Boxing News Thread
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Allan Green Withdraws, Suspension Coming?
By Rick Reeno
The latest word going around is that Allan Green (26-1, 18KOs) has withdrawn from this Friday's bout with Antwun Echols (31-7, 27KOs). The fight was set to be a televised main event on ESPN's Friday Night Fights from the Paragon Casino & Resort in Marksville, Louisiana.
According to sources, Green never boarded his flight to the show. While neither the fighter or the promoter, Tony Holden, have officially confirmed it, I hear the no-show by Green is due to an internal rift with Holden. I hear the new promoters in town, Scott Hirsch and Mike Borao, made an offer to Green that quickly changed his mind about the Echols fight.
Echols will now face, middleweight Michael Walker (18-0, 12KOs), at a catch-weight of 165-pounds. Green, due to the rules of the Louisiana Commission, can face a suspension of six-months to one-year for the no-show, and a possible fine. The suspension can only be lifted by the promoter.
Allan Green Withdraws, Suspension Coming?
By Rick Reeno
The latest word going around is that Allan Green (26-1, 18KOs) has withdrawn from this Friday's bout with Antwun Echols (31-7, 27KOs). The fight was set to be a televised main event on ESPN's Friday Night Fights from the Paragon Casino & Resort in Marksville, Louisiana.
According to sources, Green never boarded his flight to the show. While neither the fighter or the promoter, Tony Holden, have officially confirmed it, I hear the no-show by Green is due to an internal rift with Holden. I hear the new promoters in town, Scott Hirsch and Mike Borao, made an offer to Green that quickly changed his mind about the Echols fight.
Echols will now face, middleweight Michael Walker (18-0, 12KOs), at a catch-weight of 165-pounds. Green, due to the rules of the Louisiana Commission, can face a suspension of six-months to one-year for the no-show, and a possible fine. The suspension can only be lifted by the promoter.
Anderson Silva wants Roy Jones JR., after Hendo
It's a new sherdog interview. He says if he gets through hendo, that he would have completely cleaned out the MW division. And that he would like to challenge the Boxing champion of his weight class to a Boxing match. He says he admires Roy Jones JR. and thinks that fight would make alot of money
It's a new sherdog interview. He says if he gets through hendo, that he would have completely cleaned out the MW division. And that he would like to challenge the Boxing champion of his weight class to a Boxing match. He says he admires Roy Jones JR. and thinks that fight would make alot of money
Gary Shaw Upset With Oscar De La Hoya
By Mark Vester
In a recent interview with Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, promoter Gary Shaw voiced his displeasure with the recent promotional activities of Oscar De La Hoya. Shaw and De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions are both involved with this Saturday's trilogy bout between Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez. De La Hoya is Vazquez's co-promoter.
This past Tuesday, De La Hoya held a press conference at the Home Depot Center in California to announce his May 3 bout with Steve Forbes. Shaw took offense to the timing of De La Hoya's press tour, because of a possible impact in ticket sales on the Marquez-Vazquez meeting, also taking place at the Home Depot Center, and was also upset with De La Hoya's lack of promotion for this Saturday's bout.
"What happened (Tuesday) was also totally wrong," Shaw said. "This week should belong to two Hall of Fame fighters, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, who have literally left their blood on the canvas in two prior fights, and are about to complete their amazingly exciting trilogy Saturday at the Home Depot Center on Showtime."
"That is what this week is all about and should have been all about. Nothing personal against Golden Boy; we are going to sell out anyway. But for the life of me, I will never understand why they did what they did, especially when they co-promote one of the fighters. Why would a promoter try to take the limelight away from one of their own fighters? This should have been Israel's time, not Oscar's.
"What they did was just flat out wrong and makes no sense no matter what they say or how they try and spin it. Don't talk about trying to change boxing and make the sport better and then pull stuff like this. Frankly, it is an insult to promoters, the media and the fans."
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By Mark Vester
In a recent interview with Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, promoter Gary Shaw voiced his displeasure with the recent promotional activities of Oscar De La Hoya. Shaw and De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions are both involved with this Saturday's trilogy bout between Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez. De La Hoya is Vazquez's co-promoter.
This past Tuesday, De La Hoya held a press conference at the Home Depot Center in California to announce his May 3 bout with Steve Forbes. Shaw took offense to the timing of De La Hoya's press tour, because of a possible impact in ticket sales on the Marquez-Vazquez meeting, also taking place at the Home Depot Center, and was also upset with De La Hoya's lack of promotion for this Saturday's bout.
"What happened (Tuesday) was also totally wrong," Shaw said. "This week should belong to two Hall of Fame fighters, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, who have literally left their blood on the canvas in two prior fights, and are about to complete their amazingly exciting trilogy Saturday at the Home Depot Center on Showtime."
"That is what this week is all about and should have been all about. Nothing personal against Golden Boy; we are going to sell out anyway. But for the life of me, I will never understand why they did what they did, especially when they co-promote one of the fighters. Why would a promoter try to take the limelight away from one of their own fighters? This should have been Israel's time, not Oscar's.
"What they did was just flat out wrong and makes no sense no matter what they say or how they try and spin it. Don't talk about trying to change boxing and make the sport better and then pull stuff like this. Frankly, it is an insult to promoters, the media and the fans."
