Boxing News Thread
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Muhammad Ali Asks Iran To Free U.S. Hikers Held On Spy Charges
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Boxing champ Muhammad Ali is asking Iran to release two American hikers held since 2009 on spy charges.
Ali, arguably the most prominent U.S. Muslim, on Wednesday released to The Associated Press a letter he wrote to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February.
The letter asks Khameini to release Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, who were arrested while hiking in northern Iraq near the Iranian border. A third hiker, Sarah Shourd, was released on bail in September.
"Please show the world the compassion I know you have in your heart," he wrote, asking Khamenei as a brother in Islam to show the same mercy and compassion for the two men as he did for Shourd.
Ali also wrote a letter to Khamenei shortly before Shourd was released, though it was unclear whether it had any effect.
The 69-year-old is the founder of a center for world peace in Louisville, where he grew up and launched a boxing career that included three world heavyweight titles.
His wife, Lonnie Ali, told the AP in a telephone interview from their Arizona home that her husband was asked to intervene by the late John Arum, son of boxing promoter Bob Arum.
John Arum, also a hiker, died on Storm King Mountain in Washington state shortly after he asked Ali to help and before Shourd was released, she said.
Lonnie Ali said her husband has visited Iran twice before, including a trip in the early 1990s where he tried to secure the exchange of prisoners during the Iran-Iraq war.
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She said he would be willing to go to Iran to help secure the hikers' release, but it would depend on his health. Parkinson's Disease has limited his speech and movement.
"Life is sacred; we just want to make sure Muhammad is physically up to such a trip," she said.
Lonnie Ali said Alex Fattel, Josh Fattel's brother, had visited the Alis in Arizona on Tuesday.
"We are deeply grateful to Mr. Ali and the many other people around the world who know that Shane and Josh absolutely do not deserve to be in prison," the families said in a statement released through their spokeswoman, Samantha Topping. "We hope and pray that Iran hears this appeal and responds with compassion. It is time for this nightmare to en
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Boxing champ Muhammad Ali is asking Iran to release two American hikers held since 2009 on spy charges.
Ali, arguably the most prominent U.S. Muslim, on Wednesday released to The Associated Press a letter he wrote to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February.
The letter asks Khameini to release Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, who were arrested while hiking in northern Iraq near the Iranian border. A third hiker, Sarah Shourd, was released on bail in September.
"Please show the world the compassion I know you have in your heart," he wrote, asking Khamenei as a brother in Islam to show the same mercy and compassion for the two men as he did for Shourd.
Ali also wrote a letter to Khamenei shortly before Shourd was released, though it was unclear whether it had any effect.
The 69-year-old is the founder of a center for world peace in Louisville, where he grew up and launched a boxing career that included three world heavyweight titles.
His wife, Lonnie Ali, told the AP in a telephone interview from their Arizona home that her husband was asked to intervene by the late John Arum, son of boxing promoter Bob Arum.
John Arum, also a hiker, died on Storm King Mountain in Washington state shortly after he asked Ali to help and before Shourd was released, she said.
Lonnie Ali said her husband has visited Iran twice before, including a trip in the early 1990s where he tried to secure the exchange of prisoners during the Iran-Iraq war.
Story continues below
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She said he would be willing to go to Iran to help secure the hikers' release, but it would depend on his health. Parkinson's Disease has limited his speech and movement.
"Life is sacred; we just want to make sure Muhammad is physically up to such a trip," she said.
Lonnie Ali said Alex Fattel, Josh Fattel's brother, had visited the Alis in Arizona on Tuesday.
"We are deeply grateful to Mr. Ali and the many other people around the world who know that Shane and Josh absolutely do not deserve to be in prison," the families said in a statement released through their spokeswoman, Samantha Topping. "We hope and pray that Iran hears this appeal and responds with compassion. It is time for this nightmare to en
Arum offers Donaire $1M
MANILA, Philippines – Boxing promoter Bob Arum offered to raise Nonito Donaire Jr.’s boxing purse to US$1 million in 6 months in a bid to keep the “Filipino Flash” in his stable.
The development came out amid reports that Donaire is planning to sever his ties with Arum’s Top Rank Inc., the company that has been promoting his recent fights.
"I think that, within six months, yes, Donaire would absolutely get to the million-dollar purse level," Arum said in Examiner.com.
For now, Arum said Top Rank is planning to double Donaire's minimum purse for his next fight.
"His minimum for the next fight is only $250,000, but we will pay him $500,000," he said.
Aside from winning the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization(WBO) titles, Donaire earned a $350,000 fight purse in his 2nd-round technical knockout victory over Mexico’s Fernando Montiel last February.
Arum is working to book Donaire for a May 28 fight against World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight titlist Anselmo Moreno of Panama.
Moreno, however, rejected the $350,000 purse being offered for the Donaire fight.
3 fights in 1 year
Arum earlier insisted that Donaire remains under contract with Top Rank after the Filipino reportedly declared himself a free agent.
The promoter said Donaire's contract with Top Rank will expire on June 26. He added that the contract contains a “12-month extension" clause at Top Rank’s sole discretion.
Donaire’s wife Rachel said his husband is unhappy with the way Top Rank managed his fights.
“It (Top Rank) says three fights a year but look at (boxing website) BoxRec and see his fights for the last three years,” she told Philstar.com.
In 2008, Donaire was only able to fight once against boxer Moruti Mthalane.
The following year, the Filipino clashed against Raul Martinez and Rafael Concepcion.
It was only in 2010 that Donaire was able to fight thrice. These fights were against Manuel Vargas, Hernan Marquez and Wladmir Sidorenko.
No breach of contract
Arum, however, stressed that there was no breach of contract on their part.
"In fact, in the first year, Donaire was suspended twice physically so that twice tolled the contract. Adding in the time we lost it pushes the contract to 2013."
Arum claimed he has already spoken to Donaire's manager Cameron Dunkin, regarding the situation.
"We spoke to Dunkin and he's betwixt and between. He is just caught in the middle. Dunkin understands our position. Dunkin supports our position but he's stuck in the middle," he said.
To resolve the conflict, Arum suggested that Filipino Flash should just stay with the company.
"What this kid has to do now is live up to the contract," he said.
Meanwhile, Donaire is mum on his decision whether he will stay with Top Rank.
He is reportedly being wooed by Top Rank’s direct competitor, Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions (GBP).
MANILA, Philippines – Boxing promoter Bob Arum offered to raise Nonito Donaire Jr.’s boxing purse to US$1 million in 6 months in a bid to keep the “Filipino Flash” in his stable.
