Boxing News Thread

[2-0-Sixx]

Calzaghe Chuckles at Hopkins' "Dream Team"

NEWBRIDGE, WALES - While Ol' Bernie Hopkins prepares with his 'Dream Team' of trainers for his super-fight against JOE CALZAGHE at the Planet Hollywood Ring on April 19 in Las Vegas, for Calzaghe it will be the same formula that has worked for his entire career: just father and son.

Hopkins yesterday revealed his 'Execution Squad' that includes Freddie Roach, Nazim Richardson, John David Jackson and Mackie Shilstone for The Ring Magazine light-heavyweight Championship showdown who he believes will help him inflict the first defeat on the unbeaten Welshman's record.

By contrast none of the following specialist are required in the Calzaghe camp: conditioning, southpaw, nutritional, cardiac or confidence. Just one fiery Sardinian taskmaster, Enzo Calzaghe, The Ring and the Boxing Writers of Association of America's Trainer of the Year, and Joe wouldn't have it any other way.

"That's a relief. I thought Ol' Popkins was going to reveal that he had brought in NASA, the US Army and the ER team to help him out!" laughed Calzaghe.

"Does it worry me? Of course not. It's the old cliché, it will be just be me and him in the ring on the night and the fact that he has all these people working with him tells you something: he's worried about me,"

"Jeff Lacy had the highly respected Dan Birmingham in his corner but look what happened to him,"

"Poppy's employed all these people to try and figure out how to beat me but if he can't figure it out himself then he's got a problem. There are no big secrets with me, my fights are all out there on DVD and he can get hold of them,"

"These are all just mind games from him. He tried to get to me during the media tour but I wasn't bothered by him. I'm a strong character and my own man, I'm not going to fall for his butt,"

"Remember, this is the hard guy from Philadelphia who threw a fit because a warehouse was too cold to film a TV commercial in and then sulked off because the producer told him to wear socks!"

Calzaghe added, "It's just been me and my dad since I started boxing when I was 8-years-old. I don't need anybody else and have never wanted to bring in anybody else. It's worked for over 25 years including my amateur and 44 pro fights and in that time I have unified world titles, held the WBO world title into a record eleventh year and made 21 title defences so I'm not going to change now,"

"All I need for a training camp is my dad, a mountain to run up, clean fresh air, a boxing ring and plenty of sparring parters. That's it plain and simple. No other experts required,"

"Ultimately it is down to me what happens in the ring on the night and if I haven't trained properly I will be found out. But I can tell you know now that I have never been more confident preparing for a fight in my career,"

"My dad has been putting me through sheer hell in training, absolutely kicking my arse. I know what is in front of me against Hopkins and all I need is my skill, stamina, heart and unbeatable will to win to beat him,"

"When's his 10 game plans haven't worked and he's forced into going toe-to-toe in the trenches with me, how is Freddie going to show him he has to use his heart to win? He can't. That's fighting instinct and I'm going to take him somewhere he has never been before,"

"I'm telling Hopkins now, don't worry about my dad pulling me out because that situation won't come up. Just make sure you know which one of your 'Dream Team' will have the compassion to throw in the towel when you are getting seriously busted up,"

Calzaghe finished by saying: "Come fight night it's just you and me in the ring Bernie, the rest of your team will be safely tucked away in the corner and then we will see how you cope."

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Bernard Hopkins Shoots Back at Calzaghe


LOS ANGELES. - Light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins took the news of Joe Calzaghe's rebuttal to his training team statement as a sure sign of panic.

"This poor guy used up all the air in his boxing gym to spew a bunch of nonsense about nothing really. I said what I had to say in one breathe. He knows what he is up against on April 19 and that's all that has to be said. All those words are just like his punches-nothing on them and no damage done."

Hopkins vs. Calzaghe "Battle of the Planet," is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Frank Warren's Sports Network and the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The match-up will air live from the Planet Hollywood Ring on HBO's World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET / 6:45 p.m. PT.

 

[MOREBASS]

At this point in Floyd Jr's career...he could fight with Leonard Elerbee in his corner and not really be affected by it much. He's got one of the best boxing IQ's in the sport, and you can see that by how well he adapts just enough to pull out wins in all of his fights.

