Boxing News Thread

[2-0-Sixx]

LOL, Oscar don't want nothin from Margarito


Oscar wants Manny at 147... Cotto and Margarito out!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

It’s 147 lbs or nothing.

Eric Gomez, vice president of Golden Boy Promotions, said Oscar dela Hoya won’t settle for anything lower than 147 lbs as the official weight of a possible showdown with Manny Pacquiao in December.

“It will have to be at 147 — nothing more, nothing less,” said Gomez who was in the town recently.

The statement sends a signal to the Pacquiao camp that if they’re thinking of luring Dela Hoya to a weight lower than 147 lbs, probably at 145 lbs, they should think again.

Gomez also said, “145 is out of the question.”

Dela Hoya, according to Gomez, can no longer make it at 145 lbs, considering that he has fought his recent fights at 150 lbs or at light-middleweight.

Dela Hoya will have to sacrifice a lot just to make 147 lbs, and a give the fight that a lot of people are hoping to see a chance. An Internet report said an announcement would come out in 10 days.

“I don’t think Oscar can make 145 anymore,” said Gomez.

Miguel Cotto is out, but so is his conqueror Antonio Margarito. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is retired and Felix Trinidad won’t fight below 164 pounds.

Thus the chances of Manny Pacquiao emerging as Oscar De La Hoya’s final opponent in December looms bright.

And the megabuck fight could be finalized in “less than 10 days,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer bared in the Bad Left Hook boxing blog on Sunday.

Pacquiao said he’s willing to face Dela Hoya at 147 lbs but said he might show up for the official weigh-in at 142 lbs and climb the ring for the fight not heavier than 149 lbs.

Reports said Pacquiao has been offered $10 million as a guaranteed purse, and a couple million more in pay-per-view shares. The Pinoy camp will surely ask for more.

Negotiations for a dream fight between Dela Hoya and Pacquiao are on, and should pick up speed when the Filipino champion arrives in the US. He was scheduled to leave last night.

Pacquiao’s legal counsel, Jeng Gacal, is already in the US to clear the road, and a meeting between the Filipino champion and his chief trainer, Freddie Roach, is set as soon as possible.

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, is working hard for the fight to push through, and has been dealing with Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaeffer.

“Bob Arum is working it out with Richard Schaeffer who’s on vacation and he gets back on the 30th,” said Gomez of the GBP official who is in France vacationing with his family.

 

[heyzel]

LOL, Oscar don't want nothin from Margarito


Oscar wants Manny at 147... Cotto and Margarito out!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

It’s 147 lbs or nothing.

Eric Gomez, vice president of Golden Boy Promotions, said Oscar dela Hoya won’t settle for anything lower than 147 lbs as the official weight of a possible showdown with Manny Pacquiao in December.

“It will have to be at 147 — nothing more, nothing less,” said Gomez who was in the town recently.

The statement sends a signal to the Pacquiao camp that if they’re thinking of luring Dela Hoya to a weight lower than 147 lbs, probably at 145 lbs, they should think again.

Gomez also said, “145 is out of the question.”

Dela Hoya, according to Gomez, can no longer make it at 145 lbs, considering that he has fought his recent fights at 150 lbs or at light-middleweight.

Dela Hoya will have to sacrifice a lot just to make 147 lbs, and a give the fight that a lot of people are hoping to see a chance. An Internet report said an announcement would come out in 10 days.

“I don’t think Oscar can make 145 anymore,” said Gomez.

Miguel Cotto is out, but so is his conqueror Antonio Margarito. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is retired and Felix Trinidad won’t fight below 164 pounds.

Thus the chances of Manny Pacquiao emerging as Oscar De La Hoya’s final opponent in December looms bright.

And the megabuck fight could be finalized in “less than 10 days,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer bared in the Bad Left Hook boxing blog on Sunday.

Pacquiao said he’s willing to face Dela Hoya at 147 lbs but said he might show up for the official weigh-in at 142 lbs and climb the ring for the fight not heavier than 149 lbs.

Reports said Pacquiao has been offered $10 million as a guaranteed purse, and a couple million more in pay-per-view shares. The Pinoy camp will surely ask for more.

Negotiations for a dream fight between Dela Hoya and Pacquiao are on, and should pick up speed when the Filipino champion arrives in the US. He was scheduled to leave last night.

Pacquiao’s legal counsel, Jeng Gacal, is already in the US to clear the road, and a meeting between the Filipino champion and his chief trainer, Freddie Roach, is set as soon as possible.

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, is working hard for the fight to push through, and has been dealing with Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaeffer.

