Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
Carlos Quintana is the guy that recently upset Paul Williams (who beat Margarito). He was a 6-1 underdog in that fight. Quintana's only loss came to the hands of Miguel Cotto.
Quintana actually kinda beat the shit out of Paul Williams in the first fight, and based on that alone, it's pretty shocking to me that Quintana is the underdog again in the upcoming rematch. I might have to drop some money on Quintana because he had Paul Williams number.
Quintana actually kinda beat the shit out of Paul Williams in the first fight, and based on that alone, it's pretty shocking to me that Quintana is the underdog again in the upcoming rematch. I might have to drop some money on Quintana because he had Paul Williams number.
Miranda Offers Career Advice To Abraham
HOLLYWOOD, FL, May 28 – Calling in from his training camp in Puerto Rico, super middleweight contender Edison ‘Pantera’ Miranda chuckled when he was read the latest statements from his June 21st opponent, Arthur Abraham, who stated that in their highly controversial first bout in 2006, if he failed to beat a man who had his jaw broken, he would have taken a job as a night watchman..
“I agree with you Arthur, if it was a one-on-one fight,” said Miranda of the first bout, one marred by questionable officiating. “Unfortunately for me, I was fighting you and the referee, and most people who saw the fight still believe I won.”
“This time, I’m not trusting anything but my fists, and I will knock you out,” continued Miranda. “So, as a fellow competitor, I suggest that maybe you should start shopping for your patent leather shoes and uniform, because you’ll be doing that night watchman job by the end of the summer. I think you’ll be perfect for it, because when something happens, you don’t have to do anything yourself – you can just call for help. Our first fight showed that you’re good at that.”
HOLLYWOOD, FL, May 28 – Calling in from his training camp in Puerto Rico, super middleweight contender Edison ‘Pantera’ Miranda chuckled when he was read the latest statements from his June 21st opponent, Arthur Abraham, who stated that in their highly controversial first bout in 2006, if he failed to beat a man who had his jaw broken, he would have taken a job as a night watchman..
“I agree with you Arthur, if it was a one-on-one fight,” said Miranda of the first bout, one marred by questionable officiating. “Unfortunately for me, I was fighting you and the referee, and most people who saw the fight still believe I won.”
“This time, I’m not trusting anything but my fists, and I will knock you out,” continued Miranda. “So, as a fellow competitor, I suggest that maybe you should start shopping for your patent leather shoes and uniform, because you’ll be doing that night watchman job by the end of the summer. I think you’ll be perfect for it, because when something happens, you don’t have to do anything yourself – you can just call for help. Our first fight showed that you’re good at that.”
James Toney-Hasim Rahman Rematch For July 16
By Mark Vester
It appears that a deal has been struck for James "Lights Out" Toney (70-6, 43KOs) to face former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman (45-6, 36KOs) in a rematch on July 16. Toney previously faced Rahman, then the WBC champion, in March of 2006 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The fight would end in a majority draw, but most felt Rahman did enough to earn the decision.
Toney's promoter Dan Goossen informed MaxBoxing/BoxingScene.com's Steve Kim of the news. The fight falls on a Wednesday and leaves Fox Sports Net and ESPN as the two television options.
"I've made a deal for James and Hasim Rahman. I'm just closing the details on the television," Goossen said.
Rahman was recently mentioned as David Haye's first opponent as a Golden Boy Promotions fighter. Haye will probably not re-enter the heavyweight ranks until the end of the year, which gives Rahman more than enough time to take the fight if he beats Toney in July
By Mark Vester
It appears that a deal has been struck for James "Lights Out" Toney (70-6, 43KOs) to face former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman (45-6, 36KOs) in a rematch on July 16. Toney previously faced Rahman, then the WBC champion, in March of 2006 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The fight would end in a majority draw, but most felt Rahman did enough to earn the decision.
Toney's promoter Dan Goossen informed MaxBoxing/BoxingScene.com's Steve Kim of the news. The fight falls on a Wednesday and leaves Fox Sports Net and ESPN as the two television options.
"I've made a deal for James and Hasim Rahman. I'm just closing the details on the television," Goossen said.
Rahman was recently mentioned as David Haye's first opponent as a Golden Boy Promotions fighter. Haye will probably not re-enter the heavyweight ranks until the end of the year, which gives Rahman more than enough time to take the fight if he beats Toney in July
Judah's Arm Injury Resulted From Beef With Dad
By Mark Vester
It appears that Zab Judah's right arm injury, which resulting in 50-stiches, was self-inflicted during a confrontation with his father. The story sent to media was that Judah slipped in the shower and while trying to break his fall, his right arm went through the glass shower door. The arm injury forced Judah to withdraw from his pay-per-view bout with Shane Mosley that was scheduled for May 31 in Las Vegas.
Multiple sources on the inside told boxing scribe Dan Rafael that Judah got into some kind of beef with his father/trainer Yoel Judah, and during a fit of rage - put his arm through the steam room shower door at the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas. Judah was set to receive $800K for the bout with Mosley. Golden Boy Promotions tried to reschedule the fight, but Shane's wife/manager, Jin, turned down Judah's request for a new date.
Judah will now face Joshua Clottey on August 2 for the vacant IBF welterweight title.
By Mark Vester
It appears that Zab Judah's right arm injury, which resulting in 50-stiches, was self-inflicted during a confrontation with his father. The story sent to media was that Judah slipped in the shower and while trying to break his fall, his right arm went through the glass shower door. The arm injury forced Judah to withdraw from his pay-per-view bout with Shane Mosley that was scheduled for May 31 in Las Vegas.
