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Berto May Land WBC Title With Mayweather's Retirement
By Mark Vester
With Floyd Mayweather Jr. announcing his retirement, several fighters are in position to get a career boost. One of them is undefeated welterweight prospect Andre Berto. Mayweather is the holder of the WBC welterweight title and it's expected that the WBC will vacate the title prior to Berto's upcoming bout with Miguel "Mikki" Angel Rodriguez.
Berto is ranked at number-one by the WBC and Rodriguez sits at number-two. Their bouts takes place on June 21 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. HBO will televise.
The fight was scheduled to be a WBC eliminator and was later changed to a WBC-interim welterweight title bout. Mayweather would have been forced to face the winner within a small timeframe set down by the WBC or risk being stripped. Now it stands to become a bout with the top two contenders battling for the full title.
Since winning the title from Carlos Baldomir in 2006, Mayweather has not defended the belt against a ranked welterweight. Berto, one of the rising stars in the sport, may quickly become a major player by winning the full title.
By Mark Vester
With Floyd Mayweather Jr. announcing his retirement, several fighters are in position to get a career boost. One of them is undefeated welterweight prospect Andre Berto. Mayweather is the holder of the WBC welterweight title and it's expected that the WBC will vacate the title prior to Berto's upcoming bout with Miguel "Mikki" Angel Rodriguez.
Berto is ranked at number-one by the WBC and Rodriguez sits at number-two. Their bouts takes place on June 21 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. HBO will televise.
The fight was scheduled to be a WBC eliminator and was later changed to a WBC-interim welterweight title bout. Mayweather would have been forced to face the winner within a small timeframe set down by the WBC or risk being stripped. Now it stands to become a bout with the top two contenders battling for the full title.
Since winning the title from Carlos Baldomir in 2006, Mayweather has not defended the belt against a ranked welterweight. Berto, one of the rising stars in the sport, may quickly become a major player by winning the full title.
De La Hoya vs. Cotto/Margarito Winner is Now Open
By Mark Vester
During several media interviews, Oscar De La Hoya said the three-fight retirement plan for 2008 would probably end with a December showdown with WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, provided that Cotto got past Antonio Margarito on July 26. During an interview in late April, De La Hoya called Cotto one of the best fighters in the world and expressed his desire to fight him.
"If I beat Mayweather, who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, my following fight has to be with one of the best and it's no secret that Miguel Cotto is one of the best in the world," De La Hoya said. "He has a difficult fight with Antonio Margarito and although any thing can happen, we all know that Miguel Cotto is going to win.
Of course, De La Hoya would have had to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a proposed September rematch. Not anymore. Now that Mayweather has announced his unexpected retirement, there is nothing to stand in the way of De La Hoya facing the winner of Cotto-Margarito much sooner than expected.
In past interviews, Cotto has also made it known that he wants a crack at De La Hoya. Earlier this year, there were ongoing talks between Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions to make a De La Hoya-Cotto bout, but the negotiations came tumbling down when De La Hoya announced that he was planning to stage a tuneup on route to a Mayweather rematch.
The list of marketable opponents for De La Hoya is now slim with Mayweather out of the sport and Ricky Hatton signing a multi-fight deal with Golden Boy. There are two options, the Cotto/Margarito winner or Winky Wright. Wright is coming off a loss to Bernard Hopkins, has been inactive for almost a year, and he's never been a big ticket-seller. Cotto-Margarito is one of the most anticipated fights of the last few years. The winner will easily become the king of the welterweight division - and the perfect gem that De La Hoya needs for one last mega pay-per-view payday
By Mark Vester
During several media interviews, Oscar De La Hoya said the three-fight retirement plan for 2008 would probably end with a December showdown with WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, provided that Cotto got past Antonio Margarito on July 26. During an interview in late April, De La Hoya called Cotto one of the best fighters in the world and expressed his desire to fight him.
"If I beat Mayweather, who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, my following fight has to be with one of the best and it's no secret that Miguel Cotto is one of the best in the world," De La Hoya said. "He has a difficult fight with Antonio Margarito and although any thing can happen, we all know that Miguel Cotto is going to win.
Of course, De La Hoya would have had to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a proposed September rematch. Not anymore. Now that Mayweather has announced his unexpected retirement, there is nothing to stand in the way of De La Hoya facing the winner of Cotto-Margarito much sooner than expected.
In past interviews, Cotto has also made it known that he wants a crack at De La Hoya. Earlier this year, there were ongoing talks between Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions to make a De La Hoya-Cotto bout, but the negotiations came tumbling down when De La Hoya announced that he was planning to stage a tuneup on route to a Mayweather rematch.
The list of marketable opponents for De La Hoya is now slim with Mayweather out of the sport and Ricky Hatton signing a multi-fight deal with Golden Boy. There are two options, the Cotto/Margarito winner or Winky Wright. Wright is coming off a loss to Bernard Hopkins, has been inactive for almost a year, and he's never been a big ticket-seller. Cotto-Margarito is one of the most anticipated fights of the last few years. The winner will easily become the king of the welterweight division - and the perfect gem that De La Hoya needs for one last mega pay-per-view payday
Boxing Nuggets: Judah, Quillin, Ornelas, Teron and More
By Mike Nosky
He has an ESPN2 co-feature bout coming up on Wednesday night but plans are already being made for undefeated and rising middleweight contender Peter Quillin to headline the August 1 ShoBox card at a site to be announced.
There is no opponent yet for Quillin (18-0, 14), who takes on Dionisio Miranda at the Hard Rock in New York City on Wednesday.
According to promoter Cedric Kushner, the site should be ready for an announcement by the middle of next week and the co-feature will be a ten round lightweight bout featuring undefeated Jorge Teron, who will also be taking on an opponent to be announced. Teron is 20-0-1 (13).
Having lost out on a crack at former IBF super middleweight titlist Jeff Lacy late last week when Zab Judah lost his bout with a shower door, Enrique Ornelas has moved on and will headline the July 4 Telefutura card at the Dodge Theatre in Hidalgo, Texas against an opponent to be announced.
Ornelas is currently the NABF middleweight titlist and has a record of 27-4 (17).
The August 2 HBO card that is being headlined by the IBF welterweight bout between top rated Joshua Clottey and Judah will not be landing at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, according to officials at the casino.
“We could have had it, but we had to pass it on for various reasons,” a buddy of mine told me on Saturday night.
Unbeaten Hartford heavyweight Tony Grano (13-0-1, 11) faces the toughest opponent of his career on Friday night when he takes on Leroy Childs (13-1, 12) in an eight round bout at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
“Childs can really hurt people,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said in a press release. “This will be Tony’s toughest fight of his career and you have to give him and his team a lot of credit for accepting the challenge to fight Childs. Team Grano wants to make an impact in the heavyweight division, starting with his June 13th fight against Childs. What better way to do it than fighting a very tough opponent at home in front of his family, friends and fans? I know they can’t help him in the ring, but Tony will take care of that himself.”
The main event on the card is a WBC Youth featherweight title fight between Matt Remillard (11-0, 7) and Jose Magallon.
The card will be aired via tape delay on Saturday night at 8:00pm EST on CN8, The Comcast Network.
Thursday night, FoxSports’ ‘Best Damn Championship Fight Night’ invades Mohegan Sun Arena with an all-women’s fight card that is being headlined by a super bantamweight world title fight between Lisa Brown and Alicia Ashley.
Alicia was on hand on Saturday night for the Vernon Forrest-Sergio Mora card to hype the show.
“It’s a big event, at a big venue and it’s live on TV,” Ashley said when commenting on the importance of the fight. “It’s an all female card and fans won’t be disappointed. We’re gonna make boxing look good.”
Asked about her plan of attack for the 14-3-3 (4) Brown, Ashley didn’t hesitate to give away her game plan.
“She’s a very strong fighter but she’s slower than I am. I am gonna showcase my skills and make her look bad. I’m 40 years old but I’m not slowing down at all. I feel better now than ever before. I’ll take on anyone in my path and Lisa Brown is next.”
And finally, congratulations to Showtime’s Gordon Hall who easily handled DiBella Entertainment’s VP of Boxing Operations Carl ‘Pink Shirt’ Moretti on a Connecticut golf course Saturday morning.
Sources close to the situation have informed me that Hall was angered over Moretti’s insistence of playing on a public course and had to lay the lumber to him.
For his part, Moretti could only issue poor excuses about the wind and the lack of water available on the course
By Mike Nosky
He has an ESPN2 co-feature bout coming up on Wednesday night but plans are already being made for undefeated and rising middleweight contender Peter Quillin to headline the August 1 ShoBox card at a site to be announced.
There is no opponent yet for Quillin (18-0, 14), who takes on Dionisio Miranda at the Hard Rock in New York City on Wednesday.
According to promoter Cedric Kushner, the site should be ready for an announcement by the middle of next week and the co-feature will be a ten round lightweight bout featuring undefeated Jorge Teron, who will also be taking on an opponent to be announced. Teron is 20-0-1 (13).
Having lost out on a crack at former IBF super middleweight titlist Jeff Lacy late last week when Zab Judah lost his bout with a shower door, Enrique Ornelas has moved on and will headline the July 4 Telefutura card at the Dodge Theatre in Hidalgo, Texas against an opponent to be announced.
Ornelas is currently the NABF middleweight titlist and has a record of 27-4 (17).
