Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
Kell Brook Says “I’ll Smash Amir Khan!”
By James Slater - If it actually happens, it will possibly be one of the biggest all-British showdowns in recent years; a guaranteed sell-out of whatever U.K venue the fight took place at. Kell Brook Vs. Amir Khan: a clash between the next big thing and the world class-proven former 140-pound king. But will it happen?
Khan, of course, has impending unfinished business with Lamont Peterson (May 19th in Las Vegas) to attend to, but unbeaten Brook wasted no time in calling Khan out last night. Immediately after his wide, near shut-out points win over a gutsy Matthew Hatton, “The Special One” turned his attention Khan’s way..
“I’ve been banging on about me and Amir Khan. If that fight happens, I’ll smash him,” Brook said.
Brook’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, had the following to say:
“I could sell 40,000 tickets. And let me tell you something right now, he would absolutely destroy Amir Khan.”
Khan, though, has said in the past (after his controversial cuts stoppage win over the Hearn-promoted Paul McCloskey) that he will not work with Hearn again. Brook isn’t going to leave his “main man” any time soon, so the fight some would like to see doesn’t look like a dead-cert. This something of a shame, because right now in the U.K fans are talking about this particular domestic rivalry. Just who is the better fighter?
Brook is certainly the bigger fighter; from a physical standpoint. Making Hatton look comparatively small last night, Brook looked very big and very strong for a 147-pounder. Khan on the other hand, has yet to fight above 140. Khan, even before his shock loss to Peterson, said he would be moving up to welterweight and maybe he still plans to. Should he do as the bookies says he will and gain revenge over Peterson on May 19th, his move up to 147 would be greeted with excitement. But will Khan ever have a change of heart and agree to work with Brook’s promoters?
Some say Khan is simply ducking Brook (certainly Kell himself feels this), but is it more likely that Khan, a proven world champion, feels Brook is not in his class? “He’s not on my radar” is a somewhat tired cliché coming from the mouths of certain fighters when speaking of a rival fighter they feel is beneath them but I honestly think, for what it’s worth, that Khan has no real interest in facing Brook - not because he’s scared of him; simply because he has bigger fights in mind.
In today’s modern boxing world, where we have seem must-see match-ups like Mayweather-Pacquiao and Lewis-Bowe fail to materialise, we can stand not seeing Khan-Brook.; as good a fight as it would possibly be. You can write it down: this fight will NOT happen. Despite Brook and his team desperately wanting it to.
By James Slater - If it actually happens, it will possibly be one of the biggest all-British showdowns in recent years; a guaranteed sell-out of whatever U.K venue the fight took place at. Kell Brook Vs. Amir Khan: a clash between the next big thing and the world class-proven former 140-pound king. But will it happen?
Khan, of course, has impending unfinished business with Lamont Peterson (May 19th in Las Vegas) to attend to, but unbeaten Brook wasted no time in calling Khan out last night. Immediately after his wide, near shut-out points win over a gutsy Matthew Hatton, “The Special One” turned his attention Khan’s way..
“I’ve been banging on about me and Amir Khan. If that fight happens, I’ll smash him,” Brook said.
Brook’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, had the following to say:
“I could sell 40,000 tickets. And let me tell you something right now, he would absolutely destroy Amir Khan.”
Khan, though, has said in the past (after his controversial cuts stoppage win over the Hearn-promoted Paul McCloskey) that he will not work with Hearn again. Brook isn’t going to leave his “main man” any time soon, so the fight some would like to see doesn’t look like a dead-cert. This something of a shame, because right now in the U.K fans are talking about this particular domestic rivalry. Just who is the better fighter?
Brook is certainly the bigger fighter; from a physical standpoint. Making Hatton look comparatively small last night, Brook looked very big and very strong for a 147-pounder. Khan on the other hand, has yet to fight above 140. Khan, even before his shock loss to Peterson, said he would be moving up to welterweight and maybe he still plans to. Should he do as the bookies says he will and gain revenge over Peterson on May 19th, his move up to 147 would be greeted with excitement. But will Khan ever have a change of heart and agree to work with Brook’s promoters?
Some say Khan is simply ducking Brook (certainly Kell himself feels this), but is it more likely that Khan, a proven world champion, feels Brook is not in his class? “He’s not on my radar” is a somewhat tired cliché coming from the mouths of certain fighters when speaking of a rival fighter they feel is beneath them but I honestly think, for what it’s worth, that Khan has no real interest in facing Brook - not because he’s scared of him; simply because he has bigger fights in mind.
In today’s modern boxing world, where we have seem must-see match-ups like Mayweather-Pacquiao and Lewis-Bowe fail to materialise, we can stand not seeing Khan-Brook.; as good a fight as it would possibly be. You can write it down: this fight will NOT happen. Despite Brook and his team desperately wanting it to.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: AMIR KHAN
By John McCormick
JM: Amir, on May 19th you and Lamont Peterson will be facing off in a rematch in Las Vegas [that Khan controversially lost due to two point deductions from the referee]. What type of adjustments are you looking to make in the rematch?
Amir Khan: “We know that we won the first fight. It wasn’t a matter of not coming in on my A game. I may have made a few mistakes but I am confident that I am going to win this second fight convincingly. I know I was the winner in the first fight. If he wants to stand in there and fight, we are going to stand in there and fight. If he wants to box with me, I am going to box. It is going to be a toe to toe fight and it is going to be exciting. I am going to use all of my speed, power and feints. In the last fight I feel I gave him too much respect but I am going to make some good changes for this fight.”
JM: I just talked to your trainer Freddie Roach a few days ago. He said you would be training with Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines for this fight. When is that set to begin?
Amir Khan: “I am heading to the Philippines on Thursday to train with Freddie and work with Manny.”
JM: I have heard that you will be submitting to Olympic-style drug testing for this fight. Will Lamont Peterson be submitting to that as well?
Amir Khan: “Yes, I am doing the Olympic Style Drug Testing for this fight. Yes, I believe Lamont will be doing it as well.”
JM: How do you feel about the whole drug testing debate in boxing?
Amir Khan: “I like it. I am a clean fighter so I want to prove it and show that I am not hiding anything. I believe all fighters should do it. Anything I am told, I will do it.”
JM: What did you think of Kell Brook’s victory over Matthew Hatton this weekend? Do you see a possible Khan-Brook showdown once you move up to welterweight? [Brook is Britain's top prospect one weight division above the junior welterweight Khan]
Amir Khan: “He needs to prove himself and fight a fighter that is in his prime. Fight a fighter that is in the top ten at least. He is fighting all these bums and not proving himself. I am fighting the best in my division and he is not doing that. Why should I give him a shot? He needs to prove himself and step into the ring and fight some big names. The guys that I have fought like Marcos Maidana, Andreas Kotelnik, Lamont Peterson and Zab Judah would beat him. If we did fight him now, I would knock him out. It may take a couple more years for him to get ready for me so maybe we will be able to visit that in the future.”
JM: Win or lose on May 19th, is this your last fight at junior welterweight?
Amir Khan: “Yes, after this I will be moving up to 147.”
