Boxing News Thread

[heyzel]

Jermain Taylor: How Far Can His Comeback Go?

Jermain Taylor(Photo credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIMEBy James Slater: The way former middleweight king Jermain Taylor tells it, he should never have moved up in weight to fight as a 168-pounder. Had “Bad Intentions” taken another route and stayed at 160-pounds, he would not have been a part of the recently concluded “Super Six” and he would not have lost to Carl Froch (non-tourney) and Arthur Abraham.

But as we know, the Arkansas man was persuaded to leave the middleweight division and his run of bad luck appeared to have finished his career. Last night, however, 33-year-old Taylor returned to winning ways for the first time in over two years. With original promoter Lou DiBella’s backing and support, the former middleweight ruler scored a rust-remover of an 8th-round TKO over tough Jessie Nicklow.

Taylor said post-fight that he feels great as a middleweight, and that he felt good in the fight last night (although he did say, not surprisingly, that he felt a little rusty). Taylor added that he will take one step at a time (he hurt his right hand in last night’s fight, which may mean a delay before his next bout), but that he will “fight anyone.”

As with any comeback of a former world champ, the long term goal for Taylor will be to become champion all over again. Today’s 160-pound division is ruled by Sergio Gabriel Martinez of Argentina, and it would take a brave fan to predict Taylor beating the southpaw. Even in his prime years, when he was beating the likes of Bernard Hopkins and Cory Spinks, Taylor would have had a tough time with the tall, hard-hitting Martinez. But Taylor, after a few more comeback wins, would perhaps have to be given a real shot against the reigning alphabelt rulers: Felix Sturm and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. the two most prominent.

In reality, it’s still too early to say how far Taylor, now 29-4-1(18) can go in his comeback. Jermain passed all vigorous pre-fight exams, which proved beyond all doubt that his health is fine, and he sounds as though he has the old hunger back. Still fast, still powerful and now competing in his natural weight class, Taylor will hopefully be back by spring, against a contender.

As Taylor said himself, “everyone loves a comeback.” Especially if the comeback proves successful. It sure would be a feel-good story if Taylor were able to win another major title before he’s finally done.

 

[heyzel]

Pascal wants Dawson-Hopkins II winner
January 2nd, 2012

By Dan Ambrose: Former WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KO’s) has been sitting idle for the past eight months since losing his World Boxing Council title to 46-year-old Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO’s). Pascal was hoping to fight Dawson after he defeated Hopkins by a 2nd round TKO last October.

However, Hopkins and his promoters from Golden Boy Promotions appealed the stoppage to the WBC and the California State Athletic Commission and they overturned the stoppage and ruled it a 2nd round no contest. In turn, Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw appealed to the WBC to get an immediate rematch ordered and what got his wish. Hopkins now has to give Dawson an immediate rematch or else he will get his title stripped from him.

Pascal doesn’t care who wins the rematch between them. He’ll face either of them. Pascal has a 11th round technical decision win over Dawson last year in August in a fight that took place in Pascal’s home of Canada. Pascal was badly hurt in the 11th by Dawson but right when it appeared Dawson was going to knock Pascal out the two fighters collided heads and to Pascal’s great luck, Dawson was badly cut over his right eye and the referee hastily halted the fight rather than letting Dawson try to finish Pascal off or have Dawson’s corner work on the cut in between rounds. It worked out perfectly for Pascal. This allowed the fight to go to the cards and he was already well up on the cards at the time, so he was given the win.

Pascal’s luck wasn’t as good in his two fights with Hopkins, however. In their first fight last year in December 2010, Pascal and Hopkins fought to a 12 round majority draw. Pascal appeared to lose that fight after leading early. He ran out of gas and had problems with Hopkins’ superior inside game. In the rematch last May, Pascal allowed Hopkins to fight at a slow pace and control the distance and the inside game. This time, Pascal really looked bad and got the loss by a 12 round unanimous decision.

Pascal, ranked #3 WBC and #3 WBA, reportedly isn’t sure who would have won the Dawson-Hopkins fight from last. Pascal thinks Hopkins might have been able to get his offense started after a bad start and possibly win the fight. It’s hard to believe that Hopkins would have been able to do that in looking at how much smaller, slower and weaker he was compared to Dawson. Unlike the Dawson that fought Pascal, this was a motivated Dawson that was fighting with a lot of aggression and anger. I kind of doubt that Hopkins would have been able to do much against him had he not fell to the canvas and injured his left shoulder.