The August 2 HBO card that is being headlined by the IBF welterweight bout between top rated Joshua Clottey and Judah will not be landing at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, according to officials at the casino.
“We could have had it, but we had to pass it on for various reasons,” a buddy of mine told me on Saturday night.
Unbeaten Hartford heavyweight Tony Grano (13-0-1, 11) faces the toughest opponent of his career on Friday night when he takes on Leroy Childs (13-1, 12) in an eight round bout at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
“Childs can really hurt people,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said in a press release. “This will be Tony’s toughest fight of his career and you have to give him and his team a lot of credit for accepting the challenge to fight Childs. Team Grano wants to make an impact in the heavyweight division, starting with his June 13th fight against Childs. What better way to do it than fighting a very tough opponent at home in front of his family, friends and fans? I know they can’t help him in the ring, but Tony will take care of that himself.”
The main event on the card is a WBC Youth featherweight title fight between Matt Remillard (11-0, 7) and Jose Magallon.
The card will be aired via tape delay on Saturday night at 8:00pm EST on CN8, The Comcast Network.
Thursday night, FoxSports’ ‘Best Damn Championship Fight Night’ invades Mohegan Sun Arena with an all-women’s fight card that is being headlined by a super bantamweight world title fight between Lisa Brown and Alicia Ashley.
Alicia was on hand on Saturday night for the Vernon Forrest-Sergio Mora card to hype the show.
“It’s a big event, at a big venue and it’s live on TV,” Ashley said when commenting on the importance of the fight. “It’s an all female card and fans won’t be disappointed. We’re gonna make boxing look good.”
Asked about her plan of attack for the 14-3-3 (4) Brown, Ashley didn’t hesitate to give away her game plan.
“She’s a very strong fighter but she’s slower than I am. I am gonna showcase my skills and make her look bad. I’m 40 years old but I’m not slowing down at all. I feel better now than ever before. I’ll take on anyone in my path and Lisa Brown is next.”
And finally, congratulations to Showtime’s Gordon Hall who easily handled DiBella Entertainment’s VP of Boxing Operations Carl ‘Pink Shirt’ Moretti on a Connecticut golf course Saturday morning.
Sources close to the situation have informed me that Hall was angered over Moretti’s insistence of playing on a public course and had to lay the lumber to him.
For his part, Moretti could only issue poor excuses about the wind and the lack of water available on the course
Taylor vs. Lacy in November? Mora To Face Martinez Next?
By Mike Nosky
Promoter Lou DiBella confirmed that talks for a bout between former champions Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy are progressing and he sees the bout landing in November.
“We’re past the point of just talking right now,” DiBella told me. “If we can finalize it, it’s going to happen in November.”
DiBella also was very talkative when the subject of Sergio Martinez came up. Martinez is the mandatory challenger for the WBC junior middleweight crown now held by Sergio Mora and impressively stopped Archak TerMeliksetian in the 7th round on the undercard of Mora’s upset decision win over Forrest at Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday night.
“Sergio is the mandatory challenger for the WBC title,” DiBella said. “Whoever has the title after tonight’s main event has to fight Martinez next, no question. They can’t talk to anyone else, they have to fight Martinez in their next fight.”
By Mike Nosky
Promoter Lou DiBella confirmed that talks for a bout between former champions Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy are progressing and he sees the bout landing in November.
“We’re past the point of just talking right now,” DiBella told me. “If we can finalize it, it’s going to happen in November.”
DiBella also was very talkative when the subject of Sergio Martinez came up. Martinez is the mandatory challenger for the WBC junior middleweight crown now held by Sergio Mora and impressively stopped Archak TerMeliksetian in the 7th round on the undercard of Mora’s upset decision win over Forrest at Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday night.
“Sergio is the mandatory challenger for the WBC title,” DiBella said. “Whoever has the title after tonight’s main event has to fight Martinez next, no question. They can’t talk to anyone else, they have to fight Martinez in their next fight.”
Floyd Mayweather Jr - He Does Right By Boxing
By Jake Donovan
Perhaps your stance is that he retired at the right time – on top, with his faculties still intact and bank account stuffed to the gills. Maybe you’re among those disappointed that he leaves the game without defending his linear crown against the world’s best welterweights. Or maybe, you don’t believe that he’s done for good, that the right fight - and more specifically, the right price to go along with it – lures him back into the ring.
Regardless of your stance, there’s no denying that Floyd Mayweather Jr’s sudden retirement announcement comes at a perfect time for the welterweight division and boxing as a whole.
The news came about early Friday afternoon, preceding an already active boxing weekend that included two major fight cards and the annual Hall of Fame inductions in Canastota. Yet with so much going in on the sport, the major talk surrounded Money May, who hasn’t fought since last December and quite possibly will never fight again.
Should Mayweather decide to make it stick, his departure leaves vacancies galore. A new opponent is now needed for Oscar de la Hoya’s reserved September 20 PPV date. A new name will now appear atop the pound for pound rankings. Hopefully, a new welterweight champion can be crowned in the near future.
Most of the voids are easy to fill. There’s certainly no shortage of fighters willing to face the Golden Boy, and the golden payday that comes with it. Pound-for-pound? When number one loses, looks really bad or, in this case, retires, someone’s always automatically inserted into the top spot. Manny Pacquiao and Joe Calzaghe are already waiting in the wings, even already at the top on some lists.
The gaping hole atop the welterweight division will be the most difficult to produce in a timely fashion. Not because Mayweather is irreplaceable or that he enjoyed a linear title reign of legendary proportions, at least beyond the amount of money he collected while king. It’s because crowning a linear champion requires more than simply calling up a pinch hitter, or advancing the next highest ranked fighter by default.
The good news, though, is that a fight can be made to crown a new champion, something that wasn’t the case while Mayweather ruled the division. His lopsided title win over Carlos Baldomir in November 2006 was Mayweather’s only fight during his reign against an actual welterweight. His lone defense came last December, when he scored a 10th round knockout over Ricky Hatton, who was undefeated and coming up from junior welterweight for an event that drew 850,000 PPV buys in the states and turned Las Vegas into Little Manchester during fight week.
The win over Baldomir made Mayweather a legitimate world linear champion in three divisions - 130, 135 and 147 – while also collecting alphabet titles at 140 and 154. His fifth divisional title came in a win over Oscar de la Hoya last May in the most lucrative event in boxing history, drawing 2.4 million PPV buys, exceeding $130 million in TV revenue and a $19 million live gate.
Money aside, it was during his days in the lower weight classes where Mayweather provided his best body of work, even if to a much smaller audience than he’s enjoyed in recent years. A precocious junior lightweight, Mayweather picked up his first world title just 18 fights and less than two years into his pro career, dominating two-time titlist Genaro Hernandez before forcing him to quit on his stool after eight rounds.
A three-year reign was accentuated by his coming out party in January 2001, when he scored five knockdowns en route to a 10th round stoppage over Diego Corrales when both were undefeated and the best junior lightweights in the world. The win confirmed Mayweather’s status among the game’s very best, remaining a fixture at or near the top of most pound for pound rankings for the entire decade.
A closer-than-expected win in his first fight against Jose Luis Castillo was one of the few occasions where Mayweather was pushed to the limit in a fight of any kind. That the scores were so wide (Mayweather winning 8-9 rounds on all three cards in a fight many had him only winning anywhere from 5-7) bothered fans more so than his actually winning the fight.
But win he did throughout his 11 year career, scoring 39 wins, including 25 “by way of.” Even the most ardent haters can only come with two fights to argue about the final outcome – the first Castillo fight and the de la Hoya event last year. Both were examples of the subjectivity of scoring a prize fight, whether you prefer clean punching or aggression and the perception of the other fighter through the more telling punches.
The one common argument that surrounded his career from 140 on up was whether or not he any longer desired to test himself against the very best. A six-round bludgeoning of Arturo Gatti in June 2005 collected Mayweather a title in his third division, though at a time when Ricky Hatton was the division’s true champ, by virtue of a stoppage win over longtime junior welterweight kingpin Kostya Tszyu earlier in the month.
A Mayweather-Hatton bout would come about, only 2 ½ years later after the fact and one weight class up. A more objective view would reveal Hatton’s reluctance to sign on as the real reason the fight didn’t happen any sooner, but Floyd’s incredible self-confidence brought about disdain (and perhaps jealously) from enough fans to hold the superstar responsible for just about any major fight that didn’t come about.
The same could’ve also been said for a Mayweather-Cotto fight, a matchup Floyd personally asked for the moment he beat Gatti into submission. Cotto was in attendance that night, but questions about such a fight materializing was met with a response of “12-18 months away” from Top Rank regarding how long before the Puerto Rican would be ready for such a fight.
Already a troubled relationship, their inability to see eye to eye on the direction in which his career should go lead to the beginning of the end between Mayweather and Top Rank. Mayweather only wanted fights that would maximize his marketability, while promoter hoped to put in their star pupil with Antonio Margarito, a tough welterweight but not the type of draw that would further advance Mayweather’s star status, or so he believed.
The two split in November 2005 for one fight before hooking up in April 2006 for a fight with Zab Judah. Mayweather carried on the PPV on his own, largely due to Judah’s unwillingness to participate in the promotional end of the bout. That he won the bout, almost marred by controversy following a mini-riot at the end of the 10th round, made the financial success of the event that much sweeter. A final tally of 375,000 buys confirmed Mayweather’s star status, especially considering that Judah was coming off of a loss.
