Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
also, Peterson is Khan's IBF Mandatory. So he doesn't have a choice anyway, unless he wants to give up his belt.
IBF Rankings:
CHAMPION: Amir Khan
Other title holders:
[WBA: Amir Khan ]
[WBO: Timothy Bradley]
1 Lamont Peterson
2 NOT RATED
3 Tim Coleman
4 Josesito Lopez
5 Devon Alexander
6 Zab Judah
7 Kendall Holt
8 Victor Manuel Cayo
9 Kaizer Mabuza
10 Danny Garcia
11 Mauricio Herrera
12 Mike Alvarado
13 Ashley Theophane
14 Nigel Wright
15 Albert Mensah
IBF Rankings:
CHAMPION: Amir Khan
Other title holders:
[WBA: Amir Khan ]
[WBO: Timothy Bradley]
1 Lamont Peterson
2 NOT RATED
3 Tim Coleman
4 Josesito Lopez
5 Devon Alexander
6 Zab Judah
7 Kendall Holt
8 Victor Manuel Cayo
9 Kaizer Mabuza
10 Danny Garcia
11 Mauricio Herrera
12 Mike Alvarado
13 Ashley Theophane
14 Nigel Wright
15 Albert Mensah
Angulo-Martirosyan, Lara-Kirkland could land on HBO on Nov. 5
Junior middleweight contenders Alfredo Angulo and Vanes Martirosyan could meet in a main event with an undercard that matches fellow 154-pound standouts Erislandy Lara and James Kirkland if plans come to fruition for Golden Boy Promotions, the organization's CEO Richard Schaefer and matchmaker Eric Gomez told ******.com on Tuesday.
The night of junior middleweights would take place on HBO from Mexico on Nov. 5, they said.
The 29-year-old Angulo (20-1, 17 knockouts) has scored five straight knockouts in as many consecutive victories since losing a unanimous decision to Kermit Cintron (33-4-1, 28 KOs) in May of 2009. Angulo is coming off last month's first-round knockout of Joseph Gomez.
Promoted by Top Rank Inc., the 25-year-old Martirosyan improved to 30-0 by scoring his 19th knockout in the seventh round against Saul Roman in June.
"We have made an offer for [Angulo-Martirosyan] to happen on Nov. 5," said Schaefer, who has been in discussions with Top Rank Inc. CEO Bob Arum about matching Angulo and Martirosyan.
"I made an offer on Thursday to [Top Rank Vice President] Carl Moretti," said Gomez. "And he got back to me today that he's supposed to have an offer tomorrow from Vanes."
Since it is an eliminator for the right to be the WBC's No. 1 contender, the winner of Angulo-Martirosyan would be in line to meet 21-year-old titleholder Saul Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KOs), who must first get beyond a defense against Alfonso Gomez (23-4-1, 12 KOs) on Sept. 17 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
"It was [Angulo-Martirosyan] a mandated fight by the WBC, so it's the final eliminator, and I thinik that it would be a terrific fight. So I made an offer to Vanes, and I'm just waiting for him to answer," said Gomez.
"I know that Vanes has been itching for a big fight, and he said that he would fight against Angulo, so it's a very good offer. It's a very, very good offer. We'll see what happens if he takes it or not."
The 28-year-old Lara (15-1-1, 10 knockouts) is coming off of a disputed, controversial majority decision loss to three-time titlist Paul Williams (40-2, 27 KOs) in July on HBO that most ringsiders thought he had won.
Lara had been considered for a clash of southpaws opposite WBO titleholder Sergei Dzinziruk (37-1, 23 KOs), but that did not work out, said Schaefer.
"I was informed by [Dzinziruk's promoter] Gary Shaw that that is not going to happen, so we are going to see if maybe Lara against Kirkland can be a possibility," said Schaefer.
"Gary Shaw said that Dzinziruk is not going to work because of financial reasons. So it is a possibility that Kirkland could be getting the fight with Lara."
The 27-year-old Kirkland (29-1, 26 KOs) scored his second straight knockout in as many wins since being reunited with trainer Ann Wolfe after stopping Alexis Hloros 25 seconds into the second round in July.
Another possibility to face Lara is southpaw WBA "regular" beltholder Austin Trout (23-0, 13 KOs), said Schaefer.
Alvarez-Gomez is part of an HBO Pay Per View televised, split-site double-header whose main event features Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) defending his WBC welterweight belt opposite Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KOs) from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
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Junior middleweight contenders Alfredo Angulo and Vanes Martirosyan could meet in a main event with an undercard that matches fellow 154-pound standouts Erislandy Lara and James Kirkland if plans come to fruition for Golden Boy Promotions, the organization's CEO Richard Schaefer and matchmaker Eric Gomez told ******.com on Tuesday.
The night of junior middleweights would take place on HBO from Mexico on Nov. 5, they said.
The 29-year-old Angulo (20-1, 17 knockouts) has scored five straight knockouts in as many consecutive victories since losing a unanimous decision to Kermit Cintron (33-4-1, 28 KOs) in May of 2009. Angulo is coming off last month's first-round knockout of Joseph Gomez.
Promoted by Top Rank Inc., the 25-year-old Martirosyan improved to 30-0 by scoring his 19th knockout in the seventh round against Saul Roman in June.
