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Devon Alexander: Tough Road Pays Off With Witter
By T.K. Stewart
Devon Alexander and his trainer Kevin Cunningham have been together for 15 years. When they first met, Alexander was a 7-year-old kid in the second grade and Cunningham was still a St. Louis police officer. In a little more than a week, the pair will take a shot at their first world title when they meet England's Junior Witter for the vacant WBC 140-pound belt.
“My trainer Kevin Cunningham has been with me since I was seven-years-old,” said Alexander, now 22, who will carry an undefeated 18-0, 11 knockouts record into the ring on Aug. 1st at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California. “Against Witter, I'm going to do what I do best and take him to the body and then take him to the head.”
Many know Cunningham as the trainer and manager to current IBF 154-pound titlist Cory Spinks, who also once held the championship at 147-pounds. But most are not as familiar with his work as the trainer to Alexander.
“We've been through it all for fifteen years now,” said the likable Alexander of Cunningham. “Here it is now, I'm fighting on the big stage and I really think he's the best. He's the one that started me out. He was a police officer at my elementary school and he started me out in boxing and I've been with him ever since.”
Cunningham thinks just as highly of Alexander and he believes the sky is the limit for his fighter who is ranked #2 by the WBC.
“Devon has a tremendous work ethic,” says Cunningham. “He loves what he does and he eats, sleeps and drinks boxing. And it shows when he gets in the ring because he's extremely talented. He's determined and, you know, he's going to be a great champion.”
The Don King promoted Alexander has opened as the betting favorite over Witter and most observers expect him to prove victorious.
Alexander was a kid that grew up on the disadvantaged streets of the “Gateway City” and Cunningham remembers well how and when it all began. “I opened a gym in St. Louis, north St. Louis, and you know, I opened it in a community with a lot of kids with nothin' to do and I was working as a police officer at an elementary school,” said Cunningham. “I recruited a bunch of kids from the school and Devon was one of them kids. He came in at seven-years-old and we've been together ever since.”
Should Alexander beat Witter, he already has his sights on unifying the titles at 140-pounds. The main event of the Aug. 1st card features an intriguing match between WBO titlist Timothy Bradley and former lightweight champion Nate Campbell and Alexander indicated he has no qualms about facing the winner.
The proud St. Louis native Alexander is well on the way to boiling himself down to 140-pounds. At the WBC mandated 30 day weigh-in on July 1st, Alexander tipped the scales at 148 pounds, which was well under the 154 he was allowed.
By T.K. Stewart
Devon Alexander and his trainer Kevin Cunningham have been together for 15 years. When they first met, Alexander was a 7-year-old kid in the second grade and Cunningham was still a St. Louis police officer. In a little more than a week, the pair will take a shot at their first world title when they meet England's Junior Witter for the vacant WBC 140-pound belt.
“My trainer Kevin Cunningham has been with me since I was seven-years-old,” said Alexander, now 22, who will carry an undefeated 18-0, 11 knockouts record into the ring on Aug. 1st at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California. “Against Witter, I'm going to do what I do best and take him to the body and then take him to the head.”
Many know Cunningham as the trainer and manager to current IBF 154-pound titlist Cory Spinks, who also once held the championship at 147-pounds. But most are not as familiar with his work as the trainer to Alexander.
“We've been through it all for fifteen years now,” said the likable Alexander of Cunningham. “Here it is now, I'm fighting on the big stage and I really think he's the best. He's the one that started me out. He was a police officer at my elementary school and he started me out in boxing and I've been with him ever since.”
Cunningham thinks just as highly of Alexander and he believes the sky is the limit for his fighter who is ranked #2 by the WBC.
“Devon has a tremendous work ethic,” says Cunningham. “He loves what he does and he eats, sleeps and drinks boxing. And it shows when he gets in the ring because he's extremely talented. He's determined and, you know, he's going to be a great champion.”
The Don King promoted Alexander has opened as the betting favorite over Witter and most observers expect him to prove victorious.
Alexander was a kid that grew up on the disadvantaged streets of the “Gateway City” and Cunningham remembers well how and when it all began. “I opened a gym in St. Louis, north St. Louis, and you know, I opened it in a community with a lot of kids with nothin' to do and I was working as a police officer at an elementary school,” said Cunningham. “I recruited a bunch of kids from the school and Devon was one of them kids. He came in at seven-years-old and we've been together ever since.”
Should Alexander beat Witter, he already has his sights on unifying the titles at 140-pounds. The main event of the Aug. 1st card features an intriguing match between WBO titlist Timothy Bradley and former lightweight champion Nate Campbell and Alexander indicated he has no qualms about facing the winner.
The proud St. Louis native Alexander is well on the way to boiling himself down to 140-pounds. At the WBC mandated 30 day weigh-in on July 1st, Alexander tipped the scales at 148 pounds, which was well under the 154 he was allowed.
Haye on Klitschko Deal: "I Will Not Be a Slave Fighter"
By Terence Dooley
David Haye’s Hayemaker group have sent out an explanation as to why Haye will take on Nikolai Valuev instead of Vitali Klitschko. Haye versus Valuev will take place on the 7th of November, with Germany the likely destination. Valuev’s WBA heavyweight title will be on the line.
Haye has revealed that the terms of his contract with the Klitschko’s (multiple fights with both brothers should he beat either one of them) left him with no choice but to take the Valuev fight. “I am thrilled to announce that my dream of becoming world heavyweight champion will be realised on November 7, when I challenge the tallest and heaviest champion of all time, Nikolai Valuev,” explained Haye.
“Valuev’s known as ‘The Beast from the East’ and there’s a reason he’s got that nickname - he’s a big, ugly, sweaty and hairy man from the Eastern Bloc. Valuev is eight stone heavier than me and a foot taller than me. David only needed a slingshot and a stone to flatten Goliath, and I’m convinced my right hand generates more power than a stone.”
Haye went onto claim that he felt ‘disrespected’ by the Klitschko brothers, negotiations with them handicapped him so badly he had to head down an alternative path.
“There were reports in the German press that I had signed to fight Vitali Klitschko in September, but those reports were never true,” he continued. “There have been long and exhausting discussions about the clash, but unfortunately I could never put my name to the fight contract the Klitschkos offered. The level of disrespect they have shown me throughout has left me feeling insulted.
“As for signing the contract, now that I realise just how much support and interest I have from the people in Germany, it would have been like selling my soul to the devil. I will not be a slave fighter,” blasted Haye.
“Once I have snatched Valuev’s title, I will be happy to battle out heavyweight supremacy with the Klitschkos, but only on equal and fair terms. As the WBA heavyweight champion, I should be able to meet them without having to sign my life away. Beating Valuev and taking his WBA title is my best chance of securing unification.”
Valuev, 35, stands tall at 7’; he has advantages in height, weight, and reach. Haye, 28, and significantly smaller at 6’ 3’’, feels that his natural boxing talent can carry him to victory; the former undisputed cruiserweight champion is adamant that size will not be a factor come November.