However, when the next step was discussed, it was Margarito’s name that resurfaced. Mayweather decided enough was enough, and eventually bought out the remainder of his contract with Top Rank. A one-fight deal with Goossen-Tutor Promotions led to an $8 million payday - $8,000,001 to be exact, barely exceeding the amount offered by Top Rank for a Margarito fight – and winning the linear welterweight crown with the Baldomir fight.
Mayweather showed signs of growing frustrated with the sport, announcing his retirement at the post-fight presser. Few believed it would stick, and proved to be right after Floyd accepted the de la Hoya assignment. The actual fight itself was anything but memorable, but the buildup to the event far exceeded any other in recent boxing history.
A cross-country tour was followed by the launching of HBO’s award-winning “24/7” series, a four-part documentary giving viewers an inside view of the training camps and – to a limit – the personal lives of the two fighters. It was such a success that the network brought back the series – and Mayweather – for the December event with Hatton.
The 850,000 PPV buys in that fight brought Mayweather’s 2007 tally to over 3 million, and the fighter himself earning upwards of $50 million on the strength of two events.
Still, being the best fighter in the world, as well as the best-known active fighter, came with a heavy price. Earning your way to the top is one thing; maintaining your ranking is another. When talks surfaced of a long rest followed by possible rematches with de la Hoya and Hatton, fans and critics vehemently spoke out, feeling that, as welterweight champion, it was his obligation to defend against the best of his division.
One name in particular was repeatedly mentioned – Miguel Cotto, who was taking on top contenders from the moment he arrived in the division in late 2006. The one exception came in his last fight, a 5-round destruction of overmatched Alfonso Gomez, though a tune-up for a summer showdown with Margarito.
Mayweather wasn’t biting, though. While acknowledging Cotto’s status as a top welterweight, Team Money May insisted that the Puerto Rican’s star was merely on the rise, and not to where the two would make history should they finally meet in the ring.
It now looks as if we’ll never find out, if in fact Mayweather sticks to his guns and forever remains on the sidelines. Only now, the rest of the division can move on, rather than continue to fight each other while its champion holds the title hostage.
With Cotto set to fight Margarito next month and Paul Williams – who defeated Margarito last summer – gaining revenge in emphatic fashion against prior conqueror Carlos Quintana this past weekend, there’s a direct path to the matchup that will produce the next linear welterweight champion.
Mayweather’s departure also puts promising young undefeated contender Andre Berto one step closer to his first alphabet title, and the rest of the division in position to one day soon challenge for the top spot
The more favorable scenario would have Mayweather taking on all comers and defending his reign with an iron fist (or at least a pair of Winning gloves). But stepping away from the game at this time is the next best thing. If Floyd no longer possesses the desire to face the very best, or even climb through the ropes for more money than the combined purses of any three fighters not named Oscar de la Hoya, then he’s getting out of the game at the right time.
Fans may seek the boxing version of James Dean, for its participants to live fast and leave a good looking corpse. Instead, Mayweather lived and played by his own rules, and from it carved out a Hall of Fame career – unanimous vote, first ballot - and collected enough ends to where many generations of his family are financially set for life.
Rather than complain about what could’ve been, boxing fans will now get to enjoy what will become. With the welterweight division thriving and the sport in need of developing new stars rather than always default to the names of old, Floyd Mayweather Jr’s retirement indirectly gives back to the sport, a feat of which he’s been accused for years of neglecting to perform.
With his departure, Floyd Mayweather Jr does right by boxing.
By Jake Donovan
Perhaps your stance is that he retired at the right time – on top, with his faculties still intact and bank account stuffed to the gills. Maybe you’re among those disappointed that he leaves the game without defending his linear crown against the world’s best welterweights. Or maybe, you don’t believe that he’s done for good, that the right fight - and more specifically, the right price to go along with it – lures him back into the ring.
Regardless of your stance, there’s no denying that Floyd Mayweather Jr’s sudden retirement announcement comes at a perfect time for the welterweight division and boxing as a whole.
The news came about early Friday afternoon, preceding an already active boxing weekend that included two major fight cards and the annual Hall of Fame inductions in Canastota. Yet with so much going in on the sport, the major talk surrounded Money May, who hasn’t fought since last December and quite possibly will never fight again.
Should Mayweather decide to make it stick, his departure leaves vacancies galore. A new opponent is now needed for Oscar de la Hoya’s reserved September 20 PPV date. A new name will now appear atop the pound for pound rankings. Hopefully, a new welterweight champion can be crowned in the near future.
Most of the voids are easy to fill. There’s certainly no shortage of fighters willing to face the Golden Boy, and the golden payday that comes with it. Pound-for-pound? When number one loses, looks really bad or, in this case, retires, someone’s always automatically inserted into the top spot. Manny Pacquiao and Joe Calzaghe are already waiting in the wings, even already at the top on some lists.
The gaping hole atop the welterweight division will be the most difficult to produce in a timely fashion. Not because Mayweather is irreplaceable or that he enjoyed a linear title reign of legendary proportions, at least beyond the amount of money he collected while king. It’s because crowning a linear champion requires more than simply calling up a pinch hitter, or advancing the next highest ranked fighter by default.
The good news, though, is that a fight can be made to crown a new champion, something that wasn’t the case while Mayweather ruled the division. His lopsided title win over Carlos Baldomir in November 2006 was Mayweather’s only fight during his reign against an actual welterweight. His lone defense came last December, when he scored a 10th round knockout over Ricky Hatton, who was undefeated and coming up from junior welterweight for an event that drew 850,000 PPV buys in the states and turned Las Vegas into Little Manchester during fight week.
The win over Baldomir made Mayweather a legitimate world linear champion in three divisions - 130, 135 and 147 – while also collecting alphabet titles at 140 and 154. His fifth divisional title came in a win over Oscar de la Hoya last May in the most lucrative event in boxing history, drawing 2.4 million PPV buys, exceeding $130 million in TV revenue and a $19 million live gate.
Money aside, it was during his days in the lower weight classes where Mayweather provided his best body of work, even if to a much smaller audience than he’s enjoyed in recent years. A precocious junior lightweight, Mayweather picked up his first world title just 18 fights and less than two years into his pro career, dominating two-time titlist Genaro Hernandez before forcing him to quit on his stool after eight rounds.
A three-year reign was accentuated by his coming out party in January 2001, when he scored five knockdowns en route to a 10th round stoppage over Diego Corrales when both were undefeated and the best junior lightweights in the world. The win confirmed Mayweather’s status among the game’s very best, remaining a fixture at or near the top of most pound for pound rankings for the entire decade.
A closer-than-expected win in his first fight against Jose Luis Castillo was one of the few occasions where Mayweather was pushed to the limit in a fight of any kind. That the scores were so wide (Mayweather winning 8-9 rounds on all three cards in a fight many had him only winning anywhere from 5-7) bothered fans more so than his actually winning the fight.
But win he did throughout his 11 year career, scoring 39 wins, including 25 “by way of.” Even the most ardent haters can only come with two fights to argue about the final outcome – the first Castillo fight and the de la Hoya event last year. Both were examples of the subjectivity of scoring a prize fight, whether you prefer clean punching or aggression and the perception of the other fighter through the more telling punches.
The one common argument that surrounded his career from 140 on up was whether or not he any longer desired to test himself against the very best. A six-round bludgeoning of Arturo Gatti in June 2005 collected Mayweather a title in his third division, though at a time when Ricky Hatton was the division’s true champ, by virtue of a stoppage win over longtime junior welterweight kingpin Kostya Tszyu earlier in the month.
A Mayweather-Hatton bout would come about, only 2 ½ years later after the fact and one weight class up. A more objective view would reveal Hatton’s reluctance to sign on as the real reason the fight didn’t happen any sooner, but Floyd’s incredible self-confidence brought about disdain (and perhaps jealously) from enough fans to hold the superstar responsible for just about any major fight that didn’t come about.
The same could’ve also been said for a Mayweather-Cotto fight, a matchup Floyd personally asked for the moment he beat Gatti into submission. Cotto was in attendance that night, but questions about such a fight materializing was met with a response of “12-18 months away” from Top Rank regarding how long before the Puerto Rican would be ready for such a fight.
Already a troubled relationship, their inability to see eye to eye on the direction in which his career should go lead to the beginning of the end between Mayweather and Top Rank. Mayweather only wanted fights that would maximize his marketability, while promoter hoped to put in their star pupil with Antonio Margarito, a tough welterweight but not the type of draw that would further advance Mayweather’s star status, or so he believed.
The two split in November 2005 for one fight before hooking up in April 2006 for a fight with Zab Judah. Mayweather carried on the PPV on his own, largely due to Judah’s unwillingness to participate in the promotional end of the bout. That he won the bout, almost marred by controversy following a mini-riot at the end of the 10th round, made the financial success of the event that much sweeter. A final tally of 375,000 buys confirmed Mayweather’s star status, especially considering that Judah was coming off of a loss.
However, when the next step was discussed, it was Margarito’s name that resurfaced. Mayweather decided enough was enough, and eventually bought out the remainder of his contract with Top Rank. A one-fight deal with Goossen-Tutor Promotions led to an $8 million payday - $8,000,001 to be exact, barely exceeding the amount offered by Top Rank for a Margarito fight – and winning the linear welterweight crown with the Baldomir fight.
