Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
I know what you mean. donaire seems real focused right now though. Plus all the training videos I've seen of him on youtube, he seems to genuinely have a good time and just enjoys it.
It's smart too because I think he knows he's hot right now and the best thing to do is get back in the ring and not sit on the shelf. Shit, look at Dmitry Pirog. He knocked Danny Jacobs the fuck out, created a nice buzz in the boxing world and no one has seen him since. Stay active, stay in the spotlight and that's the path to super stardom.
It's smart too because I think he knows he's hot right now and the best thing to do is get back in the ring and not sit on the shelf. Shit, look at Dmitry Pirog. He knocked Danny Jacobs the fuck out, created a nice buzz in the boxing world and no one has seen him since. Stay active, stay in the spotlight and that's the path to super stardom.
I don't think its a big deal I mean Andre Ward works with Conte and so does Eddie Chambers and neither get any flak for it. Plus Donaire is willing to do OSTs 24/7 so it shouldn't be a problem. Another thing is Donaire is really open about it, so was Andre Ward like they were promoting Conte's work.
Plus if there is one guy who would be super clean it would be Conte, dudes been watched by the FBI and shit I'm sure he's on the level.
Most of his techniques other guys do, like that high altitude mask which increases red blood cells Juan Manuel Marquez did the same thing before he fought Mayweather and JMM in addition does the hyperbaric chamber thing (which I don't think nonito does). NFL players and shit do similar stuff.
Conte knows what he's doing, he's very educated in that regard.
Of course, from a PR standpoint it's probably not smart to have someone like that on your camp, just gives your haters more ammo. I mean Donaire threw the exact same punch that KO'd montiel against Vic and he didn't have Conte back then, so does he really need a high profile nutritionist? It's all mechanics.
Plus if there is one guy who would be super clean it would be Conte, dudes been watched by the FBI and shit I'm sure he's on the level.
Most of his techniques other guys do, like that high altitude mask which increases red blood cells Juan Manuel Marquez did the same thing before he fought Mayweather and JMM in addition does the hyperbaric chamber thing (which I don't think nonito does). NFL players and shit do similar stuff.
Conte knows what he's doing, he's very educated in that regard.
Of course, from a PR standpoint it's probably not smart to have someone like that on your camp, just gives your haters more ammo. I mean Donaire threw the exact same punch that KO'd montiel against Vic and he didn't have Conte back then, so does he really need a high profile nutritionist? It's all mechanics.
HBO's Real Sports Features Victor Conte, Nonito Donaire.
.By Lem Satterfield
Former BALCO founder Victor Conte, who is working as a nutritionist for WBA interim super flyweight (115 pounds) titlist Nonito Donaire, among others, will be featured during a Feb. 15 edition of HBO's Real Sports, Conte informed FanHouse.
The Feb. 15 show will also include a segment examining former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Donaire (25-1, 17 knockouts) is preparing for an HBO-televised Top Rank Promotions clash on Feb. 19 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas opposite WBO and WBC bantamweight (118 pounds) king Fernando Montiel (44-2-2, 34 KOs) of Mexico.
Click here for video preivew of Victor Conte on HBO Real Sports
"Yeah, actually, HBO came in and they were there for two days for me," said Donaire, in an exclusive interview with FanHouse.
"They filmed my training with Victor and just everything that I do with Victor," said Donaire. "So, I'm going to be part of that one, and it's going to be good as long as they show how I did things and stuff like that."
A man who once made a four-year career out of "helping athletes to circumvent" Olympic-style drug testing policies such as those executed by United States Anti-Doping Agency until BALCO was raided in 2003, and he was imprisoned for a short time, Conte has since turned over a new leaf.
In a July interview, Conte told FanHouse that he has lent his expertise being "a part of the anti-doping movement, trying to help those at WADA [The World Anti-Doping Agency] and USADA [The United States Anti-Doping Agency] to develop more effective anti-doping policies and procedures."
Conte now runs SNAC -- an acronym for Scientific Nutrition for Advanced Conditioning -- which has been in existence since 1988 and supplies "perfectly legal sports nutrition products and supplements," he said.
Among Conte's clients is Donaire, for whom he oversees a supplementation program and special high altitude training.
"[As part of his training,] Nonito Donaire routinely does comprehensive blood testing to monitor his health and training. There are specific markers that can be used to possibly indicate over-training syndrome," said Conte. "These markers can be used to help an athlete achieve an optimal balance between the training load and recovery intervals."
The blood testing is also designed to reveal abnormalities that signal the use of PEDs, said Conte.
"The use of PEDs can cause abnormalities in some of the parameters contained in a comprehensive metabolic blood profile. Elevated liver enzymes, reduced HDL cholesterol levels and high hematocrit percentages are examples," said Conte.
"Anti-doping officials refer to routine blood chemistry screening as 'biological passport' testing," said Conte. "It is simply another tool that is used in the attempt to reduce the use of drugs in sport."
Conte said that Donaire began working with him "about two-to-three months" prior to this past July's eighth-round knockout of rising prospect Hernan Marquez (28-2, 21 KOs).
Donaire displayed power, speed and amazing skill during December's bantamweight debut, which was a fourth-round knockout of Ukrainian former titlist Volodymyr Sydorenko (22-2-2, seven KOs).
Sydorenko's nose was broken after being stopped for the first time in his career, and being dropped once each in the first, third and fourth rounds.
"When I met Victor, it was a coincidence. We had the same bank. We lived near each other. When we met, it was just one of those things that fate put us together," said Donaire.
"It's really helped to find a guy like that. When I met him, he was honest about his past," said Donaire. "Victor has become like part of the family to me. He's out there to protect me, and I'm out there to protect him when it comes right down to it."
Donaire has indicated that he wants to emulate the career of Filipino countryman Manny Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs), a WBO welterweight (147 titlist) who earned his record eighth crown over as many different weight divisions with last November's unanimous decision over ex-champion Antonio Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs) for the WBC's junior middleweight (154 pounds) belt.
Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum has compared Donaire favorably to Pacquiao, whom Donaire said is "definitely an inspiration in my career."
Because of his ability to rise in weight and retain power, and his twice-failed negotiations to make a bout with unbeaten six-time titlist Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) over the issue of Olympic style drug testing of both blood and urine, Pacquiao has been the target of speculation that he has used PEDs.