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Pacquiao Says Marquez Can't Handle His Power
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, exuding confidence during an open public workout at the Titanium Training Center in San Francisco says that WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez won’t be able to handle his power when they clash in a much awaited rematch at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on March 15.
Pacquiao, the devastating punching machine from General Santos City in Mindanao, received a fantastic reception from hundreds of fight fans who rocked the bay area with excitement. Many young families with children jam-packed the center to watch Pacquiao put on an awesome display like he did when Top Rank promoter Bob Arum watched him work out at the Wild Card Gym last week which Arum described as "unbelievable" emphasizing that "nobody in the world can beat Manny Pacquiao when he trains hard and his totally focused" which he is right now.
In a conversation with scores of media people who crowded around him Pacquiao said “I am very serious about this fight as I know Marquez is the last great Mexican to beat. There is no more (Erik) Morales or (Marco Antonio) Barrera. I have a lot of power. In my heart I don’t believe Marquez can stand up to my power. It will be too much for him to overcome.”
Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach who earlier told us that he had drawn up an “attack plan” where an "excellent, beautiful" right hand has been added to his offensive arsenal for the Marquez rematch, was clearly elated over the fact that Pacquiao kept his word and showed up at his Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles two months before the fight. Roach said that was “the best thing Manny did.”
Roach said Pacquiao has “worked very hard and has been very tough on his sparring partners.” Roach revealed that one sparring partner got hit on the chin, went down, continued but went home the next day.” Roach said both he and Pacquiao were not taking Marquez lightly. He said Pacquiao “is very serious about Marquez which he should be. It is a difficult fight and Manny understands that. Marquez represents the last line of defense in Manny’s domination of Mexican champions. We know he (Marquez) is prepared to go down swinging.”
Pacquiao said he had “never trained harder – never – for a fight.” He confirmed what Roach had told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today in an earlier overseas telephone conversation that he “hit the mitts with Freddie Roach for 17 straight rounds with no timeouts." Pacquiao disclosed that he " runs high in the mountains every day and then goes to the Wild Card and train three hours non-stop. I don’t like timeouts while training and do not use them.”
Broadcaster Hermie Rivera who lives in San Francisco said “it was absolute bedlam” as scores of journalists, TV crews and adoring fans jostled to get a glimpse of perhaps the most exciting fighter in the world today who is considered by many as the No.1 pound-for-pound but lies second to undefeated Floyd Mayweather with Marquez now in third spot in the Ring Magazine ratings.
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Aside from the WBC super featherweight title the prestigious Ring Magazine championship belt will also be at stake in a fight card billed "Unfinished Business."
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, exuding confidence during an open public workout at the Titanium Training Center in San Francisco says that WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez won’t be able to handle his power when they clash in a much awaited rematch at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on March 15.
Pacquiao, the devastating punching machine from General Santos City in Mindanao, received a fantastic reception from hundreds of fight fans who rocked the bay area with excitement. Many young families with children jam-packed the center to watch Pacquiao put on an awesome display like he did when Top Rank promoter Bob Arum watched him work out at the Wild Card Gym last week which Arum described as "unbelievable" emphasizing that "nobody in the world can beat Manny Pacquiao when he trains hard and his totally focused" which he is right now.
In a conversation with scores of media people who crowded around him Pacquiao said “I am very serious about this fight as I know Marquez is the last great Mexican to beat. There is no more (Erik) Morales or (Marco Antonio) Barrera. I have a lot of power. In my heart I don’t believe Marquez can stand up to my power. It will be too much for him to overcome.”
Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach who earlier told us that he had drawn up an “attack plan” where an "excellent, beautiful" right hand has been added to his offensive arsenal for the Marquez rematch, was clearly elated over the fact that Pacquiao kept his word and showed up at his Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles two months before the fight. Roach said that was “the best thing Manny did.”
Roach said Pacquiao has “worked very hard and has been very tough on his sparring partners.” Roach revealed that one sparring partner got hit on the chin, went down, continued but went home the next day.” Roach said both he and Pacquiao were not taking Marquez lightly. He said Pacquiao “is very serious about Marquez which he should be. It is a difficult fight and Manny understands that. Marquez represents the last line of defense in Manny’s domination of Mexican champions. We know he (Marquez) is prepared to go down swinging.”
Pacquiao said he had “never trained harder – never – for a fight.” He confirmed what Roach had told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today in an earlier overseas telephone conversation that he “hit the mitts with Freddie Roach for 17 straight rounds with no timeouts." Pacquiao disclosed that he " runs high in the mountains every day and then goes to the Wild Card and train three hours non-stop. I don’t like timeouts while training and do not use them.”
Broadcaster Hermie Rivera who lives in San Francisco said “it was absolute bedlam” as scores of journalists, TV crews and adoring fans jostled to get a glimpse of perhaps the most exciting fighter in the world today who is considered by many as the No.1 pound-for-pound but lies second to undefeated Floyd Mayweather with Marquez now in third spot in the Ring Magazine ratings.
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Aside from the WBC super featherweight title the prestigious Ring Magazine championship belt will also be at stake in a fight card billed "Unfinished Business."