“Bob Arum is working it out with Richard Schaeffer who’s on vacation and he gets back on the 30th,” said Gomez of the GBP official who is in France vacationing with his family.

mane fuck oscar like I said before he's trying to go out with an win I hope pacman punish his cross dressing ass

 

[heyzel]

The fight that is upcoming that I'm most excited about is this one:

Juan Manuel Marquez

Beating the shit out of this faggot

Joel Casamayor vs Juan Manuel Marquez on September 13
LOS ANGELES, June 27, 2008 – Mexico celebrated its independence from Spain on the historic date of September 16, 1810 and over the years, this day has grown to become a special day of celebration, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. This year, the boxing world will celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day when reigning Ring Magazine World Lightweight Champion Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor meets former two-division World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. in a 12-round championship bout that celebrates the best of the sweet science and two of its greatest practitioners.

In professional boxing, this day or the celebrated weekend has always been home to the largest boxing events in the history of the sport. Some of the most memorable Mexican Independence Day fights were: Sept. 18, 1998 when the “Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya faced Mexican icon, Julio Caesar Chavez; Sept. 18, 1999 when the “Golden Boy” faced Puerto Rico’s Felix “Tito” Trinidad; and Sept. 14, 2002 when De La Hoya faced Fernando “Ferocious” Vargas.

Casamayor vs. Marquez, a 12-round bout for Casamayor’s Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, will headline a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Cazadores Tequila. The world title bout will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $125 and $75 go on sale Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m. and may be purchased at any MGM Grand box office outlet and all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“I’m very excited for this great fight and I’m happy that Golden Boy gave me this opportunity,” said Casamayor. “It is going to be a war between two legends but one of us will be finished after this and I know I’m going to retire Juan Manuel Marquez on September 13.”

Marquez commented, “This is the most important fight of my life because I’m putting my career on the line to go up in weight to fight Joel. He is the best at 135 and a very dangerous fighter. It’s a huge fight for me and I’m very excited to fight in front of all of my loyal fans in Las Vegas on Mexican Independence Day weekend.”

De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “This match-up continues the great tradition in boxing to hold championship bouts on Mexican Independence Day weekend. When Joel Casamayor, a legendary Cuban fighter and an Olympic Gold Medalist, meets a very dangerous two-division World Champion and future hall of famer in Juan Manuel Marquez, the fans will get their money’s worth of skill, heart and action. This fight is an exciting way to kick off the Fall boxing season and there is no doubt that this will be one of the best fights of 2008 as both fighters are looking to win after coming off dramatic battles.”

Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment of MGM MIRAGE, said, “The fans in the Grand Garden Arena will be treated to a sensational event. We look forward to celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend with Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Pay-Per-View.”

HBO PPV's Mark Taffet said, “Casamayor-Marquez is a marquee matchup in a division that continues to turn out one great fight after another. It's the kind of 'best vs. best' battle that boxing fans love.”

The greatest Cuban fighter of the last 30 years, 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist and current Ring Magazine Lightweight World Champion Casamayor (36-3-1, 22 KOs) has unquestionably stamped himself as a future Hall of Famer with world titles in two weight classes, along with a resume that many experts believe should contain no losses. Owner of wins over Nate Campbell, Diego Corrales (twice) and Roberto Garcia, Casamayor’s only defeats have come via highly disputed decisions against Acelino Freitas, Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo, fights most believe “El Cepillo” deserved to win. In his last fight in March though, Casamayor refused to leave things in the hands of the judges and knocked out the previously unbeaten Australian warrior Michael Katsidis in the 10th round.

A wizard of the ring who mixes technical prowess with a warrior’s heart and a willingness to go to war, Marquez (48-4-1, 35 KOs) already has secured his legacy as one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all-time. However, he is not satisfied – thus his pursuit of a world title in a third weight class. A former Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion, Marquez has fought the best of this era including Manny Pacquiao (twice), Marco Antonio Barrera, Rocky Juarez and Manuel Medina. With his only loss in the last two years being a controversial split decision at the hands of Pacquiao in their classic rematch in March, it is clear that like a fine wine, the 34-year-old Marquez is getting better with age.

The Casamayor vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Casamayor vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

An exciting undercard will be announced in the near future. For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.



I'm going with casa on this fight right now Casa is on a roll but jmm is a tough sob so this should be another hard fight for him

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Oscar is a bitch. He needs to give Margarito a shot. Pass the torch so to speak. Remember before you were a Tranny Oscar the true Mexican legend gave you a shot? He passed the torch to you. Do the same faggot

 

[heyzel]

Oscar is a bitch. He needs to give Margarito a shot. Pass the torch so to speak. Remember before you were a Tranny Oscar the true Mexican legend gave you a shot? He passed the torch to you. Do the same faggot

agreed

 

[inphxerno]

So Any Opinions On chavez son Vs De La Joya?


id Love to See It, not Ready yet But dam id love to see him mop the floor with oscar

 

[heyzel]

Toney-Rahman Rematch Result Changed To A No Decision

29.07.08 - by James Slater: Well, former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman got what he wanted in the end. According to a news flash on FightNews.com, the official decision of Rhaman's July 16th rematch fight with James Toney has been demoted from a 3rd round TKO win for "Lights Out" to a No Decision.

