Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
Pacquiao to Marquez: "Marquez don't cry. Stop crying man. You have to accept it. This is a game. Whatever happens you have to accept it. You're a fighter. Don't cry, man (laughing)."
The radio interview with Marquez & Pacquiao:
http://now.abs-cbn.com/ondemand/freeview/20080407-pacquiao.asx
You have to watch a short commercial first. The actual interview starts at about 2:00 minutes into the video and around the 3:00 minute mark is when Pacman says tells him to stop crying. Marquez keeps saying he won the fight.
The radio interview with Marquez & Pacquiao:
http://now.abs-cbn.com/ondemand/freeview/20080407-pacquiao.asx
You have to watch a short commercial first. The actual interview starts at about 2:00 minutes into the video and around the 3:00 minute mark is when Pacman says tells him to stop crying. Marquez keeps saying he won the fight.
lmao, Marquez needs to step up his harassment/trash talking game or else else he's going to start looking like a little whiner!! Seriously, call him out, say his wife is a whore, something man to get under his skin, lol, he needs to realize the ball is in Manny's court, he's in position to call the shots, not the other way around. Don't just be like, "Manny, I won the fight. I want a rematch. Manny I won the fight, everyone in Mexico knows I won the fight. I want a rematch" LOL. He needs to come out and be like, "Manny I fucked your wife you fat motherfucker!"
"Manuela, you know I won the fight, and the only reason you won't fight me in a rematch is because your wife doesn't want us together, because I'll either kiss you or tell you that I fucked her. I shot a load of 'Jinkee' all over her face and took a picture with my camara phone, and when my little Asian friend brings me my fanny pack, I'll show you."
There should be a tag-team fight...with Bobby and Manny vs. Rafa and Juan Manuel...
There should be a tag-team fight...with Bobby and Manny vs. Rafa and Juan Manuel...
Cotto Sr. Disputes Miguel-Evangelista Split
By Mark Vester
Miguel Cotto Sr. has disputed the media reports in Puerto Rico that have his brother, Evangelista Cotto, being ousted from Team Cotto and replaced by an American trainer in Florida.
El Nuevo Dia first broke the news of Miguel Cotto dumping his uncle/trainer after an ongoing internal rift. Cotto Sr contacted Primera Hora and disputed the report, among several others. The news was given to various media outlets in Puerto Rico by an alleged Team Cotto insider.
Cotto Sr.told the paper that his son has no plans to replace his uncle as trainer and the team will stay intact. Rumors were boiling after his brother did not travel with Team Cotto when they left Puerto Rico for New York.
"Evangelista did not make his usual trip with Team Cotto on Sunday because of a loaded work schedule," Cotto Sr said.
"My brother will join the team on Wednesday in Atlantic City. Miguel will finish his career with the same trainer. We have never spoken about adding another person to the team. We've had the formula to success for 31-fights and 16-years of hard work, and it will not change. The Cotto family has represented Puerto Rico with a lot of pride in each fight and we are going to continue doing it."
Cotto defends his WBA welterweight title against Alfonso Gomez at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday
By Mark Vester
Miguel Cotto Sr. has disputed the media reports in Puerto Rico that have his brother, Evangelista Cotto, being ousted from Team Cotto and replaced by an American trainer in Florida.
El Nuevo Dia first broke the news of Miguel Cotto dumping his uncle/trainer after an ongoing internal rift. Cotto Sr contacted Primera Hora and disputed the report, among several others. The news was given to various media outlets in Puerto Rico by an alleged Team Cotto insider.
Cotto Sr.told the paper that his son has no plans to replace his uncle as trainer and the team will stay intact. Rumors were boiling after his brother did not travel with Team Cotto when they left Puerto Rico for New York.
"Evangelista did not make his usual trip with Team Cotto on Sunday because of a loaded work schedule," Cotto Sr said.
"My brother will join the team on Wednesday in Atlantic City. Miguel will finish his career with the same trainer. We have never spoken about adding another person to the team. We've had the formula to success for 31-fights and 16-years of hard work, and it will not change. The Cotto family has represented Puerto Rico with a lot of pride in each fight and we are going to continue doing it."
Cotto defends his WBA welterweight title against Alfonso Gomez at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday
David Estrada-Alex Quiroz Set For April 23
HOLLYWOOD, FL – Rejuvenated and more focused than ever following a six month break from the ring, Miami favorite “King” David Estrada will return to the ring on Wednesday, April 23rd to take on hard hitting Colombian Alexander Pacheco Quiroz at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood to resume his quest for the world welterweight title on the highly-anticipated “KNOCKOUT KINGS” card.
“David is never in a bad fight and that has made him one of Florida’s most popular fighters,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing. “From everything I’ve heard, he has looked better than ever in the gym in Puerto Rico, and we’re looking forward to what should be a great performance on April 23rd.”
A hard-nosed warrior who has been in with the best the welterweight division has to offer, including Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron, and Andre Berto, Estrada (21-4, 12 KOs) has never backed down from any challenge between the ropes. Winner of three of his last four bouts, the 29-year old from Miami has been thriving under the tutelage of new trainer Evangelista Cotto in Puerto Rico, and on April 23rd, he is eager to show his loyal fans the new additions he has made to his game in the last six months.
Alexander Pacheco Quiroz (14-5-1, 12 KOs) is a knockout artist from Colombia who operates on a philosophy of going for broke in every fight, with the chips falling where they may. Fresh off a first round TKO of Edwin Padilla last November, his fifth win to end in two rounds or less, Quiroz is looking to spoil Estrada’s homecoming with one punch from his fists.
“THE KNOCKOUT KINGS”, which is headlined by the 12 round IBF junior welterweight title elimination bout between Juan Urango and Carlos Wilfredo Vilches, is presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing. Doors open at 6:30pm and the first bell rings at 7:30pm. ESPN2’s Wednesday Night Fights broadcast begins at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
In the co-feature, middleweight sensation “Mean” Joe Greene returns to Hard Rock Live to take on opponent Marlon Thomas and take part in a 10 round contest.
