Boxing News Thread
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Adrien Broner, the Mayweather clone, faces unbeaten Eloy Perez on February 25th on HBO
December 29th, 2011
By Eric Thomas: Undefeated WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner (22-0, 18 KO’s) faces what could be the toughest test of his still young three year pro career against undefeated No.1 World Boxing Organization ranked contender Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7 KO’s) on HBO on February 25th at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Broner, 22, is a Floyd Mayweather Jr. clone, from the way that he uses Mayweather’s shoulder role to his habit backing into a corner to lure his opponents in so he can land short precise check left hooks and short right hands. Broner is like the super featherweight division’s version of Mayweather and HBO is pretty excited about this guy’s potential in the future.
Already, Broner has beaten excellent fighters like Jason Litzau and Daniel Ponce De Leon. Now Broner is trying to add the 25-year-old Perez’s scalp to his resume. This could be a tougher test than Litzau and Ponce De Leon because Perez is faster than those guys and kind of explosive on the inside. He’s got an excellent left hook that he can hurt you with when he gets in close.
Perez has a lot more power than his record would indicate. In his fight against Daniel Jimenez last September, Perez had Jimenez down twice in the first round with left hooks to the head. Perez was very effective in coming forward and getting in close to throw his short power shots. He kind of reminds me a lot of Timothy Bradley with his short arms and tendency to get in close.
However, Perez isn’t much of an outside fighter and he’s not in Broner’s class in terms of power either. I give Broner the edge in hand speed, defense and a big edge in power. Still, Perez is dangerous with his left hook and Broner is going to have to show that same Mayweather-like defensive skills if he wants to avoid getting dropped in this fight. I expect Broner to make adjustments if he does get knocked down, but it’s better he not hit the canvas in the first place because Perez is vicious when he smells blood
December 29th, 2011
By Eric Thomas: Undefeated WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner (22-0, 18 KO’s) faces what could be the toughest test of his still young three year pro career against undefeated No.1 World Boxing Organization ranked contender Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7 KO’s) on HBO on February 25th at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Broner, 22, is a Floyd Mayweather Jr. clone, from the way that he uses Mayweather’s shoulder role to his habit backing into a corner to lure his opponents in so he can land short precise check left hooks and short right hands. Broner is like the super featherweight division’s version of Mayweather and HBO is pretty excited about this guy’s potential in the future.
Already, Broner has beaten excellent fighters like Jason Litzau and Daniel Ponce De Leon. Now Broner is trying to add the 25-year-old Perez’s scalp to his resume. This could be a tougher test than Litzau and Ponce De Leon because Perez is faster than those guys and kind of explosive on the inside. He’s got an excellent left hook that he can hurt you with when he gets in close.
Perez has a lot more power than his record would indicate. In his fight against Daniel Jimenez last September, Perez had Jimenez down twice in the first round with left hooks to the head. Perez was very effective in coming forward and getting in close to throw his short power shots. He kind of reminds me a lot of Timothy Bradley with his short arms and tendency to get in close.
However, Perez isn’t much of an outside fighter and he’s not in Broner’s class in terms of power either. I give Broner the edge in hand speed, defense and a big edge in power. Still, Perez is dangerous with his left hook and Broner is going to have to show that same Mayweather-like defensive skills if he wants to avoid getting dropped in this fight. I expect Broner to make adjustments if he does get knocked down, but it’s better he not hit the canvas in the first place because Perez is vicious when he smells blood
Mayweather Sr.: I could have done a lot better job with Amir Khan than Freddie Roach
December 29th, 2011
By Chris Williams: Trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. is extremely disappointed with the lack of progress that former IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan has made while under the guidance of trainer Freddie Roach in Los Angeles, California. Mayweather Sr. doesn’t see any improvement in Khan’s game whatsoever since Roach started training him and says that he’s seen women that fight better than Khan fights now.
Mayweather Sr. saw Khan’s recent fight against Lamont Peterson and didn’t understand why Khan chose to run around the ring all night looking sloppy and needlessly wasting energy. Mayweather Sr. says he would have never let Khan fight like that if he were his trainer.