Toney will likely, and justifiably in this writer's opinion, be furious, but "Rock" is reportedly delighted with the news. Complaining bitterly as soon as the original result was announced by the M.C on July 16th, Team Rahman put an appeal in in an effort to wipe the TKO defeat from the 35-year-old's record. The appeal has worked. But will the fans be happy?

To the opinion of most observers, Rahman chose to take the easy way out after having been cut by the accidental head-butt. The cut, though a nasty one, was far from the worst one seen in a big fight. Indeed, Toney himself chose to fight on when cut in his middleweight title fight against Tim Littles years ago - preferring to KO his opponent as opposed to accepting to retain his title on a technicality. It seemed clear Rahman felt he'd get a No Decision against Toney, what with the damage to him being done before four rounds were completed. But his plan almost backfired when it was initially announced that "Lights Out" had earned himself a TKO.

The following statement made by Armando Garcia gives Rahman what he wanted after all.

"I have reviewed Rahman's appeal, and have determined that the wrong decision was made on the night of the event," said Armando Garcia, executive director of The California State Athletic Commission. "Therefore the bout will be ruled a No Decision."

Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, called the new verdict "a true and just result." Adding, "I want to commend the California Commission and particularly its executive director, Armando Garcia, for handling this situation so expeditiously and for having the courage to reverse a decision made the night of the fight."

A happy Rahman expressed his gratitude to Mr. Garcia.

"I am gratified," Rahman said. "It is the right thing to do and I appreciate Mr. Garcia's efforts."

So far, neither James Toney or his promoter Dan Goossen have issued any public statement. Also unclear is whether or not a rematch, in this case a third fight, will be called for between the two veteran heavyweights. However, British boxer David Haye did say last week that should Toney-Rahman be changed to a No Decision, Rahman would be "right back in the mix" as a choice for his November opponent.

Stay tuned

 

[heyzel]

Another Welterweight Title Fight This Saturday: Will Clottey vs. Judah Give Us Even M

By James Slater: It would be scarcely believable if this coming Saturday's Joshua Clottey vs. Zab Judah welterweight title bout were even half as good as the fight we saw in Las Vegas on July 26th. Hell, the action Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto put on at The MGM Grand was hard enough to believe itself, such was its greatness. But in Judah vs. Clottey we may just have ourselves yet another excitement filled and extremely watch-able affair in a currently red-hot welterweight division.

Fighting for the IBF welterweight crown Margarito gave up so he could get the chance to rip the WBA belt from Cotto - which he did in sensational style, of course - Clottey and Judah clash at The Palms Casino in Vegas. Both men are hungry, too. "Super" Judah wants to get back to where he was a few years ago, when he was considered the main man at 147 pounds after having beaten Cory Spinks. While "The Hitter" Clottey has been aching for a second crack at a world title ever since his reasonably close December 2006 points loss to "Tony." Giving Margarito a tough fight for the first handful of rounds, before a hand injury compromised his chances, the 31-year-old who lives in The Bronx, New York surprised many.

On August 2nd, the styles of the two men should gel nicely to give us a fan-friendly fight. Southpaw Judah, from Brooklyn, New York, is often in good fights. Fast, holding punching power and, as he showed in his excellent battle with the then unbeaten Cotto last summer, possessing genuine heart, the 30 year-old is a man many once saw as a future superstar. Things didn't quite turn out that way for Judah, but here in 2008 Zab still feels there's time. A win over Clottey could pave the way for some big fights for him.

Clottey a far different personality from Judah isn't all that interested in being a star. He just wants to be a world champion. A tough fighter, both mentally and physically, Clottey also wants to be known as a great fighter - but the showbiz side of the sport isn't really his thing. Happy playing soccer - another of the Accra born boxer's passions - in the garden of his New York home, Joshua is a humble guy and a pretty private person. Indeed, the contrasting personalities of the two men from New York who will be attempting to knock one another out in a few days time is another element that makes the IBF title bout an interesting one.

With the majority of fight fans' eyes glued firmly on the happenings in the welterweight division right now, the timing couldn't have been better for the two men to be getting it on. Take August 2nd's fight as an encore to the majestic Margarito-Cotto fight if you wish, but take the time to tune in. I have a feeling this bout, while it won't surpass "The Battle" that decided the WBA version of world honours at 147, will be yet another great fight. With much toe-to-toe slugging involved, at least in the early rounds, before the inevitable fade by Judah, the action will be most enjoyable to watch.

