Gomez. Even with the mandatory obligation, he still appears to be desperate for another crack at former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. Lewis beat Vitali in 2003 on cuts and retired a few months later. Vitali has been chasing a rematch for the last few years. If he can't get Lewis, he would entertain a possible fight with Haye for next summer.
"David Haye makes it brilliant. If I fight Lennox Lewis then maybe Wladimir fights David Haye. If not then I am interested in a fight - maybe next spring or next summer, here in Great Britain or in Germany. I am interested in proving my skills against a new generation."
David Haye Eyes Heavyweight Foe For February/March
By Mark Vester
David Haye made a lot of noise last weekend in London when he dropped Monte Barrett five times before stopping him in the fifth round at the O2 Arena. He wants to fight one of the Klitschko brothers next. Wladimir has to make a defense of his titles on December 13 against Hasim Rahman. Vitali must defend against WBC mandatory Juan Carlos Gomez, with no date being set as of yet.
According to Haye's manager and trainer, Adam Booth, if they can't land a fight with one of the Klitschko brothers in the next few months, Haye will probably return in late February or March against a top-ten heavyweight contender. Haye is not against fighting another contender before a possible clash with a one of the Klitschkos. He admits to needing a bit more seasoning as a heavyweight.
“I need these fights to get me disciplined. In the cruiserweights I could do what I liked because the shots that came back I could take. Make a mistake as a heavyweight and you’re on the floor. It is all a learning process. Monte showed how tough he was. He hurt me and put me down, but I am willing to fight tough guys like this,” Haye told The Times.
“Once someone buzzes me that is when I plant my feet and start swinging away. Adam goes crazy at me but the crowd enjoy it. His jabs were the equivalent of a cruiserweight’s right hand. That is something I’ve got to get comfortable with.”
By Mark Vester
David Haye made a lot of noise last weekend in London when he dropped Monte Barrett five times before stopping him in the fifth round at the O2 Arena. He wants to fight one of the Klitschko brothers next. Wladimir has to make a defense of his titles on December 13 against Hasim Rahman. Vitali must defend against WBC mandatory Juan Carlos Gomez, with no date being set as of yet.
According to Haye's manager and trainer, Adam Booth, if they can't land a fight with one of the Klitschko brothers in the next few months, Haye will probably return in late February or March against a top-ten heavyweight contender. Haye is not against fighting another contender before a possible clash with a one of the Klitschkos. He admits to needing a bit more seasoning as a heavyweight.
“I need these fights to get me disciplined. In the cruiserweights I could do what I liked because the shots that came back I could take. Make a mistake as a heavyweight and you’re on the floor. It is all a learning process. Monte showed how tough he was. He hurt me and put me down, but I am willing to fight tough guys like this,” Haye told The Times.
“Once someone buzzes me that is when I plant my feet and start swinging away. Adam goes crazy at me but the crowd enjoy it. His jabs were the equivalent of a cruiserweight’s right hand. That is something I’ve got to get comfortable with.”
Jermain Taylor - Future Opportunities, and Possibilities
By Rick Reeno
Last Saturday night in Nashville, Jermain Taylor pummeled one of his friends, Jeff Lacy, on route to winning a one-sided unanimous twelve round decision. Taylor’s official debut in the super middleweight division has opened up a lot of possibilities for 2009. After losing back to back bouts to Kelly Pavlik, the win over Lacy was just the kind of confidence booster that Taylor needed to get back on his feet.
Possible Opponents
Bernard Hopkins - The ageless wonder has few options to go with in 2009. Joe Calzaghe is in no rush to fight him for a second time. The public is not exactly clamoring for that rematch. Last month Hopkins beat the man who beat the man when he dominated Kelly Pavlik, who beat Taylor twice, and Taylor holds two wins over Hopkins. Unless Hopkins is ready to retire or face a serious threat like a Chad Dawson, he may place a Taylor trilogy on his short-list of possibilities.
Joe Calzaghe - At one point in 2007, before there were two losses on his record - Taylor was the frontrunner to fight the unbeaten Welshman. Some basic disagreements on money and the fight location, shot the fight to pieces. Now it’s a new day, Taylor is no longer an undefeated fighter with several titles around his waist and Calzaghe is one of the biggest names in the sport after beating Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. If Calzaghe decides to fight on, Taylor will be one the names being considered.
Carl Froch - Taylor should have been fighting Froch for the vacant WBC super middleweight title. Lacy was a bigger name and there was more money in the fight. More importantly HBO had little interest in Taylor-Froch. They probably would have aired it, but not for the money they were willing to pay for Taylor-Lacy. The Taylor-Lacy encounter was an eliminator for the mandatory position under the WBC rankings. If nothing better comes along, Taylor may decided to fight Froch, if he beats Pascal next month.
Jean Pascal - Same as above - if he beats Froch.
Lucian Bute - The reputation of Bute took some bumps after he faded in the late portion of his recent title defense against Librado Andrade. If there were ten more seconds left in the twelfth round, Andrade would have knocked Bute out. He was lucky that Andrade decked him in the final ten seconds of the fight. Taylor’s promoter Lou DiBella has a good relationship with InterBox, who promote Bute. Taylor-Bute is not worth a lot in America. In Canada, where Bute has a superstar following, the fight is worth plenty.
Unlikely Opponents
Chad Dawson - He could become the most avoided man from 168 to 175. After his last performance, not too many fighters are stepping up to the plate to fight him. Taylor won’t see Dawson any time soon.