HOLLYWOOD, FL – Rejuvenated and more focused than ever following a six month break from the ring, Miami favorite “King” David Estrada will return to the ring on Wednesday, April 23rd to take on hard hitting Colombian Alexander Pacheco Quiroz at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood to resume his quest for the world welterweight title on the highly-anticipated “KNOCKOUT KINGS” card.
“David is never in a bad fight and that has made him one of Florida’s most popular fighters,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing. “From everything I’ve heard, he has looked better than ever in the gym in Puerto Rico, and we’re looking forward to what should be a great performance on April 23rd.”
A hard-nosed warrior who has been in with the best the welterweight division has to offer, including Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron, and Andre Berto, Estrada (21-4, 12 KOs) has never backed down from any challenge between the ropes. Winner of three of his last four bouts, the 29-year old from Miami has been thriving under the tutelage of new trainer Evangelista Cotto in Puerto Rico, and on April 23rd, he is eager to show his loyal fans the new additions he has made to his game in the last six months.
Alexander Pacheco Quiroz (14-5-1, 12 KOs) is a knockout artist from Colombia who operates on a philosophy of going for broke in every fight, with the chips falling where they may. Fresh off a first round TKO of Edwin Padilla last November, his fifth win to end in two rounds or less, Quiroz is looking to spoil Estrada’s homecoming with one punch from his fists.
“THE KNOCKOUT KINGS”, which is headlined by the 12 round IBF junior welterweight title elimination bout between Juan Urango and Carlos Wilfredo Vilches, is presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing. Doors open at 6:30pm and the first bell rings at 7:30pm. ESPN2’s Wednesday Night Fights broadcast begins at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
In the co-feature, middleweight sensation “Mean” Joe Greene returns to Hard Rock Live to take on opponent Marlon Thomas and take part in a 10 round contest.
Forrest-Mora, Quintana-Williams Announced
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is proud to announce a world championship doubleheader, scheduled for June 7 (9PM ET/PT) at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. Vernon Forrest will defend his WBC super welterweight title against Sergio Mora and Carlos Quintana will look to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Paul Williams.
The event will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
In his last start, Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs), of Atlanta, Ga., continued his rebirth atop the 154-pound division when he successfully defended the WBC belt against Michele Piccirillo with an 11th round TKO on SHOWTIME on Dec. 1, 2007. Forrest, a former three-time welterweight champion, won the vacant crown with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Baldomir on July 28, 2007.
Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif., won The Contender television series on Oct. 15, 2005 with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.
The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight won by Quintana in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008. Williams, who came into the fight confident -- perhaps looking past Quintana, an 8-1 underdog -- lost a 12-round unanimous decision by the scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113.
Quintana, of Puerto Rico, is 25-1 with 19 knockouts. The only blemish on his record came in a hard-fought bout to Miguel Cotto for the WBA welterweight title on Dec. 2, 2006 on SHOWTIME.
Williams (33-1, 24 KOs), of Augusta, Ga, captured the belt with a close decision over Antonio Margarito, who had made seven successful defenses, on July 14, 2007
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is proud to announce a world championship doubleheader, scheduled for June 7 (9PM ET/PT) at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. Vernon Forrest will defend his WBC super welterweight title against Sergio Mora and Carlos Quintana will look to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Paul Williams.
The event will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
In his last start, Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs), of Atlanta, Ga., continued his rebirth atop the 154-pound division when he successfully defended the WBC belt against Michele Piccirillo with an 11th round TKO on SHOWTIME on Dec. 1, 2007. Forrest, a former three-time welterweight champion, won the vacant crown with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Baldomir on July 28, 2007.
Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif., won The Contender television series on Oct. 15, 2005 with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.
The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight won by Quintana in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008. Williams, who came into the fight confident -- perhaps looking past Quintana, an 8-1 underdog -- lost a 12-round unanimous decision by the scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113.
Quintana, of Puerto Rico, is 25-1 with 19 knockouts. The only blemish on his record came in a hard-fought bout to Miguel Cotto for the WBA welterweight title on Dec. 2, 2006 on SHOWTIME.
Williams (33-1, 24 KOs), of Augusta, Ga, captured the belt with a close decision over Antonio Margarito, who had made seven successful defenses, on July 14, 2007
Katsidis-Chavez Falls On Casamayor-Diaz
By Rick Reeno & Michael J. Campbell
Sources close to the situation have informed MaxBoxing/BoxingScene.com that a deal is in the works to match Michael Katsidis with former lightweight champion Jesus Chavez. Chavez, who returned to the ring last Friday after battling injuries, has already accepted the fight. The proposed bout is slated to be the co-feature to Joel Casamayor vs. Juan Diaz.
Katsidis is coming off the first loss of his career, a tenth-round knockout at the hands of Casamayor.
The event, at the present, is going to happen on September 13 in Houston, Texas. HBO will televise the doubleheader. The plan by Golden Boy Promotions, who promote all four fighters, is to match the winners at the end of the year or the early part of 2009.
If all goes as planned, it would leave IBF/WBO/WBA lightweight champion Nate Campbell as the odd man out. It would also leave the winner of David Diaz-Manny Pacquiao [who battle for the WBC 135-pound belt on June 28] with a single lightweight option in Campbell. Let's hope that Bob Arum of Top Rank [promotes Diaz and Pacquiao] and Don King [promotes Campbell] can put aside their differences to make the fight happen.
On a sidenote: The September doubleheader is a solid card, but also raises a lot of questions about Casamayor's "Ring Magazine" lightweight title.
Ring Magazine was purchased last year by Golden Boy, and with the purchase of the magazine they also acquired “The Ring” titles. The plan appears to be a minor round-robin lightweight tournament that only involves Golden Boy promoted fighters.
The belt at the heart of this tournament is “The Ring“ lightweight title, a belt that is owned by the same company that promotes all of the fighters involved on the September card. It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots, and I’m confident that a lot of criticism will rain down on the credibility of “The Ring” lightweight title. There is a serious backlash building against these Ring titles and it’s only going to add fuel to the fire in these scenarios.