Multiple sources on the inside told boxing scribe Dan Rafael that Judah got into some kind of beef with his father/trainer Yoel Judah, and during a fit of rage - put his arm through the steam room shower door at the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas. Judah was set to receive $800K for the bout with Mosley. Golden Boy Promotions tried to reschedule the fight, but Shane's wife/manager, Jin, turned down Judah's request for a new date.
Judah will now face Joshua Clottey on August 2 for the vacant IBF welterweight title.
jesus, the lightweight division is confusing as fuck
Juan Diaz Vs Joel Casamayor September 13 Pending Approvals
Don King just won the purse bid for Casamayor vs Campbell, however sources say Casamayor may choose to fight Diaz.
_________
Good news about that is if Casamayor fights Diaz, Joan Guzman might have a chance at Campbell, depending on who is mandatory is. Some say it may be Anthony Peterson, however Guzman is highly ranked (#1 WBO and #3 WBA).
Juan Diaz Vs Joel Casamayor September 13 Pending Approvals
Don King just won the purse bid for Casamayor vs Campbell, however sources say Casamayor may choose to fight Diaz.
_________
Good news about that is if Casamayor fights Diaz, Joan Guzman might have a chance at Campbell, depending on who is mandatory is. Some say it may be Anthony Peterson, however Guzman is highly ranked (#1 WBO and #3 WBA).
jesus, the lightweight division is confusing as fuck
Juan Diaz Vs Joel Casamayor September 13 Pending Approvals
Don King just won the purse bid for Casamayor vs Campbell, however sources say Casamayor may choose to fight Diaz.
_________
Good news about that is if Casamayor fights Diaz, Joan Guzman might have a chance at Campbell, depending on who is mandatory is. Some say it may be Anthony Peterson, however Guzman is highly ranked (#1 WBO and #3 WBA).
Juan Diaz Vs Joel Casamayor September 13 Pending Approvals
Don King just won the purse bid for Casamayor vs Campbell, however sources say Casamayor may choose to fight Diaz.
_________
Good news about that is if Casamayor fights Diaz, Joan Guzman might have a chance at Campbell, depending on who is mandatory is. Some say it may be Anthony Peterson, however Guzman is highly ranked (#1 WBO and #3 WBA).
I don't get Casamayors reasoning for not fighting Campbell based on it not being a big money fight but chasing the guy that Campbell just took out. What would suck is that if Diaz beats Casa he'd become the true LW champ regardless of just losing to Campbell.
I think he'll be fine considering Guzman weighed 148 pounds against Soto and still was lightning fast (but I see what you're saying).
Apparently from what I read Casamayor would make more money fighting Diaz than Campbell (that's coming from Casamayor). Not sure if thats accurate or not, just what I read.
And regarding Nate, I think the WBO will make Guzman his mandatory if that happens, since they have Guzman ranked #1, although I wouldn't be shocked if they gave it to Amir Khan.
Apparently from what I read Casamayor would make more money fighting Diaz than Campbell (that's coming from Casamayor). Not sure if thats accurate or not, just what I read.
And regarding Nate, I think the WBO will make Guzman his mandatory if that happens, since they have Guzman ranked #1, although I wouldn't be shocked if they gave it to Amir Khan.
The Best Weight Division in Boxing - Part One
By Cliff Rold
Welterweight.
That seems to be the unanimous answer these days when anyone asks about the best division in Boxing. It’s a powerful argument. Is it the truth? After all, with seventeen weight divisions, there’s plenty of talent to go around and divisions are more than just the names at the top. Looking top to bottom, there are a few divisions that give Welterweight a run for its money.
In examining the most recent BoxingScene divisional ratings (http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=boxing-ratings), there emerge three weight divisions right now that have the combination of talent, momentum and matches to compete with Welterweight claim. What happens when each division is laid side by side, fighter for fighter, pound for pound?
This two-part analysis will look at what might be Boxing’s four best weight divisions, Welterweight, Middleweight, Lightweight and Jr. Bantamweight, all of which are off to a great start in 2008, all of which have strong casts of characters. Each position examined will list the fighters considered in order of where they place in a four-way dance with a corresponding point assigned (1-4) for each, lowest score to be crowned…
“The Best Division in Boxing!” Pretty dramatic, huh?
World Champions
Welterweight: Floyd Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO, Lineal/Ring/WBC)
Middleweight: Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KO, Lineal/Ring/WBC/WBO)
Lightweight: Joel Casamayor (36-3-1, 22 KO, Lineal/Ring/WBO Interim)
Jr. Bantamweight: Vacant
Mayweather has yet to defend his title against a Welterweight. That said, he does have wins over former champions Zab Judah (currently #10) and Carlos Baldomir at the weight, and defending decisively against the reigning World Jr. Welterweight champ Ricky Hatton is his last outing is impressive as well. Casamayor looked good in March against Michael Katsidis (#10) but should have lost the decision last November to Jose Armando Santa Cruz (#6). There are also strong arguments against recognizing him, or anyone really, as the Lightweight champion today. Hopefully, a Casamayor-Nate Campbell fight will end the argument. That there is an argument is why Pavlik, who makes his first defense this June in a standard issue questionable mandatory, edges past the Cuban stalwart. There was no denying that he beat Jermain Taylor (#4) both times, and at two different weights.
