Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
Macklin Says Sturm Promised Him A November Rematch
By James Slater - Once again in his exciting career, Matthew Macklin has engaged in a FOTY candidate. Yet sadly for the 29-year-old warrior, his efforts were not quite enough to secure victory. But unlike in his all-time British classic with southpaw Jamie Moore, Macklin was not stopped last night in Germany.
Macklin, boxing down at light-middleweight, was sensationally stopped in the 10th-round by Moore, in their terrific 2006 war. Last night’s controversial split decision loss to defending WBA middleweight boss Felix Sturm, however, is being called a flat-out robbery by a number of experts and fans.. Once again thrilling the fans with electric toe-to-toe action, “Mack The Knife” hung tough right to the final bell against Sturm, yet he was cruelly denied victory.
Undeterred despite being most disappointed, Macklin is now looking ahead to a return with the 31-year-old champ. Speaking with U.K media after last night’s thoroughly enjoyable rumble, Macklin said Sturm, embarrassed by his win, said he’d grant him a return chance in November.
“Even the German T.V had me winning by four rounds,” Macklin said of last night’s verdict. “I won the fight by at least three rounds, no doubt. I was very strong, stronger than him and I won. After the fight he [Sturm] said he would give me a rematch in November. He knows he has to because he was embarrassed on German T.V.
“I don’t want to sound bad, but next time I’ll smash him to pieces.”
But where will the rematch take place? Sturm has rarely fought outside of his homeland (and with the kind of T.V and live audiences he picks up in Germany why should he travel?), and a November rematch, if it happens, is almost sure to go ahead in Germany. As great as Macklin fought last night, it seems unlikely he will be able to raise his game and perform even better. But could it be that Sturm will be able to put in a better showing in a rematch? The word according to the SKY Sports commentators covering the fight was that the WBA champ had struggled to make weight for last night’s defence; to the effect that he had to shift something approaching 30-pounds in the run-up to the fight.
If Sturm did go through a less than ideal camp for Macklin, and if he did struggle so much with making 160, his performance was almost certainly compromised. Yet Sturm still fought well last night. If the two do rumble again - and from a fan’s standpoint a second fight would be great news - a similar outcome is a real possibility.
Sturm told the media that he “made a mistake at the start and gave him too much space.” Macklin, if he does get a second shot at Sturm, is not going to alter his tactics of making the fight a battle in a phone booth. The question is, will Sturm be stronger next time, and will he be able to dominate the centre of the ring much earlier in a return?
Macklin certainly deserves a second shot. Sturm seems willing to give him one.
By James Slater - Once again in his exciting career, Matthew Macklin has engaged in a FOTY candidate. Yet sadly for the 29-year-old warrior, his efforts were not quite enough to secure victory. But unlike in his all-time British classic with southpaw Jamie Moore, Macklin was not stopped last night in Germany.
Macklin, boxing down at light-middleweight, was sensationally stopped in the 10th-round by Moore, in their terrific 2006 war. Last night’s controversial split decision loss to defending WBA middleweight boss Felix Sturm, however, is being called a flat-out robbery by a number of experts and fans.. Once again thrilling the fans with electric toe-to-toe action, “Mack The Knife” hung tough right to the final bell against Sturm, yet he was cruelly denied victory.
Undeterred despite being most disappointed, Macklin is now looking ahead to a return with the 31-year-old champ. Speaking with U.K media after last night’s thoroughly enjoyable rumble, Macklin said Sturm, embarrassed by his win, said he’d grant him a return chance in November.
“Even the German T.V had me winning by four rounds,” Macklin said of last night’s verdict. “I won the fight by at least three rounds, no doubt. I was very strong, stronger than him and I won. After the fight he [Sturm] said he would give me a rematch in November. He knows he has to because he was embarrassed on German T.V.
“I don’t want to sound bad, but next time I’ll smash him to pieces.”
But where will the rematch take place? Sturm has rarely fought outside of his homeland (and with the kind of T.V and live audiences he picks up in Germany why should he travel?), and a November rematch, if it happens, is almost sure to go ahead in Germany. As great as Macklin fought last night, it seems unlikely he will be able to raise his game and perform even better. But could it be that Sturm will be able to put in a better showing in a rematch? The word according to the SKY Sports commentators covering the fight was that the WBA champ had struggled to make weight for last night’s defence; to the effect that he had to shift something approaching 30-pounds in the run-up to the fight.
If Sturm did go through a less than ideal camp for Macklin, and if he did struggle so much with making 160, his performance was almost certainly compromised. Yet Sturm still fought well last night. If the two do rumble again - and from a fan’s standpoint a second fight would be great news - a similar outcome is a real possibility.
Sturm told the media that he “made a mistake at the start and gave him too much space.” Macklin, if he does get a second shot at Sturm, is not going to alter his tactics of making the fight a battle in a phone booth. The question is, will Sturm be stronger next time, and will he be able to dominate the centre of the ring much earlier in a return?
Macklin certainly deserves a second shot. Sturm seems willing to give him one.
David “El Nino” Rodriguez: “I’m just happy that Owen is okay.
By Joseph Herron - Last night at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX, David Rodriguez destroyed Owen Beck with a perfectly timed left hook to the jaw, sending Beck crashing to the canvas and instantly stopping the bout midway through the third round.
“I really wanted to win sensationally,” declared Rodriguez. “Beck was tough, and I knew that he was going to be my toughest opponent yet, but I think I just made a big statement in the heavyweight division and shut up all of my critics who said I never fought anybody.”
“No one ever gave me any credit throughout my career and now I deserve credit for beating a good fighter so decisively,” exclaimed the 33 year old fighter..
During the first two rounds, both men exchanged brutal shots to the body and landed clean effective punches.
In the final minute of the second round, “El Nino” hurt Beck with a great combination, sending the Jamaican native reeling into the corner.
Although Beck would make it through the second round, most in attendance had a feeling that the he wouldn’t last much longer.
At the 2:02 mark of round number 3, David Rodriguez charged Beck against the ropes and landed a perfect left hook to the jaw and sent the 35 year old fighter violently crashing to the canvas.
“Coming into the fight, I knew that he was a slick fighter,” admits Rodriguez. “Beck was trying to work his jab but I thought I was doing a good job blocking it. I started sitting on my shots in the second round and I knew that I would eventually catch him. Especially when I wobbled him at the end of the second, I knew it was coming and I caught him with the left hook.”
