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Schaefer: Khan will be the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world
By William Mackay: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer believes that his fighter WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KO’s) will soon by the number #1 pound-for-pound fighter in boxing. Khan, unfortunately, has yet to prove that he’s even the best fighter in the light welterweight division, let alone the number pound for pound fighter in the world. Khan looked basically on the same level as Marcos Maidana in their fight – no better, no worse.
And Khan’s performance against Paul McCloskey in April was the opposite of a pound-for-pound fighter in my estimation. It was more like a struggling contender rather than a championship level performance from Khan. After beating the little known, weak/slow punching McCloskey, Khan is stepping it up again, this time for a fight against IBF light welterweight champion Zab Judah (41-6, 28 KO’s) on July 23 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Schaefer said this at their press conference on Wednesday: “Mark my words, Amir will be the best pound for pound fighter in the world.”
Interesting. I guess Schaefer is talking about in three or more years after Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao both hang up the gloves, because there is no way that Khan will be the number #1 guy with either of those fighters still around.
Judah said this yesterday: “Amir can deal with a loss right now. It’s Super Judah time.”
Judah is right. Khan’s career will likely not be slowed down with a loss to Judah. Khan can simply go back to fighting carefully picked opposition until he wins a paper title against someone like welterweight champions Jan Zaveck or Vyacheslav Senchenko. I can’t see Khan staying at light welterweight if Judah knocks him cold, because there would be too many road blocks for Khan picking up an easy title. Khan wouldn’t fight Judah again if he gets knocked out, because Khan seems reluctant to try and avenge his defeats. He also probably wouldn’t want to take on WBC/WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley following a loss to Judah because a defeat at the hands of Bradley would huge a tremendous setback for Khan. Two defeats in a single year would put Khan back at least two years in his development.
By William Mackay: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer believes that his fighter WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KO’s) will soon by the number #1 pound-for-pound fighter in boxing. Khan, unfortunately, has yet to prove that he’s even the best fighter in the light welterweight division, let alone the number pound for pound fighter in the world. Khan looked basically on the same level as Marcos Maidana in their fight – no better, no worse.
And Khan’s performance against Paul McCloskey in April was the opposite of a pound-for-pound fighter in my estimation. It was more like a struggling contender rather than a championship level performance from Khan. After beating the little known, weak/slow punching McCloskey, Khan is stepping it up again, this time for a fight against IBF light welterweight champion Zab Judah (41-6, 28 KO’s) on July 23 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Schaefer said this at their press conference on Wednesday: “Mark my words, Amir will be the best pound for pound fighter in the world.”
Interesting. I guess Schaefer is talking about in three or more years after Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao both hang up the gloves, because there is no way that Khan will be the number #1 guy with either of those fighters still around.
Judah said this yesterday: “Amir can deal with a loss right now. It’s Super Judah time.”
Judah is right. Khan’s career will likely not be slowed down with a loss to Judah. Khan can simply go back to fighting carefully picked opposition until he wins a paper title against someone like welterweight champions Jan Zaveck or Vyacheslav Senchenko. I can’t see Khan staying at light welterweight if Judah knocks him cold, because there would be too many road blocks for Khan picking up an easy title. Khan wouldn’t fight Judah again if he gets knocked out, because Khan seems reluctant to try and avenge his defeats. He also probably wouldn’t want to take on WBC/WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley following a loss to Judah because a defeat at the hands of Bradley would huge a tremendous setback for Khan. Two defeats in a single year would put Khan back at least two years in his development.
Ortiz not impressed with Mayweather’s fighting style
By Jason Kim: WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) isn’t impressed with the fighting style of unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KO’s), who the young 24-year-old Ortiz will be fighting on September 17th. Ortiz is likely going to be a heavy underdog in this fight because he’s facing someone with much more experience as well as technical ability.
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Ortiz said “Mayweather’s quick, he’s a great fighter, but I’ve never been that impressed with his style.”
Ortiz is likely pointing to Mayweather’s pot shot style of fighting, which usually results in him picking his opponents apart from the outside with fast laser like shots. Unlike Ortiz, Mayweather doesn’t have huge power nor does he throw a lot of punches. Mayweather also doesn’t like to get hit and tends to move a lot with his upper body to keep from getting tagged. He’s the opposite of Ortiz with his fighting style. It’s a style that is effective for Mayweather now because of his quick hands and his youth. However, it’s a style that may not work once Mayweather starts to lose his hand speed and reflexes, because he won’t have the power and the work rate to fall back on once his speed is gone.
Ortiz may be an underdog in this fight but with his speed, power, work rate, southpaw stance and youth, he’s going to be a lot bigger problem for Mayweather than any other opponent that Mayweather has fought in many years. The last opponent that gave Mayweather problems was Oscar De La Hoya back in 2007. However, Ortiz is a much bigger problem for Mayweather than De La Hoya, because of Ortiz’s speed, power and work rate. De La Hoya could punch but didn’t have the power that Ortiz has, and by the time that De La Hoya fought Mayweather, De La Hoya was already at the very end of his career and not the same fighter he once was.
By Jason Kim: WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) isn’t impressed with the fighting style of unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KO’s), who the young 24-year-old Ortiz will be fighting on September 17th. Ortiz is likely going to be a heavy underdog in this fight because he’s facing someone with much more experience as well as technical ability.
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Ortiz said “Mayweather’s quick, he’s a great fighter, but I’ve never been that impressed with his style.”