“I can’t wait to step into the ring on November 7 and prove that size doesn’t matter. Mark my words: I will be the first man to knock Nikolai Valuev out.”
Common opponent Monte Barrett was halted in 5-rounds by Haye last November, Barrett took Valuev 11-rounds in 2006; however, Valuev has beaten the likes of John Ruiz and Evander Holyfield, this is a huge test for Haye.
By Terence Dooley
David Haye’s Hayemaker group have sent out an explanation as to why Haye will take on Nikolai Valuev instead of Vitali Klitschko. Haye versus Valuev will take place on the 7th of November, with Germany the likely destination. Valuev’s WBA heavyweight title will be on the line.
Haye has revealed that the terms of his contract with the Klitschko’s (multiple fights with both brothers should he beat either one of them) left him with no choice but to take the Valuev fight. “I am thrilled to announce that my dream of becoming world heavyweight champion will be realised on November 7, when I challenge the tallest and heaviest champion of all time, Nikolai Valuev,” explained Haye.
“Valuev’s known as ‘The Beast from the East’ and there’s a reason he’s got that nickname - he’s a big, ugly, sweaty and hairy man from the Eastern Bloc. Valuev is eight stone heavier than me and a foot taller than me. David only needed a slingshot and a stone to flatten Goliath, and I’m convinced my right hand generates more power than a stone.”
Haye went onto claim that he felt ‘disrespected’ by the Klitschko brothers, negotiations with them handicapped him so badly he had to head down an alternative path.
“There were reports in the German press that I had signed to fight Vitali Klitschko in September, but those reports were never true,” he continued. “There have been long and exhausting discussions about the clash, but unfortunately I could never put my name to the fight contract the Klitschkos offered. The level of disrespect they have shown me throughout has left me feeling insulted.
“As for signing the contract, now that I realise just how much support and interest I have from the people in Germany, it would have been like selling my soul to the devil. I will not be a slave fighter,” blasted Haye.
“Once I have snatched Valuev’s title, I will be happy to battle out heavyweight supremacy with the Klitschkos, but only on equal and fair terms. As the WBA heavyweight champion, I should be able to meet them without having to sign my life away. Beating Valuev and taking his WBA title is my best chance of securing unification.”
Valuev, 35, stands tall at 7’; he has advantages in height, weight, and reach. Haye, 28, and significantly smaller at 6’ 3’’, feels that his natural boxing talent can carry him to victory; the former undisputed cruiserweight champion is adamant that size will not be a factor come November.
“I can’t wait to step into the ring on November 7 and prove that size doesn’t matter. Mark my words: I will be the first man to knock Nikolai Valuev out.”
Common opponent Monte Barrett was halted in 5-rounds by Haye last November, Barrett took Valuev 11-rounds in 2006; however, Valuev has beaten the likes of John Ruiz and Evander Holyfield, this is a huge test for Haye.
John Ruiz Contacts WBA To Prevent Haye-Valuev Bout
Team Ruiz has already contacted the WBA inform the WBA Championship Committee that WBA mandatory challenger, 2-time WBA heavyweight John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs), will not stand by and allow the reported Valuev-Haye title fight in November.
Despite reports from both camps, Valuev-Haye has not been sanctioned as a WBA title fight, and cannot be without a special permit being requested, filed and passed. Ruiz is the mandatory challenger, Valuev’s deadline for his yearly mandatory defense is August 30, and Haye isn’t rated by the WBA.
Ruiz’ advisor and attorney, Anthony Cardinale, and prominent boxing lawyer, Judd Burstein, emailed all concerned parties the following:
“There has been a recent press release quoting David Haye as claiming that he has come to an agreement to fight Nicolai Valuev for the WBA title this coming November. I am writing to inform the WBA Championship Committee that John Ruiz, the WBA Heavyweight Official Challenger, will not stand by and allow such a bout to take place.
“First, Valuev must honor his mandatory obligation to John Ruiz.
“Valuev won the title on August 30th, 2008 and had an interim title fight against Evander Holyfield last December, when the WBA ranked Holyfield out of nowhere to accommodate Valuev and his promoter. Following that Holyfield bout, Valuev was scheduled to fight (Ruslan) Chagaev last April to clear up the heavyweight title situation. On behalf of Mr. Valuev, Mr. (Pat) English claimed that the Chagaev fight was the equivalent of a mandatory bout, requiring Mr. Ruiz to wait a year for a chance. Chagaev was, however, medically declared unfit. Since, he then fought, in violation of specific WBA rules, for the IBF and WBO championships, and lost. Therefore, he no longer may be considered the WBA champion.
“Accordingly, with a year since his last championship victory about to pass, Valuev must fight his next bout as his mandatory against Mr. Ruiz. John Ruiz will not sit by and permit another delay so that Valuev can have another interim fight, especially against another opponent who is not even rated by the WBA. If the WBA Regulations are to have any meaning, there can be no other result. Put simply, John Ruiz has not agreed to permit any bout for the WBA Heavyweight Championship unless he is one of the participants, and he will take any and all legal action necessary to protect his interests.”
Team Ruiz has already contacted the WBA inform the WBA Championship Committee that WBA mandatory challenger, 2-time WBA heavyweight John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs), will not stand by and allow the reported Valuev-Haye title fight in November.
Despite reports from both camps, Valuev-Haye has not been sanctioned as a WBA title fight, and cannot be without a special permit being requested, filed and passed. Ruiz is the mandatory challenger, Valuev’s deadline for his yearly mandatory defense is August 30, and Haye isn’t rated by the WBA.
Ruiz’ advisor and attorney, Anthony Cardinale, and prominent boxing lawyer, Judd Burstein, emailed all concerned parties the following:
“There has been a recent press release quoting David Haye as claiming that he has come to an agreement to fight Nicolai Valuev for the WBA title this coming November. I am writing to inform the WBA Championship Committee that John Ruiz, the WBA Heavyweight Official Challenger, will not stand by and allow such a bout to take place.
“First, Valuev must honor his mandatory obligation to John Ruiz.
“Valuev won the title on August 30th, 2008 and had an interim title fight against Evander Holyfield last December, when the WBA ranked Holyfield out of nowhere to accommodate Valuev and his promoter. Following that Holyfield bout, Valuev was scheduled to fight (Ruslan) Chagaev last April to clear up the heavyweight title situation. On behalf of Mr. Valuev, Mr. (Pat) English claimed that the Chagaev fight was the equivalent of a mandatory bout, requiring Mr. Ruiz to wait a year for a chance. Chagaev was, however, medically declared unfit. Since, he then fought, in violation of specific WBA rules, for the IBF and WBO championships, and lost. Therefore, he no longer may be considered the WBA champion.
“Accordingly, with a year since his last championship victory about to pass, Valuev must fight his next bout as his mandatory against Mr. Ruiz. John Ruiz will not sit by and permit another delay so that Valuev can have another interim fight, especially against another opponent who is not even rated by the WBA. If the WBA Regulations are to have any meaning, there can be no other result. Put simply, John Ruiz has not agreed to permit any bout for the WBA Heavyweight Championship unless he is one of the participants, and he will take any and all legal action necessary to protect his interests.”