JM: Give us a prediction for May 19th.
Amir Khan: “We are going to win using an explosive style and it will be a fight not to miss. Even if I win by knockout, I want to make sure that the fight is exciting and good for the fans. We just want to win the titles back and we will.”
JM: Any closing thoughts for the fans?
Amir Khan: “I love all of my fans, they are very supportive. I want to thank all of them for showing all of the support and love that they show. You can follow me on twitter T @ThizzelleMarley KingKhan. I want to be the people’s champion. Come May 19th, I want all my fans to be smiling and be happy.”
By John McCormick
JM: Amir, on May 19th you and Lamont Peterson will be facing off in a rematch in Las Vegas [that Khan controversially lost due to two point deductions from the referee]. What type of adjustments are you looking to make in the rematch?
Amir Khan: “We know that we won the first fight. It wasn’t a matter of not coming in on my A game. I may have made a few mistakes but I am confident that I am going to win this second fight convincingly. I know I was the winner in the first fight. If he wants to stand in there and fight, we are going to stand in there and fight. If he wants to box with me, I am going to box. It is going to be a toe to toe fight and it is going to be exciting. I am going to use all of my speed, power and feints. In the last fight I feel I gave him too much respect but I am going to make some good changes for this fight.”
JM: I just talked to your trainer Freddie Roach a few days ago. He said you would be training with Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines for this fight. When is that set to begin?
Amir Khan: “I am heading to the Philippines on Thursday to train with Freddie and work with Manny.”
JM: I have heard that you will be submitting to Olympic-style drug testing for this fight. Will Lamont Peterson be submitting to that as well?
Amir Khan: “Yes, I am doing the Olympic Style Drug Testing for this fight. Yes, I believe Lamont will be doing it as well.”
JM: How do you feel about the whole drug testing debate in boxing?
Amir Khan: “I like it. I am a clean fighter so I want to prove it and show that I am not hiding anything. I believe all fighters should do it. Anything I am told, I will do it.”
JM: What did you think of Kell Brook’s victory over Matthew Hatton this weekend? Do you see a possible Khan-Brook showdown once you move up to welterweight? [Brook is Britain's top prospect one weight division above the junior welterweight Khan]
Amir Khan: “He needs to prove himself and fight a fighter that is in his prime. Fight a fighter that is in the top ten at least. He is fighting all these bums and not proving himself. I am fighting the best in my division and he is not doing that. Why should I give him a shot? He needs to prove himself and step into the ring and fight some big names. The guys that I have fought like Marcos Maidana, Andreas Kotelnik, Lamont Peterson and Zab Judah would beat him. If we did fight him now, I would knock him out. It may take a couple more years for him to get ready for me so maybe we will be able to visit that in the future.”
JM: Win or lose on May 19th, is this your last fight at junior welterweight?
Amir Khan: “Yes, after this I will be moving up to 147.”
JM: Give us a prediction for May 19th.
Amir Khan: “We are going to win using an explosive style and it will be a fight not to miss. Even if I win by knockout, I want to make sure that the fight is exciting and good for the fans. We just want to win the titles back and we will.”
JM: Any closing thoughts for the fans?
Amir Khan: “I love all of my fans, they are very supportive. I want to thank all of them for showing all of the support and love that they show. You can follow me on twitter T @ThizzelleMarley KingKhan. I want to be the people’s champion. Come May 19th, I want all my fans to be smiling and be happy.”
Froch: I’m so pumped for Bute fight
froch vs buteCarl Froch is delighted to be back fighting in Nottingham – and believes his IBF World super middleweight title challenge with Lucian Bute on May 26 at the Capital FM Arena Nottingham – with tickets on sale now.
Tickets for Froch’s IBF World super middleweight title challenge to Bute are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £200 from the Capital FM Arena Nottingham website www.capitalfmarena.com and on 08444 124624. VIP packages priced at £300 are available exclusively from Matchroom Sport at www.matchroomboxing.com and 01277 359900.
Froch returns to the venue of his last UK fight, which was his Super Six opener against Andre Dirrell in November 2009. The Cobra left Nottingham to travel the globe tackling the cream of the super middleweight crop en route to his Super Six final with Andre Ward in Atlantic City in December..
“It’s great to be back in Nottingham – it’s been too long,” said Froch. “I am so pumped up for the fight and I’ve got to give Lucian Bute credit. I’ve given him stick in the past for not fighting the top opposition, he didn’t enter the Super Six but he beat who was put in front of him.
“He’s not often fought out of his hometown so to put his title on the line in my backyard he’s either very confident or very stupid – I think he’s very confident and he’s the champion, so why not be confident.
“I’m coming into the fight on the back of a loss, and when I did that after the Kessler defeat I was so tuned in to beating Arthur Abraham and it was a whitewash – and that’s how I feel about this fight.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Lucian – he is a top level athlete and so am I, there’s no needle between us and there doesn’t need to be, as the fight speaks for itself.”
Bute is the undefeated champion and is his trip to Nottingham is his tenth title defence and the 32 year-old is looking forward to locking horns with Froch in his hometown.
“Very happy and excited to be here today – I would like to thank Carl for accepting the fight and stepping in the ring with me,” said Bute. “Big fights take time to negotiate but I’m glad that this fight has come. Both Carl and I have had similar careers so far, for me it’s the right time to come away from home and defend my belt and in my heart I believe I will be victorious.
“I’ve been criticised for not fighting away from home. I remember when Joe Calzaghe fought away from home at the end of his career he received the respect he deserved for doing that and that’s what I am looking to do.
“Carl is a good strong aggressive fighter. He will have 9,000 cheering for him and not many for me. It has all the ingredients for a great fight.
froch vs buteCarl Froch is delighted to be back fighting in Nottingham – and believes his IBF World super middleweight title challenge with Lucian Bute on May 26 at the Capital FM Arena Nottingham – with tickets on sale now.
Tickets for Froch’s IBF World super middleweight title challenge to Bute are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £200 from the Capital FM Arena Nottingham website www.capitalfmarena.com and on 08444 124624. VIP packages priced at £300 are available exclusively from Matchroom Sport at www.matchroomboxing.com and 01277 359900.
Froch returns to the venue of his last UK fight, which was his Super Six opener against Andre Dirrell in November 2009. The Cobra left Nottingham to travel the globe tackling the cream of the super middleweight crop en route to his Super Six final with Andre Ward in Atlantic City in December..
“It’s great to be back in Nottingham – it’s been too long,” said Froch. “I am so pumped up for the fight and I’ve got to give Lucian Bute credit. I’ve given him stick in the past for not fighting the top opposition, he didn’t enter the Super Six but he beat who was put in front of him.
“He’s not often fought out of his hometown so to put his title on the line in my backyard he’s either very confident or very stupid – I think he’s very confident and he’s the champion, so why not be confident.
“I’m coming into the fight on the back of a loss, and when I did that after the Kessler defeat I was so tuned in to beating Arthur Abraham and it was a whitewash – and that’s how I feel about this fight.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Lucian – he is a top level athlete and so am I, there’s no needle between us and there doesn’t need to be, as the fight speaks for itself.”
