QUOTES
“ I don't have any problems with Big Roy at all. He does his thing and I do mine. That's the way business is. No tension with me whatsoever. Not at all. ”
— Alton Merkerson, who is co-training Roy Jones Jr. with Jones' father Big Roy
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“ Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to die first.
Anon
**************
"One day Jermain Taylor will be champion. But not this day. He's still got more schooling to do."
Bouie Fisher, about the Hopkins versus Taylor upcoming fight
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CHIEF SCRIBE
Editor in Chief
BOXING SCRIBES JIM AMATO DAVID GONZALEZ CURTIS MCCORMICK ROB MCCINNIS |
LATE GREAT CHAMPS
TRAINING FOOTAGE
SuperFight Ali vs Marciano" Documentary at the Garden
On January 17 at the TD Banknorth
Garden, The Sports Museum will host an exclusive screening of "The
SuperFight: Marciano vs. Ali," a new documentary on the famous 1970
computer-generated bout between Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali.
The film has already won several awards, including a ScreenCraft Award for
Best Documentary (Feature) at the prestigious New York International
Independent Film & Video Festival last month.
Visit the Sports Museum's website for more information and for ticket information.
British Champion Earl's Deadly Round of
Bela-Russian Roulette
By Curtis McCormack
In less than three short weeks, British and Commonwealth Champion Graham Earl will boldly come face to face with the most dangerous European fighter in the talent laden lightweight division, Yuri Romanov, as the two headline Maloney Promotions' exciting fight card from Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, England on Friday, January 27th. Earl is coming off a riveting performance last summer that saw the Luton man outgun hardened campaigner Kevin Bennett to add the Commonwealth crown to his existing British title but this time Earl may have bitten off more than he can handle. The Eastern European titlist, Romanov has already seen off some of the best men at lightweight that the UK has to offer in the form of Bobby Vanzie and Steve Murray, and the Belarussian spoiler is determined to do the same to Earl in front of a nationwide audience that will watch the highly anticipated contest on Sky Sports. For Graham Earl, this isn't just a bout that will build upon his current # 9 ranking with the WBO and propel him into true world class standing but also a mission to defend the honor of boxing in the United Kingdom.
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Ballroom
Boxing Kicks off 2006 With A Heavyweight Title Fight
Glen Burnie, MD – Ballroom Boxing returns on January 26th, 2006 with an
exciting title fight between two local Heavyweights.
The first show of the eleventh
season will feature a main event battle between Baltimore’s own Brandon
“The Beast” Cabell, 8-1-1(2) and Silver Spring native Tony “The Tiger”
Thompson, 25-1(15) for The Maryland State Heavyweight title. Brandon
Cabell currently holds the previously vacant WBE
Intercontinental Heavyweight title which he captured in a win over Robert
Bellamy in August.
Promoter Scott Wagner has promised fans that the January 26th card will be
one of the most exciting shows the Ballroom has seen since Rahman’s
appearance. “This Heavyweight battle is only the tip of the
iceberg,” says Wagner. “The Ballroom has always been a pioneer
in the club show circuit, highlighting strong up and coming talent.
I guarantee show that fans will see the heart and soul of boxing on the
26th.”
Tickets priced at $35 General Admission (advance), $40 General Admission
(door), $50, and $100 are on sale now. Doors open at 6:30pm, first
bout scheduled to begin at approximately 8pm. For tickets or more
information, contact Michael’s Eighth Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen
Burnie, MD, 21061. 410-766-7474.
http://www.ballroomboxing.com
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Start Your New Year Off With A Bang!
BXF Live! Kicks off 2006 with Maryland's First Show of the New Year!
BXF Live! returns on January 13th, 2006 with an exciting professional card in it Friday night fight series from Boxing Xtreme Fitness.
BXF's first show of the new year will be a preview of what the 2006 BXF Live! season will be able to offer boxing fans. The January 13th card will feature undefeated and prominent new stars from the region. The main event will feature DC's own Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan, (12-0, 10ko's) in an eight round Super Middleweight battle against Philadelphia's Ron Boddie, (15-31-4, 7ko's). Young Baltimore prospect Tyrell Samuels (4-0, 2ko's) will step in as the co-main event in a four round lightweight match against Kevin Carmody, (5-5-1), also from Philadelphia. The double feature of strong regional fighters with extreme potential is a key component of BXF Live!'s philosophy that well matched fights featuring strong fighters provides the most exciting shows for fans. The event will also feature five to six additional undercard bouts.
Although Henry Buchanan has been on a personal roller coaster ride for the last year between public disputes with fellow DC boxing icon, William Joppy, and his own distractions, his performance in the ring has not suffered. Buchanan ended 2005 with five additional wins to his record. His impressive power and undefeated record have made him a target for other area fighters looking for something to prove. Buchanan has taken it all in stride and looks forward to his first fight of 2006 with the January 13th match against Ron Boddie. The fight will not be a walk in the park for Buchanan, as Boddie is a seasoned opponent whose most recent loss to Chad Dawson left him with the desire for a strong desire to make his next fight end with a win of his own. The undercard will feature Wayne Hampton (2-1, 2-1, 2ko's) of Laurel, MD against William McGee (1-1, 1ko) of Reidsville, NC; Derek Sierra (0-3) Laurel, MD against Richard Moore (0-3) of Virginia Beach, VA; John Terry (2-2, 1ko) of Pourtsmouth, VA against Richard Pearson (2-0, 1ko) of Patterson, NJ. Two professional debuts are also scheduled, Brenton Artis of Virginia Beach, VA against Chris Edmond (0-1) of Cleveland, OH and Marcus Key of Virginia Beach, VA against Ron Lewis (0-1) of Syracuse, NY.
Tickets priced at $25, $40, $75, and $100 are on sale now. Doors open at 7:00pm, first bout scheduled to begin at approximately 8pm. For tickets or more information, contact Boxing Xtreme Fitness at (410) 729-7900 or Dave Wilkerson at 443-569-2111.
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WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS
January 3, 2006 - Mexico City.
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
THE WORLD BOXING COUNCIL 2005 AWARDS
Boxer of the Year: Floyd Mayweather (United States).
Boxer of the Year Honorary Mention: Jermain Taylor (United States).
Other nominees were: Winky Wright (USA), Thomasz Adamek (Poland), Marco Antonio Barrera (Mexico), and Jorge "Travieso" Arce (Mexico).
Fight of the Year: José Luis Castillo (Mexico), vs. Diego Corrales (USA) I.
Most Dramatic Fight of the Year: Erik Morales (Mexico), vs. Manny Pacquiao (Philippines), I.
Other nominated bouts were: Thomasz Adamek (Poland) vs. Paul Briggs (Australia); Jesus Chavez (Mexico) vs. Carlos Hernandez (El Salvador); Jorge Arce (Mexico) vs. Hussein Hussein (Australia) I.
Most Active Champion of the Year: Jorge "Travieso" Arce (Mexico).
Champion Revelation of the Year: Thomasz Adamek (Poland)
Knockout of the Year: Brian Viloria (USA) vs. Eric Ortiz (Mexico).
The other fight nominated Knockout of the Year was Marco Antonio Barrera (Mexico) vs. Mzonke Fana (South Africa).
Female Boxer of the Year: Laila Ali (USA).
The World Boxing Council will present these awards during the celebration of the NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS to be held in Cancun, Mexico, from January 28 to 31, 2006.
****
The WBC is very proud of the support given to Filipino boxer Alvin Felisilda by the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation, especially OPBF President Frank Quill, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nasser Cruz, and ring official Bruce McTavish, and the Philippines Boxing Commission.
Felisilda was injured in a fight in Kobe, Japan, in November, 2003, and underwent brain surgery, but has recovered and is now ready to support himself. The OPBF provided monthly pension payments to Felisilda during his recovery. Felisilda's manager, Leonil Lazarito, recently corresponded with the OPBF and told them that Felisilda needed a public utility vehicle to use as a taxi, and the OPBF has now purchased one for him.
This is the way that the WBC and its affiliated confederations work in boxing, not only sanctioning fights, but giving service and assistance to boxers in need.
Graham Earl Gets Back To Reality With A Dangerous Fight
By Curtis McCormack
With only New Year's Eve left to celebrate, British and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion Graham Earl is chomping at the bit for January 27th to come around so he can celebrate his holidays all in one go, roughly a month too late. And the Luton man is steaming about having to reschedule the time with his family.
The object of Earl's anger on that date will be world class Belarussian lightweight Yuri Romanov and the double champion knows that he cannot flinch in this clash with the dangerous Brit killer. Neither fighter can afford a loss on the Maloney Promotions card at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, England as the winner of this genuine scrap will go onto meaningful world class fights while the loser will have no where to go.
Graham Earl intends to put a stop to Romanov coming to British shores and beating the top domestic lightweights "He already has the scalps of Bobby Vanzie and Steve Murray sitting on his mantelpiece but he is not going to get mine because if he does then he will be entitled to drape the Union Jack over his mantelpiece as well and claim that he owns our lightweight division," said the iron chinned British and Commonwealth Champion.
Earl went on to add "I have given up Christmas and the New Year and missed taking my family to a Christmas Pantomime; there is no way Romanov will get my scalp to take back to Belarussia!"
This contest has been rescheduled from October 05 due to a rib injury suffered by Earl but the extra preparation time has been a blessing in disguise. Earl's trainer Johnny Eames has said that the British public will see a much fitter, determined and classier fighter in Earl on the 27th of January.
"This time we have been able to concentrate on coaching and technique work, not just getting him fit to fight," said Eames.
This show will also feature what Maloney Promotions believe to be one of the best young stables in British boxing and the London based firm has gone as far as to say that three of the boys on this promotion will go on to become major players on the world stage in the very near future.
Tickets are now on sale for this real lightweight battle, which takes place on January 27th 2006 at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham.
For further information contact Maloney Promotions on 020 8692 6313.
All press applications must be received by Monday 23rd January 2006 at Jamesjrussell@btconnect.com.
Stoney - The "Rock" In The Ruiz Corner
By Jim Amato
Norman " Stoney "
Stone has decided for a number of rumored reasons to retire from the
corner of former WBA heavyweight kingpin John Ruiz. Stone has been
vilified on many occasions throughout his association with Ruiz.
Controversial? You bet. Entertaining? Well, I guess that comes down to the
"eye of the beholder" category, yet "Stoney" was usually good copy. It all
came down to drawing attention to your fighter and as a manager, Norman
had the knack..
Let's face it, John Ruiz is a decent fighter and a decent man. What he
lacks is charisma. Enter Norman Stone. Like him or dislike him. Agree with
him or disagree with him...This guy was a mover and a shaker. In my book,
without him, John Ruiz would not be where he is today.
John Ruiz turned pro in 1992. On November 27, 1993, I saw John fight live
in Cleveland. He won a rather boring six round decision over a journeyman,
Carl "Not The Truth" Williams. If you would have told me then that Ruiz
would one day beat Evander Holyfield and be a major player in the
heavyweight division for nearly a decade, I would have laughed in your
face. Hey, guess what? In 1994, he lost a twelve round decision to Danell
Nicholson for the vacant IBO heavyweight title. After reeling off seven
wins, he was then crushed in less then a round by the feared David Tua. At
that point, could anyone honestly see Ruiz ever becoming a champion?
Ruiz hit the big time in 1998 when he halted former champion Tony "TNT"
Tucker. On August 12, 2000, Ruiz was matched with Evander Holyfield for
the vacant WBA title. John lost a highly debatable decision. It set up a
return match that took place on March 3, 2001. On that night, John Ruiz
was crowned "World Champion." In December, he drew with Evander to retain
his crown. Without a doubt, three of the most boring fights I've ever
witnessed!
Nevertheless, as champion, Ruiz did not have a bad run. He beat Kirk
Johnson on a disqualification. This was a fight that most people saw John
losing but I thought he was getting the better of Johnson up until the
stoppage.
Then came his legit loss to a prime time Roy Jones Jr. Lucky for Ruiz,
that Jones decided to go back to the light heavyweight division. Next,
Ruiz "regains" his title with a well deserved points win over Hasim "The
Rock" Rahman. This mat go down as John's best career win.
In 2004, Ruiz halted Fres Oquendo and edged Andrew Golota. In 2005, his
loss on points to James Toney was changed to a "No Contest" because Toney
may have violated the steroid use rules. Ruiz was again re-instated as WBA
champion. Next came the loss to Valuev. Where does Ruiz go next remains to
be seen. He has already expressed his desire for a return engagement.
I'm not quite sure when Norman Stone entered the career of John Ruiz. At
least what I think I see is a manager who did what a manager is supposed
to do. Make as much money for your fighter as you can with the minimal
amount of risk. In my opinion "Stoney" did that. He did not make foolish
matches for John against Lennox Lewis or Vitali Klitschko. He did not put
him in a unification fight with IBF titleholder Chris Byrd, who probably
would have boxed Ruiz silly.
I think "Stoney" helped an under rated, yet over achieving John Ruiz make
a whole lotta of money. Give the man his due, he's earned it !
High Above The Rest
By Christophe Neyts: Worldcupofboxing.Com
At the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin,
Germany, John Ruiz (#7, v900) defended his WBA heavyweight crown against
mandatory challenger Nicolay Valuev (#10, v600).
Ruiz was the better fighter in the opening rounds. But more and more
Valuev used his reach advantage to his benefit. The Beast from the East
rocked Ruiz in the eighth; Ruiz increased the tempo in the last two rounds
but to no avail. Valuev hurt Ruiz in the twelfth. At the end of the fight,
Valuev had won on two scorecards, 116-113 and 116-114. The third judge
scored the fight 114-114.
Valuev thus became the new WBA champ, the highest and heaviest champion in
boxing history. He scores 900 WCup points, upping his WCup total to 1622
points. Valuev wins the heavyweight World Cup, since no heavyweight
fighter has done better this year. Second in the WCup ranking is Wladimir
Klitschko with 920 points, with third-ranked WBO champ Lamon Brewster only
10 points behind (910 pts).
The top-3 of the total ranking remains unchanged: Wladimir Klitschko leads
with 2120 points. IBF titlist Chris Byrd trails by only 20 points. Third
is Vitali Klitschko (2000 pts), who announced his retirement last month.
Valuev, who started the year at rank 54 with 140 starting points, made a
big leap forward, climbing to sixth spot with a total of 1762 points,
Ruiz, meanwhile, falls to eleventh spot with 850 points.
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HILL-BRUDOV WBA, RACHMAN-SOTO IBF CHAMPIONSHIP
BOUTS; ARNAOUTIS, AJAMU, JOHNSTON TITLE FIGHTS; GUILTY, SILVERHAWK BOXING ‘COLLISION COURSE, A NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS’ PAY-PER-VIEW CARD
JAN. 27 AT TROPICANA IN ATLANTIC CITY
Former three-time world champion Virgil Hill of North Dakota and training out of Pleasantville, N.J., and undefeated, No. 1 contender Valery Brudov of Russia meet for the vacant World Boxing Association Cruiserweight championship and International Boxing Federation mini-flyweight champ Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia defends against No. 1 challenger Omar Soto of Mexico City on “Collision Course, A Night Of Champions,” an internationally televised pay-per-view card promoted by Star Boxing in association with Guilty Boxing and Silverhawk Boxing Friday, Jan. 27, at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, N.J and presented by Xyience.
