Boxing News Thread

[heyzel]

Freddie Roach To Become Ricky Hatton's New Trainer

by James Slater - According to a shocking news article that has appeared as an exclusive on RingTalk.com and has since been picked up by a number of other boxing web sites, trainer of the hour Freddie Roach will become the new trainer of a certain Ricky Hatton very soon! According to the breaking story put out by RingTalk.com, a "stunning announcement is forthcoming."

Not only is this claim a real shocker, the fact that Hatton has, apparently, made the decision to box on is also something of a surprise. For one thing, Ricky sure made his mind up quickly - especially when you bear in mind the fact that "The Hitman" was starched by Manny Pacquiao less than five weeks ago and that the Manchester warrior said himself that no-one should go expecting any rapid decision from him about whether or not he will fight on..

Another surprise (assuming the news is in fact wholly correct), is the fact that Roach would agree to work with a fighter who he said only recently should think about hanging 'em up. This will be the third different man Hatton has had training him. First it was the man who discovered him, Billy Graham. Then the father of the first man to defeat him was brought on board, in Floyd Mayweather Senior. Now the trainer of the fighter who annihilated him is being brought in.

It's easy to see why Hatton has looked at Roach. Freddie's talents have been much publicised and proven many, many times. Who better to have working your corner when you are a fighter in serious need of a career revamp? Then again, as talented and gifted as he is, Roach cannot work miracles. If, as some critics have suggested, Hatton's punch resistance has completely gone, what on earth can the owner of the famous Wild Card gym do about it?

Hatton MAY be taking a lead from fellow Brit Amir Khan. Khan, as we know, had his suspect chin smashed inside a minute by puncher Breidis Prescott last year, and who did he turn to almost immediately afterwards? That's right Freddie. And now, if the claims can be believed, Khan is a much better fighter defensively, and the hit-and-not-be-hit approach drilled into him by Roach will make him a world champion. If anyone can reinvent Hatton as a hard-to-hit boxer, it's Roach. Sure, it would be an even bigger turnaround for Hatton than it has been for Khan - a fighter who always was in possession of sharp skills and slickness - but Ricky did use some more head movement under Mayweather Snr in the win over Paulie Malignaggi.

We have yet to hear any official announcement that he will indeed try, but if Freddie Roach can get Ricky Hatton back to the top, his past achievements may well pale in comparison

 

[2-0-Sixx]

^^it's too late Ricky, it's too late

 

[2-0-Sixx]

via the klitschko's website Wlad is in negotiations to get Valuev to take David Haye's spot june 20th. Now, it's not as exciting as Haye, BUT it's a unification bout and to see wlad against a 7 foot giant is pretty interesting... Hopefully it comes together.

Valuev has the last remaining heavyweight title not owned by a klitschko.

 

[heyzel]

Pacquiao Accepts Challenge To Fight Mosley

Los Angeles, CA, June 3, 2009—Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao has agreed to meet WBA Welterweight Champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley in a mega-fight at a catch weight. In an interview today with Filipino news organization GMA News, Manny Pacquiao agreed to Mosley’s dare to meet in the ring. “No problem, we can fight. As long we negotiate," Pacquiao said from his hometown, General Santos City.

Mosley countered, “Now that Manny has stated that he is ready to fight me, the only thing left to finish are negotiations. Richard Schaefer and Bob Arum are working out the details now. I will be ready to fight Pacquiao on October 17th.” Mosley has agreed to a 40-60 split and is willing to fight at a catch weight to meet Pacquiao in the ring.

Mosley last faced Antonio Margarito in January 2009 and delivered a ninth-round knockout. Pacquiao is coming off a second-round knock-out victory over Ricky Hatton in May.

 

[heyzel]

David Haye: "I'm sorry to disappoint all my fans

LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2009) - Despite yesterday's announcement that the June 20th World Heavyweight Championship bout between Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye has been called off due to a back injury Haye suffered during training camp, a disappointed Haye is seeking a postponement rather than a cancellation. Adam Booth, Haye's trainer and manager described the news as "the most disappointing and devastating that David has ever had to deliver".

He continued, "Unfortunately David has sustained a back injury which means he is unable to continue training for a short period. We're heading back to the UK for some aggressive physiotherapy.

"It looks like there will be only a three week delay from the original fight date with respect to David's readiness, which hopefully means that Wladimir will only postpone the fight, rather than cancel it.."

David Haye commented, "I'm sorry to disappoint all my fans across the world and I hope that once I have had the sufficient treatment, I will be able to start training again and we can get the fight on as soon as possible. I know this is the fight the fans want and I will do everything to make sure it happens."

"We are disappointed that David will be unable to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship on June 20th, but we want to make sure that he is in top condition when he fights Wladimir," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "We hope David makes a fast recovery and we can reschedule the fight as soon as possible."

Further announcements will be made soon.

 

[heyzel]

Pacquiao on Erroneous Press Release: "Not Too Fast Mr. Mosley"

MANILA—Boxing’s No. 1 pound-for-pound best fighter Manny Pacquiao was surprised and flattered over the enterprising reports which came out in the media that a fight with “Sugar” Shane Mosley has been forged Wednesday. Apparently, a press release from a group associated with Mosley, the Entertainers and Athletes Group (EAG), came up with the story that Pacquiao agreed to fight the current WBA welterweight champion Mosley on Oct. 17.