Mayweather showed signs of growing frustrated with the sport, announcing his retirement at the post-fight presser. Few believed it would stick, and proved to be right after Floyd accepted the de la Hoya assignment. The actual fight itself was anything but memorable, but the buildup to the event far exceeded any other in recent boxing history.
A cross-country tour was followed by the launching of HBO’s award-winning “24/7” series, a four-part documentary giving viewers an inside view of the training camps and – to a limit – the personal lives of the two fighters. It was such a success that the network brought back the series – and Mayweather – for the December event with Hatton.
The 850,000 PPV buys in that fight brought Mayweather’s 2007 tally to over 3 million, and the fighter himself earning upwards of $50 million on the strength of two events.
Still, being the best fighter in the world, as well as the best-known active fighter, came with a heavy price. Earning your way to the top is one thing; maintaining your ranking is another. When talks surfaced of a long rest followed by possible rematches with de la Hoya and Hatton, fans and critics vehemently spoke out, feeling that, as welterweight champion, it was his obligation to defend against the best of his division.
One name in particular was repeatedly mentioned – Miguel Cotto, who was taking on top contenders from the moment he arrived in the division in late 2006. The one exception came in his last fight, a 5-round destruction of overmatched Alfonso Gomez, though a tune-up for a summer showdown with Margarito.
Mayweather wasn’t biting, though. While acknowledging Cotto’s status as a top welterweight, Team Money May insisted that the Puerto Rican’s star was merely on the rise, and not to where the two would make history should they finally meet in the ring.
It now looks as if we’ll never find out, if in fact Mayweather sticks to his guns and forever remains on the sidelines. Only now, the rest of the division can move on, rather than continue to fight each other while its champion holds the title hostage.
With Cotto set to fight Margarito next month and Paul Williams – who defeated Margarito last summer – gaining revenge in emphatic fashion against prior conqueror Carlos Quintana this past weekend, there’s a direct path to the matchup that will produce the next linear welterweight champion.
Mayweather’s departure also puts promising young undefeated contender Andre Berto one step closer to his first alphabet title, and the rest of the division in position to one day soon challenge for the top spot
The more favorable scenario would have Mayweather taking on all comers and defending his reign with an iron fist (or at least a pair of Winning gloves). But stepping away from the game at this time is the next best thing. If Floyd no longer possesses the desire to face the very best, or even climb through the ropes for more money than the combined purses of any three fighters not named Oscar de la Hoya, then he’s getting out of the game at the right time.
Fans may seek the boxing version of James Dean, for its participants to live fast and leave a good looking corpse. Instead, Mayweather lived and played by his own rules, and from it carved out a Hall of Fame career – unanimous vote, first ballot - and collected enough ends to where many generations of his family are financially set for life.
Rather than complain about what could’ve been, boxing fans will now get to enjoy what will become. With the welterweight division thriving and the sport in need of developing new stars rather than always default to the names of old, Floyd Mayweather Jr’s retirement indirectly gives back to the sport, a feat of which he’s been accused for years of neglecting to perform.
With his departure, Floyd Mayweather Jr does right by boxing.
Paul Williams: "I Want Cotto, Margarito or De La Hoya"
By Mark Vester
Paul "The Punisher" Williams is back in the welterweight mix in a big way. After being upset by Carlos Quintana in February, he won the rematch in explosive fashion by knocking Quintana out in the first-round of their rematch last Saturday at the Mohegan Sun. Williams reclaimed his WBO welterweight title and now targets all of the big names in the welterweight division.
"I want to fight Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Oscar De La Hoya. Any of those names," Williams said.
The main targert on Williams' radar is Cotto, who goes up against Margarito in a tough July showdown. Williams' promoter Dan Goossen would love to put together a fight between Cotto and Williams.
"De La Hoya doesn't want to fight him and neither does Shane Mosley. If Cotto beat Margarito, but doesn't want to fight Paul - then we must go back to what we have said in the past, that he is most feared fighter in boxing," Goossen told El Nuevo Dia. "Cotto has not said no to the fight. He does have a difficult fight ahead with Margarito, but he is somebody that we want to fight."
By Mark Vester
Paul "The Punisher" Williams is back in the welterweight mix in a big way. After being upset by Carlos Quintana in February, he won the rematch in explosive fashion by knocking Quintana out in the first-round of their rematch last Saturday at the Mohegan Sun. Williams reclaimed his WBO welterweight title and now targets all of the big names in the welterweight division.
"I want to fight Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Oscar De La Hoya. Any of those names," Williams said.
The main targert on Williams' radar is Cotto, who goes up against Margarito in a tough July showdown. Williams' promoter Dan Goossen would love to put together a fight between Cotto and Williams.
"De La Hoya doesn't want to fight him and neither does Shane Mosley. If Cotto beat Margarito, but doesn't want to fight Paul - then we must go back to what we have said in the past, that he is most feared fighter in boxing," Goossen told El Nuevo Dia. "Cotto has not said no to the fight. He does have a difficult fight ahead with Margarito, but he is somebody that we want to fight."
Ozell Nelson Speaks on a Jermain Taylor vs Jeff Lacy Clash
By Ryan Songalia
When Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy jumped to the pros after representing the United States in the 2000 Olympic games, it was inevitable that they'd one day cross paths in the paid ranks.
Few anticipated that their meeting would come in a crossroads fight.
"I always thought they'd fight a lot sooner," said Ozell Nelson, trainer and father figure to Jermain Taylor. "I think if they would have fought sooner it would have been a lot bigger."
As is, Taylor is on the rebound following two consecutive losses to Kelly Pavlik at 160 pounds while attempting to assimilate himself into the super middleweight division. Lacy has been flirting with a move up to light-heavyweight after his first loss to Joe Calzaghe in 2006. He has since won decisions over Vitali Tsypko and Peter Manfredo.
Still, with their name recognition and potential for fireworks, a fight between Taylor and Lacy remains a mouth-watering possibility for fight fans. That's if plans can be finalized between Dibella Entertainment, representing Taylor, 27-2 (17 KO), and Golden Boy Promotions, promoter of Lacy, 23-1 (17 KO).
Nelson, who guided Taylor through his amateur career, says Taylor has been "in and out" of the gym since dropping a twelve-round decision loss to Pavlik in February.
"He just comes in and hits the bag. Lately he has been off. He just came back from a cruise and picked up a little bit more weight than usual."
Lacy told the Tampa Tribune that he intended to move forward with a July tuneup bout before facing Taylor. If a tuneup could not be arranged then he would prefer to fight Taylor next year.
Lou Dibella has stated that a November date is currently in discussion.
"I feel he doesn't need a confidence booster fight before fighting Jeff Lacy," Nelson says, brushing aside a rust-shaking bout for Taylor. "Jermain loves to fight name guys. He's not known to take lesser fights. He and Jeff Lacy had talked about fighting each other. So it can happen but we're going to have to confer with our promoter and manager because they're the ones who make the decisions."
Ricardo Mayorga, Brian Vera and Felix Trinidad had been mentioned as potential opponents for Taylor, though none of those ideas made it past discussions. Lacy was scheduled to appear on the Shane Mosley-Zab Judah card before a Judah injury caused the entire event to be canceled.
Though nothing has been finalized, Nelson did not refrain from speculating on how the fight would play out. "I think style-wise they match up perfectly. Jeff Lacy is a strong guy on the inside with a good left hook, but I think he's a lot slower than Jermain Taylor.
"I'm positive Taylor would win."
Nelson became Taylor's chief second following the first Pavlik fight, ending an unimpressive four-fight tenure with Emmanuel Steward. Prior to that, Pat Burns had guided Taylor to a 25-0 record.
"Basically, we're just getting back to the basics, right where we came off from the amateurs. Using the jab more, not trying to knock people out with one punch and using more lateral movement."
By Ryan Songalia
When Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy jumped to the pros after representing the United States in the 2000 Olympic games, it was inevitable that they'd one day cross paths in the paid ranks.
Few anticipated that their meeting would come in a crossroads fight.
"I always thought they'd fight a lot sooner," said Ozell Nelson, trainer and father figure to Jermain Taylor. "I think if they would have fought sooner it would have been a lot bigger."
As is, Taylor is on the rebound following two consecutive losses to Kelly Pavlik at 160 pounds while attempting to assimilate himself into the super middleweight division. Lacy has been flirting with a move up to light-heavyweight after his first loss to Joe Calzaghe in 2006. He has since won decisions over Vitali Tsypko and Peter Manfredo.
Still, with their name recognition and potential for fireworks, a fight between Taylor and Lacy remains a mouth-watering possibility for fight fans. That's if plans can be finalized between Dibella Entertainment, representing Taylor, 27-2 (17 KO), and Golden Boy Promotions, promoter of Lacy, 23-1 (17 KO).
Nelson, who guided Taylor through his amateur career, says Taylor has been "in and out" of the gym since dropping a twelve-round decision loss to Pavlik in February.
"He just comes in and hits the bag. Lately he has been off. He just came back from a cruise and picked up a little bit more weight than usual."
Lacy told the Tampa Tribune that he intended to move forward with a July tuneup bout before facing Taylor. If a tuneup could not be arranged then he would prefer to fight Taylor next year.