Ortiz is likely pointing to Mayweather’s pot shot style of fighting, which usually results in him picking his opponents apart from the outside with fast laser like shots. Unlike Ortiz, Mayweather doesn’t have huge power nor does he throw a lot of punches. Mayweather also doesn’t like to get hit and tends to move a lot with his upper body to keep from getting tagged. He’s the opposite of Ortiz with his fighting style. It’s a style that is effective for Mayweather now because of his quick hands and his youth. However, it’s a style that may not work once Mayweather starts to lose his hand speed and reflexes, because he won’t have the power and the work rate to fall back on once his speed is gone.
Ortiz may be an underdog in this fight but with his speed, power, work rate, southpaw stance and youth, he’s going to be a lot bigger problem for Mayweather than any other opponent that Mayweather has fought in many years. The last opponent that gave Mayweather problems was Oscar De La Hoya back in 2007. However, Ortiz is a much bigger problem for Mayweather than De La Hoya, because of Ortiz’s speed, power and work rate. De La Hoya could punch but didn’t have the power that Ortiz has, and by the time that De La Hoya fought Mayweather, De La Hoya was already at the very end of his career and not the same fighter he once was.
By Jason Kim: WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) isn’t impresse
By Dan Ambrose: Soon to be 38-year-old Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO’s) has opted for a very safe tune-up bout against super featherweight contender Likar Ramos (24-3, 18 KO’s) on July 16th at a still to be determined venue in Mexico. Marquez had been trying to get a fight against former IBF lightweight champion David Diaz. However, Diaz wasn’t happy with the money that was being offered to him to take the fight.
Marquez could have then taken on a quality contender but he seemed unwilling to take the risk that he could possibly lose the tune-up bout, which would ruin any chances for Marquez to get a huge money fight against Manny Pacquiao on November 12th. Marquez is already signed on for a fight against Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, since Marquez hadn’t fought since beating Michael Katsidis last November in a 9th round stoppage, Marquez wanted to get at least one fight in before he takes on Pacquiao.
Marquez wanted a southpaw and has got one with Ramos. But Ramos isn’t anything near the level of quality that Pacquiao is, making this fight merely a useless payday for Marquez rather than a fight where he can actually get something from the bout to get him ready for the Pacquiao fight. In the big picture, it probably doesn’t matter who Marquez fights. He doesn’t stand a chance against Pacquiao at this point in his career because he’s a little too old now and the fight is taking place at welterweight. Marquez already showed that he’s painfully slow at welterweight in his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2009.
Ramos has basically fought mostly 2nd and 3rd tier opposition his entire six year pro career. He stepped it up a level in beating Ernesto Morales and Angel Granados in 2009. However, in 2010, Ramos was easily beaten by Jorge Solis in a failed attempted to capture the WBA super featherweight interim title. Since then, Ramos has gone back to fighting 3rd tier opposition and has won his last three fights. Ramos is currently ranked number #3 by the WBA in the super featherweight division.
By Dan Ambrose: Soon to be 38-year-old Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO’s) has opted for a very safe tune-up bout against super featherweight contender Likar Ramos (24-3, 18 KO’s) on July 16th at a still to be determined venue in Mexico. Marquez had been trying to get a fight against former IBF lightweight champion David Diaz. However, Diaz wasn’t happy with the money that was being offered to him to take the fight.
Marquez could have then taken on a quality contender but he seemed unwilling to take the risk that he could possibly lose the tune-up bout, which would ruin any chances for Marquez to get a huge money fight against Manny Pacquiao on November 12th. Marquez is already signed on for a fight against Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, since Marquez hadn’t fought since beating Michael Katsidis last November in a 9th round stoppage, Marquez wanted to get at least one fight in before he takes on Pacquiao.
Marquez wanted a southpaw and has got one with Ramos. But Ramos isn’t anything near the level of quality that Pacquiao is, making this fight merely a useless payday for Marquez rather than a fight where he can actually get something from the bout to get him ready for the Pacquiao fight. In the big picture, it probably doesn’t matter who Marquez fights. He doesn’t stand a chance against Pacquiao at this point in his career because he’s a little too old now and the fight is taking place at welterweight. Marquez already showed that he’s painfully slow at welterweight in his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2009.
Ramos has basically fought mostly 2nd and 3rd tier opposition his entire six year pro career. He stepped it up a level in beating Ernesto Morales and Angel Granados in 2009. However, in 2010, Ramos was easily beaten by Jorge Solis in a failed attempted to capture the WBA super featherweight interim title. Since then, Ramos has gone back to fighting 3rd tier opposition and has won his last three fights. Ramos is currently ranked number #3 by the WBA in the super featherweight division.
Amir Khan set to star in unofficial junior-welterweight tournament
Recent boxing tournaments have been plagued by injuries, cancellations and delays -- see Showtime's appreciated but flawed efforts to crown a unified super-middleweight and bantamweight champion.
Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, is scripting something similar in the talented junior-welterweight division without daring to label the series of fights a tournament.
"You don't need to make it a tournament with the fighters we have in this division," Schaefer said.
The action starts July 23 with England's World Boxing Assn. champ Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KOs) fighting International Boxing Federation champ Zab Judah (40-6, 28 KOs) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale Thursday for the bout to be televised by HBO.
Khan was in deep negotiations to fight Palm Springs' unbeaten world champion Timothy Bradley, but Bradley, in the midst of rocky talks to stage a final bout with his promoter Gary Shaw, declined to accept a $1.4-million pay day for Khan that could ultimately be inflated down the road.
"He has to deal with his issues," Schaefer said of Bradley. "We'll have Amir fight again in November-December, and we're still open to it if Bradley is."
Schaefer is in the process of finalizing another bout that could serve as a preliminary for the Khan-Judah winner, telling The Times he's planning an appetizing Robert Guerrero-Marcos Maidana junior-welterweight fight at San Jose's HP Pavilion Aug. 27. Guerrero's from nearby Gilroy.