Pacquiao has named Mayweather, his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather Sr. and both Richard Schaefer and Oscar De La Hoya -- the CEO and President, respectively, of Golden Boy Promotions -- in a suit which seeks compensatory and punitive damages for defamation of character for their alleged accusations.
Boxing tests for illegal drugs, but only urine, although for the first time in the sport's history, Mayweather and Shane Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs) were subject to Olympic style drug testing of both body fluids by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) before Mayweather's May 2010 unanimous decision over Mosley.
In 2003, Mosley admitted to injecting steroids known as "the cream" and "the clear," but says that he did so unknowingly after having been supplied the drugs by Conte through a relationship with his former strength trainer, Daryl Hudson.
Mosley has dropped what had been an ongoing defamation suit against Conte, and has a May 7 clash against Pacquiao that will be televised on Showtime pay per view.
"You know, that's why I'm willing to take any test that you have to offer, just in case that there my be any doubters out there. At any time, at any moment, at any second. You can come and take a test with me any time of day where there is no preparation on my part to hide anything," said Donaire.
"If they want to do it 24-7 throughout the entire year, then I'll be there. I believe in everything that Victor has done for me and I believe that there is nothing to hide," said Donaire. "That's why I'm willing to go under the needle any time that they want me to. I believe in Victor, and to me Victor has been a big part of my success now, and with all of my guys behind me, they've guided me to my best, and Victor's a big part of it as well
.By Lem Satterfield
Former BALCO founder Victor Conte, who is working as a nutritionist for WBA interim super flyweight (115 pounds) titlist Nonito Donaire, among others, will be featured during a Feb. 15 edition of HBO's Real Sports, Conte informed FanHouse.
The Feb. 15 show will also include a segment examining former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Donaire (25-1, 17 knockouts) is preparing for an HBO-televised Top Rank Promotions clash on Feb. 19 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas opposite WBO and WBC bantamweight (118 pounds) king Fernando Montiel (44-2-2, 34 KOs) of Mexico.
Click here for video preivew of Victor Conte on HBO Real Sports
"Yeah, actually, HBO came in and they were there for two days for me," said Donaire, in an exclusive interview with FanHouse.
"They filmed my training with Victor and just everything that I do with Victor," said Donaire. "So, I'm going to be part of that one, and it's going to be good as long as they show how I did things and stuff like that."
A man who once made a four-year career out of "helping athletes to circumvent" Olympic-style drug testing policies such as those executed by United States Anti-Doping Agency until BALCO was raided in 2003, and he was imprisoned for a short time, Conte has since turned over a new leaf.
In a July interview, Conte told FanHouse that he has lent his expertise being "a part of the anti-doping movement, trying to help those at WADA [The World Anti-Doping Agency] and USADA [The United States Anti-Doping Agency] to develop more effective anti-doping policies and procedures."
Conte now runs SNAC -- an acronym for Scientific Nutrition for Advanced Conditioning -- which has been in existence since 1988 and supplies "perfectly legal sports nutrition products and supplements," he said.
Among Conte's clients is Donaire, for whom he oversees a supplementation program and special high altitude training.
"[As part of his training,] Nonito Donaire routinely does comprehensive blood testing to monitor his health and training. There are specific markers that can be used to possibly indicate over-training syndrome," said Conte. "These markers can be used to help an athlete achieve an optimal balance between the training load and recovery intervals."
The blood testing is also designed to reveal abnormalities that signal the use of PEDs, said Conte.
"The use of PEDs can cause abnormalities in some of the parameters contained in a comprehensive metabolic blood profile. Elevated liver enzymes, reduced HDL cholesterol levels and high hematocrit percentages are examples," said Conte.
"Anti-doping officials refer to routine blood chemistry screening as 'biological passport' testing," said Conte. "It is simply another tool that is used in the attempt to reduce the use of drugs in sport."
Conte said that Donaire began working with him "about two-to-three months" prior to this past July's eighth-round knockout of rising prospect Hernan Marquez (28-2, 21 KOs).
Donaire displayed power, speed and amazing skill during December's bantamweight debut, which was a fourth-round knockout of Ukrainian former titlist Volodymyr Sydorenko (22-2-2, seven KOs).
Sydorenko's nose was broken after being stopped for the first time in his career, and being dropped once each in the first, third and fourth rounds.
"When I met Victor, it was a coincidence. We had the same bank. We lived near each other. When we met, it was just one of those things that fate put us together," said Donaire.
"It's really helped to find a guy like that. When I met him, he was honest about his past," said Donaire. "Victor has become like part of the family to me. He's out there to protect me, and I'm out there to protect him when it comes right down to it."
Donaire has indicated that he wants to emulate the career of Filipino countryman Manny Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs), a WBO welterweight (147 titlist) who earned his record eighth crown over as many different weight divisions with last November's unanimous decision over ex-champion Antonio Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs) for the WBC's junior middleweight (154 pounds) belt.
Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum has compared Donaire favorably to Pacquiao, whom Donaire said is "definitely an inspiration in my career."
Because of his ability to rise in weight and retain power, and his twice-failed negotiations to make a bout with unbeaten six-time titlist Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) over the issue of Olympic style drug testing of both blood and urine, Pacquiao has been the target of speculation that he has used PEDs.
Pacquiao has named Mayweather, his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather Sr. and both Richard Schaefer and Oscar De La Hoya -- the CEO and President, respectively, of Golden Boy Promotions -- in a suit which seeks compensatory and punitive damages for defamation of character for their alleged accusations.
Boxing tests for illegal drugs, but only urine, although for the first time in the sport's history, Mayweather and Shane Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs) were subject to Olympic style drug testing of both body fluids by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) before Mayweather's May 2010 unanimous decision over Mosley.
In 2003, Mosley admitted to injecting steroids known as "the cream" and "the clear," but says that he did so unknowingly after having been supplied the drugs by Conte through a relationship with his former strength trainer, Daryl Hudson.
Mosley has dropped what had been an ongoing defamation suit against Conte, and has a May 7 clash against Pacquiao that will be televised on Showtime pay per view.
"You know, that's why I'm willing to take any test that you have to offer, just in case that there my be any doubters out there. At any time, at any moment, at any second. You can come and take a test with me any time of day where there is no preparation on my part to hide anything," said Donaire.
"If they want to do it 24-7 throughout the entire year, then I'll be there. I believe in everything that Victor has done for me and I believe that there is nothing to hide," said Donaire. "That's why I'm willing to go under the needle any time that they want me to. I believe in Victor, and to me Victor has been a big part of my success now, and with all of my guys behind me, they've guided me to my best, and Victor's a big part of it as well
Tommy Morrison: HIV Doesn't Exist, I Can Still Box.