“It’s funny that I am the last man to know about this supposed fight. I know everyone wants to fight me and I have said I will fight anyone, including Mosley. But I have not heard from my promoter or have seen any contract or fight detail. So, there is no fight yet,” said Pacquiao.

“I am flattered that even the great “Sugar” Shane Mosley is now going after me by any means. I am not closing the door on any negotiations, though, and I trust my promotional and training team to make the best decision for me,” added Pacquiao, almost a month after knocking out consensus 140-pound champion Ricky Hatton of England in only two rounds..

“For sure, my next match will be on June 18 to 21 and it will be against some of the best darters in the world,” said Pacquiao, who is bankrolling the $100,000 “Pacmania II Darts Tournament” in Burbank, California. “We have tried to invite Ricky Hatton to play a friendly match of darts with me, complete with a prize fund, but I guess he is still on vacation, according to his handlers. I hope he can still make it, so we can do a big side event.”

Top darters from all over America and other countries have already signified their intention of joining the event, one of the biggest darts competitions in years. Pacquiao, an avid darter, will compete with the likes of Brad Wethington, Scott Kirchner, Rob Heckman, Chris White, Ray Carver, Scotty Burnett, Nico Depaynos and Gary Mawson, among others.

Pacquiao is set to arrive in Los Angeles next week along with his family for a much-needed vacation. He will also fly out to New York to receive the 2008 Fighter of the Year award from the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America on June 12 and attend the Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey Madison Square Garden fight the day after.

Filipino Rodel Mayol, now managed by Pacquiao, will be in the undercard. He challenges WBO light flyweight champion Ivan Calderon.

“I am not blaming people for coming up with ideas to lure me to fight them. I have said it before and I will say it again, I will not run away from a great fight. Floyd Mayweather is even using reverse psychology, saying he will not agree to fight me for a 50-50 purse. Of course everyone wants to fight me,” said Pacquiao.

“We will make the announcement at a proper time and a proper place after all the fight details have been discussed,” said the 30-year-old Pacquiao, a six-division champion who has won titles in the 112-pound flyweight division all the way to victories in other weight classes and over Oscar Dela Hoya at 147 pounds last December.

Pacquiao is still considering and choosing among a star-studded cast of would-be opponents including Mosley, Mayweather, who is facing Juan Manuel Marquez in July, Cotto, and a host of others

 

[heyzel]

Who Wants To Fight Paul Williams?

Doveed Linder - Paul Williams is the man who can fight anywhere from 147-160 and there has even been some talk of him fighting at 168. He is also the most avoided fighter in boxing. After his dominating performance over Winky Wright, Williams is now considered to be among the top 10 fighters in the world. In boxing, you have to beat a top guy in order to be a top guy. Given the fact that Williams has recently made such a strong case for himself, one would think that some of the other top guys in the game would be beating down his door. But when you hear fighters calling each other out and talking about how they want to prove that they are the best, Paul Williams’ name is rarely if ever mentioned..

Shane Mosley is currently sitting on top of the welterweight division. Also at welterweight are Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, and of course Floyd Mayweather, Jr. who is still considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The junior middleweight division is without any dominant champions at the moment, but some of the top guys are Vernon Forrest, Cory Spinks, Kermit Cintron, and Sergio Martinez. And at middleweight, Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham are the division’s best. Of all the fighters mentioned, no one seems especially eager to fight Paul Williams.

From 147-160, the three biggest fights that could be made for Williams are Floyd Mayweather, Jr, Shane Mosley, and Kelly Pavlik. Mayweather is set to fight Juan Manuel Marquez in July, Mosley is pursuing a match with Manny Pacquiao, and Pavlik’s team is attempting to once again secure a fight with Segio Mora. Other than these three fighters, Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey are fighting in the very near future, Arthur Abraham is fighting Mahir Oral, Cory Spinks recently called out Kermit Cintron, and Vernon Forrest and Sergio Martinez may end up fighting at some point. These fighters may not be ducking Williams in the traditional sense, but it does seem a bit ironic that one of the best fighters in the world is not in the mix for any of these potential match-ups.

The biggest fight in boxing that everyone has been talking about is Pacquiao/Mayweather. At the moment, that fight looks as if it may not happen in the near future, as Pacquiao and Mosley will soon begin negotiations for a fight of their own. If that’s the case, Williams may find himself with options at 147. Assuming Mayweather beats Marquez, a Mayweather/Williams fight could make for an exciting and meaningful match-up. And if that fight can’t be made, Williams against the winner of Cotto/Clottey is certainly a possibility.

But if Williams is unable to secure a meaningful fight at 147-160, he might have to go up to 168 to find a good opponent. Between Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch, Andre Ward, Lucian Bute, Librado Andrade, and Allan Green, the 168 pound division is loaded with prospects. It’s hard to imagine that a fighter can compete from 147-168. At some point, it’s logical to think that he’s either going too high or too low. But Williams has had success so far at welterweight, junior middleweight, and middleweight and he might just be able to go up to super middleweight and be a force to reckon with.