Pascal may indeed get to fight the Dawson vs. Hopkins winner because Dawson has already said he wants to face Pascal next. As for Hopkins, I don’t know that he wants to fight Pascal again because he already proved that he’s the better fighter and there might not be much interest among fans to see yet another fight between them, especially when Pascal has done zero since losing to Hopkins. Pascal needs to start fighting again.

 

[heyzel]

49-year-old Holyfield still not retiring, wants to fight the Klitschkos
January 1st, 2012

By Dan Ambrose: Former two division world champion Evander Holyfield (44-10-2, 29 KO’s) will be turning 50 in October of this year and has fought only three times since 2008 against 2nd tier opposition, yet Holyfield stubbornly refuses to retire from boxing and plans on sticking it out until he’s captured all the heavyweight world titles.

Holyfield reportedly still wants to fight both of the Klitschko brothers and thinks he can beat both of them to win their titles. Holyfield’s chances of getting fights with either of the Klitschkos are zero, and even if he were to get lucky and get one of them to fight him, Holyfield would lose badly. Last year in January, Holyfield appeared to be on his way to a knockout loss to Sherman Williams after being staggered twice by him in the 3rd round.

However, Holyfield said he couldn’t see in between the 3rd and the 4th rounds due to a cut he had suffered from a headbutt in the 3rd. But the fact of the matter is Holyfield was getting rocked by the 38-year-old Williams in the 3rd and the chances of Holyfield making it through the 4th didn’t look good at the time the fight was halted by the referee and ruled a no contest. Holyfield followed that performance with a 10th round TKO win over 46-year-old Brian Nielsen last May. Since then, Holyfield has been out of the ring and is hoping that he can get a big fight for a world title.

Why Holyfield won’t simply take on a top contender to try and beat one to get put in the position to fight for a world title is something you have to wonder about. If he really thinks he can beat the Klitschkos, then why doesn’t Holyfield take on someone like Chris Arreola, who is ranked #1 by the World Boxing Council, and beat him to put himself in the prime position to fight for a world title. I guess Holyfield is hoping he’ll get picked from the 2nd tier by the Klitschkos without having to fight his way to a title shot like most fighters do.

 

[heyzel]

Broner to fight four times in 2012, starting with Eloy Perez on 2/25, says promoter
January 1st, 2012

By Eric Thomas: 2012 will be a busy year for WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner (22-0, 12 KO’s), says his co-promoter Andre Williams. To start with the 22-year-old Broner defends his World Boxing Organization title for the first time next month on February 25th against the unbeaten No.1 WBO ranked contender Eloy Perez (22-0, 7 KO’s) at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis, Missouri.

This is a dangerous fight for Broner, as Perez has an excellent left hook and he’s a lot faster than the guys that Broner has been accustomed to fighting during his three-year pro career.
Williams to the community press at cincinatti.com “We’re [Broner] looking to fight four times in ’12 – two on the road, two here. HBO was very impressed with how we did here. It’s good that he’s staying active. He’s the kind of kid who needs to be in the ring.”

Broner, who many boxing fans see as a younger version of Floyd Mayweather Jr, stopped Vincente Martin Rodriguez by a 3rd round KO last November on HBO. Broner looked like a copy of Mayweather with his check left hook, pot shot right hands and shoulder roll. However, unlike Mayweather early in his career, Broner actually gets hit. He’s not as fast as Mayweather was early in his career and he can be hit with jabs and right hands, as we saw in the Rodriguez fight.

However, Broner is slick enough to pick off the most dangerous shots and his power and pinpoint accuracy make him incredibly dangerous all times. Broner likes to lure his opponents in and then catch them with big counter shots to stun them. He had Rodriguez badly hurt in the 1st round after catching him with a check left hook. In the 3rd round, Broner retreated to the ropes and caught Rodriguez with a sneaky right uppercut that hurt him. Broner then flurried on Rodriguez until finishing him with a left hook to the head that sent Rodriguez down on the canvas against the ropes.

Eloy Perez , 25, is a lot more dangerous than Rodriguez because he’s got better hand speed and an excellent left hook that he can throw with big power in close. A lot of his opponents never see the left hook coming until it’s too late. Perez also has a nice right hand and he gets his opponents thinking about that punch and then catches them with the left hook. He’s a double threat. He’s not just a fighter with only one weapon in his arsenal.