The development came out amid reports that Donaire is planning to sever his ties with Arum’s Top Rank Inc., the company that has been promoting his recent fights.
"I think that, within six months, yes, Donaire would absolutely get to the million-dollar purse level," Arum said in Examiner.com.
For now, Arum said Top Rank is planning to double Donaire's minimum purse for his next fight.
"His minimum for the next fight is only $250,000, but we will pay him $500,000," he said.
Aside from winning the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization(WBO) titles, Donaire earned a $350,000 fight purse in his 2nd-round technical knockout victory over Mexico’s Fernando Montiel last February.
Arum is working to book Donaire for a May 28 fight against World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight titlist Anselmo Moreno of Panama.
Moreno, however, rejected the $350,000 purse being offered for the Donaire fight.
3 fights in 1 year
Arum earlier insisted that Donaire remains under contract with Top Rank after the Filipino reportedly declared himself a free agent.
The promoter said Donaire's contract with Top Rank will expire on June 26. He added that the contract contains a “12-month extension" clause at Top Rank’s sole discretion.
Donaire’s wife Rachel said his husband is unhappy with the way Top Rank managed his fights.
“It (Top Rank) says three fights a year but look at (boxing website) BoxRec and see his fights for the last three years,” she told Philstar.com.
In 2008, Donaire was only able to fight once against boxer Moruti Mthalane.
The following year, the Filipino clashed against Raul Martinez and Rafael Concepcion.
It was only in 2010 that Donaire was able to fight thrice. These fights were against Manuel Vargas, Hernan Marquez and Wladmir Sidorenko.
No breach of contract
Arum, however, stressed that there was no breach of contract on their part.
"In fact, in the first year, Donaire was suspended twice physically so that twice tolled the contract. Adding in the time we lost it pushes the contract to 2013."
Arum claimed he has already spoken to Donaire's manager Cameron Dunkin, regarding the situation.
"We spoke to Dunkin and he's betwixt and between. He is just caught in the middle. Dunkin understands our position. Dunkin supports our position but he's stuck in the middle," he said.
To resolve the conflict, Arum suggested that Filipino Flash should just stay with the company.
"What this kid has to do now is live up to the contract," he said.
Meanwhile, Donaire is mum on his decision whether he will stay with Top Rank.
He is reportedly being wooed by Top Rank’s direct competitor, Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions (GBP).
With Manny potentially on his way out, Donaire can keep the US based Asian crowd involved. As well as the people in the Philippines. I think Arum kind of put Donaire in his back pocket for a long time. Look how long it took for him to get his lime light. He should have exceeded as soon as he KO'd Vic. Either Arum didn't have the time to push Donaire to the top, or he simply didn't believe in him. Obviously I don't know what the deal is, but it has to come down to money. Golden Boy was able to offer that.
I think it's Donaire's wife doing the majority of the management anyways. Nonito is there to fight.
I think Abner Mares could give Donaire problems out of all of them.
I think it's Donaire's wife doing the majority of the management anyways. Nonito is there to fight.
I think Abner Mares could give Donaire problems out of all of them.
honestly I think mares is the easiest fight for him at 118 and poses the least threat. Joseph Agbeko is the most awkward, has a tricky style and a tough beard. I bet he would go the distance at least with Donaire and I also bet he beats Mares.
And a lot of people in the Philippines don't like Donaire. I guess it has to do with his public problems with his father and how according to junior, his pops was stealing money from him. His pops denied it, but junior kicked him off his team a while ago. Traditional Filipino's don't like that shit, they'll always side with the parents and they think junior was being disrespectful to his family, etc.
So unfortunately he's kinda got a bad reputation there. There was even a former Congressman or some sort of politician that more or less threatened Nonito of being shot! He wrote some maniac-rant essay type article thrashing donaire. (here is the article: BULLET IS FASTER THAN A SONIC-BOOM PUNCH
I just think he's much more Americanized and the difference of cultures are pretty big. After Pac retires hopefully they'll forget all that though.
And a lot of people in the Philippines don't like Donaire. I guess it has to do with his public problems with his father and how according to junior, his pops was stealing money from him. His pops denied it, but junior kicked him off his team a while ago. Traditional Filipino's don't like that shit, they'll always side with the parents and they think junior was being disrespectful to his family, etc.
So unfortunately he's kinda got a bad reputation there. There was even a former Congressman or some sort of politician that more or less threatened Nonito of being shot! He wrote some maniac-rant essay type article thrashing donaire. (here is the article: BULLET IS FASTER THAN A SONIC-BOOM PUNCH
I just think he's much more Americanized and the difference of cultures are pretty big. After Pac retires hopefully they'll forget all that though.
Hatton - I've beaten my demons
Ricky Hatton has declared himself free from the demons that saw him admitted to rehab for problems with alcohol and depression.
The former two-weight world champion insists he has got his life back together for the first time since walking away from the ring in 2009.
The Hitman was last year stripped of his boxing licence when pictured appearing to snort a white powder.
But now expecting a child with girlfriend Jennifer Dooley, as well as promoting Amir Khan’s homecoming fight against Paul McCloskey next month, Hatton says life couldn’t be better.
“It is common knowledge that I haven't coped very well with retirement, but you need to hit rock bottom before you get yourself back in gear,” said Hatton. “I'm glad it did happen because I feel content now.
“I didn't cope very well with the thought of never having that feeling of having your hand raised and hearing the crowd cheer.
“I watched a clip of my fight with Floyd Mayweather last week – the weigh-in – and it brought a tear to my eye. Every time I see a clip of my flights and the big nights, it's hard knowing that will never happen again. It is heartbreaking.
“I wake up every single morning and miss it.”
Hatton has also revealed that he’s cut back on the booze for the sake of his son, Campbell.
“For a period after the Manny Pacquiao fight I just spent my time sulking and depressed,” he said. “Everybody knows when you're depressed and have a few pints it's not a good mixture.
“Now I am in a good place and I'm enjoying life.”
Ricky Hatton has declared himself free from the demons that saw him admitted to rehab for problems with alcohol and depression.
The former two-weight world champion insists he has got his life back together for the first time since walking away from the ring in 2009.
The Hitman was last year stripped of his boxing licence when pictured appearing to snort a white powder.
But now expecting a child with girlfriend Jennifer Dooley, as well as promoting Amir Khan’s homecoming fight against Paul McCloskey next month, Hatton says life couldn’t be better.
“It is common knowledge that I haven't coped very well with retirement, but you need to hit rock bottom before you get yourself back in gear,” said Hatton. “I'm glad it did happen because I feel content now.