Wladimir Klitschko, Bönte Blast "Scared" David Haye
By Mark Vester
The Klitschko brothers and their manager Bernd Bönte are still outraged with the antics of David Haye. As many know by now, Haye withdrew at the last minute from what appeared to be a done deal to fight WBC champion Vitali Klitschko on September 19. Haye made a backdoor deal to face WBA champion Nikolai Valuev on November 7.
The big reason for Haye's withdrawal, according to Haye, is the options that would have forced him into two more bouts with both Klitschko brothers. But, these are the same exact options and the same contract, more or less, that Haye signed for his deal to fight younger brother Wladimir Klitschko back in June. Haye withdrew from the Wladimir fight with a back injury but many doubt the injury story and feel Haye was trying to buy time because Setanta Sports was going under. The injury story seems more suspect with the latest events.
Bönte was very surprised and very angry. He found out through media reports because Haye cut off communications with them on Tuesday and left them wondering as to the whereabouts of the British fighter. Bönte doesn't buy anything that Haye says. He says the fighter likely withdrew because of financial fears and the lack of drawing power.
“The cancellation was very surprising as we got informed about it through the media," Bönte said to The Times Online. "Haye’s manager Adam Booth did not even have the courage to give me a call personally and tell me about their decision – for me a sign of his inexistent class.
"The background of the pull-out are definitely the bad pay-per-view-TV figures of BSkyB in England. Haye and his manager seem to have realised all of a sudden, that we have a global economic depression and English boxing fans are not that easily willing to pay £15 for a bout. All the excuses of adhesion contracts are complete rubbish as Haye had already signed the same contract for the fight against Wladimir in June, which also contained a usual rematch clause and a pure Klitschko option. And for that fight he also pulled out.
"Vitali and myself attended Haye’s last fight against Monte Barrett at the O2 Arena in London. There were possibly 6,000 fans in a 20,000-seat arena. The guy is not a big draw in England at all. We were always surprised that he expected to get £2.7 million out of the English pay-per-view sales for a fight against Vitali or Wladimir."
Wladimir also took aim at Haye. He doesn't believe the stories either. Wladimir says Haye is all talk and doesn't back up anything that he spews.
"David always had a big mouth and tried to offend us with ridiculous self-made T-shirts. But when it comes up to step into the ring and show what he’s got, he runs away. He even admits that fighting Valuev is the easier way. For me Haye is a little, inexperienced kid who is afraid of his own courage. Doubtless, my brother would have knocked him out within the first four rounds," Wladimir said
By Mark Vester
The Klitschko brothers and their manager Bernd Bönte are still outraged with the antics of David Haye. As many know by now, Haye withdrew at the last minute from what appeared to be a done deal to fight WBC champion Vitali Klitschko on September 19. Haye made a backdoor deal to face WBA champion Nikolai Valuev on November 7.
The big reason for Haye's withdrawal, according to Haye, is the options that would have forced him into two more bouts with both Klitschko brothers. But, these are the same exact options and the same contract, more or less, that Haye signed for his deal to fight younger brother Wladimir Klitschko back in June. Haye withdrew from the Wladimir fight with a back injury but many doubt the injury story and feel Haye was trying to buy time because Setanta Sports was going under. The injury story seems more suspect with the latest events.
Bönte was very surprised and very angry. He found out through media reports because Haye cut off communications with them on Tuesday and left them wondering as to the whereabouts of the British fighter. Bönte doesn't buy anything that Haye says. He says the fighter likely withdrew because of financial fears and the lack of drawing power.
“The cancellation was very surprising as we got informed about it through the media," Bönte said to The Times Online. "Haye’s manager Adam Booth did not even have the courage to give me a call personally and tell me about their decision – for me a sign of his inexistent class.
"The background of the pull-out are definitely the bad pay-per-view-TV figures of BSkyB in England. Haye and his manager seem to have realised all of a sudden, that we have a global economic depression and English boxing fans are not that easily willing to pay £15 for a bout. All the excuses of adhesion contracts are complete rubbish as Haye had already signed the same contract for the fight against Wladimir in June, which also contained a usual rematch clause and a pure Klitschko option. And for that fight he also pulled out.
"Vitali and myself attended Haye’s last fight against Monte Barrett at the O2 Arena in London. There were possibly 6,000 fans in a 20,000-seat arena. The guy is not a big draw in England at all. We were always surprised that he expected to get £2.7 million out of the English pay-per-view sales for a fight against Vitali or Wladimir."
Wladimir also took aim at Haye. He doesn't believe the stories either. Wladimir says Haye is all talk and doesn't back up anything that he spews.
"David always had a big mouth and tried to offend us with ridiculous self-made T-shirts. But when it comes up to step into the ring and show what he’s got, he runs away. He even admits that fighting Valuev is the easier way. For me Haye is a little, inexperienced kid who is afraid of his own courage. Doubtless, my brother would have knocked him out within the first four rounds," Wladimir said
Judah vs Hatton Still On, Ndou Fight Crumbles
By Mark Vester
According to some recent comments in the Manchester Evening News, the proposed fight between Matthew Hatton and IBO welterweight champion Lovemore Ndou has fallen apart after the two sides were unable to reach a deal. Their bout was going to take place on September 12 in South Africa.
Instead Hatton will move forward with his appearance on the September 19 pay-per-view undercard to Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. He will face former two division champion Zan Judah, by far the toughest fight of Hatton's career.
"It is a massive fight for me," Hatton said. "I'm disappointed the IBO title shot has fallen through, but this is an even bigger fight. Judah is one of the best fighters of the modern generation. It is a massive step up in class for me, but I have improved so much.
"I might have to go up one, maybe two levels to compete with him, but I feel I can."
By Mark Vester
According to some recent comments in the Manchester Evening News, the proposed fight between Matthew Hatton and IBO welterweight champion Lovemore Ndou has fallen apart after the two sides were unable to reach a deal. Their bout was going to take place on September 12 in South Africa.
Instead Hatton will move forward with his appearance on the September 19 pay-per-view undercard to Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. He will face former two division champion Zan Judah, by far the toughest fight of Hatton's career.
"It is a massive fight for me," Hatton said. "I'm disappointed the IBO title shot has fallen through, but this is an even bigger fight. Judah is one of the best fighters of the modern generation. It is a massive step up in class for me, but I have improved so much.
"I might have to go up one, maybe two levels to compete with him, but I feel I can."
Nietes vs Vargas Fight Concerns Continue To Build
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
There is growing concern over the WBO minimumweight title defense of Donnie Nietes which was originally scheduled for July 18 in Jalisco, the hometown of Mexican challenger and interim champion Manuel "Chango" Vargas but was later postponed to August 1 in Oxaca.
However, there has been no publicity about the fight in Mexico or elsewhere with just ten days to go.
International matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz in an email in response to our question about the status of the fight replied that the title defense is scheduled for August 1 but he doesn't know where it will take place.
Lewkowicz is arriving in Manila for a news conference on Friday at which he will announce his tie-up with undefeated Filipino flyweight "Marvelous" Marvin Sonsona and details of his next fight which is likely to be a world title shot at WBO champion Jose "Carita" Lopez which Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani informed us sometime ago that he was working on.
Nietes has been training for several weeks at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach in Los Angeles along with world-rated AJ "Bazooka" Banal and their trainer Edmund Villamor.
Clearly the postponement of the fight hurt Nietes who was nearing his peak for the August 18 clash having sparred extensively at the famed ALA Gym with the likes of No.1 ranked Milan Melindo, hard-hitting Philippine flyweight champion Rocky Fuientes and rugged Rolando del Castillo
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
There is growing concern over the WBO minimumweight title defense of Donnie Nietes which was originally scheduled for July 18 in Jalisco, the hometown of Mexican challenger and interim champion Manuel "Chango" Vargas but was later postponed to August 1 in Oxaca.
However, there has been no publicity about the fight in Mexico or elsewhere with just ten days to go.
International matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz in an email in response to our question about the status of the fight replied that the title defense is scheduled for August 1 but he doesn't know where it will take place.
Lewkowicz is arriving in Manila for a news conference on Friday at which he will announce his tie-up with undefeated Filipino flyweight "Marvelous" Marvin Sonsona and details of his next fight which is likely to be a world title shot at WBO champion Jose "Carita" Lopez which Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani informed us sometime ago that he was working on.
Nietes has been training for several weeks at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach in Los Angeles along with world-rated AJ "Bazooka" Banal and their trainer Edmund Villamor.
Clearly the postponement of the fight hurt Nietes who was nearing his peak for the August 18 clash having sparred extensively at the famed ALA Gym with the likes of No.1 ranked Milan Melindo, hard-hitting Philippine flyweight champion Rocky Fuientes and rugged Rolando del Castillo
Background info on Vitali Klitschko vs. David Haye Cancellation
The fight between WBC World Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko and Briton David Haye has been canceled. It was scheduled for September, 12th, in the Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt, Germany.
“First of all, I feel sorry for the team of the Commerzbank-Arena and for the boxing fans in the Frankfurt region. We will try to set up another Klitschko fight in this wonderful arena as soon as possible. Also for us, the cancellation was very surprising as we got informed about it through the media. Haye’s manager, Adam Booth, did not even have the courage to give me a call personally and tell me about their decision – for me a sign of his inexistent class. Background of the pull-out are definitely the bad pay-per-view-TV figures of BSkyB in England”, said Bernd Böente, Managing Director of the Klitschko Management Group.
The last fights of Ricky Hatton and new English shooting star Amir Khan (last weekend against Andreas Kotelnik) both had very poor sales on TV (Khan vs. Kotelnik less than 30,000 viewers). It was Haye’s desire to base his purse on the British TV earnings.
“Haye and his manager, whose home base is in the Turkish part of Cyprus for fiscal reasons, seem to have realized all of a sudden, that we have a global economic depression and English boxing fans are not that easily willing to pay 15 pounds for a bout. All the excuses of adhesion contracts are complete rubbish as Haye had already signed the same contract for the fight against Wladimir in June, which also contained a usual rematch clause and a pure Klitschko option. And for that fight he also pulled out. By the way, Vitali and myself attended Haye’s last fight against Monte Barrett at the O2 Arena in London. There were possibly 6.000 fans in a 20.000 seat arena. The guy is not a big draw in England at all. We were always surprised that he expected to get 2.7 million pounds out of the English pay-per-view sales for a fight against Vitali or Wladimir,” Böente added.
Wladimir Klitschko: “During the negotiations for my June fight, we realized quickly that Haye and Booth are very unprofessional. Booth might be a good trainer but as a manager he is simply incompetent. David always had a big mouth and tried to offend us with ridiculous self-made t-shirts. But when it comes up to step into the ring and show what he’s got, he runs away. He even admits that fighting Valuev is the easier way. For me Haye is a little, inexperienced kid who is afraid of his own courage. Doubtless, my brother would have knocked him out within the first four rounds.”
Klitschko Management Group has already started negotiating with potential opponents for Vitali’s next title defense
The fight between WBC World Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko and Briton David Haye has been canceled. It was scheduled for September, 12th, in the Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt, Germany.
“First of all, I feel sorry for the team of the Commerzbank-Arena and for the boxing fans in the Frankfurt region. We will try to set up another Klitschko fight in this wonderful arena as soon as possible. Also for us, the cancellation was very surprising as we got informed about it through the media. Haye’s manager, Adam Booth, did not even have the courage to give me a call personally and tell me about their decision – for me a sign of his inexistent class. Background of the pull-out are definitely the bad pay-per-view-TV figures of BSkyB in England”, said Bernd Böente, Managing Director of the Klitschko Management Group.
The last fights of Ricky Hatton and new English shooting star Amir Khan (last weekend against Andreas Kotelnik) both had very poor sales on TV (Khan vs. Kotelnik less than 30,000 viewers). It was Haye’s desire to base his purse on the British TV earnings.
“Haye and his manager, whose home base is in the Turkish part of Cyprus for fiscal reasons, seem to have realized all of a sudden, that we have a global economic depression and English boxing fans are not that easily willing to pay 15 pounds for a bout. All the excuses of adhesion contracts are complete rubbish as Haye had already signed the same contract for the fight against Wladimir in June, which also contained a usual rematch clause and a pure Klitschko option. And for that fight he also pulled out. By the way, Vitali and myself attended Haye’s last fight against Monte Barrett at the O2 Arena in London. There were possibly 6.000 fans in a 20.000 seat arena. The guy is not a big draw in England at all. We were always surprised that he expected to get 2.7 million pounds out of the English pay-per-view sales for a fight against Vitali or Wladimir,” Böente added.
Wladimir Klitschko: “During the negotiations for my June fight, we realized quickly that Haye and Booth are very unprofessional. Booth might be a good trainer but as a manager he is simply incompetent. David always had a big mouth and tried to offend us with ridiculous self-made t-shirts. But when it comes up to step into the ring and show what he’s got, he runs away. He even admits that fighting Valuev is the easier way. For me Haye is a little, inexperienced kid who is afraid of his own courage. Doubtless, my brother would have knocked him out within the first four rounds.”
Klitschko Management Group has already started negotiating with potential opponents for Vitali’s next title defense
Awesome news.
Pavlik-Williams Negotiations Begin
With Abraham leaving the division this is really the only interesting fight for Kelly Pavlik at this point in time besides maybe Felix Sturm and/or winky wright. I believe this is the fight the people want to see.
And it's tough to call. If William's chin can hold up to Kelly's power his overwhelming punch output might be all bad for Kelly. But then again Williams has never been hit by a guy with Pavlik power. I'm giving this 50/50.