#1 Contenders
Welterweight: Miguel Cotto (32-0, 26 KO, WBA)
Jr. Bantamweight: Cristian Mijares (35-3-2, 14 KO, WBC/WBA)
Lightweight: Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KO, WBA/IBF/WBO)
Middleweight: Arthur Abraham (25-0, 20 KO, IBF)
The first two fighters listed above are current fixtures on just about every sensible pound-for-pound list but Cotto gets the edge. Cotto has been an absolute beast since rising from 140 to 147 lbs. with wins over Carlos Quintana (#2), Shane Mosley (#4) and Judah. His next assignment is Antonio Margarito (#3) and that sort of matchmaking doesn’t go unnoticed. Mijares is on quite a tear himself and might be the most talented of this crop but his resume lags just a step behind. With a recent unification win over Alexander Munoz (#3), a 2007 win over Jorge Arce (#7) and other notable victories like Katsushige Kawashima and Jose Navarro, he can gain on Cotto faster than anyone. Campbell is an internet darling of late and a damn fun fighter to watch, but his career has been streaky. He gets big credit for wins over Juan Diaz (#2) and Kid Diamond (#9) and his listing in third here is more a credit to the others above than a knock on Campbell. Abraham is a bruising, hammer-fisted puncher who suffered a terrible broken jaw in defeating Edison Miranda in 2006 and will fight him again anyways in June. Win and he’s on the road to Pavlik in one of the best action fights that can be made in the whole sport.
#2
Jr. Bantamweight: Fernando Montiel (36-2-1, 27 KO, WBO)
Lightweight: Juan Diaz (33-1, 17 KO)
Middleweight: Felix Sturm (29-2-1, 13 KO, WBA)
Welterweight: Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KO, WBO)
Montiel may be on the best run of his career. He retired long-time division stalwart Martin Castillo in February and outpointed Z Gorres (#8) on Gorres' Phillipines turf in 2007. A multi-knockdown war with Luis Melendez was icing on the cake between. Diaz may have lost to Campbell in his last bout, but that doesn’t erase the tear he was on before or that fact that, barely in his mid-20s, his best work may yet lie ahead. Strum did continue his career after the 2004 fight with Oscar De La Hoya even if few in America have seen it. Javier Castillejo (#6) provided him his first real loss, but he avenged it and is on the road to a July rematch of an entertaining draw with Randy Griffin (#9). Carlos Quintana is a one notable win (Paul Williams - #6), one bad loss (Cotto) guy who we’ll all have a better idea of after his June rematch with Williams.
#3
Welterweight: Antonio Margarito (36-5, 26 KO, IBF)
Jr. Bantamweight: Alexander Munoz (32-2, 27 KO, WBA)
Lightweight: David Diaz (33-1-1, 17 KO, WBC)
Middleweight: Jermain Taylor (27-1-1, 17 KO)
Margarito rates highest here because of his willingness to continually face top fighters in his class. Cotto is next, a compliment to the two wins over Kermit Cintron (#5) and rugged decision over Joshua Clottey (#9) and narrow loss to Williams. Munoz as well has made a habit of fighting his divison’s best. That didn’t work out well for him against Mijares a couple weeks ago, but he more than held his own in a narrow rematch loss to Martin Castillo, and decision wins over Kawashima and Nobuo Nashiro (#6). Diaz is a solid fighter, but not particularly stand-out. He came from behind to stop Jose Armando Santa Cruz, and retired Erik Morales and will be rewarded with a likely loss to Manny Pacquiao in June. Former World champion Taylor for all intents and purposes is out of the division but continues to be rated by various bodies.
#4
Welterweight: Sugar Shane Mosley (44-5, 37 KO)
Middleweight: Ronald "Winky" Wright (51-4-1, 25 KO)
Lightweight: Julio Diaz (34-4, 25 KO)
Jr. Bantamweight: Dimitri Kirilov (29-3, 9 KO, IBF)
Based on two 2004 wins over Mosley at 154 lbs., it may seem odd to see Wright rated below Mosley. Based on what each has been getting done recently, it’s not odd at all. Mosley was far more competitive in his last bout, November 2007 against a prime Cotto, than Wright was against an aged Hopkins a few months earlier. It also helps that Mosley picked up a win prior to Cotto against Luis Collazo (#8). Wright hasn’t faced a top ten Middleweight since drawing with then-champ Jermain Taylor and he hasn’t fought at all in going on one year. Diaz and Kirilov are pretty far behind Mosley and Wright, but Diaz gets the edge for a higher overall quality of competition. Losing to Juan Diaz is simply more impressive than drawing with journeyman Cecilio Santos. Those are the results in each man’s most recent outings. That doesn’t make Kirilov a bad fighter; he showed in defeating Luis Perez and Jose Navarro that he is not.
#5
Jr. Bantamweight: Vic Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KO)
Lightweight: Zahir Raheem (29-2, 17 KO)
Middleweight: Sebastian Sylvester (29-2, 14 KO)
Welterweight: Kermit Cintron (29-2, 27 KO)
Darchinyan should be on his way to his second alphabelt title in his second division when he faces the vulnerable Kirilov in July. Throw in a draw that should have been a decision win against Z Gorres earlier this year and Darchinyan shows little affect so far from his stoppage loss at Flyweight last year to Nonito Donaire. Raheem is a crafty veteran no one is in a hurry to face. Sylvester is interesting; his resume isn’t deep but recent fare has shown a fighter on the rise. His revenge knockout win against Amin Asikainen (#10) and most recent knockout win over former World Jr. Middleweight champion and recent WBA 160 lb. titlist Javier Castillejo stand him out as a dark horse challenge to Pavlik in the future. Cintron is probably rated too high but can’t be faulted too much for a second loss to Margarito. After all, only Paul Williams (#6) has been able to turn the trick at the top ten level for the better part of this decade, and then just barely.
