Boxing News Thread
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What does this mean? In hopkins prime he never lost, he was undefeated for 10+ years and had a record 20 title defenses and hardly lost a round during that time period.
Hopkins lost in 1993 to Roy Jones, before hopkins was champ and before he was in his prime. Hopkins was still a green fighter. This would be comparable to Hagler losing to Willie Monroe, when Hagler wasn't quite in his prime yet, although Roy Jones in 1993 was 100X better of a fighter than Monroe ever was. I would also conclude that a young hagler would have also lost to that version of Roy Jones, who let's be real, was probably the only real "unbeatable" fighter.
The only other loss hopkins had at MW was against Jermain Taylor, but by that time Hopkins was 40 years old and past his best days. This would be comparable to Hagler losing to Sugar Ray Leonard at age 33, when Hagler was also past his best days (although Leonard was a blown up welterweight).
Haglers boxing skills were pretty good, but not good enough to out-box a prime hopkins. The only type of fighter that could possible out-box a prime hopkins would have to be super fast i.e roy jones. Hagler didn't have the speed or smarts to out box such a crafty fighter like bhop.
Which would be terrible, imo. Hagler wasn't the best at orthodox and he showed that in a few fights (giving rounds away as a result).
Hagler did have a great jab, the problem here is that bhop was phenomenal at neutralizing the jab. Who, in hopkins lengthy career, ever was successful with that jab against Bernard?? No one. Hopkins is one of the best fighters I've ever seen take away guys jabs. He makes them completely ineffective and useless. Hopkins footwork was so superior to hagler, he would use lateral movement all night, keep the perfect distance and keep in mind halger was 5'9 whereas hopkins is 6'1. The short man wouldn't be able to jab much at all against Bhop. His best bet would be to pressure hopkins and try to force a fight on the inside. Trying to out-box hopkins would be a gaurantee loss.
Hopkins and Hagler both had tremendous chins and bodies. Neither were hurt by body shots in their careers, really.
Hopkins lost in 1993 to Roy Jones, before hopkins was champ and before he was in his prime. Hopkins was still a green fighter. This would be comparable to Hagler losing to Willie Monroe, when Hagler wasn't quite in his prime yet, although Roy Jones in 1993 was 100X better of a fighter than Monroe ever was. I would also conclude that a young hagler would have also lost to that version of Roy Jones, who let's be real, was probably the only real "unbeatable" fighter.
The only other loss hopkins had at MW was against Jermain Taylor, but by that time Hopkins was 40 years old and past his best days. This would be comparable to Hagler losing to Sugar Ray Leonard at age 33, when Hagler was also past his best days (although Leonard was a blown up welterweight).
Haglers boxing skills were pretty good, but not good enough to out-box a prime hopkins. The only type of fighter that could possible out-box a prime hopkins would have to be super fast i.e roy jones. Hagler didn't have the speed or smarts to out box such a crafty fighter like bhop.
Which would be terrible, imo. Hagler wasn't the best at orthodox and he showed that in a few fights (giving rounds away as a result).
Hagler did have a great jab, the problem here is that bhop was phenomenal at neutralizing the jab. Who, in hopkins lengthy career, ever was successful with that jab against Bernard?? No one. Hopkins is one of the best fighters I've ever seen take away guys jabs. He makes them completely ineffective and useless. Hopkins footwork was so superior to hagler, he would use lateral movement all night, keep the perfect distance and keep in mind halger was 5'9 whereas hopkins is 6'1. The short man wouldn't be able to jab much at all against Bhop. His best bet would be to pressure hopkins and try to force a fight on the inside. Trying to out-box hopkins would be a gaurantee loss.
Hopkins and Hagler both had tremendous chins and bodies. Neither were hurt by body shots in their careers, really.
Hopkins is a notoriously slow starter so to say that he wins the early rounds might be a reach. Hopkins has a great chin but Hagler isn't going to be weary of hopkins power and feel him out, he's going right after him.
Bhop rarely lost rounds which is true but his opposition was a big part of that. I know, I know, you'll disagree but it's true.
I think Hagler takes the fight. Hopkins had a decent work rate but mainly he controlled tempo. he never had to fight a guy that I can remember that isn't going to stop coming or stop punching that was a legit threat with work rate + power. Even though hopkins was older, it was ultimately workrate by calzaghe that won him the fight. You have that kinda workrate with pressure and power and it's going to cause problems. I don't think either guy gets knocked out but I think Hagler takes it.
This match up reminds me of Sugar Ray Robinson and JAke Lamotta a little bit
Bhop rarely lost rounds which is true but his opposition was a big part of that. I know, I know, you'll disagree but it's true.
I think Hagler takes the fight. Hopkins had a decent work rate but mainly he controlled tempo. he never had to fight a guy that I can remember that isn't going to stop coming or stop punching that was a legit threat with work rate + power. Even though hopkins was older, it was ultimately workrate by calzaghe that won him the fight. You have that kinda workrate with pressure and power and it's going to cause problems. I don't think either guy gets knocked out but I think Hagler takes it.
This match up reminds me of Sugar Ray Robinson and JAke Lamotta a little bit
Which prime hopkins fights was he such a slow starter in? The only one that really comes to mind was the Howard Eastman & Keith Holmes, but one must put into perspective what those fights meant in terms of what they were to set up/lead into (Triniad, Taylor), hence hopkins caution first style. Even so, he still won those fights by huge margins of 118/119-110/109 across the board.
Right, which would play perfectly into hopkins hands. As I mentioned Hopkins was his best against guys that came forward to him. That's when he shined the most. Additionally, hagler had the type of mentality that if you didn't hurt him, he thought he was winning, which was why he lost three times (although one of those three was probably a win for hagler).
Hagler just wasn't all that bright when it came to fighting technical boxers and this would play into Hopkins hands...as I mentioned, hopkins had no problem putting the audience to sleep as long as he's winning and he would have no problem keeping the fight boring for most of the fight while putting rounds in the bank, all the while hagler is thinking I'm not hurt I'm not losing and chasing bhop around the ring.
You can compare Hagler's resume to Hopkins and actually they aren't that different. Again, I rank Hagler #1 all time at MW but as far as resumes they are similar, with the edge going to Hagler for bigger names. But let's take a look at the body of work at MW:
Key MW's Hopkins fought:
Roy Jones
Glen Johnson
Trinidad
Mercado
Jermain Taylor
Jackson
Holmes
Echols
Eastman
joppy
And Oscar being a blown up 154 pounder.
Key names Hagler fought:
hamsho
roldan
monroe
mugabi
minter
Briscoe
seals
And you have Duran (went full 15 rounds) who shouldn't have been a MW so that's compatible to Oscar, Hearns (who never fought at 160 before) which would be comparable to Trinidad (even though Trinidad was a MW champion at the time) and a loss to Sugar Ray Leonard which could be comparable to losing to roy jones (even though Leonard never fought at 160 before).
So really it's not that different in terms of quality.
Glen Johnson? Echols? Mercado? Trinidad?
This means nothing when were talking about Middleweights and prime. The calzaghe fight hopkins was 43 years old and at light heavyweight. Obviously workrate worked against a 43 year old.
Explain? Jake Lamotta is extremely limited when compared to hagler and hopkins the only thing in common is he had a great chin. Neither fighter is compatible to SRR either.