"We have made an offer for [Angulo-Martirosyan] to happen on Nov. 5," said Schaefer, who has been in discussions with Top Rank Inc. CEO Bob Arum about matching Angulo and Martirosyan.
"I made an offer on Thursday to [Top Rank Vice President] Carl Moretti," said Gomez. "And he got back to me today that he's supposed to have an offer tomorrow from Vanes."
Since it is an eliminator for the right to be the WBC's No. 1 contender, the winner of Angulo-Martirosyan would be in line to meet 21-year-old titleholder Saul Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KOs), who must first get beyond a defense against Alfonso Gomez (23-4-1, 12 KOs) on Sept. 17 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
"It was [Angulo-Martirosyan] a mandated fight by the WBC, so it's the final eliminator, and I thinik that it would be a terrific fight. So I made an offer to Vanes, and I'm just waiting for him to answer," said Gomez.
"I know that Vanes has been itching for a big fight, and he said that he would fight against Angulo, so it's a very good offer. It's a very, very good offer. We'll see what happens if he takes it or not."
The 28-year-old Lara (15-1-1, 10 knockouts) is coming off of a disputed, controversial majority decision loss to three-time titlist Paul Williams (40-2, 27 KOs) in July on HBO that most ringsiders thought he had won.
Lara had been considered for a clash of southpaws opposite WBO titleholder Sergei Dzinziruk (37-1, 23 KOs), but that did not work out, said Schaefer.
"I was informed by [Dzinziruk's promoter] Gary Shaw that that is not going to happen, so we are going to see if maybe Lara against Kirkland can be a possibility," said Schaefer.
"Gary Shaw said that Dzinziruk is not going to work because of financial reasons. So it is a possibility that Kirkland could be getting the fight with Lara."
The 27-year-old Kirkland (29-1, 26 KOs) scored his second straight knockout in as many wins since being reunited with trainer Ann Wolfe after stopping Alexis Hloros 25 seconds into the second round in July.
Another possibility to face Lara is southpaw WBA "regular" beltholder Austin Trout (23-0, 13 KOs), said Schaefer.
Alvarez-Gomez is part of an HBO Pay Per View televised, split-site double-header whose main event features Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) defending his WBC welterweight belt opposite Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KOs) from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
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Mayweather: I never said I would fight Pacquiao next
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: "I never said [Pacquiao would be next] at all. So please, don't put words in my mouth," Mayweather said. "Nothing is a precursor." (http://espn.go.com/sports/boxing/blog/_/name/boxing/id/6938490/money-manny-gamesmanship-continues)
Have I misheard or misunderstood Floyd when he mentioned the complete opposite a few times last week? As far as I can remember, Mayweather Jr. brought up Pacquiao’s name numerous times since his announcement of the Ortiz fight, always claiming that Pacquiao would be next after Ortiz.
One of the main reasons Floyd kept his potential bout with Pacquiao at bay, was due to Pacquiao’s refusal to go through the extensive blood testing for illegal substances. According to a recent interview with Pacquiao, this is no longer and issue: “Mayweather chose Vargas as his opponent because he is a southpaw. I think he is preparing for our battle next year.” When asked about the blood testing, Pacquiao replied: “There is no more issue about that.” According to Pacquiao, testing is no longer a concern, it’s the financial agreements that needs to be ironed out, and then the will be good to go. (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6936092)
Mayweather Jr. also went on to mention that Amir Khan can have a piece of him as well, provided he goes through someone else first: “You've got one guy from the U.K. by the name of Amir Khan. I've told him he can fight Floyd Mayweather, but he must go through Jessie Vargas first.”
So who do we believe? Has the testing issue really been resolved, or is Pacquiao pulling our chains?
I guess we will not find out until late this year or early next year, when both fighters are all done with their upcoming challenges, and the road is clearly paved for their fight to come to fruition.
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: "I never said [Pacquiao would be next] at all. So please, don't put words in my mouth," Mayweather said. "Nothing is a precursor." (http://espn.go.com/sports/boxing/blog/_/name/boxing/id/6938490/money-manny-gamesmanship-continues)
Have I misheard or misunderstood Floyd when he mentioned the complete opposite a few times last week? As far as I can remember, Mayweather Jr. brought up Pacquiao’s name numerous times since his announcement of the Ortiz fight, always claiming that Pacquiao would be next after Ortiz.
One of the main reasons Floyd kept his potential bout with Pacquiao at bay, was due to Pacquiao’s refusal to go through the extensive blood testing for illegal substances. According to a recent interview with Pacquiao, this is no longer and issue: “Mayweather chose Vargas as his opponent because he is a southpaw. I think he is preparing for our battle next year.” When asked about the blood testing, Pacquiao replied: “There is no more issue about that.” According to Pacquiao, testing is no longer a concern, it’s the financial agreements that needs to be ironed out, and then the will be good to go. (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6936092)
Mayweather Jr. also went on to mention that Amir Khan can have a piece of him as well, provided he goes through someone else first: “You've got one guy from the U.K. by the name of Amir Khan. I've told him he can fight Floyd Mayweather, but he must go through Jessie Vargas first.”