In a scary moment, Beck laid motionless in the ring for several minutes after the bout.
“That was a very scary moment for me,” stated the El Paso, TX, fighter. “I’m really happy that he’s alright, but knockouts like that remind us how brutal this sport can be. I told Owen that he should hang up the gloves and stop fighting.”
With the victory, David becomes the WBC Fecombox Mexican Heavyweight Champion and receives a top ten ranking in the WBC.
I’m willing to fight anyone out there and I plan on staying active and having two more bouts this year. Possible opponents for “El Nino” who have shown interest in fighting the Hispanic heavyweight are James “Lights Out” Toney and Cristobal Arreola.
When asked what he thought about a possible fight with James Toney, David stated, “I actually sparred with him when I was younger and I’ve always had a lot of respect for James; but honestly, I would much rather fight Randy Couture. That fight was a joke and he deserves more respect than that. Let’s see Randy Couture get in a boxing ring with me.”
Before the fight, Rodriguez admits that he felt a lot of pressure to put on a great performance.
“I am very spiritual and I prayed about this fight, because a knock-out loss can happen to anybody in this sport,” expounds Rodriguez. “This is boxing, and I am humble enough to realize that it could have easily been me unconscious and on that canvas.
David’s promotional partner, Zeferino Ramirez, feels that no one in the heavyweight division can deal with David’s hand speed and power, including a certain Hispanic heavyweight.
“What happened to Owen Beck tonight would happen to Chris Arreola,” states Ramirez. “Chris would run into one of his punches and it would be over. “David punches like no other heavyweight in the world.”
With the knock-out victory, David Rodriguez improves his record to 35-0 with 33 knock-outs, including 24 knock-outs in the first round. Owen Beck drops his fifth straight fight by knock-out and falls to 29-8.
On the undercard, Middleweight David Medina (23-2, 11KOs) fought a very mature and tactical fight with Juan Astorga (15-6-1, 10 KOs), which ended in a brutal knock-out at the 2:13 mark of the sixth round.
Medina talks about an upcoming bout with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on September 17th in Mexico.
“My promoter tells me that I’m fighting Chavez Jr. in the Fall,” announces Medina. “I’m too stupid to take a step back so I think that will be one hell of a fight. Junior is not his Dad and he’s human, so I am going to get right to work and take it to the WBC middleweight champion.”
Also, last night former El Paso toughman, Juan “The Hispanic Causing Panic” Lazcano announced that he will be making his comeback sometime in the Fall as well.
“There are just certain things in life that a man has to prove to himself,” states the former lightweight title holder. “I have to get back in the ring for reasons that will be revealed later. The truth will expose itself in time.”
Juan Lazcano was last seen in the ring fighting Ricky Hatton in a losing effort in Manchester, England, for the IBO junior welterweight title.
It will be interesting to see who Heavyweight David Rodriguez fights next.
Promoters Greg Cohen and Zeferino Ramirez have both stated that they would be very interested in putting together a fight between “Light’s Out” and “El Nino” in El Paso, TX.
“David will fight anyone,” states Zef Ramirez. “I think James was and still is a great fighter, but his time has come and gone. This is my fighter’s time now, so David would love to make that fight happen.”
It will be interesting to see who David fights next, Toney or Arreola?
If Rodriguez had his druthers, he would fight for a major world title tomorrow.
“This year, my goal is just to stay active,” claims Rodriguez. “But if I can land a shot at a major world title, I would easily choose to do that first.”
By Joseph Herron - Last night at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX, David Rodriguez destroyed Owen Beck with a perfectly timed left hook to the jaw, sending Beck crashing to the canvas and instantly stopping the bout midway through the third round.
“I really wanted to win sensationally,” declared Rodriguez. “Beck was tough, and I knew that he was going to be my toughest opponent yet, but I think I just made a big statement in the heavyweight division and shut up all of my critics who said I never fought anybody.”
“No one ever gave me any credit throughout my career and now I deserve credit for beating a good fighter so decisively,” exclaimed the 33 year old fighter..
During the first two rounds, both men exchanged brutal shots to the body and landed clean effective punches.
In the final minute of the second round, “El Nino” hurt Beck with a great combination, sending the Jamaican native reeling into the corner.
Although Beck would make it through the second round, most in attendance had a feeling that the he wouldn’t last much longer.
At the 2:02 mark of round number 3, David Rodriguez charged Beck against the ropes and landed a perfect left hook to the jaw and sent the 35 year old fighter violently crashing to the canvas.
“Coming into the fight, I knew that he was a slick fighter,” admits Rodriguez. “Beck was trying to work his jab but I thought I was doing a good job blocking it. I started sitting on my shots in the second round and I knew that I would eventually catch him. Especially when I wobbled him at the end of the second, I knew it was coming and I caught him with the left hook.”
In a scary moment, Beck laid motionless in the ring for several minutes after the bout.
“That was a very scary moment for me,” stated the El Paso, TX, fighter. “I’m really happy that he’s alright, but knockouts like that remind us how brutal this sport can be. I told Owen that he should hang up the gloves and stop fighting.”
With the victory, David becomes the WBC Fecombox Mexican Heavyweight Champion and receives a top ten ranking in the WBC.
I’m willing to fight anyone out there and I plan on staying active and having two more bouts this year. Possible opponents for “El Nino” who have shown interest in fighting the Hispanic heavyweight are James “Lights Out” Toney and Cristobal Arreola.
When asked what he thought about a possible fight with James Toney, David stated, “I actually sparred with him when I was younger and I’ve always had a lot of respect for James; but honestly, I would much rather fight Randy Couture. That fight was a joke and he deserves more respect than that. Let’s see Randy Couture get in a boxing ring with me.”
Before the fight, Rodriguez admits that he felt a lot of pressure to put on a great performance.
“I am very spiritual and I prayed about this fight, because a knock-out loss can happen to anybody in this sport,” expounds Rodriguez. “This is boxing, and I am humble enough to realize that it could have easily been me unconscious and on that canvas.
David’s promotional partner, Zeferino Ramirez, feels that no one in the heavyweight division can deal with David’s hand speed and power, including a certain Hispanic heavyweight.
“What happened to Owen Beck tonight would happen to Chris Arreola,” states Ramirez. “Chris would run into one of his punches and it would be over. “David punches like no other heavyweight in the world.”
With the knock-out victory, David Rodriguez improves his record to 35-0 with 33 knock-outs, including 24 knock-outs in the first round. Owen Beck drops his fifth straight fight by knock-out and falls to 29-8.