Schaefer also promotes Erik Morales and Lucas Matthysse in the division.
At a news conference Wednesday at the downtown ESPN Zone, Khan dismissed the 33-year-old Judah's contention that the Brit is "not ready" for such a significant mental challenge from the skilled New Yorker.
"I have heart, speed and power," said Khan, who beat Maidana in what was the 2010 fight of the year. "I'll be even better against this guy [Judah]. He can't deal with me. I'll knock him out. I love fighting. I want to win titles. This guy [Judah] has a title I can get because Tim Bradley chickened out."
Bradley might move to welterweight for his final bout with Shaw.
"I'll still fight him and I'll knock him out," Khan said.
Let the tournament begin.
Recent boxing tournaments have been plagued by injuries, cancellations and delays -- see Showtime's appreciated but flawed efforts to crown a unified super-middleweight and bantamweight champion.
Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, is scripting something similar in the talented junior-welterweight division without daring to label the series of fights a tournament.
"You don't need to make it a tournament with the fighters we have in this division," Schaefer said.
The action starts July 23 with England's World Boxing Assn. champ Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KOs) fighting International Boxing Federation champ Zab Judah (40-6, 28 KOs) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale Thursday for the bout to be televised by HBO.
Khan was in deep negotiations to fight Palm Springs' unbeaten world champion Timothy Bradley, but Bradley, in the midst of rocky talks to stage a final bout with his promoter Gary Shaw, declined to accept a $1.4-million pay day for Khan that could ultimately be inflated down the road.
"He has to deal with his issues," Schaefer said of Bradley. "We'll have Amir fight again in November-December, and we're still open to it if Bradley is."
Schaefer is in the process of finalizing another bout that could serve as a preliminary for the Khan-Judah winner, telling The Times he's planning an appetizing Robert Guerrero-Marcos Maidana junior-welterweight fight at San Jose's HP Pavilion Aug. 27. Guerrero's from nearby Gilroy.
Schaefer also promotes Erik Morales and Lucas Matthysse in the division.
At a news conference Wednesday at the downtown ESPN Zone, Khan dismissed the 33-year-old Judah's contention that the Brit is "not ready" for such a significant mental challenge from the skilled New Yorker.
"I have heart, speed and power," said Khan, who beat Maidana in what was the 2010 fight of the year. "I'll be even better against this guy [Judah]. He can't deal with me. I'll knock him out. I love fighting. I want to win titles. This guy [Judah] has a title I can get because Tim Bradley chickened out."
Bradley might move to welterweight for his final bout with Shaw.
"I'll still fight him and I'll knock him out," Khan said.
Let the tournament begin.
Luis Collazo Official Update - Inked by Golden Boy
GOLDEN BOY INKS LUIS COLLAZO
FORMER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION READY
TO REGAIN HIS WORLD TITLE
LOS ANGELES, June 8 - Already home to a roster of the best boxers in the world, Golden Boy Promotions is proud to announce the latest addition to its team, former Welterweight World Champion Luis Collazo, who today signed an exclusive promotional agreement with the Los Angeles based boxing promoter.
"Luis Collazo has been a well-kept secret for too long," said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. "He's a talented former world champion who has fought some of boxing's best and is eager to regain his crown. We will make sure he gets every opportunity to shine in the coming years."
"I'm honored to be a part of the best team in boxing and now I finally have a chance to show the world what I can do in the ring," said Collazo. "I'm hungrier and better than ever and I'm not gonna stop until I'm back on top of the welterweight division."
A proud native of Brooklyn, New York, Collazo (31-4, 16 KO's) is a talented southpaw who, at 30, is reaching his prime as a boxer. A longtime amateur standout, Collazo turned professional in 2000, and by 2005, he was a World Champion after defeating Jose Antonio Rivera for the WBA Welterweight World Title. Since that bout, Collazo has won five of eight bouts, with close decision losses to former World Champions Ricky Hatton and Andre Berto during that span being among the most controversial in recent years, as many observers believe that Collazo had done more than enough to win both. Following nearly two years off from the ring, Collazo returned in April of 2011 with a third round technical knockout over Franklin Gonzalez and now he's ready for bigger and better things with the Golden Boy Promotions team behind him.
GOLDEN BOY INKS LUIS COLLAZO
FORMER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION READY
TO REGAIN HIS WORLD TITLE
LOS ANGELES, June 8 - Already home to a roster of the best boxers in the world, Golden Boy Promotions is proud to announce the latest addition to its team, former Welterweight World Champion Luis Collazo, who today signed an exclusive promotional agreement with the Los Angeles based boxing promoter.
"Luis Collazo has been a well-kept secret for too long," said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. "He's a talented former world champion who has fought some of boxing's best and is eager to regain his crown. We will make sure he gets every opportunity to shine in the coming years."
"I'm honored to be a part of the best team in boxing and now I finally have a chance to show the world what I can do in the ring," said Collazo. "I'm hungrier and better than ever and I'm not gonna stop until I'm back on top of the welterweight division."
A proud native of Brooklyn, New York, Collazo (31-4, 16 KO's) is a talented southpaw who, at 30, is reaching his prime as a boxer. A longtime amateur standout, Collazo turned professional in 2000, and by 2005, he was a World Champion after defeating Jose Antonio Rivera for the WBA Welterweight World Title. Since that bout, Collazo has won five of eight bouts, with close decision losses to former World Champions Ricky Hatton and Andre Berto during that span being among the most controversial in recent years, as many observers believe that Collazo had done more than enough to win both. Following nearly two years off from the ring, Collazo returned in April of 2011 with a third round technical knockout over Franklin Gonzalez and now he's ready for bigger and better things with the Golden Boy Promotions team behind him.