Pavlik-Williams Negotiations Begin
I was told this week that serious talks have been rekindled for a fall fight between middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams, with HBO making a very strong offer. The question is, will the two camps, who don't exactly get along well, be able to agree on the split? We shall see, but my fingers are crossed because it's a great fight -- certainly a lot bigger than anything else either guy can legitimately make.
- Dan Rafael ESPN
- Dan Rafael ESPN
With Abraham leaving the division this is really the only interesting fight for Kelly Pavlik at this point in time besides maybe Felix Sturm and/or winky wright. I believe this is the fight the people want to see.
And it's tough to call. If William's chin can hold up to Kelly's power his overwhelming punch output might be all bad for Kelly. But then again Williams has never been hit by a guy with Pavlik power. I'm giving this 50/50.
Allan Green Breaks Down The Super Six, Talks Pavlik
By Rick Reeno
Super middleweight contender Allan Green is pushing for a fight with Kelly Pavlik, the WBC/WBO middleweight champion. Making the fight is easier said than actually done. The issue at hand is the weight. Pavlik wants to defend his middleweight titles at 160 and Green would rather meet at a catch-weight. Outside of a possible fight with Paul Williams or maybe a Felix Sturm, there are very few options at 160 for Pavlik. A move to super middleweight is going to happen sooner than later. Green is not exactly feeling any enthusiasm from Pavlik’s team. The weight is certainly a roadblock.
“HBO had my name [as a possible opponent]. My name was on the list and my name was in the mix but now he wants to defend his title. Saying that he wants to defend his title is his way of saying that he doesn’t want to fight me. He wants to fight at 160. Maybe we can meet at 164 or 165. I don’t understand. He fought Bernard Hopkins at 172. He fought Jermain Taylor at 166 but whenever it comes to me - they want me to lose extra weight to try and handicap me,” Green said to BoxingScene.com.
“If I had a lot of time [to get down there], maybe. But it’s not safe [without a lot of time]. Let me clarify something. At 172 he looked sluggish against Hopkins, but against Jermain, at 165, 166 - I thought he looked just fine. At 164, 165, 166 I see no problem at all. Who is there for him? The marquee names are not there.”
While Pavlik is trying to find an opponent at 160, Green is dealing with his own issues at super middleweight. The majority of the big names at the weight are contractually bound to Showtime’s Super Six tournament. Most of those names will be locked in to the Super Six tourney until the end of 2010. The idea of moving to light heavyweight is there, but Green would rather stay at 168 for the moment.
“I approached Chad Dawson about a fight before. Me and Glen Johnson are very close friends. That fight would never happen unless the money is right. I don’t see why I should go up. There are still some decent names like Jeff Lacy, the WBO champion, Lucian Bute, Librado Andrade,” Green said.
Speaking of the Super Six, Green has mixed feelings about the tournament. On one hand he loves the concept and looks forward to watching the fights. On the other hand he doesn’t like the idea of being left out.
“They got guys like Jermain Taylor in the tournament - now what does that tell you? And Arthur Abraham who never fought at super middleweight. I’m the “Mighty Thor.” How do you leave the super hero of the super middleweights out of the Super Six? Taylor got knocked out [in his last fight] and I won, and it’s almost like I’m the one who got penalized for it and he got rewarded. I feel like I should be in the tournament,”
Green said. “I do think it’s good for boxing. I’m curious to see what happens and see who the marquee names will be in the division for the next 18 months.”
Should any injury occur to one of the Super Six participants, Green’s name has been mentioned as a frontrunner to replace the injured party. Green is willing to take the call, under the right circumstances, but it doesn’t sit well with him.
“No disrespect but is that supposed to be a compliment to me? That I’m on the list after guys like Jermain Taylor. I don’t want to be anybody’s bitch. I just want to clarify that. No disrespect to any network. If there is enough time to get ready [I’ll do it]. But I don’t want to get a call two weeks before a fight telling me that ‘this guy can’t make it.’ I wouldn’t do it then. If I had a full six weeks [to train], that’s different,” Green said.
As far as the first round of the Super Six, Green broke down the fights to BoxingScene and gave his opinions on the possible outcomes.
Arthur Abraham vs. Jermain Taylor
“I did hear that [Abraham] was very strong. I could see Jermain winning a lot of the rounds and possibly getting clocked later on. I don’t think he has the mental fortitude or the mental toughness to have any kind of control for a long period of time. I could see him slipping and jabbing and jabbing, and then after the eight round - Abraham will get him out of there."
“I think [Jermain] is too nervous. [He fades] and it’s not because he’s not in shape. I know for a fact that he was in shape for his last fight because we were both in Florida at that time and he was training hard. He just gets so nervous in the ring. He doesn’t fight to attack a guy. He fights to keep a guy off of him. That’s what kills him.”
Carl Froch vs. Andre Dirrell
“I could see Dirrell outboxing him, but if it gets grimy and a battle of attrition - it will be interesting. Dirrell is very talented but he’s not very polished. Froch is better at fighting a grudge match than Dirrell is. Dirrell won’t be able to hold all the time and try to finagle his way around all the time and throw pitty pat punches. But I don’t think he should [stand and trade]. I saw his fight with Oganov and he looked a little out of it in there. The pressure was getting to him a little bit. Oganov caught him a couple of times. Dirrell started getting wild and throwing a lot of punches. Froch is a much better offensive fighter than Oganov.”
Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward
“All three guys that I know, that I spoke to, even [Jerson] Revelo who got knocked out, and [Edison] Miranda - they said Ward hits like a baby. Ward is tricky but Kessler’s actual hand speed is faster than Ward’s. Ward is just tricky. They said Ward hits like a baby. Kesser’s hand speed is quicker, more intense than Ward’s and when Kessler starts putting the heat on him, it’s going to get interesting. I pick Kessler in the fight
By Rick Reeno
Super middleweight contender Allan Green is pushing for a fight with Kelly Pavlik, the WBC/WBO middleweight champion. Making the fight is easier said than actually done. The issue at hand is the weight. Pavlik wants to defend his middleweight titles at 160 and Green would rather meet at a catch-weight. Outside of a possible fight with Paul Williams or maybe a Felix Sturm, there are very few options at 160 for Pavlik. A move to super middleweight is going to happen sooner than later. Green is not exactly feeling any enthusiasm from Pavlik’s team. The weight is certainly a roadblock.
“HBO had my name [as a possible opponent]. My name was on the list and my name was in the mix but now he wants to defend his title. Saying that he wants to defend his title is his way of saying that he doesn’t want to fight me. He wants to fight at 160. Maybe we can meet at 164 or 165. I don’t understand. He fought Bernard Hopkins at 172. He fought Jermain Taylor at 166 but whenever it comes to me - they want me to lose extra weight to try and handicap me,” Green said to BoxingScene.com.
“If I had a lot of time [to get down there], maybe. But it’s not safe [without a lot of time]. Let me clarify something. At 172 he looked sluggish against Hopkins, but against Jermain, at 165, 166 - I thought he looked just fine. At 164, 165, 166 I see no problem at all. Who is there for him? The marquee names are not there.”