So who do we believe? Has the testing issue really been resolved, or is Pacquiao pulling our chains?
I guess we will not find out until late this year or early next year, when both fighters are all done with their upcoming challenges, and the road is clearly paved for their fight to come to fruition.
Mayweather is ready to put his money where his mouth is!
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Right now, the expression ‘put you money where you mouth is,’ belongs to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Saying that Mayweather Jr. is confident is a gross understatement, as according to numerous reports, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is willing to bet Oscar De La Hoya and Victor Ortiz $2.5 million a piece on their upcoming fight.
Mayweather. Jr. makes his willingness to bet public, with an offensive jab as Oscar’s recent life troubles: “If Victor Ortiz believes in himself and Oscar De La Hoya believes in Victor Ortiz, I bet ‘em both $2.5m a piece,’ said Mayweather as he took a break from the heavy bag. ‘I got $2.5m to Oscar; then he can buy more product because he got vices. Then we got Victor Ortiz, I seen him in Victoria Secrets outfits, so how we can handle this is this; you know your payday is $2.5m Victor, so you go and bet your $2.5m and Oscar is going to put $2.5m on it. So I got a $5m bet right now.” (http://www.boxingfutures.com/news/0907-floyd-mayweather-media-workout-pictures)
People always find bad things to say about Floyd, and so can I, but when it comes to real entertainment and backing up his confidence with actions, he is definitely the biggest diamond out there.
Would he really go through with this bet if both Ortiz and De La Hoya agreed? Of course he would. Floyd has never felt deprived of confidence and self esteem, and for good reasons. People always find ways to look past Floyd’s achievements and his upcoming fights, as if expecting him to win no matter what. This alone is a big deal, indicating the amount of respect the fan base has acquired for Floyd over the years. Of all the boxing fans out there, the majority agrees that Mayweather Jr. is indeed the best out there, and is a tremendous fighter with no fear as part of his personality. All except for one group: Manny Pacquiao fans. They are the only ones who find a way to propose Floyd’s career in a negative light, with speculation of fear and exposure of is personal life as an indicator of his boxing legacy.
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Right now, the expression ‘put you money where you mouth is,’ belongs to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Saying that Mayweather Jr. is confident is a gross understatement, as according to numerous reports, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is willing to bet Oscar De La Hoya and Victor Ortiz $2.5 million a piece on their upcoming fight.
Mayweather. Jr. makes his willingness to bet public, with an offensive jab as Oscar’s recent life troubles: “If Victor Ortiz believes in himself and Oscar De La Hoya believes in Victor Ortiz, I bet ‘em both $2.5m a piece,’ said Mayweather as he took a break from the heavy bag. ‘I got $2.5m to Oscar; then he can buy more product because he got vices. Then we got Victor Ortiz, I seen him in Victoria Secrets outfits, so how we can handle this is this; you know your payday is $2.5m Victor, so you go and bet your $2.5m and Oscar is going to put $2.5m on it. So I got a $5m bet right now.” (http://www.boxingfutures.com/news/0907-floyd-mayweather-media-workout-pictures)
People always find bad things to say about Floyd, and so can I, but when it comes to real entertainment and backing up his confidence with actions, he is definitely the biggest diamond out there.
Would he really go through with this bet if both Ortiz and De La Hoya agreed? Of course he would. Floyd has never felt deprived of confidence and self esteem, and for good reasons. People always find ways to look past Floyd’s achievements and his upcoming fights, as if expecting him to win no matter what. This alone is a big deal, indicating the amount of respect the fan base has acquired for Floyd over the years. Of all the boxing fans out there, the majority agrees that Mayweather Jr. is indeed the best out there, and is a tremendous fighter with no fear as part of his personality. All except for one group: Manny Pacquiao fans. They are the only ones who find a way to propose Floyd’s career in a negative light, with speculation of fear and exposure of is personal life as an indicator of his boxing legacy.
Exclusive Interview With James Toney - “I’ll Beat Lebedev Like I Did Jirov, Maybe Wor
Exclusive Interview With James Toney - “I’ll Beat Lebedev Like I Did Jirov, Maybe Worse!”
By James Slater: As fans may have read, future Hall of Famer James “Lights Out” Toney is currently in negotiations to fight dangerous Russian cruiserweight Denis Lebedev on November 5th. Toney, who has just turned 43, is hoping the fight comes off. Reportedly in the best shape he’s been in in years, Toney is also hoping a win will lead to even bigger fights with the likes of Bernard Hopkins and Antonio Tarver.
But first he must defeat the southpaw with the 22-1(17) pro record. Very kindly, Toney took the time to speak with me about the prospective fight yesterday evening U.K time.
Here is what the 73-6-3(44) master had to say:
James Slater: Hi, Champ, it’s great to be able to speak with you.
James Toney: Hey, Eastside Boxing, what’s up!
J.S: This exciting news about you facing Denis Lebedev in Russia: is it a done deal, or are you still negotiating?
J.T: Right now my team are still negotiating the fight, but I really hope it happens. I’m excited, I’m like a Rottweiler right now. I’m mad ’cus they’ve all been ducking me - the Klitschko sisters, David Gaye. This fight [with Lebedev] will open a lot of doors.