THE GHOST” TO FACE MARCOS MAIDANA
New York, NY- Former featherweight and super featherweight (126 & 130 lbs) champ, Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero (29-1-1 18 KOs) looks to make his debut at Jr. welterweight (140 lbs) against Marcos ‘El Chino’ Maidana (30-2 27 KOs) by the end of the summer. The Gilroy, CA native will likely fight in San Jose in August according to Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaffer.
YOU CAN ALMOST SMELL GARLIC IN SAN JOSE
Fittingly, San Jose, CA is less than a half hour away from Guerrero’s hometown of Gilroy, aka the Garlic capital of the world. Robert will attempt to spice up his career by moving up to take on the hard-hitting Maidana, who’s fresh off a victory against EriK Morales.
GUERRERO ABANDONS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE SHOT
In Guerrero’s last fight he took on the dangerously aggressive style of Michael Katsidis at lightweight (135 lb). The bout was competitive although Robert did enough to clearly win the decision against his game opponent. Katsidis may have been seen as a step up from previous lightweight bouts with Joel Casamayor and Vincente Escobedo, although Casamayor also beat Katsidis by TKO in 2008. It is clear that Guerrero possesses the goods to compete with the top lightweights, but in order to get the best fights available, the Jr. welterweight division is where it’s at.
DID “GHOST” GET KHAN BLESSING?
Although Guerrero was floated around as a possible opponent for Amir Khan, it appears that team Khan wasn’t excited about Robert. Khan cited that he wouldn’t get much credit for a win and didn’t have much to gain by beating him. If Guerrero can put forth a compelling effort against Maidana, he will have gained more exposure and experience and can likely get his shot at Khan down the road. Maidana isn’t a pushover, so it would be a notable accomplishment if he can decisively defeat the Argentinean at 140.
MARCOS A SOLID TEST FOR GUERRERO
I’m leaning toward Guerrero pulling off the victory here using superior boxing skill but I won’t expect it to be easy. The good thing about Guerrero winning is the fact that he will then be able to add to the mix of the highly talented and entertaining Jr. welterweight (140) division, laying down a path for bigger fights in there for the near future. As a fighter, Maidana is certainly more of a test than a student but if Guerrero can pass, he will have graduated near the top of his class.
New York, NY- Former featherweight and super featherweight (126 & 130 lbs) champ, Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero (29-1-1 18 KOs) looks to make his debut at Jr. welterweight (140 lbs) against Marcos ‘El Chino’ Maidana (30-2 27 KOs) by the end of the summer. The Gilroy, CA native will likely fight in San Jose in August according to Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaffer.
YOU CAN ALMOST SMELL GARLIC IN SAN JOSE
Fittingly, San Jose, CA is less than a half hour away from Guerrero’s hometown of Gilroy, aka the Garlic capital of the world. Robert will attempt to spice up his career by moving up to take on the hard-hitting Maidana, who’s fresh off a victory against EriK Morales.
GUERRERO ABANDONS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE SHOT
In Guerrero’s last fight he took on the dangerously aggressive style of Michael Katsidis at lightweight (135 lb). The bout was competitive although Robert did enough to clearly win the decision against his game opponent. Katsidis may have been seen as a step up from previous lightweight bouts with Joel Casamayor and Vincente Escobedo, although Casamayor also beat Katsidis by TKO in 2008. It is clear that Guerrero possesses the goods to compete with the top lightweights, but in order to get the best fights available, the Jr. welterweight division is where it’s at.
DID “GHOST” GET KHAN BLESSING?
Although Guerrero was floated around as a possible opponent for Amir Khan, it appears that team Khan wasn’t excited about Robert. Khan cited that he wouldn’t get much credit for a win and didn’t have much to gain by beating him. If Guerrero can put forth a compelling effort against Maidana, he will have gained more exposure and experience and can likely get his shot at Khan down the road. Maidana isn’t a pushover, so it would be a notable accomplishment if he can decisively defeat the Argentinean at 140.
MARCOS A SOLID TEST FOR GUERRERO
I’m leaning toward Guerrero pulling off the victory here using superior boxing skill but I won’t expect it to be easy. The good thing about Guerrero winning is the fact that he will then be able to add to the mix of the highly talented and entertaining Jr. welterweight (140) division, laying down a path for bigger fights in there for the near future. As a fighter, Maidana is certainly more of a test than a student but if Guerrero can pass, he will have graduated near the top of his class.
Why Mayweather Jr is special
By Babatis Banda: Floyd Mayweather Junior is an accomplished sports person. He is also a very controversial, outspoken and if you like, very cocky individual. He is a typical love or hate character who like Ali, is full of confidence and does not mince his words when it comes to what he feels about his opponents.
Personally, I can’t imagine a cool, meek successful Floyd. So, what makes this young man special?
First, unlike many other fighters today, Floyd is lively, controversial and brings back the Ali atmosphere to his fights. He knows how to unravel his opponents before they even step in the ring. He makes his opposition doubt itself before he even throws a punch. Above all, Floyd is special in that he possesses skill that is agreed by pundits to be almost flawless and rare too, he makes the above average fighter look ordinary and makes it look so easy in the ring. Just like Sugar Ray Leonard was, he is not the brutal fighter that uses strength to overwhelm opponents; rather, Floyd uses speed and sheer brains complimented by rare ability to overpower otherwise more powerful opponents than he is through unrivaled skill.