Right, which would play perfectly into hopkins hands. As I mentioned Hopkins was his best against guys that came forward to him. That's when he shined the most. Additionally, hagler had the type of mentality that if you didn't hurt him, he thought he was winning, which was why he lost three times (although one of those three was probably a win for hagler).
Hagler just wasn't all that bright when it came to fighting technical boxers and this would play into Hopkins hands...as I mentioned, hopkins had no problem putting the audience to sleep as long as he's winning and he would have no problem keeping the fight boring for most of the fight while putting rounds in the bank, all the while hagler is thinking I'm not hurt I'm not losing and chasing bhop around the ring.
You can compare Hagler's resume to Hopkins and actually they aren't that different. Again, I rank Hagler #1 all time at MW but as far as resumes they are similar, with the edge going to Hagler for bigger names. But let's take a look at the body of work at MW:
Key MW's Hopkins fought:
Roy Jones
Glen Johnson
Trinidad
Mercado
Jermain Taylor
Jackson
Holmes
Echols
Eastman
joppy
And Oscar being a blown up 154 pounder.
Key names Hagler fought:
hamsho
roldan
monroe
mugabi
minter
Briscoe
seals
And you have Duran (went full 15 rounds) who shouldn't have been a MW so that's compatible to Oscar, Hearns (who never fought at 160 before) which would be comparable to Trinidad (even though Trinidad was a MW champion at the time) and a loss to Sugar Ray Leonard which could be comparable to losing to roy jones (even though Leonard never fought at 160 before).
So really it's not that different in terms of quality.
Glen Johnson? Echols? Mercado? Trinidad?
This means nothing when were talking about Middleweights and prime. The calzaghe fight hopkins was 43 years old and at light heavyweight. Obviously workrate worked against a 43 year old.
Explain? Jake Lamotta is extremely limited when compared to hagler and hopkins the only thing in common is he had a great chin. Neither fighter is compatible to SRR either.
Haye says he’ll fight the Klitschkos in 2011, but complains about “Slave contracts”
by Dan Ambrose: For boxing fans hoping to see World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion David Haye (24-1, 22 KO’s) facing one of the Klitschko brotthers in the near future, they got some good news from an interview by Haye in the German daily Bild.de. In an interview, Haye said “The fight [Haye vs. Klitschko] will take place in 2011 and it doesn’t bother me which brother I will face.” Haye, 30, has received a great deal of pressure and criticism from boxing fans who had expected Haye to have fought at least one of the Klitschko brothers by now.
Haye came into the heavyweight division name dropping the Klitschko brothers constantly, and Haye became recognized by that alone rather than his achievements in the division. By mentioning the Klitschkos frequently, Haye become a minor celebrity around the world outside of the UK. However, when Haye failed to move forward with his promises to beat both of the Klitschko brothers and unify the heavyweight titles, boxing fans turned on him and started seeing him as a fighter that lacks courage and only talks. Instead of fighting the Klitschko brothers this Saturday night, Haye has picked out 39-year-old number 14 ranked contender Audley Harrison to fight. This hasn’t helped Haye quiet his critics, to be sure, who seem him as milking his heavyweight title to avoid getting beaten.
Haye had the opportunity to fight both of the Klitschkos in the past, but either pulled out of the fight complaining of a mysterious back injury or wasn’t happy with the fight contract. Haye especially doesn’t like the idea of him having to fight both brothers should he beat one of them. The Klitschkos are obviously covering themselves to ensure that Haye doesn’t escape with their titles in case he gets a lucky knockout punch in. However, it’s to Haye’s benefit if he did end up facing both of them in consecutive fights. Haye will make more money in those fights than he will against any one else, and Haye has said over and over again that he wants to beat both of the Klitschko brothers and unify the titles. Why would Haye complain about something he’s been boasting about, unless Haye was just blowing hot air and never intended on backing up his boasts.
Haye, speaking about the contracts with the Klitschko brothers, said “They are contracts of slavery. They want to own you. If I was to win, I would have to give them the chance of a rematch twice. What the Klitschko brothers say and what is stated in those contracts are two different things.”
Again, the question is, why is Haye not interested in fighting both brothers when he’s said repeatedly that he wants to fight them both and unify the titles by the time he turns 31 next year in October. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for Haye to immediately fight the other brother if he can beat one of them? After all, October 2011 will be here before he knows it, and it would be better for Haye to fight another Klitschko immediately so as to fit into Haye’s retirement time line that he’s set for himself. Of course, if Haye never intended on fighting both of them, then it’s understandable his reluctance to want to fight both.
by Dan Ambrose: For boxing fans hoping to see World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion David Haye (24-1, 22 KO’s) facing one of the Klitschko brotthers in the near future, they got some good news from an interview by Haye in the German daily Bild.de. In an interview, Haye said “The fight [Haye vs. Klitschko] will take place in 2011 and it doesn’t bother me which brother I will face.” Haye, 30, has received a great deal of pressure and criticism from boxing fans who had expected Haye to have fought at least one of the Klitschko brothers by now.
Haye came into the heavyweight division name dropping the Klitschko brothers constantly, and Haye became recognized by that alone rather than his achievements in the division. By mentioning the Klitschkos frequently, Haye become a minor celebrity around the world outside of the UK. However, when Haye failed to move forward with his promises to beat both of the Klitschko brothers and unify the heavyweight titles, boxing fans turned on him and started seeing him as a fighter that lacks courage and only talks. Instead of fighting the Klitschko brothers this Saturday night, Haye has picked out 39-year-old number 14 ranked contender Audley Harrison to fight. This hasn’t helped Haye quiet his critics, to be sure, who seem him as milking his heavyweight title to avoid getting beaten.
Haye had the opportunity to fight both of the Klitschkos in the past, but either pulled out of the fight complaining of a mysterious back injury or wasn’t happy with the fight contract. Haye especially doesn’t like the idea of him having to fight both brothers should he beat one of them. The Klitschkos are obviously covering themselves to ensure that Haye doesn’t escape with their titles in case he gets a lucky knockout punch in. However, it’s to Haye’s benefit if he did end up facing both of them in consecutive fights. Haye will make more money in those fights than he will against any one else, and Haye has said over and over again that he wants to beat both of the Klitschko brothers and unify the titles. Why would Haye complain about something he’s been boasting about, unless Haye was just blowing hot air and never intended on backing up his boasts.
Haye, speaking about the contracts with the Klitschko brothers, said “They are contracts of slavery. They want to own you. If I was to win, I would have to give them the chance of a rematch twice. What the Klitschko brothers say and what is stated in those contracts are two different things.”
Again, the question is, why is Haye not interested in fighting both brothers when he’s said repeatedly that he wants to fight them both and unify the titles by the time he turns 31 next year in October. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for Haye to immediately fight the other brother if he can beat one of them? After all, October 2011 will be here before he knows it, and it would be better for Haye to fight another Klitschko immediately so as to fit into Haye’s retirement time line that he’s set for himself. Of course, if Haye never intended on fighting both of them, then it’s understandable his reluctance to want to fight both.
Pacquiao sees himself as the greatest fighter of all time
By Chris Williams: What happened to the modest Manny Pacquiao? Last night on ’60 Minutes’, when Pacquiao was asked by television interviewer Bob Simon who the greatest boxer of all time was, Pacquiao said “Including me?” Simon then gave him that option. Pacquiao then came back with “Of course me.” Okay, I understand how it’s good for fighters to have a strong self belief and all, but I don’t know how Pacquiao can see himself as the greatest fighter of all time if he’s taking on fighters at catch-weights for titles and not fighting them at the full weight.
