Boxing News Thread

[2-0-Sixx]

This is going to be a dope night of fights, mark your calenders!

Funeka-Guzman Lands on Bute-Andrade HBO Card

LOS ANGELES - HBO Boxing After Dark's historic first visit to Canada on Saturday, November 28, just got even more memorable as before Lucian Bute defends his world super middleweight title in a highly-anticipated rematch against Librado Andrade, the rugged Ali Funeka takes on two-division world champion Joan Guzman who looks to win his third world title in a 12 round bout for the vacant IBF lightweight title.

"Everyone knows what a great fight Bute vs. Andrade II is and now we've got an equally intriguing co-main event with Funeka and Guzman," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Guzman has long been established as one of boxing's best, but Funeka is a rising star who will make Joan fight every minute of every round. This is a fight that could steal the show on November 28."

"We are extremely proud to be bringing two world title bouts to Quebec City," said Jean Bedard, president of Groupe Sportscene/ InterBox. "Thanks to our partners, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO, as this will be without question one of the biggest boxing events in Canadian history."

Bute vs. Andrade II is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and InterBox, with Funeka vs. Guzman being presented in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Cedric Kushner's Gotham Boxing. Both bouts will be held at the Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City, Canada and will air live on HBO's Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00pm ET/PT.

East London's Ali Funeka (30-2-2, 25 KO's) built a well-earned reputation back home in South Africa with his imposing 6 foot 1 frame, exciting style and punching power. Yet despite his victories over world-class opposition such as Zahir Raheem, it was his 12 round battle with Nate Campbell in February that truly showed the world what Funeka could do. Despite losing the bout via majority decision, Funeka stamped his name on the world map and he plans on doing it again this November against Joan Guzman.

"I respect Joan Guzman and everything he's accomplished, but he's too small to deal with me," said Funeka. "I will overpower him, send him back to 130 pounds and show him how true lightweights fight."

A 1996 Olympian with over 300 amateur wins, Joan Guzman (29-0, 17 KO's) is widely considered to be the greatest fighter ever to hail from the Dominican Republic. It's a distinction the 33-year-old takes seriously, as evidenced by the world titles he has held in the junior featherweight and junior lightweight divisions. The owner of victories over the likes of Javier Jauregui, former world champions Agapito Sanchez, Jorge Rodrigo "La Hiena" Barrios and current world champion Humberto Soto, Guzman will look to celebrate his 30th professional victory by winning the lightweight championship on November 28.

"This is my first fight in Canada and I've heard how great the fans are, so I plan on giving them a show this November," said Guzman. "A third world title means a lot to me and I plan on leaving everything in the ring in order to take that belt home with me."

 

[heyzel]

Team Paul Williams: 'which lie do they want us to believe?'

By Rick Reeno

After the recent disclosure that WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik was in a life threatening situation - George Peterson, manager and trainer of Paul Williams, is even more convinced that Pavlik had no intention of going forward with their December fight. Last Wednesday, Pavlik's trainer Jack Loew revealed that his fighter was still suffering from a staph infection in his left hand, and as a result he was unable to move forward with his scheduled fight with Williams on December 5. The fight was previously scheduled for October 3 and later postponed to December, also due to the staph infection on Pavlik's left hand.

Pavlik told the Associated Press that his body had a very negative allergic reaction to a cortisone injection administered by a doctor to battle the staph infection. The incident took place a few weeks ago. Pavlik became very ill from the shot. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. An infectious diseases specialist told his father, Mike Pavlik, the situation was serious. Kelly doesn't recall all of the details. He only remembers that his body was in very bad shape.

"I don't remember that day, that's how bad it was," Pavlik told The Associated Press. "They told me it was pretty serious. It was the worst form of reaction you could have."

Peterson believes the recent bit of information is being put out there for damage control purposes. There is one thing that Peterson and Pavlik both agree on - a lot of fans and media members are hesitant to believe the legitimacy of the staph infection.

Pavlik has heard all of the rumors and conspiracy theories.

"There's nothing you can do about it," Pavlik said. "I'll sleep, eat well at night. I know the truth. But my dad, the guys in camp who now what's going on, it's hard on them."

Peterson doesn't want hear any more stories about Pavlik and his inability to fight Williams. He doesn’t buy either story.

