Boxing News Thread
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"Joe Calzaghe is Scared of Kelly Pavlik," Says Jack Loew
By Mark Vester
Jack Loew, trainer of WBC/WBO middleweight Kelly Pavlik (34-0, 30 KOs), says Joe Calzaghe (45-0, 32 KOs) is running scared from his fighter. Top Rank has been trying to negotiate with Calzaghe's promoter Frank Warren to make the fight. Last week, Calzaghe announced that he was more interested in fighting Roy Jones Jr. He said Pavlik was not a big enough name to become the final opponent of his career.
"What a perfect way to finish my career by fighting one of the greats of this generation," Calzaghe told BBC Radio Wales. "It'll be the fight of my life. I haven't started training yet but once a date is confirmed I'll get back down to business. Fighting the greatest fighter of the 1990s would be the perfect way to finish off my career. But he'll be fighting the greatest fighter of the millennium."
Loew is not buying what he calls "excuses" coming from Calzaghe. He says the Welsh fighter is showing fear.
“How many more excuses is this guy going to make?” Loew told writer Joe Scalzo. “If Joe Calzaghe fought Kelly, he’d be in trouble. There’s no way he’d beat Kelly. He’s just a slap-happy Welshman.”
He doesn't blame Calzaghe, he says Jones is the safer fight. A few weeks ago, Pavlik demolished Calzaghe's stablemate Gary Lockett in Atlantic City. Loew says that Calzaghe's dad/trainer Enzo (who trained Lockett) ran back to Wales and told his son to avoid Pavlik.
“It’s a smarter fight,” Loew said of Calzaghe-Jones. “This is what happened: His dad went back and said, ‘Don’t fight this killer. He’s gonna knock you out.’ I’m [ticked] off. He’s telling us that we don’t want to fight him. Yes, we do want to fight Joe Calzaghe. He doesn’t want to fight Kelly Pavlik."
Loew says Pavlik's next bout will come to Cleveland and whoever the opponent is - they will receive the same beating as Lockett.
“Any middleweight who goes into the ring with Kelly over the next few years is gonna get just what Gary Lockett got,” Loew said. “At 168-175, the guys are bigger and stronger and can take better shots, but Kelly should clean out anyone in the middleweight division in three, four, five rounds.”
By Mark Vester
Jack Loew, trainer of WBC/WBO middleweight Kelly Pavlik (34-0, 30 KOs), says Joe Calzaghe (45-0, 32 KOs) is running scared from his fighter. Top Rank has been trying to negotiate with Calzaghe's promoter Frank Warren to make the fight. Last week, Calzaghe announced that he was more interested in fighting Roy Jones Jr. He said Pavlik was not a big enough name to become the final opponent of his career.
"What a perfect way to finish my career by fighting one of the greats of this generation," Calzaghe told BBC Radio Wales. "It'll be the fight of my life. I haven't started training yet but once a date is confirmed I'll get back down to business. Fighting the greatest fighter of the 1990s would be the perfect way to finish off my career. But he'll be fighting the greatest fighter of the millennium."
Loew is not buying what he calls "excuses" coming from Calzaghe. He says the Welsh fighter is showing fear.
“How many more excuses is this guy going to make?” Loew told writer Joe Scalzo. “If Joe Calzaghe fought Kelly, he’d be in trouble. There’s no way he’d beat Kelly. He’s just a slap-happy Welshman.”
He doesn't blame Calzaghe, he says Jones is the safer fight. A few weeks ago, Pavlik demolished Calzaghe's stablemate Gary Lockett in Atlantic City. Loew says that Calzaghe's dad/trainer Enzo (who trained Lockett) ran back to Wales and told his son to avoid Pavlik.
“It’s a smarter fight,” Loew said of Calzaghe-Jones. “This is what happened: His dad went back and said, ‘Don’t fight this killer. He’s gonna knock you out.’ I’m [ticked] off. He’s telling us that we don’t want to fight him. Yes, we do want to fight Joe Calzaghe. He doesn’t want to fight Kelly Pavlik."