The last time I checked, guys like Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and Jack Dempsey fought at the full weight of the their divisions and didn’t use catch-weight bouts. I can’t see Pacquiao as a great fighter because of his catch-weight handicap he’s now using more and more in his fights. I also don’t see Pacauiao as the greatest because he failed to fight a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez after beating him by a questionable 12 round decision two years ago. Robinson, Ali and Dempsey, three of the best fighters in history, were guys that beat their opponents beyond a shadow of a doubt. They weren’t the types that would be satisfied with winning by a questionable 12 round split decision and then moving on to guys like David Diaz, a weight drained Oscar De La hoya, Joshua Clottey and the like.
For me, I don’t have Pacquiao in my top 50 of the top fighters of all time. The catch-weight handicaps have tainted Pacquiao in my view, and I don’t like the idea of fighting less than the best fighters at each weight class either. Pacquiao should have fought Marquez again, and at least Shane Mosley by now instead of Clottey. I don’t see that as a cherry picking fight. How can you be the greatest fighter of all time when you’re not fighting Mosley, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Timothy Bradley, Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams, James Kirkland, and Alfredo Angulo? Beating guys at catch-weights, and beating less than the best fighters for vacant titles, like with Antonio Margarito, just seems wrong to me. I can’t see Dempsey, Robinson and Ali doing any of this kind of thing. This is why I see Pacquiao as not worthy of being the greatest or even a top 50 of all time.
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By Chris Williams: What happened to the modest Manny Pacquiao? Last night on ’60 Minutes’, when Pacquiao was asked by television interviewer Bob Simon who the greatest boxer of all time was, Pacquiao said “Including me?” Simon then gave him that option. Pacquiao then came back with “Of course me.” Okay, I understand how it’s good for fighters to have a strong self belief and all, but I don’t know how Pacquiao can see himself as the greatest fighter of all time if he’s taking on fighters at catch-weights for titles and not fighting them at the full weight.
The last time I checked, guys like Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and Jack Dempsey fought at the full weight of the their divisions and didn’t use catch-weight bouts. I can’t see Pacquiao as a great fighter because of his catch-weight handicap he’s now using more and more in his fights. I also don’t see Pacauiao as the greatest because he failed to fight a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez after beating him by a questionable 12 round decision two years ago. Robinson, Ali and Dempsey, three of the best fighters in history, were guys that beat their opponents beyond a shadow of a doubt. They weren’t the types that would be satisfied with winning by a questionable 12 round split decision and then moving on to guys like David Diaz, a weight drained Oscar De La hoya, Joshua Clottey and the like.
For me, I don’t have Pacquiao in my top 50 of the top fighters of all time. The catch-weight handicaps have tainted Pacquiao in my view, and I don’t like the idea of fighting less than the best fighters at each weight class either. Pacquiao should have fought Marquez again, and at least Shane Mosley by now instead of Clottey. I don’t see that as a cherry picking fight. How can you be the greatest fighter of all time when you’re not fighting Mosley, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Timothy Bradley, Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams, James Kirkland, and Alfredo Angulo? Beating guys at catch-weights, and beating less than the best fighters for vacant titles, like with Antonio Margarito, just seems wrong to me. I can’t see Dempsey, Robinson and Ali doing any of this kind of thing. This is why I see Pacquiao as not worthy of being the greatest or even a top 50 of all time.
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He was a great counter puncher...against guys that came forward (come forward, face first guys like Briscoe & Hart got killed as a result). But hopkins wouldn't be coming forward against hagler. Hopkins again controls the tempo and would force hagler to to be the aggressor. If Hagler refused to play that role, which I doubt, it would again fall into the favor of hopkins with neither willing to be the aggressor hopkins would use his size and out-box the 5'9 hagler from the outside in a boring, tactful fight. Hagler would have to be the aggressor in this fight and when you try to force a fight with a prime hopkins and go towards him you lose every time. I mean think about, the lone loss at hopkins MW career against Roy Jones hopkins was the aggressor (he hadn't evolved into the fighter he became yet). That's the only way to beat a prime hopkins is to have advantages in speed, athleticism and be able to stay on the outside.
I would say Sugar Ray Leonard would have a better chance at beating a prime Hopkins than Hagler would.
Another thing is Hagler was open for right hands throughout his career and hopkins has one of the best overhand rights in the game, which is so sneaky and nearly impossible to see coming (see the tarver, calzaghe, etc. knockdowns as examples).
It's a close fight any which way you look at it and it's fun to think about because of how great they both were in their primes. Even though I think hagler has a bit of a better resume I just see bhop gettting the decision in this one.
Could you imagine the lead up to the fight? Hopkins loves to play mind games, I'm sure that would have been a big factor too (knowing how leonard got into hagler's head). it would have been great. Bhop should have lived back then (the fab four how about the fab five? Hagler, Hopkins, Leonard, Hearns, Duran).
I would say Sugar Ray Leonard would have a better chance at beating a prime Hopkins than Hagler would.
Another thing is Hagler was open for right hands throughout his career and hopkins has one of the best overhand rights in the game, which is so sneaky and nearly impossible to see coming (see the tarver, calzaghe, etc. knockdowns as examples).
It's a close fight any which way you look at it and it's fun to think about because of how great they both were in their primes. Even though I think hagler has a bit of a better resume I just see bhop gettting the decision in this one.
Could you imagine the lead up to the fight? Hopkins loves to play mind games, I'm sure that would have been a big factor too (knowing how leonard got into hagler's head). it would have been great. Bhop should have lived back then (the fab four how about the fab five? Hagler, Hopkins, Leonard, Hearns, Duran).
Shawn Estrada Calls Out Olympic Rival James DeGale
DeGale trumped the American at the Beijing games en route to gold.
But big-punching Estrada, who has nine stoppage wins to his name as a professional, is gunning for a rematch.
"I was a good amateur but I found the whole scoring system a bit difficult and I didn't adjust well in our fight in the Olympics," he told boxingnewsonline.
"The kid [DeGale] has a good character but I'd love to fight him. I hope he has a good career and maybe we can meet in the ring down the line.
"I'd also like to face Danny Jacobs as we had a big rivalry as well in the amateurs
DeGale trumped the American at the Beijing games en route to gold.
But big-punching Estrada, who has nine stoppage wins to his name as a professional, is gunning for a rematch.
"I was a good amateur but I found the whole scoring system a bit difficult and I didn't adjust well in our fight in the Olympics," he told boxingnewsonline.
"The kid [DeGale] has a good character but I'd love to fight him. I hope he has a good career and maybe we can meet in the ring down the line.
"I'd also like to face Danny Jacobs as we had a big rivalry as well in the amateurs
Arum says he needs 700,000 PPV buys for Pacquiao-Margarito bout to get a “Decent payd
By Jason Kim: For Bob Arum, Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito and company to do well in their mega fight this Saturday night, promoter Arum says the fight has to to at least 700,000 pay per view buys, according to the LA Times. This is the number that Pacquiao’s last fight against Joshua Clottey did in March, which was a big step down from the 1 million plus that Pacquiao’s fight with Miguel Cotto did last year.
Arum could have selected a more popular fighter than Clottey to fight Pacquiao, but then again Clottey was ideal because he fights for Arum’s Top Rank and there would be no sharing with other promoters. It’s a good deal, but probably not the best situation for Pacuqiao because he would have brought in huge numbers for a fight against Shane Mosley, who wanted to fight him.