And that brings us to the halfway mark. Through champions and their top fives, the divisions score out at:
Welterweight – 12 points
Jr. Bantamweight – 14 points
Lightweight – 16 points
Middleweight – 18 points
So far, Welterweight remains the answer but the other divisions aren’t that far away and the real test of any division is its depth. Does Welterweight hold up as well in slots 6-10
By Cliff Rold
Welterweight.
That seems to be the unanimous answer these days when anyone asks about the best division in Boxing. It’s a powerful argument. Is it the truth? After all, with seventeen weight divisions, there’s plenty of talent to go around and divisions are more than just the names at the top. Looking top to bottom, there are a few divisions that give Welterweight a run for its money.
In examining the most recent BoxingScene divisional ratings (http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=boxing-ratings), there emerge three weight divisions right now that have the combination of talent, momentum and matches to compete with Welterweight claim. What happens when each division is laid side by side, fighter for fighter, pound for pound?
This two-part analysis will look at what might be Boxing’s four best weight divisions, Welterweight, Middleweight, Lightweight and Jr. Bantamweight, all of which are off to a great start in 2008, all of which have strong casts of characters. Each position examined will list the fighters considered in order of where they place in a four-way dance with a corresponding point assigned (1-4) for each, lowest score to be crowned…
“The Best Division in Boxing!” Pretty dramatic, huh?
World Champions
Welterweight: Floyd Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO, Lineal/Ring/WBC)
Middleweight: Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KO, Lineal/Ring/WBC/WBO)
Lightweight: Joel Casamayor (36-3-1, 22 KO, Lineal/Ring/WBO Interim)
Jr. Bantamweight: Vacant
Mayweather has yet to defend his title against a Welterweight. That said, he does have wins over former champions Zab Judah (currently #10) and Carlos Baldomir at the weight, and defending decisively against the reigning World Jr. Welterweight champ Ricky Hatton is his last outing is impressive as well. Casamayor looked good in March against Michael Katsidis (#10) but should have lost the decision last November to Jose Armando Santa Cruz (#6). There are also strong arguments against recognizing him, or anyone really, as the Lightweight champion today. Hopefully, a Casamayor-Nate Campbell fight will end the argument. That there is an argument is why Pavlik, who makes his first defense this June in a standard issue questionable mandatory, edges past the Cuban stalwart. There was no denying that he beat Jermain Taylor (#4) both times, and at two different weights.
#1 Contenders
Welterweight: Miguel Cotto (32-0, 26 KO, WBA)
Jr. Bantamweight: Cristian Mijares (35-3-2, 14 KO, WBC/WBA)
Lightweight: Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KO, WBA/IBF/WBO)
Middleweight: Arthur Abraham (25-0, 20 KO, IBF)
The first two fighters listed above are current fixtures on just about every sensible pound-for-pound list but Cotto gets the edge. Cotto has been an absolute beast since rising from 140 to 147 lbs. with wins over Carlos Quintana (#2), Shane Mosley (#4) and Judah. His next assignment is Antonio Margarito (#3) and that sort of matchmaking doesn’t go unnoticed. Mijares is on quite a tear himself and might be the most talented of this crop but his resume lags just a step behind. With a recent unification win over Alexander Munoz (#3), a 2007 win over Jorge Arce (#7) and other notable victories like Katsushige Kawashima and Jose Navarro, he can gain on Cotto faster than anyone. Campbell is an internet darling of late and a damn fun fighter to watch, but his career has been streaky. He gets big credit for wins over Juan Diaz (#2) and Kid Diamond (#9) and his listing in third here is more a credit to the others above than a knock on Campbell. Abraham is a bruising, hammer-fisted puncher who suffered a terrible broken jaw in defeating Edison Miranda in 2006 and will fight him again anyways in June. Win and he’s on the road to Pavlik in one of the best action fights that can be made in the whole sport.
#2
Jr. Bantamweight: Fernando Montiel (36-2-1, 27 KO, WBO)
Lightweight: Juan Diaz (33-1, 17 KO)
Middleweight: Felix Sturm (29-2-1, 13 KO, WBA)
Welterweight: Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KO, WBO)
Montiel may be on the best run of his career. He retired long-time division stalwart Martin Castillo in February and outpointed Z Gorres (#8) on Gorres' Phillipines turf in 2007. A multi-knockdown war with Luis Melendez was icing on the cake between. Diaz may have lost to Campbell in his last bout, but that doesn’t erase the tear he was on before or that fact that, barely in his mid-20s, his best work may yet lie ahead. Strum did continue his career after the 2004 fight with Oscar De La Hoya even if few in America have seen it. Javier Castillejo (#6) provided him his first real loss, but he avenged it and is on the road to a July rematch of an entertaining draw with Randy Griffin (#9). Carlos Quintana is a one notable win (Paul Williams - #6), one bad loss (Cotto) guy who we’ll all have a better idea of after his June rematch with Williams.
