Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
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You guys are just going the act like Dirrell didn't get robbed in the Froch fight by the hometown decision. That's why Dirrell don't want to fight in a different country again. I would like to see Bute vs Dirrell and I don't care where. Real talk fighting Bute in Canada is like fighting Strum in Germany, a fighter will need a KO to win the fight. Bute is going to have too leave Canada someday to make a big fight.
Hopkins felt he was robbed when he got a draw against Segundo Mercado in Ecuador, but you know what, when he was champ he fought in the states as that was his right. All foreigners had to fight him in america. But when he wasn't champ anymore, and despite feeling he was robbed before, he still took on Pascal in Canada cause Pascal was the champ, not hopkins.
Dirrell doesn't have any pull. Boxing is a "what have you done for me lately" kind of sport and Dirrell has had one tune up fight in 2 years. He really isn't sitting in any kind of position where he can demand anything.
So, if he passes on Bute someone else will step up and that leaves dirrell with no dance partner. Nobody is going to want to fight him. Froch, Kessler, all these guys have bigger fights they can make. Dirrell will be stuck fighting the Sakio Bika's of the division, maybe Glen Johnson if he's still fighting.
Andre Ward I believe his mandatory challenger is Andre Dirrell's brother, Anthony.
Dirrell doesn't have any pull. Boxing is a "what have you done for me lately" kind of sport and Dirrell has had one tune up fight in 2 years. He really isn't sitting in any kind of position where he can demand anything.
So, if he passes on Bute someone else will step up and that leaves dirrell with no dance partner. Nobody is going to want to fight him. Froch, Kessler, all these guys have bigger fights they can make. Dirrell will be stuck fighting the Sakio Bika's of the division, maybe Glen Johnson if he's still fighting.
Andre Ward I believe his mandatory challenger is Andre Dirrell's brother, Anthony.
Dibella: Chavez Jr. must fight Sergio Martinez next or vacate the title
New York, NY (Feb. 6, 2012) - Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. defended his version of the WBC Middleweight Championship this past Saturday, February 4, and as long as Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez follows suit in his upcoming matchup against Matthew Macklin on March 17, promoter Lou DiBella expects the two to meet to determine who is the full and real WBC Middleweight Champion.
"As long as Sergio takes care business on March 17, Chavez must fight him next. Either fight him or he has to vacate his title. It's plain and simple," said DiBella. "We are tired of waiting for Chavez to step up to the plate. He needs to stop hiding behind his people and be a real champion. He says that he wants the fight, so then prove it. The WBC ruled in our favor at their convention in December, and the two were both permitted to have voluntary defenses. We don't want to look past Sergio's fight on March 17 because he is going to have his hands full with Macklin. If Sergio wins though, I expect negotiations to begin immediately for Sergio against Julio. Immediately!"
The only reason that Chavez has the title now is because Martinez vacated the belt when his mandatory challenger was allegedly not up to television programming standards. If Chavez does not want to meet his mandatory, then the son of the legend should do the honorable thing and vacate his WBC title rather than continuing to face lesser opposition. After the Rubio fight this past Saturday, HBO boxing analyst Jim Lampley candidly stated that Chavez "still has not fought a fighter of legitimate championship quality."
Martinez (48-2-2, 27KO's) defends his Middleweight crown against top-rated Irish middleweight contender Matthew "Mack the Knife" Macklin (28-3, 19KOs) on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The card, promoted by DiBella Entertainment, entitled "THE REAL Middleweight Championship - Get Your Irish Up", will be aired live on HBO's "World Championship Boxing" at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Tickets are priced at $505, $355, $205, $125 and $65 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office or through Ticketmaster, at ticketmaster.com, or call (800) 745-3000. Call DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, or visit www.dbe1.com and @loudibella on Twitter for more information.
Undefeated Michael 'The Brazilian Rocky' Oliveira making Canadian debut Saturday night in Mississauga against Sergei Melis
MIAMI (February 6, 2012) - Undefeated middleweight prospect Michael "The Brazilian Rocky" Oliveira will make his Canadian boxing debut this Saturday night (Feb. 11) on an explosive card, presented by United Promotions in association with Hennessy Sports, at Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
The exciting 21-year-old Oliveira (16-0, 12 KOs), rated No. 14 by the World Boxing Council ("WBC"), will fight Sergei "Baltic King" Melis (18-7, 7 KOs) in an eight-round Special Middleweight Attraction.