Three other 12-round title bouts join the two world championship fights.
Unbeaten and world-ranked Mike Arnaoutis of Vineland, N.J., defends his North American Boxing Organization junior welterweight championship, world-rated Prince Badi Ajamu of Camden., N.J., defends his World Boxing Council Continental Americas light heavyweight title and former two time world champion Stevie Johnston of Vero Beach, Fla., defends his North American Boxing Council lightweight crown.
Opponents for Arnaoutis, Ajamu and Johnston will be determined.
The five-championship “Collision Course, A Night of Champion” card is televised on a pay-per-view basis in the United States and Canada and has a suggested retail price of $24.95.
SHOWTIME ON DEMAND REPLAY:
SPINKS vs. JUDAH II - February 5, 2005
BRAITHWAITE vs. MORMECK - April 2, 2005
Catch Mormeck & Judah's Impressive Victories at SHOWTIME On Demand
As They Prepare For "Undisputed" January 7, 2006 - LIVE on SHOWTIME
NEW YORK (Dec. 19, 2005) - SHOWTIME On Demand will replay two exciting SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts from 2005 featuring the undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah and WBC/WBA cruiserweight champion Jean-Marc Mormeck as they prepare to do battle on the opening telecast of 2006 live on SHOWTIME Jan. 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Judah will defend against mandatory challenger and No. 1 WBC contender Carlos Baldomir while Mormeck will face IBF champion O'Neil Bell for the undisputed world cruiserweight championship.
SHOWTIME subscribers can access Spinks-Judah II from Dec. 26 - Jan. 7 and Braithwaite-Mormeck from Dec. 21 through Jan. 7 in their entirety only at SHOWTIME On Demand.
On Feb. 5, 2005, Judah faced Cory Spinks in his hometown of St. Louis in the pair's second match-up. Judah ruined Spinks' homecoming before a record-setting crowd of more than 22,000 who turned up at the Savvis Center to support their local hero. The building was abuzz as Judah floored Spinks in the ninth, but he beat the count and Judah continued to land punishing blows that forced the stoppage at 2:49.
In the end, Judah won over the raucous crowd with an impressive and determined TKO to vindicate an earlier loss to Spinks and take the undisputed welterweight crown. Now Judah prepares to defend for the second time.
Then-WBA champion Mormeck met Braithwaite, the WBC titleholder, on April 2, 2005 in Worchester, Mass., in a bout that proved to be the preamble to the upcoming undisputed cruiserweight championship fight with Bell. Mormeck made history when he became the first boxer from France in any division to become a unified world champion by scoring a unanimous 12-round decision over the previously unbeaten Braithwaite. In the seventh round, Mormeck dropped Braithwaite with a devastating overhand right to score the bout's only knockdown. Throughout the bout, Mormeck continuously hurt the smaller, quicker Braithwaite.
Now, both Mormeck and Bell have a chance at history when they collide in only the second undisputed cruiserweight unification fight ever. The winner will be the first in the division to unify the titles since Evander Holyfield defeated Carlos DeLeon in 1988. Many are calling this a match-up that will put the cruiserweight division back on the map for boxing fans.
The Jan. 7 cruiserweight unification bout will be the division's third enthralling match-up on SHOWTIME in nine months. The first was Mormeck's win over Braithwaite and the other was Guillermo Jones' upset TKO victory over Braithwaite on Sept. 2.
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Craig Weber To Fight For IBA Title
By Jim Amato
"Raging" Craig
Weber of Perrysville, Ohio will meet old foe Rogelio Castaneda Jr. for the IBA junior welterweight title. The bout is scheduled to take place April
21, 2006 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. This will be the
third time that the two boxers have crossed gloves. Castaneda won their
first fight..
Their second fight which was for the vacant IBA 140 pound title ended in a
controversial draw. Weber's record stands at 21-1-2 and it includes
victories over former champion Frankie Randall and top contender Angel
Manfredy.
After his disputed draw with Weber, Castaneda won the IBA junior
welterweight title by defeating Tomas Barrientes. He has defended it
successfully against Ernesto Zepeda. Rogelio has a repectable 21-10-3
ledger.
Weber will reportedly collect $15,000 for this engagement. With this fight
Craig will get an opportunity to avenge his only career loss and to also
win a piece of a world title. A win over Castaneda could put him closer to
a fight with one of the division's more respected champions like Ricky
Hatton or Miguel Cotto.
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PRESS RELEASE – DECEMBER 16, 2005
WBC ANNUAL NOMINATIONS
FOR THE BEST OF 2005.
The WBC Board of Governors will finalize their votes to select the winners of the yearly awards of the Best in the WBC for the Year 2005.
Following you will find the nominations:
Fight of the Year.
1. Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I
2. Thomasz Adameck vs. Paul Briggs
3. Erik Morales vs. Manny Pacquiao
4. Jorge Arce vs. Hussein Hussein I
5. Jesus Chavez vs. Carlos Hernandez,
6. Humberto Soto vs. Rocky Juarez,
Boxer of the Year.
1. Floyd Mayweather
2. Winky Wright
3. Thomasz Adameck
4. Oscar Larios
5. Jermain Taylor
6. Brian Viloria
7. Marco Antonio Barrera
8. Jorge Arce
Knock Out of the Year.
1. Brian Viloria’s devastating one punch K.O. over Ortiz,
2. Marco Antonio Barrera, over Mzonke Fana.
3. Jose Luis Castillo, over Diego Corrales
4. Israel Vazquez over Oscar Larios
The Most Active Promoter of the Year.
1. Don King Productions, promoting 11 fights;
2. Top Rank, promoting 7 fights
3. Golden Boy Promotions with 5 fights.
Greatest Boxing Promotion
1. Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I,
2. Erik Morales vs. Manny Pacquiao
3. Floyd Mayweather vs. Arturo Gatti,
4. Jermain Taylor-Bernard Hopkins I
5. Ricardo Mayorga vs. Michele Picchirillo and
6. Hasim Rahman vs. Monte Barrett.
Revelation Fighter of the Year.
1. Thomasz Adameck, Poland,
2. Brian Viloria, Hawaii
3. Humberto Soto, Mexico
Up-coming Stars of the Year
1. Koki Kameda, from Japan.
2. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., from Mexico
3. Edwin Valero, from Venezuela
4. Rusian Chagaev, Russia
Network of the Year.
HBO, USA,
Wowow, Japan
Man of the Year.
Richard Sturn, MGM, Las Vegas
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December 9, 2005 - Mexico City.
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
HASIM RAHMAN TO RECEIVE WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIP BELT ON DECEMBER 20 IN CANCUN
The World Boxing Council ratifies the ceremony of December 20, 2005, in Cancun, Mexico, where Hasim Rahman will be officially confirmed as the WBC heavyweight champion of the world and presented with the green belt.
A purse offer will be held during the ceremony in case that Rahman and James Toney, his first official challenger, do not reach an agreement for the mandatory title bout by December 20.
A split of the purse has been voted to be 60% for champion Rahman and 40% for Toney by the voting of the Board of Governors, which was 26 votes in favor of 60-40%, three votes in favor of 70-30%, and two votes in favor of 55-45%, while two votes were not received.
When the champion or the challenger request the WBC for a change of split of the percentage of a purse offer, the WBC has four considerations in their rules:
a) 70-30% in mandatory defenses.
b) 50-50% in vacant titles or elimination bouts.
c) 60-40% when champion and challenger are stars in star fights, and when both have similar proven marketing value, and
d) 55-45% for champion and interim champion; when there is an appeal, it could be a 55-45% on superstar champion and challenger and superstar fights with the highest marketing value of both.
Vitali Klitschko, the former champion who brought prestige to the heavyweight championship of the world, will receive an Emeritus Champion belt, which makes him automatically a WBC World Ambassador for Peace and Good Will in the World.
The ceremony will be held at Le Meridien Hotel and it will fall into the federal, state and county government efforts to show the world that Cancun is strongly coming back after the devastating effects of Hurricane Wilma.
There will be a very important ceremony in Cancun to honor the attending champions and challengers with Oleg Maskaev, from Kazakhstan, who was voted by the board of Governors as the next official challenger with whom the winner of Rahman and Toney must mandatorily fight next.
Green and Mundine Take Care of Business
By Mark de Mori
www.markdemori.com
Everything ran according to plan on sunday night at Challenge Stadium, in Perth, the undercard fighters took care of their overmatched opposition , hometown hero Danny Green outboxed Kirino Garcia over ten rounds, and Anthony Mundine outclassed Rico Chong Nee, finishing him in style with three consecutive right hands in the third round.
Unfortunately a small group of Mundine haters let their anger get the better of them, throwing whatever they could at Mundine after he put on the best performance of the night, but it may just have been the realisation of many in attendance that Mundine is going to be more than a handfull for their main man Green that really angered them.
So what did we learn last night that we didn’t already know about Green and Mundine?
We found out that Danny can box on the back move for ten rounds using a stiff jab and occasional combination, and that Mundine can come out with guns blazing to finish an oponent instead of jabbing and running. So we saw two guy box totally different to what they have done all their careers, and they both fought opposition that where the exact opposite style wise to what they will face when they finally get it, on sometime in the next six months at a still undecided venue.
Audley Harrison And Danny Williams
By Frank Maloney
This Saturday sees the most exciting heavyweight clash in a British ring since Lennox Lewis' battles with Frank Bruno and Gary Mason. The pairing of ex-British and Commonwealth Champion Danny Williams and the undefeated former Olympic Gold Medallist Audley Harrison has the British fans talking and the boxing writers have been turning up in droves to the individual press conferences of each fighter. I've attended these conferences on alternative days and had the chance to review each fighter's condition, mannerisms and public workouts.
I've always liked Danny Williams and thought at one time that he could have been the man to take over from Lennox Lewis as the leading British heavyweight. But unfortunately, loses to Julius Francis, Sinan Samil Sam and a failed world title bid against Vitali Klitschko have obviously put a dent in that potential, although Danny still believes that he will win a world title due to a dream that his father had.
Danny and I are both from South London and having watched his amateur and pro career, I'd like to think that he can do it but the truth is there's no room for sentiment in boxing.
I studied Danny at Monday's press conference and I saw a man that seems vacant. His eyes were dull and flat while his skin had no glow to it like the glow I would see on Lennox Lewis when he was really biting at the bit for a fight. Although he talked a good game, I'm not so sure that Danny wasn't just talking to give himself courage. His trainer Jimmy McDonnell made some interesting comments about how Audley can't fight for three minutes every round. and he compared Harrison to Lewis in regards to tactics such as holding the opponent behind the head and forcing the head down. I'd have to agree about the Lennox reference, as those were the tactics Lewis used, as he did so very efficiently and got a way with it, too.
If I were to have closed my eyes at the Danny Williams press conference, I might have come away thinking that Danny will beat Audley by knockout. But with eyes open and actually seeing the reality, I'm not so sure.
Mundine-Green
Double Header
The press conference for the Anthony Mundine-Danny Green double header was held today at the Challenge Stadium in Perth Western Australia, the home town of the hugely popular Super middleweight contender Danny “Green Machine”Green.
Both Mundine and Green will be showcased in separate fights on Sunday night, Green against the Mexican hardman Kirino Garcia, and Mundine against the stylish Samoan Rico Chong Nee.
A fight between Anthony Mundine, 24-3 (19 ko’s) and Danny Green, 20-2 (19ko’s), has been putting boxing back on the map in Australia, with nearly everybody having their opinion as to who is the superior boxer.
Mundine entered first and appeared confident as usual even though he is in hostile territory, being the enemy of hometown hero Danny Green. If his confidence wasn’t apparent as he walked in flexing his muscles for the media it definitely was as soon as his infamous mouth opened.
A weekend of World Cup winners
From Worldcupofboxing.Com
In July of this year, Jermain Taylor (#2, v1800) quite unexpectedly won a split decision over Bernard Hopkins (#3, v1600), thus becoming the new "undisputed" middleweight champion of the world. Last Saturday they met again at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las vegas, with not only Taylor's WBC/WBA/WBO titles at stake, but also the middleweight World Cup.
The opening rounds didn't see much action. As the fight progressed, Taylor looked slightly the better fighter. But, as was the case in their first encounter, Hopkins came more and more into the fight from round seven. In the eleventh both fighters upped the pace and landed their biggest shots. Taylor still managed to controll the fight and eventually won on all three scorecards (115-113).
Taylor, who already topped the 160lbs WCup standings going into last Saturday's bout, scores 1600 WCup points and finishes the series with a total of 3784 WCup points. This surely is enough to win both the middleweight World Cup and the World Cup All Weights. Second at middleweight is Arthur Abraham (2060 pts), who can't catch Taylor even if he defeats Kingsley Ikeke (#10, v600) in a fight for the vacant IBF crown this Saturday. Hopkins, a World Cup winner in 2003 and 2004, completes the top-3 with 1800 points.
Taylor also becomes the new number one in the middleweight total ranking, with 4984 points. He moves Ronald Winky right (3600 pts) to second spot. Hopkins remains third with 3300 points.
By Michael Amakor at Ringside
Tucked away in a corner a few miles from Baltimore is Boxing Xtreme Fitness, a well equipped boxing gym quite popular in the area especially since it partners with the University of Maryland and Annapolis boxing clubs to develop young amateur fighters in the MD/VA/DC metro area.
This December 2nd fight card featured some fast and furious amateur action that had the crowd cheering in delight to usher in the professional fighters who meant business by their performances.
The first fight for the professional segment featured a clash between John Terry of Portsmouth Virginia against Rodney Green of Wilson NC in a six round middleweight bout.
**************************************************************
Why Hopkins Will Pull It Out Of His Hat
By Jim Amato
Jermain Taylor won his first fight
with Bernard Hopkins fair and square. Bernard made an error in judgment in
starting too slow. He spotted a young and talented Taylor a head start
that try as he might, Bernard was unable to make up. It cost the ever
proud Hopkins his World's middleweight title. Hopkins is out for revenge
and to regain his former glory. Taylor wants to prove that his first win
was no fluke and that he is "The Man" at 160 pounds.
As Max Schmeling said in leading up to his first fight with the great Joe
Louis, "I see something." I too saw some things that unfolded as the first
Taylor- Hopkins bout moved in to the middle and late rounds. I saw the
things I needed to see to feel that Bernard has a very, very good chance
of regaining his crown.
First of all, I feel that more then ever Bernard is confident he take the
best Taylor has to offer. I'm not quite so sure that Taylor can. He was
stunned on more then one occasion during the "championship" rounds. Taylor
also slowed down a bit and Bernard was clearly outworking the challenger.
In this rematch, I look for Bernard to start quickly and set the pace.
Taylor will try to hang with Bernard and I see the first six rounds being
contested on a fairly even basis. Then I see Taylor trying to surge ahead
but by the end of the tenth, Bernard will have closed the gap.
It will be almost even entering the last two rounds. This is where I see
Bernard forcing the action and getting the best of Jermain. Hopkins will
force Taylor on the defensive and Bernard's aggression and work rate will
push him ahead on the scoring.He may even stop Jermain.
By Michael Amakor
On July 16th, Undisputed
Middleweight Champion of the world Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins
defends his WBA, WBC,WBO and IBF titles against WBC Continental Americas
Middleweight Champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor at the MGM Grand
Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on HBO in a fight Labelled Next in
Line.