Parting Shot: Can anyone please tell me why lightweight contender Jose Armando Santa Cruz, promoted by Golden Boy, has been on the shelf since his loss to Casamayor last November? A loss that just about everyone called the worst decision of the year
By Rick Reeno & Michael J. Campbell
Sources close to the situation have informed MaxBoxing/BoxingScene.com that a deal is in the works to match Michael Katsidis with former lightweight champion Jesus Chavez. Chavez, who returned to the ring last Friday after battling injuries, has already accepted the fight. The proposed bout is slated to be the co-feature to Joel Casamayor vs. Juan Diaz.
Katsidis is coming off the first loss of his career, a tenth-round knockout at the hands of Casamayor.
The event, at the present, is going to happen on September 13 in Houston, Texas. HBO will televise the doubleheader. The plan by Golden Boy Promotions, who promote all four fighters, is to match the winners at the end of the year or the early part of 2009.
If all goes as planned, it would leave IBF/WBO/WBA lightweight champion Nate Campbell as the odd man out. It would also leave the winner of David Diaz-Manny Pacquiao [who battle for the WBC 135-pound belt on June 28] with a single lightweight option in Campbell. Let's hope that Bob Arum of Top Rank [promotes Diaz and Pacquiao] and Don King [promotes Campbell] can put aside their differences to make the fight happen.
On a sidenote: The September doubleheader is a solid card, but also raises a lot of questions about Casamayor's "Ring Magazine" lightweight title.
Ring Magazine was purchased last year by Golden Boy, and with the purchase of the magazine they also acquired “The Ring” titles. The plan appears to be a minor round-robin lightweight tournament that only involves Golden Boy promoted fighters.
The belt at the heart of this tournament is “The Ring“ lightweight title, a belt that is owned by the same company that promotes all of the fighters involved on the September card. It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots, and I’m confident that a lot of criticism will rain down on the credibility of “The Ring” lightweight title. There is a serious backlash building against these Ring titles and it’s only going to add fuel to the fire in these scenarios.
Parting Shot: Can anyone please tell me why lightweight contender Jose Armando Santa Cruz, promoted by Golden Boy, has been on the shelf since his loss to Casamayor last November? A loss that just about everyone called the worst decision of the year
Joe Calzaghe says he will "retire and never show my face in public again" if he loses to Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas on 19 April.
Calzaghe, 36, added that he was punching harder than ever ahead of his light-heavyweight debut and he plans to become the first man to stop Hopkins.
Super-middleweight king Calzaghe told BBC Sport: "I throw more punches and land more punches.
"That's what it comes down to, that's the basics of boxing."
Calzaghe, who is also making his debut on American soil, added: "I've definitely noticed that I'm punching harder in the gym. I will use the speed, but I'll definitely mix things up with the power punches, I want to knock him out.
"I hope he's got the Jeff Lacy (who Calzaghe outpointed in 2006) mentality and thinks that I slap, that I don't hit hard.
"Because he's in for a big shock. Believe me he's going to be feeling the power. I'm aiming to sit a bit more on my punches to hurt him."
Let him carry on and keep barking and barking because on fight-night I'm going to be the bad guy
Joe Calzaghe
Calzaghe, who is unbeaten in 44 fights, added that he believes he will be more effective at 175lb than he was at 168lb and that he has not diverged from his usual pre-fight training regime.
"I've not changed anything. The only difference is I'm not starving myself as much to make 12st," said the Newbridge man.
"I honestly believe making 12st drains my punching power. I've always been a big puncher, but over the last few years losing those last few pounds has made me struggle.
"Until you actually fight you don't really know how things will go, but as far as I'm concerned, I'll be better at the weight, much better. I'll have the punching power and the speed will be the same, the speed's always there."
Hopkins, who reigned as world middleweight champion for 10 years and who has lost just four of his 54 fights, has made much of his record against southpaws in the build-up to the fight.
The Philadelphian has recorded wins over Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright in his last two fights, both former world champions and both left-handers.
606: DEBATE
Calzaghe can get upset and start brawling, which I don't want him to do here
Budgeesmuggler
But Calzaghe said: "I know he's beaten quite a few southpaws, but I'm a totally different southpaw to anyone he's fought before.
"He's beaten eight or nine southpaws, but I've beaten 37 right-handers. So that must mean I'm better against right-handers than he is against lefties.
"And I'm no Winky Wright, who's a blown-up light-middleweight and went into his shell, and I'm not Antonio Tarver.
"I couldn't care less if he knocked them all out in the first round because things are going to be totally different when he steps in the ring with me."
Calzaghe also made assurances that Hopkins's trash-talking would not put him off his game in the lead-up to the fight.
"I think he tries to get into opponents' heads. But believe me, he's barking up the wrong tree with me," said Calzaghe.
"The loud one in the room is not the one you want to worry about. It's the ones who are quiet that I get worried about.
"He brings nothing in the ring or outside the ring that I haven't seen before. So I'll let him carry on and keep barking and barking because on fight-night I'm going to be the bad guy, I promise that."
Calzaghe, 36, added that he was punching harder than ever ahead of his light-heavyweight debut and he plans to become the first man to stop Hopkins.
Super-middleweight king Calzaghe told BBC Sport: "I throw more punches and land more punches.
"That's what it comes down to, that's the basics of boxing."
Calzaghe, who is also making his debut on American soil, added: "I've definitely noticed that I'm punching harder in the gym. I will use the speed, but I'll definitely mix things up with the power punches, I want to knock him out.
"I hope he's got the Jeff Lacy (who Calzaghe outpointed in 2006) mentality and thinks that I slap, that I don't hit hard.
"Because he's in for a big shock. Believe me he's going to be feeling the power. I'm aiming to sit a bit more on my punches to hurt him."
Let him carry on and keep barking and barking because on fight-night I'm going to be the bad guy
Joe Calzaghe
Calzaghe, who is unbeaten in 44 fights, added that he believes he will be more effective at 175lb than he was at 168lb and that he has not diverged from his usual pre-fight training regime.
"I've not changed anything. The only difference is I'm not starving myself as much to make 12st," said the Newbridge man.
"I honestly believe making 12st drains my punching power. I've always been a big puncher, but over the last few years losing those last few pounds has made me struggle.
"Until you actually fight you don't really know how things will go, but as far as I'm concerned, I'll be better at the weight, much better. I'll have the punching power and the speed will be the same, the speed's always there."