#3
Welterweight: Antonio Margarito (36-5, 26 KO, IBF)
Jr. Bantamweight: Alexander Munoz (32-2, 27 KO, WBA)
Lightweight: David Diaz (33-1-1, 17 KO, WBC)
Middleweight: Jermain Taylor (27-1-1, 17 KO)
Margarito rates highest here because of his willingness to continually face top fighters in his class. Cotto is next, a compliment to the two wins over Kermit Cintron (#5) and rugged decision over Joshua Clottey (#9) and narrow loss to Williams. Munoz as well has made a habit of fighting his divison’s best. That didn’t work out well for him against Mijares a couple weeks ago, but he more than held his own in a narrow rematch loss to Martin Castillo, and decision wins over Kawashima and Nobuo Nashiro (#6). Diaz is a solid fighter, but not particularly stand-out. He came from behind to stop Jose Armando Santa Cruz, and retired Erik Morales and will be rewarded with a likely loss to Manny Pacquiao in June. Former World champion Taylor for all intents and purposes is out of the division but continues to be rated by various bodies.
#4
Welterweight: Sugar Shane Mosley (44-5, 37 KO)
Middleweight: Ronald "Winky" Wright (51-4-1, 25 KO)
Lightweight: Julio Diaz (34-4, 25 KO)
Jr. Bantamweight: Dimitri Kirilov (29-3, 9 KO, IBF)
Based on two 2004 wins over Mosley at 154 lbs., it may seem odd to see Wright rated below Mosley. Based on what each has been getting done recently, it’s not odd at all. Mosley was far more competitive in his last bout, November 2007 against a prime Cotto, than Wright was against an aged Hopkins a few months earlier. It also helps that Mosley picked up a win prior to Cotto against Luis Collazo (#8). Wright hasn’t faced a top ten Middleweight since drawing with then-champ Jermain Taylor and he hasn’t fought at all in going on one year. Diaz and Kirilov are pretty far behind Mosley and Wright, but Diaz gets the edge for a higher overall quality of competition. Losing to Juan Diaz is simply more impressive than drawing with journeyman Cecilio Santos. Those are the results in each man’s most recent outings. That doesn’t make Kirilov a bad fighter; he showed in defeating Luis Perez and Jose Navarro that he is not.
#5
Jr. Bantamweight: Vic Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KO)
Lightweight: Zahir Raheem (29-2, 17 KO)
Middleweight: Sebastian Sylvester (29-2, 14 KO)
Welterweight: Kermit Cintron (29-2, 27 KO)
Darchinyan should be on his way to his second alphabelt title in his second division when he faces the vulnerable Kirilov in July. Throw in a draw that should have been a decision win against Z Gorres earlier this year and Darchinyan shows little affect so far from his stoppage loss at Flyweight last year to Nonito Donaire. Raheem is a crafty veteran no one is in a hurry to face. Sylvester is interesting; his resume isn’t deep but recent fare has shown a fighter on the rise. His revenge knockout win against Amin Asikainen (#10) and most recent knockout win over former World Jr. Middleweight champion and recent WBA 160 lb. titlist Javier Castillejo stand him out as a dark horse challenge to Pavlik in the future. Cintron is probably rated too high but can’t be faulted too much for a second loss to Margarito. After all, only Paul Williams (#6) has been able to turn the trick at the top ten level for the better part of this decade, and then just barely.
And that brings us to the halfway mark. Through champions and their top fives, the divisions score out at:
Welterweight – 12 points
Jr. Bantamweight – 14 points
Lightweight – 16 points
Middleweight – 18 points
So far, Welterweight remains the answer but the other divisions aren’t that far away and the real test of any division is its depth. Does Welterweight hold up as well in slots 6-10
Vernon Forrest: "Sergio Mora is Leaving on a Stretcher
By Mark Vester
Tell us how you really feel Vernon? On June 7, Vernon Forrest will defend his WBC junior middleweight title against unbeaten "Contender" show winner Sergio Mora, who moves down in weight to make the fight. Forrest held nothing back as he blasted Mora and his promoter Jeff Wald without mercy. The fight will be televised by Showtime. In the co-fature, Carlos Quintana will defend the WBO welterweight title in a rematch with Paul Williams.
Forrest would first take aim at Wald, blasting the Contender reality show and stating that Steve Forbes was the only real fighter on the program.
"The only real fighter you had on ‘The Contender’ show was the little guy, Stevie Forbes. That's the only real guy you had on your show. He damn near won the show. So, I am going to call that little boys club ‘The Pretenders,’ not ‘The Contenders.’ Now, I'm going to beat the dog s**t out of your main pretender on June 7. I want you to know that," Forrest said.
Forrest would later predict that if Mora stood his ground to fight, he would be taken away on a stretcher. He made sure to mention a sparring session that took place between him and Mora, claiming that he was dominating Mora with one arm while laughing.
"I just want you to come and fight. Come and fight and I promise you they're going to take you out on a stretcher. I guarantee it. If you do all that running shit you normally do, then it will be a boring fight. I will win by unanimous decision," Forrest said. "Come to fight and they'll take you out on a stretcher. If you come to fight and step up like a proud Mexican warrior, I'm knocking your mother $$!!## out."
"I describe Mora’s style as garbage. We sparred before in Los Angeles. He was the first guy that got in the ring after my surgery. I beat him up with one arm. I was lighting him up. As a matter of fact, I was laughing. Ask his trainer. He was sparring and I was laughing. His trainer asked me: ‘Why are you laughing?’ I can't believe they're getting ready to pay Mora a million dollars to fight. I had to beat King Kong to make that kind of money."