Floyd fights smarter, he does not brawl or senselessly force the action, and he is measured in his approach. It is important to note that Floyd until now, is the freshest of all the accomplished boxers, he does not take punishment to win fights, but he outwits his fore by intelligently adjusting to their style and throwing their mistakes back at them. I believe that is real boxing, it separates the ordinary boxer that uses other illegal means to gain physic and power to overwhelm opponents. Skill is almost inborn, you can learn only to a certain extent, but the rest has to come naturally. Boxing is the art of fighting and Floyd paints it in its real bright colours. Having said this, hardly expect Floyd to cut and maim his opponents like the power based fighters do, he boxes and outwits them enough to get the result.
Now, here is my concern. Floyd has the luxury, unlike many boxers, of fighting either once a year or not at all, and still remains extremely popular. Floyd is aging and I have noticed that he has graduated from the ambitious, tenacious young fighter he once was, to a more mature but accomplished fighter only interested on remaining in the spot light. He is not hungry for achievement any more, he has already achieved, but his concern is not to let another bull move into his marked territory. Age, like any other fighter will affect him soon while inactivity might work against him in the immediate future. We should enjoy this rare skill while it lasts, because it comes once in a life time. No one alive today, does it the way he does because he is special.
By Babatis Banda: Floyd Mayweather Junior is an accomplished sports person. He is also a very controversial, outspoken and if you like, very cocky individual. He is a typical love or hate character who like Ali, is full of confidence and does not mince his words when it comes to what he feels about his opponents.
Personally, I can’t imagine a cool, meek successful Floyd. So, what makes this young man special?
First, unlike many other fighters today, Floyd is lively, controversial and brings back the Ali atmosphere to his fights. He knows how to unravel his opponents before they even step in the ring. He makes his opposition doubt itself before he even throws a punch. Above all, Floyd is special in that he possesses skill that is agreed by pundits to be almost flawless and rare too, he makes the above average fighter look ordinary and makes it look so easy in the ring. Just like Sugar Ray Leonard was, he is not the brutal fighter that uses strength to overwhelm opponents; rather, Floyd uses speed and sheer brains complimented by rare ability to overpower otherwise more powerful opponents than he is through unrivaled skill.
Floyd fights smarter, he does not brawl or senselessly force the action, and he is measured in his approach. It is important to note that Floyd until now, is the freshest of all the accomplished boxers, he does not take punishment to win fights, but he outwits his fore by intelligently adjusting to their style and throwing their mistakes back at them. I believe that is real boxing, it separates the ordinary boxer that uses other illegal means to gain physic and power to overwhelm opponents. Skill is almost inborn, you can learn only to a certain extent, but the rest has to come naturally. Boxing is the art of fighting and Floyd paints it in its real bright colours. Having said this, hardly expect Floyd to cut and maim his opponents like the power based fighters do, he boxes and outwits them enough to get the result.
Now, here is my concern. Floyd has the luxury, unlike many boxers, of fighting either once a year or not at all, and still remains extremely popular. Floyd is aging and I have noticed that he has graduated from the ambitious, tenacious young fighter he once was, to a more mature but accomplished fighter only interested on remaining in the spot light. He is not hungry for achievement any more, he has already achieved, but his concern is not to let another bull move into his marked territory. Age, like any other fighter will affect him soon while inactivity might work against him in the immediate future. We should enjoy this rare skill while it lasts, because it comes once in a life time. No one alive today, does it the way he does because he is special.
Freddie Roach & Jorge Linares? Roach speaks
By Steve Kim, MaxBoxing
When I asked the renowned trainer, Freddie Roach if he would be adding to his already vast stable with the talented Jorge Linares, he said that while there have been discussions, "It's more rumors than actual fact, at this point," but he is a fan of the Venezuelan. "I've always liked Linares. He's a gentlemen; he's a nice guy; he's come to my gym a couple times, sparred with Manny Pacquiao. It was some great work. He's a very talented guy. I would love to work with him."
Just my opinion but I think this guy is a prodigious natural talent who, for one reason or another, has underachieved a bit. I think with the right direction and focus, Linares can still be one of the very best prizefighters in the world.
He's got all the requisite tools, if he can clean up some defensive flaws (such as pulling back straight so often and not bringing back his hands up high enough after punching), he can be a force to be reckoned with between 130 and 140 pounds.
By Steve Kim, MaxBoxing
When I asked the renowned trainer, Freddie Roach if he would be adding to his already vast stable with the talented Jorge Linares, he said that while there have been discussions, "It's more rumors than actual fact, at this point," but he is a fan of the Venezuelan. "I've always liked Linares. He's a gentlemen; he's a nice guy; he's come to my gym a couple times, sparred with Manny Pacquiao. It was some great work. He's a very talented guy. I would love to work with him."
Just my opinion but I think this guy is a prodigious natural talent who, for one reason or another, has underachieved a bit. I think with the right direction and focus, Linares can still be one of the very best prizefighters in the world.
He's got all the requisite tools, if he can clean up some defensive flaws (such as pulling back straight so often and not bringing back his hands up high enough after punching), he can be a force to be reckoned with between 130 and 140 pounds.
The Super-Six comes down to two, who will prevail Carl Froch or Andre Ward?
By Beau Denison
June 10, 2011
Boxing photo 005
This past Saturday two-time WBC Super-Middleweight world champion Carl Froch made the first defense since regaining his world title against former Light-Heavyweight world champion Glen Johnson. In addition to the WBC world title being on the line the two were fighting to advance to the finals of Showtime’s Super-Middleweight Super Six World Boxing Classic.
