Boxing News Thread

[heyzel]

Why Did Kimbo Choose MMA Over Boxing

By Rahul Deb: MMA recently got its first exposure on network television when CBS broadcast the EliteXC fight card headlined by none other than internet sensation Kimbo Slice. It was a big step for MMA towards gaining mainstream recognition as a sport and some claim it is a matter of time before MMA passes boxing in popularity. Boxing as we know hasn’t had network tv airtime in many years. I had the pleasure of watching Kimbo Slice pop open the alien ear of James Thompson on route to a highly questionable stoppage.


Watching Kimbo struggle and almost get stopped against the extremely mediocre and limited Thompson made me wonder. Why did Kimbo choose to become a professional mixed martial artist as opposed to a professional boxer? After all, his only fighting experience is in street fights which
were basically old fashioned bare knuckled brawls. Fighters were not allowed to grapple and they are given counts after each knockdown exactly as in the sweet science. There were no elbows, knees, kicks or submissions allowed. In fact, the only fight Kimbo lost was against Sean Gannon,
a policeman with some MMA training. In the fight, Sean was able to tire Kimbo by choking him and grappling with him which Kimbo’s troupe complained was against the rules. Kimbo’s lack of ground skills was also exposed by Thompson, who is an unquestionably inept ground fighter.

So why then is Kimbo not a professional boxer? If the latter part of Mike Tyson’s career has proved anything, it is that we as boxing fans like a freak show as much as anyone else. I’m sure promoters would have welcomed the opportunity of having Kimbo fight on their cards. To me the answer is very simple. It would be a terrible career move. Kimbo is an extremely limited fighter who is slow and throws wide telegraphed punches. While he does have power it is unclear whether this power is considerably more than an average heavyweight boxer. In MMA, having moderate boxing skills makes you a striker and this presents a competitive advantage over other fighters who have a predominantly wrestling or jiu jitsu background. By possessing a dimension which other fighters do not, Kimbo gives himself a chance at winning.

In a boxing ring, on the other hand, Kimbo would be exposed. Possessing mediocre boxing skills merely makes you a mediocre fighter. After all, even shop worn journey men would provide a bigger challenge than some of the bums Kimbo beat up on youtube and the extremely unskilled and chinny James Thompson. On the other hand with careful matchmaking, Kimbo can climb up the MMA ladder against good fighters with good records who have been known to perform poorly against strikers.

Don’t get me wrong, Kimbo would be destroyed by a medium to top level MMA fighter just as he would against a medium to top level boxer. All I am saying is that I doubt a feared puncher in the MMA world like Chuck Liddell would be competitive in a boxing fight against a comparably sized David Haye. MMA and boxing are just extremely different sports. Come to think of it, I wonder if Kimbo would have beaten the 46 year old Ray Mercer had they been fighting Marquess of Queensberry rules.

 

[heyzel]

Who Needs to Cut the Gloves?

25.06.08 - By Michael Klimes: In his last album Hip Hop is Dead, the acclaimed rapper Nas had a little gem of a track called ‘Can’t Forget About You’. His opening lines are, “There comes a day in your life when you wanna kick back/ Straw hat on the porch when you are old perhaps/ Wanna gather your thoughts have a gold one brag/ To your grandkids about how life is golden.”

In his simple but precise lyrics, Nas projects the idyllic state of retirement and the image of a satisfied person reflecting on their life thinking I’ve been there and done that. Tragically, boxers are very far from this ideal. They are usually nomads roaming the desert when it comes to finding that mysterious oasis called retirement.

What was refreshing about 2007 was that many established names seemed to find solace in defeat. Marco Antonio Barrera was comfortable surviving the industrious Manny Pacquiao for twelve rounds. Erik Morales was gracious in his classic struggle with David Diaz. Oscar Larios retired as did Fernando Vargas. New stars like Kelly Pavlik and Miguel Cotto stepped up to the spotlight successfully. Unfortunately, there are many old fighters who need to follow Nas’s advice but intent on weathering the erosion time brings even though it is impossible to do so.

