Boxing News Thread

[heyzel]

Abraham-Miranda Rematch Set For 6/21

HOLLYWOOD – The controversy over their 2006 bout has subsided some, but when it comes to their competitive fires, Edison Miranda and Arthur Abraham still believe they have some unfinished business to resolve. On Saturday, June 21st, in the US, these two world-class fighters will settle the score once and for all in a 166-pound special attraction that is destined to produce fistic fireworks.

Abraham vs Miranda II headlines a night of professional boxing presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing Promotions and Sauerland Event. Showtime World Championship Boxing will televise this highly-anticipated rematch beginning at 9pm ET / PT.

“This is the matchup that all boxing fans should love and the type of fight that helps keep this great game alive,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing. “Miranda and Abraham didn’t need to take this fight, but they did, not only for their own legacies, but to give the fans what they’ve been asking for, and I expect that they will deliver in spectacular fashion this June.”

Wilfried Sauerland, Abraham´s manager, agreed that the first meeting was one for the ages. “The first fight was certainly one of the most dramatic and exciting in recent years,” he said. “Boxing fans all over the world have been waiting for a rematch and we´re pleased that King Arthur´s US debut will be such a highlight.” And Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer added: “To make this fight possible, we asked the IBF to postpone King Arthur´s mandatory defence against Giovanni Lorenzo. After all, Abraham versus Miranda is the fight everyone wants to see.”

“Abraham and I have had a war in the ring with our fists and one outside of the ring with our words,” said Miranda. “I’ll say this, I respect Abraham as a fighter and as a man for taking this fight, but on June 21st, I will leave nothing in the judges’ hands like I did last time.” King Arthur holds a different view: “He could not defeat me when I had my jaw broken twice,” the undefeated champion said “When I am fully fit, there is no way he can beat me. I am looking forward to the rematch.”

When Abraham defended his IBF world middleweight title against Miranda the first time in Germany on September 23, 2006, the two fighters lived up to the standards set by previous 160-pound greats as they battled tooth and nail for 12 torrid rounds. Abraham showed the heart of a champion as he fought on despite having his jaw broken by Miranda’s hellacious haymakers, and ‘Pantera’ showed that he belonged on the elite level as he did everything in his power to take the crown. The officiating from the referee placed an unfortunate cloud of controversy over what was one of the best fights of the year though, with Abraham emerging with his title intact via a unanimous decision. “I have never fought someone as dirty as Miranda,” King Arthur said. “But his low blows and head butts could not stop me.”

Since then, the two have not shied away from a war of words, but as Abraham defended his title four more times (all by knockout), and Miranda jumped up to the super middleweight class to put two impressive KO wins in the bank, many felt that the opportunity to see these two modern-day warriors clash again was lost. But with Miranda and Abraham agreeing to a 166 pound catchweight for the bout, one of today’s most heated rivalries will get a chance to resume again.

A native of Yerevan, Armenia who now makes his home in Berlin, Germany, “King” Arthur Abraham (26-0, 21 KOs) is one of boxing’s most respected world champions. Unbeaten in his pro career, Abraham won the IBF middleweight title in December of 2005 with a fifth round knockout of Kingsley Ikeke, and he has since compiled seven successful defenses, four by knockout. In his last bout, Abraham knocked out Elvin Ayala in the 12^th round, and on June 21^st , he looks forward to making his United States debut against his bitter nemesis, Miranda.

One of the most exciting and popular fighters in the world today, Edison ‘Pantera’ Miranda (30-2, 26 KOs) has thrilled fans with his exciting performances ever since he made his United States debut in 2005. A former world middleweight title challenger, Miranda went up to the super middleweight class in October of 2007, and after an impressive fifth round TKO over Henry Porras, and a devastating third round KO of David Banks, the Colombian banger showed he is ready for the elite once again

 

[heyzel]

Bernard Hopkins: "American Fighters are Better"

By Mark Vester

In the latest edition of Ring Magazine, Bernard Hopkins says that American fighters are much better than British fighters. The comment was yet another dig at his April 19 opponent, unbeaten Joe Calzaghe of Wales. Hopkins feels that Calzaghe is the last piece of the puzzle in the UK, and once he beats Calzaghe - then it will be clear that American fighters are better.

"Joe Calzaghe is the guy we have to beat to show the Brits that we (Americans) are stronger and better," Hopkins said. "Even though their pound has more value than my dollar their fighting talent isn't better. They will prove that. The Brits gave me a major purpose. They booed the national anthem (at the Mayweather-Hatton fight) but they're going to be booing something else when it's all said and done and my hand is raised in victory."