"Which lie do they want us to believe? First they said the staph infection and they knew people weren't convinced of that. Now they say the man had one foot in the grave. We don't want no more excuses. We are over it. I told them at the press conference to get him out of Youngstown and put him in a real training camp because I didn't want any excuses. And what did I get back, nothing but excuses," Peterson told BoxingScene.com.

"They are showing this picture around [of the left hand] that is weeks old. I saw the hand at the press conference and it had significantly healed. The doctor, who was monitoring [the hand], said Pavlik was good to start hitting the bag on October 10. Now he had one foot in the grave. I expect to hear something else next week. Everyone in Youngstown knows the real, real deal. There is a real deal that nobody is talking about. Paul is in the spank butt business and they know Paul was going to spank that butt. They know that and they didn’t want the boxing community to watch Paul spank that butt."

Despite the tension, there are no hard feelings. Peterson wishes Pavlik nothing but the best. He hopes the Youngstown native can over come his career adversities.

“We all make mistakes. The guy is young fighter, only 27-years-old. I really do wish him nothing but the best. I think he can come back from this,” Peterson said

 

[heyzel]

Mcguigan: Dirrell Beats Abraham, Froch Will Do Better

By Mark Vester

In the opinion of retired boxing great Barry Mcguigan, WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch, and contender Andre Dirrell, will do better in their upcoming fights in the Super Six tournament. Froch beat Dirrell with a split decision last weekend in Nottingham.

Mcguigan says styles will make fights. He was impressed by Dirrell, despite what Froch says, and believes the young fighter will outbox Arthur Abraham when the two meet in the next round of bouts in the Super Six. He also thinks Froch will do much better against WBA champ Mikkel Kessler. Mcguigan considers Dirrell as the quickest fighter in the tournament.

"I was impressed by Dirrell. He fought the fight that he had to fight, one that took the sting out of his opponent. Froch moaned about Dirrell's negativity. It is for him to find a way around that. He didn't do that on my card. Dirrell has a chance to bounce back on home turf against Abraham in January. Abraham finished spectacularly despite being a tad one dimensional in Berlin. I believe Dirrell will box the ears off Abraham and storm back into contention," Mcguigan said in The Mirror.

"Despite the fractured nature of his performance against Dirrell, Froch has a much better chance to shine against Kessler, who boxes in straighter lines. Froch likes opponents to come on to him. He won't have to go looking for Kessler. Dirrell is the quickest of the six, much better on his feet than I thought and fast of hand. Kessler is much more orthodox and, as a consequence, easier to read

 

[heyzel]

Miguel Cotto: "Antonio Margarito Lost all of His Credibility"

By Mark Vester

WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto has hit back at his rival, Antonio Margarito. During a recent interview with ESPN Deportes radio, Margarito expressed his desire to land a rematch with Cotto in the first quarter of 2010 - if the Puerto Rican star is able to beat Manny Pacquiao on November 14 in Las Vegas. He said Cotto has to take a rematch to avenge his only loss but the fight will end with yet another defeat. Margarito handed Cotto his only loss with an eleven round stoppage in July 2008.

"I'd give Cotto a rematch. I think that fight will be good. The only loss he has is to me, and if he wants to remove that thorn from his side, then I will give him a second defeat," Margarito said.

Cotto doesn't care what Margarito has to say. He doesn't have any interest in a rematch or helping Margarito get a big payday. He said the Mexican fighter has lost all of his credibility. Margarito had his license revoked in February over a plaster-like substance being discovered in his hand wraps prior to the bout with Shane Mosley on January 24. Margarito is able to apply for a new license at the end of January 2010.

"I don't care about anything Margarito has to say. He lost all of his credibility, benefits and consideration in boxing. When it comes to Miguel Cotto, he will not earn another penny," Cotto told Puerto Rico's AP

 

[REdRUM]

(Serious Question)

Were the gloves (Margarito's) not checked before any of his other fights? Before the Cotto fight?

Are we to assume that ALL of Margarito's fights are by way of cheating?

Plaster didn't make his chin stronger, either, unless he put it in his mouthpiece.

LOL

I want to see him fight again, just to see what he has.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

there is no proof he did, but honestly, my personal opinion is he started doing it after the paul williams fight. Either that or he's always done it because even in that fight his punches started to get stronger as the fight went on.

