Boxing News Thread

[heyzel]

Floyd Mayweather Jr Told Me "No" - Says Shane Mosley

By Mark Vester

According to WBA welterweight champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley, a possible fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not an option in the near future. Speaking with Brent Matteo Alderson of BoxingScene.com, Mosley said that he personally spoke with Mayweather, who told him that he wasn't interested in the fight, at least for now. For several weeks, Mayweather has been rumored to be in training for a ring return by September.

"I've talked to Floyd personally and he said that he really don't want to fight me right now, so maybe he wants to do a couple of tuneups and then take a fight with me," Mosley.

There are other options for Mosley, but Paul Williams is not one of them. A few weeks ago, Mosley was pretty honest and said that he didn't want a fight with Williams. After sitting ringside last Saturday in Las Vegas and watching Williams dominate Winky Wright, Mosley is not exactly changing his mind. He is still set on fighting the winner of the May 2 bout between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, or a possible rematch with Miguel Cotto.

"[Paul Williams] is not really an option for me. I'm thinking about fighting Pacquiao or either Hatton or maybe Cotto. I'm looking for the mega-fights right now, and those are the mega-fights for me today," Mosley said

 

[Larry Merchant]

LMAO ! Larry Merchant is a fool. He's a few sandwiches short of a picnic basket at times, but he's an OG in the fight game nonetheless !

Thank you for the kind words. Although I am rather unclear what an OG is, I assume that it is a generous gesture towards me.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Nice to have you back on the boards larry. I think it's time you have an avatar, maybe you can use this one:

Or this super fly one:

 

[T-Rip]

2-0 is that you lol?

 

[2-0-Sixx]

nah I'm not sure who it is.

 

[MOREBASS]

I almost forgot that Larry posts here.

Thanks Larry, that means a lot coming from a living legend like yourself.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Not sure why Williams is going after hopkins so hard. Even if he were to beat him by out pointing him it proves nothing at this point since hopkins is 44 years old.....


Punisher targets Executioner
Williams welcomes Hopkins fight

By Lee Bates

Moments ago, Fightnews spoke with George Petersen, who trains two-divison world champion Paul ‘The Punisher’ Williams (37-1, 27 KOs), regarding what possible fight would interest him next for Williams. One name that really excited him was two-division world champion Bernard ‘The Executioner’ Hopkins (49-5-1, 32 KOs). “We will take that fight all day long at a catchweight. One of Hopkins’ main strengths is that he intimidates people. Paul would not be intimidated. First thing we would attack would be his head. Calzaghe really put it on Hopkins down the stretch in their fight. Those volumes of punches are nothing compared to what Paul would throw. If our people who make the final decisions on these matters approached me with this offer, the answer is ‘yes’ all day long.” said Peterson.

 

[heyzel]

Alexander vs. Rodriguez Lands on Spinks-Latimore Card

Alexander (17-0, 10 KOs) is the Gateway City’s fastest-rising star, and Rodriguez (19-3, 5 KOs), from Salinas, Calif., will look to give him a stiff test in a match scheduled for 10 rounds.

The main event will feature two more St. Louisans battling for the vacant International Boxing Federation junior middleweight championship when former four-time world champion Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks (36-5, 11 KOs) meets IBF No. 6-ranked contender Deandre “The Bull” Latimore (19-1, 16 KOs).

Tickets, all in the lower bowl, priced at $100 ringside, $60, $40, $25 and $10 (with a limited number of Golden Circle seats available at $300) are on sale now at Scottrade Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com. A per ticket facility fee will be added to all tickets purchased at all locations, including at the Scottrade Center Box Office. Additional Ticketmaster service charges and handling fees apply. For disabled seating, call 314-622-5420.

Both fights will be televised on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME beginning at 11 p.m. ET/PT (10 p.m. CT, delayed on the West Coast). A full undercard will be presented. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The event is promoted by Don King Productions with Spinks vs. Latimore presented in association with Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

Alexander, a 22-year-old phenom trained and managed by Kevin Cunningham, was recently named mandatory challenger to the WBC 140-pound champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, so he has his first world championship match riding on this fight.

Bradley added the World Boxing Organization 140-pound title to his resume by defeating then-champion Kendall Holt on April 4, also on SHOWTIME, which means Alexander will next face a unified world champion if he can get past Rodriguez.

“A world championship fight is what I have been working towards my whole life,” Alexander said. “To earn that chance in front of my hometown fans in St. Louis would mean a lot to me.”

Alexander’s promoter Don King sees a bright future for this budding star.

“Devon Alexander has all the skills to become a world champion and he’s going to earn his first title shot by defeating Jesus Rodriguez in St. Louis on April 24,” King said. “Not only is Devon a great fighter but he’s an outstanding individual, a young man the people of St. Louis can be proud of.”