"I'm setting my legacy. Every fight is personal to me right now. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Those days are over. Nice guys always finish last. So people are saying, well, you know, you've changed since you've had the surgery. I haven't changed. In order for me to go where I want to go and make it, there are certain things I have to do that some other people might not agree with. But so be it. This is my career and these are the things I choose to do. It's what it is."
By Mark Vester
Tell us how you really feel Vernon? On June 7, Vernon Forrest will defend his WBC junior middleweight title against unbeaten "Contender" show winner Sergio Mora, who moves down in weight to make the fight. Forrest held nothing back as he blasted Mora and his promoter Jeff Wald without mercy. The fight will be televised by Showtime. In the co-fature, Carlos Quintana will defend the WBO welterweight title in a rematch with Paul Williams.
Forrest would first take aim at Wald, blasting the Contender reality show and stating that Steve Forbes was the only real fighter on the program.
"The only real fighter you had on ‘The Contender’ show was the little guy, Stevie Forbes. That's the only real guy you had on your show. He damn near won the show. So, I am going to call that little boys club ‘The Pretenders,’ not ‘The Contenders.’ Now, I'm going to beat the dog s**t out of your main pretender on June 7. I want you to know that," Forrest said.
Forrest would later predict that if Mora stood his ground to fight, he would be taken away on a stretcher. He made sure to mention a sparring session that took place between him and Mora, claiming that he was dominating Mora with one arm while laughing.
"I just want you to come and fight. Come and fight and I promise you they're going to take you out on a stretcher. I guarantee it. If you do all that running shit you normally do, then it will be a boring fight. I will win by unanimous decision," Forrest said. "Come to fight and they'll take you out on a stretcher. If you come to fight and step up like a proud Mexican warrior, I'm knocking your mother $$!!## out."
"I describe Mora’s style as garbage. We sparred before in Los Angeles. He was the first guy that got in the ring after my surgery. I beat him up with one arm. I was lighting him up. As a matter of fact, I was laughing. Ask his trainer. He was sparring and I was laughing. His trainer asked me: ‘Why are you laughing?’ I can't believe they're getting ready to pay Mora a million dollars to fight. I had to beat King Kong to make that kind of money."
"I'm setting my legacy. Every fight is personal to me right now. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Those days are over. Nice guys always finish last. So people are saying, well, you know, you've changed since you've had the surgery. I haven't changed. In order for me to go where I want to go and make it, there are certain things I have to do that some other people might not agree with. But so be it. This is my career and these are the things I choose to do. It's what it is."
Tye Fields Ready For Barrett: "I Eat the Hearts of a Lions"
Giant 6' 8" heavyweight Tye Fields said today he is prepared and ready to go into the biggest fight of his career when he takes on Monte Barrett on Top Rank's 'Lethal Combination' PPV card on Saturday, June 28.
"I have a heart of a lion," said Fields at his Media Day today at the Top Rank gym today in Las Vegas.
"Like a baseball player, Tye Fields is going from AA and AAA ball to the Major Leagues on June 28," said Bob Arum. "Tye did great in the minors, now he's going to the majors to fight Monte Barrett. We will see what will happen that night and move on from there. Me, I happen to believe Tye is the real deal."
Fields, 40-1, vs. Barrett, 33-6, will be on the 'Lethal Combination' HBO Pay Per View telecast which features Manny Pacquiao challenging world champion David Diaz for the WBC Lightweight Championship at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
"Tye is totally prepared. He is punching extremely hard in workouts. We're all proud and excited," said Jessie Reid, chief trainer.
"Tye is going to surprise a lot of people with his performance," said Billy Baxter, Tye's manager.
Giant 6' 8" heavyweight Tye Fields said today he is prepared and ready to go into the biggest fight of his career when he takes on Monte Barrett on Top Rank's 'Lethal Combination' PPV card on Saturday, June 28.
"I have a heart of a lion," said Fields at his Media Day today at the Top Rank gym today in Las Vegas.
"Like a baseball player, Tye Fields is going from AA and AAA ball to the Major Leagues on June 28," said Bob Arum. "Tye did great in the minors, now he's going to the majors to fight Monte Barrett. We will see what will happen that night and move on from there. Me, I happen to believe Tye is the real deal."
Fields, 40-1, vs. Barrett, 33-6, will be on the 'Lethal Combination' HBO Pay Per View telecast which features Manny Pacquiao challenging world champion David Diaz for the WBC Lightweight Championship at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
"Tye is totally prepared. He is punching extremely hard in workouts. We're all proud and excited," said Jessie Reid, chief trainer.
"Tye is going to surprise a lot of people with his performance," said Billy Baxter, Tye's manager.
Peterson Brothers Have Their Top Rank Debuts Set
By Mike Nosky
Anthony Peterson, the top rated lightweight in the world, according to the WBO, has his opponent set for his debut fight under the Top Rank banner. Peterson will take on Jose Reyes on June 26 in the main event of the show being televised live on VERSUS.
Peterson, along with his older brother Lamont, recently signed a promotional deal with Top Rank after a long bidding war between Top Rank and their rivals over at Golden Boy Promotions.
Anthony is 26-0 (19KOs) but really hasn’t been tested as a pro, although his level of opposition has been decent. His last fight was probably his toughest and he passed that test with flying colors.
That was back in January when he stopped Jose Izquierdo in the eighth-round on ShoBox.