On the undercard, Middleweight David Medina (23-2, 11KOs) fought a very mature and tactical fight with Juan Astorga (15-6-1, 10 KOs), which ended in a brutal knock-out at the 2:13 mark of the sixth round.
Medina talks about an upcoming bout with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on September 17th in Mexico.
“My promoter tells me that I’m fighting Chavez Jr. in the Fall,” announces Medina. “I’m too stupid to take a step back so I think that will be one hell of a fight. Junior is not his Dad and he’s human, so I am going to get right to work and take it to the WBC middleweight champion.”
Also, last night former El Paso toughman, Juan “The Hispanic Causing Panic” Lazcano announced that he will be making his comeback sometime in the Fall as well.
“There are just certain things in life that a man has to prove to himself,” states the former lightweight title holder. “I have to get back in the ring for reasons that will be revealed later. The truth will expose itself in time.”
Juan Lazcano was last seen in the ring fighting Ricky Hatton in a losing effort in Manchester, England, for the IBO junior welterweight title.
It will be interesting to see who Heavyweight David Rodriguez fights next.
Promoters Greg Cohen and Zeferino Ramirez have both stated that they would be very interested in putting together a fight between “Light’s Out” and “El Nino” in El Paso, TX.
“David will fight anyone,” states Zef Ramirez. “I think James was and still is a great fighter, but his time has come and gone. This is my fighter’s time now, so David would love to make that fight happen.”
It will be interesting to see who David fights next, Toney or Arreola?
If Rodriguez had his druthers, he would fight for a major world title tomorrow.
“This year, my goal is just to stay active,” claims Rodriguez. “But if I can land a shot at a major world title, I would easily choose to do that first.”
Lennox Lewis Says Haye Must Fight Klitschko The Same Way He Fought Valuev
By James Slater: Although WBA heavyweight champ David Haye has been fond of telling anyone who will listen that he is planning to take the heat right to Wladimir Klitschko in their rapidly-approaching unification battle, a number of good judges feel that once the bell rings Haye will instead adopt hit-and-move tactics. I spoke with Tom Tsatas of The 5th Street Gym recently, and in his opinion Haye must not come out gung-ho early on.
Tsatas, along with other experts, feels Haye’s lighter weight, his speed and his boxing ability will be the keys to victory for him, not so much his power in the early rounds. Heavyweight great Lennox Lewis is the latest expert to give his opinion on what “The Hayemaker’s” tactics should be, and he too says Haye should hit-and-run and pick up points.
In light of the way that other British title challenger, Matthew Macklin, was unfairly denied a points decision he looked to have earned last night in Germany, fans will be wondering if Haye can possibly win on points in Hamburg. But Lewis says Haye will have to box pretty much the same way he did when winning the WBA belt against Nicolai Valuev in 2009 - which Haye won by close decision in Germany.
“What makes me give Haye a chance is what he did against Valuev,” Lewis told BBC Radio. “He fought a perfect fight, he kept moving, he stayed elusive and in the final round he almost knocked Valuev out. Klitschko has the bigger advantages but if David is able to stay with his game-plan and move and throw combinations he should do very well.”
Fans who leave comments on this site seem to be anticipating a short and violent fight, with Klitschko taking Haye out in brutal fashion. But could we be in store for a much longer fight, with both guys coming out in a cautious manner as they look to pick up points and then exploit openings? Of course, Valuev is no Klitschko. Much slower than Wladimir and possessing nowhere near the punching power “Dr. Steel Hammer” has, Valuev was unable to inflict any hurt on Haye. This will not be the case in Saturday’s fight.
To win on points, as Lewis suggest he may, Haye will have to fight an absolute perfect fight. But even Lewis is aware of how much stronger and heavier Klitschko will be in the fight.
“If they get into a clinch and Klitschko puts his weight on David it may sap some of David’s energy,” he said.
To have any shot at winning on points, Haye will have to catch the judges eye by doing more work. That will mean him coming forwards at some point in the fight; letting his hands go in flurries and then getting back out or being tied up. Klitschko is sure to wrap his big arms around Haye whenever danger strikes, and this will certainly sap Haye’s energy as Lewis says. And if Haye does get tired he will be in trouble.
I see Haye having a bright start, picking up points with effective raids. But after around six or seven-rounds, the natural strength of Klitschko will begin to get to Haye, as will his own sheer mental effort begin to make him fatigued. Dictating late on, Klitschko will, in my opinion, get a late KO.
By James Slater: Although WBA heavyweight champ David Haye has been fond of telling anyone who will listen that he is planning to take the heat right to Wladimir Klitschko in their rapidly-approaching unification battle, a number of good judges feel that once the bell rings Haye will instead adopt hit-and-move tactics. I spoke with Tom Tsatas of The 5th Street Gym recently, and in his opinion Haye must not come out gung-ho early on.
Tsatas, along with other experts, feels Haye’s lighter weight, his speed and his boxing ability will be the keys to victory for him, not so much his power in the early rounds. Heavyweight great Lennox Lewis is the latest expert to give his opinion on what “The Hayemaker’s” tactics should be, and he too says Haye should hit-and-run and pick up points.
In light of the way that other British title challenger, Matthew Macklin, was unfairly denied a points decision he looked to have earned last night in Germany, fans will be wondering if Haye can possibly win on points in Hamburg. But Lewis says Haye will have to box pretty much the same way he did when winning the WBA belt against Nicolai Valuev in 2009 - which Haye won by close decision in Germany.
“What makes me give Haye a chance is what he did against Valuev,” Lewis told BBC Radio. “He fought a perfect fight, he kept moving, he stayed elusive and in the final round he almost knocked Valuev out. Klitschko has the bigger advantages but if David is able to stay with his game-plan and move and throw combinations he should do very well.”
Fans who leave comments on this site seem to be anticipating a short and violent fight, with Klitschko taking Haye out in brutal fashion. But could we be in store for a much longer fight, with both guys coming out in a cautious manner as they look to pick up points and then exploit openings? Of course, Valuev is no Klitschko. Much slower than Wladimir and possessing nowhere near the punching power “Dr. Steel Hammer” has, Valuev was unable to inflict any hurt on Haye. This will not be the case in Saturday’s fight.
To win on points, as Lewis suggest he may, Haye will have to fight an absolute perfect fight. But even Lewis is aware of how much stronger and heavier Klitschko will be in the fight.