Speaking with boxingtalk.com, Mayweather Sr. said “He [Khan] hired Freddie Roach as a trainer…I’ve been telling all y’all for a while that Freddie Roach ain’t no f***** trainer man. I saw the fight [Peterson-Khan]. I could’ve done a lot different with Amir Khan. Let’s be honest, I would love for everyone to watch me train, and then go ahead and watch Freddie Roach train.”
Mayweather Sr. went on to make light of the awards that Roach has won and says that Roach has only taught his top fighter Manny Pacquiao how to throw a straight left hand and a double hook. Other than that, Mayweather Sr. doesn’t see Pacquiao as having developed much under Roach.
I think Mayweather Sr. would be a big improvement for Khan over Roach. I would dump Roach so fast his head would be spinning around his neck. He’s not helping Khan because you can see all the bad habits that Khan has. He’s running around the ring like a frightened chicken and holding and pushing every chance he can get.
As far as I can tell, Khan hasn’t learned a thing on defense and his defense is his feet and his offense. He’s still just as wild as he was before Roach started training him. Mayweather Sr. would teach Khan to minimize all the wasted motion and get him to stand still, use his guard to pick off punches and to fire back with short hooks and right hands. He would teach Khan how to defend himself properly instead of having him run all night long.
The way Khan is fighting, he won’t be able to keep that kind of high energy style as he ages. He’ll run out of gas every time and he won’t have the foundation in place for him to stop and defend without constant movement. Khan needs to dump Roach like a bad habit and sign on with Mayweather Sr. before it’s too late.
December 29th, 2011
By Chris Williams: Trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. is extremely disappointed with the lack of progress that former IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan has made while under the guidance of trainer Freddie Roach in Los Angeles, California. Mayweather Sr. doesn’t see any improvement in Khan’s game whatsoever since Roach started training him and says that he’s seen women that fight better than Khan fights now.
Mayweather Sr. saw Khan’s recent fight against Lamont Peterson and didn’t understand why Khan chose to run around the ring all night looking sloppy and needlessly wasting energy. Mayweather Sr. says he would have never let Khan fight like that if he were his trainer.
Speaking with boxingtalk.com, Mayweather Sr. said “He [Khan] hired Freddie Roach as a trainer…I’ve been telling all y’all for a while that Freddie Roach ain’t no f***** trainer man. I saw the fight [Peterson-Khan]. I could’ve done a lot different with Amir Khan. Let’s be honest, I would love for everyone to watch me train, and then go ahead and watch Freddie Roach train.”
Mayweather Sr. went on to make light of the awards that Roach has won and says that Roach has only taught his top fighter Manny Pacquiao how to throw a straight left hand and a double hook. Other than that, Mayweather Sr. doesn’t see Pacquiao as having developed much under Roach.
I think Mayweather Sr. would be a big improvement for Khan over Roach. I would dump Roach so fast his head would be spinning around his neck. He’s not helping Khan because you can see all the bad habits that Khan has. He’s running around the ring like a frightened chicken and holding and pushing every chance he can get.
As far as I can tell, Khan hasn’t learned a thing on defense and his defense is his feet and his offense. He’s still just as wild as he was before Roach started training him. Mayweather Sr. would teach Khan to minimize all the wasted motion and get him to stand still, use his guard to pick off punches and to fire back with short hooks and right hands. He would teach Khan how to defend himself properly instead of having him run all night long.
The way Khan is fighting, he won’t be able to keep that kind of high energy style as he ages. He’ll run out of gas every time and he won’t have the foundation in place for him to stop and defend without constant movement. Khan needs to dump Roach like a bad habit and sign on with Mayweather Sr. before it’s too late.
how about bradley vs marquez???
Timothy Bradley Responds To Marquez: I Want The Fight!
By Ryan Burton
Earlier today, BoxingScene.com ran an article by Ernesto Castellanos ( which can be found by CLICKING HERE ) in which three division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez said that he would prefer to face WBO junior welterweight king Tim Bradley instead of fellow Mexican legend Erik Morales - in the event that he is unable to secure a fourth fight against Manny Pacquiao.