Lou Dibella has stated that a November date is currently in discussion.
"I feel he doesn't need a confidence booster fight before fighting Jeff Lacy," Nelson says, brushing aside a rust-shaking bout for Taylor. "Jermain loves to fight name guys. He's not known to take lesser fights. He and Jeff Lacy had talked about fighting each other. So it can happen but we're going to have to confer with our promoter and manager because they're the ones who make the decisions."
Ricardo Mayorga, Brian Vera and Felix Trinidad had been mentioned as potential opponents for Taylor, though none of those ideas made it past discussions. Lacy was scheduled to appear on the Shane Mosley-Zab Judah card before a Judah injury caused the entire event to be canceled.
Though nothing has been finalized, Nelson did not refrain from speculating on how the fight would play out. "I think style-wise they match up perfectly. Jeff Lacy is a strong guy on the inside with a good left hook, but I think he's a lot slower than Jermain Taylor.
"I'm positive Taylor would win."
Nelson became Taylor's chief second following the first Pavlik fight, ending an unimpressive four-fight tenure with Emmanuel Steward. Prior to that, Pat Burns had guided Taylor to a 25-0 record.
"Basically, we're just getting back to the basics, right where we came off from the amateurs. Using the jab more, not trying to knock people out with one punch and using more lateral movement."
De La Hoya-Hatton Makes No Business Sense, For Oscar
By Mark Vester
The UK media has jumped on the theory that Ricky Hatton is now the frontrunner to become the next opponent for Oscar De La Hoya. De La Hoya was scheduled to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a September rematch. Those plans came crashing down when Mayweather announced his retirement last Friday. In the next few days, Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions, is going to reveal De La Hoya's next opponent.
Last year, De La Hoya was pushing hard for a fight with Hatton, but changed his mind very quickly after watching the Manchester superstar get dominated and knocked out by Mayweather last December. A few weeks ago, De La Hoya told Setanta Sports that he was not interested in Hatton fight.
"I'm a naturally bigger guy in a different weight class so I would rule it out," De La Hoya said. "Ricky's doing a tremendous job at 140 pounds where he feels comfortable. Where he can do a lot of great things. I would rule it out. Ricky's fighting at 140. That's where he feels most comfortable and that's where he belongs. I wouldn't advise him to go up to 147. Those few pounds make a big difference. If he feels comfortable at 140 he should stay there, which I am sure he will do."
Several weeks ago, Hatton signed a promotional contract with De La Hoya's company, Golden Boy. Based on the attendance figures of their recent most fights, Hatton is now a bigger draw than any other fighter in Golden Boy, including De La Hoya. Experts don't think Golden Boy is ready to "cash out" their new "cash cow" by throwing him in the ring with De La Hoya so quickly. Hatton's last performance against Lazcano did not convince anyone that a fight with De La Hoya is competitive bout.
The smart business plan is for Golden Boy to move Hatton along slowly by matching him against smaller opponents like Pacquiao or fighters who don't pose a physical threat like Malignaggi. Golden Boy, as a company, stands to make more money by getting the most fights they can out of Hatton.
By Mark Vester
The UK media has jumped on the theory that Ricky Hatton is now the frontrunner to become the next opponent for Oscar De La Hoya. De La Hoya was scheduled to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a September rematch. Those plans came crashing down when Mayweather announced his retirement last Friday. In the next few days, Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions, is going to reveal De La Hoya's next opponent.
Last year, De La Hoya was pushing hard for a fight with Hatton, but changed his mind very quickly after watching the Manchester superstar get dominated and knocked out by Mayweather last December. A few weeks ago, De La Hoya told Setanta Sports that he was not interested in Hatton fight.
"I'm a naturally bigger guy in a different weight class so I would rule it out," De La Hoya said. "Ricky's doing a tremendous job at 140 pounds where he feels comfortable. Where he can do a lot of great things. I would rule it out. Ricky's fighting at 140. That's where he feels most comfortable and that's where he belongs. I wouldn't advise him to go up to 147. Those few pounds make a big difference. If he feels comfortable at 140 he should stay there, which I am sure he will do."
Several weeks ago, Hatton signed a promotional contract with De La Hoya's company, Golden Boy. Based on the attendance figures of their recent most fights, Hatton is now a bigger draw than any other fighter in Golden Boy, including De La Hoya. Experts don't think Golden Boy is ready to "cash out" their new "cash cow" by throwing him in the ring with De La Hoya so quickly. Hatton's last performance against Lazcano did not convince anyone that a fight with De La Hoya is competitive bout.
The smart business plan is for Golden Boy to move Hatton along slowly by matching him against smaller opponents like Pacquiao or fighters who don't pose a physical threat like Malignaggi. Golden Boy, as a company, stands to make more money by getting the most fights they can out of Hatton.
Hatton Approached By Pacquiao, De La Hoya: No To Oscar
By Mark Vester
Ricky Hatton has been approached for bouts with Manny Pacquiao and with Oscar De La Hoya. De La Hoya was set to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a rematch on September 20. The fight was scrapped after Mayweather announced his retirement last Friday. Hatton was approached to fill the void, but his father, Ray Hatton, tells BBC Sport that a De la Hoya fight was turned down because Hatton would need more time to prepare for such a fight.
"An approach has been made but it would be too soon, Ricky only fought two weeks ago," Hatton Sr. said. "Oscar likes to fight in September because of Mexican Independence Day, but Ricky's chilling out at the moment and doing dad things."
He told the paper that his son is fully focused on the November bout with Paulie Malignaggi for the IBF junior welterweight title. Ricky is promoted by De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.
Hatton was also approached by the team of Manny Pacquiao, who challenges David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title in three-weeks. Ray feels the Pacquiao is a much better fight for his son and a fight they are very interested in.
"We were approached by Manny Pacquiao after the Mayweather fight and it's on the cards," said Hatton Sr. "Pacquiao's big at his weight and it would be a wonderful fight. They've just about got the two biggest followings in the world - where would you stage a fight like that? It's nice that these people are approaching him because it means Ricky can just sit back and not have to chase people. It's a wonderful position to be in."
Even though Mayweather retired, they would be willing to do a rematch if he ever came back.
"We always said to Floyd, you know where we are if you want the fight, but no massive plans have gone out of the window because of his retirement," said Hatton Sr. "Obviously, Ricky would have liked to have gone over that ground again because he thinks he never gave it his best shot in the first fight. If Mayweather beat him again, he could live with that. And you can never say never with Floyd, maybe if the money was there in 12 months he would change his mind. "
"But the Mayweather fight was only one fight that people were talking to us about and as far as Ricky is concerned, he's geared up to fight Paul Malignaggi in November. A few things still have to be tied up in terms of a venue and TV. Ricky would like to fight at Madison Square Garden [in New York], but we have to look at the financial implications
By Mark Vester
Ricky Hatton has been approached for bouts with Manny Pacquiao and with Oscar De La Hoya. De La Hoya was set to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a rematch on September 20. The fight was scrapped after Mayweather announced his retirement last Friday. Hatton was approached to fill the void, but his father, Ray Hatton, tells BBC Sport that a De la Hoya fight was turned down because Hatton would need more time to prepare for such a fight.
"An approach has been made but it would be too soon, Ricky only fought two weeks ago," Hatton Sr. said. "Oscar likes to fight in September because of Mexican Independence Day, but Ricky's chilling out at the moment and doing dad things."
He told the paper that his son is fully focused on the November bout with Paulie Malignaggi for the IBF junior welterweight title. Ricky is promoted by De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.
Hatton was also approached by the team of Manny Pacquiao, who challenges David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title in three-weeks. Ray feels the Pacquiao is a much better fight for his son and a fight they are very interested in.
"We were approached by Manny Pacquiao after the Mayweather fight and it's on the cards," said Hatton Sr. "Pacquiao's big at his weight and it would be a wonderful fight. They've just about got the two biggest followings in the world - where would you stage a fight like that? It's nice that these people are approaching him because it means Ricky can just sit back and not have to chase people. It's a wonderful position to be in."
Even though Mayweather retired, they would be willing to do a rematch if he ever came back.
"We always said to Floyd, you know where we are if you want the fight, but no massive plans have gone out of the window because of his retirement," said Hatton Sr. "Obviously, Ricky would have liked to have gone over that ground again because he thinks he never gave it his best shot in the first fight. If Mayweather beat him again, he could live with that. And you can never say never with Floyd, maybe if the money was there in 12 months he would change his mind. "
"But the Mayweather fight was only one fight that people were talking to us about and as far as Ricky is concerned, he's geared up to fight Paul Malignaggi in November. A few things still have to be tied up in terms of a venue and TV. Ricky would like to fight at Madison Square Garden [in New York], but we have to look at the financial implications
Who Should Paul Williams Fight Next
by James Slater, photo by Peter Mark Heintzelman - Now that he is seemingly back to his best form after annihilating in one swift round the only man to have beaten him in Carlos Quintana, the sky is the limit for Paul Williams. Maybe "The Punisher" will indeed go on to become the star many people felt he would after he beat Antonio Margarito. There are certainly no shortage of big and attractive fights out there for the now two-time WBO welterweight champion.