J.S: You have no qualms about going to Russia to fight?
J.T: None whatsoever; they ain’t ever done nuthin’ to me. I’m happy to go there, I’ve boxed in Europe before and I’m happy to go to Russia to get it on, to show the good people from that part of the world a real world champion.
J.S: Will the fight be at cruiserweight or at a catch-weight, Champ?
J.T: That has to be negotiated, but I ain’t concerned, it don’t matter what weight they say they want the fight at. Like I say, I’m ready. I’m in tip-top shape now.
J.S: I’ve see the internet photos and read how you are in fantastic shape right now - are you down to 200-pounds or thereabouts?
J.T: I’m close. Don’t be shocked when you see me get on the scale. But people will be shocked! I’m back to the old James Toney. I’m mad, I’m vicious and I’m ready. I’m just anxious to fight now.
J.S: Did you see Lebedev’s KO win over Roy Jones from May?
J.T: Yeah I saw it, and if he stands right in front of me like he did Roy, he’s in trouble; it’ll be an early night. I hope he fights me like he did Jones.
J.T: They say he has rock-power in each hand and that he is very dangerous. Does any of that worry or concern James Toney?
J.T: I’m not concerned. You know all about James Toney, right?
J.S: Right.
J.T: So you should ask him that question. I have power in both hands. Look at my KO ratio. I have more power than he does.
J.S: Are you concerned at all that you might have to KO him in order to get the win? Does the possibility of hometown scoring concern you?
J.T: If I was concerned about this fight at all I wouldn’t take it. He’ll be beaten so badly by the end of the fight they won’t be able to recognise him. I’ll beat him up just like I did [Vassiliy] Jirov, maybe worse. He isn’t in the same class as Jirov.
J.S: Lebedev is a southpaw as you know…
J.T: I’ve fought eleven southpaws and I tore ‘em all up!
J.S: Will you stay at cruiserweight, and look for bigger fights there, or will you move back up to heavyweight after November 5th?
J.T: I can fight at both weights, either one. I want to fight Hopkins and Tarver [at cruiserweight] and I also want the Klitschko sisters [at heavyweight]. Like I say, this fight will open doors and they won’t be able to continue ducking me. I might even fight [Alexander] Povetkin, he’s just won a title they say.
J.S: Is the Ken Shamrock MMA fight still on?
J.T: To my knowledge it is, but they’ve got to come up with the right money. They do that and I’ll be the next guy to knock him out!
J.S: Thanks so much for your time, Champ. Best wishes for November 5th, I hope you get the fight and then some even bigger fights after that.
J.T: Okay, man. Thanks.
Exclusive Interview With James Toney - “I’ll Beat Lebedev Like I Did Jirov, Maybe Worse!”
By James Slater: As fans may have read, future Hall of Famer James “Lights Out” Toney is currently in negotiations to fight dangerous Russian cruiserweight Denis Lebedev on November 5th. Toney, who has just turned 43, is hoping the fight comes off. Reportedly in the best shape he’s been in in years, Toney is also hoping a win will lead to even bigger fights with the likes of Bernard Hopkins and Antonio Tarver.
But first he must defeat the southpaw with the 22-1(17) pro record. Very kindly, Toney took the time to speak with me about the prospective fight yesterday evening U.K time.
Here is what the 73-6-3(44) master had to say:
James Slater: Hi, Champ, it’s great to be able to speak with you.
James Toney: Hey, Eastside Boxing, what’s up!
J.S: This exciting news about you facing Denis Lebedev in Russia: is it a done deal, or are you still negotiating?
J.T: Right now my team are still negotiating the fight, but I really hope it happens. I’m excited, I’m like a Rottweiler right now. I’m mad ’cus they’ve all been ducking me - the Klitschko sisters, David Gaye. This fight [with Lebedev] will open a lot of doors.
J.S: You have no qualms about going to Russia to fight?
J.T: None whatsoever; they ain’t ever done nuthin’ to me. I’m happy to go there, I’ve boxed in Europe before and I’m happy to go to Russia to get it on, to show the good people from that part of the world a real world champion.
J.S: Will the fight be at cruiserweight or at a catch-weight, Champ?
J.T: That has to be negotiated, but I ain’t concerned, it don’t matter what weight they say they want the fight at. Like I say, I’m ready. I’m in tip-top shape now.
J.S: I’ve see the internet photos and read how you are in fantastic shape right now - are you down to 200-pounds or thereabouts?
J.T: I’m close. Don’t be shocked when you see me get on the scale. But people will be shocked! I’m back to the old James Toney. I’m mad, I’m vicious and I’m ready. I’m just anxious to fight now.
J.S: Did you see Lebedev’s KO win over Roy Jones from May?
J.T: Yeah I saw it, and if he stands right in front of me like he did Roy, he’s in trouble; it’ll be an early night. I hope he fights me like he did Jones.
J.T: They say he has rock-power in each hand and that he is very dangerous. Does any of that worry or concern James Toney?
J.T: I’m not concerned. You know all about James Toney, right?
J.S: Right.
J.T: So you should ask him that question. I have power in both hands. Look at my KO ratio. I have more power than he does.