Loew says Pavlik's next bout will come to Cleveland and whoever the opponent is - they will receive the same beating as Lockett.
“Any middleweight who goes into the ring with Kelly over the next few years is gonna get just what Gary Lockett got,” Loew said. “At 168-175, the guys are bigger and stronger and can take better shots, but Kelly should clean out anyone in the middleweight division in three, four, five rounds.”
@206
Calzaghe isn't necesarily a young pup himself. The guy is 36 years old. I agree, he never traveled outside of Wales until of recent. So many boxers refuse to go out of their country, unless they have to (bounce back, etc). Hopkins never went anywhere, RJJ never left, and neither has Pavlik. None of them have ever defending anything off home turf, but US fans don't knock them. Would Pavlik be willing to travel to the UK or Wales for a fight? I couldn't answer that, but even though it would gross way more than a US showdown, they probably wouldn't go.
In regards of Taylor, he was fighting blown up welters. I actually thought Ouma had a decent chance, was hoping anyways...
In regards of Lacy, ya he was one dimentional. I wouldnt really consider Pavlik a cute (as Max always puts it) fighter. He's as diverse as old Manny Pacqiauo. Straight forward and throws down the pipe.
Ha, no more debating about it, we can both go back and forth on stats and opinions. Just let me ask you this, IF Calzaghe beat Pavlik. Then would you give him credit? Hey, I didn't give PBF a dime of credit until Hatton, and I still don't want to say he is the best of this era. Sometimes it takes one fight to turn someones opinion around, or do you just have a vendetta against Calzaghe (ie-PBF)?
Calzaghe isn't necesarily a young pup himself. The guy is 36 years old. I agree, he never traveled outside of Wales until of recent. So many boxers refuse to go out of their country, unless they have to (bounce back, etc). Hopkins never went anywhere, RJJ never left, and neither has Pavlik. None of them have ever defending anything off home turf, but US fans don't knock them. Would Pavlik be willing to travel to the UK or Wales for a fight? I couldn't answer that, but even though it would gross way more than a US showdown, they probably wouldn't go.
In regards of Taylor, he was fighting blown up welters. I actually thought Ouma had a decent chance, was hoping anyways...
In regards of Lacy, ya he was one dimentional. I wouldnt really consider Pavlik a cute (as Max always puts it) fighter. He's as diverse as old Manny Pacqiauo. Straight forward and throws down the pipe.
Ha, no more debating about it, we can both go back and forth on stats and opinions. Just let me ask you this, IF Calzaghe beat Pavlik. Then would you give him credit? Hey, I didn't give PBF a dime of credit until Hatton, and I still don't want to say he is the best of this era. Sometimes it takes one fight to turn someones opinion around, or do you just have a vendetta against Calzaghe (ie-PBF)?
It's different when the top dogs are in America. For example, when Roy Jones was king, why should he travel anywhere, let alone Wales to fight someone no one ever heard of at the time? That's ridiculous. Now that the tables have turned, Roy said he'll fight in Wales (and that's the way it should be).
I don't really have a problem with him never leaving Wales until recently, but like I said he protected that one belt for like 9 years before taking a challenge.
*For the record, Hopkins fought in France and Ecuador.
Yes, I would definitely give calzaghe credit and respect for fighting & beating Pavlik. As of right now I just think he's very overrated. Being ranked #2 on the p4p list seems funny to me since in my mind was protected for 98% of his career and fighting Roy Jones only further proves that theory.
I don't really have a problem with him never leaving Wales until recently, but like I said he protected that one belt for like 9 years before taking a challenge.
*For the record, Hopkins fought in France and Ecuador.
Yes, I would definitely give calzaghe credit and respect for fighting & beating Pavlik. As of right now I just think he's very overrated. Being ranked #2 on the p4p list seems funny to me since in my mind was protected for 98% of his career and fighting Roy Jones only further proves that theory.
