Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
Miranda is right about Abraham and he should've won that fight. Abraham is now fighting a guy who lost TWICE to David Banks .. that's all that needs to be said.
Props:
2-0-Sixx and 2-0-Sixx
Taylor has reason to hold his head up
LAS VEGAS -- In the ring after Jermain Taylor's seventh-round knockout loss to Kelly Pavlik in September, the deposed middleweight champion insisted he would exercise his contractual option for an immediate rematch. A few weeks later, he made it official.
People within his own inner circle were unhappy with the decision. They would have preferred he take an easier confidence-builder first.
That decision also was questioned hard by the media.
Then trainer Emanuel Steward was fired. In the rematch, Taylor would ride with Ozell Nelson, his surrogate father, amateur coach and professional assistant, who had never served as a professional head trainer. Some in his circle wanted him to bring back original pro head trainer Pat Burns.
Again, Taylor took a swarm of criticism for a decision.
But when the rematch finally happened Saturday night before 9,706 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Taylor's decisions looked as though they were the right ones, even though Pavlik won a hard-fought unanimous decision in an entertaining 166-pound nontitle fight.
"I definitely wouldn't change a thing except for the outcome of the fight," Taylor said.
Lou DiBella, Taylor's promoter, was one of those who questioned the decisions. Afterward, he was singing a different tune, proud of the man he has promoted since Taylor turned pro after receiving a bronze medal in the 2000 Olympics.
"I think his performance vindicated all those decisions," DiBella said. "These were two sensational middleweight fights, and I am guessing they will meet again at a higher weight class. What would he have gotten out of an interim fight? He fought a great fight, and a lot of people had him winning or had it a draw.
"I'm not arguing with the scorecards. It could have gone either way. I think the other guy [Pavlik] is a big, strong monster and Jermain was trying to box to a win, and I think he came damn close. I thought he pulled it out, but he has nothing to be ashamed of. This is not the kind of fight you argue about. It's the kind of fight you appreciate."
Indeed, it was another classic sort of fight, and although the judges' scorecards said Pavlik won -- 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 -- Taylor fought a much more disciplined and smarter fight than he did five months ago. There were many close rounds. It could have gone either way.
ESPN.com scored it 114-114.
But if there is such a thing as a moral victory in boxing, this was one of them for Taylor.
He stayed off the ropes, which is what got him in trouble last time.
He fought at a more controlled pace.
He carried his usually lazy left hand much higher than usual and avoided a lot of the powerful right hands thrown by Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs), who went past nine rounds for the first time.
He consistently landed his jab, a weapon he often had neglected in previous fights.
Taylor, 29, wearing dark glasses at the postfight news conference to hide the swelling around his eyes, was obviously disappointed. But there was also a sense of pride in his voice because of the way he fought.
On changing trainers, Taylor (27-2-1, 17 KOs) had no regrets.
"I have known this man [Nelson] since I started boxing. I love this man," Taylor said. "I know what he is thinking. I was comfortable going back to the corner."
Larry Merchant, the sage HBO analyst who has called so many of Taylor's fights, agreed with Taylor's assessment.
"By fighting a disciplined, professional fight, he helped redeem himself," Merchant said. "He just lost to a better, busier man. I would say he proved his point, but he didn't win the fight. But he becomes a player at super middleweight. If he fought any of the top guys there, heck, he could be favored. He's still the only guy to beat Bernard Hopkins in 15 years. That has to count for something."
The Pavlik camp, excited about the victory, was gracious in defeat.
"Jermain taking the rematch made the sport better," said Pavlik, 25, who was headed for the hospital to have both of his hands x-rayed; he thinks he broke his right hand in the seventh round. "Taylor was better tonight than in the first fight, but I was better too."
Pavlik trainer Jack Loew, who had a war of words with Steward before and after the last fight, praised Nelson, who proved he could handle a top professional on his own.
"Ozell put together one hell of a game plan," Loew said. "Jermain showed a lot of movement. He would not let himself get trapped on the ropes. But once we got Jermain going backwards late in the fight, we were doing a lot better in the fight."
Said Nelson, "I think tonight [Taylor's decision] speaks for itself. I thought I did a pretty good job, but we came up short."
Even Steward, who was in the awkward position of calling the fight for HBO PPV (HBO will replay the fight next Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET along with live coverage of the Wladimir Klitschko-Sultan Ibragimov heavyweight unification fight), praised Taylor for his decisions. Well, at least for taking the immediate rematch.
"He took the fight for one thing," Steward said. "No title. He just wanted to redeem himself."
Despite the defeat, consider it a job well done.
Dan Rafael is the senior boxing writer for ESPN.com.
LAS VEGAS -- In the ring after Jermain Taylor's seventh-round knockout loss to Kelly Pavlik in September, the deposed middleweight champion insisted he would exercise his contractual option for an immediate rematch. A few weeks later, he made it official.
People within his own inner circle were unhappy with the decision. They would have preferred he take an easier confidence-builder first.
That decision also was questioned hard by the media.
Then trainer Emanuel Steward was fired. In the rematch, Taylor would ride with Ozell Nelson, his surrogate father, amateur coach and professional assistant, who had never served as a professional head trainer. Some in his circle wanted him to bring back original pro head trainer Pat Burns.
Again, Taylor took a swarm of criticism for a decision.
But when the rematch finally happened Saturday night before 9,706 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Taylor's decisions looked as though they were the right ones, even though Pavlik won a hard-fought unanimous decision in an entertaining 166-pound nontitle fight.
"I definitely wouldn't change a thing except for the outcome of the fight," Taylor said.
Lou DiBella, Taylor's promoter, was one of those who questioned the decisions. Afterward, he was singing a different tune, proud of the man he has promoted since Taylor turned pro after receiving a bronze medal in the 2000 Olympics.
"I think his performance vindicated all those decisions," DiBella said. "These were two sensational middleweight fights, and I am guessing they will meet again at a higher weight class. What would he have gotten out of an interim fight? He fought a great fight, and a lot of people had him winning or had it a draw.
"I'm not arguing with the scorecards. It could have gone either way. I think the other guy [Pavlik] is a big, strong monster and Jermain was trying to box to a win, and I think he came damn close. I thought he pulled it out, but he has nothing to be ashamed of. This is not the kind of fight you argue about. It's the kind of fight you appreciate."
Indeed, it was another classic sort of fight, and although the judges' scorecards said Pavlik won -- 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 -- Taylor fought a much more disciplined and smarter fight than he did five months ago. There were many close rounds. It could have gone either way.
