Boxing News Thread
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I see Darchinyan is the latest calling Pacquiao out...
Vic Darchinyan Wants To Fight Pacquiao
By Benjie Varella – It seems that every top boxer of their respective division is aiming for the head of the pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. The long line of list includes Edwin Valero, Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Sugar Shane Mosley.
Don’t forget Australian Michael “The Great” Katsidis who have travelled all the way to the Philippines to join the serenade and who has written a statement love-letter-like to lure Pacquiao into a match just several days ago.
This time add another top boxer from his division, the number 9 pound-for pound boxer and the undisputed super-flyweight champion, another Australian citizen, Armenian-born Vic Darchinyan..
In an interview he had with bleacherreport.com, Darchinyan who is moving up in weight to challenge IBF Champion Joseph Agbeko for the title said that he is a hundred percent sure that he will easily dispose his opponent come July 11.
With confidence, Darchinyan said that after demolishing Agbeko next month, the destruction he will cause will pave way for him to keep on moving up in weight to meet Pacquiao.
Darchinyan was quoted as saying, “I want people to remember me, not only at the time while I'm boxing, but after I retire, I want to be one of the best of all time.” He even added that he only wants to fight the best and that’s no other than Pacquaio.
Darchinyan’s call for a challenge against Manny Pacquiao is not much of a difference to Katsidis statement.
To put it nicely and not to be harsh, Darchinyan’s challenge is far from possible. First is that he has to fall in line, second is their weight difference is afar and third is that he has to pass and beat all those boxers who are in line for Pacquaio.
How can this possibly happen mate?
Funny thing is, Pacquaio has become a valuable gold news-item that if a boxer issues a challenge against him, he will surely be on the circulation of every boxing sites and different sports magazine for days or even weeks.
Some boxers may well be doing this just to gain more popularity in the boxing world.
For Darchinyan, instead of gunning for Pacquiao, why not challenge the Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire to whom he lost an embarrassing one-punch left hook knockout in July of 2007?
Why not avenge his only loss from Donaire first then decide on his future plans? Darchinyan may also consider another bout with, ironically another Filipino Z Gorres which resulted to a draw, in fact his only draw in his career.
He knocked world rated fighter Gorres during that fight but he himself was floored several times.
Vic Darchinyan Wants To Fight Pacquiao
By Benjie Varella – It seems that every top boxer of their respective division is aiming for the head of the pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. The long line of list includes Edwin Valero, Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Sugar Shane Mosley.
Don’t forget Australian Michael “The Great” Katsidis who have travelled all the way to the Philippines to join the serenade and who has written a statement love-letter-like to lure Pacquiao into a match just several days ago.
This time add another top boxer from his division, the number 9 pound-for pound boxer and the undisputed super-flyweight champion, another Australian citizen, Armenian-born Vic Darchinyan..
In an interview he had with bleacherreport.com, Darchinyan who is moving up in weight to challenge IBF Champion Joseph Agbeko for the title said that he is a hundred percent sure that he will easily dispose his opponent come July 11.
With confidence, Darchinyan said that after demolishing Agbeko next month, the destruction he will cause will pave way for him to keep on moving up in weight to meet Pacquiao.
Darchinyan was quoted as saying, “I want people to remember me, not only at the time while I'm boxing, but after I retire, I want to be one of the best of all time.” He even added that he only wants to fight the best and that’s no other than Pacquaio.
Darchinyan’s call for a challenge against Manny Pacquiao is not much of a difference to Katsidis statement.
To put it nicely and not to be harsh, Darchinyan’s challenge is far from possible. First is that he has to fall in line, second is their weight difference is afar and third is that he has to pass and beat all those boxers who are in line for Pacquaio.
How can this possibly happen mate?
Funny thing is, Pacquaio has become a valuable gold news-item that if a boxer issues a challenge against him, he will surely be on the circulation of every boxing sites and different sports magazine for days or even weeks.
Some boxers may well be doing this just to gain more popularity in the boxing world.
For Darchinyan, instead of gunning for Pacquiao, why not challenge the Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire to whom he lost an embarrassing one-punch left hook knockout in July of 2007?
Why not avenge his only loss from Donaire first then decide on his future plans? Darchinyan may also consider another bout with, ironically another Filipino Z Gorres which resulted to a draw, in fact his only draw in his career.
He knocked world rated fighter Gorres during that fight but he himself was floored several times.
Darchinyan is fighting incredible right now and I've become a bit of a fan of his lately, but really I'd like to see him rematch the other Filipino sensation Nonito Donaire before calling out guys like Pacquiao. The way Vic is fighting I think it could maybe even be a FOTY candidate, more competitive then the first fight, but I still see Vic getting KO'd again.
Besides Vic would have to gain 25 pounds to fight fight pacman at 140, that's just unrealistic.
Besides Vic would have to gain 25 pounds to fight fight pacman at 140, that's just unrealistic.
Golden Boy Club Show Provides Action, Promise
By Cliff Rold
It appears the experiment will work if the results at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California on Thursday night were any indication. The idea from Golden Boy Promotions, to put on what amount to a televised club show spotlight for rising young fighters, produced a steady stream of entertainment both for those watching on cable network Versus and those watching at the website for Golden Boy subsidiary Ring Magazine.
In the Jr. Lightweight main event, 26-year old David Rodela (13-1, 6 KO) of Oxnard scored a big knockdown and piled up points en route to split decision win over 22-year old Juan Garcia (14-3, 5 KO) of Los Angeles. Both men weighed in just above the division limit of 130 lbs, Garcia at 132 ½ and Rodela at 131 ½.
The opening round was contested at a measured pace, Rodela circling behind his left jab while Garcia came forward behind his stick, catching Rodela around the guard with a few left hooks. Rodela turned his attention to the body as the second round unfolded, both men willing to fight at close quarters with only six rounds scheduled for the bout. In the closing seconds, Garcia used his jab to open up a left to the body and then another over the top to the head of Rodela.
Slipping the best efforts of Rodela in the opening of the third, Garcia used short, accurate punching to score near the ropes. Rodela returned to the body, frustrated by head shots firing wide, but soon found himself near the ropes again taking punishment to the flanks and via sharp uppercuts. When the action moved back to ring center, Rodela asserted himself with a left uppercut to the chin and left hook to the body, forcing a backwards step from Garcia. It was a short shining moment with the closing seconds featuring Garcia landing along the ropes and nearly dropping Rodela with a booming right.
Rodela appeared still shaky at the start of the fourth, moving away and pawing with the jab before pulling his guard high and tight and returning to close quarters. He would find a change of fortune just shy of a minute in. A right uppercut inside shook Garcia who dropped his hands and took another huge right as he flailed towards the corner. Thinking Garcia’s glove had touched the floor, Rodela paused but referee Pat Russell indicated no knockdown yet scored and Rodela fired an echoing left hook into the defenseless side of Garcia’s head. Garcia clinched, took another uppercut, and the clinched again. He would move and hold with the rare shot in between for the remainder of the round.
A minute into the fifth another left hook landed for Rodela but Garcia took it well and was back to jabbing and responding with his own hooks. As they approached a minute to go in the frame, a violent exchange in the corner, Rodela with his back to the ropes, found scoring rights for both men.
With three minutes to go and the fight potentially up for grabs, the two young warriors touched gloves and returned to combat. Garcia started with a double jab while Rodela backed away, landing a counter left hook after one exchange, taking a right inside seconds later and then absorbing a barrage from Garcia on the ropes. Sensing he was ahead, Rodela kept logical distance but Garcia pursued and stunned him with a left hook. A Huge right hand landed flush on the chin of Rodela who covered and then clinched. Swinging wildly, Rodela allowed Garcia room for straight shots and Garcia took advantage, landing a final big right hand at the bell but unable to send Rodela to the floor.
It turned out he needed to put him there for keeps to pull it out. The split decision scores favored Rodela at 59-55 twice with a lone dissent at 57-56.
Featured Lightweight of the evening, 21-year old Luis Ramos (11-0, 6 KO) of Santa Ana, California faced the toughest foe his career to date on paper, 28-year old Mexican Baudel Cardenas (18-17-2, 6 KO) of Mexico. In the fifth round, paper didn’t matter and Cardenas found a comfortable home on the ring canvas.
Ramos, 134 ½, came out firing his southpaw right jab in multiples and mixed the offense from there with rights to the head and ripping hooks to the ribs. Cardenas, 132 ½, refused to make it easy, firing back hard but finding defensive gloves rather than flesh. Feinting with a jab, Ramos found the button he was looking for with a raking straight left to the body which sent Cardenas to the floor in a heap. The veteran rose and, after the mandatory eight finished, visibly protected his stomach, flinching regularly.
Cardenas landed a glancing left inside early as Ramos pressured but remained in a reflexive posture, avoiding the body shot attempts of Ramos. Cardenas attempted to clinch and maul the younger man inside but Ramos wisely continued to move his hands downstairs. The tone remained the same in the third, Cardenas taking far more than he was giving but making his presence felt with occasional stiff shots to Ramos’s ribs early on. He continued to throw in spots but was forced into a shell by the consistent pressure of Ramos.
Cardenas stayed bravely in the fold in the fourth, exchanging in close and hoping for a big shot to turn his night around. Ramos was in no mood to provide a chance, keeping his activity up and then showing maturity in the fifth, picking his spots and controlling at range. It was an effective tactic. In the final minute of round five, a one-two combination was finished with a face rearranging right hook near the ropes. Cardenas collapsed to the seat of his trunks and didn’t make it up before referee Lou Moret tolled the count of ten at 2:26 of the fifth.
Promising 25-year old Featherweight prospect Charles Huerta (11-0, 7 KO) of Paramount, California, showed off plenty to get excited about, scoring knockdowns with both hands en route to an early ending versus 26-year old fellow undefeated Noe Lopez (4-1, 3 KO) of Mexico. Both men weighed in at 125 ¾ lbs., a half pound below the division limit.
A deliberate first round was most memorable for clash of head which raised a lump on the head of Huerta; the action heated up a bit in the second. Huerta came forward behind a hard left jab while the southpaw Lopez flicked with his right in search of countering opportunities. A slip for Lopez fired up a crowd who thought Huerta had scored the knockdown. In the final minute of the round, Huerta had Lopez’s back to the ropes and rocked his man with a hard right. Lopez shook it off and both men were firing as the bell sounded.
Only seconds into the third, the crowd was alive again. They’d seen a knockdown for sure, Huerta countering the right jab for Lopez with a perfect left hook. Before a minute had passed, the same punch, followed by a sharp right, had Lopez on a knee for the second knockdown. Lopez again rose but was outgunned, walking into a lead right hand and toppling towards the floor again. Referee Pat Russell didn’t even bother with a count, halting the action at 1:02 of the third.