Mikkel Kessler - Arguably the best super middleweight in the world. A very tough opponent for any fighter and I don’t see Taylor being matched with him in the near future. Taylor’s handlers are probably hoping that Kessler moves up to light heavy. As far as the super middleweight division goes, Taylor vs. Kessler is the biggest fight at the weight. The problem with fighting Kessler, other than the level of danger, is the money. The fight is worth considerably more if they held it in Denmark. I don’t Taylor heading overseas for that one. Kessler needs to get more fights on American television and build his name to where the fight is worth something on American soil. Most American fans remember him as the guy with the Viking tattoo that Calzaghe beat last November.
Arthur Abraham - Abraham is struggling to make middleweight. He won’t be there for long. Look for him to move up in weight after a possible fight with either Felix Sturm or Kelly Pavlik, whichever comes first. Once he rises to super middleweight, he probably won’t be in the ring with Taylor for some time.
Librado Andrade - Too much risk, not enough reward.
Glen Johnson - Please see above. After Johnson's performance against Dawson - nobody is running to fight this man. Nobody other than Shaun George
By Rick Reeno
Last Saturday night in Nashville, Jermain Taylor pummeled one of his friends, Jeff Lacy, on route to winning a one-sided unanimous twelve round decision. Taylor’s official debut in the super middleweight division has opened up a lot of possibilities for 2009. After losing back to back bouts to Kelly Pavlik, the win over Lacy was just the kind of confidence booster that Taylor needed to get back on his feet.
Possible Opponents
Bernard Hopkins - The ageless wonder has few options to go with in 2009. Joe Calzaghe is in no rush to fight him for a second time. The public is not exactly clamoring for that rematch. Last month Hopkins beat the man who beat the man when he dominated Kelly Pavlik, who beat Taylor twice, and Taylor holds two wins over Hopkins. Unless Hopkins is ready to retire or face a serious threat like a Chad Dawson, he may place a Taylor trilogy on his short-list of possibilities.
Joe Calzaghe - At one point in 2007, before there were two losses on his record - Taylor was the frontrunner to fight the unbeaten Welshman. Some basic disagreements on money and the fight location, shot the fight to pieces. Now it’s a new day, Taylor is no longer an undefeated fighter with several titles around his waist and Calzaghe is one of the biggest names in the sport after beating Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. If Calzaghe decides to fight on, Taylor will be one the names being considered.
Carl Froch - Taylor should have been fighting Froch for the vacant WBC super middleweight title. Lacy was a bigger name and there was more money in the fight. More importantly HBO had little interest in Taylor-Froch. They probably would have aired it, but not for the money they were willing to pay for Taylor-Lacy. The Taylor-Lacy encounter was an eliminator for the mandatory position under the WBC rankings. If nothing better comes along, Taylor may decided to fight Froch, if he beats Pascal next month.
Jean Pascal - Same as above - if he beats Froch.
Lucian Bute - The reputation of Bute took some bumps after he faded in the late portion of his recent title defense against Librado Andrade. If there were ten more seconds left in the twelfth round, Andrade would have knocked Bute out. He was lucky that Andrade decked him in the final ten seconds of the fight. Taylor’s promoter Lou DiBella has a good relationship with InterBox, who promote Bute. Taylor-Bute is not worth a lot in America. In Canada, where Bute has a superstar following, the fight is worth plenty.
Unlikely Opponents
Chad Dawson - He could become the most avoided man from 168 to 175. After his last performance, not too many fighters are stepping up to the plate to fight him. Taylor won’t see Dawson any time soon.
Mikkel Kessler - Arguably the best super middleweight in the world. A very tough opponent for any fighter and I don’t see Taylor being matched with him in the near future. Taylor’s handlers are probably hoping that Kessler moves up to light heavy. As far as the super middleweight division goes, Taylor vs. Kessler is the biggest fight at the weight. The problem with fighting Kessler, other than the level of danger, is the money. The fight is worth considerably more if they held it in Denmark. I don’t Taylor heading overseas for that one. Kessler needs to get more fights on American television and build his name to where the fight is worth something on American soil. Most American fans remember him as the guy with the Viking tattoo that Calzaghe beat last November.
Arthur Abraham - Abraham is struggling to make middleweight. He won’t be there for long. Look for him to move up in weight after a possible fight with either Felix Sturm or Kelly Pavlik, whichever comes first. Once he rises to super middleweight, he probably won’t be in the ring with Taylor for some time.
Librado Andrade - Too much risk, not enough reward.
Glen Johnson - Please see above. After Johnson's performance against Dawson - nobody is running to fight this man. Nobody other than Shaun George
Lennox Lewis Should Fight Vitali Klitschko, Says Steward
By Mark Vester
Emanuel Steward, longtime trainer and close friend of Lennox Lewis, hopes the former undisputed champion would come out of retirement to handle some unfinished business with current WBC champion Vitali Klitschko. In one of the most talked about heavyweight fights in the last ten-years, Lewis fought Klitschko in a six-round war back in 2003. Klitschko was a late replacement for an injured Kirk Johnson.
There has always been a question mark hanging over the fight. Klitschko was ahead on points when the fight was stopped due to several bad cuts that he suffered during the brawl. Lewis was awarded the win by TKO. Most wondered how the fight would have played out if the doctors would have allowed it to continue for a few more rounds. A rematch never happened, Lewis retired not long after the fight.
Steward says the two fighters need to finish the second half of the fight.