Oliveira, a Brazilian native who was raised in lives in Miami, was supposed to make his Canadian debut back on December 17 in Quebec City, but he was forced to withdraw from fighting on that show due to a stomach virus, high fever, and dehydration.
Melis is a battled-tested veteran fighter from Estonia who has been in the ring with the likes of World Boxing Organization ("WBO") middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog.
"We're looking forward to showcasing Michael to a large Brazilian community in Canada," said Michael's father and promoter, Carlos Oliveira (president of MO Productions). "We're expecting a very warm welcome from Brazilians there who have already started purchasing VIP packages."
Oliveira's last fight was impressive win on ShoBox last November in El Paso (TX), in which he defeated veteran Xavier "The X-Man" Tolliver (23-8, 15 KOs) by way of an eight-round disqualification that was on the verge of stoppage.
Michael is a two-time defending Brazilian International Press Award's Athlete of the Year (2009 and 2010) and a strong candidate for 2011 honors (vote at http://www.pressaward.com/votacao/).
Saturday's entertaining event is headlined by unbeaten welterweight Samuel Vargas (8-0-1, 2 KOs), a native of Colombia living in Mississauga, against former Canadian light welterweight champion Manolis Plaitis (17-1-1, 8 KOs), of Quebec, in a 10-rounder for the vacant Canadian welterweight title. The popular Vargas is coming off of the 2011 Canadian Fight of the Year, in which he battled Quebec arch-rival Ahmad Cheikho, who was unable to continue fighting after five of the scheduled 10 rounds last October.
The six-round co-feature finds local fan-favorite Brandon "Bad Boy" Cook (4-0, 2 KOs), taking on upset-minded middleweight Chris Aucoin (4-5-1).
"We're thrilled to be adding Michael Oliveira to an already exciting card that will air on Rogers Television," co-promoter Adam Harris (Hennessy Sports) commented. "We are expecting a good turnout from the many Brazilians living in the Greater Toronto area."
Also fighting on the undercard is unbeaten Kitchener cruiserweight prospect Denton Daley (4-0, 2 KOs) versus former Mexican National Boxing Team invader Benito "El Asesio" Quiroz (6-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout, as well as pro-debuting Hamilton lightweight Steve Wilcox vs. TBA in a four-round bout.
Whitby super middleweight Phil "The Assassin" Rose (3-1-1, 3 KOs) will be in action vs. Coteau-du-Lac's cagey Francis Lafreniere (1-2-1, 1 KOs), along with undefeated Toronto prospect Ibrahim "Firearm" Kamal (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Danish lightweight Tommi Schmidt (6-4, 3 KOs).
Tickets, priced at $30.00 and $50.00, are available at the Hersey Centre Box Office, through Ticketmaster at 855.985.5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Go on line at www.UnitedPromotions.ca for more information about the Feb. 11 show.
For more information about Oliveira, visit his website at www.MichaelOliveira.com.
B.J. FLORES VERY EXCITED ABOUT POSSIBLE TITLE OPPORTUNITY AGAINST #1 RATED AFOLABI
LAS VEGAS (February 5, 2012)--World Boxing Organization (WBO) number three ranked Cruiserweight B.J. Flores is looking for a world title shot and may have just received it….with a catch.
Flores (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) was extended an offer by K2 Promotions to face number-ranked Ola Afolabi (18-2-3, 8 KO’s) on March 3rd (25 DAYS AWAY) in Germany on the Wladimir Klitschko – Jean Marc Mormeck world Heavyweight title card.
Flores is ready and able to take on Afolabi but the timing seems to be a bit dubious.
“I want this fight badly and this is a GREAT opportunity for me to fight a big fight against a very good opponent. I look forward to facing you for the WBO interim world title!”
Flores is coming off his 3rd fight in the last 6 months, a very active schedule nowadays and wants at least 45 days, as the WBO rules state before this important fight is to take place.
“I want this fight!!!! I have been very active lately and ready for this type of challenge. But on twenty-six days notice? And having to go to GERMANY? This is a very serious fight for a very serious title and I demand my full 45 days of preparation, especially considering I just fought last Saturday. It’s only fair”
“I have worked very hard for this opportunity and combine that with a very very low 25,000 offer, it doesn’t seem like they really want this fight. This is a great chance for the Cruiserweight division to put on a great fight and they want to stick it on an undercard where no one will see it, for very low money with only 26 days notice and I would have to travel to Germany”, continued Flores.