ESPN.com scored it 114-114.
But if there is such a thing as a moral victory in boxing, this was one of them for Taylor.
He stayed off the ropes, which is what got him in trouble last time.
He fought at a more controlled pace.
He carried his usually lazy left hand much higher than usual and avoided a lot of the powerful right hands thrown by Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs), who went past nine rounds for the first time.
He consistently landed his jab, a weapon he often had neglected in previous fights.
Taylor, 29, wearing dark glasses at the postfight news conference to hide the swelling around his eyes, was obviously disappointed. But there was also a sense of pride in his voice because of the way he fought.
On changing trainers, Taylor (27-2-1, 17 KOs) had no regrets.
"I have known this man [Nelson] since I started boxing. I love this man," Taylor said. "I know what he is thinking. I was comfortable going back to the corner."
Larry Merchant, the sage HBO analyst who has called so many of Taylor's fights, agreed with Taylor's assessment.
"By fighting a disciplined, professional fight, he helped redeem himself," Merchant said. "He just lost to a better, busier man. I would say he proved his point, but he didn't win the fight. But he becomes a player at super middleweight. If he fought any of the top guys there, heck, he could be favored. He's still the only guy to beat Bernard Hopkins in 15 years. That has to count for something."
The Pavlik camp, excited about the victory, was gracious in defeat.
"Jermain taking the rematch made the sport better," said Pavlik, 25, who was headed for the hospital to have both of his hands x-rayed; he thinks he broke his right hand in the seventh round. "Taylor was better tonight than in the first fight, but I was better too."
Pavlik trainer Jack Loew, who had a war of words with Steward before and after the last fight, praised Nelson, who proved he could handle a top professional on his own.
"Ozell put together one hell of a game plan," Loew said. "Jermain showed a lot of movement. He would not let himself get trapped on the ropes. But once we got Jermain going backwards late in the fight, we were doing a lot better in the fight."
Said Nelson, "I think tonight [Taylor's decision] speaks for itself. I thought I did a pretty good job, but we came up short."
Even Steward, who was in the awkward position of calling the fight for HBO PPV (HBO will replay the fight next Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET along with live coverage of the Wladimir Klitschko-Sultan Ibragimov heavyweight unification fight), praised Taylor for his decisions. Well, at least for taking the immediate rematch.
"He took the fight for one thing," Steward said. "No title. He just wanted to redeem himself."
Despite the defeat, consider it a job well done.
Dan Rafael is the senior boxing writer for ESPN.com.
Ricky Hatton Taking The De La Hoya Route
Mark Vester
As reported by The Daily Mail, former two-division champion Ricky Hatton is planning to take the same route as Oscar De La Hoya, by becoming a promoter and starting his own promotional company to add some fire to the British boxing scene.
Hatton admits that he wants to become just like De La Hoya, who created one of the largest promotional companies in the sport, Golden Boy Promotions. De La Hoya promoted Hatton's last fight, which resulted in a knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr., last December. Hatton liked what he saw in the company, how it was thriving and how De La Hoya was running the show.
The paper says that Hatton has applied to the British Boxing Board of Control for a promoter's licence.
"As long as I'm still involved in boxing that will stop me being tempted to make a comeback," said Hatton. "I've watched how Golden Boy Promotions acts and Oscar is like a friend to all his fighters. That's very rare in boxing. I have had the misfortune to have had quite bad dealings with promoters."
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, recently traveled to the UK for a the Calzaghe-Hopkins press conference, and met with Hatton and his father Ray. The two sides came to verbal agreement for Golden Boy to co-promote Hatton's next few fights and to help each other with promotional ventures in the UK.
Hatton's next bout is still being slated for May 24 in Manchester. The paper says the short-list of possible opponents include WBO junior welterweight champion Ricardo Torres of Colombia, Juan Lazcano and Kendall Holt. Lazcano is said to be the current frontrunner for the fight.
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester
Mark Vester
As reported by The Daily Mail, former two-division champion Ricky Hatton is planning to take the same route as Oscar De La Hoya, by becoming a promoter and starting his own promotional company to add some fire to the British boxing scene.
Hatton admits that he wants to become just like De La Hoya, who created one of the largest promotional companies in the sport, Golden Boy Promotions. De La Hoya promoted Hatton's last fight, which resulted in a knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr., last December. Hatton liked what he saw in the company, how it was thriving and how De La Hoya was running the show.
The paper says that Hatton has applied to the British Boxing Board of Control for a promoter's licence.
"As long as I'm still involved in boxing that will stop me being tempted to make a comeback," said Hatton. "I've watched how Golden Boy Promotions acts and Oscar is like a friend to all his fighters. That's very rare in boxing. I have had the misfortune to have had quite bad dealings with promoters."
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, recently traveled to the UK for a the Calzaghe-Hopkins press conference, and met with Hatton and his father Ray. The two sides came to verbal agreement for Golden Boy to co-promote Hatton's next few fights and to help each other with promotional ventures in the UK.
Hatton's next bout is still being slated for May 24 in Manchester. The paper says the short-list of possible opponents include WBO junior welterweight champion Ricardo Torres of Colombia, Juan Lazcano and Kendall Holt. Lazcano is said to be the current frontrunner for the fight.
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester
ESPN.com's division-by-division rankings
. Wladimir Klitschko (49-3)
Dr. Steelhammer is mere days away from the most important fight of his career, a long-awaited unification match with fast southpaw titlist Sultan Ibragimov. If Klitschko wins, we can all call him "champion" instead of "titleholder." He is obviously the best big man in the world. A win against Ibragimov would make it official.
Next: Feb. 23 vs. Ibragimov.
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2. Samuel Peter (29-1)
The saga of Peter's long overdue fight with titlist Oleg Maskaev has taken yet another unexpected turn. Instead of the fight taking place Feb. 2 on Showtime, it's on the move again, this time to a month later on HBO and in Mexico, after promoter Don King cut a deal for Cancun to host the country's first heavyweight title fight.
Next: March 8 vs. Maskaev.
3. Oleg Maskaev (34-5)
Even after everything is signed, even after they have the press conferences, even after everyone arrives in Cancun, there will be doubt about whether Maskaev will step into the ring with Peter up until the first bell sounds.
Next: March 8 vs. Peter.
4. Ruslan Chagaev (24-0-1)
Chagaev now knows the identity of his mandatory challenger. It will be Nikolai Valuev, the man from whom he took the title in a razor-close fight. Expect the rematch, which figures to go down this summer, to be another tight tussle.
Next: TBA vs. Valuev.
