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Kevin McBride: “Nobody Has Yet Tested Adamek’s Chin,” by Pavel Yakovlev
March 29, 2011) - Kevin McBride will be the opponent when he fights Tomasz Adamek two weeks from now at the Prudential Center in Newark. Adamek has won all but one of his 44 career bouts, and is being groomed for a big money fight against one of the Klitschko brothers. By contrast, McBride enters the bout having lost four of his last five fights. Truth be told, the 6’6”, 280 lbs McBride has been hand-picked for the fight so that Adamek can get comfortable hitting big men. At 6’1”, the Pole is a smallish heavyweight who is still perfecting tactics to be used against the giant Klitschkos. Thus, at first glance, the upcoming bout looks like batting practice for Adamek: another easy win en route to his showdown with the Klitschkos.
However, there is another perspective to take on this fight; it concerns the possibility of an upset, as remote as that chance may be. The hulking McBride has a puncher’s chance against Adamek. Known as the Clones Collosus because of his immense size and strength, McBride carries devastating power in his right hand. The Irishman has sent 29 opponents home early as knockout victims after catching them with this punch. The most dramatic display of McBride’s punching power, of course, came in 2005 when he smashed Mike Tyson into a sixth round kayo defeat. McBride entered the Tyson fight as a massive underdog, yet pulled off the upset. Naturally, McBride is hoping to stun the world again at the Prudential Center in two weeks.
McBride’s pulverizing right will definitely be a wildcard in the upcoming fight. Adamek is known for lunging at his opponents, and at those moments he is vulnerable to the right, especially the uppercut. If McBride brandishes his power punch at just the right moment, then the seemingly impossible – an Adamek defeat – just might materialize.
In this interview, McBride discusses his career and his preparation for the Adamek bout.
What are your thoughts about the upcoming fight? How do you see matters unfolding once the bell rings?
McBride: I don’t think the fight will go the distance. He’s the classier fighter, but he’s sixty or seventy pounds lighter than me. His people are underestimating my strength and power. It’ll be a good fight because he comes to fight. I’m the bigger, stronger man, and hopefully I’ll catch him on the chin. When I hit him, I’ll send him back to Poland. The Polish kids in his area are going to be there, and they’ll witness it.
Tell us about your preparation for this fight.
McBride: I’ve been sparring with different guys, fast kinds of guys. The other day I was doing four rounds with one guy who runs a lot, then another four rounds with another guy stands but boxes a lot, and who gets on his bike. The sparring is improving my timing and my speed. I can feel it; I have that feeling of getting closer, getting fitter. Getting that feeling reminds me of how much I love boxing. I’ve been boxing since I was nine years old, and I know that feeling. Also my mental preparation for this fight has been excellent. I’ve been seeing a hypnotist to help focus. I know that nobody gets anywhere if they give up on their dreams. No matter how many doors get shut, a person has to find a way to keep trying. I’ve been very focused on realizing my dream of being the first Irish born heavyweight champion of the world. The Irish abstract painter Sean Scully has been a tremendous inspiration to me, when we talk. It is so important to keep goals in focus. This chance against Adamek is an opportunity to make my dream come true.
What have you been doing to condition yourself for this bout?
McBride: I’m working a lot on strength. I’ve gotten stronger since starting training. Right now I’m bench-pressing 425 pounds, ten presses at a time. I run five miles every day, and I’m doing lots of sprints. To work on speed and timing, I do a lot of fast punching on the bag and mitts, and in sparring, I punch with higher intensity. I can feel the improvement and I love the feeling of getting closer. This is the biggest fight of my life.
Who is training you for this fight?
McBride: Goody Petronelli, Radavan Serbula, and Ermo Norrick. I’ve been with Goody a long time. Ermo is really good on the pads. Radavan is doing strength and conditioning. My manager Johnny Quinn will also be helping in my corner.
What do you know about Adamek? Can you tell us what you and your team have determined to be Adamek’s strengths and weaknesses?