There is some debate among fans as to how good Williams really is. Before the fight with Winky Wright, some were already of the belief that he was one of the game’s best, mainly because of his win over Antonio Margarito and because of the dominance he’s shown in other fights. Others believed that he was over-hyped and that his first match with Carlos Quintana exposed this, regardless of the fact that he avenged that loss via 1st round knockout. His skeptics believed that Winky would take him into deep water and expose him once again, but he proved his doubters wrong by dominating Wright for every minute of every round.

Since the fight with Winky, some of Williams’ supporters are not only convinced that he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, but he could beat anyone from 147-160, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. included. But Williams’ skeptics are of the belief that Winky had the right style for him, which is why he looked so good. They also believe that he doesn’t have the strength to stand up to a hard-hitting middleweight and that he would crumble if a legitimate 160-pounder ever got his hands on him. Regardless of how a person may feel about Williams, it can’t be denied that he is one of the game’s best. He has won major fights on major networks and the fact that no fighter in the game seems to be anxious to fight him only validates the idea that he is a dominant force. It’s likely that Paul Williams would love to prove his critics wrong by fighting the best that boxing has to offer. But in order for that to happen, the top guys have to be willing to

 

[heyzel]

MAYWEATHER - Can anyone really beat the best fighter of his generation?

By Conor Ward - Many have tried – all of them have failed. A few lucky lesser lights met their end early on in proceedings, caught out and flattened by the blinding speed of a sharp right hand or a stinging left hook. Others fared a little better, forced to hit the showers midway through the schedule after a brutal and unrelenting accumulation of punishment. Some managed to reach the sanctity of the final bell, though they too arrived at that same inevitable fate and had that big eye-soaring ‘L’ chalked up next to their name. And so after a pro career which spanned eleven years the first time around, that ‘L’ remains nowhere to be seen on the ledger of one Floyd Mayweather Junior / “Pretty Boy Floyd” / “Money Mayweather.” Call him whatever you like, but just call him the best while you’re at it.

And so on July 18th at the MGM Grand, it falls to Mexico’s best current fighter and pound-for-pound number two Juan Manuel Marquez to take a stab at a task which is - if not quite in the impossible category – at the top end of the difficulty scale in matters sport.. However, there has been a notion touted around that Floyd has taken a bit of a soft option in facing Marquez on his ring return.

Everyone who is involved or takes more than a passing interest in the fight game knows well that the 35-year-old from Mexico City is nobody’s fool. Yes, he is moving up from lightweight to welterweight to face Mayweather, a considerable step up, and that places him at a disadvantage. But this is no easy “warm-up” for Floyd to take on his return. “Dinamita’s” two stellar performances against current pound-for-pound top dog Manny Pacquiao - whether you take the view that he was the rightful winner of those fights or not – are proof enough of that.

But as for Marquez actually winning the fight, well, that’s another matter. He’s a fine technician, but he’s not a massively explosive hitter. Could he really deliver a knockout punch, or even a very damaging shot, against a defence as watertight as Floyd’s? That would seem a big ask. The size difference is obviously against him, so he certainly won’t be bossing Floyd around the ring. Then again Marquez is fast-handed, but as fast as Floyd? Highly doubtful. He’s skillful too, but more skilled than Floyd? I think not.

Marquez does have the strategy, skill and will to ask any opponent lots of questions, but we’ve seen this before, haven’t we. If Floyd doesn’t know the answers to those questions before the fight, he invariably figures them out along the way with the aid of good old Uncle Roger. Whilst he has not always dominated his opponents right from the off, his remarkable natural stamina, along with his ability to stay relaxed and pace himself throughout a 12-round contest, gives him a quite distinct advantage in the championship rounds. To use Floyd’s own words from previous verbal wars, he might just “take him to deep waters and then drown him.”

And if Marquez can’t do it, then who can? The obvious answer screaming back now is that Pacquiao can. That is undoubtedly the fight we are all craving to see, but I still can’t avoid the feeling that the euphoria being generated by his meteoric and undeniably impressive rise to superstardom will ultimately be quietly crushed by the cool crafty skills and calculating mind of Mayweather.

He’s already widely - though not universally - regarded as the best fighter of his generation, though his critics always choose to talk up the credentials of the fighter he hasn’t faced in order to detract from his record. But Money talks too – never shy about referring to himself in the most reverend of tones, though his best talking is always done inside the ropes.

As a big admirer of what he’s all about as a fighter, I’m personally just hoping to see Floyd in as many fights as possible against the very best opponents. After Marquez, give him Pacquiao, give him Mosley, give him Cotto, even give him Paul Williams and Kelly Pavlik. My bet is that he can beat any and all of them, simply because he’s the best in so many ways – quicker, smarter, more skilled, superior (That old Carly Simon number “Nobody does it better” comes to mind!)

Oft-maligned but still untarnished, Mayweather’s second coming may prove even more impressive than his first. Let all the detractors come out again with sharpened critical blades, pens and keyboards. Let all the other top pugilists lace on the gloves and give it their best shot.

And what’s to say that the 0 still won’t go?