The evening opened with action in the Jr. Featherweight division pitting Ricky Lopez (4-0, 2 KO), 124, of Denver, Colorado against Rufino Serrano (1-1), 123 ½, of Santa Maria, California.
Advantaged by two inches at 5’8, the 18-year old Serrano began fighting tall, reaching with a long, missing left hook at the crouching Lopez. Largely dispensing with the jab, each man sought big power shots in the opening round. By the halfway mark each man was opening up in combination and the flurries favored the 22-year old Lopez whose lead right and short left hook rocked Serrano near the ropes. The punch would again pay off in the closing seconds with two flush lefts clipping the cheek of Serrano.
Lopez stalked immediately in the second but Serrano was able to use the aggression to his advantage, leaning on Lopez while scoring a right uppercut inside and then lacing in a pair of long lefts. Lopez responded with short, accurate blasts and wobbled Serrano with a lead right at the thirty second mark. Again in the closing seconds, Lopez scored flush with the left.
Serrano searched for the overhand right as the third warmed up while Lopez patiently circled and waited for his spot. An exchange of echoing body shots led to more heavy leather to the head for both men. Lopez landed enough of it to stay in control of the action. The bout remained the same through the fourth, each young man giving a game effort but the class of Lopez cinching what appeared certain victory. Unanimous scores of 40-36 confirmed as much for Lopez.
The referee was Lou Moret.
Cliff Rold is a member of the Ring Magazine Ratings Advisory Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at [email protected]
Vic is funny. He's can't be serious, just trying to get his name in the mix. Always been a fan though.
I think Arum is still N. Donaire's promoter. I doubt he will let him fight Vic and will claim they are moving onto bigger and better things. He's been saying that for a while now and I don't see anything bigger or better for Donaire so far...
I think Arum is still N. Donaire's promoter. I doubt he will let him fight Vic and will claim they are moving onto bigger and better things. He's been saying that for a while now and I don't see anything bigger or better for Donaire so far...
J.D. Chapman: Sold to DKP, Challenges David Haye
By Keith Terceira
In the middle of thunder and quarter size hail, undefeated heavyweight John David Chapman broke his silence in an exclusive to BoxingScene.com and announced that his promotional contract with Scott Hirsch and Hirsch Borao Promotions has been transferred to Don King Promotions.
J.D. Chapman (29-0 26KO) once ranked as high as 6th in the world broke with Hirsch’s promotional company over the last minute attempt to get Chapman to face David Haye.
After the David Haye fiasco Chapman returned home to Arkansas and Haye went on to face Monte Barrett.
“I came back home and had to go to work, they cut off all my money. In my contract they were supposed to be paying me so much a week to train, I can’t just train for free that doesn’t work, I have to fight to make a living. They weren’t getting me fights, they offered me the David Haye fight for peanuts compared to what it paid then they got all pissed off at me because I wouldn’t take the fight on two hours notice. In their eyes I screwed them out of a lot of money because I wouldn’t let them screw me out of the deal overall.”
In conversations with BoxingScene.com prior to the Haye fight offer, Chapman was concentrating his training on fighting Tarus Bidenko (26-3, 12KO). The Bidenko fight had been in the mix for several weeks prior to the Haye offer. Bidenko was recently stopped by undefeated Denis Boystov (25-0, 20KO).
“Scott (Hirsch) and I had talked about an elimination fight with Bidenko who at the time was ranked fourth and I was ranked sixth. They offered me even more money than they did for David Haye. So I had been training for him and they kept on saying that, kept on saying that. Then one Sunday evening around eight o’clock, I get a phone call from my trainer, it wasn’t even from the promoter, telling me they want me to fight David Haye. Here is was the great thing about the whole deal is, they want to say I’m yellow and all, that I’m a coward which is a bunch of shi* , They gave me two hours to say yes to this fight without seeing any contract of any sort, I had two hours to make the decision. They told me at five o’clock the next morning I would be on a plane for a press conference.”
The twenty six year old Chapman still livid over the last minute wheeling and dealing with his career continued, is still plainly disappointed at the way things played out.
“Now I’m not putting what I worked my entire life and my entire career on the line, I am not making that decision in two hours. It’s just not going to happen and they got mad about that. What’s sad is all my friends and family back home, they tell me to go on the computer and check out what David Haye said …..Their Headline news over in England are calling me USA’s Coward an all of that. I didn’t know anything of the fight… Everyone agreed to the fight but me the fighter. Over there (England) they were acting like they had offered me the fight a month ahead of time. They had a first class ticket for me… I never seen no stinking ticket, I never heard anything of it, until eight o’clock that Sunday and have an answer by 10 and be on a plane by 5 am. Just a big bunch of crap.”
A simple question was put to Chapman about whether or not he was still with Hirsch’s promotional company.
“No, I’m not with Scott Hirsch; I’ll never be with Scott, that’s why I’m still home”
Chapman sounded distinctly accusatory in regards to his former promoters and offered some disturbing remarks.
“”I was the patient one with the deal. (Hirsch) Held out on some fights that I thought I could have won at the time. He didn’t want to take them for a bigger fight. Then when the big fight got there, I guess that was his plan, when the big fight got there, he wanted to take all the money.”
BoxingScene.com asked Chapman if he thought there was some side money that he didn’t know about.
“I have no idea how much money was getting thrown around. I know there was a lot more money getting thrown around with my name on it then I had ever imagined. I’d be setup pretty good right now if they hadn’t been so greedy with everything.”
When we explored Chapman’s contract with Hirsch, John David explained that he had attempted to get out of his contract by asking for a release. He had already been approached by another promoter and needed the release to seal the deal.
“I tried to get the release and hired a lawyer, so he (Hirsch) just turned around and sold my contract to Don King. I had no knowledge of it whatsoever. At one minute I’m trying to get out of a deal with Hirsch and Hirsch Borao Promotions, now out of nowhere now I have got to get a release from Don King. I’ve never even met the man. It’s a big mess. It’s turned=2 0into a big soap opera and that’s fine.”
“Now Don (King) wants me because he has a big white kid that’s 29-0 and was ranked sixth in the world. Now he wants to work the deal but at the time there was no deal to be worked. They sent my lawyer a certified letter saying they had transferred all contract with me to Don King Promotions.”
According to Chapman there were parts of his contract that insured him so much a week for living expenses etc. When we confronted him about that money he responded.
“Exactly, that is what we are trying to do right now….You can’t just have the number six ranked heavyweight in the world at the time for free. Somebody has to get some money and I tell you after all those fights I sure wasn’t getting it. There was definitely people getting paid but this white country boy wasn’t the one getting the money…”
We touched on the recent problems with the Haye back injury and Chapman used the discussion to issue his own challenge.
“I am not exempt from needing money like everyone in America right now. I have to do what I have to do to get back into the ring and get ranked back up again. Then let’s hook it up with Haye. I’ll knock his big ass out, I don’t give a damn. I don’t give a damn about England, I don’t give a damn about any of tho se fu%^ing countries over there. They want to call American’s fuc**ng cowards when I never heard a word of it.”
Chapman issued the warning to everyone that he will be back and back at the top within a couple of fights
By Keith Terceira
In the middle of thunder and quarter size hail, undefeated heavyweight John David Chapman broke his silence in an exclusive to BoxingScene.com and announced that his promotional contract with Scott Hirsch and Hirsch Borao Promotions has been transferred to Don King Promotions.
J.D. Chapman (29-0 26KO) once ranked as high as 6th in the world broke with Hirsch’s promotional company over the last minute attempt to get Chapman to face David Haye.
After the David Haye fiasco Chapman returned home to Arkansas and Haye went on to face Monte Barrett.
“I came back home and had to go to work, they cut off all my money. In my contract they were supposed to be paying me so much a week to train, I can’t just train for free that doesn’t work, I have to fight to make a living. They weren’t getting me fights, they offered me the David Haye fight for peanuts compared to what it paid then they got all pissed off at me because I wouldn’t take the fight on two hours notice. In their eyes I screwed them out of a lot of money because I wouldn’t let them screw me out of the deal overall.”
In conversations with BoxingScene.com prior to the Haye fight offer, Chapman was concentrating his training on fighting Tarus Bidenko (26-3, 12KO). The Bidenko fight had been in the mix for several weeks prior to the Haye offer. Bidenko was recently stopped by undefeated Denis Boystov (25-0, 20KO).
“Scott (Hirsch) and I had talked about an elimination fight with Bidenko who at the time was ranked fourth and I was ranked sixth. They offered me even more money than they did for David Haye. So I had been training for him and they kept on saying that, kept on saying that. Then one Sunday evening around eight o’clock, I get a phone call from my trainer, it wasn’t even from the promoter, telling me they want me to fight David Haye. Here is was the great thing about the whole deal is, they want to say I’m yellow and all, that I’m a coward which is a bunch of shi* , They gave me two hours to say yes to this fight without seeing any contract of any sort, I had two hours to make the decision. They told me at five o’clock the next morning I would be on a plane for a press conference.”
The twenty six year old Chapman still livid over the last minute wheeling and dealing with his career continued, is still plainly disappointed at the way things played out.
“Now I’m not putting what I worked my entire life and my entire career on the line, I am not making that decision in two hours. It’s just not going to happen and they got mad about that. What’s sad is all my friends and family back home, they tell me to go on the computer and check out what David Haye said …..Their Headline news over in England are calling me USA’s Coward an all of that. I didn’t know anything of the fight… Everyone agreed to the fight but me the fighter. Over there (England) they were acting like they had offered me the fight a month ahead of time. They had a first class ticket for me… I never seen no stinking ticket, I never heard anything of it, until eight o’clock that Sunday and have an answer by 10 and be on a plane by 5 am. Just a big bunch of crap.”
A simple question was put to Chapman about whether or not he was still with Hirsch’s promotional company.
“No, I’m not with Scott Hirsch; I’ll never be with Scott, that’s why I’m still home”
Chapman sounded distinctly accusatory in regards to his former promoters and offered some disturbing remarks.
“”I was the patient one with the deal. (Hirsch) Held out on some fights that I thought I could have won at the time. He didn’t want to take them for a bigger fight. Then when the big fight got there, I guess that was his plan, when the big fight got there, he wanted to take all the money.”
BoxingScene.com asked Chapman if he thought there was some side money that he didn’t know about.
“I have no idea how much money was getting thrown around. I know there was a lot more money getting thrown around with my name on it then I had ever imagined. I’d be setup pretty good right now if they hadn’t been so greedy with everything.”
When we explored Chapman’s contract with Hirsch, John David explained that he had attempted to get out of his contract by asking for a release. He had already been approached by another promoter and needed the release to seal the deal.