Bute is the undefeated champion and is his trip to Nottingham is his tenth title defence and the 32 year-old is looking forward to locking horns with Froch in his hometown.
“Very happy and excited to be here today – I would like to thank Carl for accepting the fight and stepping in the ring with me,” said Bute. “Big fights take time to negotiate but I’m glad that this fight has come. Both Carl and I have had similar careers so far, for me it’s the right time to come away from home and defend my belt and in my heart I believe I will be victorious.
“I’ve been criticised for not fighting away from home. I remember when Joe Calzaghe fought away from home at the end of his career he received the respect he deserved for doing that and that’s what I am looking to do.
“Carl is a good strong aggressive fighter. He will have 9,000 cheering for him and not many for me. It has all the ingredients for a great fight.
Froch: I’m so pumped for Bute fight
froch vs buteCarl Froch is delighted to be back fighting in Nottingham – and believes his IBF World super middleweight title challenge with Lucian Bute on May 26 at the Capital FM Arena Nottingham – with tickets on sale now.
Tickets for Froch’s IBF World super middleweight title challenge to Bute are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £200 from the Capital FM Arena Nottingham website www.capitalfmarena.com and on 08444 124624. VIP packages priced at £300 are available exclusively from Matchroom Sport at www.matchroomboxing.com and 01277 359900.
Froch returns to the venue of his last UK fight, which was his Super Six opener against Andre Dirrell in November 2009. The Cobra left Nottingham to travel the globe tackling the cream of the super middleweight crop en route to his Super Six final with Andre Ward in Atlantic City in December..
“It’s great to be back in Nottingham – it’s been too long,” said Froch. “I am so pumped up for the fight and I’ve got to give Lucian Bute credit. I’ve given him stick in the past for not fighting the top opposition, he didn’t enter the Super Six but he beat who was put in front of him.
“He’s not often fought out of his hometown so to put his title on the line in my backyard he’s either very confident or very stupid – I think he’s very confident and he’s the champion, so why not be confident.
“I’m coming into the fight on the back of a loss, and when I did that after the Kessler defeat I was so tuned in to beating Arthur Abraham and it was a whitewash – and that’s how I feel about this fight.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Lucian – he is a top level athlete and so am I, there’s no needle between us and there doesn’t need to be, as the fight speaks for itself.”
Bute is the undefeated champion and is his trip to Nottingham is his tenth title defence and the 32 year-old is looking forward to locking horns with Froch in his hometown.
“Very happy and excited to be here today – I would like to thank Carl for accepting the fight and stepping in the ring with me,” said Bute. “Big fights take time to negotiate but I’m glad that this fight has come. Both Carl and I have had similar careers so far, for me it’s the right time to come away from home and defend my belt and in my heart I believe I will be victorious.
“I’ve been criticised for not fighting away from home. I remember when Joe Calzaghe fought away from home at the end of his career he received the respect he deserved for doing that and that’s what I am looking to do.
“Carl is a good strong aggressive fighter. He will have 9,000 cheering for him and not many for me. It has all the ingredients for a great fight.
froch vs buteCarl Froch is delighted to be back fighting in Nottingham – and believes his IBF World super middleweight title challenge with Lucian Bute on May 26 at the Capital FM Arena Nottingham – with tickets on sale now.
Tickets for Froch’s IBF World super middleweight title challenge to Bute are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £200 from the Capital FM Arena Nottingham website www.capitalfmarena.com and on 08444 124624. VIP packages priced at £300 are available exclusively from Matchroom Sport at www.matchroomboxing.com and 01277 359900.
Froch returns to the venue of his last UK fight, which was his Super Six opener against Andre Dirrell in November 2009. The Cobra left Nottingham to travel the globe tackling the cream of the super middleweight crop en route to his Super Six final with Andre Ward in Atlantic City in December..
“It’s great to be back in Nottingham – it’s been too long,” said Froch. “I am so pumped up for the fight and I’ve got to give Lucian Bute credit. I’ve given him stick in the past for not fighting the top opposition, he didn’t enter the Super Six but he beat who was put in front of him.
“He’s not often fought out of his hometown so to put his title on the line in my backyard he’s either very confident or very stupid – I think he’s very confident and he’s the champion, so why not be confident.
“I’m coming into the fight on the back of a loss, and when I did that after the Kessler defeat I was so tuned in to beating Arthur Abraham and it was a whitewash – and that’s how I feel about this fight.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Lucian – he is a top level athlete and so am I, there’s no needle between us and there doesn’t need to be, as the fight speaks for itself.”
Bute is the undefeated champion and is his trip to Nottingham is his tenth title defence and the 32 year-old is looking forward to locking horns with Froch in his hometown.
“Very happy and excited to be here today – I would like to thank Carl for accepting the fight and stepping in the ring with me,” said Bute. “Big fights take time to negotiate but I’m glad that this fight has come. Both Carl and I have had similar careers so far, for me it’s the right time to come away from home and defend my belt and in my heart I believe I will be victorious.
“I’ve been criticised for not fighting away from home. I remember when Joe Calzaghe fought away from home at the end of his career he received the respect he deserved for doing that and that’s what I am looking to do.
“Carl is a good strong aggressive fighter. He will have 9,000 cheering for him and not many for me. It has all the ingredients for a great fight.
Bradley: Pacquiao is the one with everything to lose
March 19th, 2012
By Chris Williams: Welterweight title challenger Timothy Bradley (28-0, 12 KO’s) doesn’t see himself as the one with all the pressure on him in his June 9th fight against WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s). Bradley, 28, sees Pacquiao as being the one with the weight of the world on him because he’s starting to show signs of wear and tear from his many battles, and its’ happening all at the wrong time.
Bradley told fightsaga.com “He’s [Pacquiao] the one that has everything to lose. If he has another lackluster performance, its’ basically over for him. I’m going to have to adjust for whatever it is he’s going to try and do and I’m real good at it. I’ve got something for whatever he wants to do.”
Bradley will be facing Pacquiao at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada in what will probably be a packed house of Pacquiao fans. I don’t know that I agree with Bradley that it will be all over for Pacquiao if he has another off night when he faces him, because Pacquiao will likely get the benefit of the doubt if the fight is close or or slightly close. I can see Pacquiao still winning even if Bradley fights well enough to win by four rounds. I just think it’s going to be awfully tough for Bradley to get a decision unless he really makes Pacquiao look old. But I don’t see Pacquiao retiring if he looks awful again, because he’s been content with his close controversial decision wins against Juan Manuel Marquez in 2008 and 2011. One more controversial decision likely won’t do a thing to make Pacquiao retire if he doesn’t want to. Bradley will have to really beat him badly for Pacquiao to retire.
Pacquiao has had leg problems in his recent fights with him cramping up. Supposedly his strength trainer Alex Ariza is going to try and make sure that doesn’t happen for the next fight by getting Pacquiao in extra good shape for the fight, but I think the leg cramps here to stay no matter what Ariza does to keep that problem from occurring again. When fighters get old like Pacquiao appears to be, they get all kinds of aches and pains that effect their performances.