“I didn't cope very well with the thought of never having that feeling of having your hand raised and hearing the crowd cheer.
“I watched a clip of my fight with Floyd Mayweather last week – the weigh-in – and it brought a tear to my eye. Every time I see a clip of my flights and the big nights, it's hard knowing that will never happen again. It is heartbreaking.
“I wake up every single morning and miss it.”
Hatton has also revealed that he’s cut back on the booze for the sake of his son, Campbell.
“For a period after the Manny Pacquiao fight I just spent my time sulking and depressed,” he said. “Everybody knows when you're depressed and have a few pints it's not a good mixture.
“Now I am in a good place and I'm enjoying life.”
Bute focused on Magee but looks forward to even bigger fights
by Michael Rosenthal
Lucian Bute doesn’t want to talk much about the future beyond Saturday night, when he’ll face heavy underdog Brian Magee in a super middleweight fight Saturday before his adopted hometown fans in Montreal.
The blue print for bigger and better things is in place, though.
Bute, who decided not to take part in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, signed a multifight deal with Showtime that puts him in position to face his Super Six rivals in the near future.
That would allow the Romanian-born Canadian the opportunity to take the next step on his steady path toward stardom. He had hoped to fight Mikkel Kessler in this fight but the Dane hadn’t recovered sufficiently from an injury.
“When I signed with Showtime, I knew the big fights were coming up,” he said through a translator on a conference call, “like Kessler and the other guys in the Super Six. I wanted that (Kessler) fight. I thought I would fight him in March but he didn’t heal enough in time after his injury.
“So I had to … get another opponent. And I got the best out there in Brian Magee. Once I defend my title, then we can make a fight with Kessler or anybody else out there.”
Bute (27-0, 22 knockouts) already has made believers out of most observers, plowing through a solid array of opponents with his impressive all-around skills and power. He seems to be more and more dominating in each fight.
He has knocked out his last four opponents and six of his last seven – all in title fights, which is a significant accomplishment.
Thus, it’s no surprise that he has already crept into some Top 10 pound-for-pound lists. That includes the Yahoo! Sports poll, one of the most-respected in the world.
However, he still has much to prove. His victories over the likes of Librado Andrade, Edison Miranda and Sakio Bika are impressive but he must beat the likes of Andre Ward, Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler if he hopes to realize greatness.
Bute has said his goal is to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame one day. He was asked what it would take to get there but said only that wants to take things one step at a time.
That’s probably one reason he has been so successful: steely focus on the task at hand.
“I definitely want to be in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “This day I’m concentrating on Brian Magee and nothing else. I want to give a good performance, to win that fight. And once I get rid of that obstacle on Saturday, I’ll see what else I have to do to advance my career and eventually become a Hall of Famer.”
Bute said he respects Magee, a 35-year-old Irishman who has battled through several disappointments to win British and European titles and go 9-0-1 in his last 10 fights (34-3-1, 24 KOs overall).
He also said that Magee’s offense-minded style will play into his hands.
“I think Brian Magee’s style is perfect, custom-made for me,” said Bute, who will be defending his IBF belt. “I love aggressive fighters who come to fight. Fighters who don’t take a step back are a plus for me. I won’t tell you what my strategy will be.
“I’ll guarantee you he’ll be hurt on Saturday night.”
Then it’s on to those career-defining fights, in which we’ll know with certainly whether Bute is merely a very good fighter or worthy of the Hall of Fame.
“I can’t wait for the Super Six to finish,” he said, “so I can fight the guys available out there.”
by Michael Rosenthal
Lucian Bute doesn’t want to talk much about the future beyond Saturday night, when he’ll face heavy underdog Brian Magee in a super middleweight fight Saturday before his adopted hometown fans in Montreal.
The blue print for bigger and better things is in place, though.
Bute, who decided not to take part in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, signed a multifight deal with Showtime that puts him in position to face his Super Six rivals in the near future.
That would allow the Romanian-born Canadian the opportunity to take the next step on his steady path toward stardom. He had hoped to fight Mikkel Kessler in this fight but the Dane hadn’t recovered sufficiently from an injury.
“When I signed with Showtime, I knew the big fights were coming up,” he said through a translator on a conference call, “like Kessler and the other guys in the Super Six. I wanted that (Kessler) fight. I thought I would fight him in March but he didn’t heal enough in time after his injury.
“So I had to … get another opponent. And I got the best out there in Brian Magee. Once I defend my title, then we can make a fight with Kessler or anybody else out there.”
Bute (27-0, 22 knockouts) already has made believers out of most observers, plowing through a solid array of opponents with his impressive all-around skills and power. He seems to be more and more dominating in each fight.
He has knocked out his last four opponents and six of his last seven – all in title fights, which is a significant accomplishment.
Thus, it’s no surprise that he has already crept into some Top 10 pound-for-pound lists. That includes the Yahoo! Sports poll, one of the most-respected in the world.
However, he still has much to prove. His victories over the likes of Librado Andrade, Edison Miranda and Sakio Bika are impressive but he must beat the likes of Andre Ward, Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler if he hopes to realize greatness.
Bute has said his goal is to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame one day. He was asked what it would take to get there but said only that wants to take things one step at a time.
That’s probably one reason he has been so successful: steely focus on the task at hand.
“I definitely want to be in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “This day I’m concentrating on Brian Magee and nothing else. I want to give a good performance, to win that fight. And once I get rid of that obstacle on Saturday, I’ll see what else I have to do to advance my career and eventually become a Hall of Famer.”
Bute said he respects Magee, a 35-year-old Irishman who has battled through several disappointments to win British and European titles and go 9-0-1 in his last 10 fights (34-3-1, 24 KOs overall).
He also said that Magee’s offense-minded style will play into his hands.
“I think Brian Magee’s style is perfect, custom-made for me,” said Bute, who will be defending his IBF belt. “I love aggressive fighters who come to fight. Fighters who don’t take a step back are a plus for me. I won’t tell you what my strategy will be.
“I’ll guarantee you he’ll be hurt on Saturday night.”
Then it’s on to those career-defining fights, in which we’ll know with certainly whether Bute is merely a very good fighter or worthy of the Hall of Fame.
“I can’t wait for the Super Six to finish,” he said, “so I can fight the guys available out there.”
Who’s next for Juan Manuel Marquez?
By Gerardo Granados: Juan Manuel Marquez is a proven warrior, and might be a candidate for the boxing hall of fame in the future, but for now the WBO – WBA super world lightweight champion is letting time go by like if he was still a youngster; he is old and better not wait too much longer before time expires on his body. Perhaps he plans on a big payday to retire or will keep fighting until a young lion stops him.