Marquez said - "My plans are not to retire, and I am focused on the fourth fight against Manny Pacquiao. So far I do not know if it will happen in May or all the way in November. If [the fight] is not made ​​soon, then I look for another great opportunity, like Timothy Bradley, the WBO's junior welterweight champion. [Morales] is a great fighter, very good, but there are other opponents who are bigger, like Bradley. I want to face the best, and that's what I remember Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns doing."
BoxingScene.com reached out to Bradley to get his thoughts on a potential showdown with Marquez. Bradley, along with Marquez and Miguel Cotto, is also in the running to be Pacquiao's next opponent. Pacquiao would obviously be the most lucrative option for Bradley but if a fight against the Filipino congressman can't be made - then Bradley would love to face Marquez.
"I want to fight Pacquiao but facing Marquez is another fight that I want. That would be a great fight," stated Bradley to BoxingScene.com.
The Palm Springs, California based fighter thinks that a win over Marquez is just the type of win he needs in order to prove that he is worthy of a showdown against the pound for pound king. Bradley already holds wins over Lamont Peterson and Devon Alexander when they were both undefeated. If Bradley adds Marquez's name to his resume, it will be difficult for the 8 division world champion to bypass him for an end of year showdown - assuming that the Filipino doesn't face Floyd Mayweather.
"That is they fight I need to get PacMan," Bradley told BoxingScene. "If I beat Marquez it will show my worth and PacMan will not deny me. And I will beat Marquez."
Bradley ended our conversation with a message for all of the fans. "I want to say Happy Holidays to all of the fans and that I hope to be back in the ring in a big fight soon."
Timothy Bradley Responds To Marquez: I Want The Fight!
By Ryan Burton
Earlier today, BoxingScene.com ran an article by Ernesto Castellanos ( which can be found by CLICKING HERE ) in which three division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez said that he would prefer to face WBO junior welterweight king Tim Bradley instead of fellow Mexican legend Erik Morales - in the event that he is unable to secure a fourth fight against Manny Pacquiao.
Marquez said - "My plans are not to retire, and I am focused on the fourth fight against Manny Pacquiao. So far I do not know if it will happen in May or all the way in November. If [the fight] is not made ​​soon, then I look for another great opportunity, like Timothy Bradley, the WBO's junior welterweight champion. [Morales] is a great fighter, very good, but there are other opponents who are bigger, like Bradley. I want to face the best, and that's what I remember Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns doing."
BoxingScene.com reached out to Bradley to get his thoughts on a potential showdown with Marquez. Bradley, along with Marquez and Miguel Cotto, is also in the running to be Pacquiao's next opponent. Pacquiao would obviously be the most lucrative option for Bradley but if a fight against the Filipino congressman can't be made - then Bradley would love to face Marquez.
"I want to fight Pacquiao but facing Marquez is another fight that I want. That would be a great fight," stated Bradley to BoxingScene.com.
The Palm Springs, California based fighter thinks that a win over Marquez is just the type of win he needs in order to prove that he is worthy of a showdown against the pound for pound king. Bradley already holds wins over Lamont Peterson and Devon Alexander when they were both undefeated. If Bradley adds Marquez's name to his resume, it will be difficult for the 8 division world champion to bypass him for an end of year showdown - assuming that the Filipino doesn't face Floyd Mayweather.
"That is they fight I need to get PacMan," Bradley told BoxingScene. "If I beat Marquez it will show my worth and PacMan will not deny me. And I will beat Marquez."
Bradley ended our conversation with a message for all of the fans. "I want to say Happy Holidays to all of the fans and that I hope to be back in the ring in a big fight soon."
that's the problem. ortiz/berto winner in theory, but we all know bob likes to do in-house fighting with pacquiao. only other welterweight worth a man on top rank's roster is Mike Jones, but he just doesn't have the name yet (I actually think it would be a very interesting fight though). Other than that you'd have to stretch real far, someone like Canelo who has a big name and fanbase, but again, he's golden boy.
Manny needs to fight some new blood. I don't want to see him fighting another 38 yr old man even though Marquez schooled him the last fight. Manny really needs to wait for Mayweather to get out. But if no Mayweather next Manny should fight Bradley, Mike Jones, or the Berto vs Ortiz winner. Manny's next fight is going hard for him, because the blueprint is out on how to beat him.