"Vitali knows more than me, but I'd love to see them finish those last six rounds. There's unfinished business that needs to be put to rest. It's like watching a movie and then the camera stops. You want to see the end so badly. It's so unfortunate, it was real dramatic. Lennox does seem very happy in his retirement but you can never tell. The final chapter needs to be written," said Steward to The Telegraph .
By Mark Vester
Emanuel Steward, longtime trainer and close friend of Lennox Lewis, hopes the former undisputed champion would come out of retirement to handle some unfinished business with current WBC champion Vitali Klitschko. In one of the most talked about heavyweight fights in the last ten-years, Lewis fought Klitschko in a six-round war back in 2003. Klitschko was a late replacement for an injured Kirk Johnson.
There has always been a question mark hanging over the fight. Klitschko was ahead on points when the fight was stopped due to several bad cuts that he suffered during the brawl. Lewis was awarded the win by TKO. Most wondered how the fight would have played out if the doctors would have allowed it to continue for a few more rounds. A rematch never happened, Lewis retired not long after the fight.
Steward says the two fighters need to finish the second half of the fight.
"Vitali knows more than me, but I'd love to see them finish those last six rounds. There's unfinished business that needs to be put to rest. It's like watching a movie and then the camera stops. You want to see the end so badly. It's so unfortunate, it was real dramatic. Lennox does seem very happy in his retirement but you can never tell. The final chapter needs to be written," said Steward to The Telegraph .
When heavyweight Andrew Golota decided to pull out of his fight with Ray "The Rainman" Austin after the first round on Nov. 7 in Chengdu, China, some were quick to question his decision. The attached photos of Golota's left arm, taken one week after the fight during a medical examination in Chicago, clearly show the extensive damage caused by multiple tendon tears.
After four weeks, Golota will know whether he will need surgery or not. If and when he is able to return to the ring, Golota has options. Austin has offered him a rematch, even in Warsaw. And countryman Tomas Adamek, who fights for the cruiserweight belt next month, has also called him out.
Monday, November 17 2008
After four weeks, Golota will know whether he will need surgery or not. If and when he is able to return to the ring, Golota has options. Austin has offered him a rematch, even in Warsaw. And countryman Tomas Adamek, who fights for the cruiserweight belt next month, has also called him out.
Monday, November 17 2008
And he shouldn't. It says a lot that the division has been in complete shambles since Lewis retired. There's been no dominating champ besides Wlad and now that his brother is in the mix they'll be no dominating champ unless Haye can pull some amazing shit out of his ass.
Lennox is much better than people give him credit for and hopefully history remembers him as a great heavyweight. Besides his losses to McCall and Rahman, who he completely demolished in rematches and a fight he probably should've lost to Holyfield, who he ended beating convincingly in the rematch. Lewis was an excellent champion and I hope he stays retired .. no need to see him go down like everyone else who attempts a comeback.
Lennox is much better than people give him credit for and hopefully history remembers him as a great heavyweight. Besides his losses to McCall and Rahman, who he completely demolished in rematches and a fight he probably should've lost to Holyfield, who he ended beating convincingly in the rematch. Lewis was an excellent champion and I hope he stays retired .. no need to see him go down like everyone else who attempts a comeback.
After Valuev, Holyfield To Target The Klitschko Brothers
By Mark Vester
Former four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield says that he won't just stop with Nikolai Valuev, he wants all the titles. Holyfield, at 46-years-old, will challenge the seven-foot Valuev on December 20 in Zurich, Switzerland. If he wins, he would become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
If he wins, Holyfield, a heavy underdog, wants to unify the heavyweight division. Holfyield has not fought in almost a year, losing a decision to then WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov in his last ring outing.
"My goal is to be undisputed champion and not just to win the one title," said Holyfield. "I think people make too much about age. I haven't fought in a year but I will be ready. I have taken care of myself and if I couldn't fight then I wouldn't fight."
Vitali Klitschko holds the WBC heavyweight title, and younger brother Wladimir holds the IBF and WBO versions
By Mark Vester
Former four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield says that he won't just stop with Nikolai Valuev, he wants all the titles. Holyfield, at 46-years-old, will challenge the seven-foot Valuev on December 20 in Zurich, Switzerland. If he wins, he would become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
If he wins, Holyfield, a heavy underdog, wants to unify the heavyweight division. Holfyield has not fought in almost a year, losing a decision to then WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov in his last ring outing.
"My goal is to be undisputed champion and not just to win the one title," said Holyfield. "I think people make too much about age. I haven't fought in a year but I will be ready. I have taken care of myself and if I couldn't fight then I wouldn't fight."
Vitali Klitschko holds the WBC heavyweight title, and younger brother Wladimir holds the IBF and WBO versions
Sulaiman Says Pacquiao Sanction Fee Issue Will Be Solved
by Ronnie Nathanielsz
World Boxing Council president Don Jose Sulaiman says he doesn’t believe there will be a problem with WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao on the issue of the sanction fee for the Oscar De La Hoya “Dream Match” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 6.
In an overseas telephone conversation with insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, Don Jose said Pacquiao’s lawyer Franklin “Jeng” Gacal hadn’t gotten back to him regarding the amount decided on by the WBC. Gacal had earlier contacted Sulaiman in Hong Kong to discuss the issue.
Sulaiman made it clear that they had reduced the 1.5 percent under the rules to 1.0 percent as approved by the Board of Directors and that he had accepted the claim by Gacal that the guaranteed purse of Pacquiao for the De La Hoya fight was only $6 million and not the $10-$20 million being mentioned in media and based the sanction fee on that amount.