 

[heyzel]

Broner to fight four times in 2012, starting with Eloy Perez on 2/25, says promoter J

By Juan dela Cruz: “Even inside the jail, I am ready to fight Floyd!”, this was the 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao’s statement during a television game show on which he was one of the hosts in a local channel in the Philippines a couple of days ago.

Manny made the statement only as a joke but boxing fans and analysts take it as Manny’s expression of his readiness to face Money May Floyd. As we all know, Floyd was sentenced three months jail time due to a domestic violence case against him by his former live-in partner and mother of their three children Josie Harris.

Due to the sentence, the Manny-Floyd fight was again stalled but Bob Arum said the fight can still be negotiated and be held on November this year as Floyd is expected to be released by April. Even before Manny made that joke, there was already a boxing match held inside a jail. This happened on an American light heavyweight James Scott who had fought eleven professional fights inside Rahway State Prison in New Jersey from 1978 to 1981. Scott even became a world title contender while incarcerated where he won 9 of his 11 bouts inside. Four of his fights were aired by NBC Sports, CBS Sports and HBO. He ended his career in a loss to Dwight Braxton in September of 1981.

On the other hand, Mayweather will not be stripped of his WBC welterweight crown despite the ruling that when a champion is sentenced to jail, he will be stripped of his title. According to WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaiman, said boxing sanctioning body is behind Mayweather. “The WBC has always been in the corner of the boxer. The organization was created to protect the fighter. We will try to achieve the most fair outcome for the fighter and the fans.” It was not mentioned by Sulaiman if they will do the same had it not been Floyd. But be that as it may, Manny’s fans take it positively. They are of the opinion that it will be for the good of the proposed Pac-Money fight as hindrances are being put away to make the fight happen. And anyway, Floyd can still fight even without said title, as what he had said before, “belts only gather dust”.

But a sad note for the Floyd fans who had been saying that Manny is broke, just recently, Pacquiao bought a multi-million dollar luxury yacht and it was already delivered to him by an unknown dealer. Last year, Manny bought a 300M-peso mansion in Manila, that’s aside from a Ferrari he bought in the US also last year. This just show that Pacquiao is far from being broke. While he had been spending lavishly left and right, Floyd is busy giving guilty plea to his cases, a clear picture of contrast between the two fighters.

 

[RobertoxYLx]

Anybody have any info on this.
Was just looking up stuff on google bout Canelo and his next fight and what not and came across this.
Is it just bogus? Can some1 please help clear the air for me.

http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/12/28/...join-ufc-2012-despite-being-guilty-of-hitting

 

[2-0-Sixx]

super bogus lol. He's scheduled to make a defense of his title on April 21st. According to his manager it will be either against James Kirkland or Shane Mosley (Kirkland has a fight with Molina in Feb he'll have to win).

 

[RobertoxYLx]

Yea i saw that a fight had been scheduled but was confused.. Thanx bro.

 

[trips]

[video=youtube;OA9gJZrcRJg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OA9gJZrcRJg#![/video]

 

[heyzel]

Miguel Cotto’s Top Rank contract expires, hoping to fight Chavez Jr., Mayweather, Pacquiao and Saul Alvarez in 2012
January 2nd, 2012

By Dan Ambrose: WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto’s contract with Top Rank Promotions has reportedly expired as of December 31st, 2011 and now Cotto is officially a free agent. Cotto is reportedly interested in fighting the following guys: Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Saul Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

However, before anyone gets frothing at the mouth about this, the 31-year-old Cotto will still work with Top Rank in a fight by fight basis, which pretty means that Cotto will be destined to continue to tend garden against Bob Arum’s stable fighters. That might not be a bad thing if Arum puts him back in with his big money maker WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao for a rematch. Cotto was slaughtered by Pacquiao two years ago in a 12th round TKO loss, but he made a bundle of money in the process of losing. Cotto has been drooling over a rematch ever since but has been ignored largely due to how uncompetitive he was the last time he fought Pacquiao.