Speaking about the Pacquiao-Margarito fight, Arum said “We need to get 700,000 [sales] to have a decent payday.” It’s likely that Arum will get his wish of at least 700,000. However, he’s obviously expecting more than that, even though the huge price for the pay per view fight – $54.85 – is really steep given that it’s a fight that only has one star involved. Margarito is just a little more popular than Clottey, and has never had a huge fan base. Arum is counting on a lot of Mexican boxing fans supporting Margarito for this fight.
It’s unclear whether he’ll get huge numbers, but Arum probably get above 700,000 because HBO has put together one of their 24/7 series to help boast sales. So far, the series has been pretty dull because Pacquiao has looked lethargic during the series and his trainer Freddie Roach has mentioned how Pacquiao is having a poor training camp. It’s not exactly something that inspires one to order the fight on PPV.
Arum thinks that the fight will draw at least 60,000 fans at the Cowboy Stadium, in Arlington. It’s unknown if Arum means 60,000 paying fans or a smaller number with a large amount of complimentary tickets given away to help boast the numbers artificially.
By Jason Kim: For Bob Arum, Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito and company to do well in their mega fight this Saturday night, promoter Arum says the fight has to to at least 700,000 pay per view buys, according to the LA Times. This is the number that Pacquiao’s last fight against Joshua Clottey did in March, which was a big step down from the 1 million plus that Pacquiao’s fight with Miguel Cotto did last year.
Arum could have selected a more popular fighter than Clottey to fight Pacquiao, but then again Clottey was ideal because he fights for Arum’s Top Rank and there would be no sharing with other promoters. It’s a good deal, but probably not the best situation for Pacuqiao because he would have brought in huge numbers for a fight against Shane Mosley, who wanted to fight him.
Speaking about the Pacquiao-Margarito fight, Arum said “We need to get 700,000 [sales] to have a decent payday.” It’s likely that Arum will get his wish of at least 700,000. However, he’s obviously expecting more than that, even though the huge price for the pay per view fight – $54.85 – is really steep given that it’s a fight that only has one star involved. Margarito is just a little more popular than Clottey, and has never had a huge fan base. Arum is counting on a lot of Mexican boxing fans supporting Margarito for this fight.
It’s unclear whether he’ll get huge numbers, but Arum probably get above 700,000 because HBO has put together one of their 24/7 series to help boast sales. So far, the series has been pretty dull because Pacquiao has looked lethargic during the series and his trainer Freddie Roach has mentioned how Pacquiao is having a poor training camp. It’s not exactly something that inspires one to order the fight on PPV.
Arum thinks that the fight will draw at least 60,000 fans at the Cowboy Stadium, in Arlington. It’s unknown if Arum means 60,000 paying fans or a smaller number with a large amount of complimentary tickets given away to help boast the numbers artificially.
Restraining Order Issued For Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Aftermath begins from September domestic incident...
Josie Harris - the mother of two of Floyd Mayweather, Jr.'s children - has received a restraining order against the fighter as a result of a domestic incident in September.
The order was issued at the Clark County Courthouse in Las Vegas today. Mayweather was not present.
Harris claims Mayweather beat her up, threatened to kill her and stole her cell phone on September 9th. Floyd was taken into custody with bail set at $31,000. The judge said he was not a flight risk.
Mayweather will be in court in January.
Credit: TMZ
Aftermath begins from September domestic incident...
Josie Harris - the mother of two of Floyd Mayweather, Jr.'s children - has received a restraining order against the fighter as a result of a domestic incident in September.
The order was issued at the Clark County Courthouse in Las Vegas today. Mayweather was not present.
Harris claims Mayweather beat her up, threatened to kill her and stole her cell phone on September 9th. Floyd was taken into custody with bail set at $31,000. The judge said he was not a flight risk.
Mayweather will be in court in January.
Credit: TMZ
Amir Khan Rips Froch: "Nobody Knows Him, He's Jealous!"
By Mark Vester
The war of words is back on. Just when you thought they kissed and made up, WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan, and super middleweight Carl Froch, are at odds once again. The two British boxers can't seem to get along. British boxing fans are frustrated because the two fighters are so far apart in weight that we will never see them settle this issue in the ring.
According to a report by Gavin Glicksman of The Sun, Froch once again attacked Khan by stating that he only fights hand-picked opponents, has a glass jaw and has not shown any improvement under trainer Freddie Roach.
Glicksman spoke with Khan, who was happy to fire back at Froch.
"Nobody knows Froch but everybody knows who I am, so I think there's a hint of jealousy there. We've never really spoken to each other, apart from once and he was OK to me then. I spoke to him before one fight I had and he was a really nice guy," Khan said.
"I have a lot of respect for him and I think he's a great fighter, but there appears to be a lot of jealousy on his part. I don't know the real reason for it and I don't let it bother me. Look where I am — I'm having my second big fight in America and nobody knows who Froch is over here. I'm happy with the way things are going for me, so he can say what he wants."
"He's the only person to say I haven't developed under Freddie. I think any other fighter, or anyone who knows about boxing, realises how much I've come on in the last 12 months."
Khan faces Marcos Maidana on December 11 in Las Vegas. Froch returns on November 27 against Arthur Abraham in Helsinki, Finland.
By Mark Vester
The war of words is back on. Just when you thought they kissed and made up, WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan, and super middleweight Carl Froch, are at odds once again. The two British boxers can't seem to get along. British boxing fans are frustrated because the two fighters are so far apart in weight that we will never see them settle this issue in the ring.
According to a report by Gavin Glicksman of The Sun, Froch once again attacked Khan by stating that he only fights hand-picked opponents, has a glass jaw and has not shown any improvement under trainer Freddie Roach.
Glicksman spoke with Khan, who was happy to fire back at Froch.
"Nobody knows Froch but everybody knows who I am, so I think there's a hint of jealousy there. We've never really spoken to each other, apart from once and he was OK to me then. I spoke to him before one fight I had and he was a really nice guy," Khan said.
"I have a lot of respect for him and I think he's a great fighter, but there appears to be a lot of jealousy on his part. I don't know the real reason for it and I don't let it bother me. Look where I am — I'm having my second big fight in America and nobody knows who Froch is over here. I'm happy with the way things are going for me, so he can say what he wants."
"He's the only person to say I haven't developed under Freddie. I think any other fighter, or anyone who knows about boxing, realises how much I've come on in the last 12 months."
Khan faces Marcos Maidana on December 11 in Las Vegas. Froch returns on November 27 against Arthur Abraham in Helsinki, Finland.
Froch: My Words Were Manipulated To Start Khan Issue
By Mark Vester
Super middleweight Carl Froch says there are certain websites out there starting trouble between him and WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan. Froch is claiming the websites have manipulated his quotes in a poor attempt to manufacture a problem with Khan. The manipulated quotes prompted Khan to issue a verbal counter-attack, by claiming Froch was jealous of him. That's not the case says Froch.
"It's quite annoying because I've been picked up on by certain websites recently and have had my words twisted. What I've said has been manipulated to make it look like I've got a problem with Khan, which has promoted a response from him to say I'm jealous. But I've got nothing against him and I'm not jealous at all. I only wish him all the best and hope he continues to be successful in his career," Froch told Gavin Glicksman of Sun Sport.
Froch thinks Khan has had a good career and he respects everything that he's done.