Look for a fast start by the flashy Judah, before the harder man in Clottey takes over to either win a late stoppage or earn a clear points verdict. Who knows, this Saturday's victor may be next in line for the man who calls himself "The Tijuana Tornado." Talk about an added incentive to win!

 

[heyzel]

De La Hoya-Pacquiao is Fraud To The Public, says Sulaiman

By James Blears

“What are they going to do? Stuff Manny with tamales plus beans, and reduce Oscar in the steam bath to bring them together? It’s ridiculous, it’s absurd, it’s a fraud to the public and it cannot happen!"

That’s the opinion of Jose Sulaiman, the WBC President, about the prospects of a Oscar De La Hoya's farewell fight, possibly against Manny Pacquiao, on December 6.

Don Jose also warned: “It’s about time that some people in boxing stopped thinking about names and money. Manny Pacquiao has only recently won the lightweight title. It’s been thirteen-years since Oscar De La Hoya last made that weight. And in that thirteen years, he’s gone up four weight divisions.”

According to Don Jose, Oscar has two principal options. The first is for his last fight to be against a decent fighter and afterwards he can enjoy a well deserved WBC gala dinner to celebrate his extraordinary boxing accomplishments.

And the other option is something Oscar may not like.

"If Oscar wants a real fight, then it’s Antonio Margarito and no one else - if he wants to go out with a sincere risk of losing with a big puncher who is always throwing punches like a windmill.”

In other news, Don Jose confirmed that the WBC is going to order Humberto Soto to fight for the title (super featherweight) in the next few days. His opponent will be decided by a vote of the Board of Governors. Manny Pacquiao has yet to officially decide whether he wants to vacate this title in favor of the Lightweight belt, one division up.

 

[heyzel]

Oscar De La Hoya: "The Manny Pacquiao Fight is Personal"

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

“The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya says that should he get into the ring against Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao “it has to be very personal.”

In an exclusive overseas telephone conversation with www.insidesports.ph along with Viva Sports and Manila Standard Today, De La Hoya recounted his feelings after Pacquiao first signed up with Golden Boy Promotions and then turned around and went with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.

De La Hoya remarked, “I think its very personal because I felt I accepted Manny and I trusted Manny and when we looked into each others eyes and we shook hands I felt we had reached a deal. But the past is the past and if we get in the ring it has to be very personal.”

Referring to celebrated trainer Freddie Roach’s comments on dzSR Sports Radio’s “Sports Chat” program in which Roach spoke to host Dennis Principe and myself and claimed that De La Hoya was slow, couldn’t pull the trigger and will be knocked out by Pacquiao, De La Hoya said he had “great respect for Freddie Roach who is one of the best trainers in the world but I know that I can prove him wrong and if Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao are calling me out then I am right here waiting.”

De La Hoya emphasized “I’m a very competitive fighter and I remember when Bernard Hopkins was challenging me and at that time I was a welterweight and he was fighting as a light heavyweight and he called me out. As a fighter I felt I had to challenge him so I did. Now Manny Pacquiao is challenging me and I am definitely considering it.”

“The Golden Boy” noted that his conversation with us was the first time he was responding directly to Roach and Pacquiao. “I see it as a challenge and I think that if Manny Pacquiao wants to consider himself a legend I think by having a fight with me, it will put him in the history books forever.”

A De La Hoya – Pacquiao fight would need a number of crucial issues to be ironed out. But De La Hoya made it clear that Golden Boy “will have to be the promoter in order to make it a record-breaking fight.” He added “no other promoter can generate the numbers that we do.”

However, he left a window open for talks stating that “if this fight can take place I am sure Richard Schaefer and Bob Arum can work something out.” De La Hoya said he had “never met anybody smarter in boxing” than Schaefer and made it clear that “if there is anybody who can make this fight huge – not big but huge – its me (De La Hoya) Manny Pacquiao and Richard Schaefer.”

Asked about his readiness to come down to 147 pounds for a Pacquiao fight which may be a struggle for him, De La Hoya shrugged it off. “No struggle at all” he said. “I am a natural welterweight. I can make the weight easy. There’s no problem.”

He said he only gains a maximum of four pounds by fight night because he is a natural 145-146 pounder. De La Hoya said he doesn’t gain much between the weigh in and fight night pointing out that in his last fight against Steve Forbes “I weighed in at 149 and by fight night I was only 151. The most I gain in-between fights, the maximum, is six to seven pounds.”

On the issue of Pacquiao’s purse which some so-called insiders in Team Pacquiao claim should be at least $20 million , De La Hoya that he was sure that when Schaefer gets back from his European vacation on July 30 “we can come out with a formula where Manny can make two or three or even four or five times what he’s making now so I feel that Bob Arum and Richard Schaefer can realistically make this fight happen.”