 

[2-0-Sixx]

^^I posted that gamboa/kirkland one already.

But this is dope:
Abraham-Miranda Rematch Set For 6/21

Can't wait!!

 

[heyzel]

Barrera Wants Pacquiao/Marquez Rematches

By Mark Vester

While many will wonder why, Marco Antonio Barrera is still interested in facing Manny Pacquiao for a third time. Pacquiao owns two wins over Barrera, and neither fight was close. The first meeting in 2003 saw Pacquiao demolish Barrera for a ten-round stoppage. The 2007 rematch went the distance, but Pacquiao won a clear decision with very little resistance along the way. He also wants a return duel with Juan Manuel Marquez, who won a close decision over Barrera last March.

Barrera retired after the loss to Pacquiao and later announced that he was looking for a big fighter in 2008. Speaking with 411 Mania, Barrera said that he doesn't want to return for an easy fight, he wants a credible opponent with Pacquiao being one of the names mentioned.

"I don't want to return just to return. If Golden Boy Promotions gives me some interesting options against marquee names, or a third fight with Pacquiao, then I'm all for it. But if it's just about taking on an opponent who's there to lay down, then I won't even think about coming back," Barrera said.

If Pacquiao is not available, he would be willing to fight with Marquez. Following his loss to Marquez, Barrera protested the decision. He wants to set the record straight.

"A fight with Pacquiao is certainly one that gets me worked up but we'll have to see what his plans are and against Juan Manuel Marquez, that would be another good one, though it's too bad that he lost against Manny which I felt was a draw and I was at ringside screaming my lungs out when he had him on the verge of a knockout. Marquez could've knocked him out

 

[heyzel]

Quintana-Williams Heading To a Purse Bid

By Mark Vester

The rematch between WBO welterweight champion Carlos Quintana and Paul "The Punisher" Williams is possibly heading to a purse bid. According to a recent report by El Nuevo Dia, the WBO has ordered that purse bid be held because Quintana is unable to come to terms with Williams, who the sanctioning body will probably rank as their mandatory challenger because the fighters ahead of him are already involved with other bouts.

Quintana upset Williams for the title in February, and following the loss Williams exercised an immediate rematch clause from their fight contract. The rematch is slated for June 7 and the event has already been announced by Showtime. The president of the WBO, Francisco Valcarcel, made the recent announcement.

The prospect of a the rematch heading to a purse bid does make Dan Goossen (promoter of Williams) very happy because there could be less money involved and the fight may have to move to a much later date and does not guarantee a TV date.

"Quintana won $160,000 in the first fight and for the rematch there is $400,000 on the table. He wants more money and that is normal, but right now we have an agreement with the television network and there is good money," said Goossen to the paper. "If we go to a purse bid there is going to be less money and there is no guarantee that we can get another television date with HBO or Showtime."

"To do the fight in June is the best option for both fighters and right now is the right time because doing the fight on another date does not mean there will be more money. The is not intelligent."

 

[heyzel]

Live Streaming of Hopkins/Calzaghe Weigh-In on HBO.com

April 16, 2008 – Boxing fans with broadband access can log on to hbo.com/boxing to view live streaming of the Bernard Hopkins – Joe Calzaghe mega-fight weigh-in This Friday! April 18, at 5:30 p.m. ET/ 2:30 p.m. PT. The two accomplished superstars are facing off in the light heavyweight division in one of the year’s most intriguing showdowns..

The live fight takes place on Saturday, April 19 from the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas and will be seen live on HBO at 9:45 p.m. ET/ 6:45 p.m. PT.

The official fight headquarters for boxing fans all week long is hbo.com/boxing where fans can log on for fighter records, bios, exclusives features and profiles, updates and photos

 

[heyzel]

Yet More Big Talk From Calzaghe - "I'm Going To Put Hopkins Into Permanent Retirement

by James Slater: Joe Calzaghe is certainly doing his bit to hype his upcoming super fight with the legendary Bernard Hopkins. Not that this fight needs any more trash-talking to sell tickets - with a fight between two proven greats such as these two, the arena would likely fill if neither guy said anything at all. Still, a little more hoopla won't hurt any. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Calzaghe said what he planned to do to the holder of the Ring magazine light-heavyweight championship belt this coming Saturday in Las Vegas..