However, Sulaiman said Gacal was offering to pay $50,000 instead of $60,000 but that he had pointed out it was only a difference of $10,000 in a big fight purse.
Sulaiman said since he just arrived late last night in Mexico Gacal hadn’t contacted him but added “I believe there will be no problem.”
Gacal earlier told us that the $30,000 shortfall for the rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez was a legitimate obligation and it would be paid by Pacquiao.
On the issue of Pacquiao’s WBC lightweight title, Sulaiman said it would be best “to wait and see what will happen after the De La Hoya fight.”
Michael Koncz, an adviser to Pacquiao had earlier written to the WBC saying there were plans for Pacquiao to fight Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton or even Floyd Mayweather Jr after the De La Hoya fight, prompting Sulaiman to withhold any decision on the fate of Pacquiao’s lightweight title.
Under WBC rules he has to make a mandatory defense within one year of having won the title from David Diaz on June 28, 2008.
by Ronnie Nathanielsz
World Boxing Council president Don Jose Sulaiman says he doesn’t believe there will be a problem with WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao on the issue of the sanction fee for the Oscar De La Hoya “Dream Match” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 6.
In an overseas telephone conversation with insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, Don Jose said Pacquiao’s lawyer Franklin “Jeng” Gacal hadn’t gotten back to him regarding the amount decided on by the WBC. Gacal had earlier contacted Sulaiman in Hong Kong to discuss the issue.
Sulaiman made it clear that they had reduced the 1.5 percent under the rules to 1.0 percent as approved by the Board of Directors and that he had accepted the claim by Gacal that the guaranteed purse of Pacquiao for the De La Hoya fight was only $6 million and not the $10-$20 million being mentioned in media and based the sanction fee on that amount.
However, Sulaiman said Gacal was offering to pay $50,000 instead of $60,000 but that he had pointed out it was only a difference of $10,000 in a big fight purse.
Sulaiman said since he just arrived late last night in Mexico Gacal hadn’t contacted him but added “I believe there will be no problem.”
Gacal earlier told us that the $30,000 shortfall for the rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez was a legitimate obligation and it would be paid by Pacquiao.
On the issue of Pacquiao’s WBC lightweight title, Sulaiman said it would be best “to wait and see what will happen after the De La Hoya fight.”
Michael Koncz, an adviser to Pacquiao had earlier written to the WBC saying there were plans for Pacquiao to fight Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton or even Floyd Mayweather Jr after the De La Hoya fight, prompting Sulaiman to withhold any decision on the fate of Pacquiao’s lightweight title.
Under WBC rules he has to make a mandatory defense within one year of having won the title from David Diaz on June 28, 2008.
De La Hoya: "If I Don't Knock Him Out, A Total Disaster"
By Mark Vester
If the fight with Manny Pacquiao does not end with a knockout, Oscar De La Hoya will call it a total disaster. De La Hoya does not want a decision, he wants to knock the Filipino champion out. Since Pacquiao, who began at 106-pounds, is moving up from 135 to the welterweight limit of 147, just going the distance with De La Hoya would be a feather in his cap.
"I will be extremely disappointed if this fight does not end in a knockout," De La Hoya said. "It would be a total disaster for me. I've made 145 already. I feel very strong. It has been no problem. My way of training and eating has been very disciplined."
"We will put boxing back on the worldwide stage. I beat a young lion like Manny Pacquiao to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, it helps me prove I can do this and move on and still be successful.
In his last few fights, De La Hoya has faded in the late rounds. He doesn't know how his body will react when he steps in the ring on December 6.
"I feel very comfortable with welterweight. I don't think we're sacrificing any power. We're punching harder than ever. I don't know how my body is going to react come fight night. Conditioning is my primary concern," De La Hoya said.
Every week, the reasons why De La Hoya wants revenge on Pacquiao changes. This week, he says one of the main reasons is to pay Pacquiao is back for turning down a deal to join Golden Boy Promotions and instead hooking up with Top Rank. Pacquiao agreed to joing Golden Boy in September 2006 and two months later he changed his mind, returned his bonus money and went over to Bob Arum.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would fight Manny Pacquiao. That's one of the reasons this fight is so personal to me. We signed the deal and he turned his back on me and he's going to have to pay on December 6," De La Hoya said. "That moment is what makes it personal. I don't want him to talk about how he honors honor. He didn't honor me. I'm not going to honor him
By Mark Vester
If the fight with Manny Pacquiao does not end with a knockout, Oscar De La Hoya will call it a total disaster. De La Hoya does not want a decision, he wants to knock the Filipino champion out. Since Pacquiao, who began at 106-pounds, is moving up from 135 to the welterweight limit of 147, just going the distance with De La Hoya would be a feather in his cap.
"I will be extremely disappointed if this fight does not end in a knockout," De La Hoya said. "It would be a total disaster for me. I've made 145 already. I feel very strong. It has been no problem. My way of training and eating has been very disciplined."
"We will put boxing back on the worldwide stage. I beat a young lion like Manny Pacquiao to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, it helps me prove I can do this and move on and still be successful.
In his last few fights, De La Hoya has faded in the late rounds. He doesn't know how his body will react when he steps in the ring on December 6.
"I feel very comfortable with welterweight. I don't think we're sacrificing any power. We're punching harder than ever. I don't know how my body is going to react come fight night. Conditioning is my primary concern," De La Hoya said.