McBride: I’ve seen some of Adamek’s fights. He’s a good fighter, definitely a world-class fighter, fast. As far weaknesses go, everyone has their weaknesses. I don’t really have anything to say about that. Adamek is a good, strong fighter, but I don’t know if anyone really has tested his chin. One thing he’s dealing with is pressure, because he’s going to have to look good against me. He’s facing that pressure.
I agree that the pressure is on Adamek to look good. For that reason, it’s an important fight for him. But for you, the fight is even more important because it represents a chance to gatecrash boxing’s big-time again.
McBride: I’m a big underdog, but I was the same for Mike Tyson. I beat Tyson, and I’ll do the same for Adamek. This fight is even bigger than the Tyson fight because Adamek’s rated up there in the top five right now. When I win this fight, I’ll be in a position to be the first heavyweight champion from Ireland. I’ll be the new Cinderella Man. I say you can run, but you can’t hide from McBride. All it takes is one punch to the chin. I have that punch, the ability to stop him with one punch. I’ve got 29 knockouts, so you know I can hit. I can hit as hard as any heavyweight in the world, including the Klitschkos. Years ago, Axel Schulz told me I hit him harder than anyone he ever fought, including George Foreman. The power is there.
One punch that Adamek may be vulnerable to is the right uppercut. Because he’s so much shorter than big guys like you, Adamek lunges while unleashing his left hooks and rights to the head. Against Michael Grant, Adamek took some heavy rights during these moments. What are your thoughts about using your right uppercut against Adamek?
McBride: I know when he’s hitting me, he’ll be pretty close. When he hits me anywhere on the body, arms, shoulders, whatever, he’ll be there to get hit. I’m going to throw plenty of punches, and I’ll mix them up. I have a good uppercut, I hit Mike Tyson with some good uppercuts. So hopefully I’ll catch Adamek and end the fight.
What are your memories of the experience of fighting and beating Mike Tyson?
McBride: The experience of fighting Mike Tyson was unbelievable. Growing up, I idolized him. I also idolized Muhammad Ali. After I beat Tyson, Muhammad Ali gave me a big hug. It was unbelievable. The experience of beating Tyson was sad in one sense, because I ended a guy’s career. But it was incredible because I shocked the world. Remember, that fight reminds me of how I love boxing so much, and how I always wanted to be the fist Irish born heavyweight champion of the world. Against Adamek, I have a chance to get there.
You are a native of Ireland, but you have lived in Boston since relocating to America. Is it fair to say that you are now one of the Boston Irish?
McBride: Yes, Boston is my home now. I have a lovely wife and two kids here. My daughter Grainne and my son Caoinhin were born in Boston. The Adamek fight is for two titles, and it would be nice to give one of the belts each to my daughter and my son. I’m fighting for my kids, for my life. I love this sport so much. I’m just so glad to get a second chance.
March 29, 2011) - Kevin McBride will be the opponent when he fights Tomasz Adamek two weeks from now at the Prudential Center in Newark. Adamek has won all but one of his 44 career bouts, and is being groomed for a big money fight against one of the Klitschko brothers. By contrast, McBride enters the bout having lost four of his last five fights. Truth be told, the 6’6”, 280 lbs McBride has been hand-picked for the fight so that Adamek can get comfortable hitting big men. At 6’1”, the Pole is a smallish heavyweight who is still perfecting tactics to be used against the giant Klitschkos. Thus, at first glance, the upcoming bout looks like batting practice for Adamek: another easy win en route to his showdown with the Klitschkos.
However, there is another perspective to take on this fight; it concerns the possibility of an upset, as remote as that chance may be. The hulking McBride has a puncher’s chance against Adamek. Known as the Clones Collosus because of his immense size and strength, McBride carries devastating power in his right hand. The Irishman has sent 29 opponents home early as knockout victims after catching them with this punch. The most dramatic display of McBride’s punching power, of course, came in 2005 when he smashed Mike Tyson into a sixth round kayo defeat. McBride entered the Tyson fight as a massive underdog, yet pulled off the upset. Naturally, McBride is hoping to stun the world again at the Prudential Center in two weeks.