Marquez obsession with Congressman Manny Pacman Pacquiao might force him to go up to 147 pounds, problem is that at that weight he is too slow and his power is quite average for a welterweight, meanwhile Pacman has too much speed and power for a welter. Maybe at 140 pounds Marquez would have a better chance to defeat Pacquiao but it is doubtful that the Congressman would agree to fight at that weight. At the end his obsession is to achieve a big payday more than defeating his hatred rival.
For some reason he hates or envies WBC light middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, he keep on criticizing the kid for his title shot and the way he became champion. Marquez should mind his own business instead of criticize the kid, after all it was Marquez who said that boxing is a business and it was a primal reason of why he pulled off an easy fight for him when he was supposed to have agreed to fight against Erik Morales, instead Morales will face Marcos Maidana a young and dangerous lion to prove he is the best Mexican fighter second to the great Julio Cesar Chavez.
Marquez had plans to become the first Mexican fighter to win titles in four weight division, but against who can he achieve this goal and at the same time secure a big check? Amir Khan has the tools to easily pick him apart, so unless he is guaranteed a big purse he wont dispute the WBA Super World light welterweight title. The WBC – WBO light welterweight champion Tim Bradley could benefit himself by adding a big name to his record, the problem would be if this match could sell big pay per view numbers because Marquez by himself can not do it, so it would depend up to Bradley to bring the high ratings that would secure their big purse.
He might try to unify the lightweight division but it would not be an easy task for the veteran, Humberto “Zorrita” Soto (WBC lightweight) and Miguel “Titere” Vazquez (IBF lightweight) are younger than Juan Manuel and also are skilled enough to defeat him, and major problem for Marquez would be that this fights might not guaranteed him a big purse.
To retire and become a full time boxing analyst its not an option for the veteran, so whatever he is up to, he needs to make up his mind soon, he is not getting any younger, maybe he should stop minding others fighters careers and focus on his own career that is coming to an end.
By Gerardo Granados: Juan Manuel Marquez is a proven warrior, and might be a candidate for the boxing hall of fame in the future, but for now the WBO – WBA super world lightweight champion is letting time go by like if he was still a youngster; he is old and better not wait too much longer before time expires on his body. Perhaps he plans on a big payday to retire or will keep fighting until a young lion stops him.
Marquez obsession with Congressman Manny Pacman Pacquiao might force him to go up to 147 pounds, problem is that at that weight he is too slow and his power is quite average for a welterweight, meanwhile Pacman has too much speed and power for a welter. Maybe at 140 pounds Marquez would have a better chance to defeat Pacquiao but it is doubtful that the Congressman would agree to fight at that weight. At the end his obsession is to achieve a big payday more than defeating his hatred rival.
For some reason he hates or envies WBC light middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, he keep on criticizing the kid for his title shot and the way he became champion. Marquez should mind his own business instead of criticize the kid, after all it was Marquez who said that boxing is a business and it was a primal reason of why he pulled off an easy fight for him when he was supposed to have agreed to fight against Erik Morales, instead Morales will face Marcos Maidana a young and dangerous lion to prove he is the best Mexican fighter second to the great Julio Cesar Chavez.
Marquez had plans to become the first Mexican fighter to win titles in four weight division, but against who can he achieve this goal and at the same time secure a big check? Amir Khan has the tools to easily pick him apart, so unless he is guaranteed a big purse he wont dispute the WBA Super World light welterweight title. The WBC – WBO light welterweight champion Tim Bradley could benefit himself by adding a big name to his record, the problem would be if this match could sell big pay per view numbers because Marquez by himself can not do it, so it would depend up to Bradley to bring the high ratings that would secure their big purse.
He might try to unify the lightweight division but it would not be an easy task for the veteran, Humberto “Zorrita” Soto (WBC lightweight) and Miguel “Titere” Vazquez (IBF lightweight) are younger than Juan Manuel and also are skilled enough to defeat him, and major problem for Marquez would be that this fights might not guaranteed him a big purse.
To retire and become a full time boxing analyst its not an option for the veteran, so whatever he is up to, he needs to make up his mind soon, he is not getting any younger, maybe he should stop minding others fighters careers and focus on his own career that is coming to an end.
Still no venue for Froch-Johnson
By Scott Gilfoid: With two months to go before the semifinal fight between WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch and challenger Glen Johnson, the fight still hasn’t found a venue. It’s rumored to be taking place in the United States, but where in the U.S is the big question.
Froch, naturally, wants the fight to take place in his native England, in Nottingham. Johnson if flexible and doesn’t seem to care where it takes place as long as they fight. He might care a lot if he were to fight Froch in England and find himself on the losing end of a questionable decision.
This has already happened with another of Froch’s earlier Super Six tournament bouts against Andre Dirrell in a fight that Froch won by a questionable 12 round split decision. Froch rarely landed anything until the 5th when he began to foul, hold and hit and wrestle Dirrell.
In article at thisisnottingham.co.uk, Froch said “I’ve not heard anything definite yet. It’s getting a bit boring to be honest. I keep hearing this and that, but nothing concrete. The only thing I can say for definite is that I will beat Johnson.”
Froch is the favorite to win because he’s the younger fighter and has been looking good as of late. However, Johnson is much more experienced than Froch and is the better fighter on the inside. Johnson hits just as hard as Froch, but is capable of throwing a lot more punches than the British fighter.
Johnson could end up outworking Froch if he can get in close and stay near him the entire fight. Froch can punch power while on the outside but not on the inside. Froch is very vulnerable in close and loses much of his power when he’s forced to fight at close range.
By Scott Gilfoid: With two months to go before the semifinal fight between WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch and challenger Glen Johnson, the fight still hasn’t found a venue. It’s rumored to be taking place in the United States, but where in the U.S is the big question.
Froch, naturally, wants the fight to take place in his native England, in Nottingham. Johnson if flexible and doesn’t seem to care where it takes place as long as they fight. He might care a lot if he were to fight Froch in England and find himself on the losing end of a questionable decision.
This has already happened with another of Froch’s earlier Super Six tournament bouts against Andre Dirrell in a fight that Froch won by a questionable 12 round split decision. Froch rarely landed anything until the 5th when he began to foul, hold and hit and wrestle Dirrell.
In article at thisisnottingham.co.uk, Froch said “I’ve not heard anything definite yet. It’s getting a bit boring to be honest. I keep hearing this and that, but nothing concrete. The only thing I can say for definite is that I will beat Johnson.”