Every week, the reasons why De La Hoya wants revenge on Pacquiao changes. This week, he says one of the main reasons is to pay Pacquiao is back for turning down a deal to join Golden Boy Promotions and instead hooking up with Top Rank. Pacquiao agreed to joing Golden Boy in September 2006 and two months later he changed his mind, returned his bonus money and went over to Bob Arum.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would fight Manny Pacquiao. That's one of the reasons this fight is so personal to me. We signed the deal and he turned his back on me and he's going to have to pay on December 6," De La Hoya said. "That moment is what makes it personal. I don't want him to talk about how he honors honor. He didn't honor me. I'm not going to honor him
Arreola Vs. Walker - Another Potential Heavyweight Slugfest To Look Forward To
Arreola Vs. Walker - Another Potential Heavyweight Slugfest To Look Forward To
by James Slater - Thanks in large part to the explosive talents of one David "The Hayemaker" Haye, the heavyweight division is fast becoming one of excitement and intrigue again. For a number of years the fans have been turned off by safety-first orientated and/ or lumbering giants who failed to provide the high-octane, all-action type fights needed. Well, in less than two week's time another exciting heavyweight wannabe is in action, and his fight may well join the Haye-Monte Barrett slugfest and become a second end of year thriller put on in the sport's ultimate weight class..
Ask a fan today who the most exciting young heavyweight in the world is, Haye aside, and their answer is likely to be Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola. Not as fast and explosive as Haye, but a rugged, no-nonsense and aggressive slugger who looks to eat up his opponents the way Haye craves a KO, the unbeaten 27-year-old has already provided many thrills. Come November 29th, as one of the fighters who will be starring in the chief supporting bout to the Paul Williams-Verno Phillips light-middleweight clash, Arreola may well provide more.
Indeed, in taking on the heavy-handed Travis "Freight Train" Walker, Arreola might just give us a fight even more raw and exciting than Saturday's Haye-Barrett battle. Though he has been accused (quite rightly) of coming in too heavy in some of his fights, Arreola will be in top shape for November 29th's important bout. He better be, anyway. For while Walker may not be the fastest guy in the world, he can whack and is extremely dangerous. A couple of years older than "The Nightmare" at 29, Walker, 28-1-1(22) has promised to lay it all on the line on the 29th. What we potentially have in store, then, is another heavyweight rumble that will also go a ways to restoring some of the exhilaration the heavyweight division at one time had in an abundance.
Big things are expected of Arreola, most peoples' pick for the best US hope at the weight, and the Walker fight may well be just the beginning of some top quality, high profile fights for him. Getting past Walker, especially if he gets past him in spectacular fashion, will only reinforce Arreola's position as a man who poses a genuine threat to the current heavyweight champions. Unbeaten in 25 fights, all but three of his wins coming inside schedule, Arreola doesn't know how to lose. It would be very interesting to hear what the easygoing and likeable Californian has to say about all the hype and media interest his heavyweight rival (and, who knows, possible future opponent) is currently getting. I wouldn't mind betting it's made/is making him train hard in an effort to be able to go out there and prove he is just as much a real thing heavyweight as is the Brit, perhaps even more so.
It does seem as though Haye and Arreola's paths have a good chance of crossing (they already have, and if you can believe the rumours Haye got the better of Arreola in a heated sparring session some months back) so clearly are they the two best young big men coming through right now. In an ideal world, they should fight it out; with the winner being rewarded with a title shot. Whether or not this actually happens, rests in large part on what happens a week on Saturday in Ontario, CA.
Should Arreola put on an impressive and rousing show in beating Walker, public opinion may well cry out for a Haye-Arreola showdown. Let's face it, the fight would be almost perfect for each guy next time out, and an excellent last hurdle for the victor to get over as he approaches a hoped for meeting with one of the Klitschko brothers. It would also almost certainly be yet another crowd pleasing and drama-filled tussle.
It's easy to get carried away, but the heavyweight division, thanks to punchers like Arreola and Haye, might just give us one of its most fun-filled years in 2009!
Arreola Vs. Walker - Another Potential Heavyweight Slugfest To Look Forward To
by James Slater - Thanks in large part to the explosive talents of one David "The Hayemaker" Haye, the heavyweight division is fast becoming one of excitement and intrigue again. For a number of years the fans have been turned off by safety-first orientated and/ or lumbering giants who failed to provide the high-octane, all-action type fights needed. Well, in less than two week's time another exciting heavyweight wannabe is in action, and his fight may well join the Haye-Monte Barrett slugfest and become a second end of year thriller put on in the sport's ultimate weight class..
Ask a fan today who the most exciting young heavyweight in the world is, Haye aside, and their answer is likely to be Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola. Not as fast and explosive as Haye, but a rugged, no-nonsense and aggressive slugger who looks to eat up his opponents the way Haye craves a KO, the unbeaten 27-year-old has already provided many thrills. Come November 29th, as one of the fighters who will be starring in the chief supporting bout to the Paul Williams-Verno Phillips light-middleweight clash, Arreola may well provide more.
Indeed, in taking on the heavy-handed Travis "Freight Train" Walker, Arreola might just give us a fight even more raw and exciting than Saturday's Haye-Barrett battle. Though he has been accused (quite rightly) of coming in too heavy in some of his fights, Arreola will be in top shape for November 29th's important bout. He better be, anyway. For while Walker may not be the fastest guy in the world, he can whack and is extremely dangerous. A couple of years older than "The Nightmare" at 29, Walker, 28-1-1(22) has promised to lay it all on the line on the 29th. What we potentially have in store, then, is another heavyweight rumble that will also go a ways to restoring some of the exhilaration the heavyweight division at one time had in an abundance.