"I think Khan's had a decent career since turning professional. He's been looked after very well but that's what you expect when a fighter comes up from the amateurs to the paid ranks. I wish him all the best and I hope he wins his fights at the top level. I know what he goes through in training and sparring, and what he puts his body through, and I've only got good words for him," Froch said.
By Mark Vester
Super middleweight Carl Froch says there are certain websites out there starting trouble between him and WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan. Froch is claiming the websites have manipulated his quotes in a poor attempt to manufacture a problem with Khan. The manipulated quotes prompted Khan to issue a verbal counter-attack, by claiming Froch was jealous of him. That's not the case says Froch.
"It's quite annoying because I've been picked up on by certain websites recently and have had my words twisted. What I've said has been manipulated to make it look like I've got a problem with Khan, which has promoted a response from him to say I'm jealous. But I've got nothing against him and I'm not jealous at all. I only wish him all the best and hope he continues to be successful in his career," Froch told Gavin Glicksman of Sun Sport.
Froch thinks Khan has had a good career and he respects everything that he's done.
"I think Khan's had a decent career since turning professional. He's been looked after very well but that's what you expect when a fighter comes up from the amateurs to the paid ranks. I wish him all the best and I hope he wins his fights at the top level. I know what he goes through in training and sparring, and what he puts his body through, and I've only got good words for him," Froch said.
Team Alexander: On Our Side, Bradley Bout For Both Belts
By Lem Satterfield
Kevin Cunningham, manager and trainer of WBC junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander, wants to make it clear that his boxer's upcoming clash with Timothy Bradley, the WBO champion, is still a unification bout on their end. The HBO-televised fight takes place on January 29.
The fight originally had three titles up for grabs. The IBF recently stripped Alexander of their title for refusing to make a mandatory defense against Kaizer Mabuza, of South Africa, by December 28. The mandatory order was issued once the Bradley deal was in place, which made the Mabuza deadline impossible to meet.
Bradley, according to his promoter Gary Shaw, has refused to pay a sanctioning fee to the WBC. Because of his refusal to pay a fee, Bradley will not be allowed to keep the WBC title if he beats Alexander. However, Cunningham said, that for his fighter, "this is a title unification." Alexander plans to pay a sanctioning fee to both the WBC and WBO. If he wins, he will keep both titles. But if Bradley wins then the WBC title will become vacant.
"The fight is a unification fight. The WBC champ is fighting the WBO champ. So it is a title unification. Now, if Tim Bradley refuses to pay the WBC's sanctioning fee, then it's obvious that he can't win the title. But Devon is fighting for the WBO title, and he's defending his WBC belt. So it is title unification," said Cunningham.
"Now, if Tim Bradley so happens to beat Devon, Tim Bradley doesn't win the WBC title. But Devon can't keep the WBC title neither. But the WBC title is on the line," said Cunningham. "So it is a title unification. Devon is going to pay sanctioning fees to both organizations, like you are supposed to in a title unification fight. If Tim Bradley does not, then that's his business, but this is a title unification."
By Lem Satterfield
Kevin Cunningham, manager and trainer of WBC junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander, wants to make it clear that his boxer's upcoming clash with Timothy Bradley, the WBO champion, is still a unification bout on their end. The HBO-televised fight takes place on January 29.
The fight originally had three titles up for grabs. The IBF recently stripped Alexander of their title for refusing to make a mandatory defense against Kaizer Mabuza, of South Africa, by December 28. The mandatory order was issued once the Bradley deal was in place, which made the Mabuza deadline impossible to meet.
Bradley, according to his promoter Gary Shaw, has refused to pay a sanctioning fee to the WBC. Because of his refusal to pay a fee, Bradley will not be allowed to keep the WBC title if he beats Alexander. However, Cunningham said, that for his fighter, "this is a title unification." Alexander plans to pay a sanctioning fee to both the WBC and WBO. If he wins, he will keep both titles. But if Bradley wins then the WBC title will become vacant.
"The fight is a unification fight. The WBC champ is fighting the WBO champ. So it is a title unification. Now, if Tim Bradley refuses to pay the WBC's sanctioning fee, then it's obvious that he can't win the title. But Devon is fighting for the WBO title, and he's defending his WBC belt. So it is title unification," said Cunningham.
"Now, if Tim Bradley so happens to beat Devon, Tim Bradley doesn't win the WBC title. But Devon can't keep the WBC title neither. But the WBC title is on the line," said Cunningham. "So it is a title unification. Devon is going to pay sanctioning fees to both organizations, like you are supposed to in a title unification fight. If Tim Bradley does not, then that's his business, but this is a title unification."
Marquez: Juanma Fights Dirty, Vazquez a Bigger Puncher
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Rafael Marquez is going to rest for the next 180-days to resolve a hairline fracture to his right shoulder blade. He returned to Mexico City on Tuesday after suffering a TKO loss within eight rounds to WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez last Saturday in Las Vegas.
Marquez is still angry with referee Tony Weeks for stopping the action in the fourth round, when Juanma was hurt. Weeks stopped the action to take a point away from Juanma for hitting Marquez on the break. Marquez thinks Juanma is a dirty fighter and says Israel Vazquez is the harder puncher between the two.
"After the referee gave him time to rest, I could never catch him on the jaw to knock him out. I don't want to devalue his win because it was a good fight, but Juanma is not a clean fighter. He throws a lot of elbows and punches to the neck. Israel Vazquez hits harder than him. Hopefully now Lopez will accept a rematch, either in Puerto Rico, Mexico or in Las Vegas," Marquez said.
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Rafael Marquez is going to rest for the next 180-days to resolve a hairline fracture to his right shoulder blade. He returned to Mexico City on Tuesday after suffering a TKO loss within eight rounds to WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez last Saturday in Las Vegas.
Marquez is still angry with referee Tony Weeks for stopping the action in the fourth round, when Juanma was hurt. Weeks stopped the action to take a point away from Juanma for hitting Marquez on the break. Marquez thinks Juanma is a dirty fighter and says Israel Vazquez is the harder puncher between the two.
"After the referee gave him time to rest, I could never catch him on the jaw to knock him out. I don't want to devalue his win because it was a good fight, but Juanma is not a clean fighter. He throws a lot of elbows and punches to the neck. Israel Vazquez hits harder than him. Hopefully now Lopez will accept a rematch, either in Puerto Rico, Mexico or in Las Vegas," Marquez said.
Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander fight for WBO light welterweight title on 1/29
By Chris Williams: The January 29th fight between World Boxing Organization (WBO) light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (26-0, 11 KO’s) and WBC light welterweight champion Devon Alexander (21-0, 13 KO’s) will only have Bradley’s WBO title on the line for the fight, according to World Boxing News . Net. It seems that Bradley doesn’t want to pay the sanctioning fees for the WBC title to be on the line. It hardly matters if the fight won’t be a unification title, because it’s clear that these are two of the better fighters in the light welterweight division and having another strap on the line or not on the line in this case doesn’t matter one bit to the average fan.
I don’t blame Bradley for not paying the sanctioning fees for the title. Fighting for another useless strap is a waste of time. All boxing fans care about is who the better fighter is, not the owner of all these paper titles. What matters is that he beats Alexander and then moves on to take on the winner of the December 11th clash between WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan and WBA light welterweight interim champ Marcos Maidana. If Bradley can beat Alexander and then the winner of the Khan-Maidana fight, he will have almost cleared out the division. The only fighter remaining after that would be Victor Ortiz, and maybe Zab Judah if he doesn’t get beaten by Kaiser Mabuza when he fights for the IBF light welterweight title next.