“I tried to get the release and hired a lawyer, so he (Hirsch) just turned around and sold my contract to Don King. I had no knowledge of it whatsoever. At one minute I’m trying to get out of a deal with Hirsch and Hirsch Borao Promotions, now out of nowhere now I have got to get a release from Don King. I’ve never even met the man. It’s a big mess. It’s turned=2 0into a big soap opera and that’s fine.”
“Now Don (King) wants me because he has a big white kid that’s 29-0 and was ranked sixth in the world. Now he wants to work the deal but at the time there was no deal to be worked. They sent my lawyer a certified letter saying they had transferred all contract with me to Don King Promotions.”
According to Chapman there were parts of his contract that insured him so much a week for living expenses etc. When we confronted him about that money he responded.
“Exactly, that is what we are trying to do right now….You can’t just have the number six ranked heavyweight in the world at the time for free. Somebody has to get some money and I tell you after all those fights I sure wasn’t getting it. There was definitely people getting paid but this white country boy wasn’t the one getting the money…”
We touched on the recent problems with the Haye back injury and Chapman used the discussion to issue his own challenge.
“I am not exempt from needing money like everyone in America right now. I have to do what I have to do to get back into the ring and get ranked back up again. Then let’s hook it up with Haye. I’ll knock his big ass out, I don’t give a damn. I don’t give a damn about England, I don’t give a damn about any of tho se fu%^ing countries over there. They want to call American’s fuc**ng cowards when I never heard a word of it.”
Chapman issued the warning to everyone that he will be back and back at the top within a couple of fights
Darchinyan: "I Will Punish Agbeko, and Knock Him Out"
Darchinyan has already solidified his status as the No. 1 super flyweight in the world and one of the top pound-for-pound boxers. Now, with less than one month to go before his highly anticipated showdown with Agbeko, Darchinyan is back in the U.S., where he has been dominant in his last three world title fights.
The world championship match will originate from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., and is being co-promoted by Don King Productions and Gary Shaw Productions, LLC.
"Hurricane Vic is building up steam and should be at full strength by the time it makes landfall in Florida on July 11," said Gary Shaw, Darchinyan's promoter. "King Kong Agbeko will be sunk into a tropical depression of immense proportions when Vic finishes with him."
The hard-hitting, Australian, by way of Armenia, arrived in Las Vegas on Thursday, June 4, for a full month of intense training leading up to the fight at Johnny Tocco’s Boxing Gym.
“I’m just starting to get used to this weather,” Darchinyan said. “It’s too hot here. I came from cold weather in Sydney to the hot humidity here. There’s a big difference. I can tell sweating in the gym.”
“But, it’s getting better and I’m getting used to it. In one more week, I will be ready for the fight and in perfect condition. The heat here is similar to the heat and humidity in Florida, so this will help.”
Darchinyan says his training camp has been going as planned, and fans can expect to see more of the polished boxing skills he displayed in recent fights to go along with his devastating hooks and jabs.
“My training has been going great,” Darchinyan said. “I started my first sparring session in Las Vegas today (Wednesday, June 10). I’ve been preparing very hard and, physically, I’m going to be much stronger than I was in my last fight.”
Darchiyan is on a strict high-protein diet consisting of large amounts of fish, non-fatty meat and fresh soup that is prepared a particular way.
He completed his weightlifting workout while training in Sydney. Now, with just one month to go, he is focusing on cardio and sparring. A typical routine day for Darchinyan consists of running, push-ups, sit-ups and sparring.
The Darchinyan camp has rented a house so that their training in Las Vegas is similar to life at home in Sydney.
“Everything is going as planned. Everything is perfect. In one more month I will be 110 percent ready for the fight.”
Never shy to give his thoughts on the fight and his opponent, Darchinyan, as always, predicts a knockout.
“The guy (Agbeko) is talking big,” Darchinyan said. “He’s saying that he’s too big for me and that I’m small. He says he’s going to send me back to my weight division. But when I punch him and I punish him, he is going to see a big difference from what his other opponents have given him. I’m going to be much more powerful than any one he has faced.
“I’m going to knock him out. From the first round, I am going to go after him, punish him, punish him and knock him out. I’m going to show the fans a real good knockout and a very good, exciting fight.”
Darchinyan has already solidified his status as the No. 1 super flyweight in the world and one of the top pound-for-pound boxers. Now, with less than one month to go before his highly anticipated showdown with Agbeko, Darchinyan is back in the U.S., where he has been dominant in his last three world title fights.
The world championship match will originate from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., and is being co-promoted by Don King Productions and Gary Shaw Productions, LLC.
"Hurricane Vic is building up steam and should be at full strength by the time it makes landfall in Florida on July 11," said Gary Shaw, Darchinyan's promoter. "King Kong Agbeko will be sunk into a tropical depression of immense proportions when Vic finishes with him."
The hard-hitting, Australian, by way of Armenia, arrived in Las Vegas on Thursday, June 4, for a full month of intense training leading up to the fight at Johnny Tocco’s Boxing Gym.
“I’m just starting to get used to this weather,” Darchinyan said. “It’s too hot here. I came from cold weather in Sydney to the hot humidity here. There’s a big difference. I can tell sweating in the gym.”
“But, it’s getting better and I’m getting used to it. In one more week, I will be ready for the fight and in perfect condition. The heat here is similar to the heat and humidity in Florida, so this will help.”
Darchinyan says his training camp has been going as planned, and fans can expect to see more of the polished boxing skills he displayed in recent fights to go along with his devastating hooks and jabs.
“My training has been going great,” Darchinyan said. “I started my first sparring session in Las Vegas today (Wednesday, June 10). I’ve been preparing very hard and, physically, I’m going to be much stronger than I was in my last fight.”
Darchiyan is on a strict high-protein diet consisting of large amounts of fish, non-fatty meat and fresh soup that is prepared a particular way.
He completed his weightlifting workout while training in Sydney. Now, with just one month to go, he is focusing on cardio and sparring. A typical routine day for Darchinyan consists of running, push-ups, sit-ups and sparring.
The Darchinyan camp has rented a house so that their training in Las Vegas is similar to life at home in Sydney.
“Everything is going as planned. Everything is perfect. In one more month I will be 110 percent ready for the fight.”
Never shy to give his thoughts on the fight and his opponent, Darchinyan, as always, predicts a knockout.
“The guy (Agbeko) is talking big,” Darchinyan said. “He’s saying that he’s too big for me and that I’m small. He says he’s going to send me back to my weight division. But when I punch him and I punish him, he is going to see a big difference from what his other opponents have given him. I’m going to be much more powerful than any one he has faced.
“I’m going to knock him out. From the first round, I am going to go after him, punish him, punish him and knock him out. I’m going to show the fans a real good knockout and a very good, exciting fight.”
Chad Dawson-Glen Johnson Rematch is Officially Signed
world title rematch pits Dawson, the light heavyweight division’s kingpin, defending his world championship belt against Johnson, the man who gave him the stiffest test and closest shave of his career. In their first battle, which took place in April 2008, the two squared off with Dawson’s WBC light heavyweight title on the line. Dawson came away with a hard-earned unanimous decision, but the entire boxing world was left clamoring for more from these world-class fighters.
Since their first rumble, Dawson has only raised his profile with two nationally televised victories over former undisputed champion Antonio Tarver. Johnson has also kept a high profile, stopping Aaron Norwood in four rounds, and then avenging a highly controversial draw with Daniel Judah by winning a clear-cut unanimous decision in February.
world title rematch pits Dawson, the light heavyweight division’s kingpin, defending his world championship belt against Johnson, the man who gave him the stiffest test and closest shave of his career. In their first battle, which took place in April 2008, the two squared off with Dawson’s WBC light heavyweight title on the line. Dawson came away with a hard-earned unanimous decision, but the entire boxing world was left clamoring for more from these world-class fighters.
Since their first rumble, Dawson has only raised his profile with two nationally televised victories over former undisputed champion Antonio Tarver. Johnson has also kept a high profile, stopping Aaron Norwood in four rounds, and then avenging a highly controversial draw with Daniel Judah by winning a clear-cut unanimous decision in February.
Was David Haye Sidelined For Klitschko by Finances?
By Keith Terceira
Early this morning reports were surfacing that Setanta founders Michael O'Rourke and Leonard Ryan were in talks with an unidentified investor hoping to raise the 82.5 million dollars they need to stay afloat.
The Irish Sports broadcaster last week stopped taking on new subscribers and had previously asked according to reports that David Haye take a pay cut from his boxing agreement with them. Setanta needs 1.9 million subscribers to break even and currently has about 1.2 million.
In February of last year, Sports International reported
“The deal, made between Setanta and Haye’s own promotion company Haymaker Productions, runs from 1 September 2008 to 31 December 2009, and covers fights which will see Haye step up to the heavyweight division, including his first fight since his World Cruiserweight unification title win against Enzo Maccarinelli in March. The four fights will be held at the O2 Arena in London – one fight later this year, and one early next year, both against top ten ranked heavyweights, then a challenge for a world title early next summer. Setanta will also televise six other Hayemaker Productions cards featuring British and American fighters”
Media week also reported in April of 2008
Setanta Sports has signed an exclusive three-year broadcast deal with boxing promoter Frank Warren's Sports Network.
The agreement, which lasts until 2010, will grant Setanta Sport exclusive broadcast rights to fights involving Frank Warren's stable of boxers including Joe Calzaghe, Enzo Maccarinelli, Alex Arthur, Kevin Mitchell, Gavin Rees and Matt Skelton. One now begins to wonder how this will affect Frank Warren’s stable of fighters.
On the 6th of June the Guardian reported
“Suggestions that Haye pulled out because Setanta, who were to show the fight, asked him to take a cut from his already small purse met with predictable denials from the financially troubled broadcaster. Haye's deal, according to Setanta executive Sean O'Hara, was "ring-fenced" from their problems with paying £3million they owe the Scottish Premier League.”
David Price, the Olympic super-heavyweight bronze medalist who has turned professional with Haye's Hayemaker Promotions, said he had been sworn to secrecy about the injury.
But he went on to tell the Liverpool Echo: "I came home [from the training camp in Cyprus] on the Monday and David was in great shape, everything was fine. He was raring to go. I don't think anyone was more shocked than me to hear the fight was off."
Liverpool boxer, Tony Dodson, is quoted as saying,
"We were being kept away from David, which was a bit strange, but at the end of the day he's about to fight the heavyweight champion of the world so I understand why he wanted to train alone.”
My sources inside the United Kingdom are telling me that Haye’s deal for the Wladimir fight did not include a percentage from the ticket sales in Germany or any of the German television monies. His primary source of money from the Klitschko fight was from Setanta revenue and without Setanta the fight was off.