Tommy Morrison tested HIV positive in 1996, a blow that derailed the career of the former heavyweight champion. But to listen to Morrison tell it, HIV was a ruse to make money and scare people.
A recent profile of Morrison shows a man who still believes he's healthy, despite the objections of those in the boxing and medical fields, and capable of boxing. His name showed up on a negative HIV test, bolstering his case, but that test has been disputed. He's also produced a number of positive tests.
Despite noticeable spots that look like lesions, Morrison apparently is in fairly good health without treatment for HIV. But according to John Gallant, one of the leading HIV specialists in the nation, that "doesn't tell you much one way or the other." Gallant says some people are slow progressers and others hold up fine with no treatment, as is the case with Morrison. Morrison got into an e-mail exchange with Gallant rejecting the expert's opinion, despite Gallant's assertion that it's "a silly debate."
He continues to live the life of someone without the disease, searching for fights with whoever will take the medical risk and boasting about having unprotected sex with his girlfriend. He has applied with the Nevada Athletic Commission, but relented when they asked for additional tests.
Morrison, who began his professional career in 1988, held the WBO and IBC heavyweight titles at points in his career. He saw a considerable amount of buzz at the beginning of his career, and was cast to play Tommy Gunn in "Rocky V." He says he's got about two good years of boxing left in him.
""I think about boxing more now. I'm better," he says. "They're not used to that. A white guy that has hand speed, power, charisma, and can talk in complete sentences? (Shoot). Sounds like a gold mine to me."
tommy is out of his mind thinkin he's going to get a fight
Tommy Morrison tested HIV positive in 1996, a blow that derailed the career of the former heavyweight champion. But to listen to Morrison tell it, HIV was a ruse to make money and scare people.
A recent profile of Morrison shows a man who still believes he's healthy, despite the objections of those in the boxing and medical fields, and capable of boxing. His name showed up on a negative HIV test, bolstering his case, but that test has been disputed. He's also produced a number of positive tests.
Despite noticeable spots that look like lesions, Morrison apparently is in fairly good health without treatment for HIV. But according to John Gallant, one of the leading HIV specialists in the nation, that "doesn't tell you much one way or the other." Gallant says some people are slow progressers and others hold up fine with no treatment, as is the case with Morrison. Morrison got into an e-mail exchange with Gallant rejecting the expert's opinion, despite Gallant's assertion that it's "a silly debate."
He continues to live the life of someone without the disease, searching for fights with whoever will take the medical risk and boasting about having unprotected sex with his girlfriend. He has applied with the Nevada Athletic Commission, but relented when they asked for additional tests.
Morrison, who began his professional career in 1988, held the WBO and IBC heavyweight titles at points in his career. He saw a considerable amount of buzz at the beginning of his career, and was cast to play Tommy Gunn in "Rocky V." He says he's got about two good years of boxing left in him.
""I think about boxing more now. I'm better," he says. "They're not used to that. A white guy that has hand speed, power, charisma, and can talk in complete sentences? (Shoot). Sounds like a gold mine to me."
tommy is out of his mind thinkin he's going to get a fight
. trainers responsible for the lack of boxer’s talent?
By Gerardo Granados: Boxing is the most popular contact sport in the world, you have boxing fights all over the globe, weekend after weekend you will be able to watch a professional boxing fights at any continent, country or major city, amateur tournaments are displayed at jails, sports clubs, universities and gyms; no matter if you speak a different language you will understand what happens inside a ring when two fighters engage. But who trains these warriors? Is the trainer really prepared to teach and to exploit all the skills of his pupils?
No disrespect to any trainer around the world, most of them were professional boxers, others were amateur fighters and know their business very well, but not everybody has the ability to teach correctly and to be able to polish a raw gem.
I have recently read two articles that speak about the negatives in boxing and his follow up response. Both are very interesting articles and both made me wonder why beside the greedy promoters boxing is loosing audience against other contact sports such as MMA and UFC. Would it be possible that the old trainers didn’t prepare their successors properly or that the new trainers aren’t able to detect good prospects and train them properly?
Not all boxing stars are born in a famous boxing gym; most learn the boxing basics from a relative, a friend or at local gym. Most of boxers learn since they are just kids and if the trainers don’t teach them right a talent might be wasted.
A lot of factors are involved so that a young talented boxer can achieve stardom, but is it to blame the trainers for the lack of current talent in the heavyweight division? At any weight division you can find fighters that are quite raw, that their boxing skills can be improved by a “good trainer”. Freddy Roach, Emanuel Steward and Ignacio Beristain are considered as great trainers, and there are only a few fighters that would not like to be trained by any of them. But, what about the local trainers? Are they as savvy as these ones or are they just good enough for a local amateurish level?
Could it be possible for the major boxing governing bodies to help the local trainers to improve their teaching skills on benefit of the sport? I hope they do.
By Gerardo Granados: Boxing is the most popular contact sport in the world, you have boxing fights all over the globe, weekend after weekend you will be able to watch a professional boxing fights at any continent, country or major city, amateur tournaments are displayed at jails, sports clubs, universities and gyms; no matter if you speak a different language you will understand what happens inside a ring when two fighters engage. But who trains these warriors? Is the trainer really prepared to teach and to exploit all the skills of his pupils?
No disrespect to any trainer around the world, most of them were professional boxers, others were amateur fighters and know their business very well, but not everybody has the ability to teach correctly and to be able to polish a raw gem.
I have recently read two articles that speak about the negatives in boxing and his follow up response. Both are very interesting articles and both made me wonder why beside the greedy promoters boxing is loosing audience against other contact sports such as MMA and UFC. Would it be possible that the old trainers didn’t prepare their successors properly or that the new trainers aren’t able to detect good prospects and train them properly?
Not all boxing stars are born in a famous boxing gym; most learn the boxing basics from a relative, a friend or at local gym. Most of boxers learn since they are just kids and if the trainers don’t teach them right a talent might be wasted.
A lot of factors are involved so that a young talented boxer can achieve stardom, but is it to blame the trainers for the lack of current talent in the heavyweight division? At any weight division you can find fighters that are quite raw, that their boxing skills can be improved by a “good trainer”. Freddy Roach, Emanuel Steward and Ignacio Beristain are considered as great trainers, and there are only a few fighters that would not like to be trained by any of them. But, what about the local trainers? Are they as savvy as these ones or are they just good enough for a local amateurish level?