Nate Campbell: "Who Has Juan Diaz Fought?"
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—International Boxing Federation No. 1-ranked lightweight and mandatory challenger Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell is confident going into his match against undefeated unified lightweight world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz on March 8 at Plaza de Torros in Cancun, Mexico.
“I don’t want to sound conceited or overconfident but Juan Diaz is not a demigod,” Campbell said. “A demigod is half mortal, half god and I just don’t see that. Unless my team and I have been in this sport too long—or not long enough—we are seeing a lot of hype.”
Campbell (31-5-1, 25 KOs), who is co-promoted by Don King Productions and One Punch Productions, made his comments about Diaz (33-0, 17 KOs) recently while visiting King’s South Florida headquarters.
“Take a good look at who this man has fought and ask yourself, ‘Who has he fought?’ There are lots of fighters out there who throw a lot of punches. I’m going to teach things to Juan that he doesn’t want to know. I can stop this man and I don’t believe he can beat me.”
Campbell thinks he has been underestimated throughout his career, and he looks forward to utilizing a six inch reach advantage over Diaz.
“Nobody thinks I can punch,” he said, “but there’s something about the way I punch that makes guys change their mind when they get in the ring with me. Juan Diaz will ask himself after the first punch I land that makes clean contact, ‘What part of the game is this?’
“Joel Casamayor has fought Jose Luis Castillo, Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales and me. When a reporter asked him who hits the hardest, he said, ‘Nate Cambell.’ On top of that, I heard Casamayor predicted that I’m going to win against Diaz.”
Campbell’s fight is part of the History in Cancun event that will include the first world heavyweight championship ever decided in Mexico when World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev faces WBC interim champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter. Both Diaz vs. Campell and Maskaev vs. Peter will be televised live in America on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Duva Boxing, Pepe Gomez Promotions and One Punch Productions.
Tickets priced at $1,000, 500, $300, $150, $100, $70, $50 and $10 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets including www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster in Mexico at +5255 5325 9000.
Campbell said his preparation for the fight has been going well while splitting training time in West Palm Beach and Pembroke Pines in South Florida.
“I hate it when fighters say, ‘I’m in the best shape of my life,’” Campbell said. “I’m always in great shape. I will say though that this is the first time in a long time that I’ve been able to focus only on my training and no other outside stuff like relationships or family problems.
“I have stayed away from everything and everyone that could distract me from winning these titles. My promoters Don King and Terry Trekas have taken good care of me. My trainer John David Jackson and his assistant Noel Carbajal and all my gym mates have been great as usual.”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—International Boxing Federation No. 1-ranked lightweight and mandatory challenger Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell is confident going into his match against undefeated unified lightweight world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz on March 8 at Plaza de Torros in Cancun, Mexico.
“I don’t want to sound conceited or overconfident but Juan Diaz is not a demigod,” Campbell said. “A demigod is half mortal, half god and I just don’t see that. Unless my team and I have been in this sport too long—or not long enough—we are seeing a lot of hype.”
Campbell (31-5-1, 25 KOs), who is co-promoted by Don King Productions and One Punch Productions, made his comments about Diaz (33-0, 17 KOs) recently while visiting King’s South Florida headquarters.
“Take a good look at who this man has fought and ask yourself, ‘Who has he fought?’ There are lots of fighters out there who throw a lot of punches. I’m going to teach things to Juan that he doesn’t want to know. I can stop this man and I don’t believe he can beat me.”
Campbell thinks he has been underestimated throughout his career, and he looks forward to utilizing a six inch reach advantage over Diaz.
“Nobody thinks I can punch,” he said, “but there’s something about the way I punch that makes guys change their mind when they get in the ring with me. Juan Diaz will ask himself after the first punch I land that makes clean contact, ‘What part of the game is this?’
“Joel Casamayor has fought Jose Luis Castillo, Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales and me. When a reporter asked him who hits the hardest, he said, ‘Nate Cambell.’ On top of that, I heard Casamayor predicted that I’m going to win against Diaz.”
Campbell’s fight is part of the History in Cancun event that will include the first world heavyweight championship ever decided in Mexico when World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev faces WBC interim champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter. Both Diaz vs. Campell and Maskaev vs. Peter will be televised live in America on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Duva Boxing, Pepe Gomez Promotions and One Punch Productions.
Tickets priced at $1,000, 500, $300, $150, $100, $70, $50 and $10 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets including www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster in Mexico at +5255 5325 9000.
Campbell said his preparation for the fight has been going well while splitting training time in West Palm Beach and Pembroke Pines in South Florida.
“I hate it when fighters say, ‘I’m in the best shape of my life,’” Campbell said. “I’m always in great shape. I will say though that this is the first time in a long time that I’ve been able to focus only on my training and no other outside stuff like relationships or family problems.
“I have stayed away from everything and everyone that could distract me from winning these titles. My promoters Don King and Terry Trekas have taken good care of me. My trainer John David Jackson and his assistant Noel Carbajal and all my gym mates have been great as usual.”
Andre Ward-Rubin Williams Set For March 20
Los Angeles, CA – With the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing around the corner, the only American boxer to capture a gold medal in the last Olympics continues to climb the ladder of the professional ranks toward world title contention.