Right now with Miguel Cotto having been beaten by Antonio Margarito – a Mexican – who De La Hoya made it clear he wouldn’t fight long before Margarito whipped Cotto since he is also a Mexican, De La Hoya did say there are “several names I have been thinking about.”

He said one of them is Sergio Mora, another one is Shane Mosley and another one “which I do not exclude” is Felix “Tito” Trinidad . De La Hoya thinks that “the fight can be made” and that Schaefer has been talking to Don King but added, “we’ll have to wait and see because this is my last year, my last fight and I think me and Manny can really make history inside that ring on December 6.”

De La Hoya revealed that he would train for four months for a Pacquiao showdown. He emphasized, “I keep myself in good shape now My plan for this year was to fight three times and with the Floyd Mayweather retirement it derailed my plans. But I kept myself in shape and now I am getting ready for December so I’ll be ready for whoever I fight.”

At the same time De La Hoya believes he can entice Mayweather out of retirement stating “I think he retired prematurely.”

 

[heyzel]

Margarito wills a decisive victory, is Clottey next?

7/29/08 - By Mike Cassell, the Philadelphia Boxing Report - LAS VEGAS - If we have learned anything Saturday night in Las Vegas inside the MGM Grand arena is that there are very few fighters in the world with the pure “will” of Mexican welterweight Antonio Margarito. His 11 round relentless pursuit of Puerto Rican “tough guy” Miguel Cotto will go down in the pugilistic annals as one of the single greatest performances in the history of the welterweight division.

The comment “who wants it more?” is used entirely too often across the board in every sport, but Antonio Margarito made that question mean more than ever before, bringing the answer to life with every bone crushing punch and heart pounding step he took forward, chopping down the favored Cotto with a violent brute force, that was usually the calling card of Cotto himself. “Beating him at his own game” is used quite a bit too, but that is exactly what Margarito did. He stalked the stalker, and forced him into submission. It was absolutely brilliant.

For Miguel Cotto, suffering a quick knockout would have been more generous and a bit more explainable. But to drop to knee and submit to another fighter is something we have never seen from Cotto, and quite honestly, will probably never see again. That is what made Margarito’s performance so spectacular. As Margarito so deservedly basks in the glory of this solid victory, little known Top Rank brawler Joshua Clottey 31-2 with 20 KO’s will battle perennial journeyman Zab Judah for the vacant IBF welterweight title. If Margarito was slightly off the welterweight map before this fight with Cotto, Clottey must be seemingly off the welterweight planet. Born in Accra, Ghana, Clottey is a member of the “Ga” tribe who shares membership with the likes of Ike Quartey and Azumah Nelson. He is a tremendous Ghanaian warrior who gave Antonio Margarito fits in 2006 on the Cotto/Quintana undercard in Atlantic City NJ. He is another stalker puncher, who doesn’t go backwards and knows Margarito very well.

The fight in 06 against Margarito was a spectacular battle that lost its luster after Cotto thoroughly destroyed Quintana in the main event. In the post fight press conference, the press seemed to question the performance of Margarito, but what seemed to be missing was the tremendous performance of Joshua Clottey. Clottey had fractured his hand in the 3rd round and took Margarito a punishing 12 rounds. The Judges easily gave the fight to Margarito, but it seemed much closer than 116 -112 / 116 – 112 / 118 – 109. Clottey’s only other loss came against the very pedestrian Carlos Baldomir in 1999. For the record, Clottey was winning the fight easily until the referee stopped the fight in the 11th round due to excessive head butting. More proof that Clottey does not move backwards and will suffer a fractured hand, or a fractured head to win a bout. He is truly a hidden jewel in a division that is chock full of unbridled talent.

If Clottey can get past Judah, Bob Arum should do everything possible to get Clottey and Margarito back in the ring. These guys are 2 very tough brawlers, and I give Clottey a very good chance against Margarito if he has 2 good hands. It’s an easy fight for Arum to make, but there is just one problem, Zab Judah. It seems like when everyone is ready to count Judah out, he manages to squeak out a victory and put himself right back in contention. He fights like the stock market; you never really know what you are going to get from fight to fight. If he trains properly, and keeps his head, this could be a competitive fight. If he takes Clottey likely, he will learn a painful lesson that will keep him from a title opportunity for a long time. The other possibility is a Cotto / Margarito rematch. Cotto was beaten handily in the later rounds, but performed well early. Cotto needed a fight like this to challenge him. A second fight, although inconceivable, would be more exciting.

Of course there is always Oscar De La Hoya, but Golden Boy Promotions maybe sitting on the sidelines for awhile. Top Rank is king of the hill right now and what a better place to be holding all the cards, then in Las Vegas.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Margarito's Manager: "De La Hoya is Afraid To Fight"


By Rick Reeno

Last weekend's knockout of Miguel Cotto was not the outcome that Oscar De La Hoya was banking on. Prior to last Saturday, the two candidates in the running to face De La Hoya in his farewell bout were Cotto and Manny Pacquiao. After Antonio Margarito pulled off the upset and knocked out Cotto in eleven-rounds, De La Hoya immediately set his sights on Pacquiao, and ignored Margarito as a possible opponent. HBO has reserved the pay-per-view date of December 6 for the final fight of De La Hoya's career.