 

[heyzel]

David Haye Was Medically Cleared For July 25 To Fight

By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was advised by Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer that David Haye was cleared, by his physician, to fight on July 25 at the earliest. On Wednesday, Haye pulled out, due to a back injury, from his June 20th bout with IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

As I reported earlier, Klitschko made a decision to keep the same date and reached a deal to fight unbeaten Ruslan Chagaev in the same venue. Over 60,000 fans are expected to attend. HBO has passed on Klitschko-Chagaev.

Schaefer told BoxingScene that RTL, the network that televises Klitschko's fights in Germany, was not available for the date of July 25. He believes that was the breaking point that made Klitschko take the fight with Chagaev.

"I spoke with David, he met with his doctor and the earliest he was able to fight was July 25. RTL, the German network, was not available for that date and I think that's why they decided to go with Chagaev," Schaefer said.

As far as the next move for Haye, Schaefer is get him back in the ring as soon as possible.

"Maybe we'll try to make the fight with Klitschko later on but I think it's going to be tough because of the [IBF] mandatory that he has with Alexander Povetkin. I will speak to David and his team. I'll see what they want to do and we'll take it from there," Schaefer said.

 

[heyzel]

Sugar Ray Leonard Praises Pacquiao and Mayweather

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Former multi-titled world boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Leonard says Filipino hero Manny Pacquiao is a boxing superstar “because of what he did to Oscar De La Hoya.”

Pacquiao pulverized “The Golden Boy” in a welterweight battle that forced De La Hoya to quit at the end of the eighth round last December 6.

Viva Sports special correspondent Romy Sajer reported from Chicago that Leonard made the statement in an interview on Chicago ’s popular sports radio “WSCR, the Score” on Thursday, Manila Time.

At the same time Leonard said Floyd Mayweather Jr and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao are two of his favorite boxers today.

Leonard said “both fighters have brought back excitement to the sport” in response to a question on whether mixed martial arts is a threat to boxing while gaining popularity and loyal fans.

Named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 1980s, Sajer said Leonard was promoting a pizza company and EA Sports. Despite the bad beating he suffered at the hands of Pacquiao, Leonard applauded De La Hoya for sustaining the popularity of boxing after he (Leonard) retired.

Leonard said he carried out the same role after Muhammad Ali and the other top heavyweights retired. “Now” he told the Chicago radio talkshow hosts, “Pacquiao and the rest of the other fighters are bringing excitement and popularity to the sport.”

Leonard dismissed the notion that “boxing is for old people and mixed martial arts is the choice of the younger generation.” He said that “both sports have a loyal following and can coexist.”

The classic boxer who had memorable fights against Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler said he looks forward to the day when major TV networks in the US again telecast boxing during weekend sports programs and not only on cable.

 

[heyzel]

Mayweather: "Marquez Called Me Out, Pacquiao Didn't

By Mark Vester

Floyd Mayweather Jr. claims the only reason he returned to the ring with a fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, instead of Manny Pacquiao, is because Marquez called him out on live television. A familiar response from Floyd. He said the same thing back in 2007, when Ricky Hatton called him out on live televsion and Mayweather, also retired at the time, returned to stop Hatton and then went back into retirement. Mayweather presented his case to scribe Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports.

“I’m fighting the guy who called me out,” Mayweather said. “Manny Pacquiao never called me out. You never heard him say that. But I was watching on TV and I heard Marquez call me out. So I said, ‘OK, if he wants some, he can have it.’ Any one of them, whoever, they know where to find me.”

Mayweather appears to be annoyed with the critics who continue to call his bout with Marquez a "physical mismatch." He told Iole that De La Hoya did the same thing in 2000 when he made Shane Mosley go from lightweight to welterweight, and then Oscar did a repeat last December when he made Pacquiao go from lightweight to welterweight. Mayweather and Marquez will clash at a catch-weight of 144-pounds.

“Why, if it’s good for Oscar, isn’t it good for me?” Mayweather asks. “Marquez is one of the best fighters in the world. A lot of people, including me and including a lot of you in the media, think he beat Manny Pacquiao in both of them fights. So why do I have to hear this? It’s ridiculous.”

And for the record, adviser and close friend Leonard Ellerbe blasted the rumors of Mayweather returning to the sport because he needed money. Ellerbe told Iole that Mayweather would have solved any financial problem, if there was one, by accepting the rematch with De La Hoya last September.

“That’s crazy, but if that were true, why would Floyd have turned down a $20 million-plus offer in September to fight Oscar [De La Hoya]?” Ellerbe said. “If he needed money, there it was, a $20 million-plus offer. He’s coming back because this is what he does and he got a good rest and he has something to prove

 

[heyzel]

Duddy vs. Camacho Jr. in Talks For August?

By Mark Vester

According to boxing manager Craig Hamilton, an offer was made for once-beaten John Duddy to face Hector Camacho Jr. in what I would assume to be a contest at junior middleweight or middleweight. The fight would take place in August in New York.

Duddy is trying to recover from his first loss, a split decision to Billy Lyell in April. Duddy is also in talks to face Neil Sinclair in Ireland but the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement. Hamilton says the offer for the Sinclair fight is not big enough. The offer for the Camacho fight appears to be bigger, according to Hamilton. One insider told BoxingScene.com that he doesn't believe the story of a substantiual offer being made to Duddy for a fight with Camacho Jr. He says Camacho Jr. is being used as a bargaining chip to reach an agreement with Sinclair.