Truth be told I don't think Manny will dominate Bradley, Berto, or Ortiz. Manny will have problem with all those fighters hand-speed and quickness. Berto and Ortiz punching power will be a big factor too. Bradley is a winner and tuff as nails I don't think anyone will just walk over him in the ring. Manny needs to fight Mayweather though and cut the shit.
Victor Ortiz Hit With License Issue Over 'Nose Break' Quote
Click Here To Email Printable version Search BoxingScene Database
By Pawel Pronishev
According to Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, the Nevada State Athletic Commission will not issue Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22KOs) a license to box in their state - until the former welterweight champion explains a controversial comment which he made in a recent video interview.
Keith Kizer, the executive director for the Nevada State Atheltic Commission, wants Ortiz to appear before the commission, likely on January 11, and explain why he told a video reporter that he "tried to break the nose" of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their September bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
In the fourth round, Ortiz busted Mayweather in the mouth with an intentional head butt. The intentional foul would lead to a near disqualification. About a minute later, Mayweather would get revenge with a two punch knockout when Ortiz approached him to apologize. Ortiz told a video reporter that he was trying to break Mayweather's nose with the intentional butt.
The license issue is serious, with Ortiz being scheduled to face Andre Berto in a welterweight rematch on February 11 at the MGM Grand.
Click Here To Email Printable version Search BoxingScene Database
By Pawel Pronishev
According to Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, the Nevada State Athletic Commission will not issue Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22KOs) a license to box in their state - until the former welterweight champion explains a controversial comment which he made in a recent video interview.
Keith Kizer, the executive director for the Nevada State Atheltic Commission, wants Ortiz to appear before the commission, likely on January 11, and explain why he told a video reporter that he "tried to break the nose" of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their September bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
In the fourth round, Ortiz busted Mayweather in the mouth with an intentional head butt. The intentional foul would lead to a near disqualification. About a minute later, Mayweather would get revenge with a two punch knockout when Ortiz approached him to apologize. Ortiz told a video reporter that he was trying to break Mayweather's nose with the intentional butt.
The license issue is serious, with Ortiz being scheduled to face Andre Berto in a welterweight rematch on February 11 at the MGM Grand.
Ismayl Sillakh: “I think if Ward fights Lucian Bute he will beat him easy because he’s too strong”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s 154th edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio featured an exclusive interview with light heavyweight contender Ismayl Sillakj (17-0, 14 KOs), who has been ordered by the WBC to square off against former champion Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs) for the mandatory position to challenge for the title. Sillakh spoke about his career and the possibility of facing Pascal. He also shared his views on a wide variety of topics including his sparring sessions with Andre Ward, the Bernard Hopkins-Chad Dawson fight and whether he believes there will be a rematch, a potential fight between Hopkins and Lucian Bute, how he believes Floyd Mayweather’s jail sentence might affect his career, whether he believes Mayweather will ever fight Pacquiao, and more! Here is what Sillakh had to say in the interview:
Regarding the recent WBC which ordered a Hopkins-Dawson rematch and how it affects him:
“Yes I was at the WBC convention. So the WBC made a decision for me and Jean Pascal to fight in a final elimination fight. So I hope Jean Pascal will take this fight and we will fight. The WBC is the most respected boxing organization, and I believe that Jean Pascal is not so big of a superstar to not go with this decision.”
On where he sees himself in the title picture in the event Bernard Hopkins is stripped of the WBC title for not having a rematch with Chad Dawson:
“Yeah if it’s true it would be great. I’m ready! I’ve spent 18 years in boxing. You know I had 317 amateur fights. So I’ve proven something with my boxing skills and everything to fight for a title fight. So I’m ready, and I’m hoping to fight for the title in a fight with Chad Dawson. I’ll beat him.”
Regarding what advantages he feels he holds over Chad Dawson:
“I’m young, strong, and fast so I just need to use my abilities and use my skills.”
On whether he feels his skills and talents are underrated by the boxing public:
“No. I just don’t know. I like boxing. I learned boxing from the Ukranian and Russian because I was born in the Ukraine. That’s why when I moved to the US and my trainer Shaheed Saluki has given me more of an American style. So I got a mixture.”