The problem with Calzaghe is that he is ridiculously talented and slick but he hasn't done much to prove it.
People really don't give Pavlik credit for his boxing. The way he knocks people out is usually "straight down the pipe" but his defense is solid and he knows how to set up his punches perfectly. He makes it look easy. Watch the fights with Taylor, he sets up everything with the jab, throws a hook to drop Taylors glove and throws straight rights, picks his uppercuts and never wastes energy.
People really don't give Pavlik credit for his boxing. The way he knocks people out is usually "straight down the pipe" but his defense is solid and he knows how to set up his punches perfectly. He makes it look easy. Watch the fights with Taylor, he sets up everything with the jab, throws a hook to drop Taylors glove and throws straight rights, picks his uppercuts and never wastes energy.
God, this is annoying. Floyd doesn't fight a single ranked welterweight for 2 years, publicly retires, and the WBC still refuses to take his belt away? LMAO. In addition, this just screwed Andre Berto and Miguel Rodriguez who are fighting eachother for the vacated belt. Now their fight is basically pointless.........
:::::::::::::::::
Floyd Mayweather Jr. To Remain as WBC 147-Pld Champ?
By James Blears
World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman says that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will stay in place as the welterweight champion until he himself personally confirms his retirement to the sanctioning body.
The Floyd camp has already put out a press statement announcing his retirement in which he’s quoted, but Don Jose insisted: “Floyd Mayweather has not informed the WBC of his retirement from boxing. Therefore the WBC cannot consider him as retired. He will be kept as the welterweight champion of the world until such time when he comes and lets us know that he’s not continuing in boxing.”
Don Jose wants the personal confirmation from Floyd to properly clarify the situation, because: “I believe his retirement and I don’t. I believe it because he’s a multi millionaire, and he’s the best boxer in the world, he’s won all of his fights, he’s won five world championships of the WBC, which are the most respected in the world.
He’s also become a VIP in the world of entertainment. So considering all of these circumstances, he has a reason for retirement.
“But I have a little doubt, because Oscar De La Hoya and his people were negotiating for a fight this year. And perhaps Oscar was negotiating on the premises of wanting to make the same money as the first time, when he made two-thirds, and Floyd made one third. But by retiring, he (Floyd) would make Oscar come back to earth and negotiate much better circumstances with Floyd. That might be one possible ending.”
Editor's Note: If the WBC stays true to their word, it would mean that Andre Berto and Miguel "Mikki" Rodriguez, the highest ranked WBC welterweight contenders who collide on Saturday for the vacant title, would instead box-off for the "interim" title. The winner would also become the mandatory challenger to welterweight title. It really makes no difference because the winner will become the full champion in a few months when Mayweather fails to make the mandatory defense of the title per the WBC rules and regulations. The WBC should strip Mayweather on pure merit. Since winning the title in 2006 from Carlos Baldomir, he's failed to make a single defense of that title against a welterweight ranked by the WBC.
:::::::::::::::::
Floyd Mayweather Jr. To Remain as WBC 147-Pld Champ?
By James Blears
World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman says that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will stay in place as the welterweight champion until he himself personally confirms his retirement to the sanctioning body.
The Floyd camp has already put out a press statement announcing his retirement in which he’s quoted, but Don Jose insisted: “Floyd Mayweather has not informed the WBC of his retirement from boxing. Therefore the WBC cannot consider him as retired. He will be kept as the welterweight champion of the world until such time when he comes and lets us know that he’s not continuing in boxing.”
Don Jose wants the personal confirmation from Floyd to properly clarify the situation, because: “I believe his retirement and I don’t. I believe it because he’s a multi millionaire, and he’s the best boxer in the world, he’s won all of his fights, he’s won five world championships of the WBC, which are the most respected in the world.
He’s also become a VIP in the world of entertainment. So considering all of these circumstances, he has a reason for retirement.