The Executioner first made me his fan with his thrilling and brutal
stoppage of skilled southpaw Joe "The Sledgehammer" Lipsky in the 4th
round back in 1996, you had to see that knockout as Hopkins suddenly
stepped back and unleashed a blur of vicious uppercuts that absolutely
stopped Lipsky dead on his feets,Hopkins showed killer instinct by
immediately putting together a combination that sent the sledgehammer to
the canvas almost unconscious prompting the experienced Referee - Mitch
Halpern to wave off the fight even before Lipsky’s head had touched the
canvas, Joe Lipsky has not fought again since that knockout.
Another thing that endeared me to Hopkins was his ring entrance, which is
quite tame now, but back in 1996 it was a menacing spectacle to behold, he
usually walked slowly into the ring cloaked in an executioners mask with
an entourage of burly masked bodyguards who carried his swords, battle
axes, and Championship belts right behind him like a funeral procession,
that along with his hard core eloquencial ponitifications was truly
inspiring, I knew after that fight that this guy was on a mission and he
could really bang.
Back then he let the world know that he was not getting the best fights
because no one wanted to fight him, he wanted to fight Roy Jones in a
rematch and urged Don King,to work with his then promoter Butch Lewis who
had labeled him the Hagler of the nineties when signing him up, to get him
career defining fights. He finally got the chance to showcase his skills,
five years later, when he competed in the Don King sponsored Middleweight
unification series by stopping legendary Felix Trinidad in the eleventh
round to become the unified Middleweight King.
By Michael Amakor at Ringside
Regular boxing fans usually seem to tune in only when star professional boxers fight with a seemingly vexing fixation on the heavyweight division, but true boxing fans come out to watch young fighters from all weight classes battle their way from mediocrity into the ranks of championship star contenders.
Keystone Boxing provided just such an event, featuring six of twelve fighters at the very early stages of their professional careers on its fight card at the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro Maryland. These 12 fighters were split into four different weight classes and were evenly matched to provide entertaining action. They final results for the evening 4 to 1 in favor of the hometown favorites showcased the depth of talented prospects fighting out of the DC metro area.
Sheldon Defeats the Mechanic
The most interesting fight of the evening was the second bout between flag waving Sheldon Rudolph (3-3,2KOs) of Guyana against undefeated Washington DC prospect Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly (5-0) in a Welterweight showdown.
Round One: The Mechanic lands first with a jab, but it is Sheldon who launches the first assault leading to a brief scuffle that sees Sheldon being wrestled to the canvas, he gets up and becomes more aggressive forcing several clinches as the mechanic tried to slow down Sheldon with punishing jabs and body shots, Sheldon keeps the action lively by trading shots of his own. By mid round you got the sense that Holly was picking his shots as he tried to slow down the rush of a bullying minded Sheldon. I scored the round for Sheldon.
Round 2: Sheldon came out in round two slugging and landing very hard uppercuts that forced the mechanic into the ropes, Sheldon landed a shot that wobbled the mechanic but could not finish him off before running into a bomb himself that stunned him somewhat, he again had the mechanic in trouble again and landed some hellecious body shots to end the round in his favor.
THE HITMAN STRIKES AGAIN
By Michael Amakor
All hail the New Unified
IBF & WBA Light Welterweight Champion of the World
Ricky Hatton
who clinically dismantled defending champion Carlos Maussa and knocked him out at the 1.10 minute of the ninth round in front of a packed arena at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield England.
He also holds the WBU crown and only just a few months ago he shocked the boxing world by bludgeoning the legendary Kostya Tsyzu into submission in his corner at the end of the 11th round with retirement on his mind convinced to allow Hatton seize his IBF Crown.
This recent victory against Maussa has navigated Hatton into the number two ranked position in the world for the Welterweight Division, and if he follows through with his statements about fighting stateside from now on, we may be looking at some fantastic match-ups against the always entertaining Diego Corrales in a unification fight, or we may see Hatton in an ultimate showdown against Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather in a fight that is sure to be a candidate for fight of the year in 2006.
Punch On
******************************************************
Weights for Keystone Boxing Event
Winner Circle Room - Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
Tickets: (301) 579-2598
By Michael Amakor
Most boxing fans usually overlook all the preparations and rules promoters are required to follow before a fight event, do not believe all you hear about few safety rules in boxing. At this weigh in event, Keystone Boxing went through great lenghts to ensure that all the fighters were properly examined by a physician, in addition all managers, trainers and chief seconds had to be properly registered to participate in the upcoming event.
Strict warnings were also issued about lacing up fighters gloves without the presence of an official and terse instructions were issued for urine samples to be taken two hours before the start of the fights tomorrow at 7.30pm.
All fighters appeared primed and ready to get into action, there were no fighter stare downs during this event. Here are the weights clearly announced and witnessed by the Fight Doctor and Digital Williams.
Lamont Pearson 135 ľ vs.
Pascal Adorno 131 ľ
SUPER FEATHER WEIGHT
Henry Buchanan 170 Ľ vs. Dhafir Smith 170 Ľ
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Purcell Miller 159 vs. Jason Naugler 167 ˝
LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT
Reggie Holly 142 vs. Sheldon Rudolph 143 ˝
WELTERWEIGHTS
Mushin Corbbey 148 ľ vs. Ben Lock 147 Ľ
LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Nick Caroleo 175 ˝ vs. Albert Bankivicious 173 ˝
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Ballroom
Boxing Kicks off 2006 With A Heavyweight Title Fight
Glen Burnie, MD – Ballroom Boxing returns on January 26th, 2006 with an
exciting title fight between two local Heavyweights.
The first show of the eleventh
season will feature a main event battle between Baltimore’s own Brandon
“The Beast” Cabell, 8-1-1(2) and Silver Spring native Tony “The Tiger”
Thompson, 25-1(15) for The Maryland State Heavyweight title. Brandon
Cabell currently holds the previously vacant WBE
Intercontinental Heavyweight title which he captured in a win over Robert
Bellamy in August.
Promoter Scott Wagner has promised fans that the January 26th card will be
one of the most exciting shows the Ballroom has seen since Rahman’s
appearance. “This Heavyweight battle is only the tip of the
iceberg,” says Wagner. “The Ballroom has always been a pioneer
in the club show circuit, highlighting strong up and coming talent.
I guarantee show that fans will see the heart and soul of boxing on the
26th.”
Tickets priced at $35 General Admission (advance), $40 General Admission
(door), $50, and $100 are on sale now. Doors open at 6:30pm, first
bout scheduled to begin at approximately 8pm. For tickets or more
information, contact Michael’s Eighth Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen
Burnie, MD, 21061. 410-766-7474.
http://www.ballroomboxing.com
-------
Start Your New Year Off With A Bang!
BXF Live! Kicks off 2006 with Maryland's First Show of the New Year!
BXF Live! returns on January 13th, 2006 with an exciting professional card in it Friday night fight series from Boxing Xtreme Fitness.
BXF's first show of the new year will be a preview of what the 2006 BXF Live! season will be able to offer boxing fans. The January 13th card will feature undefeated and prominent new stars from the region. The main event will feature DC's own Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan, (12-0, 10ko's) in an eight round Super Middleweight battle against Philadelphia's Ron Boddie, (15-31-4, 7ko's). Young Baltimore prospect Tyrell Samuels (4-0, 2ko's) will step in as the co-main event in a four round lightweight match against Kevin Carmody, (5-5-1), also from Philadelphia. The double feature of strong regional fighters with extreme potential is a key component of BXF Live!'s philosophy that well matched fights featuring strong fighters provides the most exciting shows for fans. The event will also feature five to six additional undercard bouts.
Although Henry Buchanan has been on a personal roller coaster ride for the last year between public disputes with fellow DC boxing icon, William Joppy, and his own distractions, his performance in the ring has not suffered. Buchanan ended 2005 with five additional wins to his record. His impressive power and undefeated record have made him a target for other area fighters looking for something to prove. Buchanan has taken it all in stride and looks forward to his first fight of 2006 with the January 13th match against Ron Boddie. The fight will not be a walk in the park for Buchanan, as Boddie is a seasoned opponent whose most recent loss to Chad Dawson left him with the desire for a strong desire to make his next fight end with a win of his own. The undercard will feature Wayne Hampton (2-1, 2-1, 2ko's) of Laurel, MD against William McGee (1-1, 1ko) of Reidsville, NC; Derek Sierra (0-3) Laurel, MD against Richard Moore (0-3) of Virginia Beach, VA; John Terry (2-2, 1ko) of Pourtsmouth, VA against Richard Pearson (2-0, 1ko) of Patterson, NJ. Two professional debuts are also scheduled, Brenton Artis of Virginia Beach, VA against Chris Edmond (0-1) of Cleveland, OH and Marcus Key of Virginia Beach, VA against Ron Lewis (0-1) of Syracuse, NY.
Tickets priced at $25, $40, $75, and $100 are on sale now. Doors open at 7:00pm, first bout scheduled to begin at approximately 8pm. For tickets or more information, contact Boxing Xtreme Fitness at (410) 729-7900 or Dave Wilkerson at 443-569-2111.
PRESS RELEASE – DECEMBER 16, 2005
WBC ANNUAL NOMINATIONS
FOR THE BEST OF 2005.
The WBC Board of Governors will finalize their votes to select the winners of the yearly awards of the Best in the WBC for the Year 2005.
Following you will find the nominations:
Fight of the Year.
1. Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I
2. Thomasz Adameck vs. Paul Briggs
3. Erik Morales vs. Manny Pacquiao
4. Jorge Arce vs. Hussein Hussein I
5. Jesus Chavez vs. Carlos Hernandez,
6. Humberto Soto vs. Rocky Juarez,
Boxer of the Year.
1. Floyd Mayweather
2. Winky Wright
3. Thomasz Adameck
4. Oscar Larios
5. Jermain Taylor
6. Brian Viloria
7. Marco Antonio Barrera
8. Jorge Arce
Knock Out of the Year.
1. Brian Viloria’s devastating one punch K.O. over Ortiz,
2. Marco Antonio Barrera, over Mzonke Fana.
3. Jose Luis Castillo, over Diego Corrales
4. Israel Vazquez over Oscar Larios
The Most Active Promoter of the Year.
1. Don King Productions, promoting 11 fights;
2. Top Rank, promoting 7 fights
3. Golden Boy Promotions with 5 fights.
Greatest Boxing Promotion
1. Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I,
2. Erik Morales vs. Manny Pacquiao
3. Floyd Mayweather vs. Arturo Gatti,
4. Jermain Taylor-Bernard Hopkins I
5. Ricardo Mayorga vs. Michele Picchirillo and
6. Hasim Rahman vs. Monte Barrett.
Revelation Fighter of the Year.
1. Thomasz Adameck, Poland,
2. Brian Viloria, Hawaii
3. Humberto Soto, Mexico
Up-coming Stars of the Year
1. Koki Kameda, from Japan.
2. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., from Mexico
3. Edwin Valero, from Venezuela
4. Rusian Chagaev, Russia
Network of the Year.
HBO, USA,
Wowow, Japan
Man of the Year.
Richard Sturn, MGM, Las Vegas
**************************************
Green and Mundine Take Care of Business
By Mark de Mori
www.markdemori.com
Everything ran according to plan on sunday night at Challenge Stadium, in Perth, the undercard fighters took care of their overmatched opposition , hometown hero Danny Green outboxed Kirino Garcia over ten rounds, and Anthony Mundine outclassed Rico Chong Nee, finishing him in style with three consecutive right hands in the third round.
Unfortunately a small group of Mundine haters let their anger get the better of them, throwing whatever they could at Mundine after he put on the best performance of the night, but it may just have been the realisation of many in attendance that Mundine is going to be more than a handfull for their main man Green that really angered them.
So what did we learn last night that we didn’t already know about Green and Mundine?
We found out that Danny can box on the back move for ten rounds using a stiff jab and occasional combination, and that Mundine can come out with guns blazing to finish an oponent instead of jabbing and running. So we saw two guy box totally different to what they have done all their careers, and they both fought opposition that where the exact opposite style wise to what they will face when they finally get it, on sometime in the next six months at a still undecided venue.
STATE OF THE MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION
By Jim Amato
Two middleweight fights yesterday
may have shifted the balance in this long boring division. With all due
respect to Bernard Hopkins, his long tenure as champion featured few
exciting battles. Add to that the both his razor close losses to new
titleholder Jermain Taylor were about as thrilling as a John Ruiz fight..
Yesterday undefeated Arthur Abraham scored an impressive and decisive
knockout over highly regarded Kingsley Ikele. The victory gave him
recognition as the middleweight champion according to the IBF.
Later in the day Winky Wright who many consider pound for pound, one of
the best fighters in the world had all he could do to capture a decision
over a feisty Sam Soliman. It was a pretty exciting contest and it served
notice to the rest of the division that Soliman is going to be around for
a while.
Coming up...Youngstown, Ohio's undefeated Kelly Pavlik takes on a rugged
customer in Edison Miranda. The winner of this projected slug fest will
put himself in a good position for a title shot. Add to the mix New
Zealand's Maselino Masoe and Germany's Felix Sturm to round out the new
Top Ten.
01) Jermaine Taylor
02) Bernard Hopkins
03) Winky Wright
04) Arthur Abraham
05) Sam Soliman
06) Kelly Pavlik
07) Felix Sturm
08) Kingsley Ikele
09) Maselino Masoe
10) Edison Miranda
Will Jermain Taylor give Winky Wright his long overdue shot at the title
or will we see Taylor-Hopkins III ? There are a lot of Hopkins fans who
feel he did enough to beat Taylor in both bouts. If Taylor accepts the
challenge of Wright, will Bernard call out the new IBF titleholder
Abraham? Personally I would like to see an Abraham-Soliman contest. That
one has excitement written all over it.
There is changing of the guard in the middleweight class and I believe the
fans will again become interested in this long dormant division.
Audley Harrison And Danny Williams
By Frank Maloney
This Saturday sees the most exciting heavyweight clash in a British ring since Lennox Lewis' battles with Frank Bruno and Gary Mason. The pairing of ex-British and Commonwealth Champion Danny Williams and the undefeated former Olympic Gold Medallist Audley Harrison has the British fans talking and the boxing writers have been turning up in droves to the individual press conferences of each fighter. I've attended these conferences on alternative days and had the chance to review each fighter's condition, mannerisms and public workouts.
I've always liked Danny Williams and thought at one time that he could have been the man to take over from Lennox Lewis as the leading British heavyweight. But unfortunately, loses to Julius Francis, Sinan Samil Sam and a failed world title bid against Vitali Klitschko have obviously put a dent in that potential, although Danny still believes that he will win a world title due to a dream that his father had.
Danny and I are both from South London and having watched his amateur and pro career, I'd like to think that he can do it but the truth is there's no room for sentiment in boxing.
I studied Danny at Monday's press conference and I saw a man that seems vacant. His eyes were dull and flat while his skin had no glow to it like the glow I would see on Lennox Lewis when he was really biting at the bit for a fight. Although he talked a good game, I'm not so sure that Danny wasn't just talking to give himself courage. His trainer Jimmy McDonnell made some interesting comments about how Audley can't fight for three minutes every round. and he compared Harrison to Lewis in regards to tactics such as holding the opponent behind the head and forcing the head down. I'd have to agree about the Lennox reference, as those were the tactics Lewis used, as he did so very efficiently and got a way with it, too.