Morales and Barrera, one can just see it in their body languages, are not ready to surrender their careers and probably never will. If they cannot secure bouts with anyone else, they will meet each other. Their shared animosity and history will generate hype and money. José Luis Castillo has also been in one fight after his trumping by Ricky Hatton against Adan Casillas. He will probably keep campaigning in the background somewhere for years to come. The same is true of Roy Jones Junior and the recently recycled Felix Trinidad who is now enjoying a second comeback. The worst member of this generation is Antwun Echols who was once a world class operator and has become the world class punching bag. He just absorbs prolonged beatings like Ali used to. His exceptional courage and chin disable him from receiving a merciful knockout.

Others on borrowed time are Oscar de la Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley. Although Hopkins has preserved himself excellently, he has enough intelligence to know there is nothing out there for him to accomplish but will his gigantic ego overwhelm his commonsense? After Floyd Mayweather’s retirement, de la Hoya is convinced he will have one more fight. I pray to God that he will keep his promise and then use his influence to promote other fighters. Shane Mosley is an extraordinary specimen as he is the only boxer I can think of who has moved down in weight to retain a degree of greatness and indeed he still is. The fact that he is thirty six, competed so well with Miguel Cotto and remains an elite fighter in such a strong division is a testimony to the man’s resilience. Unfortunately, I fear for Mosley’s clarity of mind. A thickness is creeping into his voice which was not there and his response to questions is slightly slower than it used to be. Also remember, we always talk about the damage fighters absorb during debilitating brawls but what about hard sparring sessions? Mosley has never been out of shape and his dedication is evidence of a six gear work workaholic.

Of the bigger men there is Evander Holyfield who should not have been fighting in this decade and could have left the sport after James Toney pasted him in 2003. That leads to Toney himself as he is due a rematch with Hasim Rahman on July 16. Who knows if Toney will turn up fit? If he is under-trained and obese then do not expect much. It has always been fascinating how Toney, even out of shape has been able to wield his experience, diminished skills and intelligence to outfox opponents. His lifestyle should have caught up with him far quicker than it eventually did. Toney is nearly forty. Although Rahman is younger and has been more active, he is not particularly young either.

When it comes to the current generation, Ricky Hatton and Jeff Lacy might need to consider their futures. Hatton will be thirty in October and did not look sparkling in his fight against Juan Lazcano. Although he showed an encouraging intensity against his opponent, he was throwing single punches, not combinations and was charging in with his face. Since Hatton left Frank Warren in 2005 he has not looked very impressive apart from that body shot against José Luis Castillo. It might be romantic nostalgia, but I used to remember when Hatton had a little guile, jab, technique, polishing, threw combinations and grappled far less. He did not used to be a one dimensional pugilist. Maybe it was Hatton’s nerves that hampered his performance against Lazcano and it is important that he returned with a win, especially after his first loss and he deserves respect for getting the job done. However, the same flaws in the Mayweather bout returned where his crudeness was on display. I think of his contest with Eamonn Magee as the perfect example where he boxed his way back into the fight. Furthermore it seems unlikely Hatton will undergo a Barrera like evolution into a counter-puncher and improve his lifestyle. Rest assured the damage will mount.

Since Jeff Lacy took a humiliating beating from Joe Calzaghe he has not recovered any confidence or form. Lacy is ruined. He has been in only two fights since March 2006, is only sustaining evermore damage and is on the other side of thirty. His extensive amateur experience has not helped him discover a new technique that would enable him to have success and demand notice. All of these fighters need to consider their health. There is nothing more enjoyable for them and us to see them live on comfortably after they have left the ring

 

[heyzel]

Felix Trinidad Approached To Fight Oscar De La Hoya

By Mark Vester

When Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced his retirement a few weeks ago, Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar De La Hoya were scrambling in every direction possible to find a replacement opponent for De La Hoya's September return. Offers and minor feelers were sent to Ricky Hatton, Manny Pacquiao and Winky Wright. It's now being reported that even Felix "Tito" Trinidad was approached to fill the slot.