McBride’s pulverizing right will definitely be a wildcard in the upcoming fight. Adamek is known for lunging at his opponents, and at those moments he is vulnerable to the right, especially the uppercut. If McBride brandishes his power punch at just the right moment, then the seemingly impossible – an Adamek defeat – just might materialize.
In this interview, McBride discusses his career and his preparation for the Adamek bout.
What are your thoughts about the upcoming fight? How do you see matters unfolding once the bell rings?
McBride: I don’t think the fight will go the distance. He’s the classier fighter, but he’s sixty or seventy pounds lighter than me. His people are underestimating my strength and power. It’ll be a good fight because he comes to fight. I’m the bigger, stronger man, and hopefully I’ll catch him on the chin. When I hit him, I’ll send him back to Poland. The Polish kids in his area are going to be there, and they’ll witness it.
Tell us about your preparation for this fight.
McBride: I’ve been sparring with different guys, fast kinds of guys. The other day I was doing four rounds with one guy who runs a lot, then another four rounds with another guy stands but boxes a lot, and who gets on his bike. The sparring is improving my timing and my speed. I can feel it; I have that feeling of getting closer, getting fitter. Getting that feeling reminds me of how much I love boxing. I’ve been boxing since I was nine years old, and I know that feeling. Also my mental preparation for this fight has been excellent. I’ve been seeing a hypnotist to help focus. I know that nobody gets anywhere if they give up on their dreams. No matter how many doors get shut, a person has to find a way to keep trying. I’ve been very focused on realizing my dream of being the first Irish born heavyweight champion of the world. The Irish abstract painter Sean Scully has been a tremendous inspiration to me, when we talk. It is so important to keep goals in focus. This chance against Adamek is an opportunity to make my dream come true.
What have you been doing to condition yourself for this bout?
McBride: I’m working a lot on strength. I’ve gotten stronger since starting training. Right now I’m bench-pressing 425 pounds, ten presses at a time. I run five miles every day, and I’m doing lots of sprints. To work on speed and timing, I do a lot of fast punching on the bag and mitts, and in sparring, I punch with higher intensity. I can feel the improvement and I love the feeling of getting closer. This is the biggest fight of my life.
Who is training you for this fight?
McBride: Goody Petronelli, Radavan Serbula, and Ermo Norrick. I’ve been with Goody a long time. Ermo is really good on the pads. Radavan is doing strength and conditioning. My manager Johnny Quinn will also be helping in my corner.
What do you know about Adamek? Can you tell us what you and your team have determined to be Adamek’s strengths and weaknesses?
McBride: I’ve seen some of Adamek’s fights. He’s a good fighter, definitely a world-class fighter, fast. As far weaknesses go, everyone has their weaknesses. I don’t really have anything to say about that. Adamek is a good, strong fighter, but I don’t know if anyone really has tested his chin. One thing he’s dealing with is pressure, because he’s going to have to look good against me. He’s facing that pressure.
I agree that the pressure is on Adamek to look good. For that reason, it’s an important fight for him. But for you, the fight is even more important because it represents a chance to gatecrash boxing’s big-time again.
McBride: I’m a big underdog, but I was the same for Mike Tyson. I beat Tyson, and I’ll do the same for Adamek. This fight is even bigger than the Tyson fight because Adamek’s rated up there in the top five right now. When I win this fight, I’ll be in a position to be the first heavyweight champion from Ireland. I’ll be the new Cinderella Man. I say you can run, but you can’t hide from McBride. All it takes is one punch to the chin. I have that punch, the ability to stop him with one punch. I’ve got 29 knockouts, so you know I can hit. I can hit as hard as any heavyweight in the world, including the Klitschkos. Years ago, Axel Schulz told me I hit him harder than anyone he ever fought, including George Foreman. The power is there.
One punch that Adamek may be vulnerable to is the right uppercut. Because he’s so much shorter than big guys like you, Adamek lunges while unleashing his left hooks and rights to the head. Against Michael Grant, Adamek took some heavy rights during these moments. What are your thoughts about using your right uppercut against Adamek?