Sergio Diaz, co-manager to Margarito, contacted BoxingScene.com and was not surprised with De La Hoya going back on his word. Last week, De La Hoya told reporters that he was willing to fight anyone, including the winner of Cotto-Margarito. He said a fight with the Cotto-Margarito winner "would be a great way to end my career."

“I told Richard Schaefer to get me the biggest fight possible,” De La Hoya said. “Whoever it is, that is who we want. There is no particular fighter. Sergio Mora is a possibility. The winner of the Cotto-Margarito fight would be a great way to end my career. There is a lot of options. I am willing to fight whomever.”

Since Margarito's win, De La Hoya has advised Margarito's promoter, Bob Arum, that he would rather face Pacquiao. The possibility of a De La Hoya-Pacquiao encounter is causing a lot of tension among boxing fans. Many are upset over the obvious size difference. Pacquiao fights at 135-pounds and would have to move up by two weight-divisions to make the fight at 147-pounds.

"You know, I read this article last week on BoxingScene where De La Hoya says 'I'll fight anyone.' He calls out Cotto, Margarito, Pacquiao, Mora - just about everyone. But after he saw what Margarito did to Cotto - he said 'bring me Pacquiao.' He forgot about Tony real quick," Diaz said.

"De La Hoya vs. Margarito is a fight the public wants to see. But Oscar doesn't want to get hurt. He doesn't want to fight a guy his size. He doesn't want that. He wants 135-pounders to move up to 147 or 150-pounds to fight him. That's what Oscar wants. What we know is that Mr.De La Hoya is afraid to fight Antonio."

The obvious question was asked as to the recent comments made on BoxingScene by George Peterson, manager/trainer of WBO welterweight champion Paul Williams. A few days ago, Peterson called for a rematch between Margarito and Williams to settle the issue on who is the best welterweight in the world. Williams won a close decision over Margarito in 2007. Diaz is never one to negotiate over the internet, he says Margarito is willing to face whoever Arum puts in front of him.

"He has Bob Arum's number. All they have to do is call Bob Arum. He's the one who will decide what's next for us. We are looking for another big fight this year," Diaz said.

According to industry insiders, Margarito's next fight may come against the winner of this weekend's welterweight title bout between Joshua Clottey and Zab Judah, or September's bout between Shane Mosley and Ricardo Mayorga.

 

[REdRUM]

@ Tony: What is your thinking as to why De La Hoya doesn't want to fight Margarito?

And as far as the last paragraph...I wouldn't mind seeing Margarito fight any of the four listed, with the exception of Mayorga.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Marquez up to the lightweight challenge
By Francisco Salazar
Photo by Chris Cozzone

Juan Manuel Marquez is going from facing one of the most electric and hard-hitting fighters, in his last fight, to one of the most talented, in his next bout.

No need to feel sorry for him or think that he can not win. Instead, he wants the challenge and looks forward to it.

On Sept. 13, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Marquez, 48-4-1, 35 KOs, will take on Joel Casamayor, 36-3-1, 22 KOs, with the hopes of wrestling away the interim WBO Lightweight title away from the Cuban-born fighter.

The bout will headline the "Challenge" card, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Romanza Boxing. HBO Pay Per View will televise the card.

Marquez is coming off one of the best fights of 2008, when he lost a close 12-round split decision against current pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in March. The bout was a 2005 rematch that saw Marquez recovering from three knockdowns to rally and fight his way to a 12-round split decision draw in May of 2004.

Rather than sulk in the decision in a bout he feels he won, Marquez now moves forward and will fight one of the consistently better fighters within the last decade. Both boxers fight under the Golden Boy Promotions banner.

Like the gentleman that Marquez is, one who rarely runs his mouth, he was quick to praise the talent and ability of Casamayor.

"He is a very good fighter," said Marquez, who is a native of Mexico City and now resides in the Orange County city of Anaheim. "I know that he will give it his best for this fight."

Casamayor is coming off a thrilling battle against previously-unbeaten Michael Katsidis at one of the newer venues to host professional boxing, the Morongo Spa Resort and Casino in the Southern California desert.

Casamayor rallied in the 10th round after being dropped and stopped the hard-hitting Katsidis with one punch to the chin.

Marquez is never one to shy from fighting the best at featherweight and super featherweight. However, like Pacquiao, he will go up five pounds in weight and will hope to win a world title in a third different weight class.