J.S: Are you concerned at all that you might have to KO him in order to get the win? Does the possibility of hometown scoring concern you?
J.T: If I was concerned about this fight at all I wouldn’t take it. He’ll be beaten so badly by the end of the fight they won’t be able to recognise him. I’ll beat him up just like I did [Vassiliy] Jirov, maybe worse. He isn’t in the same class as Jirov.
J.S: Lebedev is a southpaw as you know…
J.T: I’ve fought eleven southpaws and I tore ‘em all up!
J.S: Will you stay at cruiserweight, and look for bigger fights there, or will you move back up to heavyweight after November 5th?
J.T: I can fight at both weights, either one. I want to fight Hopkins and Tarver [at cruiserweight] and I also want the Klitschko sisters [at heavyweight]. Like I say, this fight will open doors and they won’t be able to continue ducking me. I might even fight [Alexander] Povetkin, he’s just won a title they say.
J.S: Is the Ken Shamrock MMA fight still on?
J.T: To my knowledge it is, but they’ve got to come up with the right money. They do that and I’ll be the next guy to knock him out!
J.S: Thanks so much for your time, Champ. Best wishes for November 5th, I hope you get the fight and then some even bigger fights after that.
J.T: Okay, man. Thanks.
Mayweather: I’ll fight Khan if he fights Jessie Vargas first
By Scott Gilfoid: Amir Khan can stop calling out Floyd Mayweather Jr., because Floyd gave him the path to a fight with him yesterday, telling ESPN “You’ve got a one guy from the UK by the name of Amir Khan. I’ve told him he can fight Floyd Mayweather, but he must go through Jessie Vargas first.”
Vargas, 22, just happens to fight for Mayweather Promotions, so it’s a smart move by Floyd to get Khan to fight his guy first. I like this. However, I doubt Khan will take the fight with the young Vargas even though it could lead to Khan getting what he wants – the cash out money fight against Mayweather.
The one problem with Khan facing Vargas is that Vargas can really punch, in particular with his left hand. He’s really quick with his left hook, and can throw it with devastating power in close or far away. He’s also pretty good at scraping on the inside, and is willing to grab his opponents around the neck like Khan often does to yank on them to get them out of position.
I think Vargas would be resistant to Khan’s tricks where he shoves his opponents’ head down to get them in a vulnerable position to tag them. Vargas has decent power in his right hand, and I could see him knocking Khan out if he lands it cleanly. The only thing I don’t like about Vargas is that he doesn’t his jab enough and has a low work rate. He’s got to be busier if he wants to beat Khan. You can’t let Khan get confidence because he’ll be all over you with his fast shots.
However, in looking at some of Vargas’ fights, he doesn’t like when he gets hit hard and tends to charge his opponents with knockout intentions. Vargas’ left hook so quick and so powerful that he often ends the fight as soon as he lands that shot.
Khan won’t fight this guy, no way. It doesn’t matter that it could potentially lead to Khan getting his big payday fight that he’s been carefully maneuvered for the last three years. Vargas is simply too dangerous, and I can’t see Golden Boy Promotions wanting to take that risk with their budding cash cow. There’s too many soft touches in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions that Khan can fight and get easy paydays against. You put Khan in with a young slugger like Vargas and the gravy train is over. If Khan gets knocked out again, you can probably forget about HBO showing his fights, and I doubt that even Sky would want to show him anymore unless he can come up with a good excuse like David Haye did for his loss to Wladimir Klitschko.
Khan and his promoters had been talking about wanting to fight the faded 35-year-old Erik Morales for a chance for Khan to pick up the WBC paper title. However, with Morales saying no to that idea and Lucas Matthysse likely to beat Morales anyway in their fight on September 17th, Khan is now said to be fighting his IBF mandatory challenger Lamont Peterson next instead of the hard hitting Matthysse. Vargas punches harder than Matthysse with his left hand, so no way do I see Vargas getting a fight with Khan no matter what it would lead to. Vargas isn’t an inside fighter like Marcos Maidana, meaning they can’t assign a referee that doesn’t permit inside fighting to give Khan an edge. Khan would have to actually beat the guy and I don’t think he can. Vargas hits too hard.
By Scott Gilfoid: Amir Khan can stop calling out Floyd Mayweather Jr., because Floyd gave him the path to a fight with him yesterday, telling ESPN “You’ve got a one guy from the UK by the name of Amir Khan. I’ve told him he can fight Floyd Mayweather, but he must go through Jessie Vargas first.”
Vargas, 22, just happens to fight for Mayweather Promotions, so it’s a smart move by Floyd to get Khan to fight his guy first. I like this. However, I doubt Khan will take the fight with the young Vargas even though it could lead to Khan getting what he wants – the cash out money fight against Mayweather.
The one problem with Khan facing Vargas is that Vargas can really punch, in particular with his left hand. He’s really quick with his left hook, and can throw it with devastating power in close or far away. He’s also pretty good at scraping on the inside, and is willing to grab his opponents around the neck like Khan often does to yank on them to get them out of position.