His views on getting the opportunity to fight on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights when he put on a great performance beating Yordanis Despaigne and what he believes that did for his career:
“It was a good fight for me, not for the Cuban guy. We both had good amateur careers so it was a good opportunity for me to show all of my skills on ESPN on nationwide television. It was a good opportunity for the future, and now I’m number two. I think after this fight people at the WBC and everybody felt he’s not just another boxer. I can be a champion.”
On whether he really feels he is ready for a title shot right now at age 26:
“Yeah, I’m ready! Like I said before I have 18 years in boxing. Nobody can surprise me in the ring. I’m ready.”
Regarding his transition from amateur boxing (where he had over 300 victories) into the professional ranks:
“Yeah it was different. You know professional boxing is like a different sport. It’s not just boxing without head gear and different gloves. It’s different training stuff and everything is different for me. I actually always go to watch boxing. I love boxing and after the fight in 1992 when I was just 7 years old, with Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe. It was for the title shot and I saw this fight and I was like, wow! I want to be heavyweight champion of the world! So I hope in the future I can be heavyweight champion.”
His views on the disappointing fight between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson which was recently ruled a no contest:
“You know for this fight I thought Chad Dawson was in good, good shape. He was focused and he came into the ring to win. The first round was hard for Hopkins. I think maybe in his mind he understood that, and then that’s what happened.”
Whether he believes a rematch between Hopkins and Dawson will actually happen:
“No. I don’t think so. Hopkins is a superstar. You know. He’s a legend, so he’s done it. He was in a fight with a guy who could beat him and he already knows. I don’t think the fight will happen. I think Bernard will just leave the title and go down and fight with Lucian Bute.”
His views on Jean Pascal as a boxer:
“Jean Pascal is a good fighter. I think he’s just like I said before. He’s a good fighter, a good puncher, but he’s not a superstar and he makes a lot of mistakes. He’s wild! He’s not like a Floyd Mayweather who you can miss him. You will hit him a lot when you fight him. He’s just a basic wild fighter. He goes in there, and fights, fights, comes in throwing a punch and wants to knock you out. So I don’t think he’s a guy who can beat me. I got good technique. So I just need to move a lot and punch him, and I think I’ll knock Pascal out.”
Whether he believes a victory against Pascal can help become better known amongst boxing fans:
“ Yes of course! Of course I want Pascal and then somebody. I will just go step by step. I came to America to make my dream come true. My American dream would be to be champion, but Jean Pascal is just another step.”
On how he sees a fight between Bernard Hopkins and Lucian Bute playing out:
“Oh! It’s a good fight because I like Lucian Bute as a boxer, but then Bernard Hopkins like I said before is a superstar and a really smart boxer. I think Lucian. It’s a good fight, but Bute I think Bute would win by decision.”
His views on Super Six Champion Andre Ward and whether he sees Ward becoming a major player in the light heavyweight division within the next two years:
“Yes. Andre Ward is a good great fighter. I was in his camp like a year ago, and you know I saw him a couple of times and was like ah! Andre Ward is good, but not so good. But when I sparred with him, he is good. (laughs) He’s a good, fast, very smart boxer, so if he comes to the light heavyweight division it’s good opposition. He’s good. And I think if Ward fights Lucian Bute he will beat him easy because he’s too strong.”
Regarding which boxers in the sport today he most enjoys watching:
“Floyd Mayweather. For me he’s, not like an idol, but I respect him as a boxer and a businessman, but not like with the issues with his wife and his father, but you know as a boxer.”
On how he feels Floyd Mayweather’s jail sentence will affect his boxing career:
“It’s bad. Yeah you know. It’s bad because I know he trains everyday and he likes to keep in shape. I don’t know. It’s bad, but it is what it is. So as boxing fans we just need to wait, but it’s bad because I think his fight on May won’t happen against Pacquiao.”
Whether he believes Mayweather’s next fight will be against Manny Pacquiao:
“I hope so! (laughs) Like many fans around the world, we want to see Mayweather and Pacquiao. So we’ll see, but Pacquiao needs to finish with Marquez before a Mayweather fight. So.”
On what he considers to be his greatest strength that he brings into the ring:
“My skills. (laughs) Like I said I’ve had 18 years in boxing so I know a lot. I got pretty good power, I got speed, and I bring my brain into the ring. I think a lot.”