On Thursday night, March 20, Bay Area native Andre Ward will face his most formidable opponent to date when he puts his unbeaten record on the line against former world super middleweight title challenger Rubin “Mr. Hollywood” Williams in the main event of the fourth-season opener of the “American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank” series at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.
Presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and HP Pavilion, the Ward-Williams headliner is a scheduled 10-round super middleweight contest which will be televised nationally (delayed, date and time to follow) on FSN’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period.”
Hailing from nearby Oakland, Ward (14-0, 9 KOs), who turned 24 this past Saturday and has knocked out his last four opponents, will be making his fourth appearance as a pro at the HP Pavilion. This time around he is ready for the big test against the very dangerous Williams (29-3-1, 16 KO), a native of Detroit.
“He’s tough on paper and he’s tough in person,” Ward, who most recently stopped Roger Cantrell on the Island of St. Lucia back in November, credited the 31-year old Williams. “He’s a title challenger who fell short against Jeff Lacy. Recently he fought a top-ten contender in Allan Green and he gave a pretty good account of himself. He’s a durable guy and is just the type of quality opponent we need right now.
“One of my famous phrases of the past couple of years is ‘Locked In,’ the Virgil Hunter-trained and James Prince-managed Ward continued. “I’m locked in on a goal to not only be a world champion, but I want to reign until it’s time for me to walk away from the sport. And that’s my focus. I know the steps I have to take and I’m ready and willing.”
For his part, Goossen locked in Williams as Ward’s next opponent because, as he revealed: “This is the next step up the ladder in Andre's career. Williams presents a fighter that has been in there with a world champion and world contenders.”
Stated Ward’s longtime trainer, Virgil Hunter, “Rubin Williams will be a great indicator of Andre Ward’s progression towards a world title. He certainly is Andre’s most formidable opponent to date. This is a must see fight for the Bay Area fans and we are asking them to come out in huge numbers to show support for the Bay Areas Olympic Gold Medalist and future world champion.”
“As for Andre's development,” Goossen concluded, “I've never been associated with anyone that has as much dedication and determination to becoming a better fighter. He understands that his future success is dictated by the hard work he puts into the gym and not what type of quotes any of us can make.”
The March 20 “Fight Night at the Tank” will also feature a second edition of Goossen Tutor’s unique audience-participation creation in “You Be The Judge,” originally unveiled at last November’s season finale at ‘The Tank.’ The concept: Make four 4 round preliminary killer bouts and then have the audience applaud its choice as the most outstanding boxer from the winners of those four bouts. Goossen Tutor will present the winner of “You Be The Judge” with a cash bonus from special VIP guest and legendary trainer Angelo Dundee.
The winner will also earn a returning spot in another round of “You Be The Judge” on the next “Fight Night at the Tank.” Last November’s “You Be The Judge” winner – super middleweight Francisco Santana (8-0, 4 KOs), of nearby Santa Barbara – earned the distinction of being the first participant to graduate to a co-feature bout; this coming underneath the Ward-Williams main event against another undefeated prospect, Karim ‘Hard Hitta’ Mayfield (5-0-1, 5 KOs) from the Fillmore section of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Both Santana and Mayfield have fought multiple times at ‘The Tank’ that have earned them their share of Bay Area fans. Two good, hot prospects, with both putting their unblemished records on the line against each other is a real treat for the fans and a tribute to these two young fighters and their teams.
“The HP Pavilion is a wonderful place to fight,” Ward said. “I call San Jose my second home to Oakland obviously. Great friends, great atmosphere with great fans, and I’m just so excited about this event.”
Individual tickets, starting at $25, to the March 20 edition of “American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank” are on sale at the HP Pavilion Ticket Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers located in Wherehouse Music stores, Tower Records and Ritmo Latino locations throughout the Bay Area; online at ticketmaster.com; or charge by phone at (408) 998-TIXS
Los Angeles, CA – With the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing around the corner, the only American boxer to capture a gold medal in the last Olympics continues to climb the ladder of the professional ranks toward world title contention.
On Thursday night, March 20, Bay Area native Andre Ward will face his most formidable opponent to date when he puts his unbeaten record on the line against former world super middleweight title challenger Rubin “Mr. Hollywood” Williams in the main event of the fourth-season opener of the “American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank” series at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.
Presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and HP Pavilion, the Ward-Williams headliner is a scheduled 10-round super middleweight contest which will be televised nationally (delayed, date and time to follow) on FSN’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period.”
Hailing from nearby Oakland, Ward (14-0, 9 KOs), who turned 24 this past Saturday and has knocked out his last four opponents, will be making his fourth appearance as a pro at the HP Pavilion. This time around he is ready for the big test against the very dangerous Williams (29-3-1, 16 KO), a native of Detroit.
“He’s tough on paper and he’s tough in person,” Ward, who most recently stopped Roger Cantrell on the Island of St. Lucia back in November, credited the 31-year old Williams. “He’s a title challenger who fell short against Jeff Lacy. Recently he fought a top-ten contender in Allan Green and he gave a pretty good account of himself. He’s a durable guy and is just the type of quality opponent we need right now.