Could it be possible for the major boxing governing bodies to help the local trainers to improve their teaching skills on benefit of the sport? I hope they do.
Chagaev willing to fight Haye outside of the UK
By William Mackay: Former WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) is willing to fight WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) should the British Boxing Board of Control refuse to allow Chagaev to enter the UK and fight Haye.
Chagaev, who merely has an antigen for hepatitis B in his blood but not the disease itself, is baffled that he could potentially be stopped from fight Haye in England. What Chagaev doesn’t understand is how can IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko fight not be hesitant to fight him, but yet Haye is.
This is good question, because Wladimir didn’t have any problems fighting Chagaev. If Haye wants the fight with Chagaev, he can always take the fight outside of the UK. But then again if Haye is fearful of fighting the tough southpaw Chagaev, then the British Boxing Board may be doing Haye a huge favor by not allowing Haye to fight Chagaev in the UK.
Haye will fight number #2 contender Alexander Povetkin if the British Boxing Board rules against Chagaev. Povetkin is slower, throws fewer combinations and isn’t as powerful as Chagaev. This would be an overall much easier fight for Haye than the Chagaev bout.
By William Mackay: Former WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) is willing to fight WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) should the British Boxing Board of Control refuse to allow Chagaev to enter the UK and fight Haye.
Chagaev, who merely has an antigen for hepatitis B in his blood but not the disease itself, is baffled that he could potentially be stopped from fight Haye in England. What Chagaev doesn’t understand is how can IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko fight not be hesitant to fight him, but yet Haye is.
This is good question, because Wladimir didn’t have any problems fighting Chagaev. If Haye wants the fight with Chagaev, he can always take the fight outside of the UK. But then again if Haye is fearful of fighting the tough southpaw Chagaev, then the British Boxing Board may be doing Haye a huge favor by not allowing Haye to fight Chagaev in the UK.
Haye will fight number #2 contender Alexander Povetkin if the British Boxing Board rules against Chagaev. Povetkin is slower, throws fewer combinations and isn’t as powerful as Chagaev. This would be an overall much easier fight for Haye than the Chagaev bout.
Kellerman skeptical about Adamek’s chances against the Klitschkos
By Eric Thomas: Former two division world champion Tomasz Adamek (43-1, 28 KO’s) has received his big wish of a fight against one of the Klitschko brothers in September. This is Adamek’s big chance to try and become a three division world champion by beating one of the two best heavyweights in the world right now.
However, the chances of that happening are incredibly slim to say the least. HBO analyst Max Kellerman also has his doubts about the 6’1 ½” Adamek pulling off an upset against the Klitschkos due to the size differences, among other things.
In an interview of Kellerman at fightnews.com, Kellerman said “Adamek is so much smaller than these guys [the Klitschkos], and these guys can fight. These guys are large, large and they can fight.”
It’s not just the lack of height that will be a problem for the 34-year-old Adamek. He also will be giving up five to six inches in reach to both of the Klitschkos, as well as 35 pounds in weight. This isn’t going to be a fight where Adamek is taking on an old 6’7” Michael Grant, who isn’t throwing any punches all fight long and just letting Adamek do whatever he wants in the ring.
Adamek will be getting nailed all night long on the outside and every time he comes in to try and land. He’s going to have serious problems against either of the Klitschkos. He will no doubt have his brief moments in the fight where he is able to run forward and land something before scurrying away. But that’s no recipe for victory.
You can’t beat the Klitschkos by running forward every once in a while to land one punch and then running away. That won’t work because the Klitschkos will be nailing the shorter Adamek repeatedly with jabs and hooks while he’s running around the ring in wide circles. He might as well forget that plan altogether and just get it over with and rush the Klitschkos and hope for the best. Adamek’s end will be much quicker and painless in comparison to getting jabbed to pieces.
Adamek has a tune-up bout against 37-year-old Kevin Mcbride (35-8-1, 29 KO’s) on April 9th at the Prudential Center, in Newark, New Jersey. McBride, 6’6″, has been picked because of his size in hopes that he might get Adamek partially prepared for facing one of the tall Klitschkos. McBride probably won’t help Adamek get prepared one bit, other than perhaps getting his confidence up because McBride won’t be competitive. There’s no comparison between McBride and the Klitschkos.
By Eric Thomas: Former two division world champion Tomasz Adamek (43-1, 28 KO’s) has received his big wish of a fight against one of the Klitschko brothers in September. This is Adamek’s big chance to try and become a three division world champion by beating one of the two best heavyweights in the world right now.
However, the chances of that happening are incredibly slim to say the least. HBO analyst Max Kellerman also has his doubts about the 6’1 ½” Adamek pulling off an upset against the Klitschkos due to the size differences, among other things.
In an interview of Kellerman at fightnews.com, Kellerman said “Adamek is so much smaller than these guys [the Klitschkos], and these guys can fight. These guys are large, large and they can fight.”
It’s not just the lack of height that will be a problem for the 34-year-old Adamek. He also will be giving up five to six inches in reach to both of the Klitschkos, as well as 35 pounds in weight. This isn’t going to be a fight where Adamek is taking on an old 6’7” Michael Grant, who isn’t throwing any punches all fight long and just letting Adamek do whatever he wants in the ring.
Adamek will be getting nailed all night long on the outside and every time he comes in to try and land. He’s going to have serious problems against either of the Klitschkos. He will no doubt have his brief moments in the fight where he is able to run forward and land something before scurrying away. But that’s no recipe for victory.
You can’t beat the Klitschkos by running forward every once in a while to land one punch and then running away. That won’t work because the Klitschkos will be nailing the shorter Adamek repeatedly with jabs and hooks while he’s running around the ring in wide circles. He might as well forget that plan altogether and just get it over with and rush the Klitschkos and hope for the best. Adamek’s end will be much quicker and painless in comparison to getting jabbed to pieces.
Adamek has a tune-up bout against 37-year-old Kevin Mcbride (35-8-1, 29 KO’s) on April 9th at the Prudential Center, in Newark, New Jersey. McBride, 6’6″, has been picked because of his size in hopes that he might get Adamek partially prepared for facing one of the tall Klitschkos. McBride probably won’t help Adamek get prepared one bit, other than perhaps getting his confidence up because McBride won’t be competitive. There’s no comparison between McBride and the Klitschkos.