Froch is the favorite to win because he’s the younger fighter and has been looking good as of late. However, Johnson is much more experienced than Froch and is the better fighter on the inside. Johnson hits just as hard as Froch, but is capable of throwing a lot more punches than the British fighter.
Johnson could end up outworking Froch if he can get in close and stay near him the entire fight. Froch can punch power while on the outside but not on the inside. Froch is very vulnerable in close and loses much of his power when he’s forced to fight at close range.
Donaire is the next best thing once Pac leaves. I know there are a ton of other great Asian fighters out there, but they aren't based in the US. I would think that Golden Boy is trying to bank on that. If Donaire was black for example, I doubt they would be quick to swoop him up. It's marketability.
I like Abner Mares. He's a local guy too, Hawaiian Gardens boxing gym. He's favored over Agbeko. He just does everything really well.
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I like Abner Mares. He's a local guy too, Hawaiian Gardens boxing gym. He's favored over Agbeko. He just does everything really well.
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Vitali says he will knock Haye out early
By William Mackay: WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (41-2, 38 KO’s) doesn’t think WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) wants any part of fighting him. IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko feels the same way about Haye not wanting any part of Vitali. Haye has been totally focused on Wladimir for the past three years and has mostly ignored the steel-chinned Vitali with his targeted criticisms aimed towards Wladimir. The thing is Haye may end up being forced to fight Vitali if Wladimir’s abdominal injury fails to heal by June or July. Vitali will be the one step in for Wladimir to face Haye.
“He [Haye] talks too much. He doesn’t have another option. He had to fight. He put himself in a corner. He understands the risk to lose the fight is very big…He never wants to fight me. I know I will knock him out in the early rounds and Wladimir will beat him badly for all 12 rounds and knock him out in the last round. It will be very painful. I can promise him.”
Let’s be real about this. Haye is simply too small to beat either of the Klitschkos. Haye is like another Eddie Chambers, a small heavyweight who should be fighting at cruiserweight. Haye done well as a heavyweight by being matched selectively against fighters nearing their 40s. If you look at all the guys that Haye has been fighting, he’s been carefully put in with strictly fighters in their late 30s. That’s obviously not an accident.
Haye has got chin issues and had he been put in with someone that can punch like a Samuel Peter or Denis Boytsov, we likely wouldn’t be talking about Haye-Klitschko right now. Haye is just too small at 6’2″ 210 to beat either of the Klitschkos and it’s going to be silly watching him hit air with his occasional pot shot stabs against Wladimir. Haye doesn’t have a jab, and throws wide punches that are going to get him knocked out against Wladimir.
The chances of Haye fighting Vitali are remote at best. Perhaps Vitali will still be interested in fighting Haye after he loses badly to Wladimir, but I can’t see the public demand being there. They might be able to sell a Vitali-Haye fight if it takes place in England, but I can’t see the German public wanting to see the fight after Wladimir destroys Haye.
By William Mackay: WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (41-2, 38 KO’s) doesn’t think WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) wants any part of fighting him. IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko feels the same way about Haye not wanting any part of Vitali. Haye has been totally focused on Wladimir for the past three years and has mostly ignored the steel-chinned Vitali with his targeted criticisms aimed towards Wladimir. The thing is Haye may end up being forced to fight Vitali if Wladimir’s abdominal injury fails to heal by June or July. Vitali will be the one step in for Wladimir to face Haye.
“He [Haye] talks too much. He doesn’t have another option. He had to fight. He put himself in a corner. He understands the risk to lose the fight is very big…He never wants to fight me. I know I will knock him out in the early rounds and Wladimir will beat him badly for all 12 rounds and knock him out in the last round. It will be very painful. I can promise him.”
Let’s be real about this. Haye is simply too small to beat either of the Klitschkos. Haye is like another Eddie Chambers, a small heavyweight who should be fighting at cruiserweight. Haye done well as a heavyweight by being matched selectively against fighters nearing their 40s. If you look at all the guys that Haye has been fighting, he’s been carefully put in with strictly fighters in their late 30s. That’s obviously not an accident.
Haye has got chin issues and had he been put in with someone that can punch like a Samuel Peter or Denis Boytsov, we likely wouldn’t be talking about Haye-Klitschko right now. Haye is just too small at 6’2″ 210 to beat either of the Klitschkos and it’s going to be silly watching him hit air with his occasional pot shot stabs against Wladimir. Haye doesn’t have a jab, and throws wide punches that are going to get him knocked out against Wladimir.
The chances of Haye fighting Vitali are remote at best. Perhaps Vitali will still be interested in fighting Haye after he loses badly to Wladimir, but I can’t see the public demand being there. They might be able to sell a Vitali-Haye fight if it takes place in England, but I can’t see the German public wanting to see the fight after Wladimir destroys Haye.
Degale/Groves Cleverly/Braehmer on May 21st
By Alex Hedges: The London O2 Arena will host a domestic super fight between British Super Middleweights James “Chunky” Degale and George “The Saint” Groves, The Daily Mail has confirmed. The British and Commonwealth titles will be on the line, in a fight which will project the winner onto the world stage.
The Main event will be Nathan Cleverly against Juergen Braehmer for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Heavyweight Title.
By Alex Hedges: The London O2 Arena will host a domestic super fight between British Super Middleweights James “Chunky” Degale and George “The Saint” Groves, The Daily Mail has confirmed. The British and Commonwealth titles will be on the line, in a fight which will project the winner onto the world stage.
The Main event will be Nathan Cleverly against Juergen Braehmer for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Heavyweight Title.
Haye: I want to Wladimir to be completely unconscious
By William Mackay: WBA heavyweight champion David Haye wants to inflict maximum damage in his fight with IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in June or July. Haye isn’t satisfied with just beating up Wladimir; he wants to badly hurt him to the point where he’s out cold.
Haye is hoping that the win will upset Vitali, who won’t like seeing his brother beaten up and will want to get revenge against Haye.
In an article at the dailyexpress.co.uk, Haye said “Conclusively rip his [Wladimir] face to shreds, and I wouldn’t want the referee or the doctor to stop it. I want him to take the 10 count and be completely unconscious. Hopefully, I’ll do the job on Wladimir so his brother, Vitali, gets touchy ad it hits a nerve. No one likes there brother to get bashed up, especially with the beating I’m looking to inflict on Wladimir.”
Boy, it seems like it’s personal with Haye. He must have some real bad blood over the years with the back and forth trash talking that Haye and Wladimir have had with one another. Haye could have gotten this over with a long time ago had he not hurt his back in 2009 when he was signed to fight Wladimir in June of that year. Haye’s back injury caused Wladimir to go in another direction and fight Ruslan Chagae v instead.