March 19th, 2012
By Chris Williams: Welterweight title challenger Timothy Bradley (28-0, 12 KO’s) doesn’t see himself as the one with all the pressure on him in his June 9th fight against WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s). Bradley, 28, sees Pacquiao as being the one with the weight of the world on him because he’s starting to show signs of wear and tear from his many battles, and its’ happening all at the wrong time.
Bradley told fightsaga.com “He’s [Pacquiao] the one that has everything to lose. If he has another lackluster performance, its’ basically over for him. I’m going to have to adjust for whatever it is he’s going to try and do and I’m real good at it. I’ve got something for whatever he wants to do.”
Bradley will be facing Pacquiao at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada in what will probably be a packed house of Pacquiao fans. I don’t know that I agree with Bradley that it will be all over for Pacquiao if he has another off night when he faces him, because Pacquiao will likely get the benefit of the doubt if the fight is close or or slightly close. I can see Pacquiao still winning even if Bradley fights well enough to win by four rounds. I just think it’s going to be awfully tough for Bradley to get a decision unless he really makes Pacquiao look old. But I don’t see Pacquiao retiring if he looks awful again, because he’s been content with his close controversial decision wins against Juan Manuel Marquez in 2008 and 2011. One more controversial decision likely won’t do a thing to make Pacquiao retire if he doesn’t want to. Bradley will have to really beat him badly for Pacquiao to retire.
Pacquiao has had leg problems in his recent fights with him cramping up. Supposedly his strength trainer Alex Ariza is going to try and make sure that doesn’t happen for the next fight by getting Pacquiao in extra good shape for the fight, but I think the leg cramps here to stay no matter what Ariza does to keep that problem from occurring again. When fighters get old like Pacquiao appears to be, they get all kinds of aches and pains that effect their performances.
Froch: Ward is getting desparate for a fight; he’s boring
March 19th, 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: Former WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch really launched a salvo of barbs at his former conqueror WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Andre Ward, calling him boring, and saying he’s desperate for a fight in an interview at Ifilmlondon.
Here’s some of the juicy stuff Froch said “He’s very dull and boring and every fight he’s involved with in is boring…He’s trying to get a fight with Kessler, he’s trying to get Bute, but Bute don’t want to fight him. He’s talking about a catchweight with [Sergio] Martinez. Ridiculous. Martinez is a light middleweight at best…The desperation from Andre Ward since winning the title off me is getting bad…After I beat Bute, I might look at that fight as a rematch.”
Boy, Froch sounds like he’s really having a hard time dealing with his one-sided spanking by Ward in the Super Six tourney finals last December. Froch sounds like he can’t let go of the pain from the loss to Ward and is lashing out at him to make himself feel better somehow. The closer reality isn’t that Ward is desperate for a fight; it’s more like he’s too good for the guys below him on the pedestal. None of the guys, aside from the Dirrell brothers, are fighting at a high enough level to give him any problems and none of them are proven. Froch has lost two out of his last five fights, and three out of his last five if you count his gift decision over Andre Dirrell as a loss like I do. All Ward wants is some proven quality fighters to take on, and Bute hasn’t done anything to prove he deserves to be in the same ring with Ward. Froch already had his chance and is now old news. It’s all about what’s next for Ward, but he’s not going to go backwards and face a guy like Froch when he so easily beat him.
As far as Ward being boring, I don’t agree it all. He’s so good that it becomes boring to watch him dominate the best fighters with ease. Mismatches are rarely exciting and all of Ward’s fights have been mismatches, including his fight with Froch.
March 19th, 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: Former WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch really launched a salvo of barbs at his former conqueror WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Andre Ward, calling him boring, and saying he’s desperate for a fight in an interview at Ifilmlondon.
Here’s some of the juicy stuff Froch said “He’s very dull and boring and every fight he’s involved with in is boring…He’s trying to get a fight with Kessler, he’s trying to get Bute, but Bute don’t want to fight him. He’s talking about a catchweight with [Sergio] Martinez. Ridiculous. Martinez is a light middleweight at best…The desperation from Andre Ward since winning the title off me is getting bad…After I beat Bute, I might look at that fight as a rematch.”
Boy, Froch sounds like he’s really having a hard time dealing with his one-sided spanking by Ward in the Super Six tourney finals last December. Froch sounds like he can’t let go of the pain from the loss to Ward and is lashing out at him to make himself feel better somehow. The closer reality isn’t that Ward is desperate for a fight; it’s more like he’s too good for the guys below him on the pedestal. None of the guys, aside from the Dirrell brothers, are fighting at a high enough level to give him any problems and none of them are proven. Froch has lost two out of his last five fights, and three out of his last five if you count his gift decision over Andre Dirrell as a loss like I do. All Ward wants is some proven quality fighters to take on, and Bute hasn’t done anything to prove he deserves to be in the same ring with Ward. Froch already had his chance and is now old news. It’s all about what’s next for Ward, but he’s not going to go backwards and face a guy like Froch when he so easily beat him.
As far as Ward being boring, I don’t agree it all. He’s so good that it becomes boring to watch him dominate the best fighters with ease. Mismatches are rarely exciting and all of Ward’s fights have been mismatches, including his fight with Froch.
Leonard: Haye has to use his feet to beat Vitali
March 19th, 2012
By William Mackay: Boxing great “Sugar” Ray Leonard feels that former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye will have to use movement against WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko if their talked about summer fight takes place. Right now it’s up in the air because of Haye wanting more money than what Vitali and his management feel that he’s worth after Haye’s one-sided loss to Vitali’s brother IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko last July.
Leonard told Sun Sport “David’s not that big of a heavyweight, so size will be a factor. If that fight comes to fruition, David will have to be mobile. He can’t be a stationary target. The extra money a fight like that would generate certainly doesn’t hurt. It creates a little incentive and that extra bit of motivation.”
It might not create that motivation if Vitali and his management fail to agree to what Haye wants, however. Haye wants to be paid well if he’s to come out of retirement and risk his neck against a big puncher like Vitali. Who knows what Vitali and his team are offering Haye, but it clearly isn’t enough for him to take the fight. In that case, the boxing public will have to be satisfied with watching Vitali take on heavyweight contenders like Bermane Stiverne, Alexander Dimitrenko and Chris Arreola rather than Haye.
It does without saying that Haye will have to use movement in order to beat Vitali. He doesn’t need Leonard to tell him that, because he already fights like that anyway. Haye moves constantly now that he’s fighting at heavyweight. You can make an argument that Haye probably moves too much because his work rate since moving up to the heavyweight division has been anemic. He doesn’t take many chances and he’s too risk aversive. Had Haye fought with more aggression against the younger Klitschko brother, he might have had a chance to win the fight.
March 19th, 2012
By William Mackay: Boxing great “Sugar” Ray Leonard feels that former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye will have to use movement against WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko if their talked about summer fight takes place. Right now it’s up in the air because of Haye wanting more money than what Vitali and his management feel that he’s worth after Haye’s one-sided loss to Vitali’s brother IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko last July.