Setanta who holds the rights to broadcast two English Premier League packages or 46 games a year lost a bid for the next three-years to BSkyB and will only show 23 games per season from August 2010 against BSkyB's 115. That resulted in some investors leaving and would have resulted in lost revenue from subscribers.
With Setanta perhaps only a week away from bankruptcy it looks as if televised boxing in Britain may come to a major slowdown.
Last week major cuts were announced by the BBC that would result in 7200 job losses and reductions to its stars. Some of they higher priced headliners will take as much as a 40% pay cuts.
Early reports of a hand injury were quickly re-diagnosed as being a back ailment. One can not prove that Haye does not have a back injury though the pain may be a bit lower, somewhere around the wallet area.
By Keith Terceira
Early this morning reports were surfacing that Setanta founders Michael O'Rourke and Leonard Ryan were in talks with an unidentified investor hoping to raise the 82.5 million dollars they need to stay afloat.
The Irish Sports broadcaster last week stopped taking on new subscribers and had previously asked according to reports that David Haye take a pay cut from his boxing agreement with them. Setanta needs 1.9 million subscribers to break even and currently has about 1.2 million.
In February of last year, Sports International reported
“The deal, made between Setanta and Haye’s own promotion company Haymaker Productions, runs from 1 September 2008 to 31 December 2009, and covers fights which will see Haye step up to the heavyweight division, including his first fight since his World Cruiserweight unification title win against Enzo Maccarinelli in March. The four fights will be held at the O2 Arena in London – one fight later this year, and one early next year, both against top ten ranked heavyweights, then a challenge for a world title early next summer. Setanta will also televise six other Hayemaker Productions cards featuring British and American fighters”
Media week also reported in April of 2008
Setanta Sports has signed an exclusive three-year broadcast deal with boxing promoter Frank Warren's Sports Network.
The agreement, which lasts until 2010, will grant Setanta Sport exclusive broadcast rights to fights involving Frank Warren's stable of boxers including Joe Calzaghe, Enzo Maccarinelli, Alex Arthur, Kevin Mitchell, Gavin Rees and Matt Skelton. One now begins to wonder how this will affect Frank Warren’s stable of fighters.
On the 6th of June the Guardian reported
“Suggestions that Haye pulled out because Setanta, who were to show the fight, asked him to take a cut from his already small purse met with predictable denials from the financially troubled broadcaster. Haye's deal, according to Setanta executive Sean O'Hara, was "ring-fenced" from their problems with paying £3million they owe the Scottish Premier League.”
David Price, the Olympic super-heavyweight bronze medalist who has turned professional with Haye's Hayemaker Promotions, said he had been sworn to secrecy about the injury.
But he went on to tell the Liverpool Echo: "I came home [from the training camp in Cyprus] on the Monday and David was in great shape, everything was fine. He was raring to go. I don't think anyone was more shocked than me to hear the fight was off."
Liverpool boxer, Tony Dodson, is quoted as saying,
"We were being kept away from David, which was a bit strange, but at the end of the day he's about to fight the heavyweight champion of the world so I understand why he wanted to train alone.”
My sources inside the United Kingdom are telling me that Haye’s deal for the Wladimir fight did not include a percentage from the ticket sales in Germany or any of the German television monies. His primary source of money from the Klitschko fight was from Setanta revenue and without Setanta the fight was off.
Setanta who holds the rights to broadcast two English Premier League packages or 46 games a year lost a bid for the next three-years to BSkyB and will only show 23 games per season from August 2010 against BSkyB's 115. That resulted in some investors leaving and would have resulted in lost revenue from subscribers.
With Setanta perhaps only a week away from bankruptcy it looks as if televised boxing in Britain may come to a major slowdown.
Last week major cuts were announced by the BBC that would result in 7200 job losses and reductions to its stars. Some of they higher priced headliners will take as much as a 40% pay cuts.
Early reports of a hand injury were quickly re-diagnosed as being a back ailment. One can not prove that Haye does not have a back injury though the pain may be a bit lower, somewhere around the wallet area.
Arum Tells Mayweather To Drop High Pacquiao Demand
By Mark Vester
Top Rank's Bob Arum, promoter of Manny Pacquiao, has told Floyd Mayweather Jr. to drop his high demand for a clash with Filipino fighter. He said as long as Mayweather keeps his position of receiving more money than Pacquiao, the fight will never happen. Mayweather is looking to get at least a 60-40 split. Arum in several past interviews has said that Pacquiao deserves more money and he won't agree to 60-40 or even 50-50 agreement. He feels Pacquiao is deserving of the bigger split.
"If Mayweather persists with this position, a fight will never happen," Arum told Setanta Sports News. "Mayweather is taking the position that unless he gets more money, there will never be a fight - that's absurd. Manny is the most sought-after boxer on the planet."
Another option for Pacquiao is Top Rank fighter Miguel Cotto, the WBO welterweight champion. If Cotto manages to beat Joshua Clottey on Saturday, he would be a frontrunner for Pacquiao's next fight. Arum says Pacquiao-Cotto is just as big as Pacquiao-Mayweather.
"If Cotto beats Clottey that's just as big a fight," Arum said.
By Mark Vester
Top Rank's Bob Arum, promoter of Manny Pacquiao, has told Floyd Mayweather Jr. to drop his high demand for a clash with Filipino fighter. He said as long as Mayweather keeps his position of receiving more money than Pacquiao, the fight will never happen. Mayweather is looking to get at least a 60-40 split. Arum in several past interviews has said that Pacquiao deserves more money and he won't agree to 60-40 or even 50-50 agreement. He feels Pacquiao is deserving of the bigger split.
"If Mayweather persists with this position, a fight will never happen," Arum told Setanta Sports News. "Mayweather is taking the position that unless he gets more money, there will never be a fight - that's absurd. Manny is the most sought-after boxer on the planet."
Another option for Pacquiao is Top Rank fighter Miguel Cotto, the WBO welterweight champion. If Cotto manages to beat Joshua Clottey on Saturday, he would be a frontrunner for Pacquiao's next fight. Arum says Pacquiao-Cotto is just as big as Pacquiao-Mayweather.
"If Cotto beats Clottey that's just as big a fight," Arum said.
Khan Praises Lennox, Lawton Advises Murray, Munroe
Amir Khan has congratulated Lennox Lewis on reaching boxing's Hall of Fame - and says he wants to follow in the former heavyweight world champion's footsteps.
Lewis will be inducted over the weekend in the American city of Canastota after a glittering career which saw him become undisputed champion and twice regain the world title.
And Khan, 22, says he has been inspired by the feats of Lewis - and wants his own Hall of Fame career.
"I grew up watching Lennox's fights and he was one of the fighters who first got me into boxing," he said.
"It's an amazing achievement to get nominated for the Hall of Fame, and I'd like to congratulate him on his success.
"If I can go on to replicate just half of what Lennox did then I'll be delighted.
"But like him I want to become an undisputed world champion, and I'll take the first step of that journey on June 27."
It's then that Khan will tackle Andreas Kotelnik at the O2 Arena, London, in a challenge for the WBA light-welterweight title.
"I'm desperate to give Britain another world champion," said Khan.
"I've been training hard in the States to make it happen, but hopefully victory over Kotelnik will only be the start of things to come.
"I think every boxer sets their sights high when they turn professional, and I'm no different.
"I don't want to just be a world champion, I want to be a great world champion, and that's what I'm going to be working on doing for the next three or four year
FTM stable stars Jamie Moore and Rendall Munroe are set to earn WBC title fights next year.
The pair were celebrating last night after the Mexico City based governing body gave them impressive world rankings in their latest ratings.
European light-middleweight champion Moore is rated third in their rankings for the 11st crown currently held by Argentina's Sergio Martinez.
Leicester dustman Munroe has gone one better and is number two for the 8st 10lb title which is worn by Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka.
The fighters promoter Frank Maloney will now lead a delegation to the WBC convention in Jeju, South Korea in November and lobby for both fighters to become mandatory contenders.
Maloney said: "Both fighters are in a great position to get themselves world title fights in the next 12 months.
"It could be possible for the current champion to make voluntaries particularly Martinez, but I feel sure both fighters can earn mandatory status."
Southpaw Munroe, 28, has made three successful defences of the European super-bantamweight title and recently became Commonwealth champion.
Moore, 30, is injury free for the first time in years and that showed when he captured the Euro championship with a third round stoppage of former world champion Michele Piccirillo earlier this year.
Lawton tells Murray to forget about “Baby Bull”
Reigning English Champion Scott Lawton has warned John Murray not to take him for granted ahead of Saturday nights British title showdown at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan. Lawton will challenge for Murray’s Lonsdale belt in the main event on Hennessy Sports “Rule Britannia” event which is live on ITV4 from 8pm.
Murray claims his focus hasn’t been distracted by talk of a big fight Stateside with Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz or the prospect of another British title defence against former European champ Jon Thaxton in what would be a major domestic showdown.
However Lawton is adamant that he’s ready to capitalise on any slip ups from the champion tomorrow night. “Knowing that those other fights could be out there for him probably will be a distraction for him so I have to use that to my advantage,” said Lawton. “I know John and he’s a good pro so I’m sure he’s not looking past me but maybe in the back of his mind it could have an impact. There’s a lot at stake for him and he’s the favourite so all the pressure will be on him.”
Lawton failed in a previous bid to win the British title when he was defeated by then champion Jon Thaxton back in 2007 but he’s determined to make amends this weekend.
“I missed out the first time around so I’m even more determined now to get my hands on a Lonsdale belt. I’m looking at it as the biggest fight of my life. To win that British title would be a dream come true for me and it’s a chance that I never thought would come again.
“I’m coming into this fight as the underdog and that’s the way I like it. There’s no pressure on me at all. I’m in the best form of my career and I’m coming into this fight very, very confident. I’ve sparred John and know all about him so we’ve come up with a game plan and I know if I stick to that then I can become British Champion.”
The chief support on Saturday night features a Battle of Champions as Central Area Lightweight Champ Nadeem Siddique takes on reigning Southern Area Welterweight titleholder Tom Glover over 10 rounds.
The card also features a host of exciting prospects including Canadian based puncher, Andrew Singh Kooner, rising featherweight star Steve “Super Bad” Barnes, welterweight Phill Fury and the pro debuts of Bobby “Boogaloo” Ward, the last Englishman to defeat Amir Khan and Sheffield heavyweight, Richard Towers
Amir Khan has congratulated Lennox Lewis on reaching boxing's Hall of Fame - and says he wants to follow in the former heavyweight world champion's footsteps.
Lewis will be inducted over the weekend in the American city of Canastota after a glittering career which saw him become undisputed champion and twice regain the world title.
And Khan, 22, says he has been inspired by the feats of Lewis - and wants his own Hall of Fame career.