If I were to have closed my eyes at the Danny Williams press conference, I might have come away thinking that Danny will beat Audley by knockout. But with eyes open and actually seeing the reality, I'm not so sure.
Mundine-Green
Double Header
The press conference for the Anthony Mundine-Danny Green double header was held today at the Challenge Stadium in Perth Western Australia, the home town of the hugely popular Super middleweight contender Danny “Green Machine”Green.
Both Mundine and Green will be showcased in separate fights on Sunday night, Green against the Mexican hardman Kirino Garcia, and Mundine against the stylish Samoan Rico Chong Nee.
A fight between Anthony Mundine, 24-3 (19 ko’s) and Danny Green, 20-2 (19ko’s), has been putting boxing back on the map in Australia, with nearly everybody having their opinion as to who is the superior boxer.
Mundine entered first and appeared confident as usual even though he is in hostile territory, being the enemy of hometown hero Danny Green. If his confidence wasn’t apparent as he walked in flexing his muscles for the media it definitely was as soon as his infamous mouth opened.
A weekend of World Cup winners
From Worldcupofboxing.Com
In July of this year, Jermain Taylor (#2, v1800) quite unexpectedly won a split decision over Bernard Hopkins (#3, v1600), thus becoming the new "undisputed" middleweight champion of the world. Last Saturday they met again at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las vegas, with not only Taylor's WBC/WBA/WBO titles at stake, but also the middleweight World Cup.
The opening rounds didn't see much action. As the fight progressed, Taylor looked slightly the better fighter. But, as was the case in their first encounter, Hopkins came more and more into the fight from round seven. In the eleventh both fighters upped the pace and landed their biggest shots. Taylor still managed to controll the fight and eventually won on all three scorecards (115-113).
Taylor, who already topped the 160lbs WCup standings going into last Saturday's bout, scores 1600 WCup points and finishes the series with a total of 3784 WCup points. This surely is enough to win both the middleweight World Cup and the World Cup All Weights. Second at middleweight is Arthur Abraham (2060 pts), who can't catch Taylor even if he defeats Kingsley Ikeke (#10, v600) in a fight for the vacant IBF crown this Saturday. Hopkins, a World Cup winner in 2003 and 2004, completes the top-3 with 1800 points.
Taylor also becomes the new number one in the middleweight total ranking, with 4984 points. He moves Ronald Winky right (3600 pts) to second spot. Hopkins remains third with 3300 points.
By Michael Amakor at Ringside
Tucked away in a corner a few miles from Baltimore is Boxing Xtreme Fitness, a well equipped boxing gym quite popular in the area especially since it partners with the University of Maryland and Annapolis boxing clubs to develop young amateur fighters in the MD/VA/DC metro area.
This December 2nd fight card featured some fast and furious amateur action that had the crowd cheering in delight to usher in the professional fighters who meant business by their performances.
The first fight for the professional segment featured a clash between John Terry of Portsmouth Virginia against Rodney Green of Wilson NC in a six round middleweight bout.
**************************************************************
Why Hopkins Will Pull It Out Of His Hat
By Jim Amato
Jermain Taylor won his first fight
with Bernard Hopkins fair and square. Bernard made an error in judgment in
starting too slow. He spotted a young and talented Taylor a head start
that try as he might, Bernard was unable to make up. It cost the ever
proud Hopkins his World's middleweight title. Hopkins is out for revenge
and to regain his former glory. Taylor wants to prove that his first win
was no fluke and that he is "The Man" at 160 pounds.
As Max Schmeling said in leading up to his first fight with the great Joe
Louis, "I see something." I too saw some things that unfolded as the first
Taylor- Hopkins bout moved in to the middle and late rounds. I saw the
things I needed to see to feel that Bernard has a very, very good chance
of regaining his crown.
First of all, I feel that more then ever Bernard is confident he take the
best Taylor has to offer. I'm not quite so sure that Taylor can. He was
stunned on more then one occasion during the "championship" rounds. Taylor
also slowed down a bit and Bernard was clearly outworking the challenger.
In this rematch, I look for Bernard to start quickly and set the pace.
Taylor will try to hang with Bernard and I see the first six rounds being
contested on a fairly even basis. Then I see Taylor trying to surge ahead
but by the end of the tenth, Bernard will have closed the gap.
It will be almost even entering the last two rounds. This is where I see
Bernard forcing the action and getting the best of Jermain. Hopkins will
force Taylor on the defensive and Bernard's aggression and work rate will
push him ahead on the scoring.He may even stop Jermain.
By Michael Amakor
On July 16th, Undisputed
Middleweight Champion of the world Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins
defends his WBA, WBC,WBO and IBF titles against WBC Continental Americas
Middleweight Champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor at the MGM Grand
Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on HBO in a fight Labelled Next in
Line.
The Executioner first made me his fan with his thrilling and brutal
stoppage of skilled southpaw Joe "The Sledgehammer" Lipsky in the 4th
round back in 1996, you had to see that knockout as Hopkins suddenly
stepped back and unleashed a blur of vicious uppercuts that absolutely
stopped Lipsky dead on his feets,Hopkins showed killer instinct by
immediately putting together a combination that sent the sledgehammer to
the canvas almost unconscious prompting the experienced Referee - Mitch
Halpern to wave off the fight even before Lipsky’s head had touched the
canvas, Joe Lipsky has not fought again since that knockout.
Another thing that endeared me to Hopkins was his ring entrance, which is
quite tame now, but back in 1996 it was a menacing spectacle to behold, he
usually walked slowly into the ring cloaked in an executioners mask with
an entourage of burly masked bodyguards who carried his swords, battle
axes, and Championship belts right behind him like a funeral procession,
that along with his hard core eloquencial ponitifications was truly
inspiring, I knew after that fight that this guy was on a mission and he
could really bang.
Back then he let the world know that he was not getting the best fights
because no one wanted to fight him, he wanted to fight Roy Jones in a
rematch and urged Don King,to work with his then promoter Butch Lewis who
had labeled him the Hagler of the nineties when signing him up, to get him
career defining fights. He finally got the chance to showcase his skills,
five years later, when he competed in the Don King sponsored Middleweight
unification series by stopping legendary Felix Trinidad in the eleventh
round to become the unified Middleweight King.
By Michael Amakor at Ringside
Regular boxing fans usually seem to tune in only when star professional boxers fight with a seemingly vexing fixation on the heavyweight division, but true boxing fans come out to watch young fighters from all weight classes battle their way from mediocrity into the ranks of championship star contenders.
Keystone Boxing provided just such an event, featuring six of twelve fighters at the very early stages of their professional careers on its fight card at the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro Maryland. These 12 fighters were split into four different weight classes and were evenly matched to provide entertaining action. They final results for the evening 4 to 1 in favor of the hometown favorites showcased the depth of talented prospects fighting out of the DC metro area.
Sheldon Defeats the Mechanic
The most interesting fight of the evening was the second bout between flag waving Sheldon Rudolph (3-3,2KOs) of Guyana against undefeated Washington DC prospect Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly (5-0) in a Welterweight showdown.
Round One: The Mechanic lands first with a jab, but it is Sheldon who launches the first assault leading to a brief scuffle that sees Sheldon being wrestled to the canvas, he gets up and becomes more aggressive forcing several clinches as the mechanic tried to slow down Sheldon with punishing jabs and body shots, Sheldon keeps the action lively by trading shots of his own. By mid round you got the sense that Holly was picking his shots as he tried to slow down the rush of a bullying minded Sheldon. I scored the round for Sheldon.
Round 2: Sheldon came out in round two slugging and landing very hard uppercuts that forced the mechanic into the ropes, Sheldon landed a shot that wobbled the mechanic but could not finish him off before running into a bomb himself that stunned him somewhat, he again had the mechanic in trouble again and landed some hellecious body shots to end the round in his favor.
THE HITMAN STRIKES AGAIN
By Michael Amakor
All hail the New Unified
IBF & WBA Light Welterweight Champion of the World
Ricky Hatton
who clinically dismantled defending champion Carlos Maussa and knocked him out at the 1.10 minute of the ninth round in front of a packed arena at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield England.
He also holds the WBU crown and only just a few months ago he shocked the boxing world by bludgeoning the legendary Kostya Tsyzu into submission in his corner at the end of the 11th round with retirement on his mind convinced to allow Hatton seize his IBF Crown.
This recent victory against Maussa has navigated Hatton into the number two ranked position in the world for the Welterweight Division, and if he follows through with his statements about fighting stateside from now on, we may be looking at some fantastic match-ups against the always entertaining Diego Corrales in a unification fight, or we may see Hatton in an ultimate showdown against Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather in a fight that is sure to be a candidate for fight of the year in 2006.
Punch On
******************************************************
Weights for Keystone Boxing Event
Winner Circle Room - Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
Tickets: (301) 579-2598
By Michael Amakor
Most boxing fans usually overlook all the preparations and rules promoters are required to follow before a fight event, do not believe all you hear about few safety rules in boxing. At this weigh in event, Keystone Boxing went through great lenghts to ensure that all the fighters were properly examined by a physician, in addition all managers, trainers and chief seconds had to be properly registered to participate in the upcoming event.
Strict warnings were also issued about lacing up fighters gloves without the presence of an official and terse instructions were issued for urine samples to be taken two hours before the start of the fights tomorrow at 7.30pm.
All fighters appeared primed and ready to get into action, there were no fighter stare downs during this event. Here are the weights clearly announced and witnessed by the Fight Doctor and Digital Williams.
Lamont Pearson 135 ľ vs.
Pascal Adorno 131 ľ
SUPER FEATHER WEIGHT
Henry Buchanan 170 Ľ vs. Dhafir Smith 170 Ľ
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Purcell Miller 159 vs. Jason Naugler 167 ˝
LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT
Reggie Holly 142 vs. Sheldon Rudolph 143 ˝
WELTERWEIGHTS
Mushin Corbbey 148 ľ vs. Ben Lock 147 Ľ
LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Nick Caroleo 175 ˝ vs. Albert Bankivicious 173 ˝
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
IMPRESSIVE MAYWEATHER
By Christophe Neyts
Reigning WBC super lightweight champion and WCup and total ranking leader at 140lbs Floyd Mayweather moved up to welterweight to face Sharmba Mitchell (#6, v1000) in Portland, OR on Saturday. Mayweather, a three-division world titlist, outclassed former super lightweight champ Mitchell throughtout the bout. Mitchell, who had already been on the canvas in the fourth, was knocked out in round six by a straight right from Mayweather.
Mayweather thus scores 1000 WCup points, which lands him at rank 3 in the welterweight WCup ranking. He remains the WCup leader at super lightweight with 2214 points, mainly thanks to his win over Arturo Gatti in June. Judah heads the 147lbs WCup ranking with 2430 points, followed by Oktay Urkal (1140 pts).
Mayweather enters the welterweight total ranking in second spot with 3000 points, 1230 points behind leader Zab Judah. He's also still number one in the super lightweight TR with 3614 points. Third in the TR at welterweight is Cory Spinks with 1900 points.
In the WCup All weights ranking, Mayweather finds himself in second spot with a combined total of 3214 WCup points, trailing Jose Luis Castillo by just 196 points. Antonio Tarver is third with 3000 points.
In Panama City, Panama, Roberto Vasquez retained his WBA light flyweight title as he outpointed Nerys Espinoza (#43, v202) over twelve rounds. The scorecards read 118-110, 117-110 and 118-107.
Vasquez (#3, v1600) climbs one notch in the 108lbs WCup ranking, where he is now second with 1802 WCup points, just three points behind leader and WBC light fly king Brian Viloria. Eric Ortiz is third with 1600 points.
The top-3 in the 108lbs total ranking remains unchanged. WBC strawweight titleholder Eagle Kyowa tops the standings with 2440 points, followed by Brian Viloria (2265 points). Roberto Vasquez, who improves his total to 2122 points, remains third.
Eugene Maloney Sets The Record Straight
On His Split With Matt Skelton
By Curtis McCormick
While reports that Matt Skelton has split with longtime manager Eugene Maloney are true, rumors that the British Heavyweight Champion has let Maloney ago are totally false. The respected fixture of the London boxing scene chose to drop his commitment to Skelton on a matter of principle. It may be the first time that a manager has let go of a heavyweight champion but it's the second time that Maloney has chosen to walk away from a highly successful situation.
In 1994, as the head of Lennox Lewis' security detail, the passionate, larger than life Eugene voluntarily left the employ of the champion on a matter of principle. Ironically, later that same day, Lewis was knocked out by Oliver McCall. There aren't many people in the sport of boxing who will put their principles before money but Eugene Maloney is just such an individual. To this day the brother of Frank Maloney has never spoken publicly of his split with Lewis but the London man has no problems going on record on the Skelton situation.
"A deal was agreed upon for Matt Skelton to fight Kevin McBride, but on the morning of the press conference, Skelton tried to claim that no deal had been agreed to, even though he was in the room when the deal was struck," recalled Maloney. "This is the issue that caused me concern as it was obvious that Skelton had no respect for the promoter or for me."
Skelton had been scheduled to defend his British Heavyweight title against Danny Williams over the summer until Williams pulled out at the last minute. A few months later a verbal agreement was made for the two to meet in a rescheduled bout but that fell apart when Skelton, who apparently was not asked whether he would take the fight or not before the bout was announced to the public, refused to face Williams.
Contrary to the rumors that are flying around, it was not Eugene Maloney who told Frank Warren that Skelton would fight Danny Williams. While Eugene had strongly advised Skelton to take the fight at a purse of Ł100,000, which would have been one of the all time top paydays for a British Heavyweight Championship fight, Maloney had nothing to do with the debacle that ensued. "The person who informed me that Matt would fight Williams is now acting as Skelton's manager and trainer," said Maloney. "I have guided Skelton's career from day one up until the recent fall out, even promoting him and investing my own money into him when no one else was interested for his first seven fights."
The brash, outspoken former boxer was well known for his vigorous campaign to gain Skelton respect and have the rough skilled former martial artist taken seriously by the British boxing industry. It will be interesting to see just how Skelton will fare without "Mr. Motivator" in his corner.
"A lot of people in boxing are only interested in money, but with me, I believe that principals are important, especially in this game, and if you stick to your principles, things will turn out in the end," stated Maloney. "What many people don't realize is that boxers come and go, but managers and trainers are in the sport much longer. One thing I've learned in this business is to remember the people you double crossed on the way up, because you might meet them on the way down."
TONEY AND MASKAEV NEXT IN LINE
November 18, 2005 - Mexico City.
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
"The Board of Governors of the WBC has voted to elect James Toney and Oleg Maskaev as the two official challengers to contend against the former interim WBC World Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman, who was appointed as the WBC undisputed world champion after the retirement from boxing of the former champion Vitali Klitschko, due to injuries.
The heavyweight division had its last mandatory title bout on June 21, 2003, almost 2 ˝ years ago, by Lennox Lewis against Vitali Klitschko. Klitschko went on to win the vacant WBC heavyweight title against Corrie Sanders on April 24, 2004.
"Vitali made one voluntary defense against Danny Williams on December 11, 2004, and since then, no other world championship has taken place, except the interim championship bout due to Klitschko's injuries, when Hasim Rahman became interim champion winning a decision over Monte Barrett in Chicago on August 13, 2005. To ratify Rahman's undisputed championship and his mandatory defense, the WBC selected two mandatory challengers.