“One of my famous phrases of the past couple of years is ‘Locked In,’ the Virgil Hunter-trained and James Prince-managed Ward continued. “I’m locked in on a goal to not only be a world champion, but I want to reign until it’s time for me to walk away from the sport. And that’s my focus. I know the steps I have to take and I’m ready and willing.”
For his part, Goossen locked in Williams as Ward’s next opponent because, as he revealed: “This is the next step up the ladder in Andre's career. Williams presents a fighter that has been in there with a world champion and world contenders.”
Stated Ward’s longtime trainer, Virgil Hunter, “Rubin Williams will be a great indicator of Andre Ward’s progression towards a world title. He certainly is Andre’s most formidable opponent to date. This is a must see fight for the Bay Area fans and we are asking them to come out in huge numbers to show support for the Bay Areas Olympic Gold Medalist and future world champion.”
“As for Andre's development,” Goossen concluded, “I've never been associated with anyone that has as much dedication and determination to becoming a better fighter. He understands that his future success is dictated by the hard work he puts into the gym and not what type of quotes any of us can make.”
The March 20 “Fight Night at the Tank” will also feature a second edition of Goossen Tutor’s unique audience-participation creation in “You Be The Judge,” originally unveiled at last November’s season finale at ‘The Tank.’ The concept: Make four 4 round preliminary killer bouts and then have the audience applaud its choice as the most outstanding boxer from the winners of those four bouts. Goossen Tutor will present the winner of “You Be The Judge” with a cash bonus from special VIP guest and legendary trainer Angelo Dundee.
The winner will also earn a returning spot in another round of “You Be The Judge” on the next “Fight Night at the Tank.” Last November’s “You Be The Judge” winner – super middleweight Francisco Santana (8-0, 4 KOs), of nearby Santa Barbara – earned the distinction of being the first participant to graduate to a co-feature bout; this coming underneath the Ward-Williams main event against another undefeated prospect, Karim ‘Hard Hitta’ Mayfield (5-0-1, 5 KOs) from the Fillmore section of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Both Santana and Mayfield have fought multiple times at ‘The Tank’ that have earned them their share of Bay Area fans. Two good, hot prospects, with both putting their unblemished records on the line against each other is a real treat for the fans and a tribute to these two young fighters and their teams.
“The HP Pavilion is a wonderful place to fight,” Ward said. “I call San Jose my second home to Oakland obviously. Great friends, great atmosphere with great fans, and I’m just so excited about this event.”
Individual tickets, starting at $25, to the March 20 edition of “American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank” are on sale at the HP Pavilion Ticket Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers located in Wherehouse Music stores, Tower Records and Ritmo Latino locations throughout the Bay Area; online at ticketmaster.com; or charge by phone at (408) 998-TIXS
Hatton Camp: "Witter Priced Himself Out
By Mark Vester
According to a recent interview with the Manchester Evening News, Ray Hatton, the father/manager of Ricky Hatton, said an offer had been made in the past to WBC junior welterweight champion Junior Witter, who turned the offer down, and his latest demand of 30% is beyond what he's worth.
"We offered Junior Witter his highest purse he'd ever had," said Ray. "If someone offered Ricky that, I'd be insulted. But as far as Junior Witter was concerned, it was his biggest purse. It is unfortunate, but you are getting a fighter who has not captured the public's imagination. Most others would say they could live with what we offered. He can't say this, that and the other and then refuse the offer. We've taken that back now. It's gone. Now he wants 30 percent of everything that comes with a Ricky Hatton fight?"
Hatton's next bout is against Juan Lazcano on May 24 at the City of Manchester Stadium. The undercard bout will most likely feature a title defense by IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi. Ray says that whoever appears in the co-feature will be Hatton's next opponent. Pursuant to a three-fight deal that Hatton will take with HBO, his next fight, following the May return, has to be in America and must come against an American opponent.
"The next fight has got to be in America and HBO want us to fight an American," said Ray. "Whoever we get on the undercard, will be his next opponent in America. We are well down the road with Malignaggi at this moment
By Mark Vester
According to a recent interview with the Manchester Evening News, Ray Hatton, the father/manager of Ricky Hatton, said an offer had been made in the past to WBC junior welterweight champion Junior Witter, who turned the offer down, and his latest demand of 30% is beyond what he's worth.
"We offered Junior Witter his highest purse he'd ever had," said Ray. "If someone offered Ricky that, I'd be insulted. But as far as Junior Witter was concerned, it was his biggest purse. It is unfortunate, but you are getting a fighter who has not captured the public's imagination. Most others would say they could live with what we offered. He can't say this, that and the other and then refuse the offer. We've taken that back now. It's gone. Now he wants 30 percent of everything that comes with a Ricky Hatton fight?"
Hatton's next bout is against Juan Lazcano on May 24 at the City of Manchester Stadium. The undercard bout will most likely feature a title defense by IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi. Ray says that whoever appears in the co-feature will be Hatton's next opponent. Pursuant to a three-fight deal that Hatton will take with HBO, his next fight, following the May return, has to be in America and must come against an American opponent.