According to well-known Puerto Rico journalist Carlos González, Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, approached Don King to discuss the possibility of a rematch between the two fighters. They met almost ten-years ago, in September of 1999, with Trinidad winning a controversial decision to hand De La Hoya his first pro defeat.

Over the years, the two sides were never able to stage a rematch due to money. During the last three years, the biggest obstacle in the way of a rematch has been the weight. De La Hoya last fought at 150-pounds, while Trinidad last fought at 170.

This time around, the weight was once again the major issue. De La Hoya refuses to go above 154-pounds, and Trinidad says he is unable to get down to even 160. A few months ago, Trinidad was willing to come down to a catch-weight between 160 and 168.

As it stands, De La Hoya is hoping that WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto comes through on July 26 against Antonio Margarito. Golden Boy has already spoken with Bob Arum of Top Rank about staging De La Hoya vs. Cotto on December 6 on HBO pay-per-view.

 

[heyzel]

Arum, Manny Pacquiao Eye Juan Manuel Marquez Trilogy

By Mark Vester

Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank see a trilogy bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez as something that has to happen if both fighters continue to win. He could even see the fight taking place in early 2009.

They first met in 2004, a bout that saw Marquez get knocked down three times in the first-round and then battle back to pull out a twelve-round draw. The March 2008 rematch saw another close fight with Pacquiao's third-round knockdown of Marquez being the difference in the scoring to win a split decision.

Pacquiao is up for a third fight if Arum gives him the green light.

"It was a good fight [speaking about the rematch]," Pacquiao told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I've watched the tape several times, and it was a very tough fight, one of my toughest. But I think I won. It's up to my promoter [regarding a third fight]. But yeah, I'll fight him again."

Pacquiao meets David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title this Saturday in Las Vegas. Marquez has also made the trip to lightweight and takes on Joel Casamayor on September 13, also in Las Vegas. Now that both fighters have made the move to 135-pounds, Arum feels a third meeting has a whole new storyline to it.

"It makes sense to wait because we'll have new elements to promote," Arum said. "With both fighters at 135, there's a lot more conjecture. Now, it's a real story."

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, told the paper that he sees no reason as to why a third fight couldn't happen at 135 if both guys win their upcoming fights.

"He has to get by Casamayor first, and that won't be easy because Casamayor has that awkward style," Roach said. "But if Manny wins and Marquez wins, sure, I can see them fighting next year."

 

[heyzel]

Steward: "Klitschko Will Stop Thompson in Six-Rounds"

By Mark Vester

Emanuel Steward, trainer of IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has predicted a knockout win inside of six-rounds when his fighter takes on WBO mandatory challenger Tony Thompson on July 12 at the Color Line Arena in Germany. He doesn't feel that Thompson has enough fire power to overcome the Klitschko charge.

"Wlaimdir is just too strong for Tony. He hits much harder and right now he's in excellent shape. But we still must not underestimate him. Tony's win over Luan (Krasniqi) gave him a lot of self confidence. Now he's back in Hamburg against another great name," Steward said.

Klitschko has been appointed as the heavy favorite, but Thompson is probably his toughest test since the 2005 bout with Samuel Peter. HBO will televise the event. The winner of Klitschko-Thompson must face IBF mandatory Alexander Povetkin in the fall

 

[heyzel]

When Will Floyd Mayweather Return?

By Robert Jackson: As most boxing fans now know Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced his retirement in early June 2008. Before speculating on when “Money May” will return, one must speculate on why he left in the first place. Rumors abound that Floyd was disgusted with direction that the negotiations with GBP were taking in regards to the proposed September rematch with Oscar DeLaHoya. The rematch scheduled for September 20th 2008 was to be fought for the lineal & Ring 147lb titles. Trouble was brewing when DeLaHoya in an attempt to stay active in 2008 barely made the 150lb catch-weight for his tuneup match against Steve “2-Pounds” Forbes.