"I grew up watching Lennox's fights and he was one of the fighters who first got me into boxing," he said.
"It's an amazing achievement to get nominated for the Hall of Fame, and I'd like to congratulate him on his success.
"If I can go on to replicate just half of what Lennox did then I'll be delighted.
"But like him I want to become an undisputed world champion, and I'll take the first step of that journey on June 27."
It's then that Khan will tackle Andreas Kotelnik at the O2 Arena, London, in a challenge for the WBA light-welterweight title.
"I'm desperate to give Britain another world champion," said Khan.
"I've been training hard in the States to make it happen, but hopefully victory over Kotelnik will only be the start of things to come.
"I think every boxer sets their sights high when they turn professional, and I'm no different.
"I don't want to just be a world champion, I want to be a great world champion, and that's what I'm going to be working on doing for the next three or four year
FTM stable stars Jamie Moore and Rendall Munroe are set to earn WBC title fights next year.
The pair were celebrating last night after the Mexico City based governing body gave them impressive world rankings in their latest ratings.
European light-middleweight champion Moore is rated third in their rankings for the 11st crown currently held by Argentina's Sergio Martinez.
Leicester dustman Munroe has gone one better and is number two for the 8st 10lb title which is worn by Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka.
The fighters promoter Frank Maloney will now lead a delegation to the WBC convention in Jeju, South Korea in November and lobby for both fighters to become mandatory contenders.
Maloney said: "Both fighters are in a great position to get themselves world title fights in the next 12 months.
"It could be possible for the current champion to make voluntaries particularly Martinez, but I feel sure both fighters can earn mandatory status."
Southpaw Munroe, 28, has made three successful defences of the European super-bantamweight title and recently became Commonwealth champion.
Moore, 30, is injury free for the first time in years and that showed when he captured the Euro championship with a third round stoppage of former world champion Michele Piccirillo earlier this year.
Lawton tells Murray to forget about “Baby Bull”
Reigning English Champion Scott Lawton has warned John Murray not to take him for granted ahead of Saturday nights British title showdown at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan. Lawton will challenge for Murray’s Lonsdale belt in the main event on Hennessy Sports “Rule Britannia” event which is live on ITV4 from 8pm.
Murray claims his focus hasn’t been distracted by talk of a big fight Stateside with Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz or the prospect of another British title defence against former European champ Jon Thaxton in what would be a major domestic showdown.
However Lawton is adamant that he’s ready to capitalise on any slip ups from the champion tomorrow night. “Knowing that those other fights could be out there for him probably will be a distraction for him so I have to use that to my advantage,” said Lawton. “I know John and he’s a good pro so I’m sure he’s not looking past me but maybe in the back of his mind it could have an impact. There’s a lot at stake for him and he’s the favourite so all the pressure will be on him.”
Lawton failed in a previous bid to win the British title when he was defeated by then champion Jon Thaxton back in 2007 but he’s determined to make amends this weekend.
“I missed out the first time around so I’m even more determined now to get my hands on a Lonsdale belt. I’m looking at it as the biggest fight of my life. To win that British title would be a dream come true for me and it’s a chance that I never thought would come again.
“I’m coming into this fight as the underdog and that’s the way I like it. There’s no pressure on me at all. I’m in the best form of my career and I’m coming into this fight very, very confident. I’ve sparred John and know all about him so we’ve come up with a game plan and I know if I stick to that then I can become British Champion.”
The chief support on Saturday night features a Battle of Champions as Central Area Lightweight Champ Nadeem Siddique takes on reigning Southern Area Welterweight titleholder Tom Glover over 10 rounds.
The card also features a host of exciting prospects including Canadian based puncher, Andrew Singh Kooner, rising featherweight star Steve “Super Bad” Barnes, welterweight Phill Fury and the pro debuts of Bobby “Boogaloo” Ward, the last Englishman to defeat Amir Khan and Sheffield heavyweight, Richard Towers
Paulie Malignaggi - "I Will Be Vindicated After The Juan Diaz Fight!"
Exclusive Interview by James Slater - As has been reported on this web site, Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz will clash in Houston, Texas on August 22nd in a very interesting catch-weight bout. Fighting at an agreed weight of 138.5-pounds, "The Magic Man" and "The Baby Bull" will both be hoping to get the win that will propel them back into the world title picture.
Very kindly taking time to speak with me yesterday after he'd finished training, former IBF light-welterweight king Malignaggi had the following answers to my questions.
James Slater: It's great to speak with you, Paulie. We hear the fight with Juan Diaz is signed now, and the fans are already talking about it. One of the first things some fans have asked is, are you concerned about going to Diaz' hometown of Houston? Are you worried about him maybe getting a home decision if the fight goes to the cards?
Paulie Malignaggi: Yeah, I mean it's always a concern going to another fighter's home town. And Texas hasn't exactly got the best record, either. Going back as far as Julio Cesar Chavez against Pernell Whitaker, and more recently, the Chris John fight where he got robbed against Rocky Juarez. But I have to have faith in the Texas commission, and I hope they do the right thing. And I hope the officials and the judges do the right thing. You know, I can't control anything that goes on outside the ring. That's why I'm preparing to be at my best and go out and do my job a hundred-percent.
J.S: The weight issue of 138.5 being agreed on - will it be hard to get down? I know it's only a pound-and-a-half.
P.M: Well, you have to work that little bit harder to lose that extra pound or so. But I'm a very disciplined fighter and I'll be able to do it okay.
J.S: Will you put much weight on after the weigh-in, do you think? Will you be the heavier guy in the ring on fight night?
P.M: It depends. I'll probably put on around ten pounds, I never put on much more than that.
J.S: Your plan will be to out-box and outclass Diaz?
P.M: Diaz is a very busy fighter, and he's a handful. But on August 22nd, I'll be even more of a handful. We know enough about each other to know pretty much how the fight will go. There may be a few surprises, but we know what we are. Our styles will mesh well and it will be a good fight. We both have a lot on the line in this fight. I wanted to put on a great show when I fought in Manchester [UK] and I wanted to put on a great show when I fought Ricky Hatton. I never did, and I know that. But people will see the real me against Juan Diaz. I will not be quiet after that fight. People may say I'm a sore loser, but I was a fighter who had been depleted when I fought Ricky. I'm not taking anything away from Ricky - he is a great guy and he did what he had to do. And I'm not blaming Buddy McGirt either. It's just that there are specific reasons I lost that fight - 2008 in general was a bad year for me, and I've given the specific reasons for that in earlier interviews. I will be vindicated after the Diaz fight, believe me. People have given me flak, calling me a sore loser, and they will get flak back from me after August 22nd.
J.S: Are you still angry Buddy stopped the Hatton fight?
P.M: I'm not angry with Buddy. If I saw him today I'd say hello and give him a hug. We got on great on a personal level, but not on a professional level. If you look at my two fights before I fought Hatton, you can see I was depleting as a fighter. I'm not blaming Buddy - he's great at what he teaches - but his style is not right for me. I used to be a very, very busy fighter. When I had healthy hands, I was slick and I threw a lot of punches. That all got turned a complete 180 when I worked with Buddy. He turned me into a more patient fighter - you know, stay in the pocket and look to counter. And there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not right for Paulie Malignaggi. And again, I'm not making excuses. Did I complain after I lost to Miguel Cotto? No. But people forget that. I don't mind losing, when it's me losing at my best. But for two years, I was depleting as a fighter. If it had been Herman Ngoudjo or Lovemore N'dou in the ring with me the night I lost to Ricky, they'd have beaten me.
J.S: Would you like a return with Hatton - if he fights again, that is?
P.M: I would love a rematch. I don't expect to get one, because Ricky has no reason to give me one. But me at my best, I don't think the fight would be close. I know people might say I'm crazy and a bad loser but again, did I complain after Cotto beat me? Ricky said after he beat me that he'd out-boxed the boxer and he'd out-sped the speedster. But it was all because of what I didn't do. People gave great credit to Floyd Maywether Senior after that fight, but they were watching the wrong corner! Buddy McGirt changed me a whole lot more than Mayweather changed Ricky. But after I look good against Diaz - even if I do get robbed and it's a real possibility, but the people will have seen my performance at least - I hope it will lead to a rematch with Ricky. But I very much doubt it. I mean, I wasn't really, truly impressed with Ricky that night, even though he beat me. I wasn't like, "wow!" The only fighter I was truly impressed with was Miguel Cotto. Again, the people, the fans, can say what they want. But they will see against Diaz how good I really am.
J.S: So if a rematch with Hatton doesn't happen - and it could, maybe if he fights again - who would you like? The winner on Aug. 22nd would be up there for a title fight.
P.M: Yeah, any championship fight would be great. If Amir Khan beats [Andreas] Kotelnik that's a fight I'd like. That would be a nice little fight. The UK fans are amazing, the best I've fought in front of. It's a real festive atmosphere over in the UK. So for me to come over to the UK to fight Khan, it would be no problem. Or maybe I could get a fight with Tim Bradley. Manny Pacquiao aside, I think he's the best at 140 right now. Those are basically what I'd call the reachable fights for me.
J.S: Juan Diaz is seen as the favourite in the fight. Do you think that's a fair assessment?
P.M: Based on recent performances, yeah. I would expect him to be seen as the favourite. But that's the thing; don't look at my recent performances. I'll have a lot of answers after the Diaz fight. Without getting too much into the game-plan - I mean, people know me, the way I fight. Like I say, we are both busy guys, but I will be busier on August 22nd.
J.S: I want to thank you for your time, Champ. Best wishes for the fight in August.
P.M: Okay, Mr. Slater. Thank you.
Exclusive Interview by James Slater - As has been reported on this web site, Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz will clash in Houston, Texas on August 22nd in a very interesting catch-weight bout. Fighting at an agreed weight of 138.5-pounds, "The Magic Man" and "The Baby Bull" will both be hoping to get the win that will propel them back into the world title picture.
Very kindly taking time to speak with me yesterday after he'd finished training, former IBF light-welterweight king Malignaggi had the following answers to my questions.
James Slater: It's great to speak with you, Paulie. We hear the fight with Juan Diaz is signed now, and the fans are already talking about it. One of the first things some fans have asked is, are you concerned about going to Diaz' hometown of Houston? Are you worried about him maybe getting a home decision if the fight goes to the cards?
Paulie Malignaggi: Yeah, I mean it's always a concern going to another fighter's home town. And Texas hasn't exactly got the best record, either. Going back as far as Julio Cesar Chavez against Pernell Whitaker, and more recently, the Chris John fight where he got robbed against Rocky Juarez. But I have to have faith in the Texas commission, and I hope they do the right thing. And I hope the officials and the judges do the right thing. You know, I can't control anything that goes on outside the ring. That's why I'm preparing to be at my best and go out and do my job a hundred-percent.