That is kinda trippy, but I don't think Forbes is going to beat DLH...if anything, DLH will get a dirty gift decision over Forbes. I don't think that Golden Boy would jeopardize all of that money.


BTW, Mackie Shilestone is a fucking legend ! I believe he is a big reason why Bernard is as good as he is at this age. He turned him into a rock solid machine before the Tarver fight. Did the same for Roy too.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

BTW, Mackie Shilestone is a fucking legend ! I believe he is a big reason why Bernard is as good as he is at this age. He turned him into a rock solid machine before the Tarver fight. Did the same for Roy too.

Forreal! I remember how ripped hopkins looked when he fought Tarver, but he didn't so much against Winky (must have been the 5 pound difference, and a different training strategy (i.e, not training for power)).

I never heard of Shilestone before today, so I don't know much about him, but he seems ruthless! I mean, that's some G shit right there talking to doctors on how to break jaws and doing "reverse cpr" to slowdown the heart rate. Joe can laugh about hopkins "dream team" all he wants, but having that much boxing knowledge in your corner cannot be a bad thing.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Some stupid Mayweather news:


Mayweather and 50 Cent Scuffle Over Money?

By Mark Vester

Celebrity website, MediaTakeOut.com, reports that Floyd Mayweather Jr. and close friend, rapper 50-Cent, were recently involved in a physical altercation over money.

The website claims to have spoken to a member of 50's camp, who on the condition of anonymity, gave them details about the incident and claimed that "punches were thrown." According to the source, neither of the two were hurt and they reconciled afterwards.

"They were disagreeing about money - a bet or something, and then it just popped off. It wasn't anything too serious ... they're both men and sometimes when grown men disagree, it has to come to that. After it was over they went back to being cool. They're both real n**gas - so it wasn't anything. It [was broken up] before anyone really got busy ... but neither was going to back down."

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ [email protected]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Forbes axes Roger!

Former world champion Steve Forbes has replaced trainer Roger Mayweather. Forbes hired Roger's brother Jeff Mayweather as his trainer for his big May 3 HBO fight against Oscar De La Hoya after Floyd Mayweather Jr. told reporters he would fire Roger if he tried to help Forbes beat De La Hoya, which would torpedo Floyd's big money rematch against the Golden Boy in September.
Friday, March 21 2008

 

[heyzel]

HBO, Showtime Stage Big Duel on June 7

By Mark Vester

On June 7, the two major cable networks will once again battle with dueling boxing cards. Most of time, one network has a better show than the other. This time the deck will be stacked on both ends.

On HBO, Kelly Pavlik will defend his WBC/WBO middleweight titles against mandatory challenger Gary Lockett of the UK. Unbeaten Juan Manuel Lopez of Puerto Rico will challenge WBO super bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon. Middleweight prospect Andy Lee might appear in the third televised bout of the night.

On the Showtime end, Vernon Forrest will defend his WBC junior middleweight title against unbeaten Contender star Sergio Mora, who moves down from middleweight to take the fight. The tentative co-feature is a rematch between WBO welterweight champion Carlos Quintana and Paul "The Punisher" Williams. Quintana upset Williams for the title on February 9, and ironically the first bout was televised by HBO. Williams exercised an option for an immediate rematch

 

[heyzel]

Roy Jones Jr Wants Tarver-Woods Winner

By Mark Vester

Roy Jones Jr. is taking aim at the April 12 light heavyweight unification bout between IBO champ Antonio Tarver and IBF champ Clinton Woods. Speaking with The Telegraph, Jones said that a rematch with Woods was the preference. Jones holds a 2002 knockout win over Woods, and fought Tarver three-times, winning the first encounter by decision and losing the next two.

"I would love to fight the winner of Woods-Tarver. That is one hell of a fight and I think the winner should fight me. I am back in there and I want the title again. Woods is strong and he was good when I beat him but I think he is a much better fighter now," Jones said. "He [Woods] has proved himself time and again and I would fight him next if he gets past Tarver. Woods is British and they come to fight. That is why fight fans in Britain love their boxers so much because they come to fight. Woods is very proud and I am sure he will want to avenge the loss he suffered against me. It ain't gonna happen. I am on a roll which ends with me being crowned as the best fighter there is again and that is fact."