Hopkins, who reigned as world middleweight champion for 10 years and who has lost just four of his 54 fights, has made much of his record against southpaws in the build-up to the fight.
The Philadelphian has recorded wins over Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright in his last two fights, both former world champions and both left-handers.
606: DEBATE
Calzaghe can get upset and start brawling, which I don't want him to do here
Budgeesmuggler
But Calzaghe said: "I know he's beaten quite a few southpaws, but I'm a totally different southpaw to anyone he's fought before.
"He's beaten eight or nine southpaws, but I've beaten 37 right-handers. So that must mean I'm better against right-handers than he is against lefties.
"And I'm no Winky Wright, who's a blown-up light-middleweight and went into his shell, and I'm not Antonio Tarver.
"I couldn't care less if he knocked them all out in the first round because things are going to be totally different when he steps in the ring with me."
Calzaghe also made assurances that Hopkins's trash-talking would not put him off his game in the lead-up to the fight.
"I think he tries to get into opponents' heads. But believe me, he's barking up the wrong tree with me," said Calzaghe.
"The loud one in the room is not the one you want to worry about. It's the ones who are quiet that I get worried about.
"He brings nothing in the ring or outside the ring that I haven't seen before. So I'll let him carry on and keep barking and barking because on fight-night I'm going to be the bad guy, I promise that."
Conte Stands Firm on Mosley Allegations
By Mark Vester
Last week, former three-division champion Shane Mosley filed a lawsuit against Victor Conte, the founder of the BALCO lab, claiming that Conte slandered him by telling the press that Mosley knowingly took steroids prior to his 2003 rematch with Oscar De La Hoya. Mosley has never denied taking supplements prior to the rematch, but says Conte told him that "all of the products recommended were entirely legal and appropriate."
Speaking with the LA Times, Conte once again stood firm on his allegations, and says that Mosley knew "exactly and precisely what he was doing" when he began using designer steroids known as "the clear," "the cream" and a blood-doping drug called EPO.
"I didn't deceive him; he knew what he was taking and I told him that before he took it," Conte said. "I told him it was an undetectable steroid that wouldn't show up in a test."
Conte claims to have access to Mosley's doping calendars and lab results and plans to use those documents in the case. He told the Times that Mosley began using the steroids on July 23, 2003 and continued use of EPO (injected in the stomach) through Sept. 8, 2003 and took eight doses of "the clear," and seven doses of "the cream" until Aug. 31, 2003.
According to Conte, the Balco products played a role in Mosley's decision win over De La Hoya.
"Yes, I watched that fight, and I remember him winning the late rounds and thinking, 'That was an edge,' " Conte said. "Shane deserves all the credit for his victory, but did I feel a part of it? In a certain regard, I guess I did."
Mosley's attorney, Judd Burstein, is confident that Conte's claims will be broken as the lawsuit progresses.
"The calendars don't prove anything. Shane didn't know what he was taking, and that's completely believable to anyone who knows Shane," Burstein said
By Mark Vester
Last week, former three-division champion Shane Mosley filed a lawsuit against Victor Conte, the founder of the BALCO lab, claiming that Conte slandered him by telling the press that Mosley knowingly took steroids prior to his 2003 rematch with Oscar De La Hoya. Mosley has never denied taking supplements prior to the rematch, but says Conte told him that "all of the products recommended were entirely legal and appropriate."
Speaking with the LA Times, Conte once again stood firm on his allegations, and says that Mosley knew "exactly and precisely what he was doing" when he began using designer steroids known as "the clear," "the cream" and a blood-doping drug called EPO.
"I didn't deceive him; he knew what he was taking and I told him that before he took it," Conte said. "I told him it was an undetectable steroid that wouldn't show up in a test."
Conte claims to have access to Mosley's doping calendars and lab results and plans to use those documents in the case. He told the Times that Mosley began using the steroids on July 23, 2003 and continued use of EPO (injected in the stomach) through Sept. 8, 2003 and took eight doses of "the clear," and seven doses of "the cream" until Aug. 31, 2003.
According to Conte, the Balco products played a role in Mosley's decision win over De La Hoya.
"Yes, I watched that fight, and I remember him winning the late rounds and thinking, 'That was an edge,' " Conte said. "Shane deserves all the credit for his victory, but did I feel a part of it? In a certain regard, I guess I did."
Mosley's attorney, Judd Burstein, is confident that Conte's claims will be broken as the lawsuit progresses.
"The calendars don't prove anything. Shane didn't know what he was taking, and that's completely believable to anyone who knows Shane," Burstein said
McGirt vs. DeLeon in battle between sons of former world champs
VERO BEACH, Florida (April 9, 2008) – The marketing of unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (18-0, 9 KOs) spikes Friday night when the son of former world champion James “Buddy” McGirt fights in his first scheduled 10-round bout against the offspring another ex-world title holder, Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon, Jr. (19-2-2, 12 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature on ShoBox, airing live from Miccosukee Resort in Miami..
“I had an excellent training camp, about two months long, and I’m ready to go,” James said. “All of the hard work has been done. My dad (and head trainer) watched tapes of DeLeon. He’s told me what to do and what to watch out for. That’s the way we always do it. Nobody breaks down tapes and analyzes opponents better than my father. I don’t watch tapes; I just do what he teaches me. Working with Glen Johnson has been great for me. He brings a lot of experience to the table and a lot of pressure. I really liked the work.”
The fathers of McGirt and DeLeon were world champions at the same time in 1988. McGirt, Sr., who had a 73-6-1 (48 KOs) record as a pro, was a 2-time world champion in two weight classes (IBF light welterweight 1988, WBC welterweight 1991-93). Carlos “Sugar” DeLeon, Sr., 52-8-1 (32 KOs) as a pro, was a 4-time WBC cruiserweight champion (1980-82, 1983-85, 1986-88, 1989).
“Training has been good, no complaints,” Buddy McGirt remarked. “The best part was working with Glen Johnson. No matter who we fight, they can’t put pressure on like Glen Johnson. They offered to pay James to spar with Glen, but we did it for the experience. DeLeon is a good fighter. His specialty is a double left hook. The key is to nullify it.