J.S: The weight issue of 138.5 being agreed on - will it be hard to get down? I know it's only a pound-and-a-half.
P.M: Well, you have to work that little bit harder to lose that extra pound or so. But I'm a very disciplined fighter and I'll be able to do it okay.
J.S: Will you put much weight on after the weigh-in, do you think? Will you be the heavier guy in the ring on fight night?
P.M: It depends. I'll probably put on around ten pounds, I never put on much more than that.
J.S: Your plan will be to out-box and outclass Diaz?
P.M: Diaz is a very busy fighter, and he's a handful. But on August 22nd, I'll be even more of a handful. We know enough about each other to know pretty much how the fight will go. There may be a few surprises, but we know what we are. Our styles will mesh well and it will be a good fight. We both have a lot on the line in this fight. I wanted to put on a great show when I fought in Manchester [UK] and I wanted to put on a great show when I fought Ricky Hatton. I never did, and I know that. But people will see the real me against Juan Diaz. I will not be quiet after that fight. People may say I'm a sore loser, but I was a fighter who had been depleted when I fought Ricky. I'm not taking anything away from Ricky - he is a great guy and he did what he had to do. And I'm not blaming Buddy McGirt either. It's just that there are specific reasons I lost that fight - 2008 in general was a bad year for me, and I've given the specific reasons for that in earlier interviews. I will be vindicated after the Diaz fight, believe me. People have given me flak, calling me a sore loser, and they will get flak back from me after August 22nd.
J.S: Are you still angry Buddy stopped the Hatton fight?
P.M: I'm not angry with Buddy. If I saw him today I'd say hello and give him a hug. We got on great on a personal level, but not on a professional level. If you look at my two fights before I fought Hatton, you can see I was depleting as a fighter. I'm not blaming Buddy - he's great at what he teaches - but his style is not right for me. I used to be a very, very busy fighter. When I had healthy hands, I was slick and I threw a lot of punches. That all got turned a complete 180 when I worked with Buddy. He turned me into a more patient fighter - you know, stay in the pocket and look to counter. And there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not right for Paulie Malignaggi. And again, I'm not making excuses. Did I complain after I lost to Miguel Cotto? No. But people forget that. I don't mind losing, when it's me losing at my best. But for two years, I was depleting as a fighter. If it had been Herman Ngoudjo or Lovemore N'dou in the ring with me the night I lost to Ricky, they'd have beaten me.
J.S: Would you like a return with Hatton - if he fights again, that is?
P.M: I would love a rematch. I don't expect to get one, because Ricky has no reason to give me one. But me at my best, I don't think the fight would be close. I know people might say I'm crazy and a bad loser but again, did I complain after Cotto beat me? Ricky said after he beat me that he'd out-boxed the boxer and he'd out-sped the speedster. But it was all because of what I didn't do. People gave great credit to Floyd Maywether Senior after that fight, but they were watching the wrong corner! Buddy McGirt changed me a whole lot more than Mayweather changed Ricky. But after I look good against Diaz - even if I do get robbed and it's a real possibility, but the people will have seen my performance at least - I hope it will lead to a rematch with Ricky. But I very much doubt it. I mean, I wasn't really, truly impressed with Ricky that night, even though he beat me. I wasn't like, "wow!" The only fighter I was truly impressed with was Miguel Cotto. Again, the people, the fans, can say what they want. But they will see against Diaz how good I really am.
J.S: So if a rematch with Hatton doesn't happen - and it could, maybe if he fights again - who would you like? The winner on Aug. 22nd would be up there for a title fight.
P.M: Yeah, any championship fight would be great. If Amir Khan beats [Andreas] Kotelnik that's a fight I'd like. That would be a nice little fight. The UK fans are amazing, the best I've fought in front of. It's a real festive atmosphere over in the UK. So for me to come over to the UK to fight Khan, it would be no problem. Or maybe I could get a fight with Tim Bradley. Manny Pacquiao aside, I think he's the best at 140 right now. Those are basically what I'd call the reachable fights for me.
J.S: Juan Diaz is seen as the favourite in the fight. Do you think that's a fair assessment?
P.M: Based on recent performances, yeah. I would expect him to be seen as the favourite. But that's the thing; don't look at my recent performances. I'll have a lot of answers after the Diaz fight. Without getting too much into the game-plan - I mean, people know me, the way I fight. Like I say, we are both busy guys, but I will be busier on August 22nd.
J.S: I want to thank you for your time, Champ. Best wishes for the fight in August.
P.M: Okay, Mr. Slater. Thank you.
Joshua Clottey Says Miguel Cotto "Doesn't Like Body Shots"
by James Slater -- Not long to go now until welterweight talents Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey climb into the ring at Madison Square Garden, New York in their WBO title showdown. For Cotto, the fight will be his first real test since sensationally being stopped by the subsequently disgraced Antonio Margarito, and for Clottey tomorrow night's fight represents the big opportunity he has been craving since losing a decision to common opponent Margarito.
Was Cotto damaged long term by the hammering he took late in his July 2008 loss to the Mexican? Is Clottey clever enough to be able to defeat the Puerto Rican star? Accra-born Clottey is certainly tough enough to have a very good chance of winning, and the man who gave up the IBF 147-pound belt he won by stopping Zab Judah (another common opponent of the two) so as to get Cotto in the ring is convinced he is faster than Cotto also..
Speaking to Spencer Fearon of Setanta.com recently, Clottey said he feels his body attack will be something Cotto will not like - claiming that the 30-year-old has shown his displeasure at being hit in the midsection before.
Clottey even went as far as to say Cotto is just a "normal" fighter.
"He's a normal guy," Clottey said of his upcoming foe. "He's not speedy, he's not fast, he's just a normal one-punch fighter. He's not a combination puncher. I have never thought he was better than me. I know he's not faster than me, I'm faster than him and he doesn't like body shots.
"I have no special game-plan. All I'm thinking is getting there and winning the fight. You need to get to the ring relaxed. I pray that when I get to the ring I will feel as I do in the gym, then I will be fine."
Clottey is certainly one of the physically strongest, if not the strongest, welterweights Cotto could have wound up fighting. Known to enter the ring as high as 156-pounds or so on fight night, "The Grand Master" will likely do so again tomorrow night. But then, Cotto is huge for welterweight also. This fight really could end up being a really hard and gruelling battle for both men - and it's also possible that neither guy will feel like fighting again this year after such a draining effort.
A stoppage looks unlikely either way, if you ask me. But a hugely entertaining war that elevates both men is what we will get over the full 12 rounds.
The winner will almost certainly be looked at as a near future opponent for superstar Manny Pacquiao (who will be ringside) - but what will Cotto and Clottey leave behind in the ring on June 13th, and how much will either man have left afterwards?
This one will be rough!
by James Slater -- Not long to go now until welterweight talents Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey climb into the ring at Madison Square Garden, New York in their WBO title showdown. For Cotto, the fight will be his first real test since sensationally being stopped by the subsequently disgraced Antonio Margarito, and for Clottey tomorrow night's fight represents the big opportunity he has been craving since losing a decision to common opponent Margarito.
Was Cotto damaged long term by the hammering he took late in his July 2008 loss to the Mexican? Is Clottey clever enough to be able to defeat the Puerto Rican star? Accra-born Clottey is certainly tough enough to have a very good chance of winning, and the man who gave up the IBF 147-pound belt he won by stopping Zab Judah (another common opponent of the two) so as to get Cotto in the ring is convinced he is faster than Cotto also..
Speaking to Spencer Fearon of Setanta.com recently, Clottey said he feels his body attack will be something Cotto will not like - claiming that the 30-year-old has shown his displeasure at being hit in the midsection before.
Clottey even went as far as to say Cotto is just a "normal" fighter.
"He's a normal guy," Clottey said of his upcoming foe. "He's not speedy, he's not fast, he's just a normal one-punch fighter. He's not a combination puncher. I have never thought he was better than me. I know he's not faster than me, I'm faster than him and he doesn't like body shots.
"I have no special game-plan. All I'm thinking is getting there and winning the fight. You need to get to the ring relaxed. I pray that when I get to the ring I will feel as I do in the gym, then I will be fine."
Clottey is certainly one of the physically strongest, if not the strongest, welterweights Cotto could have wound up fighting. Known to enter the ring as high as 156-pounds or so on fight night, "The Grand Master" will likely do so again tomorrow night. But then, Cotto is huge for welterweight also. This fight really could end up being a really hard and gruelling battle for both men - and it's also possible that neither guy will feel like fighting again this year after such a draining effort.
A stoppage looks unlikely either way, if you ask me. But a hugely entertaining war that elevates both men is what we will get over the full 12 rounds.
The winner will almost certainly be looked at as a near future opponent for superstar Manny Pacquiao (who will be ringside) - but what will Cotto and Clottey leave behind in the ring on June 13th, and how much will either man have left afterwards?
This one will be rough!
Carl Froch Vs. Kelly Pavlik Could Happen As Early As Next January, Says Bob Arum
by James Slater - On today's issue of The Steve Bunce Boxing Hour on Setanta Sports, promoter Bob Arum was an over-the-phone guest. Speaking primarily about this coming Saturday night's big welterweight clash between Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey - a fight that Arums says has sold out - the long-time promoter also revealed how a most interesting fight is currently being discussed for next year.
According to Arum, unbeaten Carl Froch, the reigning WBC super-middleweight champion, may well be hooking up with the reigning middleweight king, Kelly Pavlik in 2010. No major details were given out, but Arum did confirm that Top Rank have discussed the fight and that it could be Pavlik's next fight after he has fought Felix Sturm - the Sturm fight also being worked on at present..
Bunce asked Arum if "The Cobra" and his team have enquired about a fight against "The Ghost," and the promoter answered in the positive.
"That is absolutely correct," Arum said. "Todd DuBoeuf of Top Rank has discussed that fight and yesterday we met with HBO and talked about Pavlik fighting Felix Sturm in the fall, and early next year - perhaps as early as the end of January - Pavlik fighting Froch."
This would be one hot fight, to say the least. Both men can bang, both men are at or about their physical prime, and both warriors like to give the paying fans good action bouts. It's still early days, of course, and both men have to get past their next fight before they can think seriously of facing one another (Froch is being lined up to take on Lucian Bute or possibly Bernard Hopkins in his next big fight, whereas Pavlik looks like facing his rival at middleweight, Sturm) but if the fight can indeed be made the event figures to be pretty huge.
Would Pavlik move up to Froch's weight of 168? Would Froch drop down to 160? Or, giving it an educated guess with regards to what has the best chance of happening, the two could meet at an agreed upon catch-weight. Either way, and whether there is an alphabet world title on the line or not, this fight looks most attractive.