Haye might have some problems with Wladimir’s height and reach, not to mention his power as well. Haye can’t fight passively like he did in his narrow 12 round decision over WBA heavyweight champion Nikolay Valuev in 2009 and expect to win.
Wladimir’s jab is much better than Valuev’s, and his movement, hand speed and power is a lot better well. If that had been Wladimir in the ring with Haye on that night, Haye would have lost the fight and never seen the 12th
By William Mackay: WBA heavyweight champion David Haye wants to inflict maximum damage in his fight with IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in June or July. Haye isn’t satisfied with just beating up Wladimir; he wants to badly hurt him to the point where he’s out cold.
Haye is hoping that the win will upset Vitali, who won’t like seeing his brother beaten up and will want to get revenge against Haye.
In an article at the dailyexpress.co.uk, Haye said “Conclusively rip his [Wladimir] face to shreds, and I wouldn’t want the referee or the doctor to stop it. I want him to take the 10 count and be completely unconscious. Hopefully, I’ll do the job on Wladimir so his brother, Vitali, gets touchy ad it hits a nerve. No one likes there brother to get bashed up, especially with the beating I’m looking to inflict on Wladimir.”
Boy, it seems like it’s personal with Haye. He must have some real bad blood over the years with the back and forth trash talking that Haye and Wladimir have had with one another. Haye could have gotten this over with a long time ago had he not hurt his back in 2009 when he was signed to fight Wladimir in June of that year. Haye’s back injury caused Wladimir to go in another direction and fight Ruslan Chagae v instead.
Haye might have some problems with Wladimir’s height and reach, not to mention his power as well. Haye can’t fight passively like he did in his narrow 12 round decision over WBA heavyweight champion Nikolay Valuev in 2009 and expect to win.
Wladimir’s jab is much better than Valuev’s, and his movement, hand speed and power is a lot better well. If that had been Wladimir in the ring with Haye on that night, Haye would have lost the fight and never seen the 12th
Donaire bolts to Golden Boy; Arum vows fight
by Michael Rosenthal
Nonito Donaire’s contract dispute with promoter Bob Arum took a stunning turn today.
The Filipino-American star has signed an exclusive multi-year contract with Golden Boy Promotions, Arum’s arch rival, the Los Angeles-based promotional firm announced in a news release.
However, Arum won’t let Donaire go without a fight.
“Top Rank has a valid contract and we plan to enforce our rights,” Arum told RingTV.com after Golden Boy made its announcement.
Donaire’s side says that Arum has breached their three-year deal because the bantamweight titleholder hasn’t fought three times a year, as stipulated in the contract. Donaire has fought seven times in the past three years.
Arum told examiner.com that he is confident the contract is valid. He said the contract stipulates that it will be extended in the event of medical suspensions, periods during which the boxer is not allowed to fight. Arum said Donaire had several such suspensions.
"In fact, in the first year, Donaire was suspended twice physically so that twice tolled the contract," Arum told the Web site. "Adding in the time we lost it pushes the contract to 2013. …
"What this kid has to do now is live up to the contract.”
Arum said the contract is due to expire on June 26 but added that he has the option of exercising a one-year extension.
Donaire’s side has been unhappy with the manner in which Arum has promoted him.
Most important, the immensely talented fighter was unable to land a truly big fight under Arum until he faced Fernando Montiel last month.
And Donaire was unhappy that Arum offered him the minimum allowed on his contract -- $250,000 – for a proposed fight with Anselmo Moreno after his sensational one-punch knockout of Montiel, against whom he made $350,000.
Arum subsequently raised that offer to $500,000 and said the fighter could reach seven figures, examiner.com reported.
"I think that, within six months, yes Donaire would absolutely get to the million dollar purse level," Arum told the Web site.
Too little too late, apparently.
Attorney John Bailey, who is representing Donaire, was obviously comfortable enough with his client’s legal position to OK a move to Golden Boy.
Bailey was contacted but declined to comment.
Donaire released a statement but made no reference to the dispute over his contract.
"I'm honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team," he said. "I'm going to fight my heart out every time I'm in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see."
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told Yahoo! Sports that his company jumped at the chance to sign Donaire after he received the go-ahead from the company's lawyers.
“Once he declared he was a free agent, we became interested,” Schaefer said. “Who wouldn’t be? I’m not an attorney, but we have a very good legal team and they agreed with Nonito’s legal team and with their position, which paved the way for us to make an offer.”
Meanwhile, Moreno, who reportedly turned down Arum’s offer of $350,000 to fight Donaire, also is being wooed by Golden Boy.
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, confirmed that he has offered the Panamanian bantamweight titleholder a multi-fight contract. He would not provide further details.
Golden Boy also has bantamweight Abner Mares under contract. Mares fights Joseph Agbeko for the championship of Showtime’s bantamweight tournament on April 23.
Donaire would presumably fight Moreno, possibly on May 28 on HBO. Mares could then fight the winner if he beats Agbeko, who is promoted by Don King.
Arum has under contract featherweight stars Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuriorkis Gamboa, fighters Donaire has expressed an interest in facing.
by Michael Rosenthal
Nonito Donaire’s contract dispute with promoter Bob Arum took a stunning turn today.
The Filipino-American star has signed an exclusive multi-year contract with Golden Boy Promotions, Arum’s arch rival, the Los Angeles-based promotional firm announced in a news release.
However, Arum won’t let Donaire go without a fight.
“Top Rank has a valid contract and we plan to enforce our rights,” Arum told RingTV.com after Golden Boy made its announcement.
Donaire’s side says that Arum has breached their three-year deal because the bantamweight titleholder hasn’t fought three times a year, as stipulated in the contract. Donaire has fought seven times in the past three years.
Arum told examiner.com that he is confident the contract is valid. He said the contract stipulates that it will be extended in the event of medical suspensions, periods during which the boxer is not allowed to fight. Arum said Donaire had several such suspensions.
"In fact, in the first year, Donaire was suspended twice physically so that twice tolled the contract," Arum told the Web site. "Adding in the time we lost it pushes the contract to 2013. …
"What this kid has to do now is live up to the contract.”
Arum said the contract is due to expire on June 26 but added that he has the option of exercising a one-year extension.
Donaire’s side has been unhappy with the manner in which Arum has promoted him.
Most important, the immensely talented fighter was unable to land a truly big fight under Arum until he faced Fernando Montiel last month.
And Donaire was unhappy that Arum offered him the minimum allowed on his contract -- $250,000 – for a proposed fight with Anselmo Moreno after his sensational one-punch knockout of Montiel, against whom he made $350,000.