“But I have a little doubt, because Oscar De La Hoya and his people were negotiating for a fight this year. And perhaps Oscar was negotiating on the premises of wanting to make the same money as the first time, when he made two-thirds, and Floyd made one third. But by retiring, he (Floyd) would make Oscar come back to earth and negotiate much better circumstances with Floyd. That might be one possible ending.”
Editor's Note: If the WBC stays true to their word, it would mean that Andre Berto and Miguel "Mikki" Rodriguez, the highest ranked WBC welterweight contenders who collide on Saturday for the vacant title, would instead box-off for the "interim" title. The winner would also become the mandatory challenger to welterweight title. It really makes no difference because the winner will become the full champion in a few months when Mayweather fails to make the mandatory defense of the title per the WBC rules and regulations. The WBC should strip Mayweather on pure merit. Since winning the title in 2006 from Carlos Baldomir, he's failed to make a single defense of that title against a welterweight ranked by the WBC.
I'm gettin tired of this era of easy champions, with so many different belts floating around its getting common for someone to grab one and float it for oh say 40+ fights. People used to talk shit about Jones Jr. having it easy...he moved up in weight classes and fought many undisputed champs both future and current. Its unfortunate this fight didn't happen sooner. I gotta pick Jones Jr. just in the hopes that Calsoggy gets exposed...
Hopkins fought but didn't defend there. That was way too early in his career. None of the fighters we mentioned left home turf to defend, other than Calzaghe 
I know Calzaghe fighting RJJ is for show and he isn't the best opponent out there. BUT, if it was Pavlik vs RJJ people we be like "DAMN, what a fight!!!". And Pavlik would be top dog. That's how it is, tell me I'm lying...
I know Calzaghe fighting RJJ is for show and he isn't the best opponent out there. BUT, if it was Pavlik vs RJJ people we be like "DAMN, what a fight!!!". And Pavlik would be top dog. That's how it is, tell me I'm lying...
Hopkins fought but didn't defend there. That was way too early in his career. None of the fighters we mentioned left home turf to defend, other than Calzaghe
Regardless, Calzaghe had one belt. If he wanted to unify (earlier then 10 years for example), he had opportunities to do so and make a name for himself rather then waiting 10 years to fight an american prospect. And this is boxing, sorry to say but the US is the boxing mecca of the world, if you want to be big time eventually you have to come here (Lennox Lewis, both Klitschko's for example never had a problem with this). And his lonely WBO belt that he had for so many years didn't really mean shit when there was way bigger names like Roy Jones or Tony for example.
I think you are wrong. I think if the tables were turned and Calzaghe was calling out Pavlik and Pavlik at first agreed, only to back out and take a fight with Roy Jones instead he would receive just as much criticism as Calzaghe is now and people would say Pavlik is ducking Calzaghe.
At the end of the day it comes down to money. Calzaghe has no reason in the world to come over here to fight Pavlik. The guy has nothing else to prove. He is looking for the money. He's not fighting to prove anything, that's for up and commers like Pavlik to do...so they CAN get paid. Calzaghe is past that, so he takes the RJJ fight. I'm sure if the money was right Calzaghe would do it. But the fact is, there is no way Pavlik can draw that much. The guy can only pack seats with local fans driving from Youngstown, at this point anyways. Who would be selling the PPV? It definately wouldnt be Pavlik. Take less money and fight a stronger opponent or take more money and fight a weaker opponent? It's a pretty simple decision.
All in all, I hate to say it but Pav would still lose
How would he win this one? Walking forward throwing right hands down the pipe all day?
Look at it from a sportsbook point of view. Who do you think would be the favorite. Id say the books would give Calzaghe -150 if not more. He opened at -280 against Hopkins, Pavlik would be lucky to cut that in half.
Long story short
1) Calzaghe has no reason to fight Pavlik, at all.
2) It would be a huge step up for Pavlik. That you have to agree with. You are basically stating he can handle the step up.
All in all, I hate to say it but Pav would still lose
How would he win this one? Walking forward throwing right hands down the pipe all day?