5. Nikolai Valuev (48-1)
Remember how dominant Winky Wright looked when he pounded his jab into Felix Trinidad's face all night and won a massively lopsided decision in 2005? Valuev, the 7-foot, 321-pound former beltholder, was just as dominant as he brutalized former titleholder Sergei Liakhovich with a telephone pole-like jab to win a shutout decision Feb. 16 in Germany. The win earned the Valuev a mandatory shot at Chagaev, the man who took his title.
Next: TBA vs. Chagaev.
6. Sultan Ibragimov (22-0-1)
In his first title defense, he dominated an archaic Evander Holyfield. Let's see what Ibragimov can do when faced with a much fresher, much bigger, much more powerful, much faster Klitschko in their unification bout.
Next: Feb. 23 vs. Klitschko.
7. Alexander Povetkin (15-0)
The 2004 Russian Olympic gold medalist has moved up quickly as a professional, and after his convincing decision victory against American Eddie Chambers in their Jan. 26 elimination bout, he now is Klitschko's mandatory challenger.
Next: TBA.
8. Hasim Rahman (45-6-2)
The former champ's camp was negotiating with the handlers of cruiserweight champ David Haye, who was looking for an opponent to make a splash against at heavyweight. But ultimately, Haye elected to remain at cruiserweight for a unification bout with Enzo Maccarinelli, leaving Rahman looking for another notable opponent.
Next: TBA.
9. John Ruiz (42-7-1)
The former titlist will meet perennial contender Jameel McCline on the undercard of Maskaev-Peter, but it won't be part of HBO's broadcast. Many would say that is a good thing. If Ruiz wins, he will be in a great position to get another title shot.
Next: March 8 vs. McCline.
10. Tony "The Tiger" Thompson (30-1)
When the sanctioning organizations created mandatory challengers, it was done with fighters like Thompson in mind. Nobody wants to fight a tough, talented, slick boxer with good power who brings nothing to the table economically unless they are forced to. Well, Thompson deserves his shot and looms as a mandatory for the Klitschko-Ibragimov winner.
Next: TBA.
. Wladimir Klitschko (49-3)
Dr. Steelhammer is mere days away from the most important fight of his career, a long-awaited unification match with fast southpaw titlist Sultan Ibragimov. If Klitschko wins, we can all call him "champion" instead of "titleholder." He is obviously the best big man in the world. A win against Ibragimov would make it official.
Next: Feb. 23 vs. Ibragimov.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Samuel Peter (29-1)
The saga of Peter's long overdue fight with titlist Oleg Maskaev has taken yet another unexpected turn. Instead of the fight taking place Feb. 2 on Showtime, it's on the move again, this time to a month later on HBO and in Mexico, after promoter Don King cut a deal for Cancun to host the country's first heavyweight title fight.
Next: March 8 vs. Maskaev.
3. Oleg Maskaev (34-5)
Even after everything is signed, even after they have the press conferences, even after everyone arrives in Cancun, there will be doubt about whether Maskaev will step into the ring with Peter up until the first bell sounds.
Next: March 8 vs. Peter.
4. Ruslan Chagaev (24-0-1)
Chagaev now knows the identity of his mandatory challenger. It will be Nikolai Valuev, the man from whom he took the title in a razor-close fight. Expect the rematch, which figures to go down this summer, to be another tight tussle.
Next: TBA vs. Valuev.
5. Nikolai Valuev (48-1)
Remember how dominant Winky Wright looked when he pounded his jab into Felix Trinidad's face all night and won a massively lopsided decision in 2005? Valuev, the 7-foot, 321-pound former beltholder, was just as dominant as he brutalized former titleholder Sergei Liakhovich with a telephone pole-like jab to win a shutout decision Feb. 16 in Germany. The win earned the Valuev a mandatory shot at Chagaev, the man who took his title.
Next: TBA vs. Chagaev.
6. Sultan Ibragimov (22-0-1)
In his first title defense, he dominated an archaic Evander Holyfield. Let's see what Ibragimov can do when faced with a much fresher, much bigger, much more powerful, much faster Klitschko in their unification bout.
Next: Feb. 23 vs. Klitschko.
7. Alexander Povetkin (15-0)
The 2004 Russian Olympic gold medalist has moved up quickly as a professional, and after his convincing decision victory against American Eddie Chambers in their Jan. 26 elimination bout, he now is Klitschko's mandatory challenger.
Next: TBA.
8. Hasim Rahman (45-6-2)
The former champ's camp was negotiating with the handlers of cruiserweight champ David Haye, who was looking for an opponent to make a splash against at heavyweight. But ultimately, Haye elected to remain at cruiserweight for a unification bout with Enzo Maccarinelli, leaving Rahman looking for another notable opponent.
Next: TBA.
9. John Ruiz (42-7-1)
The former titlist will meet perennial contender Jameel McCline on the undercard of Maskaev-Peter, but it won't be part of HBO's broadcast. Many would say that is a good thing. If Ruiz wins, he will be in a great position to get another title shot.
Next: March 8 vs. McCline.
10. Tony "The Tiger" Thompson (30-1)
When the sanctioning organizations created mandatory challengers, it was done with fighters like Thompson in mind. Nobody wants to fight a tough, talented, slick boxer with good power who brings nothing to the table economically unless they are forced to. Well, Thompson deserves his shot and looms as a mandatory for the Klitschko-Ibragimov winner.
Next: TBA.
Khan to face Kristjansen in WBO lightweight eliminator bout
LONDON -- British Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan will face Martin Kristjansen on April 5 in his native Bolton in a title eliminator fight for the World Boxing Organization lightweight belt.
Khan, 21, is undefeated in 16 professional bouts. He was scheduled to meet Kristjansen on Feb. 2 but instead fought Australia's Gairy St. Clair after Kristjansen fell ill.
"It has put Amir in the frame to fight for the world title, hopefully this year," promoter Frank Warren told a news conference on Monday.
Mexico's Juan Diaz added the WBO lightweight title to his WBA and IBF belts after a technical knockout against Brazil's Acelino Freitas last year.
LONDON -- British Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan will face Martin Kristjansen on April 5 in his native Bolton in a title eliminator fight for the World Boxing Organization lightweight belt.
Khan, 21, is undefeated in 16 professional bouts. He was scheduled to meet Kristjansen on Feb. 2 but instead fought Australia's Gairy St. Clair after Kristjansen fell ill.
"It has put Amir in the frame to fight for the world title, hopefully this year," promoter Frank Warren told a news conference on Monday.