“I have just had three successful shows in Springfield, Missouri and with the cash streams we can generate, we could do the fight there and bring in a network TV station and both of us can not only make more money but it could re-energize the Cruiserweight division in the States. This fight deserves to be on TV and I deserve the regulated 45 day preparation time as I am the highest rated contender. Ola, I will pay you more money than you have offered me and we can definitely get American TV to cover this event. I demand the proper amount of time and I want everyone in America to see this fight as it is good for the division. Fighting on the undercard in Germany is with 25 days notice is not the right way to win a WORLD title”
“Have your promoter get in touch with Don King and we can set this up EASY!! I want this fight!"
New York, NY (Feb. 6, 2012) - Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. defended his version of the WBC Middleweight Championship this past Saturday, February 4, and as long as Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez follows suit in his upcoming matchup against Matthew Macklin on March 17, promoter Lou DiBella expects the two to meet to determine who is the full and real WBC Middleweight Champion.
"As long as Sergio takes care business on March 17, Chavez must fight him next. Either fight him or he has to vacate his title. It's plain and simple," said DiBella. "We are tired of waiting for Chavez to step up to the plate. He needs to stop hiding behind his people and be a real champion. He says that he wants the fight, so then prove it. The WBC ruled in our favor at their convention in December, and the two were both permitted to have voluntary defenses. We don't want to look past Sergio's fight on March 17 because he is going to have his hands full with Macklin. If Sergio wins though, I expect negotiations to begin immediately for Sergio against Julio. Immediately!"
The only reason that Chavez has the title now is because Martinez vacated the belt when his mandatory challenger was allegedly not up to television programming standards. If Chavez does not want to meet his mandatory, then the son of the legend should do the honorable thing and vacate his WBC title rather than continuing to face lesser opposition. After the Rubio fight this past Saturday, HBO boxing analyst Jim Lampley candidly stated that Chavez "still has not fought a fighter of legitimate championship quality."
Martinez (48-2-2, 27KO's) defends his Middleweight crown against top-rated Irish middleweight contender Matthew "Mack the Knife" Macklin (28-3, 19KOs) on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The card, promoted by DiBella Entertainment, entitled "THE REAL Middleweight Championship - Get Your Irish Up", will be aired live on HBO's "World Championship Boxing" at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Tickets are priced at $505, $355, $205, $125 and $65 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office or through Ticketmaster, at ticketmaster.com, or call (800) 745-3000. Call DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, or visit www.dbe1.com and @loudibella on Twitter for more information.
Undefeated Michael 'The Brazilian Rocky' Oliveira making Canadian debut Saturday night in Mississauga against Sergei Melis
MIAMI (February 6, 2012) - Undefeated middleweight prospect Michael "The Brazilian Rocky" Oliveira will make his Canadian boxing debut this Saturday night (Feb. 11) on an explosive card, presented by United Promotions in association with Hennessy Sports, at Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
The exciting 21-year-old Oliveira (16-0, 12 KOs), rated No. 14 by the World Boxing Council ("WBC"), will fight Sergei "Baltic King" Melis (18-7, 7 KOs) in an eight-round Special Middleweight Attraction.
Oliveira, a Brazilian native who was raised in lives in Miami, was supposed to make his Canadian debut back on December 17 in Quebec City, but he was forced to withdraw from fighting on that show due to a stomach virus, high fever, and dehydration.
Melis is a battled-tested veteran fighter from Estonia who has been in the ring with the likes of World Boxing Organization ("WBO") middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog.
"We're looking forward to showcasing Michael to a large Brazilian community in Canada," said Michael's father and promoter, Carlos Oliveira (president of MO Productions). "We're expecting a very warm welcome from Brazilians there who have already started purchasing VIP packages."
Oliveira's last fight was impressive win on ShoBox last November in El Paso (TX), in which he defeated veteran Xavier "The X-Man" Tolliver (23-8, 15 KOs) by way of an eight-round disqualification that was on the verge of stoppage.
Michael is a two-time defending Brazilian International Press Award's Athlete of the Year (2009 and 2010) and a strong candidate for 2011 honors (vote at http://www.pressaward.com/votacao/).
Saturday's entertaining event is headlined by unbeaten welterweight Samuel Vargas (8-0-1, 2 KOs), a native of Colombia living in Mississauga, against former Canadian light welterweight champion Manolis Plaitis (17-1-1, 8 KOs), of Quebec, in a 10-rounder for the vacant Canadian welterweight title. The popular Vargas is coming off of the 2011 Canadian Fight of the Year, in which he battled Quebec arch-rival Ahmad Cheikho, who was unable to continue fighting after five of the scheduled 10 rounds last October.