While Pavlik is trying to find an opponent at 160, Green is dealing with his own issues at super middleweight. The majority of the big names at the weight are contractually bound to Showtime’s Super Six tournament. Most of those names will be locked in to the Super Six tourney until the end of 2010. The idea of moving to light heavyweight is there, but Green would rather stay at 168 for the moment.
“I approached Chad Dawson about a fight before. Me and Glen Johnson are very close friends. That fight would never happen unless the money is right. I don’t see why I should go up. There are still some decent names like Jeff Lacy, the WBO champion, Lucian Bute, Librado Andrade,” Green said.
Speaking of the Super Six, Green has mixed feelings about the tournament. On one hand he loves the concept and looks forward to watching the fights. On the other hand he doesn’t like the idea of being left out.
“They got guys like Jermain Taylor in the tournament - now what does that tell you? And Arthur Abraham who never fought at super middleweight. I’m the “Mighty Thor.” How do you leave the super hero of the super middleweights out of the Super Six? Taylor got knocked out [in his last fight] and I won, and it’s almost like I’m the one who got penalized for it and he got rewarded. I feel like I should be in the tournament,”
Green said. “I do think it’s good for boxing. I’m curious to see what happens and see who the marquee names will be in the division for the next 18 months.”
Should any injury occur to one of the Super Six participants, Green’s name has been mentioned as a frontrunner to replace the injured party. Green is willing to take the call, under the right circumstances, but it doesn’t sit well with him.
“No disrespect but is that supposed to be a compliment to me? That I’m on the list after guys like Jermain Taylor. I don’t want to be anybody’s bitch. I just want to clarify that. No disrespect to any network. If there is enough time to get ready [I’ll do it]. But I don’t want to get a call two weeks before a fight telling me that ‘this guy can’t make it.’ I wouldn’t do it then. If I had a full six weeks [to train], that’s different,” Green said.
As far as the first round of the Super Six, Green broke down the fights to BoxingScene and gave his opinions on the possible outcomes.
Arthur Abraham vs. Jermain Taylor
“I did hear that [Abraham] was very strong. I could see Jermain winning a lot of the rounds and possibly getting clocked later on. I don’t think he has the mental fortitude or the mental toughness to have any kind of control for a long period of time. I could see him slipping and jabbing and jabbing, and then after the eight round - Abraham will get him out of there."
“I think [Jermain] is too nervous. [He fades] and it’s not because he’s not in shape. I know for a fact that he was in shape for his last fight because we were both in Florida at that time and he was training hard. He just gets so nervous in the ring. He doesn’t fight to attack a guy. He fights to keep a guy off of him. That’s what kills him.”
Carl Froch vs. Andre Dirrell
“I could see Dirrell outboxing him, but if it gets grimy and a battle of attrition - it will be interesting. Dirrell is very talented but he’s not very polished. Froch is better at fighting a grudge match than Dirrell is. Dirrell won’t be able to hold all the time and try to finagle his way around all the time and throw pitty pat punches. But I don’t think he should [stand and trade]. I saw his fight with Oganov and he looked a little out of it in there. The pressure was getting to him a little bit. Oganov caught him a couple of times. Dirrell started getting wild and throwing a lot of punches. Froch is a much better offensive fighter than Oganov.”
Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward
“All three guys that I know, that I spoke to, even [Jerson] Revelo who got knocked out, and [Edison] Miranda - they said Ward hits like a baby. Ward is tricky but Kessler’s actual hand speed is faster than Ward’s. Ward is just tricky. They said Ward hits like a baby. Kesser’s hand speed is quicker, more intense than Ward’s and when Kessler starts putting the heat on him, it’s going to get interesting. I pick Kessler in the fight
Carl Froch Pours Scorn On The Boasts of Andre Dirrell
By Terence Dooley
WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch has laughed off claims that he is nervous ahead of his clash with the undefeated Andre Dirrell. Froch and Dirrell meet in Nottingham on October the 17th; it is the first showdown of the Super Six tournament.
Dirrell, who has a perfect 18-0 record, has brushed aside Froch's title credentials. Froch is also undefeated, with a 25-0 record, and he has reversed the claims made by Dirrell; Carl told the BBC that Andre is out of his depth.
“I've heard all that kind of talk before so it doesn't bother me. It's Dirrell who has to worry about backing up that big talk. I actually believe he's quite nervous about the series so he's trying to talk himself up,” claimed Froch.
“When he turned up at the media tour last week I think the realisation of what he'd got himself into actually hit home and I think he was a little overawed by the occasion. If he's nervous getting his photo taken alongside the likes of World Champions like myself and Mikkel Kessler how's he going to feel when he actually has to step into the ring with us?”
Dirrell has pooh-poohed Froch's wins over Jean Pascal and Jermain Taylor, despite a lack of top-class experience, Dirrell believes that he should be the favourite in this clash. Froch, however, differs; Carl is not impressed with Dirrell's record.
“He's got a decent amateur pedigree and he's done well as a pro so far but he's about to step up to a whole new level now,” explained Froch.
“Most of the other guys in this tournament are proven, elite-level fighters but Dirrell is still untested so it's up to him to prove he belongs at this level. He's unbeaten obviously so he has that confidence and mentality of a fighter who doesn't believe they can be beaten but he's forgetting that I'm unbeaten as well so I have that same confidence and mentality.”
Froch has an iron-will; Dirrell has smooth skills; both men are arrogant, cocksure, and full of fire, it will be a hell of a showdown.
By Terence Dooley
WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch has laughed off claims that he is nervous ahead of his clash with the undefeated Andre Dirrell. Froch and Dirrell meet in Nottingham on October the 17th; it is the first showdown of the Super Six tournament.
Dirrell, who has a perfect 18-0 record, has brushed aside Froch's title credentials. Froch is also undefeated, with a 25-0 record, and he has reversed the claims made by Dirrell; Carl told the BBC that Andre is out of his depth.
“I've heard all that kind of talk before so it doesn't bother me. It's Dirrell who has to worry about backing up that big talk. I actually believe he's quite nervous about the series so he's trying to talk himself up,” claimed Froch.
“When he turned up at the media tour last week I think the realisation of what he'd got himself into actually hit home and I think he was a little overawed by the occasion. If he's nervous getting his photo taken alongside the likes of World Champions like myself and Mikkel Kessler how's he going to feel when he actually has to step into the ring with us?”
Dirrell has pooh-poohed Froch's wins over Jean Pascal and Jermain Taylor, despite a lack of top-class experience, Dirrell believes that he should be the favourite in this clash. Froch, however, differs; Carl is not impressed with Dirrell's record.
“He's got a decent amateur pedigree and he's done well as a pro so far but he's about to step up to a whole new level now,” explained Froch.
“Most of the other guys in this tournament are proven, elite-level fighters but Dirrell is still untested so it's up to him to prove he belongs at this level. He's unbeaten obviously so he has that confidence and mentality of a fighter who doesn't believe they can be beaten but he's forgetting that I'm unbeaten as well so I have that same confidence and mentality.”