The Super-Six concept was in many ways revolutionary for the sport of Boxing. A unique points based group stage of the tournament ensured that the fighters competing would have at the minimum three opportunities to compete for points before the single elimination rounds began. The Super-Six however much like other high profile tournament based competitions in the Professional Boxing has not been without it’s share of setbacks.
In short three of the original participants in the tournament, former Middleweight world champion Jermain Taylor, former Super-Middleweight world champion Mikkel Kessler and, top Super-Middleweight contender Andre Dirrell all withdrew from the competition before group stage three. This caused much confusion among boxing fans and experts alike as to whether or not the tournament would continue and if it did continue how it would affect the tournament structure.
Andre Ward whom entered the tournament as a highly touted prospect dethroned then WBA champion Mikkel Kessler to capture his first world title and earned two points under the rules of the competition. Ward was then scheduled to face Jermain Taylor in group stage two however, Taylor whom suffered a brutal knockout loss in the opening round of the tournament at the hands of former Middleweight world champion Arthur Abraham withdrew from the tournament following group stage one. This left Ward without an opponent for a short period of time.
Top Super-Middleweight contender Allan Green was then entered into the competition as an alternate and subsequently replaced Taylor. Ward went on to dominate Green in his first title defense subsequently earning an additional two points for a total of four making him the tournament front runner as the competition moved into group stage three. Ward was then scheduled to face his 2004 Olympic teammate and top Super-Middleweight contender Andre Dirrell in a fight that many experts thought could be the fight of the tournament prior to the competition beginning. However, as there always seems to be in the sport of Boxing plans at times go array… Dirrell who lost a close decision in group stage one to then WBC champion Carl Froch was declared the victor in his group stage two bout against Arthur Abraham after Abraham hit an unguarded Dirrell who had slipped in the corner and was on the canvas. Abraham was subsequently disqualified and Dirrell who was legitimately knocked out from the punch he had been hit with while down had suffered a severe concussion. Dirrell was subsequently forced to withdraw from the competition and Ward was awarded an automatic spot in the semi-finals.
This left yet another open spot in the tournament however, shortly after Dirrell withdrew so to did WBC Super-Middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler. Kessler who lost his WBA title in group stage one to Andre Ward went on to defeat WBC champion Carl Froch in group stage two. Kessler had sustained damage to both of his eyes over the course of many fights including prior to entering the Super-Six. Kessler was advised to withdraw from the competition and relinquished the WBC Super-Middleweight championship.
This led to forty-two year old former Light-Heavyweight champion Glen Johnson entering the tournament and being inserted in an elimination bout against Allan Green in what was to be Group stage three. Glen Johnson scored an impressive knockout to eliminate Allan Green from the competition earning a spot in the semi-finals and a shot at the WBC title held by Carl Froch.
Carl Froch went on to defeat Arthur Abraham in group stage two winning the vacant WBC title in the process. Froch and Abraham however, due to all the setbacks the tournament had faced and due to the points each had earned in the opening round of the tournament had already earned spots in the semi-finals.
In the first semi-final bout of the Super-Six WBA champion Andre Ward scored a lopsided unanimous decision to retain his world title and eliminate Arthur Abraham from the competition to move onto the finals. Ward is now arguably the favorite to win the tournament as he enters the finals.
All of the contests, controversy and, injuries that has stood in the way of the tournament finally led to last Saturday’s bout between Froch and Johnson for the WBC title and to determine who would face Ward in the finals. On paper this contest figured to be an entertaining fight due to both fighters’ crowd pleasing styles.
One of the questions going into this fight despite Johnson’s dominating performance in defeating Allan Green was could he continue to perform at this level at age forty-two and, and the 168lb. restrictions. Against Carl Froch he would be challenged at a fast pace for twelve rounds and as well Froch is nine years his junior.
The early rounds were fought at a somewhat tactical pace with Johnson coming forward and looking to put pressure on Froch. Froch was effective early by moving laterally and not being a stationary target which kept Johnson moving and unable to find range to throw punches consistently.
The most telling thing about the fight in my mind was Froch’s ability to throw flurries of punches and although many of those punches may not have clearly landed it likely earned him some close rounds in the early portion of the contest by simply being more active. Over the course of his career Glen Johnson earned the nickname “The Road Warrior” for his willingness to fight anyone and everyone and fight in an opponent’s backyard. This has led to Johnson not getting some close decisions that many feel should have gone his way. Perhaps the basis of those close losses that many feel Johnson deserved is that Johnson seems to land the cleaner more effective punches but often does not throw punches consistently leaving his opponents opportunities to make rounds close and win rounds.
In this contest, Johnson was able to land his right hand flush frequently and often. One thing that I would have liked to see Johnson do was to use his jab to set up the right hand and perhaps go to the body often. Johnson also failed to capitalize on several opportunities to land his left hook when Froch left himself open after throwing his own right hands. Throughout the fight Froch would slightly turn to the right, bend his knees and drop his right hand guard in an attempt to evade Johnson’s right hand. Johnson failed to capitalize only tagging Froch on one occasion with his left hand.
Carl Froch is a fighter who has demonstrated in the past that he has an iron chin. In this fight although Johnson was able to stun Froch occasionally with right hands Froch was able to take those shots and often immediately return offense with a flurry of punches.
Perhaps Johnson became somewhat complacent early in the contest after seeing how well he was able to land those occasional right hands but one thing was certainly clear. Johnson’s lack of consistent combination punching throughout hurt him as the fight went on and Froch began to step up his offense. This allowed Froch to earn a lopsided decision although many of the early rounds in my mind were extremely close and hard to score.