Rodriguez’s three losses have all come against undefeated fighters. He lost his debut against a fighter also making his first appearance in 1999 and against two fighters who remain undefeated: Vladimir Zykov, who had 15 wins when he faced Rodriguez in 2006, and Mike Alvarado, who had 19 wins when Rodriguez dropped a 10-round decision when they met on Feb. 15, 2008.

It should be noted that Rodriguez defeated Omri Lowther, a highly decorated amateur who was undefeated in nine fights as a professional when they met in 2007. Rodriguez won an eight-round unanimous decision.

 

[heyzel]

ESPN’s Teddy Atlas Reacts to Oscar De La Hoya Retirement; WBC On Stanley Levin, DLH

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS

From WBC President José Sulaimán:

“All of us at the World Boxing Council were saddened to hear about the recent passing away of Stanley Levin of Pensacola, Florida. Mr. Levin represented several boxers, including Roy Jones Jr., and was a respected and well-liked member of the boxing community for many years.

“We also join in mourning with ring official Richie Davies of England, whose wife of 33 years, Esme, recently passed away after a long battle with cancer.

“All of us send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Mr. Levin and Mrs. Davies.

“It was also very sad to hear that former WBC super lightweight champion of the world Saensak Muangsurin of Thailand is in intensive care at a Bangkok hospital with a very serious health problem. Sansaek was one of the most famous of all Thai boxers. He won the WBC world championship on his third professional fight and ended his successful career with a fight against Thomas Hearns. The WBC has for more than 15 years helped Saensak with a medicine and food pension, and we hope and pray that he will recover.

“I am happy with the news that Oscar de la Hoya has retired from boxing and will now continue as a professional boxing promoter, where he has done so well, and we’re sure he will continue his success.

“Oscar has been one of the most successful boxers of all time, and fought the best of his time. He won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, and showed with pride the flag of the United States as well as the flag of Mexico.

“I am personally happy for his decision. Oscar has a very nice family and a good business to take care of, instead of continuing to risk his health in the ring. He had nothing else to prove in his brilliant career.

“Oscar and the WBC formed a great couple during his prime, when he became one of the greatest WBC champions of all time. On behalf of the WBC, I would like to extend our heartiest congratulations not only for his wise decision, but also for having been one of the absolute greatest fighters of the WBC and boxing.

“We have always been very proud of Oscar and the four WBC world championships he won in different divisions that opened the doors for the world idolatry that he won during his professional boxing career.”

From WBCares chairperson Jill Diamond:

“Thanks to Brian Adams and the New York Daily News, on April 16 and 17 WBC World Boxing Cares is taking 40 children from the N.Y. Foundling Leadership Program and Lutheran Services to the Golden Gloves at Madison Square Garden. Also, on April 18, WBCares & Athletes for Charity will send another 25 children as guests of the Red Bulls to Giant Stadium to watch the Red Bulls vs. Real Salt Lake.

 

[heyzel]

Junior Witter Says Andriy Kotelnik Will KO Amir Khan In June Meeting

by James Slater - Former WBC light-welterweight champion Junior "The Hitter" Witter has an advantage over most people when it comes to picking a winner from the upcoming June 27th WBA 140-pound title clash between defending champion Andriy Kotelnik of Ukraine and challenger Amir Khan of Great Britain - as he has been in the ring with Kotelnik..

Back in July of 2005, whilst defending his European light-welterweight title, Witter scored a close but unanimous decision over the 31-year-old. An astute follower of the fight game, Witter knows all about Khan as well. So, who does he pick to win in June? The former champ picks Kotelnik to win, and he picks him to do so by a KO or stoppage at that.

There is little doubt the fight is a big gamble for the 22-year-old former Olympian, just as Khan's fight against Marco Antonio Barrera was a risky bout for him to take. Khan won against "The Baby Faced Assassin," but according to Witter he will lose this roll of the dice.

Speaking with Setanta Sports News recently, Junior gave his prediction for the upcoming fight.

"I think he'll [Khan] get beat quite convincingly," Witter stated. "It'd be good for British boxing if he can do it but, realistically, he's been knocked out by a decent puncher at lightweight and now he's moving up to light-welterweight, where people are bigger and hit harder.

"Kotelnik is not a one-punch specialist but he's very accurate and is good at his job. He studies opponents, finds weaknesses and exploits it. Amir Khan's weak spot is his chin."

There is no doubt Khan's chin is something all fans and experts look at as extremely vulnerable, and Witter is correct when he says fighters hit harder up at 140 compared to down at 135. However, some believe that Khan's weak chin was caused, at least partially, due to his struggling to make 135-pounds. Now that he will not have to lose as much weight to fight, maybe his chin will hold up better. Also, Khan will also be stronger and a harder hitter up at light-welter himself.