Look at it from a sportsbook point of view. Who do you think would be the favorite. Id say the books would give Calzaghe -150 if not more. He opened at -280 against Hopkins, Pavlik would be lucky to cut that in half.
Long story short
1) Calzaghe has no reason to fight Pavlik, at all.
2) It would be a huge step up for Pavlik. That you have to agree with. You are basically stating he can handle the step up.
rumors are he got offered 10 million to fight pavlik. something along those lines.
Calzaghe has nothing to prove? So his wins over 43 year old hopkins, untested kessler and an american prospect jeff lacy are enough to cement his legacy? the title defenses (actually mostly title defense) is great and all, but thats hardly the resume of an ATG.
And you're acting like Jones is still a superstar. The last time Jones fought someone on PPV that most americans never heard of (Hanshaw) 25,000 people ordered it. His numbers did well against Tito but Tito always sells fights.
Bottom line is Jones is 40 years old now, which makes this the second 40+ year old in a row for Calzaghe. Jones is waaaaaaaaaay past his prime and calzaghe is taking the "safe" way out. When people look at his resume, they'll say, "wow he beat both Hopkins and Roy Jones!" but anyone with any boxing knowledge would know that both Hopkins and Jones would KO Joe in their primes.
Calzaghe has nothing to prove? So his wins over 43 year old hopkins, untested kessler and an american prospect jeff lacy are enough to cement his legacy? the title defenses (actually mostly title defense) is great and all, but thats hardly the resume of an ATG.
And you're acting like Jones is still a superstar. The last time Jones fought someone on PPV that most americans never heard of (Hanshaw) 25,000 people ordered it. His numbers did well against Tito but Tito always sells fights.
Bottom line is Jones is 40 years old now, which makes this the second 40+ year old in a row for Calzaghe. Jones is waaaaaaaaaay past his prime and calzaghe is taking the "safe" way out. When people look at his resume, they'll say, "wow he beat both Hopkins and Roy Jones!" but anyone with any boxing knowledge would know that both Hopkins and Jones would KO Joe in their primes.
Jerson Ravelo: On a Date with Destiny
By Danny Serratelli, Brickcityboxing.com, photo by Tom Casino / Showtime - Expect a fight of the year candidate this Friday on Showtime when undefeated 2004 Olympic gold medalist Andre “S.O.G.” Ward, 15-0, 10 KO’s takes on The Brick City’s best, 200 Olympian, Jerson “SuperJerz” Ravelo 18-2, 12 KO’s. Promoter Dan Goossen recently said, "Ravelo is a fighter who's still on the upswing in his own career, so it's another good matchup at this point for Andre." It is hard to believe that Goosen really believes that Jerson is still on the upswing of his career and a major threat to his fighter, but he may be in for a rude awakening.
Word has been out time and time again that Jerson was damaged goods, but he has always possessed the total package as a fighter, and his heart, perseverance, confidence, skills and an undying determination are included in that package.. Unfortunately for Goosen and Ward, Ravelo prides himself on always staying in shape, is injury free for this fight and has had one of the best camps of his 8 year professional career.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jerson since he was an amateur where we trained together in the now defunct Red Brick Gym in East Newark for many years. My earliest memories of him are when he was ducked as an amateur in New Jersey, winning the National Golden Gloves and New Jersey’s Amateur Fighter of the Year a couple times. I remember disagreeing with him on the Oscar Delahoya vs. Pernell Whitaker (as I remember it, I thought the fight was very close, while Jerson agreed with the judges who had Oscar winning pretty easily), back in 1997. So I have known Jerson for at least 12 years and I have seen him spar hundreds of rounds, seen most of his professional fights and got to know him as a person outside of the gym.