This trouble was further exacerbated when natural 130lber-Forbes even while losing administered out a “pumpkin head” to DeLaHoya. All of the advantages DeLaHoya felt he would have by staying active went down the drain during and after the Forbes fight! Scuttlebutt followed saying that Floyd’s demand for a 50/50 split with Oscar was denied by GBP who also offered a 150lb catch-weight turning a 147lb title fight into a non-title affair. One could also speculate that the Reyes Gloves and ring size issue also re-entered into the negotiations, because while using Grant Gloves Floyd was able to KO the durable Ricky Hatton in a fairly large ring, sparing his tender hands injury.

Recent rumors of mid June 2008 have “Money May” signing a lucrative contract with the UFC to become an MMA fighter, these rumors have since been debunked and denied by UFC President Dana White. Floyd’s own retirement statement left many questions unanswered as to why he would leave at such a crucial time for the ‘state of boxing’ and his own legacy.

Rumors aside, I say Floyd Mayweather left for a combination of reasons the foremost being that he’s a smart businessman who has made more money recently than anybody not named DeLaHoya, so he can afford to retire. Floyd also took a calculated risk by retiring leaving Oscar DeLaHoya no viable fight options for the September 2008 date previously reserved for the PBF/DeLaHoya rematch (this speculation has bore fruit since that September fight date for DeLaHoya has been pushed back to December 2008), and as of this date DeLaHoya has not named whom he will fight in December though it is rumored he’s pursued Sergio Mora, and Felix Trinidad recently while turning down Paul Williams. Another reason Floyd may have left is by doing so Mayweather ‘files under the radar’ of his critics and naysayers, giving him air to breathe, perform duties as a father and son, followup on other economic opportunities and get some R&R to replenish his deteriorating hands, shoulders and back.

With all of the speculation and rumor out of the way I will now tell you when Floyd Mayweather will return. Money May will return when the $$$ are big enough and the challenge is formidable enough where his critics and naysayers believe that he’ll be facing a challenge where he cannot win. The chatter is building where many believe he’s afraid of Cotto, Margarito, and Williams (and maybe Andre Berto), when one of these top dogs establishes himself as the man to beat Mayweather will emerge refreshed from retirement to notch his 40th victory onto his belt and ride off into the sunset

 

[REdRUM]

By Mark Vester

Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank see a trilogy bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez as something that has to happen if both fighters continue to win. He could even see the fight taking place in early 2009.

They first met in 2004, a bout that saw Marquez get knocked down three times in the first-round and then battle back to pull out a twelve-round draw. The March 2008 rematch saw another close fight with Pacquiao's third-round knockdown of Marquez being the difference in the scoring to win a split decision.

Pacquiao is up for a third fight if Arum gives him the green light.

"It was a good fight [speaking about the rematch]," Pacquiao told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I've watched the tape several times, and it was a very tough fight, one of my toughest. But I think I won. It's up to my promoter [regarding a third fight]. But yeah, I'll fight him again."

Pacquiao meets David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title this Saturday in Las Vegas. Marquez has also made the trip to lightweight and takes on Joel Casamayor on September 13, also in Las Vegas. Now that both fighters have made the move to 135-pounds, Arum feels a third meeting has a whole new storyline to it.

"It makes sense to wait because we'll have new elements to promote," Arum said. "With both fighters at 135, there's a lot more conjecture. Now, it's a real story."

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, told the paper that he sees no reason as to why a third fight couldn't happen at 135 if both guys win their upcoming fights.

"He has to get by Casamayor first, and that won't be easy because Casamayor has that awkward style," Roach said. "But if Manny wins and Marquez wins, sure, I can see them fighting next year."

Although it's a fairly retarded and overused expression...


Ahem...































Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

 

[2-0-Sixx]

I think tonights fights is the Playboy Mansion card, right?? Imma check it out.

June 25
At Beverly Hills, Calif. (ESPN2): Julio Diaz vs. David Torres, 10 rounds, lightweights; Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan vs. Brian Norman, 8 rounds, super middleweights

And tomorrow there is a dope card on the Versus channel:

June 26
At Las Vegas (Versus): Anthony Peterson vs. Fernando Trejo, 12 rounds, lighweights; Vanes Martirosyan vs. Angel Hernandez, 10 rounds, junior middleweights; Miguel Angel "Mikey" Garcia vs. Jae-Sung Lee, 8 rounds, featherweights

 

[naner12]

I think tonights fights is the Playboy Mansion card, right?? Imma check it out.