“James’ strength and conditioning program has helped him a great deal. You can see the difference in his body, especially his legs. Plus, he’s maturing. I’ve put him in the gym with the best to test him, and James has gained a lot of valuable experience that way.”
McGirt, rated No. 26 by the WBC, is a southpaw originally from Brentwood, New York, now living and fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida. DeLeon, rated No. 29 by the WBC, is the reigning USNBC champion from Puerto Rico.
“Friday night is where we wanted to be (ShoBox in first 10-round fight),” McGirt’s manager Dennis Witherow explained. “We did this like a business plan with long range plans. We knew that it was going to take time to get there. A win in this fight will be a big leap towards where we want to get. Ideally, we’ll get a look at a top 15 or bigger name opponent. One different thing about James now is that outside of the ring he understands boxing is a business. He’s not a trash talker like other guys, preferring to let his hands do the talking, but he realizes he has to market himself. He’s been talking to kids in school, attending charity events, and he’ll be doing more things he really enjoys like that.
“James is proud of who he is. He is a true student of the art of boxing. He’s been educated in boxing his entire life. Not only has he learned how to be a good boxer, he knows when to box and throw certain punches, not just throwing ‘em at random. His strength is going to be the biggest surprise. His conditioning has always been great, but the conditioning and weights program he’s been on has made a huge difference.”
Part of McGirt’s marketing campaign includes a mission statement to become the first family in boxing to feature father-son world champions with the former working his natural son’s corner as head trainer when the latter captures a major world title. The McGirts want to make boxing history together and the next chapter starts Friday night on ShoBox.
VERO BEACH, Florida (April 9, 2008) – The marketing of unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (18-0, 9 KOs) spikes Friday night when the son of former world champion James “Buddy” McGirt fights in his first scheduled 10-round bout against the offspring another ex-world title holder, Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon, Jr. (19-2-2, 12 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature on ShoBox, airing live from Miccosukee Resort in Miami..
“I had an excellent training camp, about two months long, and I’m ready to go,” James said. “All of the hard work has been done. My dad (and head trainer) watched tapes of DeLeon. He’s told me what to do and what to watch out for. That’s the way we always do it. Nobody breaks down tapes and analyzes opponents better than my father. I don’t watch tapes; I just do what he teaches me. Working with Glen Johnson has been great for me. He brings a lot of experience to the table and a lot of pressure. I really liked the work.”
The fathers of McGirt and DeLeon were world champions at the same time in 1988. McGirt, Sr., who had a 73-6-1 (48 KOs) record as a pro, was a 2-time world champion in two weight classes (IBF light welterweight 1988, WBC welterweight 1991-93). Carlos “Sugar” DeLeon, Sr., 52-8-1 (32 KOs) as a pro, was a 4-time WBC cruiserweight champion (1980-82, 1983-85, 1986-88, 1989).
“Training has been good, no complaints,” Buddy McGirt remarked. “The best part was working with Glen Johnson. No matter who we fight, they can’t put pressure on like Glen Johnson. They offered to pay James to spar with Glen, but we did it for the experience. DeLeon is a good fighter. His specialty is a double left hook. The key is to nullify it.
“James’ strength and conditioning program has helped him a great deal. You can see the difference in his body, especially his legs. Plus, he’s maturing. I’ve put him in the gym with the best to test him, and James has gained a lot of valuable experience that way.”
McGirt, rated No. 26 by the WBC, is a southpaw originally from Brentwood, New York, now living and fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida. DeLeon, rated No. 29 by the WBC, is the reigning USNBC champion from Puerto Rico.
“Friday night is where we wanted to be (ShoBox in first 10-round fight),” McGirt’s manager Dennis Witherow explained. “We did this like a business plan with long range plans. We knew that it was going to take time to get there. A win in this fight will be a big leap towards where we want to get. Ideally, we’ll get a look at a top 15 or bigger name opponent. One different thing about James now is that outside of the ring he understands boxing is a business. He’s not a trash talker like other guys, preferring to let his hands do the talking, but he realizes he has to market himself. He’s been talking to kids in school, attending charity events, and he’ll be doing more things he really enjoys like that.
“James is proud of who he is. He is a true student of the art of boxing. He’s been educated in boxing his entire life. Not only has he learned how to be a good boxer, he knows when to box and throw certain punches, not just throwing ‘em at random. His strength is going to be the biggest surprise. His conditioning has always been great, but the conditioning and weights program he’s been on has made a huge difference.”
Part of McGirt’s marketing campaign includes a mission statement to become the first family in boxing to feature father-son world champions with the former working his natural son’s corner as head trainer when the latter captures a major world title. The McGirts want to make boxing history together and the next chapter starts Friday night on ShoBox.
Yan Barthelemy Workout Quotes from my Boxing Diary
Jaime Castro-Núñez - Los Angeles, CA. April 3, 2008: It's 11:45 PM and I'm inside the aircraft, ready to go to Miami. My wife is next to me. When I told her that I had bought two tickets to Florida, she thought we were having a second honey moon. But soon she realized that I was going to interview some boxers and I needed an extra pair of hands. At the beginning she wasn't that excited, but the idea of leaving the crowded LA for a weekend was enough, even if it was to interview "sweaty guys" as she said. But now that we're ready to depart, she looks comfortable, perhaps resigned.
Miami, FL. April 4, 2008
It was 7:30 AM when we landed at the Fort Lauderdale airport. We took a taxi to Miami, rented a car, and then went to the hotel.. “Honey, you've two hours to take a shower and get ready. Trainer Roberto Quesada asked me to be there at 12:00 PM and remember that we don't know the area,” I said to her. “Only two hours to get ready?” she replied. “Yes, 120 minutes and you already spent five. Get ready.” We took Doral Avenue toward the west, and then made a left on 72th Street. Minutes later, we reached the Miami Fight gym, where Roberto Quesada and Mario Santamaría were waiting for us.
We were talking about boxing when all of a sudden a thin, fibrous athlete entered the gym. “He's Yan Barthelemy, from Cuba, future champion of the world,” said Quesada with his characteristic, strong Cuban accent. “He won the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, but now lives and trains here in Miami. He’s fighting on April 12 in Tampa, on the undercard of Antonio Tarver-Clinton Woods.”