"The next fight has got to be in America and HBO want us to fight an American," said Ray. "Whoever we get on the undercard, will be his next opponent in America. We are well down the road with Malignaggi at this moment
This is funny, cuz Witter response to these allegations is that he'll fight for Peanuts!
Junior Witter: "I'll Fight Hatton For Peanuts"
By Mark Vester
In response to recent reports of pricing himself out, WBC junior welterweight champion Junior Witter said he would fight UK-rival Ricky Hatton on May 24 for "peanuts." In a recent interview with Telegraph & Argus, Witter said he would be willing to take accept Hatton's "low" offer to fight him.
"This is not about the money - it's personal," Witter said. "The pay-day is not even close to what I was getting for going out to America. I would have got well over twice as much to fight Demetrius Hopkins over there. But I'm prepared to take it just to knock Hatton out for his cheek. It might be all about greed with some people but not me. If that's what they think I'm worth then fine I'll take it just for the chance to finally put Hatton into retirement."
Hatton is scheduled to face Juan Lazcano on May date, but Witter's promoter, Mick Hennessy told the paper that Lazcano had not signed his contract (yet), so a fight with Witter is there for Hatton to take.
Hennessy said: "I spoke to Golden Boy Promotions in the early hours today and they told me that the Lazcano deal was not done yet. So my understanding is there is no contract signed between the two; the venue is not sorted as of today; HBO (American TV giants) have not confirmed they are covering it and it's not the fight the paying public want to see - which is Witter v Hatton. Junior is happy to jump in and take up their peanuts offer because he isn't greedy."
Junior Witter: "I'll Fight Hatton For Peanuts"
By Mark Vester
In response to recent reports of pricing himself out, WBC junior welterweight champion Junior Witter said he would fight UK-rival Ricky Hatton on May 24 for "peanuts." In a recent interview with Telegraph & Argus, Witter said he would be willing to take accept Hatton's "low" offer to fight him.
"This is not about the money - it's personal," Witter said. "The pay-day is not even close to what I was getting for going out to America. I would have got well over twice as much to fight Demetrius Hopkins over there. But I'm prepared to take it just to knock Hatton out for his cheek. It might be all about greed with some people but not me. If that's what they think I'm worth then fine I'll take it just for the chance to finally put Hatton into retirement."
Hatton is scheduled to face Juan Lazcano on May date, but Witter's promoter, Mick Hennessy told the paper that Lazcano had not signed his contract (yet), so a fight with Witter is there for Hatton to take.
Hennessy said: "I spoke to Golden Boy Promotions in the early hours today and they told me that the Lazcano deal was not done yet. So my understanding is there is no contract signed between the two; the venue is not sorted as of today; HBO (American TV giants) have not confirmed they are covering it and it's not the fight the paying public want to see - which is Witter v Hatton. Junior is happy to jump in and take up their peanuts offer because he isn't greedy."
James Toney, still one of the funniest boxers in the game........
James Toney: "i'm Still The Best Heavyweight In The World!" (02/28/08)
Editor: It's been a minute since we've had you on, What's the latest and greatest James?
James Toney: "My weight is down, I've been in the gym and I'm ready to go. These motherf**kers saying I might be fighting Danny Williams or such and such, or that I'm out of shape, let them keep thinking that. I'm in shape and I will be ready when I get in there."
Editor: What did you think about the Klitschko-Ibragimov unification bout?
James Toney: "That was some bullshit. That was some garbage. They should be shot for fighting that way in a fight HBO paid all of that money for. Now Klitschko is going to call himself the champion of the world and that's nonsense. How can you say you're the heavyweight champion of the world when you were just scared to death in the ring?"
Editor: When you were sitting there watching the fight were you burning up knowing that the opportunity for you to become heavyweight champion is still there?
JT: "Yes sir. I know this. Those guys are jokes. The fight was a disgrace to put a show on like that in Madison Square Garden."
Editor: Is this your last run at a heavyweight title, is it now or never?
JT: "Definitely and I ain't never losing again. I'm still the peoples champion and everybody knows that nobody's ever whooped James Toney. Not even Sam Peter, everybody seen what I did to him for 24 rounds. If he's supposed to be the big bad wolf, he was supposed to knock me out and he couldn't do that. I ruined that boy, you all saw it against McCline and you're going to continue to see it when he fights Maskaev. I softened him up for all those guys."
Editor: Are you still expecting Peter to lose to Maskaev?
JT: "Yes. And if he does beat Maskaev, he's going to have to see me again and this time I'm going to destroy him."
Editor: The last time we spoke Jirov's name was coming up, did nothing become of it?
JT: "They talked some shit, but I'm tired of everybody talking, it's time to get down to business. If you really want to fight, call my promoter Dan Goossen and we'll make it happen. Dan will put me in with anybody."
Editor: Have you and Dan honed in on any one of couple of potential opponents for your return?
JT: "It's like football, right now me and Dan are putting a game plan together and we're going o execute it when I step through the ropes. We're going to have the date and the opponent all done and when we do, get the call. I've fought the best in six weight classes and nobody could beat me or knock me out, the only person who ever beat me was myself. When you're talking the greatest, my name belongs up there with all of them because I've fought the best from middleweight to heavyweight. You can't say that about anybody else in boxing. Not Bernard Hopkins, not Oscar, not Roy, nobody. None of them have been fighting the kind of heavyweights I've been fighting."