“It's not all about money but professional fighters fight for money and at the moment there is plenty of scope for negotiation,” said Hamilton to the Belfast Telegraph. “The fight with Sinclair is one that I like and it's one that John wants and of course it was in Derry that would be very appealing."

“This is boxing and we have to do the best for John. So we'll see what happens over the next few days

 

[heyzel]

Froch: "I'll Face Lucian Bute or Bernard Hopkins Next"

By Mark Vester

WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch say his next fight will take place in September and if he doesn't get a unification bout with Lucian Bute, the IBF champion, then he will face Bernard Hopkins. Bute is still the frontrunner, but Hopkins is the secondary choice for the potential return date of September 5.

"It will probably be Bute but if we can do a deal with Hopkins he is someone I would love to fight," said Froch to BBC Sport. "The next fight will probably be in September we're looking for the fifth but nothing has been set in stone yet. It will be Lucian Bute or Bernard Hopkins, who is an American legend. If that's the fight that can be made then that's one I'll go for."

The Bute fight happens the bout will take place in England, and Froch has no issue about traveling to fight Hopkins in the bright lights of Las Vegas.

"If it's Bute it will be in England, if it's Hopkins it will be in Las Vegas. I'm at the top of the game now," Froch said. "I'm world champion - I fought a great fight against Jermain Taylor and it's been acknowledged I'm a serious operator."

"I've been away for a week but other than that I've just been relaxing my bones and muscles and having a bit of a breather after 12 weeks of training. The rest is important so that is what I've been doing. Physically it takes a lot out of you but mentally too. It's very demanding

 

[heyzel]

Paul Spadafora Hires Pernell Whitaker as Trainer

PITTSBURGH - Promoter Michael Acri announced today that four-division world champion and Hall of Fame inductee PERNELL "Sweet Pea" WHITAKER is the new chief trainer for undefeated former IBF lightweight champion PAUL "The Pittsburgh Kid" SPADAFORA as he prepares for his Wednesday, June 24 homecoming at Pittsburgh's Amphitheatre at Station Square (125 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, Penn. 15129.) Spadafora (41-0-1), will rumble with Ivan Bustos (27-12-3), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a 10-round junior welterweight bout. The all-action show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Whitaker (40-4-1, 17 KOs), and a 1984 Olympic gold medalist, captured world titles in the lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight and junior middleweight divisions during a professional career that spanned 17 years. Named Fighter of the Year in 1989 and widely considered boxing's best pound for pound fighter during his championship reign, Whitaker was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.

" I'm looking forward to working with Paul and I know I can add to his game," said Whitaker.

"Pernell was one of my idols growing up and I know we are going to make a good team," added Spadafora.

The undercard will feature two Pittsburgh favorites, undefeated lightweight "Lightning" Rod Salka (7-0, 2 KOs), and welterweight Jose "The Prince" Caraballo (5-3, 1 KO), the professional debut of heavyweight Tommy Poe, from Wheeling, WV, and additional bouts.

 

[heyzel]

De La Hoya Says He's Doubtful Pacquiao Will Fight Mosley, But Says If It Did Happen M

by James Slater - Okay, Oscar De La Hoya may be guilty of being a touch biased for two reasons: number-one he is a business associate of Shane Mosley's, and number-two Oscar was badly beaten up by Manny Pacquiao. But the recently retired future Hall of Famer has gone on record as saying Mosley - the man who twice out-pointed him in big fights - would definitely beat Pacquiao if the two pound-for-pound stars met. However, De La Hoya also says he is very doubtful the two talents will actually collide in the ring..

Speaking with The Ring on line, the owner of the magazine spoke about how Manny's trainer Freddie Roach is too smart to allow his fighter into the ring with "Sugar" Shane.

"Mosley would crush Pacquiao in a heartbeat," De La Hoya said to Michael Rosenthal of Ring. "That's why I think it would never happen. Mosley is willing to come down in weight and take a smaller share of the pot, which shows you he wants to fight the best. Obviously that's an admirable quality.

"I just don't feel Freddie and Manny will do it - Mosley is too big a threat. Was I a risk when I came down to 147? Freddie Roach is smart. He saw something. Was Ricky Hatton a risk? Again, Freddie is a smart guy. That's why he's the best. And it's why he's not going to risk his fighter's pound-for-pound status against a real champion like Mosley."

These comments by Oscar are sure to get the fans craving a Pacquiao-Mosley fight all the more - perhaps even more than a Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown. Though he turns 38 in September, Mosley, as he showed by stopping the hitherto unstoppable Antonio Margarito in January, is one great, great fighter.

Oscar spoke of how the man who twice beat him would defeat "Pac-Man."

"Mosley saw my fight against Pacquiao," Oscar said. "He saw the Ricky Hatton fight. He wouldn't commit the mistakes we both made. He won't come down in weight too much like I did. He won't leave his head up there like Ricky did. He's smart."