Jones feels that Woods will beat Tarver, who Jones says is very inconsistent. He also told the paper that if Woods gives him the rematch, he will stop him in quicker fashion the second time around.

"Tarver blows hot and cold. You catch him on a bad night and he loses every time. You catch him another time and he could beat anybody. It should be a great night of boxing in Florida and I think there are a lot of light-heavies who are capable of beating each other," Jones said. "Right now the only one who isn't losing at the top level is Woods, but that will change if we meet next up. I gave it to him in 2002 and I would do it again, only this time I would stop him even earlier."

"Woods didn't win the IBF belt for nothing and he can hit. He has beaten [Glen] Johnson and [Julio] Gonzalez, both very accomplished fighters and therefore he can beat Tarver

 

[heyzel]

David Haye: "There is Nobody I Can’t Beat”

By Mark Vester

WBA/WBO/WBC cruiserweight David Haye is ready to storm the heavyweight division. Speaking with Daily Express, Haye proclaimed his superiority over today’s class of heavyweights.

“There is nobody out there I can’t beat. Most of the heavyweights are smaller these days. Klitschko is the only giant but he doesn’t have the greatest chin,” Haye said. “I just want to be the best.”

“That’s why I’d never sign for anybody who would have control over who I fight. I wouldn’t want to fight tomato cans, one after the other and take all the stick that goes with that. I just won’t have it. I’ve never had it easy because of that. But I just want to beat the best on offer. That way, there can be no arguments.”

Promoter Frank Warren says the “chin” will map out heavyweight future of Haye. There have been questions about the strength of Haye’s chin. He’s been knocked down by cruiserweights, so most are unsure if he can take a heavyweight punch.

“We’ll find out the truth once he gets hit by a proper heavyweight,” Warren said

 

[heyzel]

Dawson Hopes to Avoid Championship Setback

By Dave Sholler
Photo © Tom Casino/Showtime

In the world of horse racing, a promising young thoroughbred sometimes fizzles after a fast start out of the gate. Somewhere between the middle and end of the race, the charging stallion inexplicably pulls up lame, his powerful legs seemingly out of steam. From the grandstand, the horse’s owners, trainers, and fans watch in horror as their projected stud falls to the back of the pack.

Last year, three young boxing broncos looked as if they’d win every furlong contested. Lightweight Juan Diaz, welterweight Paul Williams, and light heavyweight Chad Dawson all began to ascend in their respective divisions. Each captured championships in 2007 and the trio appeared to be destined for continued greatness in 2008.

However, somewhere in the early stages of the New Year, two of the three suffered their first setbacks. Williams, 26, a 6’2 southpaw who looked freakish at 147 pounds the year before, saw his progress impeded by the gritty Carlos Quintana in February. Likewise, Diaz, 24, whom many thought was the best young fighter on the market, watched as veteran Nate Campbell jockeyed his world titles from him in just the third month of 2008.

Dawson, 25, is hoping he can avoid a similar fate when he defends his WBC crown against the seasoned Glen Johnson on April 12. Facing an experienced opponent with 60 professional bouts, “Bad” Chad is out to prove that there are no hiccups in his game. With his sights set on Johnson, the Connecticut native vows to display the same hunger that has propelled him near the top of the light heavyweight championship derby.

“We are all young guys and some win titles and lose the hunger,” Dawson said in reference to the comparisons to Williams and Diaz. “I’m not saying they (Williams and Diaz) lost their hunger, but some others don’t work as hard as they used to.

“Me, I want to unify the titles and make the pound-for-pound list. I don’t look at the (WBC) title as if it’s going to make or break me. I’m staying focused.”

To ensure that he’s getting the best sparring, roadwork, and training possible, Dawson set up camp at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas five weeks ago. After accepting the fact that his lean, athletic frame would benefit from increased muscle development, Dawson hired a strength and conditioning coach to help add mass. In addition, Dawson relied on trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammed to provide the best sparring partners and create an “all-business” atmosphere. In the end, Dawson is hoping this attention to detail will serve as a stern message to other marketable 175-pounders. On April 12, Dawson wants to show that his rise to the top of the division will not be derailed.