Shy and circumspect, the Olympic champion approached us. “I was born in Arroyo Naranjo, Cuba, on March 5, 1980,” he said while wrapping up his hands. Then some calisthenics. Quesada helped him with the gloves and, few minutes later, the Cuban sensation started to castigate the punching bag: “boom,” “boom,” “boom,” I counted the explosions. Yan moved to the left and released a hook: “boom.”
Thirty minutes later, he went to the ring with Roberto Quesada. His movements were fast and well calculated. There is no doubt that he's ready for the next rival. “Yan likes to train. He's eager to become champion of the world. He's very fast. He's got privileged legs, thus making it difficult to hit him. It's hard to chase him,” stated the Cuban-American trainer.
Yan looked at the target and threw the next combination: “boom,” “boom,” “boom,” leaving a sordid echo inside the gym. Before releasing a left hand, somebody shouted: “Time!” He took a break. Bathed in his own perspiration and taking a deep breath, he had time to say: “We're working hard for the fight in Tampa. The preparation is perfect and I feel great…I feel great!”
As the Cuban rooster kept moving to the laterals and practicing the combinations we're going to watch next Saturday April 12th at the St. Pete Times Forum, Yan Barthelemy left me with the certainty that he’ll be champion of the world.
Miami, FL. April 5, 2008
When we reached the gym at 10:45 AM, Roberto Quesada and his pupils were already there, talking about boxing. Minutes later, Yan's training session began. “I haven't had any complication thanks God and I'm thinking about the victory,” he said. Then he continued: “I'm getting ready to be champion of the world. I know I'll find hard opponents in the way, but I always train hard in order to be in shape and I'm looking forward to the victory, whoever my rival is.”
Roberto Quesada, who will be in Barthelemy's corner this April 12th, stated: "I'm sure Yan will be victorious.”
Miami, FL. April 6, 2008
After two days surrounded by boxers, trainers, gloves, and punching bags, I’ve the feeling that my wife enjoyed it. “That boxer, what's his name? Barthelemy, right?” “Yes, Barthelemy,” I replied. “He looks in great shape,” she said while I was driving to the beach. Her comment reminded me of Quesada's statement yesterday: “Yan is always in great shape because he likes to train. Gym is the clue.”
Jaime Castro-Núñez - Los Angeles, CA. April 3, 2008: It's 11:45 PM and I'm inside the aircraft, ready to go to Miami. My wife is next to me. When I told her that I had bought two tickets to Florida, she thought we were having a second honey moon. But soon she realized that I was going to interview some boxers and I needed an extra pair of hands. At the beginning she wasn't that excited, but the idea of leaving the crowded LA for a weekend was enough, even if it was to interview "sweaty guys" as she said. But now that we're ready to depart, she looks comfortable, perhaps resigned.
Miami, FL. April 4, 2008
It was 7:30 AM when we landed at the Fort Lauderdale airport. We took a taxi to Miami, rented a car, and then went to the hotel.. “Honey, you've two hours to take a shower and get ready. Trainer Roberto Quesada asked me to be there at 12:00 PM and remember that we don't know the area,” I said to her. “Only two hours to get ready?” she replied. “Yes, 120 minutes and you already spent five. Get ready.” We took Doral Avenue toward the west, and then made a left on 72th Street. Minutes later, we reached the Miami Fight gym, where Roberto Quesada and Mario Santamaría were waiting for us.
We were talking about boxing when all of a sudden a thin, fibrous athlete entered the gym. “He's Yan Barthelemy, from Cuba, future champion of the world,” said Quesada with his characteristic, strong Cuban accent. “He won the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, but now lives and trains here in Miami. He’s fighting on April 12 in Tampa, on the undercard of Antonio Tarver-Clinton Woods.”
Shy and circumspect, the Olympic champion approached us. “I was born in Arroyo Naranjo, Cuba, on March 5, 1980,” he said while wrapping up his hands. Then some calisthenics. Quesada helped him with the gloves and, few minutes later, the Cuban sensation started to castigate the punching bag: “boom,” “boom,” “boom,” I counted the explosions. Yan moved to the left and released a hook: “boom.”
Thirty minutes later, he went to the ring with Roberto Quesada. His movements were fast and well calculated. There is no doubt that he's ready for the next rival. “Yan likes to train. He's eager to become champion of the world. He's very fast. He's got privileged legs, thus making it difficult to hit him. It's hard to chase him,” stated the Cuban-American trainer.
Yan looked at the target and threw the next combination: “boom,” “boom,” “boom,” leaving a sordid echo inside the gym. Before releasing a left hand, somebody shouted: “Time!” He took a break. Bathed in his own perspiration and taking a deep breath, he had time to say: “We're working hard for the fight in Tampa. The preparation is perfect and I feel great…I feel great!”
As the Cuban rooster kept moving to the laterals and practicing the combinations we're going to watch next Saturday April 12th at the St. Pete Times Forum, Yan Barthelemy left me with the certainty that he’ll be champion of the world.
Miami, FL. April 5, 2008
When we reached the gym at 10:45 AM, Roberto Quesada and his pupils were already there, talking about boxing. Minutes later, Yan's training session began. “I haven't had any complication thanks God and I'm thinking about the victory,” he said. Then he continued: “I'm getting ready to be champion of the world. I know I'll find hard opponents in the way, but I always train hard in order to be in shape and I'm looking forward to the victory, whoever my rival is.”
Roberto Quesada, who will be in Barthelemy's corner this April 12th, stated: "I'm sure Yan will be victorious.”
Miami, FL. April 6, 2008
After two days surrounded by boxers, trainers, gloves, and punching bags, I’ve the feeling that my wife enjoyed it. “That boxer, what's his name? Barthelemy, right?” “Yes, Barthelemy,” I replied. “He looks in great shape,” she said while I was driving to the beach. Her comment reminded me of Quesada's statement yesterday: “Yan is always in great shape because he likes to train. Gym is the clue.”