In Reyes, Peterson will be in with a former top prospect at super featherweight who has found new life at lightweight. Reyes (23-4, 8KOs) has won five straight against solid opposition.
The original plan was for Anthony to make his Top Rank debut on the July 5 ShoBox card underneath the WBO super lightweight rematch between Ricardo Torres and Kendall Holt, but now that spot will go to Lamont, in hopes of building up a bout between the winner of the two bouts.
The co-feature on the June VERSUS card is a te- round super welterweight bout between top prospect Vanes Martirosyan and former world title challenger Angel Hernandez. This bout was originally scheduled for Telefutura in April but had to be postponed because Martirosyan suffered an injury to his back while traini
By Mike Nosky
Anthony Peterson, the top rated lightweight in the world, according to the WBO, has his opponent set for his debut fight under the Top Rank banner. Peterson will take on Jose Reyes on June 26 in the main event of the show being televised live on VERSUS.
Peterson, along with his older brother Lamont, recently signed a promotional deal with Top Rank after a long bidding war between Top Rank and their rivals over at Golden Boy Promotions.
Anthony is 26-0 (19KOs) but really hasn’t been tested as a pro, although his level of opposition has been decent. His last fight was probably his toughest and he passed that test with flying colors.
That was back in January when he stopped Jose Izquierdo in the eighth-round on ShoBox.
In Reyes, Peterson will be in with a former top prospect at super featherweight who has found new life at lightweight. Reyes (23-4, 8KOs) has won five straight against solid opposition.
The original plan was for Anthony to make his Top Rank debut on the July 5 ShoBox card underneath the WBO super lightweight rematch between Ricardo Torres and Kendall Holt, but now that spot will go to Lamont, in hopes of building up a bout between the winner of the two bouts.
The co-feature on the June VERSUS card is a te- round super welterweight bout between top prospect Vanes Martirosyan and former world title challenger Angel Hernandez. This bout was originally scheduled for Telefutura in April but had to be postponed because Martirosyan suffered an injury to his back while traini
Tye Fields Ready For Barrett: "I Eat the Hearts of a Lions"
Giant 6' 8" heavyweight Tye Fields said today he is prepared and ready to go into the biggest fight of his career when he takes on Monte Barrett on Top Rank's 'Lethal Combination' PPV card on Saturday, June 28.
"I have a heart of a lion," said Fields at his Media Day today at the Top Rank gym today in Las Vegas.
"Like a baseball player, Tye Fields is going from AA and AAA ball to the Major Leagues on June 28," said Bob Arum. "Tye did great in the minors, now he's going to the majors to fight Monte Barrett. We will see what will happen that night and move on from there. Me, I happen to believe Tye is the real deal."
Fields, 40-1, vs. Barrett, 33-6, will be on the 'Lethal Combination' HBO Pay Per View telecast which features Manny Pacquiao challenging world champion David Diaz for the WBC Lightweight Championship at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
"Tye is totally prepared. He is punching extremely hard in workouts. We're all proud and excited," said Jessie Reid, chief trainer.
"Tye is going to surprise a lot of people with his performance," said Billy Baxter, Tye's manager.
Giant 6' 8" heavyweight Tye Fields said today he is prepared and ready to go into the biggest fight of his career when he takes on Monte Barrett on Top Rank's 'Lethal Combination' PPV card on Saturday, June 28.
"I have a heart of a lion," said Fields at his Media Day today at the Top Rank gym today in Las Vegas.
"Like a baseball player, Tye Fields is going from AA and AAA ball to the Major Leagues on June 28," said Bob Arum. "Tye did great in the minors, now he's going to the majors to fight Monte Barrett. We will see what will happen that night and move on from there. Me, I happen to believe Tye is the real deal."
Fields, 40-1, vs. Barrett, 33-6, will be on the 'Lethal Combination' HBO Pay Per View telecast which features Manny Pacquiao challenging world champion David Diaz for the WBC Lightweight Championship at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
"Tye is totally prepared. He is punching extremely hard in workouts. We're all proud and excited," said Jessie Reid, chief trainer.
"Tye is going to surprise a lot of people with his performance," said Billy Baxter, Tye's manager.
Gary Lockett’s trash talking irks Jack Loew, but Pavlik dismisses it
YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown middleweight Kelly Pavlik has grown accustomed to being dismissed by his opponents, so when his latest challenger, Gary Lockett, predicted a knockout victory, Pavlik did what he always does — shrugged it off.
Pavlik’s trainer, however, is a little more outspoken.
“We give this kid the opportunity of a lifetime and he starts talking [trash],” said Jack Loew. “Unbelievable.”
Here’s the story. Lockett (aka “The Rocket Man”) is trained by Enzo Calzaghe, whose son, Joe, recently earned a unanimous decision over 43-year-old Bernard Hopkins in a light heavyweight bout. Afterward, Lockett called the win an “inspiration to me.”
“He went to the States and did British boxing proud and I’ll do the same in June,” said Lockett, a Wales native who will make his U.S. debut on June 7 against Pavlik. “Not many people have heard of me in the U.S., but once I’ve beaten Pavlik, I’ll be a household name.
“I recognize that I’ll have to be at my very best to win the fight, but I’ve seen a few weaknesses in Pavlik’s style that I believe I can exploit. He’s been tagged before and with my power, I’ve got a great chance of knocking him out.”