“I’ll be honest,” Dawson said, “I’m not a true light heavyweight.

“I came into camp at 170 pounds. Right now, I’m at 175. I’m working hard and on April 12th, you are going to see nothing but muscle. In this fight, I will make a statement. If you notice, I get better and better with every fight. Glen is just the guy I need to bring the best out of me.”

While Dawson is confident that he will outbox Johnson in April, one must wonder how the seven-year pro will react if he’s faced with adversity in a bout with major implications. One look at Quintana-Williams or Diaz-Campbell shows that regardless of pedigree, frustration is often a young fighter’s worst enemy. For Williams, frustration came by way of failure to stop Quintana’s looping left hands. Similarly, Diaz looked puzzled when Campbell was eager to trade punches inside a phone booth. Both failed to adapt. Both lost their titles.

So the question remains: Is Dawson ready to adapt to unfavorable situations and remain calm in tight spots?

“I’m ready,” Dawson said. “Glen Johnson is a big fight for me. I’m going to show everything I’ve got. I know I’m the best light heavyweight in the world and I’m going to set myself apart from the rest.”

With a victory over Johnson, Dawson said he would like to face the winner of the Antonio Tarver-Clinton Woods bout, which will be contested on the same Showtime card. But before he jumps ahead to his next bout, Dawson must be concerned solely with Johnson. If he does not, he could easily fall victim to the “Payday Prowl,” a mentality that affects young fighters that look past their immediate opponents, instead focusing on future mega-fight purses.

For proof of this, look no further than Williams. In the weeks leading up to his title defense, Williams told this writer that he was focused on Quintana, but couldn’t help but to have his sights set on another, more financially rewarding Puerto Rican fighter, Miguel Cotto. Many could argue that Juan Diaz was looking ahead to big money fights with Manny Pacquiao or David Diaz, too. With that said, Dawson needs to have tunnel vision in the next few weeks. If he does not, the result could take the wind out of any plans he may have already developed.

While he understands the potential flaws of looking past an opponent, Dawson argues that the window of opportunity for young fighters is small.

“As everybody knows, boxing is not about who has the titles,” Dawson said. “It’s about the money. They match up fighters by name. Look at Mayweather-De La Hoya or Judah-Mosley. They are big money fights based on matching up names.

“I’ve put my heart into this sport and I think it’s time for me to get big fights and make those paydays.”

Chad Dawson wants big fights. Here’s to hoping the 25-year-old stallion focuses first on the weathered workhorse in Johnson that lies ahead.

STIFF JABS

JAB ONE: I’m really excited that the Mikkel Kessler-Edison Miranda bout may come to fruition. While I would have enjoyed Winky Wright-Mikkel Kessler, the hard-punching Miranda will pose some interesting problems for Kessler. If this fight were based on boxing IQ alone, I’d give it to Kessler outright. However, can you count out a puncher with Edison’s power?

DOUBLE JAB: Good to see Shane Mosley and Zab Judah signing on for a May tango. Even though I picked against him, I thought Sugar Shane proved that he’s got plenty of tread left on his tires when he went the distance with Miguel Cotto last November. As far as Judah goes, I really hope he brings his “A” game for the entire bout. When Zab stays focused, he’s one of the world’s best boxers.

TRIPLE JAB: The folks in Atlantic City are already gearing up for the June 7 return of Kelly Pavlik. Even though Boardwalk Hall will host a great welterweight doubleheader on April 12, the South Jersey boxing aficionados have already been emailing me about “The Ghost.” With Cotto and Pavlik headlining cards, the AC fans have quickly adapted to life after Arturo Gatti.

PARTING SHOT: With some major MMA organizations locking up lucrative television deals, I’m forever hopeful that ABC, NBC, or CBS will bring boxing back to network television. As I’ve said time and time again, I think Oscar De La Hoya can convince one of the “Big Three” to televise a card. The Golden Boy and Richard Schaefer should at least have it on their “things to do” list.

 

[naner12]

Anyone watching tonights FNF and see how horrible Aaron Pryors son was?