Still, Witter is sure Kotelnik will stop Khan at some point, though he says it may take the champion a while to get his man out of there.

"I think he'll have difficulty for the first three rounds getting to Amir, but then [I see him] knocking him out somewhere around the middle [of the fight]," Witter said.

If Junior's prediction is right, Khan may have a very tough time coming back. Yes, he will have lost to a very good world champion, but to have been KO's twice will perhaps prove disastrous for his marketability.

It's been said before, but this fight really is make or break for Amir Khan.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Ok, here are a couple GREAT fights that don't really need to happen.

First:
Valero vs. Prescott is Close For July 25 in Mexico

By Mark Vester

We may get to see a big battle of punchers on July 25. Top Rank's Bob Arum advised Michael Rosenthal of The Ring Online that a deal is very close to being completed for WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero (25-0, 25KOs) to make his first title defense against Breidis Prescott (21-0, 18 KOs) of Colombia. The fight would take place on the Latin Fury 9 pay-per-view that Top Rank is putting together in Mexico. Junior middleweight contender Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will likely headline.

Valero splashed on the American scene on April 4 in Texas with a two round wipeout of Antonio Pitalua. Prescott is best known for his first round knockout of superstar Amir Khan from last September.


I am very surprised both camps would take such a risk like this. Both fighters have everything going for them and are rising stars. Prescott obviously living off his KO win over Amir Khan, and Valero is beggining to be heard in the US with his 100% KO ratio. This fight really doesn't need to happen, but as a fan I'm excited it is. SOMEONE IS DEFINITELY GETTING KTFO!!







And second:



Miranda vs. Ward on May 16 - Press Conference Quotes


President Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions, publicist Marylyn Aceves and talented, undefeated Andre Ward participated in a press conference Tuesday in Oakland, Calif. Ward, of Oakland, will fight for the first time as a pro in his hometown when he faces dangerous, hard-hitting Edison Miranda in the main event on Saturday, May 16, at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.

The 2004 Olympic Games gold medalist and the last boxer from the U.S. to bring home the gold, the world-ranked Ward (18-0, 12 KOs) will be taking a step up in class when he defends his NABO and NABF 168-pound belts against Miranda (32-3, 28 KOs), of Colombia. Miranda's only losses have been to world champions Arthur Abraham and Kelly Pavlik.

Ward speaks at Tuesday's press conference. Miranda was not in attendance, but took part and answered questions from the media via speaker phone. Aceves served as his translator.

Tickets for the event promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Antonio Leonard Promotions go on sale Friday, April 17. Priced at $125, $75, $50 and $25, they can be purchased at the Oracle Box Office (Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 pm, and Saturday 10 a.m. -2 p.m.; it is closed Sunday) or online through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or through Ticketmaster Outlets at the following outlet partners: select Macy’s stores and select Ritmo Latino stores. All information can be obtained at www.ticketmaster.com.



Doors open on May 16 at 4:30 p.m. PT. The first live fight is 5 p.m. The Ward-Miranda 12-rounder will be the featured bout on a Special Saturday Primetime Edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

DAN GOOSSEN, PRESIDENT OF GOOSSEN TUTOR PROMOTIONS

“Goossen Tutor Promotions just came off of two very exciting wins over the weekend and we are continuing the momentum with the announcement of this great challenge that Andre Ward is presented with in front of his Bay Area fans. Edison Miranda is a tough opponent that, with a victory, will catapult Andre to the top.”

“Andre may be respectful and quiet at this press conference, but don’t let that fool you. He’s a mean son of a %#*@ when he’s in that ring. Miranda will find that out on May 16.”

WARD QUOTES

“I am excited to fight in my backyard. It’s going to be a competitive fight and that is what I will be ready for on May 16.”

“I keep my composure because I don’t need to disrespect my family, who is at this press conference, or the boxing fans."

“Miranda can say anything that he wants right now and I am not going to react, but you can bet that I will retaliate in the ring on May 16.”

MIRANDA QUOTES

“The fight will only go up to the 10th round and that’s because that is when I am going to knock Andre Ward out.”

“Andre Ward has never been in the ring with a fighter like me – he hasn’t fought anyone talented. If there is one thing that you notice about Andre’s fights, he’s always running.”

“Andre doesn’t have the heart of a champion. He is holding onto his one achievement, The Olympic Gold Medal, but that is all he will ever achieve.”

“I feel sorry for Dan Goossen to have invested so much money in such an untalented fighter.”

“I have over 30 fights. If you compare the challenges that I have taken on throughout my career they are far more than what Ward has faced.”