The Bradley-Alexander fight still doesn’t have a venue for the fight. It’s doubtful Bradley will want to travel to Saint Louis to fight in Alexander’s back yard, even though that’s probably the only place where they’ll be able to get a huge crowd for this fight.
Alexander recently defeated former WBA light welterweight champion Andriy Kotelnik by a 12 round unanimous decision while fighting at home in Saint Louis. The judges scored it 116-112, 116-112 and 116-112. However, many boxing fans, including this writer, had Alexander losing the fight. He looked terrible throughout and almost like a novice. If he doesn’t improve on that performance, I can see Bradley easily winning this fight and moving on to take on the Khan-Maidana winner.
Bradley, 27, recently moved up in weight and defeated Luis Carlos Abregu by a 12 round unanimous decision in July. However, Bradley looked sloppy in that fight and was hit a lot by the Argentinian slugger. Before that, Bradley defeated Lamont Peterson by a one-sided 12 round decision in December 2009. Bradley looked a lot better in that fight and had Peterson hurt on a number of occasions.
By Chris Williams: The January 29th fight between World Boxing Organization (WBO) light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (26-0, 11 KO’s) and WBC light welterweight champion Devon Alexander (21-0, 13 KO’s) will only have Bradley’s WBO title on the line for the fight, according to World Boxing News . Net. It seems that Bradley doesn’t want to pay the sanctioning fees for the WBC title to be on the line. It hardly matters if the fight won’t be a unification title, because it’s clear that these are two of the better fighters in the light welterweight division and having another strap on the line or not on the line in this case doesn’t matter one bit to the average fan.
I don’t blame Bradley for not paying the sanctioning fees for the title. Fighting for another useless strap is a waste of time. All boxing fans care about is who the better fighter is, not the owner of all these paper titles. What matters is that he beats Alexander and then moves on to take on the winner of the December 11th clash between WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan and WBA light welterweight interim champ Marcos Maidana. If Bradley can beat Alexander and then the winner of the Khan-Maidana fight, he will have almost cleared out the division. The only fighter remaining after that would be Victor Ortiz, and maybe Zab Judah if he doesn’t get beaten by Kaiser Mabuza when he fights for the IBF light welterweight title next.
The Bradley-Alexander fight still doesn’t have a venue for the fight. It’s doubtful Bradley will want to travel to Saint Louis to fight in Alexander’s back yard, even though that’s probably the only place where they’ll be able to get a huge crowd for this fight.
Alexander recently defeated former WBA light welterweight champion Andriy Kotelnik by a 12 round unanimous decision while fighting at home in Saint Louis. The judges scored it 116-112, 116-112 and 116-112. However, many boxing fans, including this writer, had Alexander losing the fight. He looked terrible throughout and almost like a novice. If he doesn’t improve on that performance, I can see Bradley easily winning this fight and moving on to take on the Khan-Maidana winner.
Bradley, 27, recently moved up in weight and defeated Luis Carlos Abregu by a 12 round unanimous decision in July. However, Bradley looked sloppy in that fight and was hit a lot by the Argentinian slugger. Before that, Bradley defeated Lamont Peterson by a one-sided 12 round decision in December 2009. Bradley looked a lot better in that fight and had Peterson hurt on a number of occasions.
Lennox Lewis tempted to make a comeback
By Eric Thomas: Former IBF/WBA/WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KO’s) says he’s tempted to make a comeback after seeing how poor the heavyweight division has become in recent years. Lewis, now 45 and fat, last fought seven years ago and fought a war with a younger Vitali Klitschko, stopping him on cuts in the 6th round. Lewis retired soon after rather than taking a chance with Vitali or his younger brother Wladimir Klitschko. Lewis had lost a step at that point in his career, and it’s hard to think he would be anywhere close to that now seven years later and him carrying around a lot of extra fat on his 6’5″ frame.
In speaking with the Dailymail.co.uk, Lewis said “Yes, its on my mind again. I am talking myself out of it but the temptation is growing, definitely.” What seems to have given Lewis some confidence is watching Vitali’s recent 12 round defeat of 38-year-old Shannon Briggs. Lewis says “Shannon has asthma and weight problems and that spectacle was damaging to boxing. I’m in much better condition. When I see guys like Shannon and Hasim Rahman still fighting it does make me think. I’m only 45. I can still be out there. Vitali’s still boring, still holding a world title.”
I think Lewis is kidding himself if he thinks he’s in better shape than Briggs. Shannon may not have much lung power, but he was a cut 260 for the Klitschko fight. Lewis appears to be carrying around a lot of excess baggage around his midsection and he would have to take that weight off and hope that it doesn’t sap his strength. I think Lewis would have a hard time landing his right hands against Vitali or Wladimir, which is the only fights worth it for Lewis if he were to come back.
However, Lewis would have a much better chance against WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, because he’s only 6’2″, and doesn’t throw jabs and mostly just runs around on the outside looking to throw an occasional shot. That wouldn’t get the job done against Lewis, and I could see Haye either losing by dull decision or getting stopped if Lewis were to connect with one of his left hooks or right hands. Lewis, even at 45, is better than Audley Harrison – Haye’s opponent for this Saturday night at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, England. Haye is the guy Lewis should go after, but it’s not easy to get a fight with Haye, because he seems rather skittish about facing quality opposition since moving up in weight to the heavyweight division. I can’t see Haye agreeing to take on someone like Lewis, because Haye would actually have a good chance to lose the fight.
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By Eric Thomas: Former IBF/WBA/WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KO’s) says he’s tempted to make a comeback after seeing how poor the heavyweight division has become in recent years. Lewis, now 45 and fat, last fought seven years ago and fought a war with a younger Vitali Klitschko, stopping him on cuts in the 6th round. Lewis retired soon after rather than taking a chance with Vitali or his younger brother Wladimir Klitschko. Lewis had lost a step at that point in his career, and it’s hard to think he would be anywhere close to that now seven years later and him carrying around a lot of extra fat on his 6’5″ frame.
In speaking with the Dailymail.co.uk, Lewis said “Yes, its on my mind again. I am talking myself out of it but the temptation is growing, definitely.” What seems to have given Lewis some confidence is watching Vitali’s recent 12 round defeat of 38-year-old Shannon Briggs. Lewis says “Shannon has asthma and weight problems and that spectacle was damaging to boxing. I’m in much better condition. When I see guys like Shannon and Hasim Rahman still fighting it does make me think. I’m only 45. I can still be out there. Vitali’s still boring, still holding a world title.”
I think Lewis is kidding himself if he thinks he’s in better shape than Briggs. Shannon may not have much lung power, but he was a cut 260 for the Klitschko fight. Lewis appears to be carrying around a lot of excess baggage around his midsection and he would have to take that weight off and hope that it doesn’t sap his strength. I think Lewis would have a hard time landing his right hands against Vitali or Wladimir, which is the only fights worth it for Lewis if he were to come back.