Arum has done his part in trying to rebuild Cotto by putting him in with a washed up 38-year-old Ricardo Mayorga, Yuri Foreman, who was sporting a bad right knee at the time Cotto fought him, and Antonio Margarito, coming off of three separate eye surgeries on his right eye. Like I said, Arum has done his part in trying to rebuild Cotto and keep him from getting smashed again.

If you notice, Arum didn’t put Cotto in with guys that might beat him like James Kirkland, Austin Trout, Vanes Martirosyan, Sergiy Dzinziruk, Alfredo Angulo, Erislandy Lara, Saul Alvarez, Paul Williams, Delvin Rodriguez or Cornelius Bundrage. No, Arum has been very, very careful in the matches that he’s put Cotto in. It’s worked because he hasn’t lost since the Pacquiao fight, and he could be the lucky one to get Pacquiao next in early 2012.

You can rule out fights against Mayweather Jr. and Saul Alvarez for Cotto. Those fights likely won’t be happening as long as Cotto’s still working with Top Rank in a fight by fight basis. But a fight against Chavez Jr. is a real possibility, as he fights for Top Rank and Arum is excited about making that fight. I think it might be dumb move by Cotto, because unless there’s a strength draining catchweight that can get Chavez Jr. down to a weight where Cotto has a good chance of beating him, Cotto could be fighting a guy that walks into the ring weighing 180lbs on fight night. That’s what Chavez Jr. weighed the night he beat Sebastian Zbik to capture the WBC middleweight title last year in June. Cotto will struggle against Chavez Jr., but the fight might not even be a possibility if Chavez Jr. gets torn apart by Marco Antonio Rubio next month in their fight on February 4th.

Most likely the guys that Cotto will and fight in 2012 are Pacquiao and Chavez Jr. Forget Mayweather and forget Alvarez. I do think Golden Boy would be up for putting Angulo or Kirkland in with Cotto, but don’t hold your breath waiting for Cotto or Arum to agree to those fights. Those guys can punch and Cotto might end up a bloody mess and taking knees left and right against those guys.

 

[heyzel]

Unbeaten Heavyweight Contender David Rodriguez Recovering From Stabbing, Has 100 Stitches In Face

By James Slater: The El Paso Times is reporting that unbeaten heavyweight contender David Rodriguez, 36-0(34) is recovering from a vicious, cowardly knife attack that left him needing a hundred stitches in his face. The incident took place this past Friday in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The 34-year-old puncher known as “El Nino” was attacked and stabbed as he left a Pizza restaurant. Six as yet unidentified men attacked the fighter, who still has no idea why they did what they did.

“It was crazy,” Rodriguez said to The El Paso Times. “I was outside a pizza place with friends and six guys attacked me. I have over 100 stitches in my jaw line. They were trying to cut my jugular. The doctors said they missed my jugular by about a half an inch. I want people to know I’m okay.

“I know I’m very lucky. I thought I might not make it when I saw all the blood all over me. I’m just happy to be alive. Something like this puts a lot of things in perspective. I’ll be back in the gym when I can but for now I’m just going to count my blessings and move on.”

6’4” Rodriguez boasts one of the most impressive-looking heavyweight records today. Against mostly limited opposition, the approx 250-pounder has kept a perfect record since turning pro back in December of 1998. Fans remain curious about just how good Rodriguez is. Guys like Owen Beck (KO’d in the 3rd) and, last time out, Byron Polley (stopped in the 2nd a month ago) have not been able to test the big-hitter. Hopefully, after he’s recovered from this most spineless attack, “Nino” will be back in action, stepping up his quality of opposition.

For now though, we wish him all the best. Let’s also hope the six thugs that attacked this professional athlete are brought to justice as swiftly as possible.

Rodriguez was down on Boxrec as being scheduled to fight against a TBA on March 24th. That date now looks unlikely.

 

[heyzel]

Dawson promoter to begin negotiating for Hopkins rematch
January 3rd, 2012

By John F. McKenna (McJack): Gary Shaw, the promoter for Chad Dawson (30-1, 17 KO’s) argued successfully for a rematch with Ring light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO’s) at the WBC convention in Las Vegas in December.

Hopkins, who will turn 47 on January 15, plans to begin training this month as he enters the final stages of his recovery from the left shoulder separation he suffered in his abbreviated fight last October with Dawson. That fight ended controversially when Hopkins was deposited on the ring floor after winding up on Dawson’s shoulder while following through with a punch. Referee Pat Russell at the time awarded Dawson a TKO victory when Hopkins was unable to continue.