Pacquiao: "Marquez is Crying Like a Baby
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao says he is “very eager to fight him (Juan Manuel Marquez) again soon” adding that “Marquez doesn’t scare me.” Pacquiao’s reaction to the face-to-face challenge thrown at him by the Mexican at the Araneta Coiseum was carried by the popular site Philboxing.com.
Pacquiao who is regarded as a ring warrior around the world emphasized “I have never backed out, backed down, backed away or backed off from a fight. As long as I am healthy and still give happiness and a good performance to my fans, my countrymen and all of boxing, I will continue to fight and train against anyone.”
Pacquiao pointed out that he had “faced bigger men in sparring and I have never chosen easy fights. That’s why people loved me.”
In his statements which were made from his home in General Santos City, Pacquiao said “I am a fighter. My job is to get ready for a fight and stay in shape.” He also said “people need to realize this. This is my job, this is my business. I have a team and I trust them to guide me and tell me what is best for my career. I am starting to believe what boxing people write about me, that because my style of fighting is what the fans want, that is why everyone wants to fight me, because my opponent will also earn more if they fight me, Marquez included.”
He said he had no problem with a rematch even as he pointed out that it depends on the negotiations.
In a direct reference to Marquez, he claimed the Mexican was “desperate for a rematch” and he was crying like a baby.” Pacquiao went on to say “we could have fought bare-fisted in the parking lot or anywhere, even in the backyard but I think I am more of a gentleman. I will not stoop down to his level which is what my parents taught me.
Pacquiao conceded his arch 15 rematch was a close fight for sure and told Marquez “we will see each other soon and I hope you stay healthy
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao says he is “very eager to fight him (Juan Manuel Marquez) again soon” adding that “Marquez doesn’t scare me.” Pacquiao’s reaction to the face-to-face challenge thrown at him by the Mexican at the Araneta Coiseum was carried by the popular site Philboxing.com.
Pacquiao who is regarded as a ring warrior around the world emphasized “I have never backed out, backed down, backed away or backed off from a fight. As long as I am healthy and still give happiness and a good performance to my fans, my countrymen and all of boxing, I will continue to fight and train against anyone.”
Pacquiao pointed out that he had “faced bigger men in sparring and I have never chosen easy fights. That’s why people loved me.”
In his statements which were made from his home in General Santos City, Pacquiao said “I am a fighter. My job is to get ready for a fight and stay in shape.” He also said “people need to realize this. This is my job, this is my business. I have a team and I trust them to guide me and tell me what is best for my career. I am starting to believe what boxing people write about me, that because my style of fighting is what the fans want, that is why everyone wants to fight me, because my opponent will also earn more if they fight me, Marquez included.”
He said he had no problem with a rematch even as he pointed out that it depends on the negotiations.
In a direct reference to Marquez, he claimed the Mexican was “desperate for a rematch” and he was crying like a baby.” Pacquiao went on to say “we could have fought bare-fisted in the parking lot or anywhere, even in the backyard but I think I am more of a gentleman. I will not stoop down to his level which is what my parents taught me.
Pacquiao conceded his arch 15 rematch was a close fight for sure and told Marquez “we will see each other soon and I hope you stay healthy
Hatton: "Two Fights, Then Mayweather Rematch"
By Mark Vester
It appears that Ricky Hatton will actively pursue a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. for 2009. Hatton moved up to welterweight division last December and suffered the first loss of his career after being stopped by Mayweather in the tenth-round of their bout in Las Vegas. Following the loss, Hatton announced that he would move back down to 140-pounds.
Several weeks ago, Hatton said that he was interested in a Mayweather rematch, but few thought he was serious. The point of a rematch is up for debate. After ten-rounds, Hatton only won a single-round on two of the official scorecards and two-rounds on the third. The rematch would take place next spring at Wembley Stadium in the UK, and Hatton is hoping to pack in 100,000 fans.
Hatton told the Belfast Telegraph that he will be ready for a Mayweather rematch in only two-fights. The first is a bout against Juan Lazcano on May 24 in Manchester. The second bout would come against IBF 140-pound champion Paulie Malignaggi in October at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Malignaggi meets Lovemore N'dou in a rematch on Hatton's May undercard. They would both have to win for the October bout to happen. Mayweather is scheduled to face Oscar De La Hoya in a September rematch. Mayweather would have to beat De La Hoya to keep the Hatton rematch on schedule, but De La Hoya must first beat Steve Forbes on May 3 to even position himself for the Mayweather rematch.
"I would like a rematch and I know that Floyd is interested," Hatton said. "It's a fight that would attract a big crowd and it's something that I really want. I know that I have to prove myself in my next two fights and I'm sure that in about a year's time, a rematch with Mayweather can be made.
"The referee Joe Cortez is one of the best in the world, but he had a terrible night and he warned me about everything. He ruined my rhythm and I need rhythm. I got my tactics right in the first six rounds, but after that I was a bit eager but I'm amazed how many experts have said I got it wrong."
Golden Boy Promotions CEO, Richard Schaefer, has been in talks with Mayweather's manager and Floyd is interested in making the fight happen.
"I've spoken to Floyd's manager Al Haymon and he has confirmed that Floyd is interested in another fight with Ricky," Schaeffer said. "This fight could happen and I think Ricky has a good chance
By Mark Vester
It appears that Ricky Hatton will actively pursue a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. for 2009. Hatton moved up to welterweight division last December and suffered the first loss of his career after being stopped by Mayweather in the tenth-round of their bout in Las Vegas. Following the loss, Hatton announced that he would move back down to 140-pounds.
Several weeks ago, Hatton said that he was interested in a Mayweather rematch, but few thought he was serious. The point of a rematch is up for debate. After ten-rounds, Hatton only won a single-round on two of the official scorecards and two-rounds on the third. The rematch would take place next spring at Wembley Stadium in the UK, and Hatton is hoping to pack in 100,000 fans.
Hatton told the Belfast Telegraph that he will be ready for a Mayweather rematch in only two-fights. The first is a bout against Juan Lazcano on May 24 in Manchester. The second bout would come against IBF 140-pound champion Paulie Malignaggi in October at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Malignaggi meets Lovemore N'dou in a rematch on Hatton's May undercard. They would both have to win for the October bout to happen. Mayweather is scheduled to face Oscar De La Hoya in a September rematch. Mayweather would have to beat De La Hoya to keep the Hatton rematch on schedule, but De La Hoya must first beat Steve Forbes on May 3 to even position himself for the Mayweather rematch.