Regardless, Marquez always felt that he and the 1992 Olympic Gold medalist would meet sooner or later.

"We always thought about this as a future fight," said Marquez, who made his professional career over 15 years ago. "I never expected the bout to be made this soon. I always like to fight the great fighters out there. This is a great opportunity to fight him."

Casamayor has been in tremendous battles throughout his career against some of the best super featherweights and lightweights in the world. One knack that Casamayor has on him is that he sometimes uses rough tactics in a bout. Marquez hopes that will not be a problem for his match up against Casamayor.

"I know he can be a bit dirty as a fighter," replied Marquez to the topic of Casamayor's style. "Hopefully, the referee will do a good job of not allowing those things to happen. If he does not, than I could fight dirty as well."

"I do not like to fight that way," continued Marquez. "You have to do it intelligently. I have had to do it in the past when a referee does not have control of a fight. I have to defend myself."

Although Marquez will be stepping inside the ring against Casamayor, he could not help but think what a victory would do for his future. Should he come out victorious against Casamayor, not only would he have a world title, but added leverage to make a third bout against Pacquiao.

Marquez feels not only does he have a score to settle, but that Pacquiao needs him.

"(David) Diaz did not have the skills to be fighting Pacquiao. I know that Pacquiao made more money with me than he did with Diaz. He knows that I beat him. That is why he does not want to fight me."

Asked which Pacquiao decision left Marquez with a bad aftertaste, Marquez responded:

"Both of them. I hit him often and easier in the second fight. I know that there was the knockdown, but I felt that I was the better fighter. I don't even think he expected that he was going to be announced as the winner."

With respect to Casamayor, Marquez knows that he will have his hands full. He knows Casamayor could bring different styles and can adjust to Marquez' game plan during the bout. However, he feels he is confident that he can outbox and defeat Casamayor.

"I'm preparing well in the gym every day. I trust my training. I know that Casamayor is a difficult fighter. However, he is not invincible. I can win and I have the skills to do it."

 

[2-0-Sixx]

I want to watch that fight but I just can't get over the fact that it's PPV. Totally unworthy of PPV imo. Besides, on the same night I can watch my boy Joan Guzman vs Nate Campbell on Showtime for free. I'll be downloading Marquez/Casa

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Haye bulking up!

Wednesday, July 30 2008

Don't expect to see former WBC/WBA and WBO unified cruiserweight king David Haye below 200lbs again anytime soon. "I've only just started to get back into serious training and I'm currently at a lean and mean 16 stone 8 pounds (232 lbs)" explained Haye (21-1, 20 KOs). "Klitschko was worried that I wouldn't be big enough to face him, but the scales don't lie and I'm well over the 16 stone mark and in great shape already. I'm eating well, living well and doing some serious training. My body fat is at 12 per cent and I'm currently in better shape than the majority of the division even at this early stage." Haye - back in the UK attending media engagements – is based in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where last week he officially opened a state-of-the-art boxing gym. Currently the WBC #5 ranked heavyweight, Haye will fight next in mid November at London's 02 Arena against an opponent to be named.

 

[heyzel]

Mora-Forrest II Highlights Casamayor vs. Marquez PPV Undercard

In June a real contender proved that he was no pretender,” said Forrest’s promoter Gary Shaw. “Sergio Mora showed everyone, especially Vernon Forrest, that he was no novelty act. But rematches have a way of smoking out the second-best from the best. Even Smokey The Bear won't be able to protect Mora from this Forrest Fire!”

A native of East Los Angeles, California, Sergio Mora (21-0-1, 5 KOs) was just 12-0 when he was selected to compete on the first season of the reality series ‘The Contender’ on NBC. Four wins later, Mora was not only the champion of the series, he was a household name to millions of fans. The next step for him was winning a world championship and after five fights (4-0-1) he got his shot on June 7th and made the most of it, scoring a hard-fought 12 round decision over the man he will face on September 13th, Vernon Forrest.

“Even though I won the championship from Vernon in June, I know that my claim as a champion will not be solidified until I beat him again, so I’m very excited about this fight,” said Mora. “I will leave no doubts as to who the best 154 pound fighter in the world is on September 13th, and if Vernon thinks he can beat me on Mexican Independence Day weekend, then I obviously hit him even harder than I thought in our first fight.”

 

[heyzel]

Williams Spanks Margarito!

Taj K. Eubanks - July 30, 2008: Such a title was bound to get your attention. Seriously though, what are the prospects of a repeat victory by Paul Williams? Let’s examine what we know, starting with what we found out about Margarito this past Saturday.