In an ideal world, who should the long-limbed southpaw face next? Well, it might not happen next, but should Williams face the winner of the upcoming Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito clash the fans would get the chance to see firsthand who the world's best welterweight is. However, Cotto and Margarito are not fighting until July and after what will presumably be a quite brutal and punishing bout the eventual winner (and loser, come to that) will need a few months to pass before being ready to fight again.. So it would likely be around November or December at the earliest before Williams could fight July's victor. That would very possibly be too long for "The Punisher" to remain idle. As such, it would be good sense for the WBO champ to take another fight in the meantime and then fight either Cotto or Margarito (for a second time) early next year.
It won't go down too well with a number of fans, but maybe Williams could fight Quintana for a third time in his fight before. Sure, he blew the Puerto Rican away in less than three minutes on Saturday, but the two are one-and-one. Quintana is reportedly up for the rubber match, too, and a third fight would settle the two fighters' differences once and for all. It's not a certainty by any means that such a fight would sell, but the angle that Quintana was caught cold in fight two could be used in the promotion. Or how about Williams taking on someone like Shane Mosley in his next fight, then fight Cotto or Margarito? That fight would surely sell and it would give Mosley a well deserved final shot at the big time.
Whoever Williams fights next it's going to be interesting. As long as he can continue to make 147 pounds comfortably and, more importantly, safely, the tall southpaw will have a chance to become the welterweight division's dominant force. Calling him "the new Tommy Hearns" may have been going too far, but the 1st round ice job "The Punisher" did on Quintana at the weekend was a display "The Hitman" would have been content with.
Hopefully Williams, who called out Cotto, Margarito and even De La Hoya after Saturday's win, will get the big fights he wants soon
by James Slater, photo by Peter Mark Heintzelman - Now that he is seemingly back to his best form after annihilating in one swift round the only man to have beaten him in Carlos Quintana, the sky is the limit for Paul Williams. Maybe "The Punisher" will indeed go on to become the star many people felt he would after he beat Antonio Margarito. There are certainly no shortage of big and attractive fights out there for the now two-time WBO welterweight champion.
In an ideal world, who should the long-limbed southpaw face next? Well, it might not happen next, but should Williams face the winner of the upcoming Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito clash the fans would get the chance to see firsthand who the world's best welterweight is. However, Cotto and Margarito are not fighting until July and after what will presumably be a quite brutal and punishing bout the eventual winner (and loser, come to that) will need a few months to pass before being ready to fight again.. So it would likely be around November or December at the earliest before Williams could fight July's victor. That would very possibly be too long for "The Punisher" to remain idle. As such, it would be good sense for the WBO champ to take another fight in the meantime and then fight either Cotto or Margarito (for a second time) early next year.
It won't go down too well with a number of fans, but maybe Williams could fight Quintana for a third time in his fight before. Sure, he blew the Puerto Rican away in less than three minutes on Saturday, but the two are one-and-one. Quintana is reportedly up for the rubber match, too, and a third fight would settle the two fighters' differences once and for all. It's not a certainty by any means that such a fight would sell, but the angle that Quintana was caught cold in fight two could be used in the promotion. Or how about Williams taking on someone like Shane Mosley in his next fight, then fight Cotto or Margarito? That fight would surely sell and it would give Mosley a well deserved final shot at the big time.
Whoever Williams fights next it's going to be interesting. As long as he can continue to make 147 pounds comfortably and, more importantly, safely, the tall southpaw will have a chance to become the welterweight division's dominant force. Calling him "the new Tommy Hearns" may have been going too far, but the 1st round ice job "The Punisher" did on Quintana at the weekend was a display "The Hitman" would have been content with.
Hopefully Williams, who called out Cotto, Margarito and even De La Hoya after Saturday's win, will get the big fights he wants soon
Andre Berto vs Miguel Rodriguez on June 21
NEW YORK (June 9, 2008) -- DiBella Entertainment in association with Prize Fight Promotions will present a night of boxing action LIVE at FedExForum in downtown Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday June 21. “Memphis is a great place to do an event, and I do need my fix of barbecue and blues,” says DiBella Entertainment head Lou DiBella..
Headlining the card will be undefeated NABF Welterweight Champion Andre Berto (21-0, 18 KO’s) as he goes up against talented Mexican veteran Miguel “Mikki” Rodriguez (29-2, 23 KO’s), a matchup of two of the biggest punchers in the division.
In Berto’s last fight on February 9 in Temecula, CA, he steamrolled through Michel Trabant (43-3-1, 19 KO’s), forcing the referee to stop the fight in the 6th round. Rodriguez last fought on September 29, 2007 in Sacramento where he scored a ten-round unanimous decision victory over Jerome Ellis. Berto and Rodriguez are ranked numbers one and two respectively at welterweight by the World Boxing Council. This fight will be Berto’s third professional appearance in front of Memphis fight fans at FedExForum.
The co-feature that evening will showcase America’s two best young, undefeated heavyweights as DBE’s “The Gentleman” Chazz Witherspoon (23-0, 15 KO’s) steps into the ring against Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (23-0, 21 KO’s). This matchup provides something that is desperately needed in today’s heavyweight division…a top American challenger in the heavyweight division. "This is just what the heavyweight division needs, two bright, young, undefeated hungry fighters looking to establish the future of the division in one fell swoop," said Goosen Tutor head Dan Goosen.
Undefeated NABO Flyweight Champion Rayonta Whitfield (21-0, 10 KO’s) will also be part of the loaded undercard in Memphis. The Augusta, Georgia native is ranked number one in the world by the World Boxing Organization. “We’re excited that DBE is now apart of Team Whitfield who we feel is the best flyweight in the world today. Lou and his staff will create some new and exciting opportunities for all of us,” said Prize Fight head Brian Young.
NEW YORK (June 9, 2008) -- DiBella Entertainment in association with Prize Fight Promotions will present a night of boxing action LIVE at FedExForum in downtown Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday June 21. “Memphis is a great place to do an event, and I do need my fix of barbecue and blues,” says DiBella Entertainment head Lou DiBella..
Headlining the card will be undefeated NABF Welterweight Champion Andre Berto (21-0, 18 KO’s) as he goes up against talented Mexican veteran Miguel “Mikki” Rodriguez (29-2, 23 KO’s), a matchup of two of the biggest punchers in the division.
In Berto’s last fight on February 9 in Temecula, CA, he steamrolled through Michel Trabant (43-3-1, 19 KO’s), forcing the referee to stop the fight in the 6th round. Rodriguez last fought on September 29, 2007 in Sacramento where he scored a ten-round unanimous decision victory over Jerome Ellis. Berto and Rodriguez are ranked numbers one and two respectively at welterweight by the World Boxing Council. This fight will be Berto’s third professional appearance in front of Memphis fight fans at FedExForum.
The co-feature that evening will showcase America’s two best young, undefeated heavyweights as DBE’s “The Gentleman” Chazz Witherspoon (23-0, 15 KO’s) steps into the ring against Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (23-0, 21 KO’s). This matchup provides something that is desperately needed in today’s heavyweight division…a top American challenger in the heavyweight division. "This is just what the heavyweight division needs, two bright, young, undefeated hungry fighters looking to establish the future of the division in one fell swoop," said Goosen Tutor head Dan Goosen.
Undefeated NABO Flyweight Champion Rayonta Whitfield (21-0, 10 KO’s) will also be part of the loaded undercard in Memphis. The Augusta, Georgia native is ranked number one in the world by the World Boxing Organization. “We’re excited that DBE is now apart of Team Whitfield who we feel is the best flyweight in the world today. Lou and his staff will create some new and exciting opportunities for all of us,” said Prize Fight head Brian Young.
NBC Sports to Showcase the USA Boxing Olympic Invitational in a National Broadcast Ju
The first-ever USA Boxing Olympic Invitational, will be featured in a nationwide broadcast on NBC leading into the U.S. Open Golf Championship at 3 p.m. EST on Sunday, June 14. The event showcased four of the United States boxers who will compete in this summer’s Beijing Olympic Games in head-to-head match-ups with fellow Olympians..
The Invitational was one of the final competitions for the Olympic teams from China, Brazil and the United States. Light flyweight Luis Yanez (Duncanville, Texas); bantamweight Gary Russell, Jr. (Capitol Heights, Md.); lightweight Sadam Ali (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and heavyweight Deontay Wilder (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) all competed in the unique, international event
In addition to the world class athletes in the ring, top-level commentators will serve as ringside talent, with NBC Olympic announcers Teddy Atlas and Bob Papa calling the bouts and the renowned Jim Gray conducting interviews.
"We're delighted that a number of our Olympic boxers will be showcased to a national television audience," commented USA Boxing CEO, Jim Millman. "Increasing television exposure for our Olympic Team and National Team is an important priority for USA Boxing going forward, and NBC's Olympic commitment makes them a perfect broadcast partner for the event".
“We’re enthused about the improving prospects of USA Boxing and the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team,” commented NBC Sports Senior Vice President, Jon Miller. “We’d like to see greater exposure for the U.S. Team going forward.”
In addition to outstanding action and interviews from the USA Boxing Olympic Invitational, the broadcast will serve as an introduction for the American viewing people to all of the U.S. boxers who will be representing the United States this summer in Beijing. The telecast will showcase training clips from the members of the United States Olympic Team as well as highlights of the 2007 World Champions from the United States, Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Demetrius Andrade (Providence, R.I.).
The Olympic Invitational has received 100% clearance from NBC’s affiliated stations.