After accomplishing his goal to make the Olympic team Ravelo advanced quickly as a professional. He was the first 2000 Olympian to go 10-0, and early on appeared to be way ahead of Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy (both former champions now). Early issues with trainers, managers and promoters presented problems early on in his career, followed by several untimely injuries. His powerful right hand was broken in at least three different fights against tough opponents in George Walton, Allen Green and Paul Buchanan, and has been hurt in the gym as well. In those fights, Jerson went 2-1, losing only to Green. The talented Allen Green would later say that Ravelo was the hardest puncher he ever faced. The statement was made after Green lost a unanimous decision to feared puncher Edison Miranda, who went after Green in the final round of their fight and knocked him down twice.
Jerson has experienced a multitude of highs and lows in boxing and in life, but he has refused to give up on his abilities no matter how down and out he has appeared. He has stayed the course and refused to give up no matter what doctors and jealous people have told him over the years.
Some people would say he has brought some of the problems upon himself due to the fact that he is very knowledgeable in both the fighting and the business sides of boxing. Despite the fact that he has always been willing to fight anyone any time, he has also had to keep an edge and stay smart to prevent promoters from taking advantage of him in this sport in which many people are used and abused and many believe are as good as your last fight, regardless of injuries, sickness, or personal problems. In every other major sport, baseball, basketball, football, and even MMA, failure is accepted and tolerated on a regular basis, you win some you lose some, but in boxing unless you are always perfect (and no one is) people are quick to turn on you.
After starting his career at 13-0, 10 KO’s he suffered his first defeat as a pro, to a very under rated opponent in David Lopez, in which Jerson was fighting under very adverse circumstances that many people are not privy to. He returned months later to defeat the rugged Muhammad Said. Ravelo would then be on the sideline for almost 2 years. It seemed he could not catch a break. He got to the point where he was having problems paying his gym dues, so he hung some bags in a garage and kept the faith. He was training himself for a while looking for fights on his own in a sport where fighters on their own are quickly relegated into journeyman who have to take whatever they can get on short notice with odds stacked against them.
Ravelo eventually found a way on to a couple of Lou DiBella’s Broadway Boxing shows and a small Main Events card. DiBella had been Jerson’s promoter early in his career, and they began to talk business again, but it wasn’t to be. Jerson’s search for a trainer would prove to be difficult.
After going through many including Jose Rosario, who trained him for many years, Mark Breland and Tommy Brooks, among others, he was surprised to find that people lost the faith in him. However, he knew he needed to stay strong for his family in body and in mind. He has a young son who lives with him and he has always known in his heart that boxing was his ticket. Even during the extended layoffs people from the neighborhood would always see Jerson running the streets of the Brick City, Newark New Jersey. In all the years I have known him, regardless of circumstances, I have never seen him where he did not look ready to go 12 tough rounds.
At one point after a couple surgeries to the hand and the issues with the back Jerson briefly started to question himself. He needed to make more money to support himself and his young son so he went to camp with Bernard Hopkins to help him get ready for Jermain Taylor and he also went to camp with Antonio Tarver to help him get ready for Roy Jones. Jerson was invigorated after these camps as he felt he had fared well with both champions. With all the problems he had persevered and overcame he realized, what does not kill you makes you stronger. Despite the fact that Tarver was heavily favored to beat Hopkins who was moving up 2 weight classes, Jerson told me way before the fight that Bernard was going to win the fight easily, which he did.
At one point, current champion Nate Campbell, another man with a great story of overcoming obstacles to win championships went out of his way to reach out to me to tell me how he always admired Jerson as a fighter. Campbell had been close with Jerson’s amateur rival, Jeff Lacy but told me that even back then as an amateur Jerson possessed a confidence as a fighter that he could see would carry him to the top.
After getting himself ready in the garage in 2006, Jerson scored three consecutive 1st round knockouts. He also finally settled on a trainer, Nettles Nassar, who has been with him ever since. Ravelo and Nassar are set on winning this belt and accomplishing Jerson’s ultimate goal of becoming world champion. Without a big promoter behind him, Jerson has had to take short money to fight very tough fighters like Allen Green and Andre Ward; he is determined to make the most of it this time.