Lockett’s comments aren’t quite on the level of Pavlik’s last two opponents — Edison Miranda said he’d hurt Pavlik so bad he wouldn’t make it to the post-fight press conference and Jermain Taylor didn’t start crediting Pavlik until after his second loss — but they were enough to irritate Loew.
“I see where Lockett has become inspired by Joe Calzaghe’s victory over Bernard Hopkins in his U.S. debut and is predicting the same result against Kelly,” Loew said last month. “Maybe Enzo Calzaghe can teach Lockett to slap like a girl — just like Joe.
“You can get away with that style of fighting against a 43-year-old geezer, but don’t try that against Kelly. That’s how rockets crash and burn. Kelly is having a camp that is second to none. We didn’t work this hard to win the title just to have Lockett and his troubadour trainer take it away from us. Kelly is going to launch Lockett back to Wales ... without a plane.”
When asked about the comments this week, Loew said it wasn’t just a response to Lockett, but also to disparaging comments about Pavlik made by Enzo Calzaghe and by hosts of others on the Internet.
“Why should I keep my mouth shut when everyone else is allowed to say whatever they want?” he said. “Kelly is the most humble guy in the world. He’d never rip another trainer, let alone another 5-foot-9 guy [Enzo Calzaghe] or whatever he is who’s been ripping our kid to shreds.”
Anyone who knows Loew knows bluntness is part of his persona. He’s the same guy who expressed his delight when Taylor switched back to his first trainer, Ozell Nelson, before the rematch. Loew’s response? “I’m thankful he’s back because he’s the one who taught Jermain all his bad habits.”
Loew has never been one to back down from a fight and he has no plans to end the war of words anytime soon. Regarding the upcoming press conference for the fight, Loew said, “I can’t wait to get on that podium.”
Training update
Pavlik started training in mid-April and is ahead of schedule, according to Loew.
“We got more out of the first two weeks than we ever did before,” he said. “He’s pushed himself even harder than usual.”
Pavlik started sparring this week and is on pace to get to his fighting weight of 160 pounds. He fought at 164 for his rematch with Jermain Taylor in February.
“Training’s going good,” Pavlik said. “I’ve been doing it for [more than] three weeks and I feel great. We got all the soreness out a week ago
YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown middleweight Kelly Pavlik has grown accustomed to being dismissed by his opponents, so when his latest challenger, Gary Lockett, predicted a knockout victory, Pavlik did what he always does — shrugged it off.
Pavlik’s trainer, however, is a little more outspoken.
“We give this kid the opportunity of a lifetime and he starts talking [trash],” said Jack Loew. “Unbelievable.”
Here’s the story. Lockett (aka “The Rocket Man”) is trained by Enzo Calzaghe, whose son, Joe, recently earned a unanimous decision over 43-year-old Bernard Hopkins in a light heavyweight bout. Afterward, Lockett called the win an “inspiration to me.”
“He went to the States and did British boxing proud and I’ll do the same in June,” said Lockett, a Wales native who will make his U.S. debut on June 7 against Pavlik. “Not many people have heard of me in the U.S., but once I’ve beaten Pavlik, I’ll be a household name.
“I recognize that I’ll have to be at my very best to win the fight, but I’ve seen a few weaknesses in Pavlik’s style that I believe I can exploit. He’s been tagged before and with my power, I’ve got a great chance of knocking him out.”
Lockett’s comments aren’t quite on the level of Pavlik’s last two opponents — Edison Miranda said he’d hurt Pavlik so bad he wouldn’t make it to the post-fight press conference and Jermain Taylor didn’t start crediting Pavlik until after his second loss — but they were enough to irritate Loew.
“I see where Lockett has become inspired by Joe Calzaghe’s victory over Bernard Hopkins in his U.S. debut and is predicting the same result against Kelly,” Loew said last month. “Maybe Enzo Calzaghe can teach Lockett to slap like a girl — just like Joe.
“You can get away with that style of fighting against a 43-year-old geezer, but don’t try that against Kelly. That’s how rockets crash and burn. Kelly is having a camp that is second to none. We didn’t work this hard to win the title just to have Lockett and his troubadour trainer take it away from us. Kelly is going to launch Lockett back to Wales ... without a plane.”
When asked about the comments this week, Loew said it wasn’t just a response to Lockett, but also to disparaging comments about Pavlik made by Enzo Calzaghe and by hosts of others on the Internet.
“Why should I keep my mouth shut when everyone else is allowed to say whatever they want?” he said. “Kelly is the most humble guy in the world. He’d never rip another trainer, let alone another 5-foot-9 guy [Enzo Calzaghe] or whatever he is who’s been ripping our kid to shreds.”
Anyone who knows Loew knows bluntness is part of his persona. He’s the same guy who expressed his delight when Taylor switched back to his first trainer, Ozell Nelson, before the rematch. Loew’s response? “I’m thankful he’s back because he’s the one who taught Jermain all his bad habits.”
Loew has never been one to back down from a fight and he has no plans to end the war of words anytime soon. Regarding the upcoming press conference for the fight, Loew said, “I can’t wait to get on that podium.”
Training update
Pavlik started training in mid-April and is ahead of schedule, according to Loew.
“We got more out of the first two weeks than we ever did before,” he said. “He’s pushed himself even harder than usual.”
Pavlik started sparring this week and is on pace to get to his fighting weight of 160 pounds. He fought at 164 for his rematch with Jermain Taylor in February.
“Training’s going good,” Pavlik said. “I’ve been doing it for [more than] three weeks and I feel great. We got all the soreness out a week ago