"I would like a rematch and I know that Floyd is interested," Hatton said. "It's a fight that would attract a big crowd and it's something that I really want. I know that I have to prove myself in my next two fights and I'm sure that in about a year's time, a rematch with Mayweather can be made.
"The referee Joe Cortez is one of the best in the world, but he had a terrible night and he warned me about everything. He ruined my rhythm and I need rhythm. I got my tactics right in the first six rounds, but after that I was a bit eager but I'm amazed how many experts have said I got it wrong."
Golden Boy Promotions CEO, Richard Schaefer, has been in talks with Mayweather's manager and Floyd is interested in making the fight happen.
"I've spoken to Floyd's manager Al Haymon and he has confirmed that Floyd is interested in another fight with Ricky," Schaeffer said. "This fight could happen and I think Ricky has a good chance
Margarito, Cintron Predict Knockout Wins
By Mark Vester
At the final press conference for the revenge bout between IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron and Antonio Margarito, both fighters predicted victory by knockout, setting the stage for a war of wills on Saturday night at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The two fighters and Cintron's trainer, Emanuel Steward, predicted victory to El Nuevo Dia.
"I am now a better boxer. Since I've had Emanuel Steward with me, I have improved a lot. I'm no longer a slugger that swarms. I am boxing more. I have more experience and I am going to show him this Saturday. I am very prepared physically and mentally," Cintron said.
Margarito stopped Cintron within five-round of their first meeting in 2005. Steward says that Cintron was not prepared when the two fighters first met.
"Kermit was not prepared. He came to the ring with an injury and he was not in the best condition for that fight. We have worked hard and made him a more complete and better fighter," Steward said.
Margarito is planning for a repeat performance of the first fight.
"I am expecting to rise to the occassion. I have to thank him for giving me the opportunity to become a world champion again. I have prepared very well and I know that Kermit has prepared very well because he knows this is a hard fight. I am ready to become the champion of the world," Margarito said.
The winner of the fight is expected to face WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in the summer. Cotto defends against Contender star Alfonso Gomez in the main event
By Mark Vester
At the final press conference for the revenge bout between IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron and Antonio Margarito, both fighters predicted victory by knockout, setting the stage for a war of wills on Saturday night at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The two fighters and Cintron's trainer, Emanuel Steward, predicted victory to El Nuevo Dia.
"I am now a better boxer. Since I've had Emanuel Steward with me, I have improved a lot. I'm no longer a slugger that swarms. I am boxing more. I have more experience and I am going to show him this Saturday. I am very prepared physically and mentally," Cintron said.
Margarito stopped Cintron within five-round of their first meeting in 2005. Steward says that Cintron was not prepared when the two fighters first met.
"Kermit was not prepared. He came to the ring with an injury and he was not in the best condition for that fight. We have worked hard and made him a more complete and better fighter," Steward said.
Margarito is planning for a repeat performance of the first fight.
"I am expecting to rise to the occassion. I have to thank him for giving me the opportunity to become a world champion again. I have prepared very well and I know that Kermit has prepared very well because he knows this is a hard fight. I am ready to become the champion of the world," Margarito said.
The winner of the fight is expected to face WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in the summer. Cotto defends against Contender star Alfonso Gomez in the main event
Calzaghe: "I Will Retire Hopkins For Good
Joe Calzaghe has vowed to turn the tables on Bernard Hopkins - and "execute" what remains of the American's career.
The 36-year-old Welshman tackles Hopkins on April 19 at the Planet Hollywood Ring in Las Vegas, and the winner will be declared the best light-heavyweight in the world.
And Calzaghe says it will be a night to savour for British fight fans fed up with motor-mouth Hopkins' disrespectful comments.
" I'm going to bring the final curtain down on Ol' Popkins," said Calzaghe.
" He likes to dress up in his Executioner mask, but it will be the last time anyone sees it on April 19 because I'll retire him once and for all.
" This will be the executioner's last song. I'm sure the Fat Lady will be singing when he makes his ring entrance on the night!
" I don't know if he's got any last requests as far as his career is concerned, but he better get them in quick because he'll be retiring after I've defeated him."
Calzaghe, the undisputed super-middleweight world champion, has been in Las Vegas for almost a week now as he fine tunes his preparations for the biggest fight of his career.
" There's a tremendous buzz out here at the moment," said Calzaghe.
"I've already seen a few British fans, and I know it is going to be a night to remember.
" I've waited a long time to make my US debut, and to do it on a massive card in Las Vegas is a dream come true.
" I know other British fighters have come over here and failed to produce the goods, but I won't be one of them. This is my moment and I'm relishing the fight with Hopkins
Joe Calzaghe has vowed to turn the tables on Bernard Hopkins - and "execute" what remains of the American's career.
The 36-year-old Welshman tackles Hopkins on April 19 at the Planet Hollywood Ring in Las Vegas, and the winner will be declared the best light-heavyweight in the world.
And Calzaghe says it will be a night to savour for British fight fans fed up with motor-mouth Hopkins' disrespectful comments.
" I'm going to bring the final curtain down on Ol' Popkins," said Calzaghe.
" He likes to dress up in his Executioner mask, but it will be the last time anyone sees it on April 19 because I'll retire him once and for all.
" This will be the executioner's last song. I'm sure the Fat Lady will be singing when he makes his ring entrance on the night!
" I don't know if he's got any last requests as far as his career is concerned, but he better get them in quick because he'll be retiring after I've defeated him."
Calzaghe, the undisputed super-middleweight world champion, has been in Las Vegas for almost a week now as he fine tunes his preparations for the biggest fight of his career.
" There's a tremendous buzz out here at the moment," said Calzaghe.
"I've already seen a few British fans, and I know it is going to be a night to remember.
" I've waited a long time to make my US debut, and to do it on a massive card in Las Vegas is a dream come true.
" I know other British fighters have come over here and failed to produce the goods, but I won't be one of them. This is my moment and I'm relishing the fight with Hopkins