I think Vargas would be resistant to Khan’s tricks where he shoves his opponents’ head down to get them in a vulnerable position to tag them. Vargas has decent power in his right hand, and I could see him knocking Khan out if he lands it cleanly. The only thing I don’t like about Vargas is that he doesn’t his jab enough and has a low work rate. He’s got to be busier if he wants to beat Khan. You can’t let Khan get confidence because he’ll be all over you with his fast shots.
However, in looking at some of Vargas’ fights, he doesn’t like when he gets hit hard and tends to charge his opponents with knockout intentions. Vargas’ left hook so quick and so powerful that he often ends the fight as soon as he lands that shot.
Khan won’t fight this guy, no way. It doesn’t matter that it could potentially lead to Khan getting his big payday fight that he’s been carefully maneuvered for the last three years. Vargas is simply too dangerous, and I can’t see Golden Boy Promotions wanting to take that risk with their budding cash cow. There’s too many soft touches in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions that Khan can fight and get easy paydays against. You put Khan in with a young slugger like Vargas and the gravy train is over. If Khan gets knocked out again, you can probably forget about HBO showing his fights, and I doubt that even Sky would want to show him anymore unless he can come up with a good excuse like David Haye did for his loss to Wladimir Klitschko.
Khan and his promoters had been talking about wanting to fight the faded 35-year-old Erik Morales for a chance for Khan to pick up the WBC paper title. However, with Morales saying no to that idea and Lucas Matthysse likely to beat Morales anyway in their fight on September 17th, Khan is now said to be fighting his IBF mandatory challenger Lamont Peterson next instead of the hard hitting Matthysse. Vargas punches harder than Matthysse with his left hand, so no way do I see Vargas getting a fight with Khan no matter what it would lead to. Vargas isn’t an inside fighter like Marcos Maidana, meaning they can’t assign a referee that doesn’t permit inside fighting to give Khan an edge. Khan would have to actually beat the guy and I don’t think he can. Vargas hits too hard.
Pacquiao applying the pressure for Mayweather fight
By John F. McKenna (McJack): World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) is applying the pressure on Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KO’s). The New York Post is reporting this morning that Manny is putting Floyd on notice that if he wants the richest fight in boxing history to happen, he has about one year to do it.
Currently Pacquiao is a congressman in Sarangani Province in the Philippines. That position allows him time to continue to have a boxing career. Manny however, has made it clear that he wants to be taken seriously as a political figure in his homeland. He wants to run for an executive office which would require a total commitment. In essence “Pacman” would have to retire from the ring and devote all his time to his burgeoning political career.
“I want to be an executive in 2013, it’s hard to be an executive and do boxing,” Pacquiao was quoted as saying.
What that means of course is that if the dream fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather is ever to happen, it has to happen next year. The fight has been talked about endlessly for the past couple of years, but for one reason or another, the details have not been able to be worked out to enable the two biggest superstars in boxing to get into the same ring together. There has also been conjecture from fans on both sides that one fighter or the other is ducking the fight.
Pacquiao said “I don’t really need that fight. If it happens good, because it’s what the fans want. But I’m happy with what I’ve done in boxing.”
Mayweather will fight WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) on September 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after a 16 month absence from the ring. It has been speculated by many boxing fans that Mayweather is using the fight with Ortiz, who is a southpaw, as preparation for Pacquiao who is also a southpaw.
Pacquiao will fight WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO’s) also at the MGM Grand on November 17 in their Trilogy fight.
Pacquiao by his latest statements has effectively placed the ball back in Mayweather’s court regarding any possible fight between the two. What Manny is saying is that he does not need Floyd to secure his legacy.
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By John F. McKenna (McJack): World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) is applying the pressure on Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KO’s). The New York Post is reporting this morning that Manny is putting Floyd on notice that if he wants the richest fight in boxing history to happen, he has about one year to do it.
Currently Pacquiao is a congressman in Sarangani Province in the Philippines. That position allows him time to continue to have a boxing career. Manny however, has made it clear that he wants to be taken seriously as a political figure in his homeland. He wants to run for an executive office which would require a total commitment. In essence “Pacman” would have to retire from the ring and devote all his time to his burgeoning political career.
“I want to be an executive in 2013, it’s hard to be an executive and do boxing,” Pacquiao was quoted as saying.
What that means of course is that if the dream fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather is ever to happen, it has to happen next year. The fight has been talked about endlessly for the past couple of years, but for one reason or another, the details have not been able to be worked out to enable the two biggest superstars in boxing to get into the same ring together. There has also been conjecture from fans on both sides that one fighter or the other is ducking the fight.
Pacquiao said “I don’t really need that fight. If it happens good, because it’s what the fans want. But I’m happy with what I’ve done in boxing.”
Mayweather will fight WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) on September 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after a 16 month absence from the ring. It has been speculated by many boxing fans that Mayweather is using the fight with Ortiz, who is a southpaw, as preparation for Pacquiao who is also a southpaw.
Pacquiao will fight WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO’s) also at the MGM Grand on November 17 in their Trilogy fight.
Pacquiao by his latest statements has effectively placed the ball back in Mayweather’s court regarding any possible fight between the two. What Manny is saying is that he does not need Floyd to secure his legacy.