June 25
At Beverly Hills, Calif. (ESPN2): Julio Diaz vs. David Torres, 10 rounds, lightweights; Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan vs. Brian Norman, 8 rounds, super middleweights

And tomorrow there is a dope card on the Versus channel:

June 26
At Las Vegas (Versus): Anthony Peterson vs. Fernando Trejo, 12 rounds, lighweights; Vanes Martirosyan vs. Angel Hernandez, 10 rounds, junior middleweights; Miguel Angel "Mikey" Garcia vs. Jae-Sung Lee, 8 rounds, featherweights

I think it is the Playboy card. If Julio Diaz falls to the ESPN upset curse I'm gonna be pissed.

.. also 2-0 the Buddy McGirt curse continues. Just watched Paul Smith (from the Contender) vs. Steve Bendall from this weekend and Smith got upset. Looked horrible the entire fight.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

I didn't even hear about that. lol, McGirt is dirt!

 

[heyzel]

Team Chris John: "Juarez Lost His Chance To Fight"

By Rick Reeno

Despite the recent information given by trainer Ronnie Shields to BoxingScene reporter Michael Doss, a potential bout between WBA featherweight champion Chris John and challenger Rocky Juarez is not going to happen on the Joel Casamayor-Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view on September 13 in Las Vegas.

When MaxBoxing/BoxingScene.com contacted Sampson Lewkowicz [exclusive worldwide representative of John] for a comment on the bout, we were surprised to learn that Juarez did not agree to the fight in time and John has already obligated himself to another fight.

An offer for a John-Juarez bout was presented to Lewkowicz two-weeks ago. John and his manager, Craig Christian of Australia, were very interested in the bout. According to Lewkowicz, Juarez took his time in making a decision and lost the title opportunity as a result.

John will return on July 26 in Jakarta, Indonesia against Jackson Asiku. The WBA has already approved the fight. Following the fight with Asiku, an agreement is already in place with Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions for John to face his WBA mandatory, Hiroyuki Enoki, on the first week on October in Japan.

"I'm very close with Golden Boy Promotions. Me and his manager, Craig Christian, would have loved to bring the best 126-pounder in the world to America. A fighter who beat Juan Manuel Marquez, Gainer and Oscar Leon in his prime. We were presented with an offer two-weeks ago, but I can't wait for any prima-donna to take his time by watching tapes and then making a decision. I had a conversation with Richard Schaefer [Golden Boy CEO] and had to apologize to him. We can't sit and wait for a guy to make up his mind, John has to move forward with his career."

"When somebody offers you a championship fight, you don't need to take your sweet time - you either say yes or no, and now it's too late. John will be fighting in Jakarta on July 26, then we have agreement with Mr. Honda to fight the WBA mandatory in October. And after that, if Juarez is still around, we can talk about a fight."

 

[heyzel]

Enzo Calzaghe Launches Into Tirade About Kelly Pavlik's Worth As An Opponent For His

By James Slater: Enzo Calzaghe, the father and trainer of Joe Calzaghe, is never a man to mince his words. A proven talent in the field of training, Enzo has earned the right to speak his mind and to be listened to. However, his latest interview, as given to Setanta Sports today, is an interview that will without a doubt upset all fans of Kelly Pavlik.

Launching into an extremely animated and colourful sounding tirade about the man he says his son will never fight, Enzo stated that the fighter known as "The Ghost" is not on the same level as the man Joe Calzaghe has opted to fight instead - Roy Jones Jr. Speaking with Setanta, Enzo had the following things to say.