Big things are expected of Arreola, most peoples' pick for the best US hope at the weight, and the Walker fight may well be just the beginning of some top quality, high profile fights for him. Getting past Walker, especially if he gets past him in spectacular fashion, will only reinforce Arreola's position as a man who poses a genuine threat to the current heavyweight champions. Unbeaten in 25 fights, all but three of his wins coming inside schedule, Arreola doesn't know how to lose. It would be very interesting to hear what the easygoing and likeable Californian has to say about all the hype and media interest his heavyweight rival (and, who knows, possible future opponent) is currently getting. I wouldn't mind betting it's made/is making him train hard in an effort to be able to go out there and prove he is just as much a real thing heavyweight as is the Brit, perhaps even more so.
It does seem as though Haye and Arreola's paths have a good chance of crossing (they already have, and if you can believe the rumours Haye got the better of Arreola in a heated sparring session some months back) so clearly are they the two best young big men coming through right now. In an ideal world, they should fight it out; with the winner being rewarded with a title shot. Whether or not this actually happens, rests in large part on what happens a week on Saturday in Ontario, CA.
Should Arreola put on an impressive and rousing show in beating Walker, public opinion may well cry out for a Haye-Arreola showdown. Let's face it, the fight would be almost perfect for each guy next time out, and an excellent last hurdle for the victor to get over as he approaches a hoped for meeting with one of the Klitschko brothers. It would also almost certainly be yet another crowd pleasing and drama-filled tussle.
It's easy to get carried away, but the heavyweight division, thanks to punchers like Arreola and Haye, might just give us one of its most fun-filled years in 2009!
Why history will look kindly upon Joe Calzaghe
Why history will look kindly upon Joe Calzag
17.11.08 - By Jason Shearer: So has the pale skinned fighter from the Land of Song finally silenced all his critics with his recent dominance of Roy Jones Junior? – almost certainly not. Boxing scribes, so called experts and laymen alike are fond of honesty and telling it like it is. For the sweet science is pretty much the most honest sport of all, as well as being the hardest..
There isn’t a single fighter in history who hasn’t had to cope with some degree of negative comment throughout their fighting days. Every great exponent - ever - of the toughest game has at some point or other been questioned in terms of heart, or ability, or of their desire to prove themselves worthy of approval.
Only once the dust has settled, and a more detached and dispassionate perspective can rise to the surface, can a fighter generally shake some of the criticism that can stalk a career.
The great heavyweight Larry Holmes had legs that were too spindly, was lacking in charisma and was even labelled a coward on his way to 48 consecutive professional victories. Joe Frazier & Evander Holyfield were judged too small to be effective at heavyweight.
Floyd Mayweather junior avoids Margarito, and has attached constant negative publicity in his undefeated career to date. Oscar De la Hoya picks on smaller fighters. Bernard Hopkins is considered too old when he fights Calzaghe. Then he beats the unbeaten Pavlik and is suddenly great again. The list goes on.
In this company a fighting man from a country most people have never been to will always have his critics.
Joe Calzaghe hasn’t lost a fight since he was a teenage amateur. The tears he freely admits he shed then upon his early loss have never since made a return.
Armed with a unique, if somewhat awkward style, a strong but not muscular physique, and decent, but not great power he has nevertheless forged a career that deserves to go down amongst the greatest of this sport.
Put simply, the Welshman has always found a way to win, and he has done it against every opponent he has ever faced as a professional.
His last two fights he has fought away from home, against two modern greats, and was knocked down by both in the first round. Despite this, he did not panic, he did not knocked down again, and he found a way to control the tempo of both fights. Simply put he always finds a way to impose his will onto a contest, regardless of the circumstances or the standard of his opponent. This is a very rare ability indeed, and is a gift shared with only a handful of illustrious fistic legends such as Sugar Ray Leonard & Muhammad Ali.
In recent years both Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler were considered the strongest of possible opponents, and both were youthful, unbeaten and were in the main avoided by other fighters. Calzaghe destroyed Lacy, and again imposed his will on the younger, bigger Kessler over 12 rounds.
Joe Calzaghe has shown tremendous fitness and fighting heart over a very long period of time. Yes, it’s true to say that the likes of Bradko Sobot, Kabary Salem & Tocker Pudwill were not the best achievements of Joe’s career. No-body has ever fought an unbeaten champion opponent every time they enter the ring.
Previous victims, prior to Joe’s recent profile elevation do deserve a degree of respect though. Chris Eubank, Richie Woodhall, Robin Reid, Mario Veit, Charles Brewer & Byron Mitchell all had successful careers. Including the fight with Chris Eubank in 1997 and prior to the Jeff Lacy fight in 2006, Joe’s opponents had 517 wins between them against only 41 losses. This was hardly bum of the month territory.
So it’s arguably true that no amount of further success is likely to add to the Calzaghe legacy. If he beats Chad Dawson, then Dawson would surely just be considered overrated anyway. If he beats Hopkins again, then the Executioner would definitely be too old this time. Pavlik's shine has been recently taken from him, and Jermain Taylor is not longer discussed as a possible threat to Joe.
Joe Calzaghe should retire from boxing when he is ready, and when he no longer has anything to prove. That time, one suspects, is now.
Criticism will of course follow Joe for as long as he fights on. At least he will be amongst some very good company.
It will only be in many years from now, when we realise that there hasn’t been another fighter like him in recent history that he will be really appreciated.