The six-round co-feature finds local fan-favorite Brandon "Bad Boy" Cook (4-0, 2 KOs), taking on upset-minded middleweight Chris Aucoin (4-5-1).
"We're thrilled to be adding Michael Oliveira to an already exciting card that will air on Rogers Television," co-promoter Adam Harris (Hennessy Sports) commented. "We are expecting a good turnout from the many Brazilians living in the Greater Toronto area."
Also fighting on the undercard is unbeaten Kitchener cruiserweight prospect Denton Daley (4-0, 2 KOs) versus former Mexican National Boxing Team invader Benito "El Asesio" Quiroz (6-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout, as well as pro-debuting Hamilton lightweight Steve Wilcox vs. TBA in a four-round bout.
Whitby super middleweight Phil "The Assassin" Rose (3-1-1, 3 KOs) will be in action vs. Coteau-du-Lac's cagey Francis Lafreniere (1-2-1, 1 KOs), along with undefeated Toronto prospect Ibrahim "Firearm" Kamal (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Danish lightweight Tommi Schmidt (6-4, 3 KOs).
Tickets, priced at $30.00 and $50.00, are available at the Hersey Centre Box Office, through Ticketmaster at 855.985.5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
Go on line at www.UnitedPromotions.ca for more information about the Feb. 11 show.
For more information about Oliveira, visit his website at www.MichaelOliveira.com.
B.J. FLORES VERY EXCITED ABOUT POSSIBLE TITLE OPPORTUNITY AGAINST #1 RATED AFOLABI
LAS VEGAS (February 5, 2012)--World Boxing Organization (WBO) number three ranked Cruiserweight B.J. Flores is looking for a world title shot and may have just received it….with a catch.
Flores (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) was extended an offer by K2 Promotions to face number-ranked Ola Afolabi (18-2-3, 8 KO’s) on March 3rd (25 DAYS AWAY) in Germany on the Wladimir Klitschko – Jean Marc Mormeck world Heavyweight title card.
Flores is ready and able to take on Afolabi but the timing seems to be a bit dubious.
“I want this fight badly and this is a GREAT opportunity for me to fight a big fight against a very good opponent. I look forward to facing you for the WBO interim world title!”
Flores is coming off his 3rd fight in the last 6 months, a very active schedule nowadays and wants at least 45 days, as the WBO rules state before this important fight is to take place.
“I want this fight!!!! I have been very active lately and ready for this type of challenge. But on twenty-six days notice? And having to go to GERMANY? This is a very serious fight for a very serious title and I demand my full 45 days of preparation, especially considering I just fought last Saturday. It’s only fair”
“I have worked very hard for this opportunity and combine that with a very very low 25,000 offer, it doesn’t seem like they really want this fight. This is a great chance for the Cruiserweight division to put on a great fight and they want to stick it on an undercard where no one will see it, for very low money with only 26 days notice and I would have to travel to Germany”, continued Flores.
“I have just had three successful shows in Springfield, Missouri and with the cash streams we can generate, we could do the fight there and bring in a network TV station and both of us can not only make more money but it could re-energize the Cruiserweight division in the States. This fight deserves to be on TV and I deserve the regulated 45 day preparation time as I am the highest rated contender. Ola, I will pay you more money than you have offered me and we can definitely get American TV to cover this event. I demand the proper amount of time and I want everyone in America to see this fight as it is good for the division. Fighting on the undercard in Germany is with 25 days notice is not the right way to win a WORLD title”
“Have your promoter get in touch with Don King and we can set this up EASY!! I want this fight!"
Dirrell is smart for going the promoter, not sure what the knock on that is. He got his name out there in the Super Six, most of the fighters in his division aren't locked down with promoters that only deal with certain promoters or keep fights in house. Why not go on his own? Don't think he's at a point where he can dictate terms against someone like Bute who has a rabid following and can pull some money in Canada, but besides that I don't see that as a problem.
.. and if he needs to secure a big time he can always just hook up with another promoter, it's not like he locked himself into a contract.
.. and if he needs to secure a big time he can always just hook up with another promoter, it's not like he locked himself into a contract.
Rafael: None of the fighters in title bouts on Chavez-Rubio fight card was drug tested after their fights
February 7th, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: Well, it looks like the Texas Athletic Commission completely blew it by failing to book a lab to test the fighters in title bouts last Saturday night’s Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Rubio fight card.
According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, none of the fighters on that card was drug tested after their fights.