Arum, perhaps being pressed for time, did not mention Sergio Mora's name; the man who was originally scheduled to face Pavlik next, only to see the bout called off due to a hand injury suffered by the middleweight king. Maybe "The Latin Snake" has missed his chance? Germany's Sturm is a good enough opponent to take on Pavlik as a replacement, though. Indeed, this talked-about clash between middleweight champions would be a fight of good quality all by itself.
It is Froch-Pavlik that really gets the excitement levels up, however
by James Slater - On today's issue of The Steve Bunce Boxing Hour on Setanta Sports, promoter Bob Arum was an over-the-phone guest. Speaking primarily about this coming Saturday night's big welterweight clash between Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey - a fight that Arums says has sold out - the long-time promoter also revealed how a most interesting fight is currently being discussed for next year.
According to Arum, unbeaten Carl Froch, the reigning WBC super-middleweight champion, may well be hooking up with the reigning middleweight king, Kelly Pavlik in 2010. No major details were given out, but Arum did confirm that Top Rank have discussed the fight and that it could be Pavlik's next fight after he has fought Felix Sturm - the Sturm fight also being worked on at present..
Bunce asked Arum if "The Cobra" and his team have enquired about a fight against "The Ghost," and the promoter answered in the positive.
"That is absolutely correct," Arum said. "Todd DuBoeuf of Top Rank has discussed that fight and yesterday we met with HBO and talked about Pavlik fighting Felix Sturm in the fall, and early next year - perhaps as early as the end of January - Pavlik fighting Froch."
This would be one hot fight, to say the least. Both men can bang, both men are at or about their physical prime, and both warriors like to give the paying fans good action bouts. It's still early days, of course, and both men have to get past their next fight before they can think seriously of facing one another (Froch is being lined up to take on Lucian Bute or possibly Bernard Hopkins in his next big fight, whereas Pavlik looks like facing his rival at middleweight, Sturm) but if the fight can indeed be made the event figures to be pretty huge.
Would Pavlik move up to Froch's weight of 168? Would Froch drop down to 160? Or, giving it an educated guess with regards to what has the best chance of happening, the two could meet at an agreed upon catch-weight. Either way, and whether there is an alphabet world title on the line or not, this fight looks most attractive.
Arum, perhaps being pressed for time, did not mention Sergio Mora's name; the man who was originally scheduled to face Pavlik next, only to see the bout called off due to a hand injury suffered by the middleweight king. Maybe "The Latin Snake" has missed his chance? Germany's Sturm is a good enough opponent to take on Pavlik as a replacement, though. Indeed, this talked-about clash between middleweight champions would be a fight of good quality all by itself.
It is Froch-Pavlik that really gets the excitement levels up, however
Those pesky little Flyweights, some of the hottest boxers you may never heard of
By Tino Villela - The light flyweight division right now is shaping up to be one of the hottest division’s in boxing today. 108 pound division is loaded with talented fighters that come from all different time zone and regions of the world. The “Big” three of the weight class are Ivan Calderon from Puerto Rico, Brain Viloria out of the United States and Edgar Sosa out of Mexico.. A lot of these boxers are opening bouts on pay per view shows or off TV fights on under cards of mega fights. A good prectengce of the time these bouts turn to outclass main event fights and leaving fight fans with a great deal of respect for the little men of the sport.
Ivan Calderon know as “Iron Boy” carries an impresses record of 32 bouts and 0 loses. Calderon has been in the pound for pound discussion for years now and has proven year in and year out that his boxing skills are just as magical as the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Juan Manuel Marquez. Calderon hasn’t been as active lately with his last fight in August of last year coming in a rematch against the hard hitting Hugo Cazares from Mexico. The Iron Boy Calderon will be the co main event in next months HBO’s telecast on June 13th headlined by fellow country men Miguel Cotto. Calderon’s opponent is a tough Filipino named Rodel Mayol who has 19th of his 25 victories by way of knockout. Mayol whose been doing his running with “pac man” the world famous jack Russell terrier who was showed with Manny Pacaquio during the 24/7 series on HBO, has stated this could be his last shot at a world title and will certainly come out giving it his all against the slick Calderon. This match up should turn out to be an other in the great battles between the classic boxer verses puncher.
The Hawaii Punch, Brain Viloria is coming off the biggest win of his career in the Philippines with a brutal 11th round stoppage of former 108 flyweight kingpin Ulises Archie Solis in a fight many boxing purist are putting in the mix and discussion of fight of the year. Viloria is riding a six fight win streak and has rejuvated his boxing career in joining forces with trainer and former world champion Roberto Garcia of la coloina boxing club from Oxnard California. Roberto Garcia is getting more recognize worldwide with his work with Viloria. The Hawaii punch stated that Garcia has brought back the come forward punching style that has made him a fan friendly fighter with his one punch power. With the big rivaling in boxing right now between Mexico and Philippines the combo of Garcia of Mexican blood and Viloira of philippen blood together make somewhat of a odd looking team. The Hawaii punch answer went asked about this “The race and color of a person does not matter in this sport. Should not matter in any sport. The skills are what’s important, the relationship between fighter and trainer. The understanding between the two, and the respect. That’s what I have for him. Roberto’s Mexican Blood, My Filipino blood, We’ll both bleed red in the ring. He just helps me so that does not happen.” Then he finished with “by the way…we’re both American Citizens lol.” A true and honest answer from The Hawaii Punch. Viloria has showed tremdous heart and skill in his bouts with Edgar Sosa, Omar Nino and Ulises Solis. A huge show down with Calderon from Puerto Rico could come into fruition later this year as both fighters are Top Rank fighters. Brain Viloria who was born and raised in Hawaii is of Filipino blood and right now the in boxing game the boricuas are licking there chops to make the new great boxing rivaling with Puerto Rico versus the Philippines. Viloria last defeated came back in 2007 to the hands of Edgar Sosa, in the Alamo dome in San Antonio Texas. Sosa got the win by majority decision in a highly completive and close fight.
Edgar Sosa could be the hottest fighter of this weight division but many boxing fans and media could probably care less because most of his wins since getting by Viloira have been in Mexico. Sosa had to rethink his career after starting off with 5 loses in his first 17 bouts. On paper that looked like he was on his way to just becoming a other tough Mexican jouryman type of fighter. Two of those loses were to Ulises Solis and a other lose was to Manuel Vargas who right now owns a solid record with 26 wins. Sosa is riding a 23 fight win streak with 12 of those wins by knockout. After the win over Viloria which was for the vacant WBC belt that was held by Omar Nino which was striped after failing a drug test in a bout with Brain Viloria.
Sosa is proving to be one of the hardest working fighters in the sport today with eight title defenses since winning the WBC back in April 2006. In June Sosa is set to try to make his nine defense of his belt in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Wearing his hard hat and lunch box with him Sosa is proving he’s a working man type of champion. With fighters now a days only fighting once a year or picking and choosing who they want to fight, right now with the hard times in the world Sosa should be spotlighted more to show what real boxers are made of. Most of his fights being in Mexico an’t going to help this cause, Sosa and his team need to jump across the border and start Champaign on USA soil soon or not he will just become a other champion who only fights on his “home turf”. Mexico and Mexican America fight fans are always looking and craving for new warrior to follow, weather it be Sal Alvarez, J.C. Chavez Jr. or Alfredo Angulo to become the new warrior from Mexico. Sosa has been proving it in the ring and should be getting the respect from fight fans and with more future show downs, which could come in a rematch with Brain “The Hawaii Punch” Viloria and against “The Iron Boy” Ivan Calderon these light flyweights need more of the spotlight on them.
By Tino Villela - The light flyweight division right now is shaping up to be one of the hottest division’s in boxing today. 108 pound division is loaded with talented fighters that come from all different time zone and regions of the world. The “Big” three of the weight class are Ivan Calderon from Puerto Rico, Brain Viloria out of the United States and Edgar Sosa out of Mexico.. A lot of these boxers are opening bouts on pay per view shows or off TV fights on under cards of mega fights. A good prectengce of the time these bouts turn to outclass main event fights and leaving fight fans with a great deal of respect for the little men of the sport.
Ivan Calderon know as “Iron Boy” carries an impresses record of 32 bouts and 0 loses. Calderon has been in the pound for pound discussion for years now and has proven year in and year out that his boxing skills are just as magical as the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Juan Manuel Marquez. Calderon hasn’t been as active lately with his last fight in August of last year coming in a rematch against the hard hitting Hugo Cazares from Mexico. The Iron Boy Calderon will be the co main event in next months HBO’s telecast on June 13th headlined by fellow country men Miguel Cotto. Calderon’s opponent is a tough Filipino named Rodel Mayol who has 19th of his 25 victories by way of knockout. Mayol whose been doing his running with “pac man” the world famous jack Russell terrier who was showed with Manny Pacaquio during the 24/7 series on HBO, has stated this could be his last shot at a world title and will certainly come out giving it his all against the slick Calderon. This match up should turn out to be an other in the great battles between the classic boxer verses puncher.
The Hawaii Punch, Brain Viloria is coming off the biggest win of his career in the Philippines with a brutal 11th round stoppage of former 108 flyweight kingpin Ulises Archie Solis in a fight many boxing purist are putting in the mix and discussion of fight of the year. Viloria is riding a six fight win streak and has rejuvated his boxing career in joining forces with trainer and former world champion Roberto Garcia of la coloina boxing club from Oxnard California. Roberto Garcia is getting more recognize worldwide with his work with Viloria. The Hawaii punch stated that Garcia has brought back the come forward punching style that has made him a fan friendly fighter with his one punch power. With the big rivaling in boxing right now between Mexico and Philippines the combo of Garcia of Mexican blood and Viloira of philippen blood together make somewhat of a odd looking team. The Hawaii punch answer went asked about this “The race and color of a person does not matter in this sport. Should not matter in any sport. The skills are what’s important, the relationship between fighter and trainer. The understanding between the two, and the respect. That’s what I have for him. Roberto’s Mexican Blood, My Filipino blood, We’ll both bleed red in the ring. He just helps me so that does not happen.” Then he finished with “by the way…we’re both American Citizens lol.” A true and honest answer from The Hawaii Punch. Viloria has showed tremdous heart and skill in his bouts with Edgar Sosa, Omar Nino and Ulises Solis. A huge show down with Calderon from Puerto Rico could come into fruition later this year as both fighters are Top Rank fighters. Brain Viloria who was born and raised in Hawaii is of Filipino blood and right now the in boxing game the boricuas are licking there chops to make the new great boxing rivaling with Puerto Rico versus the Philippines. Viloria last defeated came back in 2007 to the hands of Edgar Sosa, in the Alamo dome in San Antonio Texas. Sosa got the win by majority decision in a highly completive and close fight.