Leonard told Sun Sport “David’s not that big of a heavyweight, so size will be a factor. If that fight comes to fruition, David will have to be mobile. He can’t be a stationary target. The extra money a fight like that would generate certainly doesn’t hurt. It creates a little incentive and that extra bit of motivation.”
It might not create that motivation if Vitali and his management fail to agree to what Haye wants, however. Haye wants to be paid well if he’s to come out of retirement and risk his neck against a big puncher like Vitali. Who knows what Vitali and his team are offering Haye, but it clearly isn’t enough for him to take the fight. In that case, the boxing public will have to be satisfied with watching Vitali take on heavyweight contenders like Bermane Stiverne, Alexander Dimitrenko and Chris Arreola rather than Haye.
It does without saying that Haye will have to use movement in order to beat Vitali. He doesn’t need Leonard to tell him that, because he already fights like that anyway. Haye moves constantly now that he’s fighting at heavyweight. You can make an argument that Haye probably moves too much because his work rate since moving up to the heavyweight division has been anemic. He doesn’t take many chances and he’s too risk aversive. Had Haye fought with more aggression against the younger Klitschko brother, he might have had a chance to win the fight.
Broner vs. Escobedo a possibility for Khan-Peterson II card
March 19th, 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: Undefeated WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner (23-0, 19 KO’s) is being looked at as a possibility to help beef up the Amir Khan vs. Lamont Peterson II rematch undercard on May 19th at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to RingTV. Broner’s possible opponent is 30-year-old super featherweight contender Vincente Escobedo (25-3, 15 KO’s), which isn’t a bad opponent.
Escobedo, #10 IBF, is coming off a nice 1st round TKO win over Lonnie Smith earlier this month. Escobedo has won his last four fights since losing a lopsided 10 round unanimous decision to Robert Guerrero in November 2010.
Broner, 22, easily defeated No.1 WBO contender Eloy Perez by a 4th round TKO last month in Saint Louis, Missouri. Broner toyed with an excellent fighter making it look too easy. It was hard to understand how good of a fighter Perez is with how easy Broner beat him. That just shows you how good Broner is.
Broner could be boxing’s next superstar with his Mayweather-esque fighting style and his quick wit. He could be a stand up comedian if he wanted to and possibly has the skills to be an actor if he wanted to cross over to that field some day.
March 19th, 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: Undefeated WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner (23-0, 19 KO’s) is being looked at as a possibility to help beef up the Amir Khan vs. Lamont Peterson II rematch undercard on May 19th at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to RingTV. Broner’s possible opponent is 30-year-old super featherweight contender Vincente Escobedo (25-3, 15 KO’s), which isn’t a bad opponent.
Escobedo, #10 IBF, is coming off a nice 1st round TKO win over Lonnie Smith earlier this month. Escobedo has won his last four fights since losing a lopsided 10 round unanimous decision to Robert Guerrero in November 2010.
Broner, 22, easily defeated No.1 WBO contender Eloy Perez by a 4th round TKO last month in Saint Louis, Missouri. Broner toyed with an excellent fighter making it look too easy. It was hard to understand how good of a fighter Perez is with how easy Broner beat him. That just shows you how good Broner is.
Broner could be boxing’s next superstar with his Mayweather-esque fighting style and his quick wit. He could be a stand up comedian if he wanted to and possibly has the skills to be an actor if he wanted to cross over to that field some day.
Lennox Lewis says $100 million would get him out of retirement to fight
March 21st, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: 46-year-old Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KO’s) says he’d come out of his nine-year retirement if he was offered $100 million to fight one of the Klitschko brothers. Lewis hasn’t fought since beating Vitali Klitschko by a 6th round stoppage in 2003, and he’s ignored countless offers for him to come back out of retirement to fight Vitali or his brother Wladimir Klitschko again.
Lewis told German news paper Stern “For $100 million, I’d come back. For that, I would take my pajamas off and go to the gym.”
Unfortunately, there’s not a demand out there that would pay Lewis that kind of money or likely even half. My guess is Lewis would be lucky to get one-fifth of that. He’s been out of commission for too long and the younger boxing fans don’t know him too well other than a guy that once held the heavyweight titles many years ago and who worked for HBO Sports as a boxing analyst for a number of years. Lewis’ high money request is pretty much his way of saying he’s not interested in making a comeback to fight a still dangerous Vitali or his brother.
Lewis isn’t too impressed with what he’s seeing from the Klitschko brothers, saying “At some point the referee steps in and stops the fight. They are boring. If you are looking to decide on the best boxer in the world it must be decided by an epic fight. Not this circus.”
The Klitschko are dominating their limited opposition but there’s no one talented enough to compete with them. The best that the Klischkos have to face are guys like Tyson Fury, David Price, Robert Helenius, David Haye, Denis Boytsov, and Dereck Chisora. Those guys just aren’t good enough to compete with them and will have to wait until they’re gone to try and pick up a title.
March 21st, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: 46-year-old Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KO’s) says he’d come out of his nine-year retirement if he was offered $100 million to fight one of the Klitschko brothers. Lewis hasn’t fought since beating Vitali Klitschko by a 6th round stoppage in 2003, and he’s ignored countless offers for him to come back out of retirement to fight Vitali or his brother Wladimir Klitschko again.
Lewis told German news paper Stern “For $100 million, I’d come back. For that, I would take my pajamas off and go to the gym.”
Unfortunately, there’s not a demand out there that would pay Lewis that kind of money or likely even half. My guess is Lewis would be lucky to get one-fifth of that. He’s been out of commission for too long and the younger boxing fans don’t know him too well other than a guy that once held the heavyweight titles many years ago and who worked for HBO Sports as a boxing analyst for a number of years. Lewis’ high money request is pretty much his way of saying he’s not interested in making a comeback to fight a still dangerous Vitali or his brother.
Lewis isn’t too impressed with what he’s seeing from the Klitschko brothers, saying “At some point the referee steps in and stops the fight. They are boring. If you are looking to decide on the best boxer in the world it must be decided by an epic fight. Not this circus.”
The Klitschko are dominating their limited opposition but there’s no one talented enough to compete with them. The best that the Klischkos have to face are guys like Tyson Fury, David Price, Robert Helenius, David Haye, Denis Boytsov, and Dereck Chisora. Those guys just aren’t good enough to compete with them and will have to wait until they’re gone to try and pick up a title.
Salido’s trainer wants Donaire fight
March 20th, 2012
By Chris Williams: Fernando Beltran, the President of Zanfer Promotions and the current promoter for WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido (38-11-2, 26 KO’s), really likes the idea of matching his fighter Salido up against WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (28-1, 18 KO’s) when/if Donaire eventually moves up in weight to face the best fighters at featherweight.
Beltran told the examiner.com that he really wants to make the fight with Donaire and Salido. However, it’s a fight that’s going to have to wait a while, because Donaire has a bout coming up against former IBF/WBA/WBC super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (44-6-2, 20 KO’s) on July 14th in Texas. After that, Donaire will likely fight Jorge Arce before the end of the year. Both are winnable fights for Donaire.