There is no doubt Mosley is indeed "smart," but when Oscar says Shane won't come down in weight too much, he may have to to get the fight. Mosley has already said he'd be willing to meet Pacquiao at a catch-weight, and it's no secret that Freddie Roach has said he will not allow his fighter to box any higher than 143 or 144-pounds max. Will this poundage be low enough to have a very real effect on Mosley's chances of winning?

How much Mosley wants this huge fight will dictate how low he really is willing to come down to. Let's hope both sides can come to an agreement, though. This fight is too good not to happen

 

[heyzel]

Klitschko-Chagaev On - So Where Does David Haye Go From Here?

by James Slater - With IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko opting to go ahead and fight the unbeaten Ruslan Chagaev on the June 20th date that was originally set for his voluntary defence against David Haye, the plans Haye had of "becoming a legend" have been severely compromised. As we know, Haye asked for Klitschko to delay the fight with him for three weeks, so that the two could then fight when the challenger's back problem had been sorted out. But Wladimir said no to this proposal..

No-one can blame Wladmir one bit for choosing not to wait around in the hope that the talked about July 11th date would be one Haye actually managed to fight on (Bernd Boente asked, quite rightly, what would happen if Haye re-injured his back some time prior to the new date?)

So, as Klitschko gets ready to face Chagaev for Ring magazine's illustrious heavyweight championship belt, where does Haye go from here? It's not likely he will get too much sympathy from the fans - even though any fighter can suffer a training injury as he has - but Haye may well find himself having to wait months before another world title shot materialises for him.

From being one win away from becoming the main man at the top of the heavyweight division (begging Vitali Klitschko's pardon), Haye now finds himself on the outside looking in. Wladimir, who so badly wanted to punish Haye for all the disrespectful things he said about him, may still be hoping to get the chance to do so one day - but it's doubtful the fight will take place this year.

First of all, what if the talented southpaw from Uzbekistan beats "Dr. Steel Hammer?" Haye would likely never get a fight with the giant from Ukraine then. But even if Klitschko does beat Chagaev, he will surely then have to accommodate his IBF mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin in his next fight. No, the more you look at it, the more clear it becomes that Haye's next fight will not now be a world title affair. Very much having to get back in line, "The Hayemaker" will be like the rest of the world's big men, in that he will be in the hunt for a title shot.

This could prove to be very risky for Haye. Unless he chooses to remain idle and fight no-one at all - an unlikely option, that if taken would cause Haye to become covered in ring-rust - Haye will run the risk of being beaten by whoever it is he fights while he waits to see if another title fight can be arranged for him. Haye is a talented fighter, but he remains a question mark up at heavyweight. Would he risk taking on a top-ten opponent such as a Chris Arreola, a Kevin Johnson or a Tony Thompson? Or will Haye pick on relatively "safe" opposition instead?

Haye had very much put all his eggs in one basket by focusing on the Klitschko brothers. It's unlikely he'll get a shot at that other claimant of the fractured heavyweight title - Nikolai Valuev - and Haye has already said such a fight does not interest him anyway. Besides, the Russian colossus doesn't really seem too keen on fighting anyone at the moment - or so it seems; what with his refusal to box either the man Wladimir Klitschko will fight in three week's time or Klitschko himself.

What it all boils down to, is the fact that Haye will have to do what many fans said he should have had to do in the first place; earn a world heavyweight title shot.

 

[heyzel]

Haye vs. Arreola - Both Sides Are Tempted To Fight

By Rick Reeno

Two of most exciting fighters in the heavyweight division are looking for opponents. David Haye was scheduled to fight IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko on June 20 in Germany. He withdrew on Wednesday with a back injury. Klitschko will now fight undefeated Ruslan Chagaev. Unbeaten Chris Arreola would like to get a crack at WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. But Klitschko is currently involved in a legal mess with the WBC, who are trying to force him, against his own will, to defend his title against Oleg Maskaev.

During an earlier conversation with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, we discussed some of the possible opponents for Haye‘s next fight. Surprisingly, Schaefer mentioned Arreola as an opponent he would love to match with Haye.

“I would love to make that fight. I think that’s the most exciting fight in the heavyweight division, maybe even more exciting than Haye and [Wladimir] Klitschko. David Haye and Chris Arreola always come to fight, and Golden Boy always wants to make the best fights. They are both exciting fighters. It would be a very exciting fight,” Schaefer said to BoxingScene.com.

BoxingScene also spoke with Arreola’s promoter, Dan Goossen, who liked the idea but at the same time there are other plans in motion for his fighter. Arreola’s main target is Vitali Klitschko. Next week, Klitschko is scheduled to arbitrate his dispute with the WBC. If Klitschko prevails, you can expect a defense against Arreola in the near future. If WBC prevails, you can expect some ongoing negotiations for a fight between Haye and Arreola. Boxing is a business and Haye, although untested at heavyweight, brings some decent coin to the table.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, there is always the slight possibility of the WBC prevailing and Klitschko still refuses to fight Maskaev. If that were to happen, they would strip him of the title. That leaves Chris Arreola and Oleg Maskaev as the two candidates to fight for the vacant strap. I don't see Goossen making a serious decision on Haye until the Klitschko/WBC/Maskaev mess is resolved.