This fight for the NABO super middleweight title has all the makings of a great fight. It will be the first time either fighter has been scheduled for a 12 round bout. Ravelo has been 10 rounds before while Ward has yet to go past 7. Ward will be the fastest fighter Ravelo has fought to date with the best pedigree while Jerson will be by far the most experienced and talented fighter that Ward has fought as a professional. Ravelo also appears to be the bigger, stronger fighter. Both of these men are classy and talented individuals and there has been no trash talk, just two hungry fighters with top notch talent saying how they have trained for this fight for their entire lives.
Ravelo truly believes in his heart that it is his destiny to be world champion. Five years ago most boxing people would have agreed, since that time many, if not most, have given up on him. Lesser men, who come from where Ravelo and I come from, wouldn’t have made it this far in an area of bad influences and trouble, surrounded by people who always want to drag you down. Jerson Ravelo has chosen the higher path. I know first hand how much he wants this and I know first hand how good he really is. I said it 12 years ago to anyone who wanted to talk boxing and I still say it now. Tune in on Friday night to Showtime and experience it for yourself.
By Danny Serratelli, Brickcityboxing.com, photo by Tom Casino / Showtime - Expect a fight of the year candidate this Friday on Showtime when undefeated 2004 Olympic gold medalist Andre “S.O.G.” Ward, 15-0, 10 KO’s takes on The Brick City’s best, 200 Olympian, Jerson “SuperJerz” Ravelo 18-2, 12 KO’s. Promoter Dan Goossen recently said, "Ravelo is a fighter who's still on the upswing in his own career, so it's another good matchup at this point for Andre." It is hard to believe that Goosen really believes that Jerson is still on the upswing of his career and a major threat to his fighter, but he may be in for a rude awakening.
Word has been out time and time again that Jerson was damaged goods, but he has always possessed the total package as a fighter, and his heart, perseverance, confidence, skills and an undying determination are included in that package.. Unfortunately for Goosen and Ward, Ravelo prides himself on always staying in shape, is injury free for this fight and has had one of the best camps of his 8 year professional career.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jerson since he was an amateur where we trained together in the now defunct Red Brick Gym in East Newark for many years. My earliest memories of him are when he was ducked as an amateur in New Jersey, winning the National Golden Gloves and New Jersey’s Amateur Fighter of the Year a couple times. I remember disagreeing with him on the Oscar Delahoya vs. Pernell Whitaker (as I remember it, I thought the fight was very close, while Jerson agreed with the judges who had Oscar winning pretty easily), back in 1997. So I have known Jerson for at least 12 years and I have seen him spar hundreds of rounds, seen most of his professional fights and got to know him as a person outside of the gym.
After accomplishing his goal to make the Olympic team Ravelo advanced quickly as a professional. He was the first 2000 Olympian to go 10-0, and early on appeared to be way ahead of Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy (both former champions now). Early issues with trainers, managers and promoters presented problems early on in his career, followed by several untimely injuries. His powerful right hand was broken in at least three different fights against tough opponents in George Walton, Allen Green and Paul Buchanan, and has been hurt in the gym as well. In those fights, Jerson went 2-1, losing only to Green. The talented Allen Green would later say that Ravelo was the hardest puncher he ever faced. The statement was made after Green lost a unanimous decision to feared puncher Edison Miranda, who went after Green in the final round of their fight and knocked him down twice.
Jerson has experienced a multitude of highs and lows in boxing and in life, but he has refused to give up on his abilities no matter how down and out he has appeared. He has stayed the course and refused to give up no matter what doctors and jealous people have told him over the years.
Some people would say he has brought some of the problems upon himself due to the fact that he is very knowledgeable in both the fighting and the business sides of boxing. Despite the fact that he has always been willing to fight anyone any time, he has also had to keep an edge and stay smart to prevent promoters from taking advantage of him in this sport in which many people are used and abused and many believe are as good as your last fight, regardless of injuries, sickness, or personal problems. In every other major sport, baseball, basketball, football, and even MMA, failure is accepted and tolerated on a regular basis, you win some you lose some, but in boxing unless you are always perfect (and no one is) people are quick to turn on you.