However, Lewis would have a much better chance against WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, because he’s only 6’2″, and doesn’t throw jabs and mostly just runs around on the outside looking to throw an occasional shot. That wouldn’t get the job done against Lewis, and I could see Haye either losing by dull decision or getting stopped if Lewis were to connect with one of his left hooks or right hands. Lewis, even at 45, is better than Audley Harrison – Haye’s opponent for this Saturday night at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, England. Haye is the guy Lewis should go after, but it’s not easy to get a fight with Haye, because he seems rather skittish about facing quality opposition since moving up in weight to the heavyweight division. I can’t see Haye agreeing to take on someone like Lewis, because Haye would actually have a good chance to lose the fight.
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Alexander: "Khan is a Hype Job, My Speed Kills Bradley
By Chris Robinson
“Everything is going good. I’m just shaking up right now at the gym. Not doing anything too hard. Just getting loose and getting my body back to training a little bit. Heading to camp in a few weeks. It’s going to be in Vegas again. I’ll be up in the mountains, running up Mount Charleston. I’ll be ready.”
Those were the words from WBC junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander earlier today as he spoke about his January 29th fight with fellow champion Timothy Bradley as well as several other topics related to his career. The soft-spoken 23-year old is coming off of a less than stirring twelve round decision over former champion Andriy Kotelnik this past August but knows fully well he can erase the images from that bout with a victory over his Palm Springs, California foe.
Alexander is very enigmatic in his ways, as you can see serious potential in him yet are still left wanting more. His modest approach to life doesn’t make for the kind of trash talking headlines that other stars get caught up in but he has a great story all his own, as he overcome the temptations of the streets in St. Louis before tunneling his ambitions to the sport of boxing at the age of seven. Over fifteen years later and he now finds himself knocking on the door to stardom.
I recently caught up with Alexander and broke down his thoughts on facing Bradley next year, the December 11th Amir Khan-Marcos Maidana battle, why Manny Pacquiao has the edge of Antonio Margarito, his thoughts on dealing with his haters plus much more.
This is what Devon had to say…
Learning from the Kotelnik fight…
“You know it wasn’t my best performance. But it definitely opened up my eyes. It was a learning experience. I had to get over fighting in front of my home crowd. I was nervous and I definitely learned from it. I know I wasn’t at my best but it’s only going to get better.”
How bad he wants a fight with Timothy Bradley…
“It’s a fight that stopped me from becoming a superstar in the game. I feel that we are the best 140 pounders in the world. I feel that I’m number one but I have to fight Bradley to prove that I am the best among the 140 pounders. He’s standing in the way and that’s why I think I want the fight so bad. And plus he’s claiming to be number one, and if I’m number two, why not number one and number two face each other?”
Nothing special with Bradley…
“He’s accomplished what he accomplished. He’s an okay fighter. He’s a hard worker and he’ll come ready to go twelve rounds. But [he’s] nothing special, nothing special. In this fight I am just going to go back to the basics and I am going to do what I’ve been doing. My speed is going to kill him and my angles are going to kill him. He’s not going to be see any of my punches.”
The danger of Marcos Maidana…
“If Maidana catches [Khan] I think he can put him to sleep and he probably won’t wake up. It just depends on who fights the right fight. It’s about who fight their fight and not trying to fight outside of what they know how to do best. It just depends on what they do.”
Why Amir Khan is hype…
“I think Amir Khan is a hype job. He’s just a hype job. He’s over there with Pacquiao. I mean he’s with Freddie Roach and all that but he’s just a hype job. Amir Khan hasn’t beat anybody who is the best in the division. He fought Malignaggi, who was pretty much done, and who else has he fought? In my opinion, he’s just a hype job trying to act better than what he is.”
Respecting Lamont Peterson heading into his fight with Victor Ortiz…
“That’s going to be a good matchup. I think, if I’m not mistaken, that they fought in the amateurs. But that’s going to be a good fight. Victor knows Lamont Peterson from the amateurs and when Victor Ortiz was in the amateurs he was ranked like eighth or ninth and Lamont Peterson has always been ranked number one. Mentally it could play a factor but it should be a good fight. I’ve got Lamont Peterson with a slight edge if he comes out right. I don’t think he was right for Timothy Bradley; I think Lamont Peterson has way more skills than that. We’ll have to see about that one too. Ortiz is a good fighter and has redeemed himself a little bit, so we’ll see.”
Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito…
“It’s an okay matchup. Margarito just got off of his suspension and he hasn’t been in the ring so he could be kind of rusty. It just depends, it just depends. I think Pacquiao is going to be too fast for him. Pacquiao hasn’t been focused. If he’s focused it means that Pacquiao is going to be too fast for him.”
Why right handers struggle with southpaws…
“It comes from a different angle that they aren’t used to seeing as often as opposed to the fighting a right hander. We’re on the right side; they’re on the left side, so if they are on the left side they really aren’t going to see the left hand coming. Mentally it’s going to catch them. My jab is on top of their jab, always. It just depends on the southpaw. If the southpaw is a slugger it could be a factor too. But if it’s a speedy boxer-puncher it’s going to be hard to beat.”
His legendary promoter Don King…
“Don’s been great to me. I have no complaints with Don. Don has treated me good. He’s just like any other promoter. Any other promoters want to get what they are supposed to get and it’s just a business. Everybody is going to fight for their selves. They want to come out on top on their situation. I think he’s just misunderstood. People just need to get to know him. He’s a really cool dude and I have no problem with him. I’m with a legendary promoter who has had Chavez and some of the biggest stars in boxing. I have no complaints.”
Learning the business of boxing…
“If you aint learning something than something’s wrong. Somebody could be taking something from you. You have to keep up with how much money you really are supposed to be getting and how much money is actually in the pot. You have the money that HBO gives, plus you still have to add up the door, the souvenirs, all the sponsors and all that. You pretty much have to be aware of all of that. How much money the fight is going to attract. I’m definitely learning the game and I’m definitely on it.”
Dealing with the hate…
“You know you have haters everywhere in every city. You have haters in every city. People like to talk smart comments and look at you like you aint all that. I don’t think I’m like that, I show love to everybody. You can just sense the vibe of people looking at you with an ugly look in St. Louis. That’s just how St. Louis is. But for the most part people like me and they like that I’m humble. I show love to all my fans and I don’t look down on anybody because I have no right to. I’m just trying hard to get to where I gotta get and that’s it. I tell everybody that the only thing that has changed is my address, that’s it.
By Chris Robinson
“Everything is going good. I’m just shaking up right now at the gym. Not doing anything too hard. Just getting loose and getting my body back to training a little bit. Heading to camp in a few weeks. It’s going to be in Vegas again. I’ll be up in the mountains, running up Mount Charleston. I’ll be ready.”
Those were the words from WBC junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander earlier today as he spoke about his January 29th fight with fellow champion Timothy Bradley as well as several other topics related to his career. The soft-spoken 23-year old is coming off of a less than stirring twelve round decision over former champion Andriy Kotelnik this past August but knows fully well he can erase the images from that bout with a victory over his Palm Springs, California foe.
Alexander is very enigmatic in his ways, as you can see serious potential in him yet are still left wanting more. His modest approach to life doesn’t make for the kind of trash talking headlines that other stars get caught up in but he has a great story all his own, as he overcome the temptations of the streets in St. Louis before tunneling his ambitions to the sport of boxing at the age of seven. Over fifteen years later and he now finds himself knocking on the door to stardom.
I recently caught up with Alexander and broke down his thoughts on facing Bradley next year, the December 11th Amir Khan-Marcos Maidana battle, why Manny Pacquiao has the edge of Antonio Margarito, his thoughts on dealing with his haters plus much more.