And redrum, his fights were always monitored by the commission but those guys could either have been paid off or simply never saw it, because it's something that looks like normal gauze (it only hardens after it gets wet). Here is the picture from what they confiscated prior to the shane mosley fight (looks normal):

Plus, shane mosley was lucky he had Naazim Richardson watching the handwrapping process and he caught it. Actually his left hand was already wrapped when Naazim came in and demanded they rewrap it and that's when he saw it. And Naazim has a history of catching that shit, he made Felix Trinidad re-wrap his hands against Hopkins because Trinidad tried to use an illegal amount of tape (the more tape, the harder it gets).

You're right though, plaster didn't make his chin and his determination better. Those are legit skills of his. But cotto is right, his credibility is lost.

check this out from the cotto fight:

Look at his left hand (zoom in if possible). Why is there shit falling out? How can there be a broken CRACK in regular gauze and tape?? it's like it's hardened plaster. I think it's safe to say he cheated.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

I think Margarito cheated against Cotto. I was at both the Cotto and the Mosley fight. Margarito cheated....OK.

Here is where I stand in the whole thing. I was always a Margarito fan. What kind of a fan would I be if I were to just turn my back now? Sure I was upset and he did lose a lot of credibility, but that doesn't mean I won't cheer for him and watch his fights.

I think everyone deserves a second chance. Mosley cheated in his rematch with DLH. Vargas, Toney, plenty of people have been busted for steroids. What about Trinidad's hand wraps against Hopkins? That was swept under the rug. Yet, Mayweather can get injection in his hands to numb and kill the pain, and that's OK? Give me the option of doing a 12 weeks steroid cycle or put some plaster in my gloves, and I'll take the steroid cycle in a second. I don't think people understand how strong it makes you, and your stamina shoots through the roof. They made a huge deal about Margarito, and rightfully it is.

Plenty of people have cheated and have been forgiven, hopefully Margarito will get the same treatment...but it's very doubtful. It's just been blown out of proportion...more than the rest of the cheaters in the sport. But hey, Margarito was never a big draw (money wise) so no one cares anyways. That's just how it goes...

 

[2-0-Sixx]

^^nothing compares to loading your gloves with plaster man, that shit can kill someone. Using steroids is to gain advantage and is definiately cheating, without question, but loading your gloves is the biggest no no in boxing.

And I don't see how Floyd injecting his hands is cheating, his hands are fucked up. It doesn't give him an advantage or more punching power, he does it for the incredible pain his hands are in. Lots of guys with hand problems do that - calzaghe, paulie malignaggi, etc.

 

[WYNO707X4]

Margarito vs cotto rematch then we be sure.....I was a margarito fan..... I do think he wore that shit against cotto sad but true

 

[2-0-Sixx]

But hey, Margarito was never a big draw (money wise) so no one cares anyways. That's just how it goes...

And that's not true. He was on the verge of becoming a huge star, and one can argue he already was, after all he was the main reason the Staples Center was sold out and had the biggest boxing event ever against shane mosley. That fight was intended to push him further into stardom (it was supposed to be a fight he'd win and many people thought he'd KO mosley), he was to be the biggest Mexican star.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

^^nothing compares to loading your gloves with plaster man, that shit can kill someone. Using steroids is to gain advantage and is definiately cheating, without question, but loading your gloves is the biggest no no in boxing.

And I don't see how Floyd injecting his hands is cheating, his hands are fucked up. It doesn't give him an advantage or more punching power, he does it for the incredible pain his hands are in. Lots of guys with hand problems do that - calzaghe, paulie malignaggi, etc.

Steroids is a bigger advantage in my opinion. Hit a bag, and then do a 12 week cycle of anabolic steroids and then hit the bag again. You will definitely prefer doing a cycle than loading your gloves, which don't even take effect after 25 minutes or so. Plus the stamina increase in some steroids. You can go 12 rounds without getting winded if you are on the right supplement. Loading your gloves is a huge deal, but in my opinion steroids gives the boxer a much larger advantage in actually winning the fight.

My Mayweather comment was suggesting that its the commission that decides what is cheating and what is not. I see a huge advantage in numbing your hands. It's essentially a form of a cortisone shot, which is also a steroid. Keep in mind that is actually worse for you than any other AAS. It's OK for Schilling to do that (during the game), but not OK for Clemens to use Winstrol (stamina).

I think cheating is cheating, and its unfortunate that the commission leads people to believe that one form of cheating is more tolerable than the next.