Froch has an iron-will; Dirrell has smooth skills; both men are arrogant, cocksure, and full of fire, it will be a hell of a showdown.
Hatton vs Marquez; Ricky Interested if Juan Beats Floyd
By Mark Vester
It seems Ricky Hatton may take the Shane Mosley route in terms of sitting back and waiting for a major fight to come along. Recently WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and his handlers seemed to have some interest in calling Hatton out for an all-British battle, but Ricky said there was no interest on his end. Hatton has been on the shelf since suffering a brutal two-round knockout at the hands of Manny Pacquiao back in May. If Hatton does decide to return, he told Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer that if he ever comes back - he wants a big fight.
Eric Gomez, Golden Boy's Vice President, told BoxingScene.com's Robert Morales that Juan Manuel Marquez is one boxer that Hatton has a lot of interest in fighting. If Hatton would have beaten Pacquiao back in May, Marquez was being lined up as the fall opponent for Ricky. Things did not go Hatton's way and Marquez signed to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on September 19. If Marquez is able to pull off the major upset, Hatton would like to fight him.
"What he has told Richard in the past is that if he ever comes back, he wants it to be a meaningful fight," Gomez said. "He doesn't want to be anybody's steppingstone. He has expressed interest that if Marquez can pull off the fight against Mayweather, he would want to fight Marquez. And Marquez has been wanting to fight him for a year now. That's a possibility."
Taking the brutal knockout into consideration, Gomez tells BoxingScene that Hatton can still return and be a force in the sport. He used Arturo Gatti and Amir Khan as two examples of fighters who suffered bad defeats and still returned to become major players.
"I know that many fighters have been knocked out cold and they come back and they win titles. So you never know. Amir Khan (is one). You have guys like Arturo Gatti. How many times did he get knocked out? He came back and won big fights. So you can never count anybody out. There are guys that Ricky can still beat," Gomez said.
By Mark Vester
It seems Ricky Hatton may take the Shane Mosley route in terms of sitting back and waiting for a major fight to come along. Recently WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and his handlers seemed to have some interest in calling Hatton out for an all-British battle, but Ricky said there was no interest on his end. Hatton has been on the shelf since suffering a brutal two-round knockout at the hands of Manny Pacquiao back in May. If Hatton does decide to return, he told Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer that if he ever comes back - he wants a big fight.
Eric Gomez, Golden Boy's Vice President, told BoxingScene.com's Robert Morales that Juan Manuel Marquez is one boxer that Hatton has a lot of interest in fighting. If Hatton would have beaten Pacquiao back in May, Marquez was being lined up as the fall opponent for Ricky. Things did not go Hatton's way and Marquez signed to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on September 19. If Marquez is able to pull off the major upset, Hatton would like to fight him.
"What he has told Richard in the past is that if he ever comes back, he wants it to be a meaningful fight," Gomez said. "He doesn't want to be anybody's steppingstone. He has expressed interest that if Marquez can pull off the fight against Mayweather, he would want to fight Marquez. And Marquez has been wanting to fight him for a year now. That's a possibility."
Taking the brutal knockout into consideration, Gomez tells BoxingScene that Hatton can still return and be a force in the sport. He used Arturo Gatti and Amir Khan as two examples of fighters who suffered bad defeats and still returned to become major players.
"I know that many fighters have been knocked out cold and they come back and they win titles. So you never know. Amir Khan (is one). You have guys like Arturo Gatti. How many times did he get knocked out? He came back and won big fights. So you can never count anybody out. There are guys that Ricky can still beat," Gomez said.
Sakio Bika vs. Allan Green on Mayweather-Marquez Undercard?
Golden Boy has an offer out to match Bika against Allan Green for the Mayweather-Marquez undercard. I would say the odds of it happening are not great because it's not the best money. Also, Green has a possible fall ShoBox date on the table he can take to stay ready because he is the No. 1 choice to be in the tournament if there is a fallout and this would get him ready for that possibility, especially in the event that Ward or Kessler lose in September before the tourney starts.
- Dan Rafael ESPN
Golden Boy has an offer out to match Bika against Allan Green for the Mayweather-Marquez undercard. I would say the odds of it happening are not great because it's not the best money. Also, Green has a possible fall ShoBox date on the table he can take to stay ready because he is the No. 1 choice to be in the tournament if there is a fallout and this would get him ready for that possibility, especially in the event that Ward or Kessler lose in September before the tourney starts.
- Dan Rafael ESPN
Team Andre Ward Respond To Allan Green’s Grumbles
Jake Donovan
Ever since the announcement of Showtime’s ground breaking super middleweight tournament, a lot of people have had a lot to say on the subject. Most of it has been positive, but there is also a fair share of negative comments circulating, primarily from those not in the tournament but with a vested interest in the division.
Chief among them has been super middleweight contender Allan Green, whose most recent on-the-record comments regarding the tournament were told to Boxingscene.com Editor-In-Chief Rick Reeno (click HERE for full article).
It’s not the first time he’s spoken out against the tournament – or even Kelly Pavlik, the article’s other subject matter. But it was his latest comments about “Showtime’s Super Six” that caught the attention of the handlers for one of the participants, Andre Ward.
“All three guys that I know, that I spoke to, even [Jerson] Ravelo who got knocked out, and [Edison] Miranda - they said Ward hits like a baby,” was what Green (27-1, 19KO) had to say about the undefeated contender and 2004 Olympic gold medalist in assessing his opening round matchup with Mikkel Kessler.
Naturally, Ward and his team respectfully disagree with Green’s third-party analysis. What they wonder, though, is why he was never willing to confirm for himself whether or not Ward could crack.
“Green could’ve had a fight with us, before and after we fought Miranda,” insists Virgil Hunter, who has served as Ward’s head trainer ever since the Oakland fighter walked into his gym at age nine. “Every time we offered him a fight, he found a way to turn it down.”
He won’t have the chance to turn down any more fight offers from Ward, who is now booked through at least next year; perhaps even longer should he keep winning in the Showtime tournament.
Ward already has the toughest road to the finals, as he draws divisional best Mikkel Kessler in the opening round, currently slated for November and rumored to be in his Oakland hometown.
Before that fight happens, Ward and Kessler will both take on separate showcase bouts in September. Kessler, a current alphabet titlist, is slated to defend against mandatory challenger Gusmyl Perdomo, while Ward’s opponent has yet to be announced, though they know who it won’t be.
“Allan Green had his chance to fight Andre in the past, and elected to turn it down,” states promoter Dan Goossen, suggesting that he’s not particularly interested in traveling down that road again.
While the hunt is on for Ward’s next opponent before the tournament, the search continues for Green in a fight that can advance his career beyond the perception of potential. The removal of the Super Six (Ward, Kessler, Carl Froch, Arthur Abraham, Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell) from the mix limits Green’s options by a considerable margin, though there are still plenty of talented super middleweights to be found beyond the tournament.