On when we can expect to see him back inside the ring:
“Oh I don’t know. We’ll wait for the decision. Now we’ll wait for Jean Pascal what he decides, and what our promoters do to make a decision for the next fight. We’ll just wait.”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s 154th edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio featured an exclusive interview with light heavyweight contender Ismayl Sillakj (17-0, 14 KOs), who has been ordered by the WBC to square off against former champion Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs) for the mandatory position to challenge for the title. Sillakh spoke about his career and the possibility of facing Pascal. He also shared his views on a wide variety of topics including his sparring sessions with Andre Ward, the Bernard Hopkins-Chad Dawson fight and whether he believes there will be a rematch, a potential fight between Hopkins and Lucian Bute, how he believes Floyd Mayweather’s jail sentence might affect his career, whether he believes Mayweather will ever fight Pacquiao, and more! Here is what Sillakh had to say in the interview:
Regarding the recent WBC which ordered a Hopkins-Dawson rematch and how it affects him:
“Yes I was at the WBC convention. So the WBC made a decision for me and Jean Pascal to fight in a final elimination fight. So I hope Jean Pascal will take this fight and we will fight. The WBC is the most respected boxing organization, and I believe that Jean Pascal is not so big of a superstar to not go with this decision.”
On where he sees himself in the title picture in the event Bernard Hopkins is stripped of the WBC title for not having a rematch with Chad Dawson:
“Yeah if it’s true it would be great. I’m ready! I’ve spent 18 years in boxing. You know I had 317 amateur fights. So I’ve proven something with my boxing skills and everything to fight for a title fight. So I’m ready, and I’m hoping to fight for the title in a fight with Chad Dawson. I’ll beat him.”
Regarding what advantages he feels he holds over Chad Dawson:
“I’m young, strong, and fast so I just need to use my abilities and use my skills.”
On whether he feels his skills and talents are underrated by the boxing public:
“No. I just don’t know. I like boxing. I learned boxing from the Ukranian and Russian because I was born in the Ukraine. That’s why when I moved to the US and my trainer Shaheed Saluki has given me more of an American style. So I got a mixture.”
His views on getting the opportunity to fight on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights when he put on a great performance beating Yordanis Despaigne and what he believes that did for his career:
“It was a good fight for me, not for the Cuban guy. We both had good amateur careers so it was a good opportunity for me to show all of my skills on ESPN on nationwide television. It was a good opportunity for the future, and now I’m number two. I think after this fight people at the WBC and everybody felt he’s not just another boxer. I can be a champion.”
On whether he really feels he is ready for a title shot right now at age 26:
“Yeah, I’m ready! Like I said before I have 18 years in boxing. Nobody can surprise me in the ring. I’m ready.”
Regarding his transition from amateur boxing (where he had over 300 victories) into the professional ranks:
“Yeah it was different. You know professional boxing is like a different sport. It’s not just boxing without head gear and different gloves. It’s different training stuff and everything is different for me. I actually always go to watch boxing. I love boxing and after the fight in 1992 when I was just 7 years old, with Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe. It was for the title shot and I saw this fight and I was like, wow! I want to be heavyweight champion of the world! So I hope in the future I can be heavyweight champion.”
His views on the disappointing fight between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson which was recently ruled a no contest:
“You know for this fight I thought Chad Dawson was in good, good shape. He was focused and he came into the ring to win. The first round was hard for Hopkins. I think maybe in his mind he understood that, and then that’s what happened.”
Whether he believes a rematch between Hopkins and Dawson will actually happen:
“No. I don’t think so. Hopkins is a superstar. You know. He’s a legend, so he’s done it. He was in a fight with a guy who could beat him and he already knows. I don’t think the fight will happen. I think Bernard will just leave the title and go down and fight with Lucian Bute.”
His views on Jean Pascal as a boxer:
“Jean Pascal is a good fighter. I think he’s just like I said before. He’s a good fighter, a good puncher, but he’s not a superstar and he makes a lot of mistakes. He’s wild! He’s not like a Floyd Mayweather who you can miss him. You will hit him a lot when you fight him. He’s just a basic wild fighter. He goes in there, and fights, fights, comes in throwing a punch and wants to knock you out. So I don’t think he’s a guy who can beat me. I got good technique. So I just need to move a lot and punch him, and I think I’ll knock Pascal out.”