And, with enough time on his side, he will be considered a true great
Why history will look kindly upon Joe Calzag
17.11.08 - By Jason Shearer: So has the pale skinned fighter from the Land of Song finally silenced all his critics with his recent dominance of Roy Jones Junior? – almost certainly not. Boxing scribes, so called experts and laymen alike are fond of honesty and telling it like it is. For the sweet science is pretty much the most honest sport of all, as well as being the hardest..
There isn’t a single fighter in history who hasn’t had to cope with some degree of negative comment throughout their fighting days. Every great exponent - ever - of the toughest game has at some point or other been questioned in terms of heart, or ability, or of their desire to prove themselves worthy of approval.
Only once the dust has settled, and a more detached and dispassionate perspective can rise to the surface, can a fighter generally shake some of the criticism that can stalk a career.
The great heavyweight Larry Holmes had legs that were too spindly, was lacking in charisma and was even labelled a coward on his way to 48 consecutive professional victories. Joe Frazier & Evander Holyfield were judged too small to be effective at heavyweight.
Floyd Mayweather junior avoids Margarito, and has attached constant negative publicity in his undefeated career to date. Oscar De la Hoya picks on smaller fighters. Bernard Hopkins is considered too old when he fights Calzaghe. Then he beats the unbeaten Pavlik and is suddenly great again. The list goes on.
In this company a fighting man from a country most people have never been to will always have his critics.
Joe Calzaghe hasn’t lost a fight since he was a teenage amateur. The tears he freely admits he shed then upon his early loss have never since made a return.
Armed with a unique, if somewhat awkward style, a strong but not muscular physique, and decent, but not great power he has nevertheless forged a career that deserves to go down amongst the greatest of this sport.
Put simply, the Welshman has always found a way to win, and he has done it against every opponent he has ever faced as a professional.
His last two fights he has fought away from home, against two modern greats, and was knocked down by both in the first round. Despite this, he did not panic, he did not knocked down again, and he found a way to control the tempo of both fights. Simply put he always finds a way to impose his will onto a contest, regardless of the circumstances or the standard of his opponent. This is a very rare ability indeed, and is a gift shared with only a handful of illustrious fistic legends such as Sugar Ray Leonard & Muhammad Ali.
In recent years both Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler were considered the strongest of possible opponents, and both were youthful, unbeaten and were in the main avoided by other fighters. Calzaghe destroyed Lacy, and again imposed his will on the younger, bigger Kessler over 12 rounds.
Joe Calzaghe has shown tremendous fitness and fighting heart over a very long period of time. Yes, it’s true to say that the likes of Bradko Sobot, Kabary Salem & Tocker Pudwill were not the best achievements of Joe’s career. No-body has ever fought an unbeaten champion opponent every time they enter the ring.
Previous victims, prior to Joe’s recent profile elevation do deserve a degree of respect though. Chris Eubank, Richie Woodhall, Robin Reid, Mario Veit, Charles Brewer & Byron Mitchell all had successful careers. Including the fight with Chris Eubank in 1997 and prior to the Jeff Lacy fight in 2006, Joe’s opponents had 517 wins between them against only 41 losses. This was hardly bum of the month territory.
So it’s arguably true that no amount of further success is likely to add to the Calzaghe legacy. If he beats Chad Dawson, then Dawson would surely just be considered overrated anyway. If he beats Hopkins again, then the Executioner would definitely be too old this time. Pavlik's shine has been recently taken from him, and Jermain Taylor is not longer discussed as a possible threat to Joe.
Joe Calzaghe should retire from boxing when he is ready, and when he no longer has anything to prove. That time, one suspects, is now.
Criticism will of course follow Joe for as long as he fights on. At least he will be amongst some very good company.
It will only be in many years from now, when we realise that there hasn’t been another fighter like him in recent history that he will be really appreciated.
And, with enough time on his side, he will be considered a true great
Margarito Turns Down Mosley, Schaefer Blasts Tony
By Mark Vester
WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito has officially turned down a potential January 24 showdown with Shane Mosley. After weeks of negotiations, Margarito let a Tuesday deadline come and go. Sources close to the situation state that Margarito was unhappy with the money being offered for the HBO televised showdown, which a few have listed as $2 million dollars.
BoxingScene.com's Robert Morales reported last week, Mosley signed off on the deal last week after Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer sat down with him and worked out a deal. Margarito never came in to the Top Rank Offices to sign his end of the deal.
Top Rank President Todd duBoef told The Los Angeles Times that on Tuesday he received a not from Margarito's co-manager, Sergio Diaz, that Margarito would be "passing on the fight." Margarito is in line for a June 09 rematch with Miguel Cotto, who the Mexican champion knocked out in July.
"Part of their thinking, I'm sure, is that the Cotto fight did good numbers and that's the fight they want, more than a guy that Cotto beat," duBoef said. "Shane Mosley was a big name seven years ago, but they weighed the consequences and decided it was onward and upward."
Schaefer was enraged with the decision, pointing to Margarito bashing Mosley in the media and told The Times that Margarito is no longer the most feared fighter.
"Margarito should shut up and not call out people anymore after this, when they accept and then he chickens out," Schaefer said. "Margarito says he's the most feared fighter in the world. Well, he's now lost that title."
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Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto is Possible For Jan. 24
By Rick Reeno
Now that Antonio Margarito is out of the picture, Golden Boy Promotions is already looking at another scenario by making a potential fight between Shane Mosley and undefeated WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto.
The pre-fight hype has begun with Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer casting the first stone when he told Los Angeles scribe Lance Pugmire that “Mosley will teach Berto not to disrespect his elders.”