Editor: At what weight will this championship run take place?
JT: "212-217 right around where I fought Holyfield. When I'm at that weight you'll know I'm ready for the primtime."
Editor: Who will be training you?
JT: "Steve Suluki."
Editor: What happened with Freddie Roach?
JT: "Me and Freddie are cool, it was just time for us to part ways. I love Freddie and there's no love lost. Now it's just time for me to go out there and do my thing, getting back to the basics. He's still my younger brother and I love him and I wish him the best. I'm sure he feels the same way about me."
Editor: Will the first fight back be tune up or are you looking for the toughest possible opposition out of the gate?
JT: "I want to come back with the best. I know I'm still the best heavyweight in the world today and I want to come back against the best possible opposition. I don't want no walkover fights like they've been Klitschko. I want real fights."
Editor: Closing thoughts?
JT: "The fun is back for me and I'm ready to go. I'm amped right now. , I'm starving right now, I'm hungry."
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I really hope he gets his shit together and trains and stops eating so much, because he IS more technically sound than any other fighter in the Heavy Weight division, by a long shot.
James Toney: "i'm Still The Best Heavyweight In The World!" (02/28/08)
Editor: It's been a minute since we've had you on, What's the latest and greatest James?
James Toney: "My weight is down, I've been in the gym and I'm ready to go. These motherf**kers saying I might be fighting Danny Williams or such and such, or that I'm out of shape, let them keep thinking that. I'm in shape and I will be ready when I get in there."
Editor: What did you think about the Klitschko-Ibragimov unification bout?
James Toney: "That was some bullshit. That was some garbage. They should be shot for fighting that way in a fight HBO paid all of that money for. Now Klitschko is going to call himself the champion of the world and that's nonsense. How can you say you're the heavyweight champion of the world when you were just scared to death in the ring?"
Editor: When you were sitting there watching the fight were you burning up knowing that the opportunity for you to become heavyweight champion is still there?
JT: "Yes sir. I know this. Those guys are jokes. The fight was a disgrace to put a show on like that in Madison Square Garden."
Editor: Is this your last run at a heavyweight title, is it now or never?
JT: "Definitely and I ain't never losing again. I'm still the peoples champion and everybody knows that nobody's ever whooped James Toney. Not even Sam Peter, everybody seen what I did to him for 24 rounds. If he's supposed to be the big bad wolf, he was supposed to knock me out and he couldn't do that. I ruined that boy, you all saw it against McCline and you're going to continue to see it when he fights Maskaev. I softened him up for all those guys."
Editor: Are you still expecting Peter to lose to Maskaev?
JT: "Yes. And if he does beat Maskaev, he's going to have to see me again and this time I'm going to destroy him."
Editor: The last time we spoke Jirov's name was coming up, did nothing become of it?
JT: "They talked some shit, but I'm tired of everybody talking, it's time to get down to business. If you really want to fight, call my promoter Dan Goossen and we'll make it happen. Dan will put me in with anybody."
Editor: Have you and Dan honed in on any one of couple of potential opponents for your return?
JT: "It's like football, right now me and Dan are putting a game plan together and we're going o execute it when I step through the ropes. We're going to have the date and the opponent all done and when we do, get the call. I've fought the best in six weight classes and nobody could beat me or knock me out, the only person who ever beat me was myself. When you're talking the greatest, my name belongs up there with all of them because I've fought the best from middleweight to heavyweight. You can't say that about anybody else in boxing. Not Bernard Hopkins, not Oscar, not Roy, nobody. None of them have been fighting the kind of heavyweights I've been fighting."
Editor: At what weight will this championship run take place?
JT: "212-217 right around where I fought Holyfield. When I'm at that weight you'll know I'm ready for the primtime."
Editor: Who will be training you?
JT: "Steve Suluki."
Editor: What happened with Freddie Roach?
JT: "Me and Freddie are cool, it was just time for us to part ways. I love Freddie and there's no love lost. Now it's just time for me to go out there and do my thing, getting back to the basics. He's still my younger brother and I love him and I wish him the best. I'm sure he feels the same way about me."
Editor: Will the first fight back be tune up or are you looking for the toughest possible opposition out of the gate?
JT: "I want to come back with the best. I know I'm still the best heavyweight in the world today and I want to come back against the best possible opposition. I don't want no walkover fights like they've been Klitschko. I want real fights."
Editor: Closing thoughts?
JT: "The fun is back for me and I'm ready to go. I'm amped right now. , I'm starving right now, I'm hungry."
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I really hope he gets his shit together and trains and stops eating so much, because he IS more technically sound than any other fighter in the Heavy Weight division, by a long shot.
Roy Jones Jr: Don King And Jermain Taylor Need To Stop Playing Games! (02/28/08)
If JT doesn't act quickly RJ's moving on!
Editor: Things have cooled off a bit regarding the Jermain Taylor, what's the deal Jones?