"I'm going to put him into permanent retirement," the confident Welshman said. "After this fight his career is going to be over and I'm going to be the first to stop him. I'm faster, fitter and stronger. I hit harder and I have a better chin. He says he's a legend, but he's seriously over hyped. He hasn't been in any exciting fights," Joe continued.

It's hard to know if Joe really believes all of what he is saying. Personally, I have never heard him talk so much and quite so disrespectfully of an upcoming opponent before. Yes, it is probably nothing more than hype and an attempt to play his own mind games, but is it possible the hugeness of this fight, in his American debut, has gotten to Joe - at least a little?
Sure, Hopkins has been anything but reserved and quiet himself, but that we expect from the brash-talking and abrasive "Executioner." It seems Calzaghe has attempted to match him for this fight, however. Joe spoke more about what type of fight he expected from B-Hop on Saturday.

"He's not going to be able to touch me," Joe declared. "He will have to resort to head butting, spoiling and low blows just to survive. Hopkins has succeeded in the past only because his opponents were smaller. His two best wins were against Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad, both welterweights," the 36 year old claimed.

Judging by what he has been saying, then, Joe will have an easy fight on fight night. He will, however, have some seriously strong words he's going to have to eat if this is not the case. And let's not forget, Bernard Hopkins is one guy who has made an awful lot of people eat their words in the past. All will soon be revealed!

 

[heyzel]

Margarito: The last step for Cotto before a fight with Mayweather?

16.04.08 - By Cesar Pancorvo: Alfonso Gomez is better than the average opponent that is usually elected for tune-up fights; he wasn’t ranked in the Top10 (Ring ratings), but was a relatively well-known fighter, because of “The Contender”, and had beaten Peter Manfredo Jr. and Arturo Gatti..

We have to remember that, in 2004 and 2005, the Light Welterweight division was seen as a great one –Tszyu, Mayweather, Gatti, Hatton, young Cotto– and some of that talent went up to 147 and mixed with the Welterweight talent that was already there –Margarito, contender since 2001, and Judah, who already was Undisputed Champ– and then some more ingredients were added to create a superb division: Mosley’s return to 147 after the Vargas fights and the appearance of contenders like: Paul Williams, Luis Collazo, Joshua Clottey, etc.

After a couple of years, the talent that stormed that division has exploded and the only men left are, basically, two…Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto. Margarito and Quitana, after important losses, were able to return to the scene (the first one with last Saturday’s win over Cintron; the second one with his improbable win over Paul Williams). Cotto has already defeated Quitana and a win over Margarito is the only thing left. He is cleaning the division. After Margarito, the only men standing would be the Champion, Mayweather.

The difference between them is that Mayweather has already constructed his legacy and is, no doubt, a great fighter and possibly the best of his generation. He has already done a great job at 130, was a dominant Champion there, and has climbed up to 154. Cotto, by cleaning 147, is doing the right thing and creating his own legacy.

I think that Mayweather-Cotto will happen in 2009, we just have to wait. Maybe it has been already planned by Arum, Mayweather and Cotto, and they are just waiting to see if Cotto can become (even) more marketable and popular, to squeeze the most possible money of that fight. Mayweather is waiting for that to happen and, meanwhile, rematching De la Hoya for obvious reasons: if he is waiting for Cotto, he can try to use that time to benefit himself.

Let’s hope that:
1.Margarito is the last fighter that Cotto has to face before a Mayweather fight is agreed. The name of Ricardo Mayorga has been discussed for a potential bout with Cotto, later this year, and also Joshua Clottey, who is mandatory contender.

2.That Mayweather rematches De la Hoya, rests and then decides to fight Cotto instead of a rematch with Hatton (Hatton-Mayweather in Wembley is a big temptation that might be unavoidable) or a fight against anybody else.

What if Margarito defeats Cotto? The plan of the super fight between Mayweather and Cotto would be thrown to the trash bin, and maybe Floyd would choose to rematch Hatton or fight Sugar Shane Mosley.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Freddie Roach interview:

BC – Freddie thanks for joining BC. You guys are winding down camp, how's B Hop looking?

FR – Camp went well, were backing off now, just sort of light work right now. Working the speed bag, doing a little running, and just pacing this right as the fight closes in on us.

BC – Are you pleased with the camp overall when you look back on it?


FR – Yes, this was a much better camp then we had last time. We had better sparring, and look, we have a difficult job ahead of us. We had Winky Wright last time, and now we got Joe Calzaghe. Everyone is judging Calzaghe on his Jeff Lacy fight, well let me tell you, Bernard Hopkins is a different animal.