BoxingScene.com spoke with Berto’s promoter Lou DiBella, who is open to negotiating a deal for his fighter to take on Mosley. The date of January 24 is already reserved on HBO [where Margarito-Mosley was going to land].
For a potential fight to move forward on the January date, DiBella says the two sides would have to reach an agreement quickly.
A sticking point is Berto’s mandatory obligation to defend his title against Luis Collazo. DiBella and Collazo’s promoter, Don King, have agreed to a deal in principle for the fight to take place in early 2009.
Reaffirming his position, DiBella tells BoxingScene that a deal with Golden Boy would have to be reached soon, and it just might. Both DiBella and Schaefer are in Las Vegas for this weekend’s Ricky Hatton-Paulie Malignaggi event at the MGM Grand.
“Berto doesn’t disrespect any elders. He doesn’t disrespect anyone. Richard should realize that the elders is what’s wrong with boxing right now. I’m in Vegas right now. Richard is in Vegas right now. The one thing I’ll say is that we are nobody’s opponent. If they want to make the fight, that’s fine. If they want to market the fight as the elder statesman vs. the young champion, that’s fine. But we are not some opponent,” DiBella said.
The two sides discussed the possibility of a fight a few weeks ago. Mosley was more interested in facing Margarito. DiBella tells BoxingScene that he warned Schaefer that Margarito was going to turn the deal down.
“When me and Richard sit down, we always make a deal. We can make a deal in short order, but we are not doing anything that’s unfair. We are not against Mosley making more of the money, it just has to be fair. We also have a mandatory with Collazo and I have an agreement in principle with King and I would have to speak with him. If it makes sense to Don, maybe it can be worked out where Collazo fights the winner. If we were to change course, it would have done fairly soon,” DiBella said.
“There were signs about Margarito turning it down for weeks. Everyone knew. It’s a pretty good sign when a guy is unreachable for a few weeks that he is not accepting a deal. We are willing to make a deal, but the deal has to be right.”
By Mark Vester
WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito has officially turned down a potential January 24 showdown with Shane Mosley. After weeks of negotiations, Margarito let a Tuesday deadline come and go. Sources close to the situation state that Margarito was unhappy with the money being offered for the HBO televised showdown, which a few have listed as $2 million dollars.
BoxingScene.com's Robert Morales reported last week, Mosley signed off on the deal last week after Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer sat down with him and worked out a deal. Margarito never came in to the Top Rank Offices to sign his end of the deal.
Top Rank President Todd duBoef told The Los Angeles Times that on Tuesday he received a not from Margarito's co-manager, Sergio Diaz, that Margarito would be "passing on the fight." Margarito is in line for a June 09 rematch with Miguel Cotto, who the Mexican champion knocked out in July.
"Part of their thinking, I'm sure, is that the Cotto fight did good numbers and that's the fight they want, more than a guy that Cotto beat," duBoef said. "Shane Mosley was a big name seven years ago, but they weighed the consequences and decided it was onward and upward."
Schaefer was enraged with the decision, pointing to Margarito bashing Mosley in the media and told The Times that Margarito is no longer the most feared fighter.
"Margarito should shut up and not call out people anymore after this, when they accept and then he chickens out," Schaefer said. "Margarito says he's the most feared fighter in the world. Well, he's now lost that title."
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Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto is Possible For Jan. 24
By Rick Reeno
Now that Antonio Margarito is out of the picture, Golden Boy Promotions is already looking at another scenario by making a potential fight between Shane Mosley and undefeated WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto.
The pre-fight hype has begun with Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer casting the first stone when he told Los Angeles scribe Lance Pugmire that “Mosley will teach Berto not to disrespect his elders.”
BoxingScene.com spoke with Berto’s promoter Lou DiBella, who is open to negotiating a deal for his fighter to take on Mosley. The date of January 24 is already reserved on HBO [where Margarito-Mosley was going to land].
For a potential fight to move forward on the January date, DiBella says the two sides would have to reach an agreement quickly.
A sticking point is Berto’s mandatory obligation to defend his title against Luis Collazo. DiBella and Collazo’s promoter, Don King, have agreed to a deal in principle for the fight to take place in early 2009.
Reaffirming his position, DiBella tells BoxingScene that a deal with Golden Boy would have to be reached soon, and it just might. Both DiBella and Schaefer are in Las Vegas for this weekend’s Ricky Hatton-Paulie Malignaggi event at the MGM Grand.
“Berto doesn’t disrespect any elders. He doesn’t disrespect anyone. Richard should realize that the elders is what’s wrong with boxing right now. I’m in Vegas right now. Richard is in Vegas right now. The one thing I’ll say is that we are nobody’s opponent. If they want to make the fight, that’s fine. If they want to market the fight as the elder statesman vs. the young champion, that’s fine. But we are not some opponent,” DiBella said.
The two sides discussed the possibility of a fight a few weeks ago. Mosley was more interested in facing Margarito. DiBella tells BoxingScene that he warned Schaefer that Margarito was going to turn the deal down.
“When me and Richard sit down, we always make a deal. We can make a deal in short order, but we are not doing anything that’s unfair. We are not against Mosley making more of the money, it just has to be fair. We also have a mandatory with Collazo and I have an agreement in principle with King and I would have to speak with him. If it makes sense to Don, maybe it can be worked out where Collazo fights the winner. If we were to change course, it would have done fairly soon,” DiBella said.
“There were signs about Margarito turning it down for weeks. Everyone knew. It’s a pretty good sign when a guy is unreachable for a few weeks that he is not accepting a deal. We are willing to make a deal, but the deal has to be right.”