McBride: I know when he’s hitting me, he’ll be pretty close. When he hits me anywhere on the body, arms, shoulders, whatever, he’ll be there to get hit. I’m going to throw plenty of punches, and I’ll mix them up. I have a good uppercut, I hit Mike Tyson with some good uppercuts. So hopefully I’ll catch Adamek and end the fight.
What are your memories of the experience of fighting and beating Mike Tyson?
McBride: The experience of fighting Mike Tyson was unbelievable. Growing up, I idolized him. I also idolized Muhammad Ali. After I beat Tyson, Muhammad Ali gave me a big hug. It was unbelievable. The experience of beating Tyson was sad in one sense, because I ended a guy’s career. But it was incredible because I shocked the world. Remember, that fight reminds me of how I love boxing so much, and how I always wanted to be the fist Irish born heavyweight champion of the world. Against Adamek, I have a chance to get there.
You are a native of Ireland, but you have lived in Boston since relocating to America. Is it fair to say that you are now one of the Boston Irish?
McBride: Yes, Boston is my home now. I have a lovely wife and two kids here. My daughter Grainne and my son Caoinhin were born in Boston. The Adamek fight is for two titles, and it would be nice to give one of the belts each to my daughter and my son. I’m fighting for my kids, for my life. I love this sport so much. I’m just so glad to get a second chance.
Judge Enjoins Golden Boy from Promoting Top Rank Boxer Donaire
LOS ANGELES (March 29, 2011) -- Today, the Honorable Daniel Weinstein (ret.) enjoined Golden Boy Promotions from promoting Top Rank boxer Nonito Donaire for the duration of Top Rank's exclusive promotional agreement with Donaire. Golden Boy wrongfully signed Donaire to a four-year promotional agreement in the face of Top Rank's agreement with the up-and-coming star. The Arbitrator's ruling paves the way for Top Rank to promote Donaire's next bout and continued career, something the Las Vegas-based company had started arranging last month before Golden Boy signed Donaire.
Top Rank's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli of O'Melveny & Myers LLP in Los Angeles stated, "We are pleased with Judge Weinstein's carefully considered decision. Top Rank hopes it can put the lawyers and legal fight behind it and return to doing what it does best -- promoting the most talented boxers and the most entertaining boxing matches in the world today."
LOS ANGELES (March 29, 2011) -- Today, the Honorable Daniel Weinstein (ret.) enjoined Golden Boy Promotions from promoting Top Rank boxer Nonito Donaire for the duration of Top Rank's exclusive promotional agreement with Donaire. Golden Boy wrongfully signed Donaire to a four-year promotional agreement in the face of Top Rank's agreement with the up-and-coming star. The Arbitrator's ruling paves the way for Top Rank to promote Donaire's next bout and continued career, something the Las Vegas-based company had started arranging last month before Golden Boy signed Donaire.
Top Rank's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli of O'Melveny & Myers LLP in Los Angeles stated, "We are pleased with Judge Weinstein's carefully considered decision. Top Rank hopes it can put the lawyers and legal fight behind it and return to doing what it does best -- promoting the most talented boxers and the most entertaining boxing matches in the world today."
Dawson might take the fight with Diaconu after all
By Dan Ambrose: Light heavyweight contender Chad Dawson (29-1, 17 KO’s) may end up taking the May 21st fight with Adrian Diaconu (27-2, 15 KO’s) after all, says Dan Rafael of ESPN. This comes after news that the 28-year-old Dawson was declining the fight with Diaconu for some unknown reason.
The bout was/is scheduled for the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal fight at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.
It’s an important fight for Dawson because he will get to face the winner of the Hopkins-Pascal fight and his bout with Diaconu, or whoever he ends up fighting, will be shown on HBO in a move that will hopefully build interest in a fight with Dawson against the winner of the Hopkins vs. Pascal fight.
If Dawson doesn’t fight Diaconu there is speculation that Librado Andrade could be brought in to fight Dawson instead. That’s pretty much the same kind of fighter as Diaconu, so there really isn’t any change. Diaconu punches a little harder than Andrade and is a little rougher in terms of his fighting style, but they’re basically the same kinds of fighters.