Mexico's Juan Diaz added the WBO lightweight title to his WBA and IBF belts after a technical knockout against Brazil's Acelino Freitas last year.
LIGHTWEIGHTS (135 POUNDS)
. Juan Diaz (32-0)
Negotiating Diaz's next fight has been an agonizing process for him and manager Willie Savannah. After promoter Don King blocked a fight with Michael Katsidis, Diaz is supposed to make another one of his mandatory defenses against Nate Campbell -- assuming all the little details are ironed out -- on an outstanding HBO card that also includes the Oleg Maskaev-Samuel Peter heavyweight title fight from Cancun, Mexico.
Next: March 8 vs. Campbell.
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2. Jose Armando Santa Cruz (25-3)
Poor guy. He drubbed Joel Casamayor with ease in November, winning virtually every second of the fight and knocking him down, but was blatantly robbed of the decision. The WBC actually did the right thing and ordered a rematch, but Casamayor didn't accept it -- and then he got an opportunity to fight on HBO while Santa Cruz was left out in the cold. Santa Cruz's situation is the horrible business of boxing in all its nauseating glory.
Next: TBA.
3. Joel Casamayor (35-3-1)
After the gift decision he got against Santa Cruz in 2007's worst decision, Casamayor is being rewarded with a title defense against Michael Katsidis on HBO. It obviously pays off sometimes to look like a shot fighter.
Next: March 22 vs. Katsidis.
4. Nate Campbell (31-5-1)
Whatever the tumult between Diaz and King, Campbell is sitting quietly, ready for his well-deserved mandatory shot at Diaz. He is very confident. This is going to be a good fight.
Next: March 8 vs. Diaz.
5. David Diaz (33-1-1)
Diaz's nontitle bout against Ramon Montano (14-3-2) has been bumped up to the televised portion of the Juan Manuel Marquez-Manny Pacquiao HBO PPV card. Wins by Diaz and Pacquiao set the stage for Diaz to defend his alphabet trinket against Pacman this summer.
Next: March 15 vs. Montano.
6. Julio Diaz (34-4)
It's one thing to lose, but Diaz's ninth-round wipeout to Juan Diaz in their October unification fight was as one-sided as it gets. Julio didn't win one second of a fight that was expected to be highly competitive. It was such a lopsided loss that you have to question whether Julio will ever be the same, but he'll attempt to return on a card in Dubai.
Next: April 18 vs. Ranee Ganoy.
7. Michael Katsidis (23-0)
A proposed bout with Juan Diaz fell through because Diaz promoter Don King blocked it, so now Katsidis will challenge Casamayor in an HBO "Boxing After Dark" main event. If he and Diaz win their upcoming bouts, they could meet this summer in what would be an all-out slugfest. Is there any Katsidis fight that doesn't involve at least some action?
Next: March 22 vs. Casamayor.
8. Acelino "Popo" Freitas (38-2)
Brazil's hero and former two-division titleholder has a meeting planned with promoter Artie Pelullo to discuss his next bout -- a farewell fight -- which he wants to have in his home country.
Next: TBA.
9. Zahir Raheem (29-2)
Raheem was dynamic and explosive for a change in destroying Ricardo Dominguez in the first round Jan. 4 on ESPN2. The Z-man desparately needed a performance like that after all of his stinkers. The performance might have saved his career. He could be back on ESPN2 in April against fringe contender Ender Cherry.
Next: TBA.
10. "Kid Diamond" Almazbek Raiymkulov (25-1-1)
Managerial problems and legal issues have stalled his once-promising career
. Juan Diaz (32-0)
Negotiating Diaz's next fight has been an agonizing process for him and manager Willie Savannah. After promoter Don King blocked a fight with Michael Katsidis, Diaz is supposed to make another one of his mandatory defenses against Nate Campbell -- assuming all the little details are ironed out -- on an outstanding HBO card that also includes the Oleg Maskaev-Samuel Peter heavyweight title fight from Cancun, Mexico.
Next: March 8 vs. Campbell.
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2. Jose Armando Santa Cruz (25-3)
Poor guy. He drubbed Joel Casamayor with ease in November, winning virtually every second of the fight and knocking him down, but was blatantly robbed of the decision. The WBC actually did the right thing and ordered a rematch, but Casamayor didn't accept it -- and then he got an opportunity to fight on HBO while Santa Cruz was left out in the cold. Santa Cruz's situation is the horrible business of boxing in all its nauseating glory.
Next: TBA.
3. Joel Casamayor (35-3-1)
After the gift decision he got against Santa Cruz in 2007's worst decision, Casamayor is being rewarded with a title defense against Michael Katsidis on HBO. It obviously pays off sometimes to look like a shot fighter.
Next: March 22 vs. Katsidis.
4. Nate Campbell (31-5-1)
Whatever the tumult between Diaz and King, Campbell is sitting quietly, ready for his well-deserved mandatory shot at Diaz. He is very confident. This is going to be a good fight.
Next: March 8 vs. Diaz.
5. David Diaz (33-1-1)
Diaz's nontitle bout against Ramon Montano (14-3-2) has been bumped up to the televised portion of the Juan Manuel Marquez-Manny Pacquiao HBO PPV card. Wins by Diaz and Pacquiao set the stage for Diaz to defend his alphabet trinket against Pacman this summer.
Next: March 15 vs. Montano.
6. Julio Diaz (34-4)
It's one thing to lose, but Diaz's ninth-round wipeout to Juan Diaz in their October unification fight was as one-sided as it gets. Julio didn't win one second of a fight that was expected to be highly competitive. It was such a lopsided loss that you have to question whether Julio will ever be the same, but he'll attempt to return on a card in Dubai.
Next: April 18 vs. Ranee Ganoy.
7. Michael Katsidis (23-0)
A proposed bout with Juan Diaz fell through because Diaz promoter Don King blocked it, so now Katsidis will challenge Casamayor in an HBO "Boxing After Dark" main event. If he and Diaz win their upcoming bouts, they could meet this summer in what would be an all-out slugfest. Is there any Katsidis fight that doesn't involve at least some action?
Next: March 22 vs. Casamayor.
8. Acelino "Popo" Freitas (38-2)
Brazil's hero and former two-division titleholder has a meeting planned with promoter Artie Pelullo to discuss his next bout -- a farewell fight -- which he wants to have in his home country.
Next: TBA.
9. Zahir Raheem (29-2)
Raheem was dynamic and explosive for a change in destroying Ricardo Dominguez in the first round Jan. 4 on ESPN2. The Z-man desparately needed a performance like that after all of his stinkers. The performance might have saved his career. He could be back on ESPN2 in April against fringe contender Ender Cherry.