“We will certainly throw his name in the hat. We have made our own direction and there are a few names we're looking at. At the top of the list is Vitali Klitschko. We will take a look at any viable opponent,” Goossen said.

 

[heyzel]

Shane Mosley, Will He Take The Paul Williams Challenge?

By Rick Reeno

During the last two weeks, WBA welterweight champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley has been aggressively pursuing fights with Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Also during this time, Paul "The Punisher" Williams, has been trying to get Mosley in the ring. Williams' promoter Dan Goossen became upset when he made his daily run to BoxingScene.com and saw a particular news brief that caught his attention very quickly.

"I've been patiently ignoring commenting on observing Shane Mosely beg for fights against the smaller Manny Pacquiao and come backing Floyd Mayweather, while turning his back on the BEST Welterweight in the World today, Paul Williams. As much as I wanted to say a thing or two regarding this oversight, I gave Shane the respect of keeping quiet, which as you know is tough for me to do. But enough is enough," Goossen said.

"What got me to break my silence was reading the story by BoxingScene.com's Mark Vester with quotes from Oscar de la Hoya, Shane's promoter, saying ' Mosley would crush Pacquiao in a heartbeat. That's why I think it would never happen. Mosley is willing to come down in weight and take a smaller share of the pot, which show you he wants to fight the best. Obviously that's an admirable quality," De La Hoya told Mike Rosenthal of The Ring Online.'"

Goossen is very confident with Williams. Regardless of the risk, or the weight, Goossen is willing to make the fight. Whether it be Bernard Hopkins, Kelly Pavlik, Sergio Martinez or Mosley, Williams is ready to fight them all. His last fight, in April against Winky Wright, was at 160-pounds. Williams, before moving on to bigger and better things, wants to tie up any loose ends at 147-pounds. By dominating Wright [who beat Mosley twice], Williams thought he could lure Mosley to the table. He was wrong.

Goossen is tired of hearing Mosley's excuses about securing fights that bring him the most money. Goossen is ready to offer Mosley his biggest purse since 2007. It remains to be seen if the money Goossen is offering up is enough to get Mosley interested. He promises not to beg or resort to name calling to make the fight happen.

"Simply said, the best welterweight (141 pounds to 147 pounds) in the world today is Paul Williams. Throw Shane, Manny, Floyd, Miguel (Cotto) into the mix, it doesn't matter, Paul is still the best welterweight. As a matter of fact, we believe he is also the best Super Welterweight and Middleweight fighter in the world and there's probably an argument to be made for him at 168 pounds too. Now that's a real pound-for-pound fighter to lead our sport," Goossen said.

"Now if Oscar truly believes Shane wants to fight the best it can get done with Williams. We won't beg. We won't call Shane names. No, we will just say if he REALLY wants to fight the best, than Shane's thinking exactly the way Paul is and willing to prove it in the ring. Every built-in excuse can be used not to fight Paul, which would probably be the same excuses Shane is accusing Mayweather of using against him. If, in fact, he would resort to this, it would be inaccurate. I can confidently say we would guarantee a purse to Shane that is higher than any he's been guaranteed in any given fight since 2007."

Despite being upset, Goossen agreed with De La Hoya on one item - he doesn't believe a fight between Mosley and Manny Pacquiao will ever happen.

"Oscar also said in this piece, "I just don't feel Freddie and Manny will do it. ... Mosley is too big a threat...And it's why he's (Freddie) not going to risk his fighter's pound-for-pound status against a real champion like Mosley."

"I agree with Oscar the fight won't happen. Now lets see if Shane is willing to risk his status against a real champion like Paul Williams? Obviously if he did, that would be an admirable quality," Goossen said.

BoxingScene would contact Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions [who promote Mosley], to get his opinion on the matter. Schaefer doesn't see a Mosley-Williams fight happening. He says Mosley is very particular about the fights he currently wants, and Williams is not one of those fights. Schaefer doesn't believe that any of the top welterweights are going to fight Williams. He says the best road for Williams is to chase fights at 160 or 168, divisions where opponents are more likely to accept his call.

"I don't think that fight is going to happen. Right now Shane wants the biggest fights out there; Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr," Schaefer said.

"Williams should look at the other weights. If he were to fight Mosley, and let's say he beat him - then what? None of the other welterweights are going to fight him. At 160 he has Felix Sturm, Arthur Abraham and Kelly Pavlik. He can go to 168 and fight Chad Dawson. Williams is a good fighter. Williams is very nice, very polite, but if I was his promoter - I would look for fights at 160 or 168-pounds, where he won't have so many problems [getting fights]."

 

[heyzel]

Katsidis to Pacquiao: “I want to fight you”

By: Benjie Varella, Manila – WBO Interim titlist Michael “The Great” Katsidis’ (25-0-2, 21KO’s) recently issued a challenge against the pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao during the SCOOP sa Kamayan Press Conference last Friday morning.

Katsidis in not new to Filipino boxing fans. His name in the Philippines became the talk of the town when he defeated then Filipino boxing prospect Czar Amonsot via a 12-rounds unanimous decision. Instead of being criticized, he gained myriads of fans from the Philippines due to his extremely unorthodox exciting way of fighting.