Mijares can’t punch and never really could. At super bantamweight, Mijares can’t punch and will be at the mercy of Donaire’s power. For his part, Arce is too small for Donaire and will likely be crushed by him without too many problems. Those are easy fights for Donaire, who looked completely awful in beating Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. last month for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title.
Beltran thinks Salido would handle Vazquez Jr. without too many problems if he were to get a fight against him, and it’s hard to disagree with that. No way would Vazquez Jr. mark Salido up the way he did to Donaire. Vazquez Jr. really gave Donaire a beating with his jab alone in their fight. Salido would tear through Vazquez Jr. and then likely rip Donaire apart. However, I think Donaire’s promoter Bob Arum won’t go for the idea of letting Donaire face Salido. Arum already had Salido dominate his fighter Donaire and ruin a money fight against Yurirokis Gamboa. I doubt he’ll want to feed Donaire to Salido and have him get taken care of too.
Salido, 31, stopped Juan Manuel Lopez in the 10th round earlier this month making it the second time that Salido has taken out the hard hitting Lopez. It was an exciting fight but Salido had too much offensive weapons and too much chin for Lopez to handle.
March 20th, 2012
By Chris Williams: Fernando Beltran, the President of Zanfer Promotions and the current promoter for WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido (38-11-2, 26 KO’s), really likes the idea of matching his fighter Salido up against WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (28-1, 18 KO’s) when/if Donaire eventually moves up in weight to face the best fighters at featherweight.
Beltran told the examiner.com that he really wants to make the fight with Donaire and Salido. However, it’s a fight that’s going to have to wait a while, because Donaire has a bout coming up against former IBF/WBA/WBC super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (44-6-2, 20 KO’s) on July 14th in Texas. After that, Donaire will likely fight Jorge Arce before the end of the year. Both are winnable fights for Donaire.
Mijares can’t punch and never really could. At super bantamweight, Mijares can’t punch and will be at the mercy of Donaire’s power. For his part, Arce is too small for Donaire and will likely be crushed by him without too many problems. Those are easy fights for Donaire, who looked completely awful in beating Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. last month for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title.
Beltran thinks Salido would handle Vazquez Jr. without too many problems if he were to get a fight against him, and it’s hard to disagree with that. No way would Vazquez Jr. mark Salido up the way he did to Donaire. Vazquez Jr. really gave Donaire a beating with his jab alone in their fight. Salido would tear through Vazquez Jr. and then likely rip Donaire apart. However, I think Donaire’s promoter Bob Arum won’t go for the idea of letting Donaire face Salido. Arum already had Salido dominate his fighter Donaire and ruin a money fight against Yurirokis Gamboa. I doubt he’ll want to feed Donaire to Salido and have him get taken care of too.
Salido, 31, stopped Juan Manuel Lopez in the 10th round earlier this month making it the second time that Salido has taken out the hard hitting Lopez. It was an exciting fight but Salido had too much offensive weapons and too much chin for Lopez to handle.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. Donates to Save a Life
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Ever since the Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao drama took center stage, both fighters have been in the spotlight for anything and everything they were a part of. Many of us assume that their good deeds, charitable work, and the “nice guy” persona is something that they artificially concoct for the media to swallow, and regurgitate to the public and the boxing community. While all this may be true to a certain degree, sometimes the good deeds are not intended to be a show, but instead are cloaked acts of humble giving and attempting to help those who need it most.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has always remained consistent in giving to his local community. From turkey drives and visits to the homeless shelters, to attending numerous fundraisers benefiting various people and causes, Floyd has shown his modest side plenty of times.
Recently, Floyd Mayweather Jr. paid $49,000 in medical bills for a 10-month-old Austin York, who has undergone a variety of heart surgeries due to a cardiac defect.
Source: (http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-iole_floyd_mayweather_austin_york_medical_bills_032012)
“I spoke with Floyd on the phone and told him about the child and everything he and his family had been dealing with,” stated David L. Levi, an assistant to Floyd.
“He responded, saying ‘Let them know I will take care of all the medical bills. I want to help him.’ A lot of people who don’t like him think he does these things for the media attention, but you know, we don’t even call the media and let them know. He likes to do things locally so he feels he can make an impact in the community where he lives. He’s always coming up with these ideas and getting the team and bringing them to the soup kitchens, because he has compassion. He donated a ridiculous amount of toys at Christmas for needy kids. It was insane. But he does that kind of thing a lot.”
Sure the sum of $49,000 is but pocket change for the unbeaten boxing champion, but to some, it is nothing short of the cost of life. Things like this should always make their way into the highlights, as they put on a display of how assumptions can be very misleading.
Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and many other celebrities take their time and effort to help others, but unfortunately, they do this with alternative motives in mind. Despite the fact that this is done locally and without any media attention, Floyd has never ceased to do his share for the community.
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Ever since the Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao drama took center stage, both fighters have been in the spotlight for anything and everything they were a part of. Many of us assume that their good deeds, charitable work, and the “nice guy” persona is something that they artificially concoct for the media to swallow, and regurgitate to the public and the boxing community. While all this may be true to a certain degree, sometimes the good deeds are not intended to be a show, but instead are cloaked acts of humble giving and attempting to help those who need it most.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has always remained consistent in giving to his local community. From turkey drives and visits to the homeless shelters, to attending numerous fundraisers benefiting various people and causes, Floyd has shown his modest side plenty of times.
Recently, Floyd Mayweather Jr. paid $49,000 in medical bills for a 10-month-old Austin York, who has undergone a variety of heart surgeries due to a cardiac defect.
Source: (http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-iole_floyd_mayweather_austin_york_medical_bills_032012)
“I spoke with Floyd on the phone and told him about the child and everything he and his family had been dealing with,” stated David L. Levi, an assistant to Floyd.
“He responded, saying ‘Let them know I will take care of all the medical bills. I want to help him.’ A lot of people who don’t like him think he does these things for the media attention, but you know, we don’t even call the media and let them know. He likes to do things locally so he feels he can make an impact in the community where he lives. He’s always coming up with these ideas and getting the team and bringing them to the soup kitchens, because he has compassion. He donated a ridiculous amount of toys at Christmas for needy kids. It was insane. But he does that kind of thing a lot.”
Sure the sum of $49,000 is but pocket change for the unbeaten boxing champion, but to some, it is nothing short of the cost of life. Things like this should always make their way into the highlights, as they put on a display of how assumptions can be very misleading.
Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and many other celebrities take their time and effort to help others, but unfortunately, they do this with alternative motives in mind. Despite the fact that this is done locally and without any media attention, Floyd has never ceased to do his share for the community.
Heavyweight Great Larry Holmes Says History Will Remember Mayweather As the Bad Guy If Floyd-Pacquiao Never Happens
Larry HolmesBy James Slater: Years from now, how will the historians of our great sport judge things if the super-duper-mega-fight we all want to see happen never actually takes place? I’m talking of course about Floyd “Money” Mayweather against Manny Pac-Man Pacquiao.