Next: TBA.
10. "Kid Diamond" Almazbek Raiymkulov (25-1-1)
Managerial problems and legal issues have stalled his once-promising career
CRUISERWEIGHTS (200 POUNDS)
. David Haye (20-1)
Great fights just keep on being made, and Haye, the recognized cruiserweight champ, deserves credit for this one. He deferred his inevitable leap to heavyweight to face titlist Enzo Maccarinelli in an all-British showdown between exciting young punchers. This one is going to be action-packed. Write it down.
Next: March 8 vs. Maccarinelli.
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2. Steve Cunningham (21-1)
Gotta give Cunningham his props. He went to Marco Huck's hometown in Germany on Dec. 29 -- Cunningham's third consecutive bout in Europe -- and stopped the mandatory challenger in the 12th round of an exciting fight. Now, if only promoter Don King would give his man a match in the United States. He deserves it.
Next: TBA.
3. Enzo Maccarinelli (28-1)
Miracles apparently do happen, because Maccarinelli is going to meet Haye in a terrific fight that at one time looked dead in the water, thanks to politics and promotional squabbles. But, thankfully, the fight is on. And there is even more to be thankful for -- Showtime will air it live for U.S. fans.
Next: March 8 vs. Maccarinelli.
4. Jean-Marc Mormeck (33-4)
The former champ, who lost the recognized world title when Haye knocked him out in November, expects to be sidelined until early summer because of injuries. When he returns, King could give him a shot at Cunningham.
Next: TBA.
5. O'Neil Bell (26-2-1)
The former undisputed champion will end a 13-month layoff by heading to Poland to face former light heavyweight titlist Tomasz Adamek in an eliminator that should produce fireworks. Winner gets Cunningham.
Next: April 19 vs. Adamek.
6. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (38-2)
The former titlist from Poland won his third in a row since losing his belt to Cunningham in their rematch last May when he stopped Gabora Halasz in the fourth round on Feb. 9. Wlodarczyk may shut it down for awhile now because of a shoulder problem that could require surgery.
Next: TBA.
7. Vadim Tokarev (24-1-1)
If Bell passes on the opportunity, Tokarev is next in line to face Adamek for the right to eventually face Cunningham. Tokarev-Adamek would be a terrific matchup between strong, physical fighters.
Next: TBA.
8. Firat Arslan (28-3-1)
Arslan won a lopsided decision against Virgil Hill on Nov. 24 to win the ridiculous WBA's "regular" title. All it means is Arslan has the privilege of paying the WBA sanctioning fees while awaiting a mandatory shot at "super champion" Haye, which probably will never come.
Next: TBA.
9. Marco Huck (19-1)
Although Cunningham stopped Huck in the final minute of their Dec. 29 fight in Huck's hometown, the German showed he was a worthy contender in the entertaining give-and-take fight.
Next: TBA.
10. B.J. Flores (21-0-1)
It wasn't pretty, but Flores avoided Darnell "Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson's power to outbox him and score the Feb. 8 upset on "Friday Night Fights." Solid win for Flores, but Flores ran way too much for him to ever gain a fan following.
. David Haye (20-1)
Great fights just keep on being made, and Haye, the recognized cruiserweight champ, deserves credit for this one. He deferred his inevitable leap to heavyweight to face titlist Enzo Maccarinelli in an all-British showdown between exciting young punchers. This one is going to be action-packed. Write it down.
Next: March 8 vs. Maccarinelli.
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2. Steve Cunningham (21-1)
Gotta give Cunningham his props. He went to Marco Huck's hometown in Germany on Dec. 29 -- Cunningham's third consecutive bout in Europe -- and stopped the mandatory challenger in the 12th round of an exciting fight. Now, if only promoter Don King would give his man a match in the United States. He deserves it.
Next: TBA.
3. Enzo Maccarinelli (28-1)
Miracles apparently do happen, because Maccarinelli is going to meet Haye in a terrific fight that at one time looked dead in the water, thanks to politics and promotional squabbles. But, thankfully, the fight is on. And there is even more to be thankful for -- Showtime will air it live for U.S. fans.
Next: March 8 vs. Maccarinelli.
4. Jean-Marc Mormeck (33-4)
The former champ, who lost the recognized world title when Haye knocked him out in November, expects to be sidelined until early summer because of injuries. When he returns, King could give him a shot at Cunningham.
Next: TBA.
5. O'Neil Bell (26-2-1)
The former undisputed champion will end a 13-month layoff by heading to Poland to face former light heavyweight titlist Tomasz Adamek in an eliminator that should produce fireworks. Winner gets Cunningham.
Next: April 19 vs. Adamek.
6. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (38-2)
The former titlist from Poland won his third in a row since losing his belt to Cunningham in their rematch last May when he stopped Gabora Halasz in the fourth round on Feb. 9. Wlodarczyk may shut it down for awhile now because of a shoulder problem that could require surgery.
Next: TBA.
7. Vadim Tokarev (24-1-1)
If Bell passes on the opportunity, Tokarev is next in line to face Adamek for the right to eventually face Cunningham. Tokarev-Adamek would be a terrific matchup between strong, physical fighters.
Next: TBA.
8. Firat Arslan (28-3-1)
Arslan won a lopsided decision against Virgil Hill on Nov. 24 to win the ridiculous WBA's "regular" title. All it means is Arslan has the privilege of paying the WBA sanctioning fees while awaiting a mandatory shot at "super champion" Haye, which probably will never come.
Next: TBA.
9. Marco Huck (19-1)
Although Cunningham stopped Huck in the final minute of their Dec. 29 fight in Huck's hometown, the German showed he was a worthy contender in the entertaining give-and-take fight.
Next: TBA.
10. B.J. Flores (21-0-1)
It wasn't pretty, but Flores avoided Darnell "Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson's power to outbox him and score the Feb. 8 upset on "Friday Night Fights." Solid win for Flores, but Flores ran way too much for him to ever gain a fan following.
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (130 POUNDS)
Manny Pacquiao (45-3-2)
Pacquiao's first fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, which was at featherweight, was sensational and wound up a controversial draw. Boxing fans have wanted the rematch ever since, and now they are going to get it. It's going to be another great fight. And if Pacquiao wins, the plan is for him to go to lightweight and challenge titleholder David Diaz this summer.
Next: March 15 vs. Marquez.