Whether he believes a victory against Pascal can help become better known amongst boxing fans:
“ Yes of course! Of course I want Pascal and then somebody. I will just go step by step. I came to America to make my dream come true. My American dream would be to be champion, but Jean Pascal is just another step.”
On how he sees a fight between Bernard Hopkins and Lucian Bute playing out:
“Oh! It’s a good fight because I like Lucian Bute as a boxer, but then Bernard Hopkins like I said before is a superstar and a really smart boxer. I think Lucian. It’s a good fight, but Bute I think Bute would win by decision.”
His views on Super Six Champion Andre Ward and whether he sees Ward becoming a major player in the light heavyweight division within the next two years:
“Yes. Andre Ward is a good great fighter. I was in his camp like a year ago, and you know I saw him a couple of times and was like ah! Andre Ward is good, but not so good. But when I sparred with him, he is good. (laughs) He’s a good, fast, very smart boxer, so if he comes to the light heavyweight division it’s good opposition. He’s good. And I think if Ward fights Lucian Bute he will beat him easy because he’s too strong.”
Regarding which boxers in the sport today he most enjoys watching:
“Floyd Mayweather. For me he’s, not like an idol, but I respect him as a boxer and a businessman, but not like with the issues with his wife and his father, but you know as a boxer.”
On how he feels Floyd Mayweather’s jail sentence will affect his boxing career:
“It’s bad. Yeah you know. It’s bad because I know he trains everyday and he likes to keep in shape. I don’t know. It’s bad, but it is what it is. So as boxing fans we just need to wait, but it’s bad because I think his fight on May won’t happen against Pacquiao.”
Whether he believes Mayweather’s next fight will be against Manny Pacquiao:
“I hope so! (laughs) Like many fans around the world, we want to see Mayweather and Pacquiao. So we’ll see, but Pacquiao needs to finish with Marquez before a Mayweather fight. So.”
On what he considers to be his greatest strength that he brings into the ring:
“My skills. (laughs) Like I said I’ve had 18 years in boxing so I know a lot. I got pretty good power, I got speed, and I bring my brain into the ring. I think a lot.”
On when we can expect to see him back inside the ring:
“Oh I don’t know. We’ll wait for the decision. Now we’ll wait for Jean Pascal what he decides, and what our promoters do to make a decision for the next fight. We’ll just wait.”
Arum: The boxing public don't know Sergio Martinez; I'm not interested in putting Pacquiao with him
Sergio MartinezBy Michael Collins: It’s always interesting to see Bob Arum come up with excuses when his feet are held to the fire about why doesn’t he match some of his fighters such as Manny Pacquiao and/or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. against more dangerous opposition that could potentially knock them out or badly beat them.
In a recent interview at esnewsreporting.com, Arum’s excuse for not letting Pacquiao fight Sergio Martinez at a 150 pound catchweight was as follows: “I’m not interested in Sergio Martinez. Sergio Martinez should have his promoter put him on pay per view to see how he draws. The public doesn’t know who Sergio Martinez is.”
That’s pretty funny. How can the boxing public not know who Martinez is when HBO has been showing his fights for the past couple of years? How could you miss Martinez’s fights against Arum’s fighter Kelly Pavlik, where Martinez gave Pavlik a beating in taking his WBC and WBO belts last year? How about Martinez’s fight against Kermit Cintron, where Martinez got ripped off after knocking Cintron out but having Cintron argue that he was knocked down by a headbutt and not a straight left hand.
Martinez also had two exciting fights against Paul Williams, Sergiy Dzinziruk and Darren Barker and Arum is saying the boxing public doesn’t know who Martinez is? That’s a pretty lame excuse if you ask me. I’d rather Arum just say Martinez is too dangerous for Pacquiao. That would sound better rather than dumping on Martinez by claiming he’s an unknown.
If Arum really cared about how popular a fighter is before matching him with Pacquiao then why did he match Pacquiao with Joshua Clottey? How about Antonio Margarito? Martinez is clearly better known than Clottey and he’s arguably better respected than Margarito was and yet Arum still matched him with Pacquiao. Obviously, Margarito wasn’t seen as a threat to Pacquiao due to his lack of hand speed and his coming off of surgery.