Now after one year and nine months to date we come down to the finals of the Super-Middleweight Super-Six World Boxing Classic to be scheduled sometime this coming fall. Ironically, despite all the setbacks the tournament has faced the tournament comes down to two fighters whom were original participants in this unique concept. Also at stake in addition to the Super-Six championship is the unification of two of the four world titles in the Super-Middleweight division.
Entering the tournament Andre Ward was considered along with fellow contender Andre Dirrell as the underdogs to be in the tournament at the conclusion. A testament to Ward’s talent is that he has gone from a long shot to the favorite to walk away the victor in my mind. It will not be an easy task for Ward however as he takes on his WBC counterpart Froch.
The stakes are high for both fighters… For Froch it is one more step toward being recognized among the sport’s best pound for pound and a victory will go along way toward establishing himself as one of Boxing’s emerging stars. For Andre Ward, this is an opportunity to fulfill much of the promise that experts had sought of him when he won the Light-Heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.
Although an argument can be made that this will be a career defining fight for both boxers an argument can also be made that Ward may have more to prove then Froch. Despite being an undefeated world champion, Andre Ward also has to deal with the politics of the Business of Boxing which often tries to discredit the value of a fighter’s claim to a world championship based on differences of opinion between television networks and the sport’s governing bodies. Carl Froch is a two-time world champion and has already established himself as one of the best fighters in the world. Despite his victory over Mikkel Kessler Ward may be defined in the eyes of the Business of Boxing by what happens in this fight and thus could feel more pressure as the bout approaches. A victory for Ward will only continue to validate his status as a world champion and could lead to some big money opportunities against some high profile opposition from either fighters moving up from the Middleweight division or, if Ward himself were to choose to move up to the Light-Heavyweight division at some point.
Froch has earned a level of name recognition clout that will help in securing big money fights for him regardless of what happens in this fight in my mind. Froch however is looking to enhance his legacy by winning this tournament so the stakes are high for him as well.
The fight is a classic boxer versus puncher contest in my mind. It will be interesting to see if Froch can deal with the hand speed of Andre Ward. Froch is a fighter throws wide punches and is susceptible to being countered. By the same token it is likely at some point in this fight that Andre Ward’s chin will be tested. In his career, Ward has not really been in a position where he has had to trade punches with an opponent and against a fighter like Froch who has power it will be interesting to see how Ward takes his punches.
Somehow the Super-Six World Boxing Classic has survived great difficulties with the onset of injuries forcing alternates to inserted into the tournament due to injuries. The Boxing world awaits the conclusion to see which boxer stands tall at the end. However will the Super-Six have a would be “Super” conclusion?
For the sake of the Sport of Boxing I sure hope so…
By Beau Denison
June 10, 2011
Boxing photo 005
This past Saturday two-time WBC Super-Middleweight world champion Carl Froch made the first defense since regaining his world title against former Light-Heavyweight world champion Glen Johnson. In addition to the WBC world title being on the line the two were fighting to advance to the finals of Showtime’s Super-Middleweight Super Six World Boxing Classic.
The Super-Six concept was in many ways revolutionary for the sport of Boxing. A unique points based group stage of the tournament ensured that the fighters competing would have at the minimum three opportunities to compete for points before the single elimination rounds began. The Super-Six however much like other high profile tournament based competitions in the Professional Boxing has not been without it’s share of setbacks.
In short three of the original participants in the tournament, former Middleweight world champion Jermain Taylor, former Super-Middleweight world champion Mikkel Kessler and, top Super-Middleweight contender Andre Dirrell all withdrew from the competition before group stage three. This caused much confusion among boxing fans and experts alike as to whether or not the tournament would continue and if it did continue how it would affect the tournament structure.
Andre Ward whom entered the tournament as a highly touted prospect dethroned then WBA champion Mikkel Kessler to capture his first world title and earned two points under the rules of the competition. Ward was then scheduled to face Jermain Taylor in group stage two however, Taylor whom suffered a brutal knockout loss in the opening round of the tournament at the hands of former Middleweight world champion Arthur Abraham withdrew from the tournament following group stage one. This left Ward without an opponent for a short period of time.
Top Super-Middleweight contender Allan Green was then entered into the competition as an alternate and subsequently replaced Taylor. Ward went on to dominate Green in his first title defense subsequently earning an additional two points for a total of four making him the tournament front runner as the competition moved into group stage three. Ward was then scheduled to face his 2004 Olympic teammate and top Super-Middleweight contender Andre Dirrell in a fight that many experts thought could be the fight of the tournament prior to the competition beginning. However, as there always seems to be in the sport of Boxing plans at times go array… Dirrell who lost a close decision in group stage one to then WBC champion Carl Froch was declared the victor in his group stage two bout against Arthur Abraham after Abraham hit an unguarded Dirrell who had slipped in the corner and was on the canvas. Abraham was subsequently disqualified and Dirrell who was legitimately knocked out from the punch he had been hit with while down had suffered a severe concussion. Dirrell was subsequently forced to withdraw from the competition and Ward was awarded an automatic spot in the semi-finals.
This left yet another open spot in the tournament however, shortly after Dirrell withdrew so to did WBC Super-Middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler. Kessler who lost his WBA title in group stage one to Andre Ward went on to defeat WBC champion Carl Froch in group stage two. Kessler had sustained damage to both of his eyes over the course of many fights including prior to entering the Super-Six. Kessler was advised to withdraw from the competition and relinquished the WBC Super-Middleweight championship.
This led to forty-two year old former Light-Heavyweight champion Glen Johnson entering the tournament and being inserted in an elimination bout against Allan Green in what was to be Group stage three. Glen Johnson scored an impressive knockout to eliminate Allan Green from the competition earning a spot in the semi-finals and a shot at the WBC title held by Carl Froch.