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2. Juan Manuel Marquez (48-3-1)
Marquez will defend his title against Pacquiao in one of the most anticipated fights of the year, four years after they waged a sensational brawl in which Marquez survived three first-round knockdowns for a draw. If the rematch has as much action and drama as the original, we'll be watching an all-time great fight.
Next: March 15 vs. Pacquiao.
3. Joan Guzman (28-0)
Guzman is headed to the United Kingdom to defend his title against interim titlist Alex Arthur this spring after Arthur's promoter, Frank Warren, won the right to the fight with a winning purse bid of $280,000. Tough fight for Guzman, but he's got the skills to turn back a stiff challenge from Arthur.
Next: April 26 vs. Arthur.
4. Humberto Soto (43-6-2)
And so the comeback begins. Soto will return from his tough November loss to Guzman when he fights in his hometown of Los Mochis, Mexico, against journeyman Julio Gamez (11-11), who has lost three in a row.
Next: March 14 vs. TBA.
5. Edwin Valero (23-0)
In his long-awaited U.S. television debut, Valero kept his perfect knockout record intact by dusting overmatched Zaid Zavaleta in the third round of the main event of an entertaining pay-per-view card Dec. 15. Now, Valero must face obscure mandatory challenger Israel Perez (21-2), which he isn't too interested in doing.
Next: TBA.
6. Alex Arthur (26-1)
Arthur is a hero in his native Scotland and will have the hometown crowd on his side when he gets the mandatory shot at Guzman that he's been waiting ages for.
Next: April 26 vs. Guzman.
7. Jorge Barrios (47-3-1)
If Mzonke Fana retains his title in an upcoming mandatory fight, Barrios, who is cleared to fight after overcoming an eye injury, could be headed to South Africa to challenge him.
Next: TBA.
8. Mzonke Fana (27-3)
Fana's second defense of his paper title will come against South African countryman former titleholder and mandatory challenger Cassius Baloyi in their home country, although specific venue has been settled. Expect a highly technical fight.
Next: April 12 vs. Baloyi.
9. Sirimongkol Singwancha (58-2)
The former titlist from Thailand outpointed Arnel Porras on Dec. 21 for his 15th consecutive victory since losing his belt to Jesus Chavez via decision in 2003.
Next: TBA.
10. Cassius Baloyi (34-3-1)
After Baloyi won a vacant belt by stopping ancient Manuel Medina in May 2006, he quickly lost it to Gairy St. Clair in his first defense two months later. Now, Baloyi has an opportunity to regain the same belt by beating its new owner, Fana.
Next: April 12 vs. Fana.
Manny Pacquiao (45-3-2)
Pacquiao's first fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, which was at featherweight, was sensational and wound up a controversial draw. Boxing fans have wanted the rematch ever since, and now they are going to get it. It's going to be another great fight. And if Pacquiao wins, the plan is for him to go to lightweight and challenge titleholder David Diaz this summer.
Next: March 15 vs. Marquez.
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2. Juan Manuel Marquez (48-3-1)
Marquez will defend his title against Pacquiao in one of the most anticipated fights of the year, four years after they waged a sensational brawl in which Marquez survived three first-round knockdowns for a draw. If the rematch has as much action and drama as the original, we'll be watching an all-time great fight.
Next: March 15 vs. Pacquiao.
3. Joan Guzman (28-0)
Guzman is headed to the United Kingdom to defend his title against interim titlist Alex Arthur this spring after Arthur's promoter, Frank Warren, won the right to the fight with a winning purse bid of $280,000. Tough fight for Guzman, but he's got the skills to turn back a stiff challenge from Arthur.
Next: April 26 vs. Arthur.
4. Humberto Soto (43-6-2)
And so the comeback begins. Soto will return from his tough November loss to Guzman when he fights in his hometown of Los Mochis, Mexico, against journeyman Julio Gamez (11-11), who has lost three in a row.
Next: March 14 vs. TBA.
5. Edwin Valero (23-0)
In his long-awaited U.S. television debut, Valero kept his perfect knockout record intact by dusting overmatched Zaid Zavaleta in the third round of the main event of an entertaining pay-per-view card Dec. 15. Now, Valero must face obscure mandatory challenger Israel Perez (21-2), which he isn't too interested in doing.
Next: TBA.
6. Alex Arthur (26-1)
Arthur is a hero in his native Scotland and will have the hometown crowd on his side when he gets the mandatory shot at Guzman that he's been waiting ages for.
Next: April 26 vs. Guzman.
7. Jorge Barrios (47-3-1)
If Mzonke Fana retains his title in an upcoming mandatory fight, Barrios, who is cleared to fight after overcoming an eye injury, could be headed to South Africa to challenge him.
Next: TBA.
8. Mzonke Fana (27-3)
Fana's second defense of his paper title will come against South African countryman former titleholder and mandatory challenger Cassius Baloyi in their home country, although specific venue has been settled. Expect a highly technical fight.
Next: April 12 vs. Baloyi.
9. Sirimongkol Singwancha (58-2)
The former titlist from Thailand outpointed Arnel Porras on Dec. 21 for his 15th consecutive victory since losing his belt to Jesus Chavez via decision in 2003.
Next: TBA.
10. Cassius Baloyi (34-3-1)
After Baloyi won a vacant belt by stopping ancient Manuel Medina in May 2006, he quickly lost it to Gairy St. Clair in his first defense two months later. Now, Baloyi has an opportunity to regain the same belt by beating its new owner, Fana.
Next: April 12 vs. Fana.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (160 POUNDS)
. Kelly Pavlik (33-0)
Youngstown, Ohio's favorite son didn't get another knockout of Jermain Taylor in their Feb. 16 rematch (a nontitle bout in which they both weighed 164 pounds) but he got the better of Taylor to win a decision in a highly competitive and exciting fight. They'll probably meet again someday but, for now, Pavlik is returning to 160 pounds to defend his title this summer at New York's Madison Square Garden with John Duddy the likely opponent (as long as he wins a Feb. 23 fight). There is also a chance Pavlik could fight Felix Trinidad but nobody believes he can make 160.
Next: June 7 vs. TBA.
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2. Jermain Taylor (27-2-1)
Taylor, who is going to start campaigning at super middleweight, has nothing to hang his head about after losing a competitive decision to Pavlik in their 164-pound rematch. He fought so much better than he did in the first bout with Pavlik that he looked good enough to believe he would have beaten any other middleweight in the world and many of the top super middleweights. When he gets to 168, we'd love to see him face ex-titlist Mikkel Kessler or 2000 Olympic teammate Jeff Lacy.
Next: TBA.