BC– What will be the key to Bernard's victory?


FR – Experience. Bernard knows how to handle situations, he'll break him down systematically. I think we'll get him out of there in the later rounds.


BC – Calzaghe has really fast hands......

FR – (Cutting in) Yes, he has fast hands but they are fragile. He doesn't throw a power punch anymore. He throws pitty pat punches, so we'll deal with that and Bernard will be throwing much harder back. Every time he throws pitty pat punches, he will open himself up for a counter puncher, and believe me we will be ready for it.

BC – Hopkins is a master at psychological warfare, do you think he has been successful at getting inside of Calzaghe's head at all?


FR – When the bell rings it doesn't matter anymore. It's about who shows up and who doesn't. Bernard has had a great legendary career, Calzaghe is undefeated and confident. Nobody is scared of nobody. They are two professionals, and they will get in there and fight. Calzaghe isn't a spring chicken anymore either though. It's unbelievable how they think this guy can't get beat, well I think he will be beat.

BC – Recently Bernard fired up the white boys across the boxing land by saying that he's not gonna get beat by no white boy. What are your thoughts on that?

FR – Well I am the only white guy in the camp, and he told everyone that what I say goes. He takes a white guy to be his trainer, and his trust is with me, so it's just about marketing. Don't be offended by what he said, he's just trying to get under Calzaghe's skin, that's all. It sells tickets, and Bernard is the master of that. Calzaghe is cocky, and he's undefeated, but to me it's more that he's confident, and so is Bernard. The fight is going to be a good one to watch, but I don't think it's going to be a toe to toe type of fight. These guys are both very smart fighters, so look for a strategic fight in this one.

 

[MOREBASS]

Bernard owns southpaws.

 

[heyzel]

a 2-0 what fight is that from in your sig

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Emmanuel Augustus (in the cheetah trunks) vs Ray Oliveira (red)

 

[heyzel]

Cotto vs. Margarito Heading To Atlantic City

By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com/Maxboxing.com has learned that Top Rank is close to a deal that would stage the Miguel Cotto vs. Antonio Margarito mega-fight at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall on July 26. While there has been interest from other venues like New York's Madison Square Garden, it appears as if Atlantic City is nearing an agreement to land the match between the Puerto Rican and Mexican superstars. Although the deal is not official, sources have confirmed that negotiations are on-going and headed toward completion.

Boardwalk Hall officials were reportedly pleased with the recent April 12 welterweight card, which drew nearly 10,000 fans to the resort town. Given the magnitude of Cotto-Margarito, many expect the July 26 clash to be a hot ticket as well.

 

[heyzel]

Team Katsidis: "We Would Love Nate Campbell"

By Mark Vester

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, if a deal is not reached between Michael Katsidis and Jesus Chavez, then Katsidis will return in July. Currently, Katsidis is slated to meet Chavez on September 13 in Houston, Texas, but the fight is not yet a done deal. The bout will be the co-feature to Joel Casamayor vs. Juan Diaz. The winners of both bouts will fight each other at a later date. HBO will televise both fights.

"Chavez is a former (two-division) world champion and had a good win the other night and there's been a little bit of talk with Jesus," said Brendon Smith, Katsidis' manager.

Katsidis suffered the first loss his career last month against Joel Casamayor by way of tenth-round knockout. There has been some talk that Casamayor and Diaz are at odds over the money being offered. Casamayor feels that he should get more money because he is the champ, while Diaz says he should get more money because he is the draw in Texas.

Smith says that his fighter would love to fight Diaz, IBF/WBO/WBA champ Nate Campbell and a rematch with Casamayor. He says the only problem with fighting Campbell is promoter Don King.

"We'd love to fight Campbell as well, but that's a tough one because he's with Don King," Smith said. "HBO are very keen to get Michael back on there, they've been talking to us about a multi-fight deal. At this stage we're content about the way things are going. We are just focusing in locking in his next fight and opponent

 

[heyzel]

Lorenzo-Marquez Lands on Abraham-Miranda II

TOTOWA, NJ – Undefeated IBF #4 ranked middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo has accepted an offer to challenge former world champion and current IBF #12 ranked contender Raul Marquez in a 12 round IBF Voluntary Eliminator on June 21, 2008, it was announced by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. The bout will serve as the co-feature to the rematch between IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham and Edison Miranda. Both bouts will be broadcast live on Showtime beginning at 9pm ET / PT.