Edgar Sosa could be the hottest fighter of this weight division but many boxing fans and media could probably care less because most of his wins since getting by Viloira have been in Mexico. Sosa had to rethink his career after starting off with 5 loses in his first 17 bouts. On paper that looked like he was on his way to just becoming a other tough Mexican jouryman type of fighter. Two of those loses were to Ulises Solis and a other lose was to Manuel Vargas who right now owns a solid record with 26 wins. Sosa is riding a 23 fight win streak with 12 of those wins by knockout. After the win over Viloria which was for the vacant WBC belt that was held by Omar Nino which was striped after failing a drug test in a bout with Brain Viloria.
Sosa is proving to be one of the hardest working fighters in the sport today with eight title defenses since winning the WBC back in April 2006. In June Sosa is set to try to make his nine defense of his belt in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Wearing his hard hat and lunch box with him Sosa is proving he’s a working man type of champion. With fighters now a days only fighting once a year or picking and choosing who they want to fight, right now with the hard times in the world Sosa should be spotlighted more to show what real boxers are made of. Most of his fights being in Mexico an’t going to help this cause, Sosa and his team need to jump across the border and start Champaign on USA soil soon or not he will just become a other champion who only fights on his “home turf”. Mexico and Mexican America fight fans are always looking and craving for new warrior to follow, weather it be Sal Alvarez, J.C. Chavez Jr. or Alfredo Angulo to become the new warrior from Mexico. Sosa has been proving it in the ring and should be getting the respect from fight fans and with more future show downs, which could come in a rematch with Brain “The Hawaii Punch” Viloria and against “The Iron Boy” Ivan Calderon these light flyweights need more of the spotlight on them.
make sure yall check this out 2nite 7pm espn2
Unrated
Answer the critics
Jun 11, 2009
By Josh Koehn
Robert Guerrero, right, and Efren Hinojosa square-off at Thursday's weigh-in. The two will battle in the ring Friday night at HP Pavilion in San Jose.
Photo by: Lora Schraft, Staff Photographer
Guerrero laughs while answering a question during Wednesday's press conference. Guerrero is viewing the fight as a way to silence his critics after a no-contest decision in his last fight.
Photo by: Lora Schraft, Staff Photographer
SAN JOSE - Out to prove he's no quitter, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero is looking to bring fight fans back into his corner.
Three months removed from his last bout, Guerrero has heard plenty of second-hand criticism.
"There's a lot of talk," Guerrero said at a press conference Wednesday. "I don't let it get to me. Nobody has said nothing to me (in person)."
Taking on Daud Yordan March 7 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, the fight was stopped in the second round after Guerrero suffered a deep cut over his right eye following a headbutt by Yordan. The result of the bout was a no-contest decision, which left the 7,000-plus in attendance less than satisfied as boos rained down from the rafters.
HBO commentator Max Kellerman questioned Guerrero's toughness in front of a national TV audience, wondering why Guerrero would allow the doctor to stop the fight.
"The thing is in life, there's the reality and there's the perception," said Bob Santos, Guerrero's co-manager. "Max Kellerman doesn't say what he said, it never would have gotten that out of control. He spearheaded it."
Guerrero (23-1-1, 16 KOs) now has the chance to turn the lance on his critics. Tonight he will be back at the same site of his most recent bout, this time taking on Mexico's Efren "Huracan" Hinojosa (30-5-1, 17 KOs) in a card being televised at 7 p.m. on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights."
"Last fight was a disappointment to me, the fans, and I gotta get right back on it," Guerrero said. "[Criticism] comes with the territory. Boxing is a rough sport and everyone wants to see a rough fight. Unfortunately, the doctor made a decision and stopped the fight."
Santos says those who have dropped the 26-year-old Guerrero, a former two-time IBF featherweight champ, down a peg, suffer from a selective memory. Guerrero was cut twice in his career before his last bout, and referees simply told him to continue in those fights. Both times he said the same thing that he said while fighting Yordan - that he couldn't see. One of those fights was a rematch against Gamaliel Diaz, the only person to beat Guerrero fair and square, and the other was against Freddy Castro. Guerrero won both bouts, the latter being accomplished with a broken shoulder to boot.
Santos also offers up the fact that Guerrero stayed mentally sharp to beat Martin Honorio just days after finding out his wife had been diagnosed with leukemia. Her cancer is now in remission, which has put Guerrero at ease as he trained in Los Angeles for six weeks. Guerrero's camp, however, still can't help but feel the Gilroy native is being unfairly slighted by the media.
"The insiders in boxing know this kid has a 105 mph fastball," Santos said, raising his left hand. "And he can put your lights out anytime."
The hope of Guerrero's and those representing him is that tonight's bout will showcase a fighter ready for the biggest stage. An impressive victory could catapult Guerrero into an Aug. 22 card in Houston that is expected to be one of the biggest of the summer.
"Everybody is focusing on what happened in the last fight, but I want you to ask him what's going to happen next fight," said Golden Boy Promotions' Robert Diaz. "We're gonna get through [tonight], we're gonna go for the world title, (and) we're going to go for bigger and better things."
Landing a bigger and better fight has been challenging, Santos said. Yordan was offered a rematch against Guerrero for twice the amount of money he made in the first fight and passed. Juan Diaz has been offered a fight with Guerrero on three different occasions, Santos said, and passed each time.
"If [Guerrero] is such an easy fight, why doesn't (Juan Manuel) Marquez or (Juan) Diaz sign up for the fight," Santos said.
Guerrero has made a decision to move up another weight class for tonight's bout, tipping the scales at 134 pounds at Thursday's weigh-in. Hinojosa was a pound and a half over the lightweight limit during his first attempt. He was still eight ounces over the 135-pound mandate on his second try, but Guerrero's camp consented to go forward with the bout regardless.
An impressive victory as a lightweight could show Guerrero, who relinquished his featherweight title to move up a division, is ready for anything the 130- or 135-pound contenders have to offer.
"I'm excited because the 135 weight class is packed," Guerrero said. "I can make that jump no problem, and that's what I'm hoping to show.
"I feel like a tank right now."
Guerrero knows you're only as good as your last bout. Recording a 16th straight knockout in victory would go a long way in shooting down his critics.
Unrated
Answer the critics
Jun 11, 2009
By Josh Koehn
Robert Guerrero, right, and Efren Hinojosa square-off at Thursday's weigh-in. The two will battle in the ring Friday night at HP Pavilion in San Jose.
Photo by: Lora Schraft, Staff Photographer
Guerrero laughs while answering a question during Wednesday's press conference. Guerrero is viewing the fight as a way to silence his critics after a no-contest decision in his last fight.
Photo by: Lora Schraft, Staff Photographer
SAN JOSE - Out to prove he's no quitter, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero is looking to bring fight fans back into his corner.
Three months removed from his last bout, Guerrero has heard plenty of second-hand criticism.
"There's a lot of talk," Guerrero said at a press conference Wednesday. "I don't let it get to me. Nobody has said nothing to me (in person)."
Taking on Daud Yordan March 7 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, the fight was stopped in the second round after Guerrero suffered a deep cut over his right eye following a headbutt by Yordan. The result of the bout was a no-contest decision, which left the 7,000-plus in attendance less than satisfied as boos rained down from the rafters.
HBO commentator Max Kellerman questioned Guerrero's toughness in front of a national TV audience, wondering why Guerrero would allow the doctor to stop the fight.
"The thing is in life, there's the reality and there's the perception," said Bob Santos, Guerrero's co-manager. "Max Kellerman doesn't say what he said, it never would have gotten that out of control. He spearheaded it."
Guerrero (23-1-1, 16 KOs) now has the chance to turn the lance on his critics. Tonight he will be back at the same site of his most recent bout, this time taking on Mexico's Efren "Huracan" Hinojosa (30-5-1, 17 KOs) in a card being televised at 7 p.m. on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights."
"Last fight was a disappointment to me, the fans, and I gotta get right back on it," Guerrero said. "[Criticism] comes with the territory. Boxing is a rough sport and everyone wants to see a rough fight. Unfortunately, the doctor made a decision and stopped the fight."
Santos says those who have dropped the 26-year-old Guerrero, a former two-time IBF featherweight champ, down a peg, suffer from a selective memory. Guerrero was cut twice in his career before his last bout, and referees simply told him to continue in those fights. Both times he said the same thing that he said while fighting Yordan - that he couldn't see. One of those fights was a rematch against Gamaliel Diaz, the only person to beat Guerrero fair and square, and the other was against Freddy Castro. Guerrero won both bouts, the latter being accomplished with a broken shoulder to boot.
Santos also offers up the fact that Guerrero stayed mentally sharp to beat Martin Honorio just days after finding out his wife had been diagnosed with leukemia. Her cancer is now in remission, which has put Guerrero at ease as he trained in Los Angeles for six weeks. Guerrero's camp, however, still can't help but feel the Gilroy native is being unfairly slighted by the media.
"The insiders in boxing know this kid has a 105 mph fastball," Santos said, raising his left hand. "And he can put your lights out anytime."
The hope of Guerrero's and those representing him is that tonight's bout will showcase a fighter ready for the biggest stage. An impressive victory could catapult Guerrero into an Aug. 22 card in Houston that is expected to be one of the biggest of the summer.
"Everybody is focusing on what happened in the last fight, but I want you to ask him what's going to happen next fight," said Golden Boy Promotions' Robert Diaz. "We're gonna get through [tonight], we're gonna go for the world title, (and) we're going to go for bigger and better things."
Landing a bigger and better fight has been challenging, Santos said. Yordan was offered a rematch against Guerrero for twice the amount of money he made in the first fight and passed. Juan Diaz has been offered a fight with Guerrero on three different occasions, Santos said, and passed each time.
"If [Guerrero] is such an easy fight, why doesn't (Juan Manuel) Marquez or (Juan) Diaz sign up for the fight," Santos said.
Guerrero has made a decision to move up another weight class for tonight's bout, tipping the scales at 134 pounds at Thursday's weigh-in. Hinojosa was a pound and a half over the lightweight limit during his first attempt. He was still eight ounces over the 135-pound mandate on his second try, but Guerrero's camp consented to go forward with the bout regardless.
An impressive victory as a lightweight could show Guerrero, who relinquished his featherweight title to move up a division, is ready for anything the 130- or 135-pound contenders have to offer.
"I'm excited because the 135 weight class is packed," Guerrero said. "I can make that jump no problem, and that's what I'm hoping to show.
"I feel like a tank right now."
Guerrero knows you're only as good as your last bout. Recording a 16th straight knockout in victory would go a long way in shooting down his critics.