Dawson should be able to out-point the slower Diaconu without too many problems. With his new trainer Emanuel Steward working alongside him, Dawson would be hard to beat by anyone in the division. Before his loss and bad performance against Pascal last year in August, Dawson was considered to be the best fighter in the light heavyweight division in the minds of many boxing fans.
If Steward can improve on Dawson’s weaknesses and make him be more aggressive offensively, he could end up being the top fighter once again. He’ll definitely beat Diaconu and/or Andrade. And if he can raise his punch output the way it was in the 11th round in his loss against Pascal last year, he’ll beat Pascal in a rematch and be too quick for Hopkins as well
By Dan Ambrose: Light heavyweight contender Chad Dawson (29-1, 17 KO’s) may end up taking the May 21st fight with Adrian Diaconu (27-2, 15 KO’s) after all, says Dan Rafael of ESPN. This comes after news that the 28-year-old Dawson was declining the fight with Diaconu for some unknown reason.
The bout was/is scheduled for the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal fight at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.
It’s an important fight for Dawson because he will get to face the winner of the Hopkins-Pascal fight and his bout with Diaconu, or whoever he ends up fighting, will be shown on HBO in a move that will hopefully build interest in a fight with Dawson against the winner of the Hopkins vs. Pascal fight.
If Dawson doesn’t fight Diaconu there is speculation that Librado Andrade could be brought in to fight Dawson instead. That’s pretty much the same kind of fighter as Diaconu, so there really isn’t any change. Diaconu punches a little harder than Andrade and is a little rougher in terms of his fighting style, but they’re basically the same kinds of fighters.
Dawson should be able to out-point the slower Diaconu without too many problems. With his new trainer Emanuel Steward working alongside him, Dawson would be hard to beat by anyone in the division. Before his loss and bad performance against Pascal last year in August, Dawson was considered to be the best fighter in the light heavyweight division in the minds of many boxing fans.
If Steward can improve on Dawson’s weaknesses and make him be more aggressive offensively, he could end up being the top fighter once again. He’ll definitely beat Diaconu and/or Andrade. And if he can raise his punch output the way it was in the 11th round in his loss against Pascal last year, he’ll beat Pascal in a rematch and be too quick for Hopkins as well
Dirrell not interested in fighting Froch again unless he has his WBC belt
By Scott Gilfoid: Without his WBC super middleweight title, Carl Froch is of no interest to the incredibly gifted top contender Andre Dirrell (19-1, 13 KO’s), who says he’s only interested in going after champions and not contenders.
While Froch currently is the WBC champion by virtue of his win over Arthur Abraham last year in November, the chances of Froch remaining the champion are pretty slim. At best, Froch may be able to hold onto the WBC crown through his next fight against 42-year-old Glen Johnson in May.
But if Froch wins that fight, he will surely lose it in his next bout against WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward in the finals of the Super Six tournament. Personally, I don’t see Froch even getting by Johnson.
I see Froch’s wide open defense being a detriment for him in the Johnson fight, costing him the fight. But if Froch does get by that fight by the skin of his teeth, Ward will end the show for Froch later on in 2011, and take away his WBC title and the only reason why Dirrell would have to fight Froch again.
In an interview at eastsideboxing.com, Dirrell said “The only way I would want to fight Froch is if he had the belt. That’s the only way I would want to see him again.”
Yeah, why waste time fighting contenders without belts, especially ones that were recently beaten as Froch will be by the time he finishes up with the Super six tournament in 2011. Dirrell wants to go after IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute and take his title. That’s goal #1 for the amazingly talented Dirrell.
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By Scott Gilfoid: Without his WBC super middleweight title, Carl Froch is of no interest to the incredibly gifted top contender Andre Dirrell (19-1, 13 KO’s), who says he’s only interested in going after champions and not contenders.
While Froch currently is the WBC champion by virtue of his win over Arthur Abraham last year in November, the chances of Froch remaining the champion are pretty slim. At best, Froch may be able to hold onto the WBC crown through his next fight against 42-year-old Glen Johnson in May.
But if Froch wins that fight, he will surely lose it in his next bout against WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward in the finals of the Super Six tournament. Personally, I don’t see Froch even getting by Johnson.