Arum subsequently raised that offer to $500,000 and said the fighter could reach seven figures, examiner.com reported.
"I think that, within six months, yes Donaire would absolutely get to the million dollar purse level," Arum told the Web site.
Too little too late, apparently.
Attorney John Bailey, who is representing Donaire, was obviously comfortable enough with his client’s legal position to OK a move to Golden Boy.
Bailey was contacted but declined to comment.
Donaire released a statement but made no reference to the dispute over his contract.
"I'm honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team," he said. "I'm going to fight my heart out every time I'm in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see."
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told Yahoo! Sports that his company jumped at the chance to sign Donaire after he received the go-ahead from the company's lawyers.
“Once he declared he was a free agent, we became interested,” Schaefer said. “Who wouldn’t be? I’m not an attorney, but we have a very good legal team and they agreed with Nonito’s legal team and with their position, which paved the way for us to make an offer.”
Meanwhile, Moreno, who reportedly turned down Arum’s offer of $350,000 to fight Donaire, also is being wooed by Golden Boy.
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, confirmed that he has offered the Panamanian bantamweight titleholder a multi-fight contract. He would not provide further details.
Golden Boy also has bantamweight Abner Mares under contract. Mares fights Joseph Agbeko for the championship of Showtime’s bantamweight tournament on April 23.
Donaire would presumably fight Moreno, possibly on May 28 on HBO. Mares could then fight the winner if he beats Agbeko, who is promoted by Don King.
Arum has under contract featherweight stars Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuriorkis Gamboa, fighters Donaire has expressed an interest in facing.
Vanes Martirosyan speaks: "It doesn't matter which one"
By Special Report on Doghouse
Undefeated junior middleweight up and comer Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan (28-0, 17KOs) landed in Montreal, Canada, earlier this evening. The 2004 U.S. Olympian is set to face Bladimir Hernandez (18-4 16KOs) on Saturday in a fight that is part of the Lucian Bute versus Brian Magee undercard at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Martirosyan has been out of the ring since June of last year and can't wait to step back inside the squared circle, "It's been a long time coming and I can't wait to get back in the ring. On Saturday I am looking to make a statement."
Following this fight Martirosyan will return to the ring on April 23rd versus Saul Roman (34-8, 29KOs) for the WBC junior middleweight silver belt. With a win there, the Armenian fighter hopes to land a fight versus one of the major players in the division.
"I want to fight any of the champions. It doesn't matter which one," the confident Martirosyan stated. "After these two fights I hope to be in a big fight this summer."
By Special Report on Doghouse
Undefeated junior middleweight up and comer Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan (28-0, 17KOs) landed in Montreal, Canada, earlier this evening. The 2004 U.S. Olympian is set to face Bladimir Hernandez (18-4 16KOs) on Saturday in a fight that is part of the Lucian Bute versus Brian Magee undercard at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Martirosyan has been out of the ring since June of last year and can't wait to step back inside the squared circle, "It's been a long time coming and I can't wait to get back in the ring. On Saturday I am looking to make a statement."
Following this fight Martirosyan will return to the ring on April 23rd versus Saul Roman (34-8, 29KOs) for the WBC junior middleweight silver belt. With a win there, the Armenian fighter hopes to land a fight versus one of the major players in the division.
"I want to fight any of the champions. It doesn't matter which one," the confident Martirosyan stated. "After these two fights I hope to be in a big fight this summer."
Victor Ortiz: They say I have no heart, balls, but I'll take Andre Berto's belt Cont
by Michael Marley
You think boxing can be a tension convention only in the dressing rooms and in the corners on fight night?
Actually, there's a lot of angst to go around whenever a big fight is in the works and an example of same was exhibited Wednesday at a presser to hype WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto's April 16 MGM Grand at Foxwoods title defense against No. 5 contender, Vicious Victor Ortiz.
Ortiz manager Rolando Arrellano was all nerved up which is odd since he was a Ferocious Fernando Vargas handler for a long time so it's not his first rodeo, as we say.
Not once but four times while speaking at The Palm podium Arrellano looked at Berto and referred to him nervously as "Andre Ward."
Of course, the super middleweight king is 30 pounds heavier than the two skilled welterweights.
Berto appeared to be trying to get into Ortiz's head by making reference to the Oxnard, California, fighter's travails in the ring against Marcos Maidana.
Berto denied the head jab.
"This is nothing to play with and, if you're not ready, it can bite you in the ass," the undefeated Florida fighter said.
"I wanted to remind him how hard this game can be and, while he'stepping up to the plate, I know how I handled adversity. He handled adversity differently, meaning he quit.
"I'm a whole different breed of fighter, I hit harder, I am faster and I am smarter than Marcos Maidana."
To his credit, Ortiz answered his many critics who have questioned his valor.
"I feel like, sometimes...like a piece of gum on the bottom of somebody's shoes," Ortiz said. "I am glad to know that.
"Andre Berto is no joke, he is champ for a reason. But, on April 16, I will change that.
"I'm tired of it all, (saying) I have no heart, no balls...well the list goes on. But I'm not sacred of anything and I'm bringing the belt home."
If nothing else, Vicious Victor is viciously honest. I tried hard not to like him, based on hearsay, but he is likely the most self-honest fighter extant.
You can't blame a young man for leading with his hear
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Victor Ortiz: They say I have no heart, balls, but I'll take Andre Berto's belt - National Boxing | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-n...ut-i-ll-take-andre-berto-s-belt#ixzz1GtUQtRDB
by Michael Marley
You think boxing can be a tension convention only in the dressing rooms and in the corners on fight night?
Actually, there's a lot of angst to go around whenever a big fight is in the works and an example of same was exhibited Wednesday at a presser to hype WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto's April 16 MGM Grand at Foxwoods title defense against No. 5 contender, Vicious Victor Ortiz.
Ortiz manager Rolando Arrellano was all nerved up which is odd since he was a Ferocious Fernando Vargas handler for a long time so it's not his first rodeo, as we say.
Not once but four times while speaking at The Palm podium Arrellano looked at Berto and referred to him nervously as "Andre Ward."
Of course, the super middleweight king is 30 pounds heavier than the two skilled welterweights.
Berto appeared to be trying to get into Ortiz's head by making reference to the Oxnard, California, fighter's travails in the ring against Marcos Maidana.
Berto denied the head jab.
"This is nothing to play with and, if you're not ready, it can bite you in the ass," the undefeated Florida fighter said.
"I wanted to remind him how hard this game can be and, while he'stepping up to the plate, I know how I handled adversity. He handled adversity differently, meaning he quit.