Rafael said “None of the fighters in the title bouts on the card were drug tested. Texas does not require drug testing. Texas typically tests anyway in major fights and did not on this one because they screwed up by not booking a lab.”
The fact that Texas doesn’t require testing is pretty sad but is sure could be an advantage if you had a fighter that was dirty and he wanted to get away with it. Can you imagine what a fighter could get away with if he didn’t have to worry about being tested?
We’re talking steroids, growth hormone and diuretics to drain all that water weight so that a dirty fighter could make a weight class that he normally wouldn’t be able to fight in. That’s bad. I’m sure everyone on last Saturday’s fight card was probably clean but it’s sad they didn’t have any testing to make sure of that.
I can’t believe Rubio’s people didn’t look into this ahead of time to make sure there would be testing for this fight. They should have asked.
What’s up with Texas, though? How can you have a state that doesn’t require drug testing for fighters? What’s up with that? I know Texas has some real plusses for residents, such as no state income tax, strong economy due to oil money and high tech industry, cheap real estate and cheap property taxes. But I guess you can add no drug testing for fighters to that mix. Wow! What a place.
February 7th, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: Well, it looks like the Texas Athletic Commission completely blew it by failing to book a lab to test the fighters in title bouts last Saturday night’s Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Rubio fight card.
According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, none of the fighters on that card was drug tested after their fights.
Rafael said “None of the fighters in the title bouts on the card were drug tested. Texas does not require drug testing. Texas typically tests anyway in major fights and did not on this one because they screwed up by not booking a lab.”
The fact that Texas doesn’t require testing is pretty sad but is sure could be an advantage if you had a fighter that was dirty and he wanted to get away with it. Can you imagine what a fighter could get away with if he didn’t have to worry about being tested?
We’re talking steroids, growth hormone and diuretics to drain all that water weight so that a dirty fighter could make a weight class that he normally wouldn’t be able to fight in. That’s bad. I’m sure everyone on last Saturday’s fight card was probably clean but it’s sad they didn’t have any testing to make sure of that.
I can’t believe Rubio’s people didn’t look into this ahead of time to make sure there would be testing for this fight. They should have asked.
What’s up with Texas, though? How can you have a state that doesn’t require drug testing for fighters? What’s up with that? I know Texas has some real plusses for residents, such as no state income tax, strong economy due to oil money and high tech industry, cheap real estate and cheap property taxes. But I guess you can add no drug testing for fighters to that mix. Wow! What a place.
De La Hoya: Abner Mares will beat Donaire, but Arum won’t let the fight ever happen
February 6th, 2012
By Chris Williams: Oscar de La Hoya believes that IBF bantamweight champion Abner Mares (23-0, 13 KO’s) would beat newly crowned WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire if given the chance to fight him.
However, De La Hoya seriously doubts that Top Rank CEO Bob Arum would ever allow Donaire to fight Mares because he fights for Golden Boy Promotions, which is De La Hoya’s company.
De La Hoya said this on his twitter page “After watching Saturday’s fights. I am convinced Abner Mares beats Nonito Donaire, but I guess we will never see it as Bob Arum will find an excuse.”
I agree with De La Hoya; I think Mares would beat the Donaire I saw struggling with Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. last weekend. Donaire looked like a slightly fat and small version of Roy Jones Jr. but after Roy had already turned 40. Donaire looked terrible and showed no power whatsoever at super bantamweight. After the fight we heard excuses about Donaire having hurt one or both of his hands, but that’s just excuses. He just doesn’t have big power at super bantamweight and isn’t anything special when finally facing someone his own size.
Mares, 5’4 ½”, is a little shorter than Donaire, but he’s got a great chin and a really good work rate that is hard to beat. He looked really good in beating Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agebeko. I think he would be more than good enough to beat Donaire, but I guess that’s why he probably will never get a chance to fight him.
February 6th, 2012
By Chris Williams: Oscar de La Hoya believes that IBF bantamweight champion Abner Mares (23-0, 13 KO’s) would beat newly crowned WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire if given the chance to fight him.
However, De La Hoya seriously doubts that Top Rank CEO Bob Arum would ever allow Donaire to fight Mares because he fights for Golden Boy Promotions, which is De La Hoya’s company.
De La Hoya said this on his twitter page “After watching Saturday’s fights. I am convinced Abner Mares beats Nonito Donaire, but I guess we will never see it as Bob Arum will find an excuse.”