“If they get into a clinch and Klitschko puts his weight on David it may sap some of David’s energy,” he said.
To have any shot at winning on points, Haye will have to catch the judges eye by doing more work. That will mean him coming forwards at some point in the fight; letting his hands go in flurries and then getting back out or being tied up. Klitschko is sure to wrap his big arms around Haye whenever danger strikes, and this will certainly sap Haye’s energy as Lewis says. And if Haye does get tired he will be in trouble.
I see Haye having a bright start, picking up points with effective raids. But after around six or seven-rounds, the natural strength of Klitschko will begin to get to Haye, as will his own sheer mental effort begin to make him fatigued. Dictating late on, Klitschko will, in my opinion, get a late KO.
The Macklin decision shows that Haye may have to knock Klitschko out in Germany
Dallan O’ Donnell: After last nights brilliant fight between Mathew Macklin and Felix Sturm ended in controversy over the decision (which was somehow awarded to Sturm) it shows what David Haye will have to do if he is to win next Saturday in Hamburg against crowd favourite Wladimir Klitschko. Haye will have to knock Klitschko out, to avoid the same fate as Macklin, who should have been crowned a world champion last night.
Haye has a decision away from home under his belt already, when he took on then WBA champion Nikolay Valuev and beat him on points in Nuremberg, Germany. The only thing is, can he rely on fickle judging decisions when judges can so easily be swayed by the crowds? If we look at how judges score fights they look for eye-catching clean work, which may be difficult to do when, the fan favourite immediately evokes a huge crowd reaction for punches thrown, even if they don’t land.
Haye could find himself winning the fight but because the crowd will be cheering Klitschko the judges may see things differently. We all know this should not be the case but unfortunately it is and the crowd has a huge effect on the outcome of fights. Perhaps we can blame the judges for being persuaded by cheering fans, but then again they are only human. Haye has to make sure beyond all doubt, that he is the winner and circumstances are much different this time around compared to the Valuev bout.
Haye has to blast Klitschko out to be crowned winner as I truly can’t see him getting a decision on points as it could be too close to call or just simply the judges wont see past the crowds love for Klitschko. If Haye were to lose on points then we would hear the excuses of ‘home town decision’ and the like, but after Macklin losing the way he did last night, Haye cannot now pull the ‘hometown decision’ card. He knows what he must do. I still believe Haye will win, by knockout too, but we cannot afford to overlook Klitschko and think he will look to take the fight to the 12 round limit- he will also look for the knockout. Last night was awful for Macklin, no doubt and my heart goes out to him, but it was the perfect result to show Haye that he must come out all guns blazing. Follow me on twitter @dallan09.
Dallan O’ Donnell: After last nights brilliant fight between Mathew Macklin and Felix Sturm ended in controversy over the decision (which was somehow awarded to Sturm) it shows what David Haye will have to do if he is to win next Saturday in Hamburg against crowd favourite Wladimir Klitschko. Haye will have to knock Klitschko out, to avoid the same fate as Macklin, who should have been crowned a world champion last night.
Haye has a decision away from home under his belt already, when he took on then WBA champion Nikolay Valuev and beat him on points in Nuremberg, Germany. The only thing is, can he rely on fickle judging decisions when judges can so easily be swayed by the crowds? If we look at how judges score fights they look for eye-catching clean work, which may be difficult to do when, the fan favourite immediately evokes a huge crowd reaction for punches thrown, even if they don’t land.
Haye could find himself winning the fight but because the crowd will be cheering Klitschko the judges may see things differently. We all know this should not be the case but unfortunately it is and the crowd has a huge effect on the outcome of fights. Perhaps we can blame the judges for being persuaded by cheering fans, but then again they are only human. Haye has to make sure beyond all doubt, that he is the winner and circumstances are much different this time around compared to the Valuev bout.
Haye has to blast Klitschko out to be crowned winner as I truly can’t see him getting a decision on points as it could be too close to call or just simply the judges wont see past the crowds love for Klitschko. If Haye were to lose on points then we would hear the excuses of ‘home town decision’ and the like, but after Macklin losing the way he did last night, Haye cannot now pull the ‘hometown decision’ card. He knows what he must do. I still believe Haye will win, by knockout too, but we cannot afford to overlook Klitschko and think he will look to take the fight to the 12 round limit- he will also look for the knockout. Last night was awful for Macklin, no doubt and my heart goes out to him, but it was the perfect result to show Haye that he must come out all guns blazing. Follow me on twitter @dallan09.
Make it happen Bob. I see a crushing KO by Gamboa. Hopefully afterwards he can fight Chris John.
Gamboa to possibly face Ponce De Leon in September
Arum lining up Ponce De Leon for Gamboa in September
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Former WBO super-bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon could be set to face former unified featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa on September 10th. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has expressed an interest in matching the pair on Gamboa’s scheduled date in the fall and has spoken to Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer about the possibility.
The 30 year-old was beaten over ten rounds in his last contest against the undefeated Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner after moving up to 130lbs and may now move back down to featherweight or face Gamboa, 29, at the super-featherweight limit in what could turn out to be an eliminator or for shot at a world title.
Gamboa, from Cuba, held the IBF and WBA ‘super’ titles until recently when he missed the IBF’s mandatory second weigh in the build-up to his victory over Jorge Solis. Even though he won the bout and retained his WBA belt in March, he was stripped by the IBF before the bout at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and he title immediately became vacant.
Due to the fact that he was no longer a unified champion, the WBA decided to strip ‘El Ciclon de Guantanamo’ of his WBA version leaving him without a title although still unbeaten in 20 contests. The general consensus is that Gamboa will get a shot at some sort of title after his potential September bout with De Leon as he still holds high rankings with all the major organisations.
Gamboa to possibly face Ponce De Leon in September
Arum lining up Ponce De Leon for Gamboa in September
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Former WBO super-bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon could be set to face former unified featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa on September 10th. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has expressed an interest in matching the pair on Gamboa’s scheduled date in the fall and has spoken to Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer about the possibility.
The 30 year-old was beaten over ten rounds in his last contest against the undefeated Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner after moving up to 130lbs and may now move back down to featherweight or face Gamboa, 29, at the super-featherweight limit in what could turn out to be an eliminator or for shot at a world title.
Gamboa, from Cuba, held the IBF and WBA ‘super’ titles until recently when he missed the IBF’s mandatory second weigh in the build-up to his victory over Jorge Solis. Even though he won the bout and retained his WBA belt in March, he was stripped by the IBF before the bout at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and he title immediately became vacant.