A suspension was completely legit (as in any sport). To not let the guy ever fight again is going to far.

 

[heyzel]

Michael Katsidis To Force Juan Manuel Marquez Title Shot

By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was advised that Michael Katsidis will force his mandatory crack at WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez. Katsidis decisioned Vicente Escobedo to capture the interim-title on the undercard of Marquez’s bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on September 19.

Nacho Beristain, manager/trainer of Marquez, has discussed several scenarios in the last few weeks. Some of those scenarios have Marquez moving back to 135-pounds, and others have him dropping to junior welterweight. He fought Mayweather at welterweight. Katsidis and his team have yet to receive an answer on which way Marquez plans to go. Katsidis is targeting Marquez for early next year.

“Sh*t or get off the pot. Fight me or give up the title,” Katsidis said.

Katsidis’ agent Sampson Lewkowicz told BoxingScene.com that either Marquez agrees to the fight or vacates his title [which in turn makes Katsidis the full champion].

“The champion can not stop the career of Michael Katsidis. If he doesn’t want to fight him, then give up your title and let Michael continue his career. Don’t put a stop on Michael Katsidis’ career. If he doesn’t want to fight, we will fight the proper opponent or challenger who is acceptable to HBO and Golden Boy Promotions,” Lewkowicz said.

 

[heyzel]

Miguel Cotto, Miguel Angel Torres: Boxing/MMA Connection

By Mark Vester

A recent interview by Frank Curreri of www.wec.tv, gave details of the training stint that WEC star Miguel Angel Torres (135-pounds, 36-2 MMA record) had with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Torres joined Cotto in his Tampa, Florida training camp for five days last week. The two fighters did not spar but they trained together, Torres used Cotto's sparring partners and received advice from Cotto's team members.

They are both under the same sponsor, ECKO. The two fighters compete in rival sports and come from rival backgrounds. COtto is a Puerto Rican star, and Torres comes from a Mexican background. The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry is one of the most competitive in boxing. Even Torres was concerned about potential issues.

"You know what, I was thinking that could be a big problem coming down here and then I got down here (to Tampa) and I got to hang out with Miguel Cotto and his coaches and his team and there is no animosity there. The animosity that is built has been between cultures. I think the fighters don’t have that. We met each other … and we share the same sponsor, ECKO, which laid down the foundation for us to meet each other a long time ago," Torres said.

"Our schedules were just so crazy we could never hook up. Him allowing me to come into his training camp was an act of faith on his part. I was worried because I wouldn’t allow someone to come into my training camp like that (spur of the moment), you know? But the fact that he allowed me to do that and to get a taste of what he does shows he’s trying to build a relationship. It’s a big thing, him letting me be here."

Torres said there is a big difference when it comes to sparring with a pro boxer and sparring with an MMA fighter.

"You got to pick and choose your spots. You have to be a lot smarter about how you do things. You can’t just go out there and go gun crazy, you have to pick and choose your shots. There is a lot more movement involved. You get tired a lot quicker. In a five minute MMA sparring session, it’s a lot easier because you can get in the clinch and hug a guy and get the takedown and waste time. In boxing there is none of that happening," Torres said.

"In boxing it’s all throwing hands, there is no wrestling. You get into a clinch, they break you right away and you’re back in there throwing bombs again. So it’s a little different pace, especially with the guys they have in Miguel Cotto’s training camp, because they are mimicking Manny Pacquaio’s style, so they have real quick southpaws that are powerful and explosive."

Torres plans to attend Cotto's November 14 bout with Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Torres will sit ringside with Mark Ecko.

 

[heyzel]

Paul Williams-Sergiy Dzinziruk Talks To Begin This Week

By Andrey Krikunov

Sergiy Dzinziruk continues to follow the unsuccessful attempts to carry out the Paul Williams-PKelly avlik bout and claims that he is ready to meet The Punisher in the ring even if the Ukrainian doesn’t have much time for the training camp. On Wednesday the junior middleweight WBO champion flies to the USA where he will begin the negotiations with Paul Williams’ team.

BoxingScene.com: Sergiy, the bout between Paul Williams and Kelly Pavlik has been cancelled again, and there is a rumor that the promoters of Williams want to organize his bout with you on December, 5. What can you tell about it?