He loved the Philippines too. Actually, after disposing Amonsot on July 2007, he captained 7 Filipino fighters for the battle of Philippines Vs Mexico barely a month after.. Katsidis even requested from his promoters that he wants to stage a fight in front of Filipino fight fans and this was granted January this year in Cebu Coliseum where he won the WBO Asia-Pacific world title against Angel Hugo Ramirez of Argentina via a 10-rounds unanimous decision.

Since Friday, Katsidis name has once again became a buzz this time by calling out on Pacquiao. Below is Katsidis official statement;



“I am Michael Katsidis The Great. I stand here before you named after Achilles, the Greek God from Larissa, the place of my father’s homeland. We all know the feats of Achilles as he invaded Sparta to conquer their Prince Hector. I too will do the same.

I have conquered Australia. I then have travelled to England to challenge their king Graham Earl where I was to win the WBO world title. Since then I have conquered in Las Vegas, America. I gave the people a war against Filipino Czar Amonsot, a world title fight that many will never forget. I then fought Joel Casamayor in his home country and put him through the ropes in six rounds. He got back with the help of a doctor to get back into the ring and it was my own mistake that caused my empire to fall.

I have then invaded Texas to fight their King on their home soil. Even after having a badly injured hand I won that fight. I conquered the king on his own soil and only on paper the fight was said to be different. One judge gave the fight to me and the other two from Mexico and Texas gave it to their king by split decision. I previously captained and lead the Philippines to victory when they fought for the World Cup against Mexico. I promised the Philippines I would come to their soil and I did just that and defeated their Spanish enemy. It was quite easy to put Angel Hugo Ramirez on the back foot and send him back to Spain with the roaring strong Philippine crowd supporting me in the heart of Cebu.

From my experience here in the Philippines I have had the privilege of work with many gladiators. I have travelled all over the world and I have grown in confidence. I soon knew I was ready to travel again across enemy lines to America to do battle where the King of Austin was there to defend. At all costs, Jesus Chavez would not be victorious. Not even with the help of his noblemen on his homeland, the capital of Texas.

I would invade and this time not leave a decision at the hands of their King’s judges. After seven rounds of battle, Jesus Chavez bowed his head and gracefully accepts defeat as Austin’s King has now been dethroned. I was then able to continue the path that was chosen for me, to prove my greatness.

My next move was set to conquer all of Mexico and fight their King, Juan Manuel Marquez. I now stand before you as the number one lightweight contender in the world. Marquez chose a different path and maybe to forfeit his legacy by taking a fight against Floyd Mayweather. I have since then set my sails to England to challenge their King Ricky Hatton but now having fallen and battle scarred in such a bad way he is yet to decide if he is up to the challenge of defending his home country on his home soil.

I come here not to disrespect your King Manny Pacquiao but to challenge the greatest king that has ever lived on his home soil.

I have come here before you to name this fight now. The fight will be called “Manny Mean To fight In the Philippines”. The ruling King, Manny Pacquiao – I want to fight you. I want to do battle with you in your country. Here in your hometown, here on your beaches, here in yoru mountains, here in the Philippines!

I was honored to captain and stand in your place with the Philippine boxing team when you were unavailable and they defeated Mexico for the World Cup. Manny, I will give your people something that they want; they want to see you defend your throne here in your country.

I will give that fight to them. Manny Pacquiao, will you give this fight to the Filipino people?

For me this is not about the money, all I ask is for my home countries Australia and Greece to witness one of the greatest fights to ever take place. I will not fight you anywhere else but here in the Philippines and that is why I come here before your people. I love your country, I love your people. I will do this for my countries and I will do this for your country. I will give your people this fight here, will you?

If you accept this challenge- I will come to you!"

This poetic message of Katsidis sounds like a love letter of a Romeo to his Juliet. A statement, trying to convince Pacquiao to give him a boxing match not for the money, but as everyone would think, for the recognition assuming that he beats the pound-for-pound king.

Katsidis must know that there is a long line of list of “world class” fighters who are patiently waiting for a shot against Pacquiao.

They are Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd Mayweather, Sugar Shane Mosley, Edwin Valero and many others.

Katsidis’ challenge would surely put a smile on every boxing fan’s face around the world rather than find it intriguing.

Pacquiao belongs to the top of elite fighters the boxing industry has at present. Katsidis has fought only two top class fighters in Juan Diaz and Joel Casamayor who are not even close to Pacquiao’s calibre.

Katsidis fought them both last year where he suffered back to back losses. First to Casamayor via a 10th round TKO, March last year then to Diaz via a split decision 5 months later.

Katsidis’calling out on Pacquiao may well be surprising but there surely is no harm in dreaming!

 

[trips]

^^^^ I respect goosen for trying to get his fighter a big fight with shane but come on Paul is not even a real welter, i don't even think he can still make the weight anymore lol. Mosley is 37, he doesn't have time to be messing around with the small fish giving dudes shots(he been their done that with winky and forrest). U can't get mad at him for trying to make the biggest fight of his career and get paid at the same time Mosley earned that right. Im putting myself in Mosley's shoes, nothing against Paul Williams he should just stay up and fight someone like pavlik or even Hopkins