I agree with De La Hoya; I think Mares would beat the Donaire I saw struggling with Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. last weekend. Donaire looked like a slightly fat and small version of Roy Jones Jr. but after Roy had already turned 40. Donaire looked terrible and showed no power whatsoever at super bantamweight. After the fight we heard excuses about Donaire having hurt one or both of his hands, but that’s just excuses. He just doesn’t have big power at super bantamweight and isn’t anything special when finally facing someone his own size.
Mares, 5’4 ½”, is a little shorter than Donaire, but he’s got a great chin and a really good work rate that is hard to beat. He looked really good in beating Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agebeko. I think he would be more than good enough to beat Donaire, but I guess that’s why he probably will never get a chance to fight him.
Froch looking to fight Librade Andrade or Noe Gonzalez Alcoba next in Nottingham
February 7th, 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: Well, it looks for former WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (28-2, 20 KO’s) is done licking his bruised ego from his loss to American WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward last December in the Super Six tournament is now ready to get back in the ring on May 5th but not against IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute, who Froch and his promoter had been in negotiations with for the past month.
Froch instead is looking to fight either 2nd tier super middleweight Noe Gonzalez Alcoba (28-1, 20 KO’s) or Librade Andrade (30-4, 23 KO’s). Neither of them are particularly appealing. Andrade was at one time a decent fighter who arguably got royally robbed in his first against Bute in 2008. In the rematch, Andrade was stopped in the 4th round in November 2009. Since then, Andrade beat a washed up Eric Lucas, but then lost to Aaron Pryor Jr. by a 10 round majority decision last May. In Andrade’s fight, he defeated Matt O’Brien by a 3rd round TKO last August.
As for the 32-year-old Gonzalez, he holds the WBC Silver super middleweight strap, which doesn’t mean a whole heck of a lot given that Gonzalez has never beaten a 1st tier contender before. He did challenge for the title at middleweight against WBA World middleweight champion Felix Sturm and lost a lopsided 12 round unanimous decision to Sturm in June 2007. I remember that fight clearly and thought to myself then ‘where in the world did Sturm dig this guy up from because he looks terrible.’ Gonzalez is slow, not particularly powerful and looks a lot shorter than his listed 5’11” height. To me he looks no more than 5’9” at best. In watching him fight, he seems more like a club fighter than a world class guy. I think he would be a terrible pick for Froch, but I won’t be surprised if he gets picked.
I’d be okay with Andrade being used as a tune-up but not Gonzalez, no way.
Froch told livefight.com “I don’t want a’gimme’ at this stage of my career even though I’ve earned one. I don’t want some bum who nobody has heard of…They don’t deserve a patsy and I won’t fight one. They’re gonna be top names and / or with a top ranking at 168…Pavlik’s name was kicked about. But it’s possibly Librado Andrade or the WBC number 3, a lad called Noe Gonzalez.”
I think Gonzalez is someone that few people have heard of. I could be wrong but I think only hardcore boxing fans have heard of that guy, so I think Froch needs to come again with that statement and say he might be fighting someone that few boxing fans have heard of because I really don’t think Gonzalez Alcoba’s name rings a bell with casual boxing fans.
February 7th, 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: Well, it looks for former WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (28-2, 20 KO’s) is done licking his bruised ego from his loss to American WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward last December in the Super Six tournament is now ready to get back in the ring on May 5th but not against IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute, who Froch and his promoter had been in negotiations with for the past month.
Froch instead is looking to fight either 2nd tier super middleweight Noe Gonzalez Alcoba (28-1, 20 KO’s) or Librade Andrade (30-4, 23 KO’s). Neither of them are particularly appealing. Andrade was at one time a decent fighter who arguably got royally robbed in his first against Bute in 2008. In the rematch, Andrade was stopped in the 4th round in November 2009. Since then, Andrade beat a washed up Eric Lucas, but then lost to Aaron Pryor Jr. by a 10 round majority decision last May. In Andrade’s fight, he defeated Matt O’Brien by a 3rd round TKO last August.
As for the 32-year-old Gonzalez, he holds the WBC Silver super middleweight strap, which doesn’t mean a whole heck of a lot given that Gonzalez has never beaten a 1st tier contender before. He did challenge for the title at middleweight against WBA World middleweight champion Felix Sturm and lost a lopsided 12 round unanimous decision to Sturm in June 2007. I remember that fight clearly and thought to myself then ‘where in the world did Sturm dig this guy up from because he looks terrible.’ Gonzalez is slow, not particularly powerful and looks a lot shorter than his listed 5’11” height. To me he looks no more than 5’9” at best. In watching him fight, he seems more like a club fighter than a world class guy. I think he would be a terrible pick for Froch, but I won’t be surprised if he gets picked.