"I'm a whole different breed of fighter, I hit harder, I am faster and I am smarter than Marcos Maidana."
To his credit, Ortiz answered his many critics who have questioned his valor.
"I feel like, sometimes...like a piece of gum on the bottom of somebody's shoes," Ortiz said. "I am glad to know that.
"Andre Berto is no joke, he is champ for a reason. But, on April 16, I will change that.
"I'm tired of it all, (saying) I have no heart, no balls...well the list goes on. But I'm not sacred of anything and I'm bringing the belt home."
If nothing else, Vicious Victor is viciously honest. I tried hard not to like him, based on hearsay, but he is likely the most self-honest fighter extant.
You can't blame a young man for leading with his hear
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Victor Ortiz: They say I have no heart, balls, but I'll take Andre Berto's belt - National Boxing | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-n...ut-i-ll-take-andre-berto-s-belt#ixzz1GtUQtRDB
Haye admires the way Dirrell fights without getting hit, plans on not getting hit aga
By Scott Gilfoid: Well, it looks like WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) is a big admirer of the defensive talent of super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell, who’s special performances against Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch has caught Haye’s eye in Dirrell’s fights in the Super Six tournament. Haye not only plans on using Dirrell to help his fighter George Groves get ready for what appears to be a hopeless fight against British super middleweight champion James DeGale on May 21st, but Haye seems to be interested in picking up some of Dirrell’s amazing talents in Haye’s upcoming fight against IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s) in June or July.
Haye, speaking on his social media twitter site, said “Andre is incredibly quick and agile for a tall guy, and he knows hoe to use every inch of the ring. He is always looking to set traps on his opponents and make them pay for any mistakes they might make. I like the way he takes boxing back to the art of hitting and not getting hit, as that’s something I’ll have to keep in mind when meeting Klitschko this summer.”
Haye imitating Dirrell? Haye can’t do what Dirrell does in the ring. Dirrell is like a valuable diamond, and Haye, even if he mimicked him to the tee, he’d still be like one of those fake diamonds that don’t have much value. What Dirrell does in the ring can only be reproduced by a small amount of fighters. I’ve seen a few in my lifetime. Floyd Mayweather Jr, Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones and Sugar Ray Robinson are the only fighters that I’ve seen with skills similar to Dirrell. Haye can’t be like Dirrell or use his same kinds of moves for the Klitschko bout, because he’s too upper body heavy, with too much useless muscle for his legs to carry around. Dirrell is light on his feet, whereas Haye moves around kind of sluggishly, like a weight lifer doing calisthenics.
By Scott Gilfoid: Well, it looks like WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) is a big admirer of the defensive talent of super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell, who’s special performances against Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch has caught Haye’s eye in Dirrell’s fights in the Super Six tournament. Haye not only plans on using Dirrell to help his fighter George Groves get ready for what appears to be a hopeless fight against British super middleweight champion James DeGale on May 21st, but Haye seems to be interested in picking up some of Dirrell’s amazing talents in Haye’s upcoming fight against IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s) in June or July.
Haye, speaking on his social media twitter site, said “Andre is incredibly quick and agile for a tall guy, and he knows hoe to use every inch of the ring. He is always looking to set traps on his opponents and make them pay for any mistakes they might make. I like the way he takes boxing back to the art of hitting and not getting hit, as that’s something I’ll have to keep in mind when meeting Klitschko this summer.”
Haye imitating Dirrell? Haye can’t do what Dirrell does in the ring. Dirrell is like a valuable diamond, and Haye, even if he mimicked him to the tee, he’d still be like one of those fake diamonds that don’t have much value. What Dirrell does in the ring can only be reproduced by a small amount of fighters. I’ve seen a few in my lifetime. Floyd Mayweather Jr, Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones and Sugar Ray Robinson are the only fighters that I’ve seen with skills similar to Dirrell. Haye can’t be like Dirrell or use his same kinds of moves for the Klitschko bout, because he’s too upper body heavy, with too much useless muscle for his legs to carry around. Dirrell is light on his feet, whereas Haye moves around kind of sluggishly, like a weight lifer doing calisthenics.
Price vs. McDermott in the summer for British title elminator
By Sean McDaniel: Big John McDermott (26-7, 17 KO’s) will be battling 6’8″ former British Olympian David Price (9-0, 7 KO’s) this summer in a British heavyweight title eliminator with the winner to face the upcoming match-up between the current British champion Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury. When the smoke clears from these two fights, we could potentially have a match-up between two giant heavyweights with the 6’8″ Price facing the 6’9″ Fury. However, there’s also a good chance that Fury will lose to Chisora and Price will be tripped up by McDermott.
Price, 27, previously captured the bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics. He’s done well as a pro against the limited opposition he’s been put in with. In his last fight in February, Price stopped former Corrie Sanders conqueror Osborne Machimana in the 3rd round of a one-sided fight. Price has excellent power and a good assortment of shots. However, the knock on Price is that he has a weak chin, and fails to protect himself by staying the outside. Price fights a lot like Enzo Maccarinelli, the former WBO cruiserweight champion who has a tendency to negate his 6’4″ height by standing close to his opponents looking to throw to the body with hooks. Price is very hittable and could be in trouble against the hard hitting McDermott.
McDermott has lost two fights a piece to Danny Williams and Fury in the past three years. McDermott fought well in all of the fights but has come up short each time.
By Sean McDaniel: Big John McDermott (26-7, 17 KO’s) will be battling 6’8″ former British Olympian David Price (9-0, 7 KO’s) this summer in a British heavyweight title eliminator with the winner to face the upcoming match-up between the current British champion Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury. When the smoke clears from these two fights, we could potentially have a match-up between two giant heavyweights with the 6’8″ Price facing the 6’9″ Fury. However, there’s also a good chance that Fury will lose to Chisora and Price will be tripped up by McDermott.
Price, 27, previously captured the bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics. He’s done well as a pro against the limited opposition he’s been put in with. In his last fight in February, Price stopped former Corrie Sanders conqueror Osborne Machimana in the 3rd round of a one-sided fight. Price has excellent power and a good assortment of shots. However, the knock on Price is that he has a weak chin, and fails to protect himself by staying the outside. Price fights a lot like Enzo Maccarinelli, the former WBO cruiserweight champion who has a tendency to negate his 6’4″ height by standing close to his opponents looking to throw to the body with hooks. Price is very hittable and could be in trouble against the hard hitting McDermott.
McDermott has lost two fights a piece to Danny Williams and Fury in the past three years. McDermott fought well in all of the fights but has come up short each time.