After starting his career at 13-0, 10 KO’s he suffered his first defeat as a pro, to a very under rated opponent in David Lopez, in which Jerson was fighting under very adverse circumstances that many people are not privy to. He returned months later to defeat the rugged Muhammad Said. Ravelo would then be on the sideline for almost 2 years. It seemed he could not catch a break. He got to the point where he was having problems paying his gym dues, so he hung some bags in a garage and kept the faith. He was training himself for a while looking for fights on his own in a sport where fighters on their own are quickly relegated into journeyman who have to take whatever they can get on short notice with odds stacked against them.
Ravelo eventually found a way on to a couple of Lou DiBella’s Broadway Boxing shows and a small Main Events card. DiBella had been Jerson’s promoter early in his career, and they began to talk business again, but it wasn’t to be. Jerson’s search for a trainer would prove to be difficult.
After going through many including Jose Rosario, who trained him for many years, Mark Breland and Tommy Brooks, among others, he was surprised to find that people lost the faith in him. However, he knew he needed to stay strong for his family in body and in mind. He has a young son who lives with him and he has always known in his heart that boxing was his ticket. Even during the extended layoffs people from the neighborhood would always see Jerson running the streets of the Brick City, Newark New Jersey. In all the years I have known him, regardless of circumstances, I have never seen him where he did not look ready to go 12 tough rounds.
At one point after a couple surgeries to the hand and the issues with the back Jerson briefly started to question himself. He needed to make more money to support himself and his young son so he went to camp with Bernard Hopkins to help him get ready for Jermain Taylor and he also went to camp with Antonio Tarver to help him get ready for Roy Jones. Jerson was invigorated after these camps as he felt he had fared well with both champions. With all the problems he had persevered and overcame he realized, what does not kill you makes you stronger. Despite the fact that Tarver was heavily favored to beat Hopkins who was moving up 2 weight classes, Jerson told me way before the fight that Bernard was going to win the fight easily, which he did.
At one point, current champion Nate Campbell, another man with a great story of overcoming obstacles to win championships went out of his way to reach out to me to tell me how he always admired Jerson as a fighter. Campbell had been close with Jerson’s amateur rival, Jeff Lacy but told me that even back then as an amateur Jerson possessed a confidence as a fighter that he could see would carry him to the top.
After getting himself ready in the garage in 2006, Jerson scored three consecutive 1st round knockouts. He also finally settled on a trainer, Nettles Nassar, who has been with him ever since. Ravelo and Nassar are set on winning this belt and accomplishing Jerson’s ultimate goal of becoming world champion. Without a big promoter behind him, Jerson has had to take short money to fight very tough fighters like Allen Green and Andre Ward; he is determined to make the most of it this time.
This fight for the NABO super middleweight title has all the makings of a great fight. It will be the first time either fighter has been scheduled for a 12 round bout. Ravelo has been 10 rounds before while Ward has yet to go past 7. Ward will be the fastest fighter Ravelo has fought to date with the best pedigree while Jerson will be by far the most experienced and talented fighter that Ward has fought as a professional. Ravelo also appears to be the bigger, stronger fighter. Both of these men are classy and talented individuals and there has been no trash talk, just two hungry fighters with top notch talent saying how they have trained for this fight for their entire lives.
Ravelo truly believes in his heart that it is his destiny to be world champion. Five years ago most boxing people would have agreed, since that time many, if not most, have given up on him. Lesser men, who come from where Ravelo and I come from, wouldn’t have made it this far in an area of bad influences and trouble, surrounded by people who always want to drag you down. Jerson Ravelo has chosen the higher path. I know first hand how much he wants this and I know first hand how good he really is. I said it 12 years ago to anyone who wanted to talk boxing and I still say it now. Tune in on Friday night to Showtime and experience it for yourself.