The outcome of the fight was later reversed and called a “technical draw” in a ruling by the California State Athletic Commission in December. The light heavyweight title then reverted back to Hopkins.

Shaw was quoted in an interview with Ring TV saying:

“I will be calling (Golden Boy Promotions CEO) Richard Schaefer this week to start a negotiation. Chad Dawson is ready, willing and able to fulfill his obligation to challenge Bernard Hopkins for the WBC world title.

“I respect Bernard Hopkins, and the fact that he’s willing to fulfill his obligation as mandated by the WBC. I read his comments. My only feeling is that fighters should be fighting because their fighters and the money comes with the fight.”

Hopkins will pursue a fight with either Lucian Bute, Nathan Cleverly or Beibut Shumenov if the money isn’t right for the Dawson fight. Hopkins believes that those fighters would offer a more lucrative payday than a return match with Dawson.

Shaw went on to say that if a deal cannot be made for a Dawson – Hopkins fight, he would consider a rematch against Jean Pascal. A match with IBF title holder Tavoris Cloud may also be pursued.

There has been some recent talk in boxing circles that Hopkins may not be thrilled at the prospect of taking on the much younger and apparently stronger Dawson again. There were moments in his brief encounter with Dawson that Hopkins looked his age. For that reason it may be difficult for Shaw to arrange another match between Dawson and Hopkins.

 

[heyzel]

Andre Dirrell: I’m taking charge in 2012
January 3rd, 2012

By Scott Gilfoid: After an impressive earth shattering 2nd round knockout win over Darryl Cunningham last Friday night, Andre Dirrell (20-1, 14 KO’s) is ready for big things in 2012 in getting back into things and finding his way back to the top of the division where he belongs.

Dirrell said this on his twitter page: “I’m just glad I’m back; definitely ready to take charge in 2012.”

Dirrell knocked Cunningham down with a beautiful left hand to the head in the 2nd round of their fight and followed it with a short hand that put Cunningham down for a second and final time. That was Dirrell’s first time fighting in over 21 months dating back to March 2010. If that’s how good Dirrell looks after that much time away from the ring, then just imagine how good he would look if he were off even longer. But seriously, Dirrell was very impressive out there in taking apart a very good fighter in Cunningham and looking great in the process in front of a U.S audience on Showtime.

Dirrell now is resting and thinking about who he wants to fight next. He didn’t have any big names in mind when interviewed by Showtime after the fight but did say he wants to fight IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute at some point. What Dirrell needs is quality contender to add to his resume for his next fight. I think some good scalps would be the likes of James DeGale, George Groves, Adonis Stevenson, Edwin Rodriguez, Rudy Markussen, Glen Johnson, Peter Quillin or Librado Andrade. Any one of those guys would be great for Dirrell’s next fight.

 

[heyzel]

Bunce sees Mayweather’s jail terms leaving him with fewer options and might force him to fight Pacquiao
January 3rd, 2012

By Allen Fox: UK writer Steve Bunce sees Floyd Mayweather Jr’s 90 day jail time as being something positive as far as narrowing down Mayweather’s options to the point where he’ll likely be more interested in negotiating a fight with WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in 2012.

In his column at the independent.co.uk, Bunce said “The last figure being discussed for Mayweather against Pacquiao was $35 million each for their time in the ring for a fight that has been tarnished by time, dodgy decisions, Pacquiao’s dip in form, Mayweather’s sucker punch [of Victor Ortiz] and now Mayweather’s incarceration.”
Given that both fighters make $20 million for each fight, they’re not all that much ahead for a fight between them if they’re only going to get an extra $15 million. It seems like it might be a better deal for them to not fight at all because is going to be devalued from the fight.

I disagree with Bunce about Mayweather having viewer options after he gets out of jail. That doesn’t quite make sense. He’s only going to be in for two months at best, and when he gets out he’s got guys like Saul Alvarez, Miguel Cotto, Andre Berto and Sergio Martinez all waiting in line to fight him. Anyone one of those guys would make for a big fight with Mayweather where he could likely bring in his normal $20 million per fight. Mayweather won’t have his back against the wall and be in desperate straits after he gets out; for from it actually. He can continue on for a long time without needing to fight Pacquiao, although he’s better taking the fight sooner rather than later because Pacquiao is starting to show serious signs of decline. Mayweather can’t take the chance that Pacquiao will get beaten by one of the guys that his promoter Bob Arum is matching him against.