What with Pacquiao’s recent retirement talk and Mayweather’s impending jail time, it doesn’t look like the fight will actually come off; although some people remain hopeful it will. One man who has wanted to see the fight and still does has come out and said that in his opinion it is Mayweather’s fault the fight hasn’t happened, and that it will be “Money’s” fault if the fight never happens: heavyweight legend Larry Holmes.
Speaking with Gulf News recently, “The Easton Assassin,” a man who would have never turned down the kind of money that is on the table for Pac Vs. Floyd (somewhere around $30 mil to $40 million each!) said Mayweather is the bad guy as far as the failed meeting is concerned..
“If they never fight, it won’t be Pacquiao’s fault,” Holmes said of the would be mega-clash. “Every time they came round to fighting, Mayweather put his excuses in. Pacquiao did all he can. He did all I would have done. I think Mayweather just got a little too scared if you ask me.
“Pacquiao was the one going up a weight-class for Mayweather, not vice-versa, and Mayweather is the one who can’t earn a big price unless he fights Pacquiao, not the other way around. Pacquiao is a good fighter, the greatest of all time. People have always paid to see his fights and always will.”
Holmes’ comments are sure to annoy Mayweather fans, and to be fair, Mayweather HAS earned big money in his own fights. As Floyd has said many times; Pacquiao will earn his biggest-ever payday if he faces him. Of course, that works both ways. But is Larry serious when he calls Pacquiao THE greatest fighter of all-time? How many comments will that statement alone generate!?
But Holmes, who ruled the heavyweight division from 1978 to 1985, had more to say:
“If he thinks Pacquiao is taking drugs, so what,” Holmes said. “He should just say ‘you take it, you kill yourself, that isn’t going to help you, because with my talent and ability I believe I can still beat you.’ But he was too scared to take that challenge.”
There’s that word again, “scared.” Is Mayweather really scared of Manny Pacquiao, for any reason? I don’t think so. But millions of people will listen to what Holmes says and he seems adamant about his opinion.
How will the historians look back on the careers of Mayweather and Pacquiao if they never do fight though? Right now, Mayweather has his supporters and Pacquiao has his. Personally, I think both great fighters are at fault. The potential classic that is these two going at one another should never have ended up as such a tiresome soap opera.
Larry HolmesBy James Slater: Years from now, how will the historians of our great sport judge things if the super-duper-mega-fight we all want to see happen never actually takes place? I’m talking of course about Floyd “Money” Mayweather against Manny Pac-Man Pacquiao.
What with Pacquiao’s recent retirement talk and Mayweather’s impending jail time, it doesn’t look like the fight will actually come off; although some people remain hopeful it will. One man who has wanted to see the fight and still does has come out and said that in his opinion it is Mayweather’s fault the fight hasn’t happened, and that it will be “Money’s” fault if the fight never happens: heavyweight legend Larry Holmes.
Speaking with Gulf News recently, “The Easton Assassin,” a man who would have never turned down the kind of money that is on the table for Pac Vs. Floyd (somewhere around $30 mil to $40 million each!) said Mayweather is the bad guy as far as the failed meeting is concerned..
“If they never fight, it won’t be Pacquiao’s fault,” Holmes said of the would be mega-clash. “Every time they came round to fighting, Mayweather put his excuses in. Pacquiao did all he can. He did all I would have done. I think Mayweather just got a little too scared if you ask me.
“Pacquiao was the one going up a weight-class for Mayweather, not vice-versa, and Mayweather is the one who can’t earn a big price unless he fights Pacquiao, not the other way around. Pacquiao is a good fighter, the greatest of all time. People have always paid to see his fights and always will.”
Holmes’ comments are sure to annoy Mayweather fans, and to be fair, Mayweather HAS earned big money in his own fights. As Floyd has said many times; Pacquiao will earn his biggest-ever payday if he faces him. Of course, that works both ways. But is Larry serious when he calls Pacquiao THE greatest fighter of all-time? How many comments will that statement alone generate!?
But Holmes, who ruled the heavyweight division from 1978 to 1985, had more to say:
“If he thinks Pacquiao is taking drugs, so what,” Holmes said. “He should just say ‘you take it, you kill yourself, that isn’t going to help you, because with my talent and ability I believe I can still beat you.’ But he was too scared to take that challenge.”
There’s that word again, “scared.” Is Mayweather really scared of Manny Pacquiao, for any reason? I don’t think so. But millions of people will listen to what Holmes says and he seems adamant about his opinion.
How will the historians look back on the careers of Mayweather and Pacquiao if they never do fight though? Right now, Mayweather has his supporters and Pacquiao has his. Personally, I think both great fighters are at fault. The potential classic that is these two going at one another should never have ended up as such a tiresome soap opera.
Freddie Roach: NBC Sports Network Fight Night Good For Boxing
When the NBC Sports Network presents the second edition of its nationally televised "Fight Night" boxing series on March 24, live at 10PM ET, from the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach will once again join Kenny Rice, BJ Flores and Chris Mannix as part of the broadcast team. Roach made his "Fight Night" debut in January, and brings a world of boxing knowledge to his new role as a ringside commentator..
Few people know the game like Roach, who currently trains boxing stars like Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan and Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Prior to that, he had his own 8-year ring career that produced a record of 40-13 with 15 KOs. But more than anything else, Roach is a boxing fan who is always up for watching a good fight.
"I'm a big boxing fan," Roach said. "So I'm happy to see the NBC Sports Network out there doing such good fights."
Roach feels that it is the quality of the match that makes a fight worth watching or not. "What people want to see are competitive fights," Roach said. "They are good for boxing. People don't want to see blowouts."
And Roach likes what he sees on this card. The main event is the 12-round Eliminator for the IBF Junior Welterweight Title between former champion Zab Judah and undefeated contender Vernon Paris.
"It's a great match up," Roach said. "You've got an upcoming guy in with the knowledgeable veteran. The question is, who's going to pull it off. I know both guys pretty well. Paris was one of my sparring partners for Amir Khan, and of course Zab Judah faced Khan. I think it's a very interesting fight, and I can't wait to see who wins."
In the 10-round co-feature bout, former heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich takes on Bryant Jennings, the guy who stole the show on the first "Fight Night" broadcast.
"Bryant is kind of green but the thing is, he makes up for it with heart and conditioning," Roach said. "I thought he won his last fight because his conditioning prevailed. Obviously Liakhovich is coming off the bigger fights, but once again, it's the young upcoming guy against the veteran who's been there. Hey, it's a very interesting fight and I can't wait to see it!"
Roach is also looking forward to the third fight of this blockbuster triple-header, an interesting 10-round heavyweight contest between Tomasz Adamek and Nagy Aguilera.
"It's always interesting to see how people come back after they lose a big fight," Roach said about Adamek, who is returning from his TKO at the hands of Vitali Klitschko. "Sometimes guys work harder and want to be better than the last time, and sometimes they come back a little depressed. The key to the fight is to see how he took the loss. It should be fun to watch."
Roach thinks it will be a very good show. "In all three of these fights, we really don't know who comes out the winner. They all have the chance to go the other way. It's a competitive card that is good for the sport."