The first-ever USA Boxing Olympic Invitational, will be featured in a nationwide broadcast on NBC leading into the U.S. Open Golf Championship at 3 p.m. EST on Sunday, June 14. The event showcased four of the United States boxers who will compete in this summer’s Beijing Olympic Games in head-to-head match-ups with fellow Olympians..
The Invitational was one of the final competitions for the Olympic teams from China, Brazil and the United States. Light flyweight Luis Yanez (Duncanville, Texas); bantamweight Gary Russell, Jr. (Capitol Heights, Md.); lightweight Sadam Ali (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and heavyweight Deontay Wilder (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) all competed in the unique, international event
In addition to the world class athletes in the ring, top-level commentators will serve as ringside talent, with NBC Olympic announcers Teddy Atlas and Bob Papa calling the bouts and the renowned Jim Gray conducting interviews.
"We're delighted that a number of our Olympic boxers will be showcased to a national television audience," commented USA Boxing CEO, Jim Millman. "Increasing television exposure for our Olympic Team and National Team is an important priority for USA Boxing going forward, and NBC's Olympic commitment makes them a perfect broadcast partner for the event".
“We’re enthused about the improving prospects of USA Boxing and the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team,” commented NBC Sports Senior Vice President, Jon Miller. “We’d like to see greater exposure for the U.S. Team going forward.”
In addition to outstanding action and interviews from the USA Boxing Olympic Invitational, the broadcast will serve as an introduction for the American viewing people to all of the U.S. boxers who will be representing the United States this summer in Beijing. The telecast will showcase training clips from the members of the United States Olympic Team as well as highlights of the 2007 World Champions from the United States, Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Demetrius Andrade (Providence, R.I.).
The Olympic Invitational has received 100% clearance from NBC’s affiliated stations.
The Best Fight the Best
Great champions last a long time, defend frequently and duck no one --Anonymous
He who is not curageous enoughto take risks will accomplish nothing in life. --Mohammad Ali
By Ted Sares: Back in the day, the best always fought the best, or so it seemd. I can recall Ezzard Charles, Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott doing their round robin. Even Marciano got into that mix. Kid Gavilan never backed down from an opponent, nor did tough hombres like Chico Vejar, Joey Giardello, Emile Griffith, Dick Tiger, and, of course, the great Sugar Ray Robinson (who had 24 fights with Hall of Famers alone). George Chuvalo fought anyone who was anyone and Archie Moore had 229 total fights which says it all. The heavyweights in the 70’s never avoided one another. In still another era, Alan Minter, Tommy Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Wilfred Benitez and Sugar Ray Leonard did it. I could go on and on, but hopefully I have made my point--which brings me to 2008.
Between 2005 and 2007, Edison Miranda fought Sherwin Davis, Howard Eastman, Arthur Abraham Willie Gibbs, Allen Green and Kelly Pavlik in succession He is now scheduled to war with Abraham again. Miranda is old school; he fights superior opposition. So does Joe Calzaghe who risked his great legacy against tough Mikkel Kessler and Bernard Hopkins, and is now poised to risk it once against Kelly Pavlik. Jermain Taylor duked in succession Pavlik twice, Winky Wright, Cory Spinks, Kassim Ouma and Bernard Hopkins twice—all champions at one time or another. That’s some very impressive risk taking.
On July 26, Miguel “Junito” Cotto takes on Antonio “Tony” Margarito in a fight that can only be described as mouth watering. Junito and Tony are warriors who would not have it any other way. Paul Williams waits in the background and if he calls out and fights the winner, he will join this select company. The always willing Sugar Shane Mosley lurks as well. There are many other who are willing to participate.
Certainly, Oscar De La Hoya sought out great opposition, but this seemed to change in the later part of his career in a way that suited his personal time table and desire for mega purses. Oscar is many things, but one of them is not stupid. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has recently announced his “retirement,” but I don’t believe that for one minute. Sure, two consecutive wins over Hatton and an inspired Oscar are impressive, but has he really risked his legacy? Has he really tested himself to the max?
If Floyd indeed stays retired, he will be a slam dunk for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, but unless and until he engages in the macho round robin that involves Cotto, Margarito, Williams and Mosley, he will not be considered an all time great in my book.
After all, the best fight the best.
Great champions last a long time, defend frequently and duck no one --Anonymous
He who is not curageous enoughto take risks will accomplish nothing in life. --Mohammad Ali
By Ted Sares: Back in the day, the best always fought the best, or so it seemd. I can recall Ezzard Charles, Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott doing their round robin. Even Marciano got into that mix. Kid Gavilan never backed down from an opponent, nor did tough hombres like Chico Vejar, Joey Giardello, Emile Griffith, Dick Tiger, and, of course, the great Sugar Ray Robinson (who had 24 fights with Hall of Famers alone). George Chuvalo fought anyone who was anyone and Archie Moore had 229 total fights which says it all. The heavyweights in the 70’s never avoided one another. In still another era, Alan Minter, Tommy Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Wilfred Benitez and Sugar Ray Leonard did it. I could go on and on, but hopefully I have made my point--which brings me to 2008.
Between 2005 and 2007, Edison Miranda fought Sherwin Davis, Howard Eastman, Arthur Abraham Willie Gibbs, Allen Green and Kelly Pavlik in succession He is now scheduled to war with Abraham again. Miranda is old school; he fights superior opposition. So does Joe Calzaghe who risked his great legacy against tough Mikkel Kessler and Bernard Hopkins, and is now poised to risk it once against Kelly Pavlik. Jermain Taylor duked in succession Pavlik twice, Winky Wright, Cory Spinks, Kassim Ouma and Bernard Hopkins twice—all champions at one time or another. That’s some very impressive risk taking.
On July 26, Miguel “Junito” Cotto takes on Antonio “Tony” Margarito in a fight that can only be described as mouth watering. Junito and Tony are warriors who would not have it any other way. Paul Williams waits in the background and if he calls out and fights the winner, he will join this select company. The always willing Sugar Shane Mosley lurks as well. There are many other who are willing to participate.
Certainly, Oscar De La Hoya sought out great opposition, but this seemed to change in the later part of his career in a way that suited his personal time table and desire for mega purses. Oscar is many things, but one of them is not stupid. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has recently announced his “retirement,” but I don’t believe that for one minute. Sure, two consecutive wins over Hatton and an inspired Oscar are impressive, but has he really risked his legacy? Has he really tested himself to the max?
If Floyd indeed stays retired, he will be a slam dunk for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, but unless and until he engages in the macho round robin that involves Cotto, Margarito, Williams and Mosley, he will not be considered an all time great in my book.
After all, the best fight the best.
Now Who Is The Best In The World At Welterweight?
by James Slater, photo by Peter Mark Heintzelman - If yesterday afternoon, you'd asked the average fight fan who the best 147 pound fighter in the world was, chances are the name Miguel Cotto would have been widely heard. For with Floyd Mayweather retired (for now at least) Cotto seemed the obvious choice for the fighter to take over at the top of all things welterweight.
But then, once again redefining himself as a truly frightening force at welterweight with his one round destruction of Carlos Quintana last night, Paul Williams must now be looked at as the serious contender for today's very best welterweight - as many believed he was a few months back. Making it seem more than clear that his previous points loss to Quintana was nothing but a blip on the way towards greatness, "The Punisher" is now back in the position he was in after he'd beaten the Mexican tough guy that is Antonio Margarito. Quite simply, "The Punisher" is back!
So it basically comes down to either Cotto or Williams when deciding who the world's best welterweight is right now. Who do you like? Cotto is unbeaten, holds the WBA belt and has excellent wins over Zab Judah, Shane Mosley and Quintana. While Williams, who holds the WBO strap, has avenged his only loss with a ruthless ability and has equally good wins over Margarito and Quintana. So who is the better fighter?
It must be remembered that while Cotto is getting a lot of credit (and rightfully so) for taking on Margarito in July, Williams has already beaten "Tony," the fighter who arguably will be the best welterweight Cotto has ever faced. And Cotto's 5th round retirement win over Quintana - Cotto being the only other man to have beaten the 31-year-old southpaw - has now been eclipsed by Williams' awesome one round display. Had Williams done what he is capable of back in February, instead of losing a close decision to the Puerto Rican, it is likely people would still be talking about "The Punisher" as the absolute monster of the 147 pound division today.
Should he be being referred to as such now anyway, though? Sure, his points loss cannot be erased, but hasn't the 6'1" southpaw done the next best thing by utterly destroying the capable Quintana? And don't forget, Williams' loss to Quintana was a pretty close decision. Had the 26-year-old been as focused as he should've been back in February it's totally possible he would not have lost. In any case, Williams is back where he was and he's making fans who said he was overrated eat their words.
Does this make him a better fighter than Cotto though? Both are great fighters and are more than capable of looking after the welterweight division in Floyd Mayweather's absence. Only a showdown between the Puerto Rican star and the American sensation will tell us once and for all who the best welterweight in today's division is. In the meantime, Cotto has Margarito to take care of in July.
Should Margarito cause the upset and beat Cotto, the choice of who the best on the planet at 147 pounds is will then be between two different two fighters - Margarito and Williams. But then again, hasn't Williams already beaten Margarito? He sure has. And if Cotto cannot, then what? You get the picture.