 

[heyzel]

Dawson my opt to fight Cloud or Pascal next if Hopkins doesn’t want the rematch
January 3rd, 2012

By Dan Ambrose: Former WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson and his promoter Gary Shaw are ready to start negotiations with 46-year-old Bernard Hopkins for a rematch to clear up the controversy that surrounds their fight last October which ended with Hopkins falling on the canvas after falling over Dawson’s back after a missed punch. Hopkins lost that fight by a 2nd round TKO, but got the results overturned after appealing to both the World Boxing Council and the California State Athletic Commission.

The WBC then ordered that Hopkins has to give Dawson an immediate rematch. However, now Hopkins isn’t too keen on fighting Dawson again unless there’s a lot of money there, and there probably won’t be. Hopkins instead wants to fight unification bouts against arguably weaker targets of WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly and WBA champ Beibut Shumenov and then perhaps a fight against IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute if he’s still the IBF champion by the end of 2012 or early 2013.

Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw said this to RingTV: “Right now, the only fight that is in my mind is our rematch against Bernard Hopkins. But Chad Dawson has never ducked anyone, and would always fight a Tavoris Cloud or a Jean Pascal or anyone else.”

That sounds like there might be some kind of deal made for Dawson to step aside and let Hopkins go on about his business to face the other two champions. Hopkins says he’s not interested in facing Cloud, the IBF champion, because he doesn’t see the money being big enough for him to take that fight. That’s odd because I can’t see the difference between Cloud and Shumenov in the United States. Neither of them have yet to establish a huge fan base in America yet. But I do think Cloud is the more dangerous fighter compared to Shumenov, so I can see why Hopkins might not see Cloud as an interesting fight.

The Cleverly fight is definitely a winnable fight for Hopkins and one where he can make some money if he agrees to fight Cleverly in Wales. I don’t know that Hopkins can win a decision over there, but I’m sure there will be an appeal if he loses and enough noise made about his loss that a lot of fans will have doubts about it. It would be disappointing to see Dawson lose out on his chance at a rematch with Hopkins but I think Shaw wants to keep a good business relationship with Golden Boy Promotions, the promoters for Hopkins. If Shaw tries to force the issue, he could burn his bridges in the process. It might be better off for Shaw to have Dawson step aside and let the soon to be 47-year-old Hopkins try to finish off what remains of his career on a winning note instead of an almost guaranteed loss against Dawson. It would be Dawson and Shaw showing some sympathy for an old veteran on the last legs of his career.

 

[heyzel]

Hopkins wants Cleverly and Shumenov in unifications bouts; not excited about Dawson fight
January 3rd, 2012

By Dan Ambrose: Chad Dawson might not be too pleased to read WBC light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins’ interview today with RingTV where the 46-year-old Hopkins is saying he wants to unify the division by facing WBO champion Nathan Cleverly and WBA champ Beibut Shumenov.

Hopkins says if the money isn’t there for a Dawson fight, which he says there isn’t right now, he might vacate his WBC title if need be rather than take on Dawson and make good money. Hopkins says he hopes that Dawson will understand that it’s not a good idea to make the Hopkins-Dawson II fight if the money isn’t there for it.

I think Hopkins doesn’t understand why Dawson wants the rematch. Dawson wants it for the fame he’ll get for knocking off Hopkins, as well as to recapture his WBC belt. I think Dawson is okay with not getting big money for that fight, because he knows it will lead to bigger payday down the road.

Hopkins said this to RingTV: “I would like to fight the WBA guy [Shumenov]…The WBO guy from England [Cleverly]; he’s been calling me out on certain websites…Chad Dawson? Absolutely! Under the right circumstances. The worst circumstances are that I would have to be forced to fulfill the obligations of the WBC. I would like to see if his side and my side can find an interest from someone who wants to put up money for the fight…I doubt it.”

Hopkins goes on to say he doesn’t think anyone will put up the money for a Dawson-Hopkins rematch and he doesn’t think it will bring in a lot of money. Hopkins says he thinks Dawson will want to make more money than what he would get in a second fight with him. In other words, it sounds like Hopkins is hoping Dawson will change his mind about wanting to fight him again so Hopkins can go on a fight Shumenov and Cleverly, while at the same time keeping his WBC title. That doesn’t exactly sound like a good deal to me for Dawson.