First, Margarito still gives away too many early rounds. The first six rounds of Cotto-Margarito clearly belonged to Cotto, who boxed beautifully, circled, and threw combinations. In Margarito-Williams, Margarito also lost the first half of the fight, though he seemed to be off to a slow start. The key question to ask about the Williams fight is this: Was Margarito’s sluggish start due to a mistake in strategy or was he forced by a larger, equally powerful foe (who threw more punches than he did) to fight at a pace he was unaccustomed to? That is a key question.. Put another way, it is possible to bully opponents around the ring when one has the advantage in size, power, and punch output, that is until you meet your mirror image that matches you shot for shot. Fact of the matter is, if Margarito is to beat Williams, he has to start from round one, and even then victory is still not guaranteed as Williams, despite being buzzed, was never in danger of going down.

Second, Margarito’s chin is spectacular, a chunk of titanium made in the mold of Julio Cesar Chavez himself. And while this chin makes him an absolute beast to a fighter whose game plan is to KO him in order to win (see Cotto and Cintron), it has absolutely no bearing on a good boxer with moderate power, because Margarito can be easily out-pointed (as Williams proved). Unfortunately, if a fighter is drawn into a game of macho with him then it’s lights out, as Cintron and Cotto know all too well.

Third, Margarito does not take backward steps. This fact leaves his opponent with 3 choices: hurt him (impossible), box him (best strategy), or run (shameful). Assuming the first and last actions aren’t options, boxing the man is the best bet for victory. Which means that his opponent has to have superior stamina. In order to constantly stay on your toes, make him miss, and take the shots that he will inevitably land, Williams will have to be in the best shape of his life. He was gassed at the end of their first encounter and was in less than optimal shape in the Quintana fight. Margarito, on the other hand, is now more motivated than ever and will rain hell down on Williams in the latter rounds if he doesn’t show up in tip-top shape.

Finally, there is the revenge factor. Who will want the win more?

Will Margarito, now that he is the brightest star in the game, get lackadaisical and believe his own hype, or will he use his “victory or death” mentality to get revenge on the man who handed him his only defeat in his last eight fights? Will Williams, who holds the mental edge over Margarito, underestimate him like he underestimated Quintana? He knows that a victory against Margarito puts him on the top of the heap, a spot he can never truly occupy until they meet again.

The chances of a Williams victory are good, yet Margarito, who single-handedly reshaped the 147-pound landscape, has that X-factor that make it impossible, now more than ever before, to count him out.

So until they touch gloves, all of this speculation is ultimately in vain, little more than tinkling brass and sounding cymbals.

Here’s to hoping it won’t be long.

 

[heyzel]

Andre Berto vs. Steve Forbes on Mosley-Mayorga Card

By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was informed that Andre Berto (22-0, 19KOs) first defense of the WBC welterweight title against former champion Steve Forbes (33-6, 9KOs) is moving forward for September 27 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

The fight will lead off the HBO telecast featuring Shane Mosley vs. Ricardo Mayorga in the main event. Berto's team is hoping their fighter can do something that Oscar De La Hoya was unable to do in May. They want Berto to become the first man to knock Forbes out. It won't be easy and Berto should get a decent test against boxer who showed in May that he still knows how to be slick and use the ring.

Forbes was very undersized against De La Hoya, but Berto is only 5'8 1/2 in heigth to Forbes' 5'7 1/2

 

[heyzel]

Manny Pacquiao To Ask For Big Penalties on De La Hoya

By Mark Vester

WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao will take every precatution possible if a bout with Oscar De La Hoya comes together for December 6 in Las Vegas. Pacquiao's lawyer, Franklin Gacal, told the Manila Bulletin that Pacquiao is taking the size factor very serious and wants to take measures to make sure that De La Hoya does not try to come in over their discussed fight weight of 147-pounds. Pacquaio will demand a penalty of $750,000 dollars for every pound De La Hoya weighs above 147.

Believes is strict measures are not set to make sure that De La Hoya comes in at 147, the Golden Boy may try to take advatage of the situation by coming in overweight. There are many who believe that it's going to be very tough for De La Hoya to get back down to 147 again. He's been fighting at junior middleweight and middleweight for several years. He trained around the clock just to make 150-pounds for his recent bout with Steve Forbes in May. Gacal also says that Pacquiao will demand a fair share of the pay-per-view revenues.

"Oscar is too big for Pacman," Gacal told the Bulletin. "This is going to be a tough fight and the (agreed) weight should be 147 pounds or else (let’s) forget about it. If there’s no penalty, Oscar might come at 150 plus and this is not a (world) championship fight, I believe. The fair revenue sharing must also be ironed out."

Pacquiao is in the United States and scheduled to meet with promoter Bob Arum to discuss a possible fight with De La Hoya this week. There are several reports from overseas that state Pacquiao will demand a sum of $20 million for the fight.

De La Hoya is already running a fight angle, stating that Pacquiao stabbed him in the back when he agreed to come over to his Golden Boy Promotions, and then turned around and signed with Arum's Top Rank.