Due to the fact that he was no longer a unified champion, the WBA decided to strip ‘El Ciclon de Guantanamo’ of his WBA version leaving him without a title although still unbeaten in 20 contests. The general consensus is that Gamboa will get a shot at some sort of title after his potential September bout with De Leon as he still holds high rankings with all the major organisations.
btw:
What's significant about Gamboa-Ponce is that it would be the first Top Rank-Golden Boy fight in a couple years, marking an end to the promotional war.
And yes if anyone is wondering, Bob Arum is officially on Twitter. I bet he had a team of people explaining how it works for weeks!
BobArum
I spoke to Richard Schaefer about making Yuriorkis Gamboa vs Ponce de Leon fight Sept 10 in AC @TRboxing #boxing
I spoke to Richard Schaefer about making Yuriorkis Gamboa vs Ponce de Leon fight Sept 10 in AC @TRboxing #boxing
What's significant about Gamboa-Ponce is that it would be the first Top Rank-Golden Boy fight in a couple years, marking an end to the promotional war.
And yes if anyone is wondering, Bob Arum is officially on Twitter. I bet he had a team of people explaining how it works for weeks!
Yo Naner, Compubox numbers are in for Macklin/Sturm, lmao totally discredits whatever the hell sky was using. look at this:
MacKlin - TOTAL PUNCHES - 314 / 1102
Sturm - TOTAL PUNCHES - 187 / 519
Full numbers:
http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=sturm-macklin-compubox
MacKlin - TOTAL PUNCHES - 314 / 1102
Sturm - TOTAL PUNCHES - 187 / 519
Full numbers:
http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=sturm-macklin-compubox
Unfortunatley it looks like HOPKINS vs DAWSON will be on HBO PPV. HBO has pretty much already blown their load as far as their boxing budget for the year, so it's the only way it can happen.
You can thank the HBO sports for investing so much into Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander. Making the fight between them was not a mistake, the mistake was that they guaranteed BOTH of them, even the loser (devon), $1.3 million in their return fight, with licensing fees and all that it comes out to $3 million for each fight. That's on top of the $5 million or so they spent on the fight between the two, adding up to over at least $11 million.
So because of this poor investment, it took a big chunk of their budget and now a solid fight like Hopkins vs Dawson will be forced to be on PPV. And with Dawson having about 14 fans, and the common knowledge that styles make fights, this PPV is going to bomb, and it's a shame because it's a fight between the two best LHW's in the game and Hopkins ratings his last fight on HBO was the highest rated HBO fight in about 3 years.
You can thank the HBO sports for investing so much into Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander. Making the fight between them was not a mistake, the mistake was that they guaranteed BOTH of them, even the loser (devon), $1.3 million in their return fight, with licensing fees and all that it comes out to $3 million for each fight. That's on top of the $5 million or so they spent on the fight between the two, adding up to over at least $11 million.
So because of this poor investment, it took a big chunk of their budget and now a solid fight like Hopkins vs Dawson will be forced to be on PPV. And with Dawson having about 14 fans, and the common knowledge that styles make fights, this PPV is going to bomb, and it's a shame because it's a fight between the two best LHW's in the game and Hopkins ratings his last fight on HBO was the highest rated HBO fight in about 3 years.
Zab Judah: “The strategy that Pernell Whitaker put together for Khan is unbelieve
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani, Photo by Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s 130th edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio (brought to you by CWH Promotions) featured an exclusive interview with reigning IBF junior welterweight champion Zab Judah (41-6, 28 KOs) who is scheduled to have a unification bout against WBA champion Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KOs) on July 23. Judah spoke about his upcoming fight, and also discussed a variety of other topics including Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather-Ortiz, Kostya Tszyu’s Hall of Fame induction, Pernell Whitaker, and more! Here is what he had to say:
Regarding his upcoming junior welterweight unification bout against Amir Khan:
“It’s going to be a great match in boxing. I’m prepared well. I’m just excited about the opportunity. Once again I thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for this opportunity, and July 23 we’re going to show the world Zab Judah is still the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
On his recent journey back towards the top which culminated in him winning a title last time out against Kaizer Mabuza:
“Oh, like I said, it’s been a dream come true. I’m just keeping the Lord first and letting him dictate my pace. Boxing closed a coffin on Zab Judah, put the nails in, and buried him, but God brought him back to life.”
Regarding the on-line war of words between him and Khan that has been taking place on Twitter:
“Twitter is a great social device. It’s almost like having a huge text message with having everyone’s number without talking to them. You can just text everybody. It’s pretty cool. Like I said, July 23 is going to be a great fight. I’m happy the opportunity presented itself. We weren’t expecting for the Timothy Bradley and Amir Khan fight to fall out, but it did. That’s the good will of the Lord. I’m very happy and very pleased and I’m going to be 100% ready for this opportunity.”
His views on what Amir Khan has accomplished thus far in professional boxing:
“He’s fairly new to the division. He’s fairly new to the situation that he’s going to be in. You know he’s fought pretty decent opposition on his way up, and now I think his toughest task to date comes to hand. I think this fight for him is a little premature, but hey. Who knows? I worked very hard for this opportunity and July 23 I’ll just let my skills do the talking for it.”
On whether he believes Amir Khan has made a mistake in choosing to face him:
“I mean I can’t say it’s a career mistake because the kid is young. When I was 21 years old I lost my first loss, and I was able to come back and win four more world titles. I don’t think that, it’s just that the kid is young and he’s willing to put his career and his skills and ability on the line.”
Regarding any strategies or plans him and head trainer Pernell Whitaker have discussed for the upcoming match with Khan:
“Yeah, we spoke about it a lot. I mean I can’t share that with you guys. (laughs) We know Amir Khan is a young guy. He possesses a lot of speed, and speed is power. So you know, we’re prepared well and if the fight was tomorrow, we would be all ready to go.”
His views on how he was able to maintain his focus and composure in his last fight when Kaizer Mabuza started coming on strong:
“It just showed my condition and my strategy for boxing. It showed no matter what he was able to think he was going to do, I was on point. I was ready for anything he could bring my way. He’s a very strong fighter. I give Mabuza a lot of credit. He came over from Africa and tried to take back home the IBF championship of the world.”