Sergiy Dzinziruk: Yes, I know about this variant, I’ve heard the talks about it. I’m interested in it, but the thing is I will fly to the USA on Wednesday, and only then we’ll meet the promoters and will start negotiating the conditions. But I can say that if we manage to agree upon everything and make this bout happen, I’ll be really glad.

BoxingScene.com: In that case you’ll have only a bit more than a month for the training camp, is it enough for you?

Sergiy Dzinziruk: Of course, the lack of time isn’t very good factor for me, but that’s not a big deal. I keep myself in shape, work on my fitness all the time. I think that I’ll be able to have a decent training camp even in a month and will reach my top form.

BoxingScene.com: Williams on the contrary has been preparing for this bout far too long, could it be to your advantage?

Sergiy Dzinziruk: Well, his bout with Pavlik has been cancelled several times, but still he’s been training for this important fight and this date all this time, so, I think, he’s the one who has an advantage in time.

BoxingScene.com: There were rumors about your bout with Cory Spinks, but now he has another opponent. Why weren’t your negotiations successful?

Sergiy Dzinziruk: We didn’t have direct contact with them, but there was a real possibility of this bout. At first Spinks and his camp were interested in it, but then they decided that it wasn’t worth it to fight me and preferred to choose a weaker opponent. Let’s say they decided not to take a risk, though it would have been interesting to make a unification bout.

BoxingScene.com: Any news from Universum? What is their reaction to your possible fight with Williams? What if they offer to take part in the organization of this bout [with Williams]?

Sergiy Dzinziruk: Maybe they want to take part in it, but I don’t want to have any business with them. As of now they haven’t contacted me or offered anything. If they do, I can think about it and analyze it. But actually I think that they will try to mess with this bout, do something nasty to undermine our negotiations, but we’ll be ready for that.

BoxingScene.com: Some American boxing fans are pretty skeptical towards European champions. What can you tell them before beginning your career in the USA?

Sergiy Dzinziruk: Before the boxers from the former Soviet Union had an opportunity to become professionals Americans claimed that they were the strongest fighters in the world. But as soon as the gates were open, a lot of boxers from the USSR became professionals and now we see that there is a considerable amount of European champions and Eastern European as well. So I don’t think that we can talk about American supremacy in boxing nowadays. I’m ready to fight any opponent and to prove that I’m a good boxer who is worth to represent his

 

[heyzel]

Winky Wright vs Grady Brewer: "Back to Business"

San Juan City Knockout in conjunction with Winky Wright Promotions and Knockout Entertainment Inc. have announced their entry into Puerto Rico with the "Back to Business" event taking place on Friday, December 11th at Coliseo de Puerto Rico, in San Juan.

An open press conference is scheduled for 1pm on Wednesday, October 28th at the Holiday Inn San Juan (Aria Room, 1-23 Calle Gertrudis, San Juan, PR) to formally announce Wright climbing back into the ring and getting "Back to Business".

Wright is a gifted boxer who claimed wins over boxing legends Shane Mosley and Felix Trinidad. Wright's opponent for the evening, Grady "Bad Boy" Brewer (51-5-1/25 KOs), is a formidable boxer, has held multiple titles and is currently on an eight fight winning streak. It's an exciting match-up and both contenders will need to be at their best to get the win.

 

[heyzel]

Pacquiao's Downfall From Roach, New Sparring Partners

By Mark Vester

The final leg of Manny Pacquiao's training camp is under way. Pacquiao challenges WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto for his title on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao and his team arrived in Los Angeles over the weekend to start training at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California.

Roach told the Manila Bulletin that Pacquiao must keep the fight in the middle of the ring. If Cotto is able to back Pacquiao against the ropes, Roach says that he will probably lose the fight. Getting caught against the ropes, according to Roach, will be Pacquiao's downfall.

"If he stays on the ropes, he'd get beat," Roach said. "If Manny does that, Cotto's going to beat us. He has to stay focused and he can't afford to take Cotto lightly."

Two new sparring partners are coming in to replace Urbano Antillon and Jose Luis Castillo. Roach told the paper that welterweight Raymond Serrano (10-0, 6KOs) and junior middleweight Ray Beltran are coming on board.

"We can't afford to take it easy in sparring because Cotto's not going to be easy on us. Cotto's going to be hard on us," Roach said.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

I guess no Bernabe Concepcion, but this fight is good too...