The best weight class in boxing today is once again looking as though it's number one operator just might be a freakishly tall southpaw who currently holds the WBO title!
by James Slater, photo by Peter Mark Heintzelman - If yesterday afternoon, you'd asked the average fight fan who the best 147 pound fighter in the world was, chances are the name Miguel Cotto would have been widely heard. For with Floyd Mayweather retired (for now at least) Cotto seemed the obvious choice for the fighter to take over at the top of all things welterweight.
But then, once again redefining himself as a truly frightening force at welterweight with his one round destruction of Carlos Quintana last night, Paul Williams must now be looked at as the serious contender for today's very best welterweight - as many believed he was a few months back. Making it seem more than clear that his previous points loss to Quintana was nothing but a blip on the way towards greatness, "The Punisher" is now back in the position he was in after he'd beaten the Mexican tough guy that is Antonio Margarito. Quite simply, "The Punisher" is back!
So it basically comes down to either Cotto or Williams when deciding who the world's best welterweight is right now. Who do you like? Cotto is unbeaten, holds the WBA belt and has excellent wins over Zab Judah, Shane Mosley and Quintana. While Williams, who holds the WBO strap, has avenged his only loss with a ruthless ability and has equally good wins over Margarito and Quintana. So who is the better fighter?
It must be remembered that while Cotto is getting a lot of credit (and rightfully so) for taking on Margarito in July, Williams has already beaten "Tony," the fighter who arguably will be the best welterweight Cotto has ever faced. And Cotto's 5th round retirement win over Quintana - Cotto being the only other man to have beaten the 31-year-old southpaw - has now been eclipsed by Williams' awesome one round display. Had Williams done what he is capable of back in February, instead of losing a close decision to the Puerto Rican, it is likely people would still be talking about "The Punisher" as the absolute monster of the 147 pound division today.
Should he be being referred to as such now anyway, though? Sure, his points loss cannot be erased, but hasn't the 6'1" southpaw done the next best thing by utterly destroying the capable Quintana? And don't forget, Williams' loss to Quintana was a pretty close decision. Had the 26-year-old been as focused as he should've been back in February it's totally possible he would not have lost. In any case, Williams is back where he was and he's making fans who said he was overrated eat their words.
Does this make him a better fighter than Cotto though? Both are great fighters and are more than capable of looking after the welterweight division in Floyd Mayweather's absence. Only a showdown between the Puerto Rican star and the American sensation will tell us once and for all who the best welterweight in today's division is. In the meantime, Cotto has Margarito to take care of in July.
Should Margarito cause the upset and beat Cotto, the choice of who the best on the planet at 147 pounds is will then be between two different two fighters - Margarito and Williams. But then again, hasn't Williams already beaten Margarito? He sure has. And if Cotto cannot, then what? You get the picture.
The best weight class in boxing today is once again looking as though it's number one operator just might be a freakishly tall southpaw who currently holds the WBO title!
Arum says Pavlik vs Calzaghe is the #1 Priority
By Matt Richardson
After less than 10 minutes of actual ring work, there wasn’t much to discuss about middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik’s destruction of Gary Lockett at the post-fight press conference on Saturday. So the attention, then, went directly to the champion’s next opponent. And according to all involved it could be super middleweight and light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe on October 18.
“That’s going to be a monster,” Bob Arum, Pavlik’s promoter said as a smile spread across his face. “I’m talking with (Calzaghe promoter) Frank Warren. We’ve been talking for the past few days. I have to say the talks so far have been very productive. I’m very optimistic for the fight to take place on October 18.”
“I’ll fight anybody,” Pavlik (34-0, 30 KO’s) said afterward. “I’ll go over to Wales as long as HBO comes along with me because you really have to put a guy on the stretcher to get a decision over there. My job is to go in there and fight. A lot of people recognize me as the undisputed middleweight champion but I do want those other belts too. They’re nice and I want to put them in my trophy case.”
While the other middleweight title-holders are tied up with defenses of their own (IBF titlist Arthur Abraham has a rematch against Edison Miranda while WBA belt-holder Felix Sturm faces Randy Griffin) Pavlik could wind up fighting Marco Antonio Rubio in September, should a Calzaghe fight fail to materialize.
“The fight we’re trying to get made is Calzaghe at 168,” said Arum. “We’re very optimistic that it will be Calzaghe. If it’s Calzaghe it’ll be in October and if it’s somebody else it’ll be in September. I want Kelly to fight four times this year. He loves to train. He loves to fight. He is going to be one of the big, big superstars of boxing.” Asked if a potential Calzaghe-Roy Jones fight could nix plans for a Pavlik encounter, Arum didn’t pull any punches. “If he fights Roy Jones it’s another old guy in a meaningless fight,” the promoter said.
Arum then went on to praise his fighter as the best middleweight boxer he has ever seen live. “It’s really true,” he said. “I’ve never seen a middleweight with his jab and punching power. Kelly Pavlik, mark my words, is the best middleweight I’ve ever seen.” As for his encounter with Lockett, there wasn’t much to say.
“Tonight was a great night for me,” said the still unbeaten champ. “The kid was a legitimate fighter. We studied the film. We knew what was going to happen. I stuck to my game plan like I always do. He was a strong fighter…he was the number one mandatory fighter, he wasn’t just somebody they picked out of the blue.”
Lockett (28-2, 20 KO’s) did not attend the press conference but was instead brought straight to the hospital after complaints of vision problems.
In the co-feature, Juan Manuel Lopez won the WBO junior featherweight title with a first round bludgeoning of Daniel Ponce de Leon. Lopez (22-0, 20 KO’s) dropped Ponce de Leon twice before the fight was called off with less than a minute left in the round. It was an emphatic win for a fighter Arum claims has a very bright future in the sport.
“This has been a long road but we’re finally here,” Lopez said. “I’m excited about this win tonight. I know tomorrow we’re going to celebrate in Puerto Rico with all my fans and I just want to say thank you.”
Ponce de Leon (34-2, 30 KO’s) did not attend the press conference either and was also brought straight to the hospital. “I came so confident and he surprised me,” he said in the ring directly after the conclusion of the bout. “I wanted to continue but I think the referee did his job. I want the rematch and the opportunity to get my title back
By Matt Richardson
After less than 10 minutes of actual ring work, there wasn’t much to discuss about middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik’s destruction of Gary Lockett at the post-fight press conference on Saturday. So the attention, then, went directly to the champion’s next opponent. And according to all involved it could be super middleweight and light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe on October 18.
“That’s going to be a monster,” Bob Arum, Pavlik’s promoter said as a smile spread across his face. “I’m talking with (Calzaghe promoter) Frank Warren. We’ve been talking for the past few days. I have to say the talks so far have been very productive. I’m very optimistic for the fight to take place on October 18.”
“I’ll fight anybody,” Pavlik (34-0, 30 KO’s) said afterward. “I’ll go over to Wales as long as HBO comes along with me because you really have to put a guy on the stretcher to get a decision over there. My job is to go in there and fight. A lot of people recognize me as the undisputed middleweight champion but I do want those other belts too. They’re nice and I want to put them in my trophy case.”
While the other middleweight title-holders are tied up with defenses of their own (IBF titlist Arthur Abraham has a rematch against Edison Miranda while WBA belt-holder Felix Sturm faces Randy Griffin) Pavlik could wind up fighting Marco Antonio Rubio in September, should a Calzaghe fight fail to materialize.
“The fight we’re trying to get made is Calzaghe at 168,” said Arum. “We’re very optimistic that it will be Calzaghe. If it’s Calzaghe it’ll be in October and if it’s somebody else it’ll be in September. I want Kelly to fight four times this year. He loves to train. He loves to fight. He is going to be one of the big, big superstars of boxing.” Asked if a potential Calzaghe-Roy Jones fight could nix plans for a Pavlik encounter, Arum didn’t pull any punches. “If he fights Roy Jones it’s another old guy in a meaningless fight,” the promoter said.
Arum then went on to praise his fighter as the best middleweight boxer he has ever seen live. “It’s really true,” he said. “I’ve never seen a middleweight with his jab and punching power. Kelly Pavlik, mark my words, is the best middleweight I’ve ever seen.” As for his encounter with Lockett, there wasn’t much to say.
“Tonight was a great night for me,” said the still unbeaten champ. “The kid was a legitimate fighter. We studied the film. We knew what was going to happen. I stuck to my game plan like I always do. He was a strong fighter…he was the number one mandatory fighter, he wasn’t just somebody they picked out of the blue.”
Lockett (28-2, 20 KO’s) did not attend the press conference but was instead brought straight to the hospital after complaints of vision problems.
In the co-feature, Juan Manuel Lopez won the WBO junior featherweight title with a first round bludgeoning of Daniel Ponce de Leon. Lopez (22-0, 20 KO’s) dropped Ponce de Leon twice before the fight was called off with less than a minute left in the round. It was an emphatic win for a fighter Arum claims has a very bright future in the sport.
“This has been a long road but we’re finally here,” Lopez said. “I’m excited about this win tonight. I know tomorrow we’re going to celebrate in Puerto Rico with all my fans and I just want to say thank you.”
Ponce de Leon (34-2, 30 KO’s) did not attend the press conference either and was also brought straight to the hospital. “I came so confident and he surprised me,” he said in the ring directly after the conclusion of the bout. “I wanted to continue but I think the referee did his job. I want the rematch and the opportunity to get my title back