In the same interview, Arum said “Brandon Rios a terrific fighter. Everyone wants to see him. I look at him as a guy that’s going to be one of the top, top attractions in 2012, and he’s going to get some monster fights lined up with very high visibility. Eventually in 2013, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him with Pacquiao.”
So Rios is more popular than Martinez? Fort those who don’t know, Rios fights for Arum with Top Rank, so it would be an in house fight. Martinez doesn’t fight for Arum, although I still don’t think Arum would ever match him with Pacquiao even if he did promote the guy because of Martinez’s one-punch knockout power. It just kind of bothers me to hear the excuses Arum sometimes makes why he doesn’t match his fighters against guys that have a chance to beat them.
Martinez fights at middleweight but he was a light middleweight up until 2009. He can’t get a fight with Arum’s fighter Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who holds the WBC belt. Is Martinez not well known enough to get that fight? The WBC said that Martinez was supposed to be next for Chavez Jr. but Martinez is still not getting that fight. Chavez Jr. instead will be fighting Marco Antonio Rubio next month on February 4th, while Martinez has to settle for facing Matthew Macklin on March 17th.
Sergio MartinezBy Michael Collins: It’s always interesting to see Bob Arum come up with excuses when his feet are held to the fire about why doesn’t he match some of his fighters such as Manny Pacquiao and/or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. against more dangerous opposition that could potentially knock them out or badly beat them.
In a recent interview at esnewsreporting.com, Arum’s excuse for not letting Pacquiao fight Sergio Martinez at a 150 pound catchweight was as follows: “I’m not interested in Sergio Martinez. Sergio Martinez should have his promoter put him on pay per view to see how he draws. The public doesn’t know who Sergio Martinez is.”
That’s pretty funny. How can the boxing public not know who Martinez is when HBO has been showing his fights for the past couple of years? How could you miss Martinez’s fights against Arum’s fighter Kelly Pavlik, where Martinez gave Pavlik a beating in taking his WBC and WBO belts last year? How about Martinez’s fight against Kermit Cintron, where Martinez got ripped off after knocking Cintron out but having Cintron argue that he was knocked down by a headbutt and not a straight left hand.
Martinez also had two exciting fights against Paul Williams, Sergiy Dzinziruk and Darren Barker and Arum is saying the boxing public doesn’t know who Martinez is? That’s a pretty lame excuse if you ask me. I’d rather Arum just say Martinez is too dangerous for Pacquiao. That would sound better rather than dumping on Martinez by claiming he’s an unknown.
If Arum really cared about how popular a fighter is before matching him with Pacquiao then why did he match Pacquiao with Joshua Clottey? How about Antonio Margarito? Martinez is clearly better known than Clottey and he’s arguably better respected than Margarito was and yet Arum still matched him with Pacquiao. Obviously, Margarito wasn’t seen as a threat to Pacquiao due to his lack of hand speed and his coming off of surgery.
In the same interview, Arum said “Brandon Rios a terrific fighter. Everyone wants to see him. I look at him as a guy that’s going to be one of the top, top attractions in 2012, and he’s going to get some monster fights lined up with very high visibility. Eventually in 2013, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him with Pacquiao.”
So Rios is more popular than Martinez? Fort those who don’t know, Rios fights for Arum with Top Rank, so it would be an in house fight. Martinez doesn’t fight for Arum, although I still don’t think Arum would ever match him with Pacquiao even if he did promote the guy because of Martinez’s one-punch knockout power. It just kind of bothers me to hear the excuses Arum sometimes makes why he doesn’t match his fighters against guys that have a chance to beat them.
Martinez fights at middleweight but he was a light middleweight up until 2009. He can’t get a fight with Arum’s fighter Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who holds the WBC belt. Is Martinez not well known enough to get that fight? The WBC said that Martinez was supposed to be next for Chavez Jr. but Martinez is still not getting that fight. Chavez Jr. instead will be fighting Marco Antonio Rubio next month on February 4th, while Martinez has to settle for facing Matthew Macklin on March 17th.