Carl Froch went on to defeat Arthur Abraham in group stage two winning the vacant WBC title in the process. Froch and Abraham however, due to all the setbacks the tournament had faced and due to the points each had earned in the opening round of the tournament had already earned spots in the semi-finals.
In the first semi-final bout of the Super-Six WBA champion Andre Ward scored a lopsided unanimous decision to retain his world title and eliminate Arthur Abraham from the competition to move onto the finals. Ward is now arguably the favorite to win the tournament as he enters the finals.
All of the contests, controversy and, injuries that has stood in the way of the tournament finally led to last Saturday’s bout between Froch and Johnson for the WBC title and to determine who would face Ward in the finals. On paper this contest figured to be an entertaining fight due to both fighters’ crowd pleasing styles.
One of the questions going into this fight despite Johnson’s dominating performance in defeating Allan Green was could he continue to perform at this level at age forty-two and, and the 168lb. restrictions. Against Carl Froch he would be challenged at a fast pace for twelve rounds and as well Froch is nine years his junior.
The early rounds were fought at a somewhat tactical pace with Johnson coming forward and looking to put pressure on Froch. Froch was effective early by moving laterally and not being a stationary target which kept Johnson moving and unable to find range to throw punches consistently.
The most telling thing about the fight in my mind was Froch’s ability to throw flurries of punches and although many of those punches may not have clearly landed it likely earned him some close rounds in the early portion of the contest by simply being more active. Over the course of his career Glen Johnson earned the nickname “The Road Warrior” for his willingness to fight anyone and everyone and fight in an opponent’s backyard. This has led to Johnson not getting some close decisions that many feel should have gone his way. Perhaps the basis of those close losses that many feel Johnson deserved is that Johnson seems to land the cleaner more effective punches but often does not throw punches consistently leaving his opponents opportunities to make rounds close and win rounds.
In this contest, Johnson was able to land his right hand flush frequently and often. One thing that I would have liked to see Johnson do was to use his jab to set up the right hand and perhaps go to the body often. Johnson also failed to capitalize on several opportunities to land his left hook when Froch left himself open after throwing his own right hands. Throughout the fight Froch would slightly turn to the right, bend his knees and drop his right hand guard in an attempt to evade Johnson’s right hand. Johnson failed to capitalize only tagging Froch on one occasion with his left hand.
Carl Froch is a fighter who has demonstrated in the past that he has an iron chin. In this fight although Johnson was able to stun Froch occasionally with right hands Froch was able to take those shots and often immediately return offense with a flurry of punches.
Perhaps Johnson became somewhat complacent early in the contest after seeing how well he was able to land those occasional right hands but one thing was certainly clear. Johnson’s lack of consistent combination punching throughout hurt him as the fight went on and Froch began to step up his offense. This allowed Froch to earn a lopsided decision although many of the early rounds in my mind were extremely close and hard to score.
Now after one year and nine months to date we come down to the finals of the Super-Middleweight Super-Six World Boxing Classic to be scheduled sometime this coming fall. Ironically, despite all the setbacks the tournament has faced the tournament comes down to two fighters whom were original participants in this unique concept. Also at stake in addition to the Super-Six championship is the unification of two of the four world titles in the Super-Middleweight division.
Entering the tournament Andre Ward was considered along with fellow contender Andre Dirrell as the underdogs to be in the tournament at the conclusion. A testament to Ward’s talent is that he has gone from a long shot to the favorite to walk away the victor in my mind. It will not be an easy task for Ward however as he takes on his WBC counterpart Froch.
The stakes are high for both fighters… For Froch it is one more step toward being recognized among the sport’s best pound for pound and a victory will go along way toward establishing himself as one of Boxing’s emerging stars. For Andre Ward, this is an opportunity to fulfill much of the promise that experts had sought of him when he won the Light-Heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.
Although an argument can be made that this will be a career defining fight for both boxers an argument can also be made that Ward may have more to prove then Froch. Despite being an undefeated world champion, Andre Ward also has to deal with the politics of the Business of Boxing which often tries to discredit the value of a fighter’s claim to a world championship based on differences of opinion between television networks and the sport’s governing bodies. Carl Froch is a two-time world champion and has already established himself as one of the best fighters in the world. Despite his victory over Mikkel Kessler Ward may be defined in the eyes of the Business of Boxing by what happens in this fight and thus could feel more pressure as the bout approaches. A victory for Ward will only continue to validate his status as a world champion and could lead to some big money opportunities against some high profile opposition from either fighters moving up from the Middleweight division or, if Ward himself were to choose to move up to the Light-Heavyweight division at some point.
Froch has earned a level of name recognition clout that will help in securing big money fights for him regardless of what happens in this fight in my mind. Froch however is looking to enhance his legacy by winning this tournament so the stakes are high for him as well.
The fight is a classic boxer versus puncher contest in my mind. It will be interesting to see if Froch can deal with the hand speed of Andre Ward. Froch is a fighter throws wide punches and is susceptible to being countered. By the same token it is likely at some point in this fight that Andre Ward’s chin will be tested. In his career, Ward has not really been in a position where he has had to trade punches with an opponent and against a fighter like Froch who has power it will be interesting to see how Ward takes his punches.
Somehow the Super-Six World Boxing Classic has survived great difficulties with the onset of injuries forcing alternates to inserted into the tournament due to injuries. The Boxing world awaits the conclusion to see which boxer stands tall at the end. However will the Super-Six have a would be “Super” conclusion?
For the sake of the Sport of Boxing I sure hope so…