Roy Jones Jr: "What's happening is, Don King is playing some sort of game where he's talking to the Jermain Taylor people about Tito Trinidad instead of Roy Jones Jr. Kelly Pavlik said he'd fight Tito, I'd say cool give me Jermain. Now Pavlik changed his mind and for some strange reason it seems like don't nobody want to fight Roy. I might have to go on back to commentating if this keeps up. I might have to go back to commentating and just leave it alone. Now that I'm back and I'm having a good time, they know they can't beat me."
Editor: Perhaps their logic is that Jermain and Tito fighting first would only make a PPV fight between you and Taylor bigger.
Roy Jones Jr: "Yeah, but what about when Hopkins-Calzaghe is done? I'm going to be looking at that. I'm not going to want to be hearing about Jermain or Tito. Jermain is just something to do to hold me down. If he doesn't want to do it right now I'm not interested."
Editor: So if JT and his people want to make a fight the time is now because pretty soon there will be bigger options out there, correct?
RJJ: "There you go. And I'm not fitting to waste my time with a Jermain Taylor when I'm going to have a Joe Calzaghe or Bernard Hopkins I can whoop on. The winner of that Showtime situation would be bigger also, so if Jermain wants to do it now, cool. Otherwise forget about it. They can't come up with more money, both of them just got beat and they're going to sit there and try to say that Jermain and Trinidad is bigger than Jermain and Roy Jones Jr."
Editor: When will you start looking in another direction?
RJJ: "I'm already looking in another direction. I heard about this the other day and I already told Fred Levin and we're looking in other directions. They still got time to step up, but not much."
Editor: Will you look take a stay busy fight with a Muriqi now?
RJJ: "Something like that or Danny Green. If Danny Green wants to fight me for a light heavyweight title, I'm down right now."
Editor: Would it have to take place in America?
RJJ: "Not really. I don't care where I fight, I'm interested in who and when for how much. Not interested in where. I'll be where the best offer is. I want the title. I don't care where it's at."
Editor: How do you feel about the discussions Don is having with the Taylor people? Do you think it's Don wanting to make Trinidad-Taylor more or the other side preferring Trinidad over you?
RJJ: "They want to get both of them an easier fight so one of them will win, but I don't want it that way, you feel me. If Jermain wants to do something now, cool. Otherwise, who needs him?"
Editor: Closing thoughts?
RJJ: "I love the game. I love boxing. I was not only the best boxer, I was the best commentator too. When you can do two things at once, you have options. Right now these guys need me, I don't need them. I asked for Jermain Taylor, they acted like they wanted to do something and now they don't. We'll see if these guys want to make fights or keep running from me."
If JT doesn't act quickly RJ's moving on!
Editor: Things have cooled off a bit regarding the Jermain Taylor, what's the deal Jones?
Roy Jones Jr: "What's happening is, Don King is playing some sort of game where he's talking to the Jermain Taylor people about Tito Trinidad instead of Roy Jones Jr. Kelly Pavlik said he'd fight Tito, I'd say cool give me Jermain. Now Pavlik changed his mind and for some strange reason it seems like don't nobody want to fight Roy. I might have to go on back to commentating if this keeps up. I might have to go back to commentating and just leave it alone. Now that I'm back and I'm having a good time, they know they can't beat me."
Editor: Perhaps their logic is that Jermain and Tito fighting first would only make a PPV fight between you and Taylor bigger.
Roy Jones Jr: "Yeah, but what about when Hopkins-Calzaghe is done? I'm going to be looking at that. I'm not going to want to be hearing about Jermain or Tito. Jermain is just something to do to hold me down. If he doesn't want to do it right now I'm not interested."
Editor: So if JT and his people want to make a fight the time is now because pretty soon there will be bigger options out there, correct?
RJJ: "There you go. And I'm not fitting to waste my time with a Jermain Taylor when I'm going to have a Joe Calzaghe or Bernard Hopkins I can whoop on. The winner of that Showtime situation would be bigger also, so if Jermain wants to do it now, cool. Otherwise forget about it. They can't come up with more money, both of them just got beat and they're going to sit there and try to say that Jermain and Trinidad is bigger than Jermain and Roy Jones Jr."
Editor: When will you start looking in another direction?
RJJ: "I'm already looking in another direction. I heard about this the other day and I already told Fred Levin and we're looking in other directions. They still got time to step up, but not much."
Editor: Will you look take a stay busy fight with a Muriqi now?
RJJ: "Something like that or Danny Green. If Danny Green wants to fight me for a light heavyweight title, I'm down right now."
Editor: Would it have to take place in America?
RJJ: "Not really. I don't care where I fight, I'm interested in who and when for how much. Not interested in where. I'll be where the best offer is. I want the title. I don't care where it's at."
Editor: How do you feel about the discussions Don is having with the Taylor people? Do you think it's Don wanting to make Trinidad-Taylor more or the other side preferring Trinidad over you?
RJJ: "They want to get both of them an easier fight so one of them will win, but I don't want it that way, you feel me. If Jermain wants to do something now, cool. Otherwise, who needs him?"
Editor: Closing thoughts?
RJJ: "I love the game. I love boxing. I was not only the best boxer, I was the best commentator too. When you can do two things at once, you have options. Right now these guys need me, I don't need them. I asked for Jermain Taylor, they acted like they wanted to do something and now they don't. We'll see if these guys want to make fights or keep running from me."