I’d be okay with Andrade being used as a tune-up but not Gonzalez, no way.
Froch told livefight.com “I don’t want a’gimme’ at this stage of my career even though I’ve earned one. I don’t want some bum who nobody has heard of…They don’t deserve a patsy and I won’t fight one. They’re gonna be top names and / or with a top ranking at 168…Pavlik’s name was kicked about. But it’s possibly Librado Andrade or the WBC number 3, a lad called Noe Gonzalez.”
I think Gonzalez is someone that few people have heard of. I could be wrong but I think only hardcore boxing fans have heard of that guy, so I think Froch needs to come again with that statement and say he might be fighting someone that few boxing fans have heard of because I really don’t think Gonzalez Alcoba’s name rings a bell with casual boxing fans.
Lennox Lewis: Haye needs some tune-ups to get a better deal with the Klitschkos
February 7th, 2012
By William Mackay: Former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis thinks former two division world champion David Haye is going about it the wrong way by trying to negotiate with WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko from a position of weakness coming off of Haye’s loss to IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko last July.
Lewis thinks Haye should fight at least a couple of tune-ups to try and redeem himself so that he can come into negotiations for Vitali in a better position to get a good deal than he’ll get now.
Lewis told Sky Sports News “He [Haye] should not think about the Klitschko brothers right now. He should beat a couple of other people…There is a lot of money for him on the table and that is important for any fighter. All he has to do is jump in there against one of the Klitschkos and take it, but he should have a couple of different fights first.”
Lewis is 100% correct, of course. Haye would be able to negotiate from a position of strength if he at least got up off his backside and would fight someone but it looks like Haye has got some fear and self-doubt holding him back. If you look at the way he’s willing to give up millions by choosing not to build his name back up, it leaves you with one impression that he’s afraid of losing. Look at the guys that Haye fought to get a title shot against Wladimir in the first place – John Ruiz (38), Monte Barrett (38), Audley Harrison (39), and Nikolay Valuev (36. Haye never took any chances to get the shot against anyone that was really dangerous and still almost lost to Valuev.
Haye needs to try and knock off some of the lower hanging contenders like Dereck Chisora, Tyson Fury, Tomasz Adamek, Alexander Ustinov, Kubrat Pulev, Manuel Charr, Mariusz Wach, Tye Fields, Chauncy Welliver. If he beats two or three of those guys, he’ll get a much better deal with Vitali. Ideally, Haye should go after the WBA paper champion Alexander Povetkin and capture his strap and then come back to the table against Vitali. But that would take some courage and I don’t think Haye is feeling too brave after being dominated by Wladimir.
February 7th, 2012
By William Mackay: Former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis thinks former two division world champion David Haye is going about it the wrong way by trying to negotiate with WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko from a position of weakness coming off of Haye’s loss to IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko last July.
Lewis thinks Haye should fight at least a couple of tune-ups to try and redeem himself so that he can come into negotiations for Vitali in a better position to get a good deal than he’ll get now.
Lewis told Sky Sports News “He [Haye] should not think about the Klitschko brothers right now. He should beat a couple of other people…There is a lot of money for him on the table and that is important for any fighter. All he has to do is jump in there against one of the Klitschkos and take it, but he should have a couple of different fights first.”
Lewis is 100% correct, of course. Haye would be able to negotiate from a position of strength if he at least got up off his backside and would fight someone but it looks like Haye has got some fear and self-doubt holding him back. If you look at the way he’s willing to give up millions by choosing not to build his name back up, it leaves you with one impression that he’s afraid of losing. Look at the guys that Haye fought to get a title shot against Wladimir in the first place – John Ruiz (38), Monte Barrett (38), Audley Harrison (39), and Nikolay Valuev (36. Haye never took any chances to get the shot against anyone that was really dangerous and still almost lost to Valuev.
Haye needs to try and knock off some of the lower hanging contenders like Dereck Chisora, Tyson Fury, Tomasz Adamek, Alexander Ustinov, Kubrat Pulev, Manuel Charr, Mariusz Wach, Tye Fields, Chauncy Welliver. If he beats two or three of those guys, he’ll get a much better deal with Vitali. Ideally, Haye should go after the WBA paper champion Alexander Povetkin and capture his strap and then come back to the table against Vitali. But that would take some courage and I don’t think Haye is feeling too brave after being dominated by Wladimir.