"The first challenger to confirm Rahman as the undisputed champion in the ring, after being appointed as the undisputed champion, shall be James Toney, who obtained 21 of the 34 total votes of the WBC Board of Governors . Toney, from the USA, has a record of 76 fights, with 70 wins, (43 by K.O.) 4 losses and 2 draws. He has been the IBF champion in the middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight divisions and had his last bout with a win on October 1, 2005.
"The second challenger elected is Maskaev, who obtained four votes in favor by the WBC Board, and who will fight next against the winner of world champion Rahman and challenger Toney with no intervening voluntary defense. Maskaev, from Uzbekistan, has a record of 37 fights, with 32 victories (25 by K.O.) with 5 losses.
"The total voting by the Board of Governors of the WBC was 21 votes in favor of James Toney, USA; 5 votes in favor of Wladimir Klitschko, Ukraine, and 4 votes in favor of Oleg Maskaev, with three Governors who did not send their votes. Wladimir Klitschko was taken out of consideration after the report that he will fight for the championship of a different organization.
"During the 44 years of the WBC's existence, we have had some of the best heavyweight champions of the world, like the greatest, Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, George Foreman, and Joe Frazier, among other great champions. It is the obligation of the WBC to take solid steps to keep boxing as good as it can be according to the times. It is also our general belief that in addition to ordering attractive title matches, this will be our way for all boxers to be best financially favored.
"The free negotiations period for the WBC World Heavyweight Championship between the WBC world champion Rahman and his official challenger Toney will begin today, and if no agreement is reached by December 15, the purse offer ceremony will be celebrated on December 20 in Cancun, Mexico.
Picture by David Greene
IBRAGIMOV VS WHITAKER PRE-FIGHT BRAWL
Global Warfare: It was supposed to be your typical boxing press conference, an opportunity for the media to meet with the participants of Warrior’s Boxing Promotions’ December 15th card at the Hard Rock Live Arena, and discuss the highly anticipated “Global Warfare” show. But once heavyweights Sultan Ibragimov and Lance ‘Mount’ Whitaker got close to each other at Gallagher’s Steak House in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, the tension was obvious. And when Ibragimov put his clenched fist to the chin of Whitaker for the third time, the 6-8 contender had enough and the two started swinging at each other a month before they’re scheduled to do it in the ring.
Unfortunately in the commotion, Ibragimov’s agent and matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz – who was trying to keep the two giants apart from each other – got hit by both men simultaneously and was knocked unconscious for a number of minutes..
“With the stakes as high as they are, and with both men preparing for battle, sometimes these unfortunate events take place,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Warrior’s Boxing Promotions Inc. “But the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Warrior’s Boxing don’t condone the actions by either fighter, and I can assure boxing fans that this will not be tolerated. We will do whatever is necessary in the future to keep this from happening again because we’re intent on keeping the fighting where it belongs – in the ring.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Warrior’s Boxing Promotions Inc. also sends its thoughts and prayers to Sampson Lewkowicz for a speedy recovery
In the “Global Warfare”main event on December 15th, top heavyweight contender Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter returns to the ring for the first time since his epic battle with Wladimir Klitschko in September to face tough Robert Hawkins in a ten round contest.
In the co-featured bout of the evening, imposing heavyweight contender Lance Whitaker lives up to his desire to fight only the best in the world when he tackles unbeaten Russian bomber Sultan Ibragimov in a bout that will undoubtedly produce a future challenger for one of the four world champions in boxing’s glamour division.
Also featured in separate bouts will be undefeated junior welterweight star Juan Urango and unbeaten Irish sensation John Duddy.
“Global Warfare” will air live on pay-per-view from the Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida. Suggested retail price is $19.95.
Doors open at 6:30pm and the first bell rings at 7:30pm.
Tickets are on sale now for “Global Warfare”. They are priced at $150, $100, and $50. For more information please call 954.523.3309 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Hatton Ready To Spring Trap On Maussa
By Curtis McCormick
IBF Light Welter Champion Ricky "Hitman" Hatton is counting down the hours until he meets WBA Champion Carlos Maussa in the ring and "The Hitman" won't have to wait long wait for the chance to add the Colombian's title to his trophy cabinet. The two square off next Saturday on a Fight Academy promotion from the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, England and when the smoke clears, half of the division's major title belts will be unified. Will it be Hatton, conqueror of the greatly feared and respected Kostya Tszyu, who prevails? Or will Maussa, the resilient underdog who flattened Vivian Harris this past June, pull off another major upset?
While many are leaning heavily towards a Hatton victory, the Manchester hardman for one isn't taking his adversary lightly. "I think this is going to be a hard fight," said the twenty seven year old Englishman. "I remember sitting down in Atlantic City to watch Maussa's fight with Vivian Harris and as Michael Buffer was making the introductions, Maussa was just moving about in his corner. Looking at him, I thought he moved like a bit of a novice. So, I expected that Vivian was probably going to go through this fella and as it turned out, I think that's what Vivian Harris thought, too. But Maussa is persistent, heavy-handed and with a good workrate; he throws a lot of punches and just sickens opponents. Harris hit him with some really hefty shots but Maussa just took 'em and took 'em and then he came back and knocked Harris out. Broke his heart, really."
Maussa certainly has an impressive record, having stopped eighteen of twenty victims but has lost two bouts during his career, one of which was to the division's WBO Champion Miguel Cotto. Maussa's fight with Cotto is of great interest to Hatton, as the IBF titlist also hopes to face the superb Puerto Rican fighter and the exciting Mancunian has studied a tape of the contest accordingly. "In the Cotto fight, Miguel picked Maussa off and had his successes, scoring a little bit of a flash knockdown," recalled Hatton. "Cotto caught him square on, but Maussa jumped straight back up and I don't think he was hurt. Cotto did stop Maussa in nine rounds, but he stopped him basically on facial damage. I'm a big Miguel Cotto fan, I respect him a great deal but he never looked like he was going to knock Maussa out, in fact all the way through, Maussa was the one making the fight, Cotto was just boxing on the back foot. Miguel was picking him off and landing good shots, but he didn't seem to be movin' Maussa."
Moving Maussa is something that Hatton is confident he can do but the well spoken British "Whirlwind of Bad Intent" won't be found trash talking his opponent. As during the build up to his challenge of Kostya Tszyu last June, Hatton professes nothing but respect for his adversary, preferring to put off the hostilities until he can assault his rival in the ring with an unrelenting barrage of leather. "Maussa is very, very good," said Hatton. "He's not the prettiest of sights but he turns his negatives into a positive. What you see is what you get with him but that's what makes Maussa a difficult task, it's his awkwardness and his ungainliness.
"I think not only is his opponent not quite sure what he's going to do next, but I think Maussa fights sometimes as he's not sure what he's going to do next. That's down as a plus as it makes him awkward and difficult to read. There's a method to his madness but to be honest, I'm much more of an all around fighter than Maussa is. I've got a lot more in my armory and this is a fight that I'm very, very confident that I will come through."
Log onto www.rickyhitmanhatton.com, www.fightacdemy.com,and www.hallamfmarena.co.uk to learn more about Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton and this hotly anticipated matchup.
November 10, 2005 - Mexico City.
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
"The WBC has received a majority voting of the Board of Governors to declare Hasim Rahman the undisputed WBC heavyweight champion of the world. The WBC will make it effective when all the votes are received.
"Hasim Rahman has already been a WBC champion of the world in the past, when he won the WBC heavyweight title by knocking out Lennox Lewis in five rounds on April 22, 2001, in Johannesburg. He lost the title in the rematch against Lennox Lewis by KO4 on November 17, 2001, in Las Vegas.
"Hasim Rahman won a mandatory elimination bout against Kali Meehan on November 13, 2004, and won the WBC interim championship by 12-round decision against Monte Barrett on August 13, 2005, in Chicago. He has all the merits to become the undisputed champion after the retirement from boxing of Vitali Klitschko.
"The WBC is preparing an official ceremony to present Hasim Rahman as the undisputed champion of the world, and will have a meeting of the Board of Governors in the near future to decide the next steps in the division, specifically with the three highest rated boxers that are: 1.) the winner of the elimination bout between Sinan Samil Sam and Oleg Maskaev, to be held in Hamburg, Germany this coming Saturday; 2.) James Toney; and 3.) Wladimir Klitschko.
"No decisions will be made before the meeting of the Board of Governors is held."
November 9, 2005 - Mexico City.
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
"The WBC feels sadness for the retirement of the heavyweight champion of the world, Vitali Klitschko, who created a good name for boxing in his career, but we consider that there is nothing more important in life than the physical and mental health of boxers as the human beings that they are.
"This position by Vitali Klitschko shows that he is a man of pride, dignity, and honor as a champion of the world of the WBC, as instead of fighting for the multimillion dollars that he was going to make, he preferred to respect the sport of his love and the boxing fans of the world by acting with dignity, and decided to retire.
"Vitali Klitschko is not a quitter, as the world saw when he fought and was defeating Lennox Lewis, considered the very best heavyweight at least of the last decade. Klitschko strongly objected to have Dr. Wallace stop that fight in Los Angeles, when he had a very dangerous cut on his eyebrow.
"Vitali Klitschko, WBC champion of the world, from Ukraine, is retiring as a champion without losing his title in the ring, and the WBC is proceeding to take the vote from its Board of Governors to comply with the WBC Rules and Regulations for the automatic appointment of the WBC interim champion of the world Hasim Rahman, to be named the undisputed champion of the world of the WBC.
"The Board of Governors is formed by 35 members, all of them with the right to vote."
ALI FACES PRESIDENT BUSH
Lobsang Flütsch
President Ratings Committee
WBC / FECARBOX
Only a few athletes are ever known as the greatest in their sport, or in their time. But when you say, "The Greatest of All Time" is in the room, everyone knows who you mean. It's quite a claim to make -- but as Muhammad Ali once said, "It's not bragging if you can back it up." (Laughter.) And this man backed it up.
From the day he won the Gold Medal at the 1960 Olympic Games, we all knew there was something special about this young fighter from Louisville, Kentucky. And his record of 56 and 5, including 37 knockouts and 19 successful title defenses, hardly begins to get the story. Far into the future, fans and students of boxing will study the films, and some will even try to copy his style. But certain things defy imitation: the Ali shuffle, the lightning jabs, the total command of the ring and, above all, the sheer guts and determination he brought to every fight.
This is a man who once fought more than 10 rounds with a fractured jaw. And he fought to complete exhaustion -- and victory -- in that legendary clash of greats in Manila. The real mystery, I guess, is how he stayed so pretty. (Laughter.) It probably had to do with his beautiful soul. He was a fierce fighter and he's a man of peace, just like Odessa and Cassius Clay, Sr. believed their son could be.
Across the world, billions of people know Muhammad Ali as a brave, compassionate and charming man, and the American people are proud to call Muhammad Ali one of our own. (Applause.)
Our country and our world have been improved by the lives of the men and women we honor today. And now I ask the Military Aide to read the citations.
WORDS FROM TOO SWEET
By Michael Amakor
On my tour of the DC Boxing and Fitness Center in Washington DC, I ran into former National Association of Boxing Federations (NABF) Welterweight Champion Derrell “Too Sweet” Coley
For the benefit of fans with foggy memories, Coley turned professional in 1990 after a highly successful amateur career with a record of 96 wins, 4 losses including winning two golden gloves and a championship at the AAU Regionals.
He immediately made a mark in boxing by stopping former WBC Light Welterweight Champion Saoul Mamby by 1st round kayo. He went unbeaten in 28 fights and finally captured the vacant NABF Welterweight title four years later. He defended that belt twice before losing a hotly contested twelve round decision to mandatory challenger Oba Carr in 1995. It is important to note that most of the media and fans at ringside thought Coley clearly should have won that fight, nevertheless he rebounded from that defeat and regained his old title against Kip Diggs in 1997. He defended his title several times by beating back the challenges of Willy Wise and former IBF Middleweight title Challenger Romallis Ellis.
The highlight of his boxing career came when he competed against Oscar De La Hoya for the vacant IBC Welterweight Title. Despite a valiant effort he got stopped in the seventh round back in 2000. Since then he has gone undefeated in four fights and his professional record now stands at a very respectable 38 - 2 - 2 with 27KOS.
Here is what the former champion had to say after he had cooled down from his intense training session.
Amakor: I see you training intensely, do you have a fight scheduled
Coley: I am working on a few things in the gym with my new trainer Zeke, and I may return in November or in January 2006, I have no fight scheduled right now though
Amakor: You have not fought since 2003, who do you want to fight right now
Coley: I am willing to fight anybody, I honestly believe I can beat any of the champions out there.
Amakor: You spent most of your career in the welterweight division, are you going back to the division
Coley: I will be returning to the ring at 154 (light Middleweight Division)
Amakor: You have been involved in so many great fights, which fight do you remember the most.
Coley: I really enjoyed my fight and I believe I gave one of my best performances against Oba Carr, I honestly believe I won that fight hands down no matter what the judges say..
Amakor: This brings me to your fight against De la Hoya (his eyes light up)
Coley:
You know everybody talks about that fight, fans do not remember that that
he did not make the mandatory weight for the fight, but they cheated me,
my two loses were not fair fights, I got cheated. In my book I have never
lost a fair fight.
Amakor: Why have you not fought since 2003
Coley: I had to take some time off from the game.
Amakor: There have been a few gaps in your career after the De La Hoya fight, what happened during those periods.
Coley: I had a few management problems that could not allow me focus on boxing, but everything is great right now, my team is strong and I am ready to make a comeback.
Amakor: What are your boxing goals right now
Coley: I am on a mission right now to get one last title shot against any of the champions out there and retire from the game for good without sustaining any life threatening injuries. (checks his watch)
Amakor: Thank you for time Derrell.
****************************************************************88
HARD ROCK’ MILLER MAKES RETURN!
During the mid-1990’s, it was a great time to be a boxing fan in Washington, DC. The Nation’s Capital boasted four world champions (WBA Middleweight champ William Joppy, WBC Middleweight champ Keith Holmes, IBF Flyweight titleholder Mark Johnson and WBA Junior Welterweight titlist Sharmba Mitchell) at the same time as well as a slew of contenders and prospects that alternately sparred with the champions and tried to put themselves in position to be champions themselves.
Some of those contenders fell short of the championship mark and then fell by the wayside. Others stepped away from the sport entirely. And then there are those boxers who can be placed in both of those categories and has decided that now is the time to make another run.
Such is the case with DC junior middleweight Purcell “Hard Rock” Miller, who makes his return after a five-year absence.
In the mid-90’s, Miller was considered one of the shining prospects in the DC-area. Miller started his pro career in 1994 as a welterweight and quickly became a fan favorite, not only for his abilities in the ring, but also because of his ring entrances. The entrances combined Miller’s love of boxing with his love of music. In fact, DJ’s that work boxing cards could take time off during Miller’s entrances, because his ring walk came complete with a brass band that would accompany him to the ring.
Once Miller was in the ring, he was all business, using impressive power and hand speed. Victories came to Miller quickly and impressively. In his first 16 bouts, Miller was 16-0 with 15 KO’s.