On how he would rate the punch which led to the knockout against Mabuza amongst the best punches he has landed in his career:
“I don’t know. I mean it was a good clean shot. He made a mistake and I capitalized off it. He switched his feet which for me was an amateur move. You don’t do that. I’m a professional. I shifted myself and he walked up to me, and I let the hard straight left hand go. It was beautifully in my favor, and everybody knows once I get a guy hurt I’m a great finisher.”
His views on the battle of strategies that will take place between head trainers Pernell Whitaker and Freddie Roach:
“Well I mean, speaking for myself, you have a Hall of Fame greatest fighter pound-for-pound the best in the world and one of the great trainers. I think that Pernell Whitaker with being the great fighter that he was, he knows how to put together great strategies. The strategy that Pernell Whitaker put together for Amir Khan is unbelievable! It’s going to be hard work at its best.”
On whether there were any truths to rumors that he was being considered as an opponent for Manny Pacquiao before he signed for a third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez:
“Yeah, there was a lot of realistic possibilities that it could have happened. It was just in the negotiation process, we figured why would we go up to 147 when we can stay right here and fight an opponent like Khan. We’re still going up against Freddie Roach, and hey! It’s going to be great. It’s going to be a great night of boxing. We’re prepared for the best Amir Khan that Amir Khan is going to bring to the table. He’s going to bring his A game and Zab Judah’s going to bring an A+ game.”
On whether he still considers himself to be in his prime:
“Oh, of course! Bernard Hopkins is 46 years old and he just won a world title. Mayweather’s 35 and he’s fighting again to defend his title, so all of these guys are older than me, De La Hoya, Calzaghe. When you look at it people say Zab’s old. How is Zab old when the rest of these guys that are in boxing that are the best fighters in the world, they’re all older than me. People are saying Zab as older because I’ve been in the game a long time. I’ve been in the game since I was 18 years old. I won my first world title at 20 years old. So people have been hearing about me, and then after that I won four more world titles. So I’ve always been on the big scene. My first professional fight was the co main event to Pernell Whitaker on HBO. So people have gotten a good chance to see Zab Judah. I guess after hearing a person’s name so long, Zab Judah, Zab Judah, Zab Judah, you figure oh yeah, he’s old. He’s been around. He’s only 33 years old and I’m feeling great.”
On whether he believes Pernell Whitaker has helped rejuvenate his career and improve his mindset:
“Yeah, Pernell has brought the best out of me. He has helped me get refocused on everything that we’re trying to get into. Him bringing along his expertise and him being a six-time world champion is kind of cool, because this fight right here with me winning this world title will be my sixth world title I’ve won. This is going to be a great accomplishment for me, and I’m happy!”
His views on the return of Floyd Mayweather Junior and his upcoming fight against Victor Ortiz:
“It’s going to be a good fight. Floyd is slick and fast, but Victor’s young. A lot of the young guys are fighting us supposedly old guys. That’s going to be an exciting fight, but I think Floyd’s defense and hand speed is going to be a little bit too much for Ortiz.”
His views on the fact Roger Mayweather predicted he would win his upcoming fight against Amir Khan:
“Well Roger Mayweather was also a great fighter. He was a fighter and he was great. He knows the game of boxing and it’s an honor to have another legend such himself to give me that type of credibility. Like I said, we know each other, we know each other’s styles, and out of the whole ’96 team with myself, Mayweather, and I think Antonio Tarver. He fights the week before me against Danny Green. We’re the only three there still going strong and it’s an accomplishment for me to be associating myself with those type of guys like that.”
His opinion on the perception held by many fans that him and Amir Khan both have “weak chins” and whether he believes that will be a deciding factor in their fight:
“Well the name of the game is to hit and not be hit. I don’t play the who can take the strongest punch game. My strategy is to hit and not be hit. To be honest I’ve only been knocked out one time and that was Kostya Tszyu. The whole world had seen the fight. I was caught with one shot, I went down, I got up, and they stopped it. That was what, the year 2000? It was eleven years ago! (laughs) It was a long time ago. Like I said, people always remember the negative stuff that you do in your life. They don’t remember the good things you do. Hey! I’m okay with that. If people think that getting hit is going to be a factor, then hey, I’ll let them think that.”
His views on whether Kostya Tsyzu deserved to be inducted into the Hall of Fame:
“Yeah, why not! He had a good boxing career, he worked hard, and he had done a lot of good things. He was the undisputed champ. That’s like me going to the Hall of Fame and somebody disputing should Zab Judah go into the Hall of Fame. So I don’t think of that whole ground to say yea or nay. I’m happy for him and his family, and I wish them much success.”
His views on the biggest weapon Amir Khan will bring into the ring against him:
“His size. He has good power, he’s young, and he’s going to come in there. For him it’s a point to make a point to people that he’s ‘King’ Khan. Understand there is only one King and his name is Jesus Christ and on July 23 I will show the world.”
His official prediction on his upcoming fight against Amir Khan on July 23:
“I don’t make predictions. Zab Judah will be victorious whether it goes one round or twelve. I’m going to be victorious. I’m very confident, very eager, and very ready to get this on. I’m just happy to be a part of one of the biggest fights of today once again. It’s a great feeling. So no matter what people say about you, Zab Judah and Amir Khan is a big deal in boxing right now today. It means a lot to me to be in this position.”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani, Photo by Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s 130th edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio (brought to you by CWH Promotions) featured an exclusive interview with reigning IBF junior welterweight champion Zab Judah (41-6, 28 KOs) who is scheduled to have a unification bout against WBA champion Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KOs) on July 23. Judah spoke about his upcoming fight, and also discussed a variety of other topics including Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather-Ortiz, Kostya Tszyu’s Hall of Fame induction, Pernell Whitaker, and more! Here is what he had to say:
Regarding his upcoming junior welterweight unification bout against Amir Khan:
“It’s going to be a great match in boxing. I’m prepared well. I’m just excited about the opportunity. Once again I thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for this opportunity, and July 23 we’re going to show the world Zab Judah is still the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
On his recent journey back towards the top which culminated in him winning a title last time out against Kaizer Mabuza:
“Oh, like I said, it’s been a dream come true. I’m just keeping the Lord first and letting him dictate my pace. Boxing closed a coffin on Zab Judah, put the nails in, and buried him, but God brought him back to life.”