King says he’s going to make Pacquiao vs. Mayorga after Cotto
By Jason Kim: Promoter Don King is looking to setup his fighter two-time world champion Ricardo Mayorga (29-7-1, 23 Ko’s) with a fight against Manny Pacquiao next if the 37-year-old Mayorga can beat WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (35-2, 28 KO’s) on March 12th at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
King sees the Cotto fight as big opportunity for Mayorga, and believes with a huge win over Cotto, it will lead to a fight with Pacquiao, boxing’s number #1 cash cow.
As quoted by the Manila Bulletin, King said “We are going to make Pacquiao vs. Mayorga. I am giving you breaking news.”
Even if Mayorga beats Cotto, who is probably Top Rank promoter Arum’s number #2 moneymaker right now, it’s still hard to imagine that Arum will want to put Pacquiao in with Mayorga. Arum is looking to match Pacquiao against smaller fighters and Mayorga has some size to him.
Pacquiao would likely take some punishment in a fight with Mayorga and Arum might not like the risk when he can still probably match Pacquiao up with Cotto, even if Cotto is beaten. It doesn’t seem to matter whether fighters are coming off of loses.
The public will still buy into a fight as long as Pacquiao is involved in it. Mayorga has one big problem that might make a Pacquiao-Mayorga fight all but impossible to be put together. Mayorga doesn’t fight for Top Rank, and Arum likes to have his fights in house. Perhaps King, an old friend of Arum, could get him to change his mind about this. But it’s going to take a lot of wheeling and dealing by King to get that done.
However, this is probably neither here nor there, as Cotto is the favorite to beat Mayorga on March 12th. But you can’t really predict what will happen in any of Cotto’s fights nowadays due to the punishment he’s taken in fights in recent years. He could fall apart if Mayorga takes it to him in a sustained way like Antonio Margarito and Pacquiao inflicted on him in victories over Cotto.
By Jason Kim: Promoter Don King is looking to setup his fighter two-time world champion Ricardo Mayorga (29-7-1, 23 Ko’s) with a fight against Manny Pacquiao next if the 37-year-old Mayorga can beat WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (35-2, 28 KO’s) on March 12th at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
King sees the Cotto fight as big opportunity for Mayorga, and believes with a huge win over Cotto, it will lead to a fight with Pacquiao, boxing’s number #1 cash cow.
As quoted by the Manila Bulletin, King said “We are going to make Pacquiao vs. Mayorga. I am giving you breaking news.”
Even if Mayorga beats Cotto, who is probably Top Rank promoter Arum’s number #2 moneymaker right now, it’s still hard to imagine that Arum will want to put Pacquiao in with Mayorga. Arum is looking to match Pacquiao against smaller fighters and Mayorga has some size to him.
Pacquiao would likely take some punishment in a fight with Mayorga and Arum might not like the risk when he can still probably match Pacquiao up with Cotto, even if Cotto is beaten. It doesn’t seem to matter whether fighters are coming off of loses.
The public will still buy into a fight as long as Pacquiao is involved in it. Mayorga has one big problem that might make a Pacquiao-Mayorga fight all but impossible to be put together. Mayorga doesn’t fight for Top Rank, and Arum likes to have his fights in house. Perhaps King, an old friend of Arum, could get him to change his mind about this. But it’s going to take a lot of wheeling and dealing by King to get that done.
However, this is probably neither here nor there, as Cotto is the favorite to beat Mayorga on March 12th. But you can’t really predict what will happen in any of Cotto’s fights nowadays due to the punishment he’s taken in fights in recent years. He could fall apart if Mayorga takes it to him in a sustained way like Antonio Margarito and Pacquiao inflicted on him in victories over Cotto.
it was a hell of a shot.
But it's all mechanics. If you watch the slow mo in my sig, watch how he puts his entire body into that punch. He pivots his hip into it.
it's a punch he's perfected.
Here is donaire teaching UFC fighter Munoz on how to do properly throw that left hook (you can see him pivoting his foot, rotating his hip and turning his body into it):
(look at :35 and on. He's hitting harder than a heavyweight!)
And it definately wasn't his hand wraps, Montiel's team made Donaire wrap his hands twice before the fight (even though they were there the whole time):
twitter just before the bout
Montiels camp trying to screw with ourhandwraps. Commission is watching n approved it. Cm on! Stop with the games!
For real? They r trying to make us re glove now even tho 2 commissioners r watching just bc . Let's just get in the ring!
But it's all mechanics. If you watch the slow mo in my sig, watch how he puts his entire body into that punch. He pivots his hip into it.
it's a punch he's perfected.
Here is donaire teaching UFC fighter Munoz on how to do properly throw that left hook (you can see him pivoting his foot, rotating his hip and turning his body into it):
(look at :35 and on. He's hitting harder than a heavyweight!)
And it definately wasn't his hand wraps, Montiel's team made Donaire wrap his hands twice before the fight (even though they were there the whole time):
twitter just before the bout
Montiels camp trying to screw with ourhandwraps. Commission is watching n approved it. Cm on! Stop with the games!
For real? They r trying to make us re glove now even tho 2 commissioners r watching just bc . Let's just get in the ring!
Brandon Rios Shreds Victor Ortiz: 'De La Hoya is His Pimp'
By Rick Reeno
Unbeaten lightweight contender Brandon Rios (26-0, 19KOs) verbally blasted his professional rival, junior welterweight Victor Ortiz (28-2, 22KOs). The two boxers, who at one time were stablemates under trainer Robert Garcia, are no strangers to trading words. Rios was irritated by Ortiz calling him "tune-up" opponent in a recent interview.
Rios believes Oritz's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, matched his boxer against Andre Berto in order to cash him out. Rios is predicting that Ortiz will quit in the upcoming fight with Berto, which takes place on April 16 for Berto's WBC welterweight title.
"He waits until he's moving up to 147, two weight classes [from 135], to call me out. He's a retard, talking about that I'm a little boy, this and that. He ain't sh*t. Berto is going to do to [Ortiz] what Maidana did to him. De La Hoya is using his ass. De La Hoya is his pimp right now. He's cashing him out. He's trying get back some of the money that he invested in him because after this fight Ortiz is done," Rios told BoxingScene.com.