Rahman Loss Can’t Stop the Meehan Express
On November 25 in Sydney, Kali Meehan will be fighting what he hopes will be his last “tune-up”.
With the heavyweight division wide open the big -punching contender is confident a title fight is only around the corner as long he can look impressive in his next bout against an international opponent still to be finalized.
With his last high profile bout a fourth-round beating against Hasim Rahman at Madison Square Garden, New York, last November. Many people will be wondering how Kali and his team, consisting of trainer “Magic” Mark Janssen and manager Ted Allen, believe they can go from such a disappointing performance to being heavyweight champion of the world?
“I was barely able to sleep for the last week before that fight.” said Meehan, “My neck was injured in training and I wasn’t able to perform anywhere near 100%. Rahman is a strong guy, I wanted to go through with the fight because I knew the opportunity was not something you get everyday. Now, I would love a rematch to prove that when I’m right it would be a different story.”
The fight before Rahman, Kali
had lost a controversial split decision in a WBO title fight in Las Vegas
against champion “Relentless” Lamon Brewster. It was a
career-best performance that
surprised boxing fans all around the world. The 193cm Kali boxed from the
outside using his reach to maximum advantage over the 185cm Brewster.
Kali had shown the skills and conditioning of a world class heavyweight,
but trainer Mark Janssen was still a little disappointed.
“Even though we thought Kali had won the fight, and it was a great experience, he only showed 50% of what he is capable of. I was not surprised to see Kali outbox Lamon. In previous sparring sessions between them it was clear that Lamon had trouble with Kali’s style.” said Janssen.
***************************
Keystone Boxing Returns to Maryland
with Exciting Professional Boxing on
November 26th, 2005
Tickets are on sale now for "In Yo' Face at Show Place" , an exciting November 26th, 2005 event at The Show Place Arena in Prince George's County, MD that will combine professional boxing with live music.
Temple Hill, MD November 6th, 2005: Keystone Boxing announces their return to The Show Place Arena in Prince George's County, MD on November 26th, 2005 in what will be an exciting card, highlighting the return home of current USBA Super Featherweight Champion Lamont "Bay" Pearson 22-3-1(12) and impressive up and coming DC area fighters, Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan 11-0(10), Purcell Miller 21-3(17) and Reggie Holly 5-0(2). The Thanksgiving weekend show, "In Yo' Face at Show Place", will bring boxing back to The Show Place Arena in a unique holiday show, combining exciting professional boxing with live music performances by Atmosphere.
Keystone, having recently promoted a very successful and entertaining card for over 5,000 guests at The Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA in September, is looking forward to returning to Maryland for the November 26th event. Promoter Gene Molovinsky, who founded Keystone Boxing seven years ago with the dual purpose of promoting professional boxers in the D.C. metropolitan area and revitalizing local interest in the sport, has promoted over twenty professional fight cards from Chantilly, VA to Baltimore, MD, with many stops in between. With the "In Yo' Face At Show Place" event, Molovinsky plans to bring boxing back to the area with very reasonably priced admission for a night of extremely competitive fights and live music.
Tickets, priced at $25, $35, $50(reserved ringside), $75(VIP ringside which includes a VIP Prefight Meet and Greet with light fare) are on sale and available through all Ticketmaster outlets including The Show Place Arena box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 202-397-SEAT, 410-547-SEAT, or 703-573-SEAT. For more information you can visit www.showplacearena.com.
WHY I LIKE JEFF LACY...
By Jim Amato
Jeff Lacy defended his IBF
Super Middleweight title with an impressive two round stoppage of the
capable Scott Pemberton.
This was a bout where Jeff Lacy needed to make a statement, and he did. It was loud and clear. He made it known through his actions and not his words that he is the " Man " at 168 lbs. Sorry Joe... Scott Pemberton is no slouch. He was a legitimate contender with a solid resume. He earned this title shot. This was not a gimme fight for Lacy but it came off looking that way. Why ? Truth be told Mr. Lacy is peaking and the rest of the world's super middleweights better watch out. That includes Joe Calzahge.
The stage has been set for a showdown between the unbeaten Lacy and the undefeated Calzaghe. Joe has held the WBO title for years but he may be on the downside of his fine career. If they would have met when Lacy first won his IBF crown I may have leaned toward Joe but not now. Why ?
First off Jeff Lacy is pound for pound one of the strongest boxers in the world. Second, although he was always a hard puncher early on he was a thumper, basically a heavy handed hitter. Now he seems to have added snap to those power shots. This comes with hours of training to hone the timing. As I said Lacy is peaking and he is now a very dangerous man.
Calzaghe is a fine boxer. He has very fast hands and sets a fast pace. Although he has a fine record, it is a bit inflated. There is not a lot of top shelf names adorning his ledger. Lacy's people have brought him along very nicely. He is where he should be and after he fights and beats Calzaghe he will be the master of his own destiny. Will that include a foray in to the light heavyweight division ? Now that could be real interesting.
| LEADERS TOTAL & WCUP RANKING NOVEMBER 2005 | ||
| Lbs. | Total | WCup |
| All Weights | - | Jose Luis Castillo (MEX) |
| +200 | Wladimir Klitschko (UKR) | Wladimir Klitschko (UKR) |
| 200 | Jean-Marc Mormeck (FRA) | Guillermo Jones (PAN) |
| 175 | Antonio Tarver (USA) | Antonio Tarver (USA) |
| 168 | Markus Beyer (GER) | Danilo Haussler (GER) |
| 160 | Ronald Wright (USA) | Jermain Taylor (USA) |
| 154 | Ricardo Mayorga (CRC) | Roman Karmazin (RUS) |
| 147 | Zabdiel Judah (USA) | Zabdiel Judah (USA) |
| 140 | Floyd Mayweather (USA) | Floyd Mayweather (USA) |
| 135 | Jose Luis Castillo (MEX) | Jose Luis Castillo (MEX) |
| 130 | Marco Antonio Barrera (MEX) | Erik Morales (MEX) |
| 126 | Juan Manuel Marquez (MEX) | Humberto Soto (MEX) |
| 122 | Mahyar Monshipour (FRA) | Rikiya Fukuhara (JPN) |
| 118 | Fernando Montiel (MEX) | Fernando Montiel (MEX) |
| 112 | Jorge Arce (MEX) | Jorge Arce (MEX) |
| 108 | Eagle Kyowa (THA) | Brian Viloria (USA) |
| Note: New leaders in bold. | ||
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE RANKINGS GO TO
Harrison vs. Wiliams: This May Be Interesting
By Jim Amato
It is hard enough to get excited
about today's heavyweight division. With that in mind it seems almost
unimaginable to get stirred by a match between two British battlers.
Hey guess what? There is a match coming up on December 10th in London
for British bragging rights that may also have a bearing on the
overall heavyweight picture. Undefeated Audley Harrison takes on
"Tyson Tamer" Danny Williams. Although the yet to be tested Harrison
has had only nineteen fights to thirty seven for Williams, at 33 he is
older then the 32 year old Williams.
Danny is the more proven commodity having been in with Mike Tyson and
Vitali Klitschko. Nevertheless he is considered somewhat erratic.
Williams will come in with a 33-4 record. He has 28 knockouts and he
himself has been halted on three occasions. He is a big, strong fellow
who packs a wallop. In the past his condition and his chin have been
questioned.
Harrison is the current darling of the British boxing fans. He is
expected to pick up where Lennox Lewis left off. He has an abundance
of talent but at age 33 it is time to make a move. A win over Williams
will be a definite boost to his career. It could open the door to some
major bouts in the States or even against some decent European
competition. A loss to Williams could just expose him as an over rated
prospect. Williams has had his day in the sun but a win over Harrison
could keep him in the mix.
We are not talking world beaters here but within the big picture of a
very drab heavyweight landscape, this bout has some merit.
********************************************
Can WBO Champion Harrison Turn Back
The Challenge of Hussein?
By Robin York
Scott "The Real McCoy" Harrison makes the 6th defence in his second reign as WBO Featherweight champion against big punching Australian Nedal "Skinny" Hussein tonight at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. The fight will be going out live on ITV, a major boost for the Scottish star who has a chance to turn himself into a household name. But like so many of his fights, this one will not be easy.
Hussein, who will be making his Featherweight debut against Harrison, has shared a ring with WBC Super-Bantamweight Oscar Larios and Manny Pacquiao, and has stopped 25 opponents in 39 wins, 14 inside the first round. Frightening statistics, but they are unlikely to scare the champion who himself hits very hard and will have a big advantage in strength going into the fight.
Hussein, who has had his success as a super bantamweight is full of confidence with claims that he is going to "knock Harrison for 6" and has even gone as far to say he could take the champion out inside a round. While that outcome is highly unlikely, this fight is a close one to call, with both having the skills to defeat the other. But this is the type of opponent Harrison needs, one that is respected world-wide and in return gives the champion the respect he deserves should he be victorious.
The challenger is no stranger to these shores. He came over to Scotland back in 2000 to defeat Brian Carr for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight title and stopped Delroy Pryce in the third round at the York Hall the following year. His only defeats in 41 fights were against Larios and Pacquiao, who are two truly world class fighters. He fought Pacquiao in front of a hostile crowd in the Philippines and gave a good account of himself before being stopped in the 10th round.
THE RETURN OF SAMUEL PETER HEADS STAR-STUDDED CARD AT THE HARD ROCK LIVE ARENA ON DECEMBER 15
HOLLYWOOD, FL, October 19 – What do you call a boxing event packed with hard-hitting contenders from around the globe putting their fistic careers on the line in a quest for that always-elusive moment of glory? You could call it an early Holiday gift for fight fans.
We call it “Global Warfare”. On Thursday, December 15th, Warriors Boxing in association with Sampson Lewkowicz, Nafta Moskva and Duva Boxing return to the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida with an evening of world-class professional boxing destined to start your end of year fireworks off early.
In the main event, it’s “The Nightmare before Christmas” as top Heavyweight contender Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter (24-1, 21 KO’s) returns. He is coming off his “Fight of the Year” candidate with Wladimir Klitschko where he had the Russian giant down down 3 times and came within inches of knocking him out! Peter will face rugged Robert Hawkins (21-4, 7 KO’s), from the fighting city of Philadelphia.
And while a main event featuring one of boxing’s rising stars in a tough fight alone is worth the price of admission, Warriors Boxing is just getting started.
In the co-main event, imposing Heavyweight contender Lance “Mount” Whitaker (31-3-1, 26 KO’s), lives up to his desire to fight only the best in the world when he tackles unbeaten 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist, Russian bomber Sultan Ibragimov (18-0, 15 KO’s), in a 12-round Title fight that will undoubtedly produce a future challenger for one of the World Champions in boxing’s glamour division.
The Resurgence of Heavyweight Boxing in Britain
By Frank Maloney
People have been talking for some time now about the decline of the heavyweight boxing division. I believe that boxing's premier weight class can be seen as an indicator of the sport's health as I've long maintained that boxing is only as good as the heavyweight division. Having said that, I'm also a believer that the boxing business is really divided into two parts. You have the heavyweight boxing business on one hand and the then you have the business concerning all of the other weight classes. It's true that the world heavyweight scene is not what it once was but the same cannot be said of the heavyweight boxing scene in England at the moment, thanks to promoter Frank Warren.
Recently people have been quick to attack Frank Warren. Quick to say that he can't deliver big shows and that he's not the promoter that he once was. But once again, when the chips are down, Frank has proven everyone wrong.
For on December the 10th, he's made a parcel of heavyweight fights that has the whole of Britain buzzing. In delivering this show at the ExCel Centre in London on that date, Frank has proven why people were wrong to underestimate his capabilities.
Everyone thought that he was going to deliver the rescheduled Matt Skelton and Danny Williams fight and there were a lot of remarks made after he announced that fight only to it have it fail to take place because a member of Skelton's management team confirmed their man's willingness to face Williams without first verifying the decision of the fighter.
What happened next is something that I believe is a measure of Frank's abilities as a promoter. He made three very high profile contests that will have repercussions on both sides of the Atlantic. You have Danny Williams taking on Audley Harrison. Matt Skelton facing Kevin McBride and John McDermott squaring off against Scott Gammer in an official eliminator for the British title.
While it is subject of course to final contractual approval by both camps, the Matt Skelton - Kevin McBride fight is one that I really hope will happen as I've worked with both fighters.
To put this matchup into perspective, McBride is someone that everyone is chasing at the moment since his win over Mike Tyson. The Irishman, now based in America, stands a full six foot seven inches and hails from the same area that produced the legendary "Clones Cyclone", Barry McGuigan.
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TENATIVE FIGHTS COULD MAKE 2006 QUITE A YEAR !
Jim Amato
All I can say is " Holy Smokes " ! If this is a preview of things
to come then the upcoming year in boxing should be a good one. Three tentatively scheduled bouts could create a lot of fan interest and
some serious fireworks.
For starters former champions Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas are
rumored to be on a collision course on February 25th. I find this to
be a very intriguing match up that I wish would have taken place a few
years ago when both were on top of their game. Still it should be
interesting and the winner will be in line for a nice future payday while the
loser may have to consider retirement. This is truly a " crossroads " match
for two fine boxers. I always felt Shane was the better of the two but if Mosley has slowed down too much and is forced to go to war with
Vargas then to me that increases Fernando's chances of winning.
On March 25th Marcos Antonio Barrera may challenge IBF lightweight
titleholder Jesus Chavez. This has the makings of a terrific fight.
Chavez is a strong, durable fighter and a hard hitter. Barrera is an
outstanding boxer / puncher who has been one of the best fighters of this era.
This will be quite a test for the aging but still capable Barrera. My
initial gut feeling is that Marcos may have bit off a little too much here.
Jesus Chavez is finally fulfilling all the potential he was always said to
have. Barrera is on the downside of his fabulous career. Although I
understand Barrera want to move up and win a title in another weight class, I
feel this is a bad match for him. I'll go with Chavez by a late, come from behind knockout.
Then on May 6th it may be Oscar De La Hoya returning to fight
Ricardo
Mayorga for the WBC junior middleweight title. So many questions
going in. How much does Oscar have left ? Will he be too rusty after such a
lengthy layoff ? I always felt Mayorga was over rated. He's not a bad fighter
but to me the De La Hoya who dismantled Fernando Vargas would have a
field day with Mayorga. Is that the Oscar we will see May 6th if the fight
comes off ? To me even if Oscar is 80 % of what he was he has the style to take Mayorga apart. Also there should be some motivational inspiration for Oscar. If he gets past Mayorga, he could call out the winner of Mosley-Vargas.
There is some definite history there. He could
challenge Jermain Taylor for the middleweight title if Jermain is successful in turning back Bernard Hopkins this December. He could also invite welterweight champion Zab Judah to move up and challenge him. All of
those bouts would create a nice financial return for the " Big O ". Like he
really needs the money...Still if Oscar is trying to etch his name in history, a win over Mayorga will open a lot of doors.
2006 may just be quite a year !
Power To Defend British Title Against Napa
Undefeated sensation Martin Power will make the first defence of his British Bantamweight Title on November 4th at London's York Hall against skilled operator Ian Napa.
This fight is about more than the British title, as Power, of Camden Town, will be competing for the bantamweight bragging rights of London against Hackney's favorite son, Ian Napa.