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Ellerbe Rips Arum Over Mayweather-Pacquiao 'Bullsh*t'
Article Link - http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=43508#ixzz1XMyzCSEa
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Ellerbe Rips Arum Over Mayweather-Pacquiao 'Bullsh*t'
Posted by: Rick Reeno on 9/8/2011 .
By Rick Reeno
Despite both fighters being scheduled to face other opponents in the fall, a mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25KOs) and Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38KOs) continues to dominate the headlines.
The main issue is still outstanding, according to Mayweather and his team. The issue of a "pre-fight random drug testing protocol" - which Mayweather wants USADA [United States Anti-Doping Agency] to handle.
Pacquiao, and his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, believe Mayweather is making excuses. In multiple interviews, both have expressed their willingness to satisfy Mayweather's demand for a random drug testing protocol.
Leonard Ellerbe, adviser to Mayweather and CEO of Mayweather Promotions, calls bullsh*t on the numerous comments regarding the willingness of Arum and Pacquiao to satisfy Floyd's demand for a drug testing protocol.
Ellerbe told BoxingScene.com that Arum is deceiving the public with his numerous statements pertaining to a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight.
Ellerbe's thoughts regarding Pacquiao's willingness to meet Mayweather's demands.
"[Arum], he's the biggest bullsh*t artist in the history of boxing. I respect what he's been able to do for the sport, as far as bringing great fights and he has a number of great fighters, but he's a bullsh*t artist. And he knows I'll tell him to his face and I've said it to him a number of times, he's a bullsh*t artist. But he can't bullsh*t us."
"We are our own bosses. he controls that crop over there, but he don't control anything over here. I think [Pacquio] is going to put the pressure on him. We have not had any conversations about anything, our focus is Victor Ortiz."
Ellerbe's thoughts on Arum's claim that Mayweather and his team have been advised that Pacquiao is willing to satisfy Floyd's demand for a drug testing protocol
"He's tells you guys that. He hasn't said anything to us because we aint talking to him. He aint telling us nothing. Why hasn't the fight been made? You can't see what he's been doing? If you truly understand the sport [you should know what he's doing]. He has a good little fighter. He signed a good little kid, he used to fight on our undercards. He's never been anything special and then all of a sudden he gets under his promotional umbrella and he sees an opportunity over here."
"And he knows what Floyd can do. Everybody on his staff knows what Floyd can do. We worked with them for ten years. They know Floyd is the real deal and don't let them bullsh*t you on that. They know Floyd is the real deal."
Ellerb's thoughts regarding the popular theory that Mayweather is avoiding Pacquiao.
"What [Arum has] been able to do is create this persona over here, because Floyd has taken an extended amount of time off, and [Arum] created this persona that 'this guy over here is scared to do this.' The same bullsh*t they did with [Antonio] Margarito. The same bullsh*t. You guys fall for it every time. You fall for it every time. Every time a situation comes up, he puts his kid in with a guy Floyd already beat. And then at the end of the day, you guys give him a bunch of credit and praise for beating that guy."
"Floyd already beat this guy, that guy and that guy, and they create this delusional theory that Floyd is scared to fight. Fighters fight, that's what they do. There is no such thing as being on top for a number of years, and then all of sudden you're scared of a fighter. Scared of what? What the hell can this guy do that nobody else has been able to do?"
"I think the kid is going to put the pressure on his promoter, because the kid is looking at the situation and saying 'how the hell is Floyd Mayweather going out and making all of these ridiculous amounts of money and I go out and fight and I'm only making a fraction.' Floyd is fighting these same guys and making triple of what this guy makes. It's all factual."
Ellerbe's thoughts on Pacquiao's ability to present a serious threat to Mayweather.
"That fight right there is going to be one of Floyd's easiest fights. Mark my words, one of his easiest fights. The two are not even on the same level. [Pacquiao is] a good little fighter, but there's a difference. He has a trainer [Freddie Roach]. And once again I give his trainer all the credit, [but] he's a bullsh*t artist. [He's] very good at tricking the public because he understands the business of it. At the end of the day, the promoter knows what time of day it is, the matchmaker knows what time of day it is and the fighter knows what time of day it is."
Now this is a good read..
Article Link - http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=43508#ixzz1XMyzCSEa
This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to BoxingScene.com or provide a link to the original article.
Ellerbe Rips Arum Over Mayweather-Pacquiao 'Bullsh*t'
Posted by: Rick Reeno on 9/8/2011 .
By Rick Reeno
Despite both fighters being scheduled to face other opponents in the fall, a mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25KOs) and Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38KOs) continues to dominate the headlines.
The main issue is still outstanding, according to Mayweather and his team. The issue of a "pre-fight random drug testing protocol" - which Mayweather wants USADA [United States Anti-Doping Agency] to handle.
Pacquiao, and his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, believe Mayweather is making excuses. In multiple interviews, both have expressed their willingness to satisfy Mayweather's demand for a random drug testing protocol.
Leonard Ellerbe, adviser to Mayweather and CEO of Mayweather Promotions, calls bullsh*t on the numerous comments regarding the willingness of Arum and Pacquiao to satisfy Floyd's demand for a drug testing protocol.
Ellerbe told BoxingScene.com that Arum is deceiving the public with his numerous statements pertaining to a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight.