This not only benefits the fans, it helps Roach as well. "The better the fights, the better we do our job (broadcasting). It kind of pumps us up a little bit," Roach said.
This boxing show is one not to be missed, whether you watch it on television or are a member of the live ringside audience in Brooklyn, NY.
"There is nothing like taking in the atmosphere of the whole live event," Roach said. "A lively crowd pumps up the boxers and becomes part of the fight. Plus the young guys need the exposure. This is a compelling card that is good for boxing."
March 24 Fight Info:
The Zab Judah vs. Vernon Paris fight is a 12-round IBF junior welterweight title eliminator. The fight is part of a triple header that includes Sergei Liakhovich vs. Bryant Jennings in a 10-round heavyweight fight and Tomasz Adamek vs Nagy Aguilera, in a 10-round heavyweight fight. A full all-star under card will support the three main bouts. Tickets to this blockbuster event are priced at $200, $100 and $75 and may be purchased by calling Main Events (973) 200-7050, Peltz Boxing (215) 765-0922, or online throughwww.peltzboxing.com. The non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7:30 p.m., the NBC Sports Network Fight Night broadcast will begin at 10 p.m. ET on Mar 24th.
The Aviator Sports and Events Center offers free parking. You can also take public transportation via the Q35 MTA bus from the Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College subway station.
Be sure to tune into NBCSN for all the action following the NCAA basketball tournament!
When the NBC Sports Network presents the second edition of its nationally televised "Fight Night" boxing series on March 24, live at 10PM ET, from the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach will once again join Kenny Rice, BJ Flores and Chris Mannix as part of the broadcast team. Roach made his "Fight Night" debut in January, and brings a world of boxing knowledge to his new role as a ringside commentator..
Few people know the game like Roach, who currently trains boxing stars like Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan and Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Prior to that, he had his own 8-year ring career that produced a record of 40-13 with 15 KOs. But more than anything else, Roach is a boxing fan who is always up for watching a good fight.
"I'm a big boxing fan," Roach said. "So I'm happy to see the NBC Sports Network out there doing such good fights."
Roach feels that it is the quality of the match that makes a fight worth watching or not. "What people want to see are competitive fights," Roach said. "They are good for boxing. People don't want to see blowouts."
And Roach likes what he sees on this card. The main event is the 12-round Eliminator for the IBF Junior Welterweight Title between former champion Zab Judah and undefeated contender Vernon Paris.
"It's a great match up," Roach said. "You've got an upcoming guy in with the knowledgeable veteran. The question is, who's going to pull it off. I know both guys pretty well. Paris was one of my sparring partners for Amir Khan, and of course Zab Judah faced Khan. I think it's a very interesting fight, and I can't wait to see who wins."
In the 10-round co-feature bout, former heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich takes on Bryant Jennings, the guy who stole the show on the first "Fight Night" broadcast.
"Bryant is kind of green but the thing is, he makes up for it with heart and conditioning," Roach said. "I thought he won his last fight because his conditioning prevailed. Obviously Liakhovich is coming off the bigger fights, but once again, it's the young upcoming guy against the veteran who's been there. Hey, it's a very interesting fight and I can't wait to see it!"
Roach is also looking forward to the third fight of this blockbuster triple-header, an interesting 10-round heavyweight contest between Tomasz Adamek and Nagy Aguilera.
"It's always interesting to see how people come back after they lose a big fight," Roach said about Adamek, who is returning from his TKO at the hands of Vitali Klitschko. "Sometimes guys work harder and want to be better than the last time, and sometimes they come back a little depressed. The key to the fight is to see how he took the loss. It should be fun to watch."
Roach thinks it will be a very good show. "In all three of these fights, we really don't know who comes out the winner. They all have the chance to go the other way. It's a competitive card that is good for the sport."
This not only benefits the fans, it helps Roach as well. "The better the fights, the better we do our job (broadcasting). It kind of pumps us up a little bit," Roach said.
This boxing show is one not to be missed, whether you watch it on television or are a member of the live ringside audience in Brooklyn, NY.
"There is nothing like taking in the atmosphere of the whole live event," Roach said. "A lively crowd pumps up the boxers and becomes part of the fight. Plus the young guys need the exposure. This is a compelling card that is good for boxing."
March 24 Fight Info:
The Zab Judah vs. Vernon Paris fight is a 12-round IBF junior welterweight title eliminator. The fight is part of a triple header that includes Sergei Liakhovich vs. Bryant Jennings in a 10-round heavyweight fight and Tomasz Adamek vs Nagy Aguilera, in a 10-round heavyweight fight. A full all-star under card will support the three main bouts. Tickets to this blockbuster event are priced at $200, $100 and $75 and may be purchased by calling Main Events (973) 200-7050, Peltz Boxing (215) 765-0922, or online throughwww.peltzboxing.com. The non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7:30 p.m., the NBC Sports Network Fight Night broadcast will begin at 10 p.m. ET on Mar 24th.
The Aviator Sports and Events Center offers free parking. You can also take public transportation via the Q35 MTA bus from the Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College subway station.
Be sure to tune into NBCSN for all the action following the NCAA basketball tournament!
Froch & Bootay face to face in Canada (May 26th fight)
Also,
Kessler moves to 175. Will fight Alan Green 5/19
Kessler vs Green For The WBC Silver Title in Play, 5/19
By Per Ake Persson
According to sources in Denmark and the United States, the World Boxing Council has approved a "WBC silver title fight at light heavyweight" - for Mikkel Kessler when he returns on May 19 in Copenhagen. Kessler´s opponent is said to be Allan Green. It will be the Viking Warrior´s debut at 175 and his first fight since June of last year.
Earlier this week - Kessler's promoter, Kalle Sauerland, "killed" the rumors of a possible fight against the WBA interim-champ at super middleweight, Brian Magee, claiming that the Irishman had priced himself out.
The WBA's regular champ at 168, Karol Balzsay, defends the title against Dimitri Sartison on April 21 in Schwerin and that took out another name from Sauerland´s list. IBF champion Tavoris Cloud was also mentioned, but has a mandatory due to Karo Murat.
Also,
Kessler moves to 175. Will fight Alan Green 5/19
Kessler vs Green For The WBC Silver Title in Play, 5/19
By Per Ake Persson
According to sources in Denmark and the United States, the World Boxing Council has approved a "WBC silver title fight at light heavyweight" - for Mikkel Kessler when he returns on May 19 in Copenhagen. Kessler´s opponent is said to be Allan Green. It will be the Viking Warrior´s debut at 175 and his first fight since June of last year.
Earlier this week - Kessler's promoter, Kalle Sauerland, "killed" the rumors of a possible fight against the WBA interim-champ at super middleweight, Brian Magee, claiming that the Irishman had priced himself out.
The WBA's regular champ at 168, Karol Balzsay, defends the title against Dimitri Sartison on April 21 in Schwerin and that took out another name from Sauerland´s list. IBF champion Tavoris Cloud was also mentioned, but has a mandatory due to Karo Murat.