Power captured the Lonsdale Belt in May of this year when he outpointed a determined Dale Robinson over twelve thrilling nip and tuck rounds. Many questioned that verdict and Power is now on a mission to prove the critics wrong and show that he is without question the best bantamweight in the country with a convincing performance against Napa.
The challenger Napa has contested for titles from flyweight to super bantam, but claims that the bantamweight division is his natural weight class and as such has vowed to fulfil his early career expectations.
This superb contest is backed up an equally impressive undercard.
Current English Lightweight Champion Danny Hunt makes a welcome return to the ring with the intention of cementing his position as the best lightweight in the country.
Amir Khan's amateur nemesis Craig Watson goes for win number five in as many contests as the Manchester man continues to stalk his archrival.
Unbeaten hopefuls Junior Macdonald, Ian Wilson and Jed "Tiger" Syger all look to extend their unbeaten runs while the pride of South London, Sam Webb, goes for win number two after his thrilling debut last time out when he dispatched Welshman Gerraint Harvey in a matter of seconds.
Tickets for this fantastic fistic attraction are available from Maloney Promotions on 020 8692 6313. Sky Sports will provide live television coverage.
FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY
HOLLYWOOD, FL, October 19 – The training is just about over and the long hours of toil in the gym are winding to a close, but the intensity is just about to reach a fever pitch as the participants in the October 21st “Rumble at The Rock” show at the Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida, get ready to put it all on the line when the bell rings.
And just before the fighters step into the ring to battle, members of the media will have their final opportunities to get the lowdown on this high-impact night of professional boxing from the athletes themselves.
On Wednesday, October 19th, the final press conference will be held at 2pm at the Park Sports Bar in Seminole Paradise at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
The following day, Thursday, October 20th, all participants will weigh-in at 6pm in Ballroom B at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
After that, the only thing left to do is “Rumble at The Rock”.
“Rumble at The Rock”, which features an electrifying Heavyweight matchup between David “The Tuaman” Tua and Cisse “Cool C” Salif, as well as, high-impact bouts between Jameel McCline and Zuri Lawrence, Edison Miranda and Sherwin Davis, Yuri Foreman and Troy Lowry and more. “Rumble at the Rock” will air live on Pay-Per-View from the Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida at 9pm EST. Suggested retail price is $24.95.
Tickets are on sale now for Hard Knocks at the Hard Rock – “Rumble at the Rock”. They are priced at $150, $100, and $50. Doors open at 6:30pm and the first fight starts at 7:30pm. For more information please call the Casino Box Office or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
For more information on Warrior’s
Boxing, please visit our website at
www.warriorsboxing.com.
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Denver, Colo. -- DaVarryl Williamson underwent successful surgery on October 17, 2005 on his right elbow. Surgeons at the world famous Steadman-Hawkins Clinic spent two hours removing a mass of scar tissue, 15 “foreign bodies”, two bone spurs and fluid from the joint.
"I wish this is something that I had done prior to the Byrd fight" said Williamson. "I kept the pain in my right arm to myself because I didn't want to lose my opportunity at the IBF Title, and my own warrior mentality told me that I could bite down and get through it, but the week of the Byrd fight, the pain continued, culminating in a night where I couldn't even throw the money punch, my right hand. In retrospect, I should have told my wife, my team and my promoter, and they could have done something to postpone the fight while I got the right arm fixed, but I thought I could get through it on my own, and obviously I couldn't. I ended up fighting Byrd with one-hand and still managed to keep the scorecards close. If I had been functioning with two hands, I know I would have won that fight and given the fight fans the type of championship fight they deserved. Anyone who saw me that night knows that was not the usual action-packed “Touch of Sleep”, but what can I say, I have to take the good with the bad, get this elbow right, and then go back to work as soon as possible."
Physical therapy has already commenced and Williamson is looking at approximately 6-8 weeks to recover. Doctors were very optimistic in Williamson's return as he is already pain free and there was no structural damage to any muscle, tendons or ligaments, and it was simply a matter of removing the foreign bodies and freeing the joint of obstructions.
About Steadman-Hawkins:
The Steadman-Hawkins Sports Clinic has been key to the medical breakthroughs that have returned athletes, like Bruce Smith, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Kobe Bryant, Jeff Bagwell, John Elway, Picabo Street, Greg Norman, Bode Miller and many more – back to competition in better shape than when they were competing at even their highest level.
Castillo Crunches Corrales !!!
By Jim Amato
Jose Luis Castillo gained a
measure of revenge as he dominated and demolished Diego Corrales to
reverse an earlier KO defeat. This time around it was basically no
contest. Castillo got off quickly and never relinquished his
advantage. He hurt Corrales on several occasions during the first
three rounds. Rarely did Diego land a big punch but he was giving it
his all against, on this night a superior fighter.
The end came in the fourth round as Castillo blasted Corrales to the
canvas and it was over. Although their first fight was a true classic,
this one was just one way traffic. A rubber match ? It's doubtful,
Castillo made quite a statement tonight.
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The Rubber Match!
By David Gonzalez
Last Saturday Roy Jones (49-4 38 ko's) faced his nemesis Antonio Tarver (24-3-18 ko's) in what was their rubber match to prove once and for all who was the elite fighter at 175 pounds. Tarver lost a close decision in the first encounter and as we all know, he knocked Roy Jones out in the second fight. The hype of the first fight was simply not matched in the third and final match between the two combatants.
The fight was a lack luster effort on the parts of both men, who barely threw any punches! Roy Jones showed the world that he still had his reflexes, but like I have believed all along, Roy lost his nerve. He clearly was in the fight simply to survive and being a victim to another knockout was not his intention.
The rubber match, which was intended to please the boxing world and to settle once and for all who was the man at 175 pounds, was nothing more than a big let down as neither fighter showed us that he was really an elite fighter. Although Tarver clearly won the fight, he did nothing to win fans or to show the boxing public that he really was the heir apparent to the throne Roy once owned, and dominated.
Tarver stock took a big beating after the fight as he looked winded and almost relieved that it was all over. What is in stored for both of these fighters? Well Jones should not retire as he still has the ability to box and move; however he in my opinion needs at least a tune up. Tarver on the other hand needs to improve his stamina and should rematch Gen Johnson as he is he only other fighter who would generate any interest. Sad as it may be, the boxing world will always have these types of borderline pathetic fights which we just witnessed along with the nerve of the TV networks to charge fans $49.95 for fights like these.
Maloney Brothers Stay the Course
Despite Earl Injury Force Out
By Curtis McCormick
Although British and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion Graham Earl was forced off of his hotly anticipated bout with the Belorussian hardman Yuri Romanov due to injury, Maloney Promotions are going ahead with the rest of a superb fight card on Friday at London's historic York Hall. Full details are available along with the best in british and world boxing news on www.frankmaloney.com. Exciting unbeaten light middle Gary Woolcombe goes for the vacant British Masters title against dangerous spoiler Delroy Mellis in the main event. Craig Watson, Junior McDonald, Ian Wilson and Sam Webb round out the remainder of the card.
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WHAT
NOW ROY ?
By Jim Amato
OK...You're Roy Jones Jr. and you
just got your butt whipped by Antonio Tarver again. You managed to go the
distance but in doing so you sacrificed any chance you had of winning.
Tarver is just a tough nut for you to crack. He's a tall, rangy southpaw
with good power but you already knew that. You remembered the shot he
caught you with in the second fight. You were not going to get hit with
that shot again. No way that was going to happen. So you decided to fight
a safety first fight. This was a fight Roy Jones could have won...should
have won. Tarver is a very, very good fighter but if Roy would have
gambled a bit. If he would have jumped into the foray with both hands
blazing. Who knows what would have happened.
It's too late to turn back now but Roy said he is going to fight again.
Last time I looked Roy has lost his last three fights. Someone mentioned a
rematch with Glencoffe Johnson. Bad move...Roy would need speed to deal
with the pressure that Johnson would put on him. At this stage of his
career Roy just does not have the tools to hold off Johnson. That match
would probably be a repeat of their first fight.
To me if Roy is hell bent on continuing he should seek a match with I.B.F.
titleholder Clinton Woods.This is a natural. A prime time Roy stopped
Woods a few years back. Now that Woods is champion I would think that he
would like to avenge that loss. He'd also pick up a hefty chunk of change.
Woods is a very improved fighter as he showed in his recent victory over
rugged Julio Gonzalez.
Personally I would like to see Roy retire. He has nothing left to prove
but with each loss he is tarnishing his legacy. Roy will be in the Boxing
Hall Of Fame. Probably a first ballot inductee. Still as the losses mount
up fans will wonder if he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as
Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, Billy Conn, Bob Foster, Michael Spinks,
etc...
Roy was the best light heavyweight of his time and I'll always feel he
could have handled Tarver and Johnson when he was at the top of his game.
I say that with no disrespect toward Antonio or Glen.
I've never been a big Jones fan but I have to respect what he has
accomplished in his career. It is such a sad thing to watch a once great
fighter hanging on, seeking his past glory. I just hope Roy does not hang
on too long.
Comment
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Blast from the Past
JONES VS JOHNSON FIGHT ANALYSIS
By Michael Amakor
Foreword: Today October 1, Roy Jones takes on Antonio Tarver in a trilogy to settle their score after splitting fights against each other. I sought to write another pre-fight analysis about it, but instead dug up my past analysis of Jones last fight against Glen Johnson, simply because the facts and the outcome of this trilogy have already been pre-determined by the facts below.
********
On September 25, 2004 former undisputed Light Heavyweight King Roy Jones challenges Glen Johnson for the IBF Light Heavyweight Crown.
Most boxing experts and odd makers naturally have Roy Jones as a 6 to 1 favorite to win this fight, and as is typical with most of Jones fights the promoters even go to the extent of not including Johnson's picture in the fight poster.
Roy beat Bernard Hopkins to seize the IBF Middleweight weight crown back in 1993, it took Glen about 47 fights and 9 losses before he finally captured a title when he competed against Clinton Woods for the IBF Light Heavyweight crown in 2003. Most of Johnson’s losses were against foes Jones handily beat; comparing both fighters’ records leaves no doubt that Jones will use a combination of speed, skill, power and ring generalship to overwhelm Johnson even on his best day.
However, the missing part of the equation in analyzing this fight is Roy Jones’s desire, he reached the peak of his boxing career by out-pointing John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight title in a most superb display of boxing skill and ability. To achieve that feat he had to blow up in weight from a 175 pounds to a 193 (Cruiserweight) pound heavyweight, although successful in his quest, he bypassed the entire Cruiserweight division to a Heavyweight crown he had no intention of defending, and please do not mention the much publicized fight with Tyson, it was never going to happen.
Kermit Cintron Returns
By Michael Amakor at Ringside
On September 29, former NABF and WBO Interim Welterweight (147 lbs) champion Kermit Cintron clinically dismantled former Pacific Coast Super Bantamweight challenger Francisco Parra of Tijuana, Mexico to score a TKO at the 2.07 mark of the third round on a fight card featured by Ballroom Boxing at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
This fight could be considered as a tune-up fight for Kermit Cintron who made it so with his performance, he is apparently back on the comeback trail after his disastrous 5th round stoppage for the WBO title at the hands of Antonio Margarito earlier on in the year.
His record improved to 25 Wins with only 1 loss.
More
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE FIGHT CARD AND PICTURES
Brewster Just Behind Wladimir
by Christophe Neyts - World Cup of Boxing
Lamon Brewster (#5, v1200) retained his WBO heavyweight crown against mandatory challenger Luan Krasniqi (#12, v480) in Hamburg, Germany, on Wednesday. The show was staged on what would have been Max Schmeling's 100th birthday.
Krasniqi was in the fight until round eight, when Brewster dropped his
opponent with a big right, but the German challenger made the very long
count and got back on his feet. In the next round Krasniqi was floored
again, came to his feet but this time the referee had seen enough and
stopped the fight 12 seconds before the end of round nine.
Brewster adds 480 WCup points to the 430 he had already scored earlier
this year, upping his WCup total to 910 points. He is now 10 points behind leader Wladimir Klitschko, who beat Samuel Peter on points last
Saturday.
Third is Calvin Brock with 571 points. In the heavyweight total ranking the WBO titleholder climbs to number three with a total of 1810 points. Wladimir Klitschko heads the affairs with 2120 points, followed by his brother and WBC titlist Vitali with 2000 points.
BYRD-WILLIAMSON IBF TITLE FIGHT
COMPLETES TRIPLEHEADER
OCT. 1 ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
NEW YORK (Sept. 6, 2005) - The terrific Oct. 1 SHOWTIME
CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING fight card just got better. International Boxing
Federation (IBF) Heavyweight Champion Chris Byrd (38-2-1, 20 KOs) will
make the fourth defense of his title against mandatory challenger DaVarryl
Williamson (22-3, 18 KOs), it was formally announced today. The attractive
tripleheader on SHOWTIME begins at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west
coast).
"Our goal over the past two years has been to break through the clutter in
this sport," said Jay Larkin, Senior Vice President and Executive
Producer, Showtime Sports & Events Programming. "We feel that we have done
that so far in 2005 by bringing unbiased, quality match-ups to loyal
boxing fans on a consistent basis. The addition of a Byrd-Williamson title
fight on Oct. 1 punctuates an already exciting card."
The Byrd-Williamson world title fight is the third 12-rounder on the
stellar telecast. In the heavyweight co-feature, James "Lights Out'' Toney
(68-4-2, 43 KOs) will make his eagerly awaited return to the ring when he
defends his International Boxing Association (IBA) crown against Dominick
"The Southern Disaster'' Guinn (25-2-1, 18 KOs).
Rounding out the exciting show from the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nev.,
is talented, hard-hitting IBF bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez (34-3,
30 KOs). Marquez will defend his belt for the sixth time when he takes on
International Boxing Organization (IBO) 118-pound champion/IBF No. 1
contender Silence "African Spice" Mabuza (18-0, 15 KOs).
"With Corrales-Castillo (Showtime PPV) on Oct. 8," continued Larkin, "and
the return of Jeff Lacy on Nov. 5 (SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING), we will
continue to deliver on our promise to fans to bring them the very best
that boxing has to offer."
Brewster vs Krasniqi Pre-Fight Analysis
By Michael Amakor
On September 28th 2005, Luan Krasniqi challenges Lamon Brewster for the
World Boxing Organization (WBO) Heavyweight title across the pond at the
Color Line Arena, Hamburg in far away Germany.
Brewster is a former WBO NABO and WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight
Champion, who exploded unto boxings center stage after he defeated china-chinned former champion Wladimir Klitchko for the vacant WBO belt. That
fight had some great moments as he survived the initial onslaught of the
towering Ukrainian before eventually knocking him down in the fifth round,
in an upset that shook up the boxing world.
In his first title defense, he scored a unanimous decision win over Kali
Meehan in 2004 in a fight many thought he had lost, but he rebounded from
that fight to give us the best performance of his career so far when he
unleashed less than twenty wild punches to knock out tough and foul Andrew Golota three times, en-route to scoring a TKO at the 0.53 mark of the very
first round, that fight again aroused the boxing world and ignited interest in
his career.
However, the hype of those sensational victories does not quite suppress
the fact that he has mostly faced B-level competition from the likes of
Tommy Martin and Nate Jones in his other title winning efforts, before
recently stepping up in competition, you have to wonder about him when you
find out that he also lost to Charles Shufford, and glass jawed Clifford
Etienne earlier on in his career, but his record stands at a respectable
(32- 2, 28KO’S) which tells you that he is a dangerous slugger who packs a
punch as both Wladimir and Golota can testify.