By Rick Reeno
Unbeaten lightweight contender Brandon Rios (26-0, 19KOs) verbally blasted his professional rival, junior welterweight Victor Ortiz (28-2, 22KOs). The two boxers, who at one time were stablemates under trainer Robert Garcia, are no strangers to trading words. Rios was irritated by Ortiz calling him "tune-up" opponent in a recent interview.
Rios believes Oritz's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, matched his boxer against Andre Berto in order to cash him out. Rios is predicting that Ortiz will quit in the upcoming fight with Berto, which takes place on April 16 for Berto's WBC welterweight title.
"He waits until he's moving up to 147, two weight classes [from 135], to call me out. He's a retard, talking about that I'm a little boy, this and that. He ain't sh*t. Berto is going to do to [Ortiz] what Maidana did to him. De La Hoya is using his ass. De La Hoya is his pimp right now. He's cashing him out. He's trying get back some of the money that he invested in him because after this fight Ortiz is done," Rios told BoxingScene.com.
Nonito Donaire: I Would Love To Fight Moreno Next
By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com caught up with newly crowned WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito "Filipino Flash" Donaire at Brandon Rios' media workout. Both fighters are trained by Robert Garcia and promoted by Top Rank.
Donaire told BoxingScene that he is feeling good and hopes to return to the ring soon. "I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible. I have heard my next fight could be in May or June or July. I just want to get back in as soon as I can."
BoxingScene recently ran a story in which Donaire's trainer, Robert Garcia, said that WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo "Chemito" Moreno is being explored as Donaire's potential next opponent, with a May date in San Francisco being a possibility.
Donaire said that he wants to unify titles at bantamweight and that he has no problems with facing the Panamanian. "I will fight whoever they want to put in front of me. I would love to fight Moreno next."
If Abner Mares wins Showtime's bantamweight tournament, a showdown between Mares and Donaire seems unlikely.
Donaire is promoted by Top Rank and Mares is promoted by Golden Boy. The two companies haven't staged a co-promotion since Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton in 2009, which makes a Donaire-Moreno unification bout much more likely.
Donaire revealed that if everything goes as planned he will get three fights in this year
By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com caught up with newly crowned WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito "Filipino Flash" Donaire at Brandon Rios' media workout. Both fighters are trained by Robert Garcia and promoted by Top Rank.
Donaire told BoxingScene that he is feeling good and hopes to return to the ring soon. "I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible. I have heard my next fight could be in May or June or July. I just want to get back in as soon as I can."
BoxingScene recently ran a story in which Donaire's trainer, Robert Garcia, said that WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo "Chemito" Moreno is being explored as Donaire's potential next opponent, with a May date in San Francisco being a possibility.
Donaire said that he wants to unify titles at bantamweight and that he has no problems with facing the Panamanian. "I will fight whoever they want to put in front of me. I would love to fight Moreno next."
If Abner Mares wins Showtime's bantamweight tournament, a showdown between Mares and Donaire seems unlikely.
Donaire is promoted by Top Rank and Mares is promoted by Golden Boy. The two companies haven't staged a co-promotion since Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton in 2009, which makes a Donaire-Moreno unification bout much more likely.
Donaire revealed that if everything goes as planned he will get three fights in this year
Marquez, Nacho Trade Words With Sulaiman Over Canelo
By Hesiquio Balderas
During a televised show that aired in México, a mock trial was held, which involved several Mexican boxing personalities. World Champion Ana Maria Torres, Juan Manuel Marquez, TV commentator Alfonso Morales were the judges, trainer Nacho Beristain was the prosecutor, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya were witnesses and WBC president Jose Sulaiman was the accused. Even the great Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. made a phone call to the show, and things got very heated during the program.
The issue being debated was whether or not Alvarez deserved a shot at the vacant WBC 154-pound title. Alvarez faces Matthew on March 5 for the vacant belt.
Juan Manuel, the current lightweight champion of the world, gave his arguments and said that he was in total shock when he found out that Canelo and Hatton were fighting for the WBC belt.
"That really sucks, I am speaking as a fighter and for the fighters that are ranked. They work very hard to get in the rankins and all of a sudden this kid is the number one contender because he has the silver belt? Come on, what about Perro Angulo, What about the English guy who is ranked number 4? What about Vanes, and now you give him Hatton who isn´t even ranked in the super welterweight division. It took me a lot of years to get a title shot that is why I am speaking as a fighter"
Beristain also had some hard words for Sulaiman - This is total BS. Sulaiman owns the WBC everyone knows that and I am happy to get this oportunity to say this to his face. Why don´t you help Angulo get a visa, when you have done it in the past for many fighters. You have the power to do it, this is ridiculous. This kid Canelo has talent but he is too green to get a title shot. He hasn´t beaten any contenders yet and Hatton? what has he done? Nothing at all. He is not even a decent fighter´´
Ana Maria Torres had her point of view as well - "I know inside the mexican boxing community, everyone thinks of this as a joke. Many fighters may not come up and say it, but it is true. I personally think he doesn´t deserve the title shot. He hasn´t fought any major oponents yet. Why a title shot? Canelo is a good prospect but he has done nothing yet. I totally agree with Juan and Nacho. The kid didn´t face any oponents in the rankings to become number one, and even worse Hatton hasn´t even fought at this weight class, so I think the people know about this and you can not fool them anymore"
Sulaiman basically explained the situation that most of us know and he said the request for the vacant shot came from the promoter Oscar De La Hoya. he said the other contenders were not avaliable and the members of the WBC voted for Hatton, who is ranked number 6 as a welterweight, to gain the ability to face Alvarez for thet belt in accordance to the WBC rules.
"That is what is going on. We go by the rules and that is what the members of voted for. It is not my decision but the decision of the board of the WBC. I am dissapointed that Marquez is not by the fighter's side. I am always on the fighter's side, and we want to give Canelo a chance because he is number one. The public wants it and I think Marquez is a jealous person who envies Canelo´s popularity. Juan Manuel I am surprised that you are acting this way."
Marquez interrupted Sulaiman and said - "I don´t envy anyone because I am on my way out. I am a current champion who takes on anyone, and I'm a champion in three weight classes. What can I be jealous of?"
By this time the argument was really heavy, Nacho told Sulaiman that he was a joke and Marquez said that many fans agree that Canelo and Hatton didn´t deserve the fight.
Oscar De La Hoya said a few words.