This is what Devon had to say…
Learning from the Kotelnik fight…
“You know it wasn’t my best performance. But it definitely opened up my eyes. It was a learning experience. I had to get over fighting in front of my home crowd. I was nervous and I definitely learned from it. I know I wasn’t at my best but it’s only going to get better.”
How bad he wants a fight with Timothy Bradley…
“It’s a fight that stopped me from becoming a superstar in the game. I feel that we are the best 140 pounders in the world. I feel that I’m number one but I have to fight Bradley to prove that I am the best among the 140 pounders. He’s standing in the way and that’s why I think I want the fight so bad. And plus he’s claiming to be number one, and if I’m number two, why not number one and number two face each other?”
Nothing special with Bradley…
“He’s accomplished what he accomplished. He’s an okay fighter. He’s a hard worker and he’ll come ready to go twelve rounds. But [he’s] nothing special, nothing special. In this fight I am just going to go back to the basics and I am going to do what I’ve been doing. My speed is going to kill him and my angles are going to kill him. He’s not going to be see any of my punches.”
The danger of Marcos Maidana…
“If Maidana catches [Khan] I think he can put him to sleep and he probably won’t wake up. It just depends on who fights the right fight. It’s about who fight their fight and not trying to fight outside of what they know how to do best. It just depends on what they do.”
Why Amir Khan is hype…
“I think Amir Khan is a hype job. He’s just a hype job. He’s over there with Pacquiao. I mean he’s with Freddie Roach and all that but he’s just a hype job. Amir Khan hasn’t beat anybody who is the best in the division. He fought Malignaggi, who was pretty much done, and who else has he fought? In my opinion, he’s just a hype job trying to act better than what he is.”
Respecting Lamont Peterson heading into his fight with Victor Ortiz…
“That’s going to be a good matchup. I think, if I’m not mistaken, that they fought in the amateurs. But that’s going to be a good fight. Victor knows Lamont Peterson from the amateurs and when Victor Ortiz was in the amateurs he was ranked like eighth or ninth and Lamont Peterson has always been ranked number one. Mentally it could play a factor but it should be a good fight. I’ve got Lamont Peterson with a slight edge if he comes out right. I don’t think he was right for Timothy Bradley; I think Lamont Peterson has way more skills than that. We’ll have to see about that one too. Ortiz is a good fighter and has redeemed himself a little bit, so we’ll see.”
Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito…
“It’s an okay matchup. Margarito just got off of his suspension and he hasn’t been in the ring so he could be kind of rusty. It just depends, it just depends. I think Pacquiao is going to be too fast for him. Pacquiao hasn’t been focused. If he’s focused it means that Pacquiao is going to be too fast for him.”
Why right handers struggle with southpaws…
“It comes from a different angle that they aren’t used to seeing as often as opposed to the fighting a right hander. We’re on the right side; they’re on the left side, so if they are on the left side they really aren’t going to see the left hand coming. Mentally it’s going to catch them. My jab is on top of their jab, always. It just depends on the southpaw. If the southpaw is a slugger it could be a factor too. But if it’s a speedy boxer-puncher it’s going to be hard to beat.”
His legendary promoter Don King…
“Don’s been great to me. I have no complaints with Don. Don has treated me good. He’s just like any other promoter. Any other promoters want to get what they are supposed to get and it’s just a business. Everybody is going to fight for their selves. They want to come out on top on their situation. I think he’s just misunderstood. People just need to get to know him. He’s a really cool dude and I have no problem with him. I’m with a legendary promoter who has had Chavez and some of the biggest stars in boxing. I have no complaints.”
Learning the business of boxing…
“If you aint learning something than something’s wrong. Somebody could be taking something from you. You have to keep up with how much money you really are supposed to be getting and how much money is actually in the pot. You have the money that HBO gives, plus you still have to add up the door, the souvenirs, all the sponsors and all that. You pretty much have to be aware of all of that. How much money the fight is going to attract. I’m definitely learning the game and I’m definitely on it.”
Dealing with the hate…
“You know you have haters everywhere in every city. You have haters in every city. People like to talk smart comments and look at you like you aint all that. I don’t think I’m like that, I show love to everybody. You can just sense the vibe of people looking at you with an ugly look in St. Louis. That’s just how St. Louis is. But for the most part people like me and they like that I’m humble. I show love to all my fans and I don’t look down on anybody because I have no right to. I’m just trying hard to get to where I gotta get and that’s it. I tell everybody that the only thing that has changed is my address, that’s it.
Trinidad Sr: "Gamboa is Made To Order For Juanma
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Trainers Felix Trinidad Sr. and Jose Bonilla predict a very bright future for WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez. He was impressed with Juanma's big knockout win over Rafael Marquez from last Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Trinidad Sr. and Bonilla agree; the time has come for Juanma to only accept the big fights.
"Juanma is a fighter who is now in his moment. Juanma is, at that stage, when he begins to face the big names. At the level he is at now, there will be no easy fights. The networks like HBO and Showtime, they are looking for big money fights and this is what he has to take now," Bonilla said to Raul Alzanga.
Top Rank is building up a fight between Juanma and WBA champion Yuriorkis Gamboa. They wants to stage the fight in June of 2011. Trinidad Sr. is not worried about Juanma's chances in the fight. He doesn't regard Gamboa as being a more dangerous fighter than Marquez.
“I like Gamboa for Juanma because he always comes forward, he is aggressive and very open. He gets hit. Like Marquez, I think he's a fighter made to order for Juanma," said Trinidad Sr. "I see good future for him and his corner because they look good against opponents and they prepared very well against Marquez, who for me was more dangerous than Gamboa himself."
Regarding Celestino Caballero, Trinidad Sr. is advising Juanma to save that fight for the super featherweight division. He doesn't think the fight makes financial sense to stage at this moment.
“Celestino Caballero is an awkward fighter, cunning, but he is not worth the risk with the money he produces. That's a fight that I would leave for later, when Juanma decides to move up to 130 pounds," said Trinidad Sr
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Trainers Felix Trinidad Sr. and Jose Bonilla predict a very bright future for WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez. He was impressed with Juanma's big knockout win over Rafael Marquez from last Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Trinidad Sr. and Bonilla agree; the time has come for Juanma to only accept the big fights.
"Juanma is a fighter who is now in his moment. Juanma is, at that stage, when he begins to face the big names. At the level he is at now, there will be no easy fights. The networks like HBO and Showtime, they are looking for big money fights and this is what he has to take now," Bonilla said to Raul Alzanga.
Top Rank is building up a fight between Juanma and WBA champion Yuriorkis Gamboa. They wants to stage the fight in June of 2011. Trinidad Sr. is not worried about Juanma's chances in the fight. He doesn't regard Gamboa as being a more dangerous fighter than Marquez.
“I like Gamboa for Juanma because he always comes forward, he is aggressive and very open. He gets hit. Like Marquez, I think he's a fighter made to order for Juanma," said Trinidad Sr. "I see good future for him and his corner because they look good against opponents and they prepared very well against Marquez, who for me was more dangerous than Gamboa himself."
Regarding Celestino Caballero, Trinidad Sr. is advising Juanma to save that fight for the super featherweight division. He doesn't think the fight makes financial sense to stage at this moment.
“Celestino Caballero is an awkward fighter, cunning, but he is not worth the risk with the money he produces. That's a fight that I would leave for later, when Juanma decides to move up to 130 pounds," said Trinidad Sr