Ortiz-Berto Will Get a New Date, Possibly in Late June
By Rick Reeno
The anticipated welterweight rematch between Andre Berto (28-1, 22KOs) and Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22KOs) will indeed receive a new date, according to Berto's promoter Lou DiBella. On January 30th, Berto suffered a left arm injury while training at the Ten Goose Gym in Van Nuys, California. Berto was preparing for the rematch with Ortiz, previously set for February 11th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. During a sparring session, Berto injured his left bicep.
DiBella told BoxingScene that a possible date in late June "sounds about right."
They first clashed on April 16th at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. Both boxers were knocked down twice in a twelve round brawl. Ortiz won a unanimous decision. The first fight was televised by HBO, but their network rival Showtime has secured the rights to the rematch.
"The rematch will happen. Berto will not require any surgery. Berto-Ortiz will take place in about four months. There will not be any interim fights. They are going straight into the rematch," DiBella told BoxingScene.com.
Maidana-Alexander: Will Marcos be the next fighter to be robbed in Saint Louis?
February 7th, 2012
By Jason Kim: The last two times that Devon Alexander (22-1, 13 KO’s) fought at home in Saint Louis, Missouri, his opponents went home losers by very, very questionable decisions.
Now it looks like its Marcos Maidana’s turn to possibly get the treatment. Like the last Alexander victim, Lucas Matthysse, Maidana thinks he can take the judges out of the fight by knocking Alexander out or dominating him in such a manner that the judges won’t be able to keep from giving him the win.
But I think Maidana is really overestimating himself because he doesn’t have the hand speed or foot speed to catch up with a mover like Alexander and will find himself in the position of being a big cat chasing around a reluctant hit and run opponent. I don’t think the judges will reward him with enough rounds to get a decision in Saint Louis, not with the large crowd cheering everything that Alexander throws.
Alexander’s last non-controversial win was against Juan Urango back in March 2010. Since that time, Alexander has beaten Andriy Kotelnik and Matthysse by controversial decisions and lost to Timothy Bradley, who refused to fight Alexander in Saint Louis because he didn’t want to get robbed. Matthysse failed to learn from Bradley and went to Saint Louis and found himself on the losing end of a decision even though he appeared to win the fight.
Maidana is going to have to really go after Alexander in this fight because he won’t be standing in front of him making it easy. Alexander knows that he can’t stand and trade in this fight. He can’t fight like he did against Bradley because Maidana is bigger and stronger and will give him a real beat down if he makes the mistake of trying to slug with him. Maidana will have to learn to run because that’s what he’ll need to do to catchup with Alexander.
February 7th, 2012
By Jason Kim: The last two times that Devon Alexander (22-1, 13 KO’s) fought at home in Saint Louis, Missouri, his opponents went home losers by very, very questionable decisions.
Now it looks like its Marcos Maidana’s turn to possibly get the treatment. Like the last Alexander victim, Lucas Matthysse, Maidana thinks he can take the judges out of the fight by knocking Alexander out or dominating him in such a manner that the judges won’t be able to keep from giving him the win.
But I think Maidana is really overestimating himself because he doesn’t have the hand speed or foot speed to catch up with a mover like Alexander and will find himself in the position of being a big cat chasing around a reluctant hit and run opponent. I don’t think the judges will reward him with enough rounds to get a decision in Saint Louis, not with the large crowd cheering everything that Alexander throws.
Alexander’s last non-controversial win was against Juan Urango back in March 2010. Since that time, Alexander has beaten Andriy Kotelnik and Matthysse by controversial decisions and lost to Timothy Bradley, who refused to fight Alexander in Saint Louis because he didn’t want to get robbed. Matthysse failed to learn from Bradley and went to Saint Louis and found himself on the losing end of a decision even though he appeared to win the fight.
Maidana is going to have to really go after Alexander in this fight because he won’t be standing in front of him making it easy. Alexander knows that he can’t stand and trade in this fight. He can’t fight like he did against Bradley because Maidana is bigger and stronger and will give him a real beat down if he makes the mistake of trying to slug with him. Maidana will have to learn to run because that’s what he’ll need to do to catchup with Alexander.
He's going to be champion. I put him on the list because he is more entertaining than Wladimir Klitschko. And I know that means absolutely nothing when you're talking about p4p and what would make someone p4p, but you'll never see me say anything positive about the Klitschkos because I feel they are overrated.