“I’m fighting in Andre Ward’s backyard. During the first two to three rounds, you will hear the crowd cheering for him, but as I dominate him and show the fans how a real boxer performs, I guarantee you...you’re going to hear them chanting my name at the end of the night.”

ROBERT ROWELL, PRESIDENT OF GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

“We are very pleased to have Andre Ward fight in his backyard and our home, Oracle Arena.”

“I do follow Andre Ward’s career and know that this fight against Edison Miranda is going to be an exciting one for the fans.”

“We are proud to assist bringing what will be an exciting match to Andre’s hometown fans.”


LMAO, Miranda is P4P #2 shit talker (Mayorga #1). Another fight that neither really has to take but is risking everything taking it.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

In Mexico? That's weak...
July 25th is my birthday and I go watch a fight every birthday (whatever is on that week, last year was Cotto/Margarito), but I'm sure as hell not going to Mexico to see that...

It's a nice fight, but just not a big fan of going to Mexico.

 

[MOREBASS]

I'll be at the Oracle on the 16th to finally see what Ward is made of. I'm going to make my girl buy us tickets since my birthday is on the 19th...tiddies and pussu to follow.

Hopefully it'll be an exciting fight !



Prescott - Valero is gonna be a bloodbath. I love when promoters realize that the benefit of your fighter winning a risky fight like this almost always outweighs the risk of losing one. Well, to me it does at least.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

LMAO @ David Haye's new shirt, ripping off the heads of the Klitschko's!

 

[MOREBASS]

LOL. He's a fool, but at least something semi-exciting is going down in the heavyweight division.

I personally think that Haye is going to get jabbed to death.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

A mad Klitschko? We've seen how it turns out when one brother avenges the other, but I think they are legitamitely pissed off with Hayes. He's smart though, so he will be able to control his emotions at the beginning.

I'm taking Klitschko in this as well.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

yeah the size differential is tremendous. If I were to bet on this fight, which I'm not, I would reluctantly pick Wlad. His jab and overall size should get him the W. However Haye has the best shot against Wlad, imo, because Wlad does have a glass chin and he panics and freaks the fuck out when a fighter presses him. The guy simply does not like getting hit and he's scared of getting KO'd again. Haye's best chance is to storm him opening bell and try to KO his ass within 3 rounds. If it goes past that Haye is in trouble.

For the sake of the sport, I really hope Haye wins. Vitali fighting Haye to avenge his bro's loss would be huge.

 

[heyzel]

yeah the size differential is tremendous. If I were to bet on this fight, which I'm not, I would reluctantly pick Wlad. His jab and overall size should get him the W. However Haye has the best shot against Wlad, imo, because Wlad does have a glass chin and he panics and freaks the fuck out when a fighter presses him. The guy simply does not like getting hit and he's scared of getting KO'd again. Haye's best chance is to storm him opening bell and try to KO his ass within 3 rounds. If it goes past that Haye is in trouble.

For the sake of the sport, I really hope Haye wins. Vitali fighting Haye to avenge his bro's loss would be huge.

agreed

 

[heyzel]

Arreola's Fight Made Me Sick To My Stomach, Says Arum

By Mark Vester

Top Rank's Bob Arum completely trashed last weekend's heavyweight bout between Chris Arreola and Jameel McCline. Arum told The Ring Online that Arreola-McCline was a disgrace to heavyweight boxing in America. Arreola stopped McCline in four rounds last Saturday in Las Vegas.

“Let me tell you something,” Arum said. “I really got sick to my stomach Saturday night with these two heavyweights who were obviously overweight and out of condition fighting on HBO and representing heavyweight boxing in this country. That to me was a disgrace.

Arum usually takes shots at the UFC, but this time he actually showed some respect. He said UFC president Dana White would never allow fighters who physically out of shape to get air time.

“We in boxing criticize the UFC, but Dana White would never, ever allow athletes like that to fight on his cards, out of shape with ridiculous rolls of fat. I think it’s ridiculous. HBO is so worried about lights and camera angles; they should worry about the athletes they give time to,” Arum said

 

[heyzel]

Joshua Clottey Officially Vacates IBF Title For Cotto Fight

By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com has been advised that Joshua Clottey has officially vacated his IBF welterweight title. The IBF was leaning on Clottey to make a mandatory defense against Isaac Hlatswayo of South Africa. The move to vacate was no surprise. Clottey is scheduled to take part in the biggest fight of his career when he challenges Miguel Cotto for the WBO title on June 13 at New York's Madison Square Garden.

From what I was told, Isaac Hlatswayo and Rafael Jackiewicz, the two highest ranked available contenders, have been ordered to fight for the vacant title. The two sides were given until May 16 to reach a deal or the fight will head to purse bid.