"Don´t get me wrong. I am just listening and I think the WBC has done the right thing by giving Canelo and Mathew the title shot. They deserve the fight. Hatton is not a pushover, he is a tough fighter. He comes to fight and punches hard. We are acting like if Canelo is already the winner and lets remember one thing I fought against the Matthew Hatton´s of the world, and so did you Juan Manuel. For example I fought against Shane Mosley who nobody knew about and he beat me. Juan Manuel, you fought against Chris John and you lost, so this is who Mathew Hatton is. He could be like Mosley and John."
A very important opinion was needed and that came Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., who made a phone call to the show and said ´´I think Canelo has the talent, the skills, the power and he is on his way up, but i truly believe and I always say things the way I think - is at the moment you guys at Televisa have created a monster by way of publicity. He is just a product of TV and that hurts the fighter, and you make people believe that he is superman and he is not. He is a good fighter who will reach his potential but he is too young now to proclaim, as Televisa does, that he is the biggest thing on earth´´
Regarding a fight with his son Julio and Canelo, Chavez said "My son really wants the fight and if the promoters agree and come to terms we can have that fight soon."
In conclusion Sulaiman was found guilty of providing Canelo Alvarez and Mathew Hatton with what the judges felt was an gift title shot. Marquez voted guilty, Ana Maria Torres voted guilty and Alfonso Morales said Sulaiman was innocent.
Nacho ended by saying to Don Jose - "You gave this kid the first gift with many more to come. That is the way of the WBC. Oscar, I know that you are now a promoter and I like you and know you very well, and if I were you I would do the same thing as a promoter and that is support Sulaiman," concluded Nacho in a sarcastic tone
By Hesiquio Balderas
During a televised show that aired in México, a mock trial was held, which involved several Mexican boxing personalities. World Champion Ana Maria Torres, Juan Manuel Marquez, TV commentator Alfonso Morales were the judges, trainer Nacho Beristain was the prosecutor, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya were witnesses and WBC president Jose Sulaiman was the accused. Even the great Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. made a phone call to the show, and things got very heated during the program.
The issue being debated was whether or not Alvarez deserved a shot at the vacant WBC 154-pound title. Alvarez faces Matthew on March 5 for the vacant belt.
Juan Manuel, the current lightweight champion of the world, gave his arguments and said that he was in total shock when he found out that Canelo and Hatton were fighting for the WBC belt.
"That really sucks, I am speaking as a fighter and for the fighters that are ranked. They work very hard to get in the rankins and all of a sudden this kid is the number one contender because he has the silver belt? Come on, what about Perro Angulo, What about the English guy who is ranked number 4? What about Vanes, and now you give him Hatton who isn´t even ranked in the super welterweight division. It took me a lot of years to get a title shot that is why I am speaking as a fighter"
Beristain also had some hard words for Sulaiman - This is total BS. Sulaiman owns the WBC everyone knows that and I am happy to get this oportunity to say this to his face. Why don´t you help Angulo get a visa, when you have done it in the past for many fighters. You have the power to do it, this is ridiculous. This kid Canelo has talent but he is too green to get a title shot. He hasn´t beaten any contenders yet and Hatton? what has he done? Nothing at all. He is not even a decent fighter´´
Ana Maria Torres had her point of view as well - "I know inside the mexican boxing community, everyone thinks of this as a joke. Many fighters may not come up and say it, but it is true. I personally think he doesn´t deserve the title shot. He hasn´t fought any major oponents yet. Why a title shot? Canelo is a good prospect but he has done nothing yet. I totally agree with Juan and Nacho. The kid didn´t face any oponents in the rankings to become number one, and even worse Hatton hasn´t even fought at this weight class, so I think the people know about this and you can not fool them anymore"
Sulaiman basically explained the situation that most of us know and he said the request for the vacant shot came from the promoter Oscar De La Hoya. he said the other contenders were not avaliable and the members of the WBC voted for Hatton, who is ranked number 6 as a welterweight, to gain the ability to face Alvarez for thet belt in accordance to the WBC rules.
"That is what is going on. We go by the rules and that is what the members of voted for. It is not my decision but the decision of the board of the WBC. I am dissapointed that Marquez is not by the fighter's side. I am always on the fighter's side, and we want to give Canelo a chance because he is number one. The public wants it and I think Marquez is a jealous person who envies Canelo´s popularity. Juan Manuel I am surprised that you are acting this way."
Marquez interrupted Sulaiman and said - "I don´t envy anyone because I am on my way out. I am a current champion who takes on anyone, and I'm a champion in three weight classes. What can I be jealous of?"
By this time the argument was really heavy, Nacho told Sulaiman that he was a joke and Marquez said that many fans agree that Canelo and Hatton didn´t deserve the fight.
Oscar De La Hoya said a few words.
"Don´t get me wrong. I am just listening and I think the WBC has done the right thing by giving Canelo and Mathew the title shot. They deserve the fight. Hatton is not a pushover, he is a tough fighter. He comes to fight and punches hard. We are acting like if Canelo is already the winner and lets remember one thing I fought against the Matthew Hatton´s of the world, and so did you Juan Manuel. For example I fought against Shane Mosley who nobody knew about and he beat me. Juan Manuel, you fought against Chris John and you lost, so this is who Mathew Hatton is. He could be like Mosley and John."
A very important opinion was needed and that came Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., who made a phone call to the show and said ´´I think Canelo has the talent, the skills, the power and he is on his way up, but i truly believe and I always say things the way I think - is at the moment you guys at Televisa have created a monster by way of publicity. He is just a product of TV and that hurts the fighter, and you make people believe that he is superman and he is not. He is a good fighter who will reach his potential but he is too young now to proclaim, as Televisa does, that he is the biggest thing on earth´´
Regarding a fight with his son Julio and Canelo, Chavez said "My son really wants the fight and if the promoters agree and come to terms we can have that fight soon."
In conclusion Sulaiman was found guilty of providing Canelo Alvarez and Mathew Hatton with what the judges felt was an gift title shot. Marquez voted guilty, Ana Maria Torres voted guilty and Alfonso Morales said Sulaiman was innocent.
Nacho ended by saying to Don Jose - "You gave this kid the first gift with many more to come. That is the way of the WBC. Oscar, I know that you are now a promoter and I like you and know you very well, and if I were you I would do the same thing as a promoter and that is support Sulaiman," concluded Nacho in a sarcastic tone
Zab Judah Thinks Manny Pacquiao’s Fights Were Staged
By Rod Bautista: Former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah made it pointedly clear what his opinion of current pound for champion Manny Pacquiao’s last two fights going as far as claiming that the fights looked staged.