"At the end of the day, it's never going to happen," Enzo said with regards to a Calzaghe-Pavlik fight. "Simply because I don't feel he [Pavlik] deserves a shot yet at the big-time. On the back of one performance against a subdued, light fighter. There's a vast, vast difference between Gary [Lockett] and Joe Calzaghe. Gary would be the first to say that. I'm not interested in boosting the profile of a fight that ain't going to happen. At the end of the day, you've got Carl Froch, you've got everybody coming up with some [fight or another]. We want the best available. Someone who I have always admired [Roy Jones]. Do you think Pavlik deserves to be mentioned on that level? Pound-for-pound as the best fighter in the world?"

Wow! That's a lot of talking from dear old Enzo. Where do we start? First of all, with regards to Pavlik deserving to be considered "on that level, pound-for-pound." Well, if the middleweight champion isn't, Roy Jones certainly isn't either. It seems Joe and Enzo alike see Jones Jr as the fighter he USED to be. And to clear up any confusion about just who Enzo is referring to when he says Pavlik had just "one performance against a subdued, light fighter," the trainer is talking about Jermain Taylor - a fighter he says his son would have had no problem with.

Enzo went on talking:

"Motivation is about will. Will is about passion," Enzo continued. "Does he care about the public, Joe? No. So why scream about it? I want rewarded. Joe wants to be rewarded. Let this guy [Pavlik] win five to eight different belts. He beat Jermain Taylor. So what? Joe would have wiped the floor with Taylor. A light-weight small puncher. Let him earn the right to go into the position. In Britain half the public don't know who Pavlik is - only the connoisseurs of boxing. It's [Pavlik-Calzaghe] not bigger than Calzaghe-Jones, it's impossible."

Surely by now a number of Kelly Pavlik fans will be all but fuming, and rightly so. But Enzo went further, attempting to justify his son's choice to face Jones - even suggesting Jones might actually beat Calzaghe.

"That's why we took him [Jones]," Joe's dad added. "We wanted people to believe that Joe is not after dead squid. Without question it is the harder fight. But Joe said he wants to go out in flying colours. The best beats the best. He's got a right to that claim. He deserves it. Hypothetically, if the s**t hits the fan it happened with an all-time great."

Let the comments begin!

 

[REdRUM]

Ol' Enzo is a fucking moron. Fuck his credentials, seriously. Fuck his body of work. And fuck his son for having such a moron for a father.

If Pavlik is a bum, his son should share a cardboard box with him. LOL...Joe hasn't done anything more than Pavlik.

I'm not a fan of Pavlik, but after reading this garbage...Fuck Enzo. I wish this fight would happen, and Pavlik would break his jaw.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

all that shit coming out of enzo's mouth is bullshit, all if it, and I'll tell you why: Joe Calzaghe wanted to fight Pavlik. That is, until he got the chance to fight Pavlik.

"I'm only stepping up to light heavyweight because Hopkins wouldn't come down to super middleweight and I've always wanted to be a champion at two weights," the native of Wales explained. "I'd move back down again to fight either Pavlik or Taylor as either one would be a big fight." - Joe Calzaghe

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3250542

FURTHER evidence of the blatant Duckment of pavlik, seen here in this video, at the 7:45 minute mark where Calzaghe was asked about fighting Roy Jones and he says, "I'm more interested in fighting Pavlik to be honest".





if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck.......

 

[naner12]

WNF starting now for those interested.

 

[naner12]

Pretty dope KO just now.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

yep.

and I didn't realize Diaz was fighting the same David Torres that's from Washington, I actually saw this guy fight in Tacoma a year or so ago. Looked good against the bum he fought back then, not so much tonight against a veteran.

And Sergio Mora officially called out Kelly Pavlik on live TV. LOL, I give him props for going after Pavlik, he must have grown a pair of balls since ducking Jermaine Taylor.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

and LOL @ my sig

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Pavlik vs Mora = Cotto vs Gomez

 

[naner12]

Pavlik vs Mora = Cotto vs Gomez

Mora at least beat a legit champion. Gomez beat an battered and old Arturo Gatti and an old Ben Tackie. Not saying that Forrest is young but he was ranked at the top of the division when Mora beat him. I don't see this being as big of a mismatch on paper as Cotto vs. Gomez even though it could turn out that way.

Even still, Mora is a better fighter than the previously talked about and his last opponent.