The winner of the Lorenzo-Marquez bout will be the mandatory contender for the IBF Middleweight Title and will fight for the title in his next bout.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to showcase my skills on Showtime,” said Lorenzo. “The exposure that both Abraham and I will get from June 21 will make our upcoming championship showdown that much more appealing to fight fans worldwide. It is an honor to fight Raul Marquez. He is a skilled and durable fighter who has had a great career. However, I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and I intend to capitalize on it.”

Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO’s) has stopped his last eight opponents. The 27-year-old Washington Heights, NY resident by way of Jerringa San Cristobal, Dominican Republic has knocked out 15 opponents within the first three rounds. In his last bout on Dec 17, 2007, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Lorenzo blasted Ulises Duarte in one round (KO 1).

 

[naner12]

Emmanuel Augustus (in the cheetah trunks) vs Ray Oliveira (red)

Augustus = the dopest journeyman to ever grace the ring. If he would've taken boxing seriously and had a chance to train I think he might've been good. His fight against Ward was dopeness.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

One of my personal favorite active fighters

 

[heyzel]

Carbajal and Whitaker Set for Boxing HOF Weekend

CANASTOTA, NY - APRIL 16, 2008 - Hall of Famers Michael "Little Hands of Stone" Carbajal and Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker will be among the boxing superstars attending festivities planned for the 19th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend scheduled for June 5-8th in Canastota, NY..

"Carbajal and Whitaker brought such excitement to boxing fans during their legendary careers," said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. "We're looking forward to their return to Canastota."

Born September 17, 1967 in Phoenix, AZ. Carbajal won a 106 pound silver medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. A world champion by his 15th pro bout, "Little Hands of Stone" came off the canvas twice to defeat WBC champion and fellow Hall of Famer Humberto "Chiquita" Gonzalez in 1993's "Fight of the Year." The first junior flyweight to earn a $1 million purse, Carbajal registered wins over Will Grigsby, Melchor Cob Castro, Jorge Arce and others before retiring in 1999 with a 49-4 (33KOs) record. Since leaving the ring, Carbajal has owned and operated the Ninth Street Gym in Phoenix. In 2006 he was elected into the Hall of Fame.

Born January 2, 1964 in Norfolk, VA. Whitaker compiled a 201-14 (91 KOs) amateur record and captured the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games. As a pro he reigned as IBF, WBC and WBA lightweight champion. He also won world titles in three additional weight divisions - IBF light welterweight (1992), WBC welterweight (1993-1997) and WBA light middleweight (1995). With brilliant hand speed, the elusive southpaw scored wins over such formidable foes as Jorge Paez, James "Buddy" McGirt and Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson. A showman in the ring, Whitaker was widely considered boxing's best "pound for pound" fighter during his championship reigns. He retired in 2001 with a 40-4-1 (17 KOs) record. In 2007 he was elected into the Hall of Fame.

The June 5-8th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, parade, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party, and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2008. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 8th are heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, junior welterweight champion Eddie Perkins, promoters Mogens Palle and Frank Warren and journalists Dave Anderson and Joe Koizumi. Posthumous inductees will also be honored. Over 50 boxing stars are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

"The Canadian judge (Woodburn), I have no experience with but if you look at the scoring, he changed his decision in the 12th round where he initially had scored a 10-9 round for Glen, he reversed that after the fact. He crossed out the '10' and put in a '9' in Glen's column," said the manager. "The guy named Hidalgo, the Venezuelan judge, this guy, I mean, he didn't even know who was who. He didn't know who was Johnson and who was Dawson and he had to, in the 11th round, go to the commission table - and this was witnessed by the WBC supervisor - and reverse the names because he didn't know what he was doing. So that kind of incompetence in a world title fight, that shouldn't be allowed."

 

[heyzel]

"The Canadian judge (Woodburn), I have no experience with but if you look at the scoring, he changed his decision in the 12th round where he initially had scored a 10-9 round for Glen, he reversed that after the fact. He crossed out the '10' and put in a '9' in Glen's column," said the manager. "The guy named Hidalgo, the Venezuelan judge, this guy, I mean, he didn't even know who was who. He didn't know who was Johnson and who was Dawson and he had to, in the 11th round, go to the commission table - and this was witnessed by the WBC supervisor - and reverse the names because he didn't know what he was doing. So that kind of incompetence in a world title fight, that shouldn't be allowed."

thats fuck up this is why boxing reputiaton is fuck up