Yuriorkis Gamboa will face Rogers Mtagwa on Jan23 in New York on Boxing After Dark
According to Steve Kim on Twitter:

stevemaxboxing according to Arum, Yuri Gamboa will face Rogers Mtagwa on Jan23 in New York on Boxing After Dark with SLuevano-JuanMaLopez
http://twitter.com/stevemaxboxing​

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Not sure if anyone cares but here is a video of the last round of Aldamek vs Golata fight from this past saturday:



Kinda sad to see Golata go out like that, especially by such a smaller guy. Time for him to hang 'em up.

If Hopkins beats Roy Jones, I hope he fights Adamek at cruiserweight or even heavyweight if Adamek stays there. He is tailor made for b-hop!

 

[heyzel]

Valuev: “Haye is Experienced and a Dangerous Fighter”

By Maria Bezchastnaya

WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev is wrapping up his training camp for the bout with David Haye which is set to take place on November, 7. Last time out, the Russian stepped into the ring nearly a year ago, in December 08, to win a decision against Evander Holyfield. The boxer and his trainer are sure that the long break in fighting won’t be a problem and Valuev will win regardless.

“I don’t regret that I’ve had a long break between the fights, - told Valuev to Sportbox.ru. - It surely didn’t affect me in a negative way. Probably it’s even better for me!”

“Sometimes a long pause between bouts is good for a boxer, - agrees Valuev’s trainer Alexander Zimin. – “That’s what happened this time. He had a good rest, restored his energy, had a good training camp. He is ready to fight Haye and to beat him”.

David Haye in his numerous interviews stated that he was trying to get under Valuev’s skin by insulting him so that the anger would be in the way for the Russian giant in the ring. But Nikolai claims that he takes all the gibes lightly, though he thinks highly of Haye himself.

“It would be unforgivably stupid not to take Haye seriously, - says Nikolai. – “In reality he is an experienced and dangerous boxer. What is my game plan? We’re working on different variants. The goal of every boxer is to dictate his own rules in the ring. That’s what I’m going to do in the fight with Haye.”

Valuev also remembered his last fight with Holyfield. Though the Russian emerged as the eventual winner, many boxing fans thought that Holyfield was the one who deserved victory.

“When you rewatch your old fights you always understand that you could have done better in that or this episode, - says Valuev. – “So there is a feeling of dissatisfaction. Though the bout with Holyfield was definitely interesting. Maybe it wasn’t one of the best fights in my career, but I’ll always remember it.”

 

[heyzel]

Dawson Would Love To Replace Taylor in The Super Six

By Mark Vester

Light heavyweight king Chad Dawson would love to get involved with Showtime’s Super Six tournament. There is still a big question mark on Jermain Taylor. After suffering a crushing knockout loss to Arthur Abraham on October 17, there has been a lot of talk that Taylor might drop out. Dawson has a rematch with Glen Johnson on November 7. If he beats Johnson, and Taylor drops out, Dawson would love a shot to win the tournament.

“I think it's a great idea. If Jermain Taylor does happen to drop out, I would love to take his spot,” Dawson said.

He says the weight drop would not be an issue. He thinks he can drop down to 168 in comfortable fashion.

“168 is no problem. I've never had any problems making 175. Sometimes I came at 172, 173. Making 168 is not that difficult for me,” Dawson said.

Dawson’s next fight is being televised on HBO. The Super Six tournament is being televised on a rival network, Showtime. The Johnson rematch is the last fight on Dawson’s deal with HBO. Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw says HBO, following the Johnson rematch, has the first crack to make a deal with Dawson. If a deal is not reached with HBO, the Super Six is a good possibility - if Taylor decides to withdraw. Taylor is scheduled to face Andre Ward in the second stage of Super Six bouts in the first quarter of 2010. Dawson vs. Ward would be one hell of a boxing match.

“Obviously he is fighting on HBO right now and the Super Six is a Showtime tournament. HBO has a first and last on Chad Dawson. I have spoken with them. I know he would be welcomed into the 168-pound tournament. I believe he would win it convincingly, bar-none, even though I have Andre Dirrell who is just a young fighter. But we have to wait until this fight is over. When this fight is over, then we'll sit down with HBO. I have an appointment with them the following week to sit down with them to hear their offer for 2010. And that's where it stands,” Shaw said.