Ellerbe's thoughts regarding Pacquiao's willingness to meet Mayweather's demands.
"[Arum], he's the biggest bullsh*t artist in the history of boxing. I respect what he's been able to do for the sport, as far as bringing great fights and he has a number of great fighters, but he's a bullsh*t artist. And he knows I'll tell him to his face and I've said it to him a number of times, he's a bullsh*t artist. But he can't bullsh*t us."
"We are our own bosses. he controls that crop over there, but he don't control anything over here. I think [Pacquio] is going to put the pressure on him. We have not had any conversations about anything, our focus is Victor Ortiz."
Ellerbe's thoughts on Arum's claim that Mayweather and his team have been advised that Pacquiao is willing to satisfy Floyd's demand for a drug testing protocol
"He's tells you guys that. He hasn't said anything to us because we aint talking to him. He aint telling us nothing. Why hasn't the fight been made? You can't see what he's been doing? If you truly understand the sport [you should know what he's doing]. He has a good little fighter. He signed a good little kid, he used to fight on our undercards. He's never been anything special and then all of a sudden he gets under his promotional umbrella and he sees an opportunity over here."
"And he knows what Floyd can do. Everybody on his staff knows what Floyd can do. We worked with them for ten years. They know Floyd is the real deal and don't let them bullsh*t you on that. They know Floyd is the real deal."
Ellerb's thoughts regarding the popular theory that Mayweather is avoiding Pacquiao.
"What [Arum has] been able to do is create this persona over here, because Floyd has taken an extended amount of time off, and [Arum] created this persona that 'this guy over here is scared to do this.' The same bullsh*t they did with [Antonio] Margarito. The same bullsh*t. You guys fall for it every time. You fall for it every time. Every time a situation comes up, he puts his kid in with a guy Floyd already beat. And then at the end of the day, you guys give him a bunch of credit and praise for beating that guy."
"Floyd already beat this guy, that guy and that guy, and they create this delusional theory that Floyd is scared to fight. Fighters fight, that's what they do. There is no such thing as being on top for a number of years, and then all of sudden you're scared of a fighter. Scared of what? What the hell can this guy do that nobody else has been able to do?"
"I think the kid is going to put the pressure on his promoter, because the kid is looking at the situation and saying 'how the hell is Floyd Mayweather going out and making all of these ridiculous amounts of money and I go out and fight and I'm only making a fraction.' Floyd is fighting these same guys and making triple of what this guy makes. It's all factual."
Ellerbe's thoughts on Pacquiao's ability to present a serious threat to Mayweather.
"That fight right there is going to be one of Floyd's easiest fights. Mark my words, one of his easiest fights. The two are not even on the same level. [Pacquiao is] a good little fighter, but there's a difference. He has a trainer [Freddie Roach]. And once again I give his trainer all the credit, [but] he's a bullsh*t artist. [He's] very good at tricking the public because he understands the business of it. At the end of the day, the promoter knows what time of day it is, the matchmaker knows what time of day it is and the fighter knows what time of day it is."
Now this is a good read..
Looks like Vanes is a pussy. But this opens up a better fight!
Kirkland-Angulo (update) Vanes passes on big fight.
stevemaxboxing Steve Kim
Word is that Vanes Martirosyan has passed on the Alferdo Angulo fight on Nov5. James Kirkland may step in his place... #boxing
stevemaxboxing Steve Kim
As long as Kirkland is given legal approval to go out of the country. Opening bout that night, I'm told Humberto Soto #boxing
Kirkland-Angulo (update) Vanes passes on big fight.
stevemaxboxing Steve Kim
Word is that Vanes Martirosyan has passed on the Alferdo Angulo fight on Nov5. James Kirkland may step in his place... #boxing
stevemaxboxing Steve Kim
As long as Kirkland is given legal approval to go out of the country. Opening bout that night, I'm told Humberto Soto #boxing
Looks like Vanes is a pussy. But this opens up a better fight!
Kirkland-Angulo (update) Vanes passes on big fight.
stevemaxboxing Steve Kim
Word is that Vanes Martirosyan has passed on the Alferdo Angulo fight on Nov5. James Kirkland may step in his place... #boxing
stevemaxboxing Steve Kim
As long as Kirkland is given legal approval to go out of the country. Opening bout that night, I'm told Humberto Soto #boxing
Kirkland-Angulo (update) Vanes passes on big fight.
stevemaxboxing Steve Kim
Word is that Vanes Martirosyan has passed on the Alferdo Angulo fight on Nov5. James Kirkland may step in his place... #boxing
stevemaxboxing Steve Kim
As long as Kirkland is given legal approval to go out of the country. Opening bout that night, I'm told Humberto Soto #boxing
Vanes also turned down a shot at Sergio Martinez last year and there was someone else too. Fuck that guy all he does is talk shit, calls out fighters then backs out.
Kirkland vs Angulo was a fight I've been wanting to see for about 3 years. I don't care if Kirkland was TKO'd this fight will be a damn war for however long it lasts.
Kirkland vs Angulo was a fight I've been wanting to see for about 3 years. I don't care if Kirkland was TKO'd this fight will be a damn war for however long it lasts.