Regarding the on-line war of words between him and Khan that has been taking place on Twitter:
“Twitter is a great social device. It’s almost like having a huge text message with having everyone’s number without talking to them. You can just text everybody. It’s pretty cool. Like I said, July 23 is going to be a great fight. I’m happy the opportunity presented itself. We weren’t expecting for the Timothy Bradley and Amir Khan fight to fall out, but it did. That’s the good will of the Lord. I’m very happy and very pleased and I’m going to be 100% ready for this opportunity.”
His views on what Amir Khan has accomplished thus far in professional boxing:
“He’s fairly new to the division. He’s fairly new to the situation that he’s going to be in. You know he’s fought pretty decent opposition on his way up, and now I think his toughest task to date comes to hand. I think this fight for him is a little premature, but hey. Who knows? I worked very hard for this opportunity and July 23 I’ll just let my skills do the talking for it.”
On whether he believes Amir Khan has made a mistake in choosing to face him:
“I mean I can’t say it’s a career mistake because the kid is young. When I was 21 years old I lost my first loss, and I was able to come back and win four more world titles. I don’t think that, it’s just that the kid is young and he’s willing to put his career and his skills and ability on the line.”
Regarding any strategies or plans him and head trainer Pernell Whitaker have discussed for the upcoming match with Khan:
“Yeah, we spoke about it a lot. I mean I can’t share that with you guys. (laughs) We know Amir Khan is a young guy. He possesses a lot of speed, and speed is power. So you know, we’re prepared well and if the fight was tomorrow, we would be all ready to go.”
His views on how he was able to maintain his focus and composure in his last fight when Kaizer Mabuza started coming on strong:
“It just showed my condition and my strategy for boxing. It showed no matter what he was able to think he was going to do, I was on point. I was ready for anything he could bring my way. He’s a very strong fighter. I give Mabuza a lot of credit. He came over from Africa and tried to take back home the IBF championship of the world.”
On how he would rate the punch which led to the knockout against Mabuza amongst the best punches he has landed in his career:
“I don’t know. I mean it was a good clean shot. He made a mistake and I capitalized off it. He switched his feet which for me was an amateur move. You don’t do that. I’m a professional. I shifted myself and he walked up to me, and I let the hard straight left hand go. It was beautifully in my favor, and everybody knows once I get a guy hurt I’m a great finisher.”
His views on the battle of strategies that will take place between head trainers Pernell Whitaker and Freddie Roach:
“Well I mean, speaking for myself, you have a Hall of Fame greatest fighter pound-for-pound the best in the world and one of the great trainers. I think that Pernell Whitaker with being the great fighter that he was, he knows how to put together great strategies. The strategy that Pernell Whitaker put together for Amir Khan is unbelievable! It’s going to be hard work at its best.”
On whether there were any truths to rumors that he was being considered as an opponent for Manny Pacquiao before he signed for a third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez:
“Yeah, there was a lot of realistic possibilities that it could have happened. It was just in the negotiation process, we figured why would we go up to 147 when we can stay right here and fight an opponent like Khan. We’re still going up against Freddie Roach, and hey! It’s going to be great. It’s going to be a great night of boxing. We’re prepared for the best Amir Khan that Amir Khan is going to bring to the table. He’s going to bring his A game and Zab Judah’s going to bring an A+ game.”
On whether he still considers himself to be in his prime:
“Oh, of course! Bernard Hopkins is 46 years old and he just won a world title. Mayweather’s 35 and he’s fighting again to defend his title, so all of these guys are older than me, De La Hoya, Calzaghe. When you look at it people say Zab’s old. How is Zab old when the rest of these guys that are in boxing that are the best fighters in the world, they’re all older than me. People are saying Zab as older because I’ve been in the game a long time. I’ve been in the game since I was 18 years old. I won my first world title at 20 years old. So people have been hearing about me, and then after that I won four more world titles. So I’ve always been on the big scene. My first professional fight was the co main event to Pernell Whitaker on HBO. So people have gotten a good chance to see Zab Judah. I guess after hearing a person’s name so long, Zab Judah, Zab Judah, Zab Judah, you figure oh yeah, he’s old. He’s been around. He’s only 33 years old and I’m feeling great.”
On whether he believes Pernell Whitaker has helped rejuvenate his career and improve his mindset:
“Yeah, Pernell has brought the best out of me. He has helped me get refocused on everything that we’re trying to get into. Him bringing along his expertise and him being a six-time world champion is kind of cool, because this fight right here with me winning this world title will be my sixth world title I’ve won. This is going to be a great accomplishment for me, and I’m happy!”
His views on the return of Floyd Mayweather Junior and his upcoming fight against Victor Ortiz:
“It’s going to be a good fight. Floyd is slick and fast, but Victor’s young. A lot of the young guys are fighting us supposedly old guys. That’s going to be an exciting fight, but I think Floyd’s defense and hand speed is going to be a little bit too much for Ortiz.”
His views on the fact Roger Mayweather predicted he would win his upcoming fight against Amir Khan:
“Well Roger Mayweather was also a great fighter. He was a fighter and he was great. He knows the game of boxing and it’s an honor to have another legend such himself to give me that type of credibility. Like I said, we know each other, we know each other’s styles, and out of the whole ’96 team with myself, Mayweather, and I think Antonio Tarver. He fights the week before me against Danny Green. We’re the only three there still going strong and it’s an accomplishment for me to be associating myself with those type of guys like that.”
His opinion on the perception held by many fans that him and Amir Khan both have “weak chins” and whether he believes that will be a deciding factor in their fight:
“Well the name of the game is to hit and not be hit. I don’t play the who can take the strongest punch game. My strategy is to hit and not be hit. To be honest I’ve only been knocked out one time and that was Kostya Tszyu. The whole world had seen the fight. I was caught with one shot, I went down, I got up, and they stopped it. That was what, the year 2000? It was eleven years ago! (laughs) It was a long time ago. Like I said, people always remember the negative stuff that you do in your life. They don’t remember the good things you do. Hey! I’m okay with that. If people think that getting hit is going to be a factor, then hey, I’ll let them think that.”
His views on whether Kostya Tsyzu deserved to be inducted into the Hall of Fame:
“Yeah, why not! He had a good boxing career, he worked hard, and he had done a lot of good things. He was the undisputed champ. That’s like me going to the Hall of Fame and somebody disputing should Zab Judah go into the Hall of Fame. So I don’t think of that whole ground to say yea or nay. I’m happy for him and his family, and I wish them much success.”