 

[naner12]

Man did anyone catch the Andy Lee fight? What a fucking bullshit stoppage and way to fuck up a young prospects career. He was still punches ..

 

[rylor206]

Yep the apple fell of the tree and missed his son

 

[rylor206]

Damn man another bullshit stoppage. That was a great fight between vera and lee.

 

[heyzel]

that andy lee stoppage was bullshit I can't wait for the rematch

 

[naner12]

that andy lee stoppage was bullshit I can't wait for the rematch

That'd be a horrible idea to have a rematch right away. It wasn't like Lee was getting the better of the exchanges at the end. Another loss to Vera would completely end his career before it starts. Lee needs to move down in competition and tighten up his defense and try to catch Vera later on.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Man did anyone catch the Andy Lee fight? What a fucking bullshit stoppage and way to fuck up a young prospects career. He was still punches ..

At first glance it looks like a horrible stoppage because Lee landed some shots just prior, however Lee looked like absolute shit and was obviously taking serious punishment. I think this is a case of the ref taking into consideration that you have a 23 year old kid in the ring that is still very green and made his decision based on that. If it was a championship fight, I doubt the ref would have stopped, but again, since he's so young and obviously still learning, he made the decision.

I cant be mad about that. He has a career a head of him, if the ref didn't stop it, it may have been shortened a whole lot.

Maybe there was a small change that Lee could have came back since he was landing shots, but I doubt it. You never know, if the ref didn't do anything, Lee might be in the hospital right now with serious injuries, or worse. I can honestly see in my head the ref not stopping it, lee continuing to take damage until he finally collapses because of brain injuries. Then what? The ref would be criticized for life about how he let a kid in the ring with not my pro experience take a beat down. The good news though is Lee will live to fight another day and learn from this fight. And remember, he's a young prospect, that's all he is and quite possibly an overhyped one at that.

As a fan, it's a weak stoppage. But as a person concerned about the fighters well being, a loss on his record aint the worst that can happen.

Here is the final round, you be the judge:

 

[REdRUM]

I thought it was a good stoppage; he was almost out on his feet. He looked like he was about to go at any minute...

Looks like a pretty good fight, though.

 

[MOREBASS]

Hmm...could have went either way. I thought that he could have went on, but he wasn't really showing that he could defend himself, except for the occasional pot shot. His hands were at waist level and he was just taking bombs to the helmet.

 

[naner12]

At first glance it looks like a horrible stoppage because Lee landed some shots just prior, however Lee looked like absolute shit and was obviously taking serious punishment. I think this is a case of the ref taking into consideration that you have a 23 year old kid in the ring that is still very green and made his decision based on that. If it was a championship fight, I doubt the ref would have stopped, but again, since he's so young and obviously still learning, he made the decision.

I cant be mad about that. He has a career a head of him, if the ref didn't stop it, it may have been shortened a whole lot.

Maybe there was a small change that Lee could have came back since he was landing shots, but I doubt it. You never know, if the ref didn't do anything, Lee might be in the hospital right now with serious injuries, or worse. I can honestly see in my head the ref not stopping it, lee continuing to take damage until he finally collapses because of brain injuries. Then what? The ref would be criticized for life about how he let a kid in the ring with not my pro experience take a beat down. The good news though is Lee will live to fight another day and learn from this fight. And remember, he's a young prospect, that's all he is and quite possibly an overhyped one at that.

As a fan, it's a weak stoppage. But as a person concerned about the fighters well being, a loss on his record aint the worst that can happen.

Here is the final round, you be the judge:

I see what you're saying but I disagree on the fact that a loss isn't that important. At the point Lee is at right now a loss like this is devasting. Boxing is an unforgiving business (unless you're Zab Judah) and this could be bad for Lee's future, especially in the manner he lost. I'm not saying Lee was taking some damage but the timing of the stoppage is what bothers me the most. Lee looked to be more idle at other points while Vera was teeing off but he stops it when they're closer to the center of the ring and Lee is still attempting to fire back?

.. I was also a little drunk when I watched so I'll have to rewatch to see what's up.

 

[naner12]

Also I missed Ismaikel Perez fighting on some card in Ireland that was streamed for free on RTE's website. God dammit.