3. Arthur Abraham (25-0)
Germany's Abraham could come to the United States to fight on Pavlik's June undercard as they build toward a showdown at the end of the year. Not wanting to jeopardize that scenario, Abraham is slated for a gimme defense of his paper title against Elvin Ayala (18-2-1), who has a recent draw with Sergio Mora of "The Contender" but two losses to David Banks, the man blown away by Edison Miranda. Miranda, of course, broke Abraham's jaw and gave him toughest fight in a highly controversial decision loss.
Next: March 29 vs. Ayala.
4. Winky Wright (51-4-1)
The Winkster is a man without an obvious opponent, although he was offered the opportunity to face former super middleweight titlist Mikkel Kessler but didn't enter into serious talks because he says he wants to fight at 160 or 154 pounds, not at 168, where Kessler resides.
Next: TBA.
5. Felix Sturm (28-2-1)
Here's the good news: Sturm is going to defend his paper title against undefeated Australian Jamie Pittman (16-0). But the bad news is that Pittman's record is devoid of a single notable victory.
Next: April 5 vs. Pittman.
6. Javier Castillejo (62-7)
Many thought Castillejo was finished after he lost a lopsided fight to Fernando Vargas in August 2005, but he has been reborn since, going 5-1 with a no contest and winning another title. Now the 39-year-old former titleholder from Spain will challenge European champ Sebastian Sylvester with the winner likely to get a shot at Sturm.
Next: April 12 vs. Sylvester.
7. Sebastian Sylvester (28-2)
The European champion successfully defended his title for the second time with a near-shutout of French challenger Francois Bastient (now 33-6-1) on the Jan. 26 Alexander Povetkin-Eddie Chambers card in Berlin. The victory set the stage for a defense against former world titleholder Castillejo.
Next: April 12 vs. Castillejo.
8. Amin Asikainen (24-1)
While hoping to set up a rubber match with Sylvester, the former European champion stayed busy in his native Finland by stopping washed up former junior middleweight beltholder Yory Boy Campas (now 91-11) in the seventh round on Feb. 1.
Next: TBA.
9. Randy Griffin (24-1-3)
Will an October draw with Sturm propel Griffin into a rematch or some other notable fight, or will he just fade away? The jury is out.
Next: TBA.
10. Mariano Carrera (31-5)
Carrera, he of the positive steroid test that resulted in being stripped of a title, will meet Khoren Gevor (28-3) on the Sturm-Pittman card. Carrera-Gevor is actually a much more interesting fight than the main event.
Next: April 5 vs. Gevor.
. Kelly Pavlik (33-0)
Youngstown, Ohio's favorite son didn't get another knockout of Jermain Taylor in their Feb. 16 rematch (a nontitle bout in which they both weighed 164 pounds) but he got the better of Taylor to win a decision in a highly competitive and exciting fight. They'll probably meet again someday but, for now, Pavlik is returning to 160 pounds to defend his title this summer at New York's Madison Square Garden with John Duddy the likely opponent (as long as he wins a Feb. 23 fight). There is also a chance Pavlik could fight Felix Trinidad but nobody believes he can make 160.
Next: June 7 vs. TBA.
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2. Jermain Taylor (27-2-1)
Taylor, who is going to start campaigning at super middleweight, has nothing to hang his head about after losing a competitive decision to Pavlik in their 164-pound rematch. He fought so much better than he did in the first bout with Pavlik that he looked good enough to believe he would have beaten any other middleweight in the world and many of the top super middleweights. When he gets to 168, we'd love to see him face ex-titlist Mikkel Kessler or 2000 Olympic teammate Jeff Lacy.
Next: TBA.
3. Arthur Abraham (25-0)
Germany's Abraham could come to the United States to fight on Pavlik's June undercard as they build toward a showdown at the end of the year. Not wanting to jeopardize that scenario, Abraham is slated for a gimme defense of his paper title against Elvin Ayala (18-2-1), who has a recent draw with Sergio Mora of "The Contender" but two losses to David Banks, the man blown away by Edison Miranda. Miranda, of course, broke Abraham's jaw and gave him toughest fight in a highly controversial decision loss.
Next: March 29 vs. Ayala.
4. Winky Wright (51-4-1)
The Winkster is a man without an obvious opponent, although he was offered the opportunity to face former super middleweight titlist Mikkel Kessler but didn't enter into serious talks because he says he wants to fight at 160 or 154 pounds, not at 168, where Kessler resides.
Next: TBA.
5. Felix Sturm (28-2-1)
Here's the good news: Sturm is going to defend his paper title against undefeated Australian Jamie Pittman (16-0). But the bad news is that Pittman's record is devoid of a single notable victory.
Next: April 5 vs. Pittman.
6. Javier Castillejo (62-7)
Many thought Castillejo was finished after he lost a lopsided fight to Fernando Vargas in August 2005, but he has been reborn since, going 5-1 with a no contest and winning another title. Now the 39-year-old former titleholder from Spain will challenge European champ Sebastian Sylvester with the winner likely to get a shot at Sturm.
Next: April 12 vs. Sylvester.
7. Sebastian Sylvester (28-2)
The European champion successfully defended his title for the second time with a near-shutout of French challenger Francois Bastient (now 33-6-1) on the Jan. 26 Alexander Povetkin-Eddie Chambers card in Berlin. The victory set the stage for a defense against former world titleholder Castillejo.
Next: April 12 vs. Castillejo.
8. Amin Asikainen (24-1)
While hoping to set up a rubber match with Sylvester, the former European champion stayed busy in his native Finland by stopping washed up former junior middleweight beltholder Yory Boy Campas (now 91-11) in the seventh round on Feb. 1.
Next: TBA.
9. Randy Griffin (24-1-3)
Will an October draw with Sturm propel Griffin into a rematch or some other notable fight, or will he just fade away? The jury is out.
Next: TBA.
10. Mariano Carrera (31-5)
Carrera, he of the positive steroid test that resulted in being stripped of a title, will meet Khoren Gevor (28-3) on the Sturm-Pittman card. Carrera-Gevor is actually a much more interesting fight than the main event.
Next: April 5 vs. Gevor.
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (154 POUNDS)
Vernon Forrest (40-2)
There are some interesting potential fights for Forrest in the future, such as a showdown with Winky Wright, a third match with Ricardo Mayorga or even a third fight with Shane Mosley. However, instead of any of them, we'll be subjected to Forrest defending his belt against "Contender" first-season winner Sergio Mora. Yawn. It'll probably wind up on Showtime in May or June. Thanks, but no thanks.
Next: TBA vs. Mora.