Not only does Dawson not get the Hopkins rematch, but he also loses out on his shot to try and recapture his title. I think Hopkins is kidding himself if he believes Dawson will just drop his demand to get a rematch after the World Boxing Council already mandated that Hopkins has to fight Dawson next. Of course, anything is possible when it comes to the WBC, as we’ve seen with them changing their minds about Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. having to fight Sergio Martinez next after they already ordered that Chavez Jr. has to fight Martinez next.

Hopkins says there are not a lot of people demanding the Dawson-Hopkins II rematch like there is with the Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight. He goes on to say that he will try to make the Dawson fight but if it doesn’t make business sense, he will vacate his WBC belt rather than fight Dawson again. Hopkins again said he doesn’t think he’ll have to vacate his belt, meaning Dawson will give up on the idea of facing him. That’s pretty sad if you ask me. I think Hopkins is going to have to vacate the title because Dawson wants the rematch and the WBC title belt. He doesn’t want to be left with nothing just because it’s convenient for Hopkins.

 

[heyzel]

Fights To Hope For In 2012

Manny PacquiaoBy James Slater: Wish list time! If 2012 is to be a great year for boxing, a year that sees the noble art stave off a takeover in popularity by “rival” combat sport UFC and MMA, we need to see the best fight the best as much as possible. Quite simple really.

Anyway, in playing at picking and choosing, I list (in no particular order) the fights I would really love to see get made in 2012:


Yuriorkis Gamboa Vs. Brandon Rios.

These two don’t seem to like each other and the rival lightweights (Gamboa has yet to box above 127-pounds but his move to 135 is imminent) both have an electrifying, all-action style. Speed and power Vs. speed and power. This one would be a classic, I’m sure.

Andre Ward Vs. Lucian Bute.

Just who is THE best super-middleweight on the planet? If these two superb, unbeaten fighters met, we would get our answer. Quite simply the most intriguing and most important 168-pound match-up that could take place today.

Manny Pacquiao Vs. Juan Manuel Marquez IV.

We still do not know which of these two great fighters is the absolute best, what with all three fights between the two masters being of the nip and tuck variety. For the purposes of closure, we need to see Pac-Man and Dinamita do it again.

Vitali Klitschko Vs. David Haye.

Vitali craves this fight, and with it the chance to KO Haye. Haye, if he’s to salvage at least some of his reputation, needs to take the fight and give it a real go. Something tells me Haye would indeed come out smoking against the ageing, possibly deteriorating “Dr. Iron Fist” (Vitali’s big body, some reports suggest, may be breaking down; his knees in particular). I’m not saying Haye would definitely win, but I think we would see a far better action fight than Wladimir against Haye.

Wladimir Klitschko Vs. Alexander Povetkin.

Arguably the only heavyweight challenger left for the younger, at-his-peak Klitschko brother, unbeaten Russian Povetkin might, just might, have the necessary tools to be able give Wladimir a rough night.

Floyd Mayweather Vs. either Sergio Martinez or Manny Pacquiao.

Assuming he gets out of prison as early as has been reported and that “Money” resumes his career upon doing so, there are two fights that would cement his greatness were he to win. Fans are sick and tired of the Mayweather-Pacquiao saga, but the fight still needs to happen. As for Mayweather against Martinez; nobody would be able to question Floyd’s all-time greatness were he to defeat the middleweight king.

Tavoris Cloud Vs. Nathan Cleverly.

This one would be a unification bout (IBF and WBO belts on the line) and the styles of the two men would ensure a lively, possibly brutal fight. Cloud is all action, Cleverly isn’t far behind him.

Bernard Hopkins Vs. Chad Dawson II.

These two have unfinished business. It’s as simple as that!

Ricky Burns Vs. Antonio DeMarco.

How far can the amazing Burns success story go? How would the all-action style of DeMarco fair against the skills of the long-armed Scot? This one would be massive in the U.K.

Miguel Cotto Vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

This one would be a hugely notable addition to the long running Mexico Vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. How good is Alvarez? How much does the seemingly rejuvenated Cotto have left to offer? This fight would give us plenty of other answered questions besides.