“I mean, that’s good. Like I said man, I’ve been watching the Pacquiao showdowns and you know, I think a lot of them are staged. I think a lot of them are different. I mean like fighters like Joshua Clottey, they just stood up there and didn’t bother to throw a punch. When I fought Joshua Clottey, he tried to go for broke. He tried to swing like he was swinging at an African Lion. When he fought Pacquiao, he just stood there like he was stuck on stupid, you know. Margarito is a fighter we know to be a killer. He didn’t do anything to Pacquiao, you know what I’m saying.”
He backed tracked a little at the end of his statement and also offered an opinion on Pacquiao’s next fight against Shane Mosley.
“I mean I don’t know. I can’t say these guys are staging fights but whatever case may be I think an in shape and well trained Shane Mosley should knock Pacquiao out.”
Judah who’s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. notoriously ended in a melee in the 10th round resulting not only both corners running into the ring, but Judah’s boxing license being revoked, is now a close friend of Mayweather’s and is one of his very vocal supporters.
I can understand his stance and his loyal support for Mayweather, but my problem is for a boxer of Judah’s stature it’s just a statement that shouldn’t be made. In reality Judah was only asked what his opinion of the Pacquiao/Mosley fight was and he went on and insinuated that somehow Pacquiao’s last fights were fixed.
For a sport like boxing that is struggling to stay relevant in the North American sports landscape, this type of statement can only prove to hurt the sport. Not only does boxing have to endure all the criticism and cynicism it currently does, now one of the sports former champions is talking of a conspiracy to fix fights?
We already have the most talented boxer on the planet doing more trash talking and video posting than actual fighting, but I guess this is the boxing world we live in. Traditionally trash talking was for fighters to gain an edge or to hype up a fight, but now it seems fashionable to trash talk just to make someone look bad.
What I’m trying to say is Muhammad Ali mastered the art of trash talking, but there was a purpose to it. He eventually had to get in the ring with his target and face the music. Floyd Mayweather seems to talk trash exponentially more than he actually steps in to the ring.
It’s this type of thing that hurts boxing. In other sports when an athlete says something derogatory about a foe he runs the risk of it being posted on the bulletin board of a locker room and becoming motivation for a team to give it’s pay back on the field of play. In other sports you have to back it up. In boxing it seems one of the sport’s biggest stars has a license to freely talk trash without never having to back it up.
Judah’s sentiments make a mockery of the sport that he competes in and the sport that has given him everything that he has, without blinking an eye he unwittingly makes an accusation that can only bring more negativity to the sport.
As a true boxing fan I can see why Judah is saying these things, he’s just backing up his boy, but for some it can also serve as just another reason to ignore the sport.
Zab Judah should worry more about getting back to where he once was. Watching his last controversial split decision win over Lucas Mathysse tells me that he has a lot of work to do. Certainly he should be worried more about his up coming fight with Kaizer Mabuuza for the IBF welterweight title. You never know if he manages to win that title maybe he can put his hat in the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes and have to back his talk up.
Whatever happens I hope Zab and his buddy Floyd can find a way to just shut up and fight.
zab needs to leave the drugs alone
By Rod Bautista: Former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah made it pointedly clear what his opinion of current pound for champion Manny Pacquiao’s last two fights going as far as claiming that the fights looked staged.
“I mean, that’s good. Like I said man, I’ve been watching the Pacquiao showdowns and you know, I think a lot of them are staged. I think a lot of them are different. I mean like fighters like Joshua Clottey, they just stood up there and didn’t bother to throw a punch. When I fought Joshua Clottey, he tried to go for broke. He tried to swing like he was swinging at an African Lion. When he fought Pacquiao, he just stood there like he was stuck on stupid, you know. Margarito is a fighter we know to be a killer. He didn’t do anything to Pacquiao, you know what I’m saying.”
He backed tracked a little at the end of his statement and also offered an opinion on Pacquiao’s next fight against Shane Mosley.
“I mean I don’t know. I can’t say these guys are staging fights but whatever case may be I think an in shape and well trained Shane Mosley should knock Pacquiao out.”
Judah who’s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. notoriously ended in a melee in the 10th round resulting not only both corners running into the ring, but Judah’s boxing license being revoked, is now a close friend of Mayweather’s and is one of his very vocal supporters.
I can understand his stance and his loyal support for Mayweather, but my problem is for a boxer of Judah’s stature it’s just a statement that shouldn’t be made. In reality Judah was only asked what his opinion of the Pacquiao/Mosley fight was and he went on and insinuated that somehow Pacquiao’s last fights were fixed.
For a sport like boxing that is struggling to stay relevant in the North American sports landscape, this type of statement can only prove to hurt the sport. Not only does boxing have to endure all the criticism and cynicism it currently does, now one of the sports former champions is talking of a conspiracy to fix fights?
We already have the most talented boxer on the planet doing more trash talking and video posting than actual fighting, but I guess this is the boxing world we live in. Traditionally trash talking was for fighters to gain an edge or to hype up a fight, but now it seems fashionable to trash talk just to make someone look bad.
What I’m trying to say is Muhammad Ali mastered the art of trash talking, but there was a purpose to it. He eventually had to get in the ring with his target and face the music. Floyd Mayweather seems to talk trash exponentially more than he actually steps in to the ring.
It’s this type of thing that hurts boxing. In other sports when an athlete says something derogatory about a foe he runs the risk of it being posted on the bulletin board of a locker room and becoming motivation for a team to give it’s pay back on the field of play. In other sports you have to back it up. In boxing it seems one of the sport’s biggest stars has a license to freely talk trash without never having to back it up.
Judah’s sentiments make a mockery of the sport that he competes in and the sport that has given him everything that he has, without blinking an eye he unwittingly makes an accusation that can only bring more negativity to the sport.
As a true boxing fan I can see why Judah is saying these things, he’s just backing up his boy, but for some it can also serve as just another reason to ignore the sport.
Zab Judah should worry more about getting back to where he once was. Watching his last controversial split decision win over Lucas Mathysse tells me that he has a lot of work to do. Certainly he should be worried more about his up coming fight with Kaizer Mabuuza for the IBF welterweight title. You never know if he manages to win that title maybe he can put his hat in the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes and have to back his talk up.
Whatever happens I hope Zab and his buddy Floyd can find a way to just shut up and fight.
zab needs to leave the drugs alone