It is hoped by Team Ward that he takes advantage of what’s still available between now and 2011.
“I say this with no disrespect intended towards (Green),” says Hunter, always ready with a quote, but never with a harsh tone, “but I’m just trying to feel out where he believes he belongs as far as credentials go. He’s questioning the fighters in this tournament, but we will gladly compare resumes and results to see how he and Andre measure up.”
Most telling among their resumes are the common opponents they share. Both fighters beat Rubin Williams – Green by lopsided decision in January 2008, Ward by one-sided 7th round stoppage just 2 ½ months later. Both fighters own eighth round stoppage wins over Jerson Ravelo.
But where space is created between the two is how they fared against Edison Miranda.
Ward’s most recent win came against the brash Colombian, having his way throughout their 12-round affair in Oakland this past May.
Green’s March 2007 fight with Miranda didn’t go quite as swimmingly. In fact, it resulted in the lone loss of his career, though one accompanied with the excuse that he suffered intestinal issues that lead to having 85% of his colon removed later that year.
It’s an acceptable enough alibi, though it’s wondered by more than a few – Hunter in particular - why he has yet to return to that level to prove the night was a fluke.
“This man has an opinion about everyone, and hardly a kind word, but nothing to back up his words. He fought one top ten fighter and didn’t rise to the occasion. Everything else has been an excuse for why this and that hasn’t happened.
“When Andre’s moment came up to step up to the plate, he did the job. My guy had 18 fights going into the fight with Miranda, a former world title challenger. What was Allan doing 18 fights into his career? Beating a nine-fight novice (Jaidon Codrington), which is still his best win.”
Whether or not it’s his best win is open for debate, though perhaps it only strengthens Hunter’s claim – that for all of his talk, not a lot in the way of accomplishments have followed. Ward’s handlers hope that changes for the better in the next couple of years.
If so, they’ll be more than happy to look his way. Until then, their request is for Allan to note the way Andre carries himself and follow suit. Less talk, more action.
“It seems so convenient that he can hide behind the two years where he doesn’t have to fight anyone in the tournament,” theorizes Hunter. “Demand respect the way you carry yourself; don’t just run off at the mouth. He needs to get off of the horse he’s on and come back to reality and work at his craft.
“When he gets the next chance to shine, hopefully he can take advantage of it.”
Jake Donovan
Ever since the announcement of Showtime’s ground breaking super middleweight tournament, a lot of people have had a lot to say on the subject. Most of it has been positive, but there is also a fair share of negative comments circulating, primarily from those not in the tournament but with a vested interest in the division.
Chief among them has been super middleweight contender Allan Green, whose most recent on-the-record comments regarding the tournament were told to Boxingscene.com Editor-In-Chief Rick Reeno (click HERE for full article).
It’s not the first time he’s spoken out against the tournament – or even Kelly Pavlik, the article’s other subject matter. But it was his latest comments about “Showtime’s Super Six” that caught the attention of the handlers for one of the participants, Andre Ward.
“All three guys that I know, that I spoke to, even [Jerson] Ravelo who got knocked out, and [Edison] Miranda - they said Ward hits like a baby,” was what Green (27-1, 19KO) had to say about the undefeated contender and 2004 Olympic gold medalist in assessing his opening round matchup with Mikkel Kessler.
Naturally, Ward and his team respectfully disagree with Green’s third-party analysis. What they wonder, though, is why he was never willing to confirm for himself whether or not Ward could crack.
“Green could’ve had a fight with us, before and after we fought Miranda,” insists Virgil Hunter, who has served as Ward’s head trainer ever since the Oakland fighter walked into his gym at age nine. “Every time we offered him a fight, he found a way to turn it down.”
He won’t have the chance to turn down any more fight offers from Ward, who is now booked through at least next year; perhaps even longer should he keep winning in the Showtime tournament.
Ward already has the toughest road to the finals, as he draws divisional best Mikkel Kessler in the opening round, currently slated for November and rumored to be in his Oakland hometown.
Before that fight happens, Ward and Kessler will both take on separate showcase bouts in September. Kessler, a current alphabet titlist, is slated to defend against mandatory challenger Gusmyl Perdomo, while Ward’s opponent has yet to be announced, though they know who it won’t be.
“Allan Green had his chance to fight Andre in the past, and elected to turn it down,” states promoter Dan Goossen, suggesting that he’s not particularly interested in traveling down that road again.
While the hunt is on for Ward’s next opponent before the tournament, the search continues for Green in a fight that can advance his career beyond the perception of potential. The removal of the Super Six (Ward, Kessler, Carl Froch, Arthur Abraham, Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell) from the mix limits Green’s options by a considerable margin, though there are still plenty of talented super middleweights to be found beyond the tournament.
It is hoped by Team Ward that he takes advantage of what’s still available between now and 2011.
“I say this with no disrespect intended towards (Green),” says Hunter, always ready with a quote, but never with a harsh tone, “but I’m just trying to feel out where he believes he belongs as far as credentials go. He’s questioning the fighters in this tournament, but we will gladly compare resumes and results to see how he and Andre measure up.”
Most telling among their resumes are the common opponents they share. Both fighters beat Rubin Williams – Green by lopsided decision in January 2008, Ward by one-sided 7th round stoppage just 2 ½ months later. Both fighters own eighth round stoppage wins over Jerson Ravelo.
But where space is created between the two is how they fared against Edison Miranda.
Ward’s most recent win came against the brash Colombian, having his way throughout their 12-round affair in Oakland this past May.
Green’s March 2007 fight with Miranda didn’t go quite as swimmingly. In fact, it resulted in the lone loss of his career, though one accompanied with the excuse that he suffered intestinal issues that lead to having 85% of his colon removed later that year.
It’s an acceptable enough alibi, though it’s wondered by more than a few – Hunter in particular - why he has yet to return to that level to prove the night was a fluke.
“This man has an opinion about everyone, and hardly a kind word, but nothing to back up his words. He fought one top ten fighter and didn’t rise to the occasion. Everything else has been an excuse for why this and that hasn’t happened.
“When Andre’s moment came up to step up to the plate, he did the job. My guy had 18 fights going into the fight with Miranda, a former world title challenger. What was Allan doing 18 fights into his career? Beating a nine-fight novice (Jaidon Codrington), which is still his best win.”
Whether or not it’s his best win is open for debate, though perhaps it only strengthens Hunter’s claim – that for all of his talk, not a lot in the way of accomplishments have followed. Ward’s handlers hope that changes for the better in the next couple of years.
If so, they’ll be more than happy to look his way. Until then, their request is for Allan to note the way Andre carries himself and follow suit. Less talk, more action.
“It seems so convenient that he can hide behind the two years where he doesn’t have to fight anyone in the tournament,” theorizes Hunter. “Demand respect the way you carry yourself; don’t just run off at the mouth. He needs to get off of the horse he’s on and come back to reality and work at his craft.
“When he gets the next chance to shine, hopefully he can take advantage of it.”