Heavyweights Finally Get Going
By Christophe Neyts - World Cup of Boxing
It is fair to say that the heavyweight division has known better times. Calvin Brock, WCup leader in the latest rankings, had collected a meagre 571 points, this just to show that there hadn't been meaningful action in boxing's maiden division. Indeed, the big guns hadn't been firing during this series. That was all about to change on Saturday, when Wladimir Klitschko (#6, v1000) met new kid on the block Samuel Peter (#8, v800) in an IBF/WBO title eliminator in Atlantic City.
Both boxers had their moments in Saturday's bout. Peter, a renowned
puncher, floored Wladimir twice in round five, and a third time near the
end of the tenth. But Wladimir Klitschko appeared to have the upper hand
in the contest and eventually won a twelve-round unanimous decision
(114-111 on all scorecards).
This means Wladimir Klitschko becomes the new WCup leader at heavyweight
with 920 points out of 2 fights. Calvin Brock is second with 571 points,
followed by Sam Peter with 540 points.
However, the top-3 may well change very rapidly: on Wednesday (September
28) Lamon brewster (#5, v1200) defends his WBO laurels against Luan
Krasniqi (#12, v480) in Hamburg, Germany. If Krasniqi wins, he clearly
becomes the new number one. If Brewster comes out victorious, he becomes
second, ten points short of Wladimir Klitschko.
In the heavyweight total ranking Wladimir takes the lead as well with a total of 2120 points. He precedes brother and WBC titlist Vitali by 120 points. Corrie Sanders is third with 1800 points.
It appears that the heavyweight competition is finally swinging into action. Besides Brewster-Krasniqi, Chris Byrd (#4, v1400) will put his IBF title on the line against Davarryl Williamson (#9, v700) in Reno, NV, this coming Saturday. And on November 12, WBC champion Vitali Klitschko (#1, v2000) defends his title agains Hasim Rahman (#10, v600) in Las Vegas.
Heavyweight - Shake it Up!
By Jim Amato
Wladimir Klitschko's gutsy decision victory over the feared Sam Peter
proved three things. One, that Wlad could survive against a proven
puncher. Two, that Sam Peter is not a fluke. He's just a little rough
around the edges. Three, this fight was just the beginning of a series of
upcoming heavyweight match ups that are sure to shake up and shape the
heavyweight division going into 2006. Next up, Lamon Brewster defends his
WBO version of the heavyweight title against Luan Krasniqi.. On paper big,
bad Brewster should win but with heavyweights anything can happen. If
Lamon does win, he's been called out by previous victim Wladimir Klitschko.
After Wlad's win over Peter, this would be an attractive match up. What if
Krasniqi pulls the upset? Wlad-Krasniqi would probably draw very well in
Germany.
On October 1st IBF heavyweight titleholder Chris Byrd will defend against
DaVarryl Williamson. Sorry...Williamson does not deserve this title shot.
He can hit a bit so I'll give him a slim puncher's chance. Still byrd is
much quicker and he should have little trouble retaining his "crown". A
more interesting fight to me is the under card battle between James Toney
and once highly regarded Dominick Guinn. Toney the most talented
heavyweight out there. He may not be the best. Time will tell.
For boxing style, knowledge, etc... He's a master. I truly enjoy watching
him ply his trade. When his fighting days are over, he should become a
trainer. Old school...
King Roy Jones or Humpty Dumpty
By Robert McCinnis
Roy Jones sat on the wall, Roy Jones had a great fall … but will his dad Roy Sr. and trainer Alton Merkerson be able to put Roy back together again?
Roy has the legacy fighter’s can only dream of, his speed, agility and talent is unique and it is doubtful that we may ever see another fighter like him in our lifetime. But Roy in his superman persona has found his kryptonite in Antonio Tarver. I am a huge fan of Roy Jones jr. and deep down inside I am in his corner. However, as much as I want “Payback” I don’t believe Roy should be in the ring again.
This fight will determine if Roy will be king again or the headline of my article on October 2 will read “All the kings horses and all the kings men couldn’t put King Roy back together again.” I have Roy winning by TKO for the record.
**********************
HBO sports will rebroadcast the two cl
assic fights between Roy Jones and Antonio Tarver in preparation for their trilogy on Nov.1. Make sure to tune in to HBO2 on:
Friday, September 30 at 11:35 p.m. (ET/PT) for
Jones vs. Tarver I
(2003), andJones vs. Tarver II
(2004)May the Best Man Win
********************************
JOHNSON PASSES ON
By Michael Amakor
The world of
boxing was thrown into mourning following the announcement that Leavander
Johnson had died, he expired at 4.23PM on September 22nd, 2005AD.
Johnson of New Jersey died from brain injuries he suffered during a brutal
slug-fest while trying to defend his coveted IBF crown against former
champion Jesus Chavez. His record will forever remain (34-5-2, 26ko's)
during an eventful 16 year career, he was only 35 years old.
A brave and valiant fighter, he once battled reigning champions Orzubek
Nazarov, Miguel Angel Gonzalez, and Michael Clark for the WBA, WBC and WBC
Continental Americas Lightweight Titles respectively and unsuccessfully.
Undeterred, he roared back from these intermittent losses and campaigned
on more persistently using his orthodox style to terrorize the lightweight
division eventually capturing the IBF,IBO and USBA titles all except one
by knockout against highly competitive foes, along the way.
As a career Lightweight (135 lbs) he gave fans some memorable brawls
including his very last fight, he will also be remembered for handing
former WBA Light Welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell his very first
professional Loss.
Our thoughts go out to his camp and family.
Boxing shall miss him Dearly.
Rest in Peace
*********************************************************************
By Ricardo Salazar, IBF/USBA Public Relations Director
This past weekend one of our champions was seriously hurt while defending the title he had won earlier this year. When Leavander Johnson captured the IBF Lightweight crown, it was a culmination of a lifelong dream for the New Jersey fighter. New dreams of bigger fights that would secure his financial future were now just a matter of time for him.
Just this past Saturday, however, Johnson faced former jr. lightweight champion Jesus Chavez in an optional defense, in what appeared on paper to be an evenly matched bout between a newly crowned champion and someone whose career did not appear to be in an upswing despite his excellent professional record. Chavez was moving up in weight to face a bigger fighter after having lost to Erik Morales last year. By now the boxing world knows what happened in Las Vegas last weekend. Now Johnson's family, friends and boxing people in general hope for the best, that Johnson regains consciousness and is able to continue on with his life. Everything else should not have much importance now.
It seems, however, that whenever a tragedy occurs it does not take long for people to start pointing fingers. This is professional boxing. As the people involved in this sport know, boxing comes with a risk. For certain people to suggest that this fight should not have happened is foolish. Had the roles been reversed, the question would not have been whether or not Johnson belonged in the ring last Saturday, but whether or not Chavez had done enough to be rated as a lightweight. The finger pointing would still have been directed towards the respective sanctioning body, in this case the International Boxing Federation.
***************************
Sometimes History Repeats
Itself
By Jim Amato
Back in the late 60's a heavyweight
from Fresno, CA., named Mac Foster had reeled off something like 25
straight KO's. It was even rumored that he had flattened Sonny Liston in a
sparring session. He rose to the #1 spot in the heavyweight rankings
behind champion Joe Frazier. They matched Mac with the popular long time
contender Jerry Quarry. What happened? Jerry took Mac to school. He out
boxed Mac and put on a counter punching clinic. Foster was felled in the
sixth round. Fast forward thirty five years. Sam Peter is today's Mac
Foster. He is a tremendous hitter with a ferocious reputation. Will
Wladimir Klitschko play the role of Jerry Quarry? At one time Wlad was
considered a better prospect then big brother Vitaly. Then the chin gave
in and now fans wonder if he can put it all back together.
This should be a very interesting match up. Wladimir is quite nimble for a
man of his size. He has a quick and accurate jab. He also packs a pretty
good wallop in that right hand of his. Peter is very strong and has
amazing power. Nevertheless he has yet to meet a fighter the caliber of
Wladimir.
Sam Peter has to be afforded a puncher's chance but on paper, as long as
Wlad's chin does not cave in Peter may come up on the short end in this
one.
PAST PRE- FIGHT ANALYSIS FOR
*******************
By Michael Amakor at Ringside
On Saturday September 17, Jimmy Lange one of the stars of the NBC reality Television series the Contender, became the World Boxing Empire (WBE) Light Middleweight champion (154 l/b) of the world by scoring a technical knockout victory over long time rival and defending champion Perry Ballard, who was unable to follow through with his promise of handing Jimmy a
reality boxing defeat, in the fourth round at the Patriot Center of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia on a card titled Battle for VirginiaJimmy the hometown favorite entered the arena like a pop star to a standing ovation from 5122 screaming fans who were routing for him to win. He looked serious and focused on dealing with
Perry Ballard who had once called him out while pursuing him mercilessly for more than two years.From the very first round it became apparent that not only was Jimmy the superior fighter, but he was also the physically bigger man as he controlled the fight with stinging jabs and hooks that made Ballard cringe into an even smaller ball as he tried to use several feints and head movements to throw off the timing of Lange who nevertheless still popped him with even more shots that stunned him nearly sending him to the canvas towards the end of the round.
*****************************
Pearson Victorious
By Michael Amakor at Ringside
On the Battle of Virginia Under card, former USBA Super Featherweight Champion Lamont Pearson defeated Shamir Reyes to regain the now vacant title he had lost back in 2001.
Both fighters were cautious in the opening minutes of the first round as the pawed away trying to get a sense of each other. Eventually Reyes became more aggressive and began lunging in with some power shots that connected as a seemingly calm Pearson looked to weave and keep the fight at a distance.
Reyes did not touch gloves for round two and become even more aggressive though not quite effectively leading up to a minor clinch that saw both fighters wrestling themselves down to the canvas, Pearson seemed content to pick his shots and make Reyes miss drawing boos from the now restive crowds in the arena.
“THE TUAMAN” RETURNS!
DAVID TUA VS CISSE SALIF, OCTOBER 21 ON PPV
HOLLYWOOD, FL, September 14 – The “Heavyweight Heat” show on August 26, 2005 shook the walls of the brand new Hard Rock Live Arena with a hi-octane brand of world-class boxing action. But next month, one man will step into that very same ring with one intention – to tear the roof off.
His name? David Tua.
On Friday, October 21, Seminole Warriors Boxing, in association with Cedric Kushner Promotions, is pleased to announce the latest installment of the Hard Knocks at the Hard Rock series, “Rumble at the Rock”, featuring the United States return of one of the sport’s most electrifying fighters, David “The Tuaman” Tua will face one of his toughest challenges to date in 6 foot 4 bomber Cisse “Cool C” Salif.
This ten round heavyweight clash, which headlines an unforgettable night of professional boxing, will air live on pay-per-view from the Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida. Suggested retail price is $24.95.
Doors open at 6.30pm and the first bell rings at 7.30pm.
“On our first pay-per-view show on August 26, gave fans everything they could possibly want on a fight card; top contenders, rising stars, explosive knockouts and stirring comebacks,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing “With David Tua and Cisse Salif heading up our October 21st show, boxing fans should expect more of the same.”
BATTLE FOR VIRGINIA PRE-FIGHT EVENTS
FREE PUBLIC WORKOUT - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th
Time: 11:00pm - 2:00pm
Place: Patriot Day; George Mason University Campus, Fairfax, VA
Event: Patriot Day is a FREE annual outdoor festival featuring food, games and live music. The public workout will be set-up in front of the Johnson Center Clocktower. Get a chance to see the fighters work out just two days before they collide in the ring. GMU students can compete to become a guest ring announcer for the fight. Tickets for the fight (minus any fees) will be on-sale by the ring.
Fighters: Jimmy Lange, Perry Ballard, Lamont Pearson, Shamir Reyes and GMU alumnus Mike Sawyer are scheduled to participate.
FREE PUBLIC WEIGH-IN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Place: PJ Skidoos (9908 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA)
Event: Come catch all the fighters as they are weighed-in by the Virginia State Athletic Commission. This is your last chance to catch a glimpse of the fighters before they enter the ring on Saturday night! Tickets will be on-sale (minus any fees)!
Fighters: All of the fighters, including Jimmy Lange, Perry Ballard, Lamont Pearson, Shamir Reyes, Orazio Robinson, Mike Sawyer, Kay Koroma, and more!
*************************************
MAJOR UPSET
By Christophe Neyts: WORLD CUP OF BOXING
In a lightweight encounter at the LA Staples Center on saturday, Zahir Raheem (#40, v220 at 135lbs) won a unanimous points decision over Mexican superstar Erik Morales (#1, v2000 at 130lbs). 1996 US Olympian Raheem was the stronger throughout the fight. In the fifth he hurt Morales with a right shot to the head. Former three-time world champ Morales, in his turn, almost floored his opponent in the eleventh. After twelve rounds the scorecards read 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113.
Morales moved from super featherweight to lightweight for this fight. He
had 3600 total points at 130lbs, so more than 2000. If a boxer moves to
another weight division, he keeps a maximum of 2000 total points. Morales,
with 2000 points at lightweight, is now worth 1600 points. These 1600
points are added to the 64 WCup points Raheem already held. Raheem jumps
to second spot in the lightweight WCup ranking with 1664 points! WBC/WBO
champion Diego Corrales still heads the affairs with 2000 points. Third is
Jose Luis Castillo with 1400 points.
In the 135lbs total ranking, Zahir Raheem finds himself now in third
position with 1878 points. Corrales also tops this ranking with a massive
total of 4000 points. He is followed by Jose Luis Castillo (2900 pts).
Erik Morales is now also ranked at lightweight: he finds himself at rank 7
with 1310 total points (2000 total points - 690 penalty points = 1310
total points). However, the Mexican is still leading the total ranking at
130lbs, but also there he is deducted 690 penalty points, resulting in
2910 total points.
Calzaghe Fully Focused On Ashira
By Curtis McCormick
Despite a proposed looming super fight with IBF boss Jeff Lacy, WBO Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe's attention remains fully fixed upon his defense tonight in Cardiff, Wales against determined challenger Evans Ashira. The 33 year old "Pride of Wales" headlines promoter Sports Network's card from the Cardiff International Arena and will be making his first appearance before the massive national audience on British terrestrial television entity ITV. Since winning the WBO belt from Chris Eubank in 1997, the lightning fisted southpaw has retained his title a remarkable sixteen consecutive times but cannot rest on his laurels as a slip up now against Ashira will cause his entire career to come crashing down in devastating fashion.
Calzaghe, 39-0 (31), most recently traveled to Germany where he stopped his former first round knockout victim Mario Veit in six but the well spoken Welshman is expecting a more difficult contest when he faces Evans Ashira in the ring tonight. "Ashira is a good opponent, I think he's a good test for me," Calzaghe said during a radio interview with saddoboxing.com "He's a busy, come forward fighter who is a lot shorter than myself, so it doesn't take a genius to work out that I'll have to use my height, my fast jab and so on to break him up. But looking at him on tape, he's quite impressive, comes forward, throws a lot of punches, body shots and picks his combinations well. It should make for a good fight."