James Kirkland Vs. Saul Alvarez, or Erislandy Lara, or Cornelius Bundrage, or Miguel Cotto…..

In short, the fantastically exciting (and wickedly powerful but also vulnerable) Kirkland against any high profile 154-pounder would be great. Never, ever in a bad fight, “The Mandingo Warrior” provides breathtaking thrills and spills each and every time out. Against the elite at 154, the stakes would be that much higher for the world’s most exciting fighter!

 

[heyzel]

Final Pound-For-Pound Rankings Of The Year

Floyd Mayweather JrBy James Slater: Who are the ten best Pound-for-Pound fighters on the planet right now as we approach the first day of a new year? Back at the start of 2011, no fighter looked like toppling superstar Manny Pacquiao from the top spot, but is Pac-Man still the ultimate best?

2012 looks sure to give us some great fights, and the P-4-P rankings will endure another reshuffle as a result. But who are the ten best as we speak?

1: Floyd Mayweather Junior: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Manny Pacquiao, winner of Victor Ortiz-Andre Berto II, Amir Khan.

2: Manny Pacquiao: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Juan Manuel Marquez (IV), Lamont Peterson, Tim Bradley, Miguel Cotto.

3: Sergio Gabriel Martinez: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Matthew Macklin, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Andre Ward (according to a news article on Ringtv.com, where both men say they are open to a catch-weight meeting).

4: Nonito Donaire: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Wilfredo Vazquez Junior, Jorge Arce.

5: Juan Manuel Marquez: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Manny Pacquiao (IV), Tim Bradley, Erik Morales.

6: Andre Ward: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Andre Dirrell, Carl Froch, Sergio Gabriel Martinez.

7: Wladimir Klitschko: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Jean Marc Mormeck, Tony Thompson, Chris Arreola.

8: Vitali Klitschko: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Dereck Chisora, David Haye.

9: Timothy Bradley: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny Pacquiao.

10: Miguel Cotto: Fights possible for 2012: Vs. Manny Pacquiao, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Floyd Mayweather.

Happy New Year, Boxing Fans!

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Dawson promoter to begin negotiating for Hopkins rematch
January 3rd, 2012

By John F. McKenna (McJack): Gary Shaw, the promoter for Chad Dawson (30-1, 17 KO’s) argued successfully for a rematch with Ring light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO’s) at the WBC convention in Las Vegas in December.

Hopkins, who will turn 47 on January 15, plans to begin training this month as he enters the final stages of his recovery from the left shoulder separation he suffered in his abbreviated fight last October with Dawson. That fight ended controversially when Hopkins was deposited on the ring floor after winding up on Dawson’s shoulder while following through with a punch. Referee Pat Russell at the time awarded Dawson a TKO victory when Hopkins was unable to continue.

The outcome of the fight was later reversed and called a “technical draw” in a ruling by the California State Athletic Commission in December. The light heavyweight title then reverted back to Hopkins.

Shaw was quoted in an interview with Ring TV saying:

“I will be calling (Golden Boy Promotions CEO) Richard Schaefer this week to start a negotiation. Chad Dawson is ready, willing and able to fulfill his obligation to challenge Bernard Hopkins for the WBC world title.

“I respect Bernard Hopkins, and the fact that he’s willing to fulfill his obligation as mandated by the WBC. I read his comments. My only feeling is that fighters should be fighting because their fighters and the money comes with the fight.”

Hopkins will pursue a fight with either Lucian Bute, Nathan Cleverly or Beibut Shumenov if the money isn’t right for the Dawson fight. Hopkins believes that those fighters would offer a more lucrative payday than a return match with Dawson.

Shaw went on to say that if a deal cannot be made for a Dawson – Hopkins fight, he would consider a rematch against Jean Pascal. A match with IBF title holder Tavoris Cloud may also be pursued.

There has been some recent talk in boxing circles that Hopkins may not be thrilled at the prospect of taking on the much younger and apparently stronger Dawson again. There were moments in his brief encounter with Dawson that Hopkins looked his age. For that reason it may be difficult for Shaw to arrange another match between Dawson and Hopkins.

THEREALBHOP BERNARD HOPKINS EX
me n chad will fight very soon!! Thats the only fight for me!!

 

[CZAR]

Oh man a Martinez/Ward fight would be bananas!!!!! Got Em!!