His views on the biggest weapon Amir Khan will bring into the ring against him:
“His size. He has good power, he’s young, and he’s going to come in there. For him it’s a point to make a point to people that he’s ‘King’ Khan. Understand there is only one King and his name is Jesus Christ and on July 23 I will show the world.”
His official prediction on his upcoming fight against Amir Khan on July 23:
“I don’t make predictions. Zab Judah will be victorious whether it goes one round or twelve. I’m going to be victorious. I’m very confident, very eager, and very ready to get this on. I’m just happy to be a part of one of the biggest fights of today once again. It’s a great feeling. So no matter what people say about you, Zab Judah and Amir Khan is a big deal in boxing right now today. It means a lot to me to be in this position.”
Former Middleweight King Jermain Taylor To Make Comeback, August 13th Bout In The Wor
By James Slater: In a breaking news article by Dan Rafael of Espn.com, it has been revealed how former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor is set to return to boxing after almost two years out. Reportedly, “Bad Intentions” will return as a 160-pounder, he and trainer Pat Burns deciding 168-pounds is too big for him.
Last seen being savagely KO’d by Arthur Abraham in the opening bout in the still-ongoing “Super Six” super-middleweight tournament, Taylor has been thoroughly checked out by a team of doctors and neurologists. The 32-year-old came through all tests fine and Rafael reports how Showtime T.V network is looking at televising his return - planned for his home town of Little Rock, Arkansas on August 13th (opponent TBA).
So, is Taylor’s return a good idea? Back with early trainer Burns, and seemingly hungry once again, Taylor may well be able to do something at middleweight; his best weight. It seems an eternity ago now, but back in 2005 Taylor managed two victories over the legend that is Bernard Hopkins. Who would have thought that, six years later, it would be B-Hop who would be still on top of his game, with Taylor an all-but forgotten ex-champ? But can Taylor, 28-4-1(17) possibly recapture the form that saw him twice out-point Hopkins and also pick up wins over the likes of Kassim Ouma and Cory Spinks?
Even back then, when he was retaining his world middleweight championship, Taylor was known as something of a fan letdown. Unable or unwilling to provide exciting fights, Jermain was soundly criticised after his lacklustre points wins over Ouma and especially Spinks. Then, when he did decide to fight more aggressively (with ace trainer Emanuel Steward now guiding him), Taylor was KO’d by new middleweight star Kelly Pavlik.
A lot has happened to Taylor since his September 2007 loss to “The Ghost:” he moved up to 168 and was painfully stopped late by both Carl Froch and Abraham and was then thought to have walked away. But Taylor says he was never a 168-pounder anyway, and that he has had a good rest during which time his mind and body have been recharged.
Another knock on the 2007 to 2009 version of Taylor was the fact that he repeatedly ran out of gas late on in fights. It happened against Froch and it happened against Abraham. Now, at almost 33-years-of-age, can Taylor be expected to have better stamina? Maybe his heavy losses did come about primarily because he was fighting at the wrong weight, and maybe Taylor will be able to be effective against a couple of the current belt holders at 160. Sergio Martinez would almost certainly be too tall an order for Taylor (even the peak version would surely have struggled with the sizzling southpaw), but guys like WBA champ Felix Sturm and regular WBC champ Julio Cesar Chavez would possibly make very interesting opponents for Taylor.
Of course, we must wait and assess Taylor’s initial comeback fights before we imagine him in there with even a top-ten guy, let alone a belt-holder. And it must be remembered that Taylor began taking quite a lot of punishment in what looked like being the final fights of his career. It’s good news that he has been cleared by the doctors, but the odds will be against Taylor recapturing what he once had. But “Bad Intentions” deserves our respect for having the guts to try.
By James Slater: In a breaking news article by Dan Rafael of Espn.com, it has been revealed how former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor is set to return to boxing after almost two years out. Reportedly, “Bad Intentions” will return as a 160-pounder, he and trainer Pat Burns deciding 168-pounds is too big for him.
Last seen being savagely KO’d by Arthur Abraham in the opening bout in the still-ongoing “Super Six” super-middleweight tournament, Taylor has been thoroughly checked out by a team of doctors and neurologists. The 32-year-old came through all tests fine and Rafael reports how Showtime T.V network is looking at televising his return - planned for his home town of Little Rock, Arkansas on August 13th (opponent TBA).
So, is Taylor’s return a good idea? Back with early trainer Burns, and seemingly hungry once again, Taylor may well be able to do something at middleweight; his best weight. It seems an eternity ago now, but back in 2005 Taylor managed two victories over the legend that is Bernard Hopkins. Who would have thought that, six years later, it would be B-Hop who would be still on top of his game, with Taylor an all-but forgotten ex-champ? But can Taylor, 28-4-1(17) possibly recapture the form that saw him twice out-point Hopkins and also pick up wins over the likes of Kassim Ouma and Cory Spinks?
Even back then, when he was retaining his world middleweight championship, Taylor was known as something of a fan letdown. Unable or unwilling to provide exciting fights, Jermain was soundly criticised after his lacklustre points wins over Ouma and especially Spinks. Then, when he did decide to fight more aggressively (with ace trainer Emanuel Steward now guiding him), Taylor was KO’d by new middleweight star Kelly Pavlik.
A lot has happened to Taylor since his September 2007 loss to “The Ghost:” he moved up to 168 and was painfully stopped late by both Carl Froch and Abraham and was then thought to have walked away. But Taylor says he was never a 168-pounder anyway, and that he has had a good rest during which time his mind and body have been recharged.
Another knock on the 2007 to 2009 version of Taylor was the fact that he repeatedly ran out of gas late on in fights. It happened against Froch and it happened against Abraham. Now, at almost 33-years-of-age, can Taylor be expected to have better stamina? Maybe his heavy losses did come about primarily because he was fighting at the wrong weight, and maybe Taylor will be able to be effective against a couple of the current belt holders at 160. Sergio Martinez would almost certainly be too tall an order for Taylor (even the peak version would surely have struggled with the sizzling southpaw), but guys like WBA champ Felix Sturm and regular WBC champ Julio Cesar Chavez would possibly make very interesting opponents for Taylor.
Of course, we must wait and assess Taylor’s initial comeback fights before we imagine him in there with even a top-ten guy, let alone a belt-holder. And it must be remembered that Taylor began taking quite a lot of punishment in what looked like being the final fights of his career. It’s good news that he has been cleared by the doctors, but the odds will be against Taylor recapturing what he once had. But “Bad Intentions” deserves our respect for having the guts to try.