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2. Oscar De La Hoya (38-5)
The Golden Boy insists this year will be his last as a fighter and he's making elaborate plans to fight three times: on Cinco De Mayo weekend against Steve Forbes at the Home Depot Center in Southern California, probably on HBO (not on pay-per-view) followed by a mid-September rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and then a swan song in December. If De La Hoya actually does fight three times this year, it will be a memorable 2008.
Next: May 3 vs. Forbes.
3. Cory Spinks (36-4)
Spinks' mandatory defense against Verno Phillips originally was slated for the Jan. 19 Roy Jones-Felix Trinidad undercard, but promoter Don King pulled it and plans to make it the main event of a card in Spinks' native St. Louis, where the fight could actually generate a few dollars.
Next: March 27 vs. Phillips.
4. Sergei Dzindziruk (34-0)
The southpaw titleholder's fourth defense against Lukas Konecny (35-2) has been postponed for a second time. It was scheduled for Nov. 30 but postponed when Konecny suffered a rib injury. It was rescheduled for Jan. 19 but again called off because Dzindziruk suffered a foot injury. Promoter Universum intends to reschedule it again, but maybe the fight is just not meant to be.
Next: TBA vs. Konecny.
5. Joachim Alcine (30-0)
Canada's Alcine had a sweet year in 2007, beating Travis Simms for a title and making one defense. He's expected to make his second defense on April 5 in Montreal against Christophe Canclaux (35-2) of France.
Next: TBA.
6. Travis Simms (25-1)
The former titleholder's name has come as a possibility to face hot prospect James Kirkland on HBO's May "Boxing After Dark" card.
Next: TBA.
7. Daniel Santos (31-3-1)
Few fighters are as frustrating as the former two-division titleholder. He has a lot of talent, but since defeating Antonio Margarito in September 2004, he has had just three fights. One of them was an impressive eighth-round stoppage of former titlist Jose Antonio Rivera in an October eliminator. Hopefully, Santos won't go another year between bouts. Next: TBA.
8. Alex Bunema (27-9-2)
Way behind on the scorecards and doing nothing to distinguish himself, Bunema scored the victory of his life when he starched former titleholder and massive favorite Roman Karmazin in the 10th round on Jan. 19.
Next: TBA.
9. Verno Phillips (41-11-1)
It has been 11 months since his last fight, but the 38-year-old, who has won three in a row, will get one more big chance as the mandatory challenger for Spinks. Phillips will have to go to St. Louis, Spinks' hometown, for the opportunity. If Spinks wins, Phillips probably is at the end of the road.
Next: March 27 vs. Spinks.
10. Sergio Martinez (42-1-1)
If you are a serious fight freak, you may have watched the ESPN360.com Webcast of the early fights on the Kelly Pavlik-Jermain Taylor II undercard on Feb. 16. If so, you had the chance to see Martinez pound on David Toribio in an obvious four-round mismatch. Martinez and promoter Lou DiBella weren't going to do anything to risk the mandatory status.
Next: TBA.
Vernon Forrest (40-2)
There are some interesting potential fights for Forrest in the future, such as a showdown with Winky Wright, a third match with Ricardo Mayorga or even a third fight with Shane Mosley. However, instead of any of them, we'll be subjected to Forrest defending his belt against "Contender" first-season winner Sergio Mora. Yawn. It'll probably wind up on Showtime in May or June. Thanks, but no thanks.
Next: TBA vs. Mora.
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2. Oscar De La Hoya (38-5)
The Golden Boy insists this year will be his last as a fighter and he's making elaborate plans to fight three times: on Cinco De Mayo weekend against Steve Forbes at the Home Depot Center in Southern California, probably on HBO (not on pay-per-view) followed by a mid-September rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and then a swan song in December. If De La Hoya actually does fight three times this year, it will be a memorable 2008.
Next: May 3 vs. Forbes.
3. Cory Spinks (36-4)
Spinks' mandatory defense against Verno Phillips originally was slated for the Jan. 19 Roy Jones-Felix Trinidad undercard, but promoter Don King pulled it and plans to make it the main event of a card in Spinks' native St. Louis, where the fight could actually generate a few dollars.
Next: March 27 vs. Phillips.
4. Sergei Dzindziruk (34-0)
The southpaw titleholder's fourth defense against Lukas Konecny (35-2) has been postponed for a second time. It was scheduled for Nov. 30 but postponed when Konecny suffered a rib injury. It was rescheduled for Jan. 19 but again called off because Dzindziruk suffered a foot injury. Promoter Universum intends to reschedule it again, but maybe the fight is just not meant to be.
Next: TBA vs. Konecny.
5. Joachim Alcine (30-0)
Canada's Alcine had a sweet year in 2007, beating Travis Simms for a title and making one defense. He's expected to make his second defense on April 5 in Montreal against Christophe Canclaux (35-2) of France.
Next: TBA.
6. Travis Simms (25-1)
The former titleholder's name has come as a possibility to face hot prospect James Kirkland on HBO's May "Boxing After Dark" card.
Next: TBA.
7. Daniel Santos (31-3-1)
Few fighters are as frustrating as the former two-division titleholder. He has a lot of talent, but since defeating Antonio Margarito in September 2004, he has had just three fights. One of them was an impressive eighth-round stoppage of former titlist Jose Antonio Rivera in an October eliminator. Hopefully, Santos won't go another year between bouts. Next: TBA.
8. Alex Bunema (27-9-2)
Way behind on the scorecards and doing nothing to distinguish himself, Bunema scored the victory of his life when he starched former titleholder and massive favorite Roman Karmazin in the 10th round on Jan. 19.
Next: TBA.
9. Verno Phillips (41-11-1)
It has been 11 months since his last fight, but the 38-year-old, who has won three in a row, will get one more big chance as the mandatory challenger for Spinks. Phillips will have to go to St. Louis, Spinks' hometown, for the opportunity. If Spinks wins, Phillips probably is at the end of the road.
Next: March 27 vs. Spinks.
10. Sergio Martinez (42-1-1)
If you are a serious fight freak, you may have watched the ESPN360.com Webcast of the early fights on the Kelly Pavlik-Jermain Taylor II undercard on Feb. 16. If so, you had the chance to see Martinez pound on David Toribio in an obvious four-round mismatch. Martinez and promoter Lou DiBella weren't going to do anything to risk the mandatory status.
Next: TBA.
So...will we ever see a Pacquiao vs. Juan Diaz fight? (If Pacquiao gets past Marquez, of course.)
Props:
2-0-Sixx and 2-0-Sixx