I see Froch’s wide open defense being a detriment for him in the Johnson fight, costing him the fight. But if Froch does get by that fight by the skin of his teeth, Ward will end the show for Froch later on in 2011, and take away his WBC title and the only reason why Dirrell would have to fight Froch again.
In an interview at eastsideboxing.com, Dirrell said “The only way I would want to fight Froch is if he had the belt. That’s the only way I would want to see him again.”
Yeah, why waste time fighting contenders without belts, especially ones that were recently beaten as Froch will be by the time he finishes up with the Super six tournament in 2011. Dirrell wants to go after IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute and take his title. That’s goal #1 for the amazingly talented Dirrell.
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McBride says he’s going to knock Adamek back to Poland when he hits him
By Jason Kim: The huge 6’6” 287 pound Kevin McBride (35-8-1, 29 KO’s) believes his huge size and power will be too much for the shorter 6’1 ½” Tomasz Adamek (43-1, 28 KO’s) on April 9th at the Prudential Center, in Newark, New Jersey.
The 37-year-old McBride is the underdog in this fight, but he feels his monstrous size will be enough for him to crush the smaller Adamek. It would seem unlikely given that the 34-year-old Adamek hasn’t lost a fight in four years. In contrast, McBride has lost four out of his last five bouts dating back to 2006.
Not only has McBride been losing, but he’s been losing to 2nd tier fighters and not fighting all that frequent. To his credit, McBride fought three times in 2010, losing two and winning one. Before that, McBride hadn’t fought since 2007.
In an interview at eastsideboxing.com, McBride said “He’s sixty to seventy pounds lighter than me. His people are underestimating my strength and power. It’ll be a good fight because he comes to fight. I’m the bigger, stronger man, and hopefully I’ll catch him on the chin. When I hit him, I’ll send him back to Poland.”
McBride has size but his stamina has been poor in fights. He’s been fading after only one round of action and that’s going to be a problem for him against Adamek, who will likely bounce around on the outside for the first few rounds before going for the kill. By then, McBride should be exhausted for Adamek to take out quickly.
By Jason Kim: The huge 6’6” 287 pound Kevin McBride (35-8-1, 29 KO’s) believes his huge size and power will be too much for the shorter 6’1 ½” Tomasz Adamek (43-1, 28 KO’s) on April 9th at the Prudential Center, in Newark, New Jersey.
The 37-year-old McBride is the underdog in this fight, but he feels his monstrous size will be enough for him to crush the smaller Adamek. It would seem unlikely given that the 34-year-old Adamek hasn’t lost a fight in four years. In contrast, McBride has lost four out of his last five bouts dating back to 2006.
Not only has McBride been losing, but he’s been losing to 2nd tier fighters and not fighting all that frequent. To his credit, McBride fought three times in 2010, losing two and winning one. Before that, McBride hadn’t fought since 2007.
In an interview at eastsideboxing.com, McBride said “He’s sixty to seventy pounds lighter than me. His people are underestimating my strength and power. It’ll be a good fight because he comes to fight. I’m the bigger, stronger man, and hopefully I’ll catch him on the chin. When I hit him, I’ll send him back to Poland.”
McBride has size but his stamina has been poor in fights. He’s been fading after only one round of action and that’s going to be a problem for him against Adamek, who will likely bounce around on the outside for the first few rounds before going for the kill. By then, McBride should be exhausted for Adamek to take out quickly.
Abraham-Ward: Arthur says he’ll use his heart and fists to win
By Jason Kim: Photo credit: Craig Bennett/Goossen Tutor Promotions – Former IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (32-2, 26 KO’s) has lost back to back fights in the Super Six tourney as he limps into his semifinals bout against WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward (23-0, 13 KO’s) at the Home Depot Center, in Carson, California.
Abraham is a huge underdog in this fight and few fans are giving him much of a chance in this fight. Abraham, however, has a number of excuses for his losses to Andre Dirrell and Carl Froch in the tourney, and feels that he’s got the power and the determination to take Ward out.
In today’s press conference to promote the fight, Abraham said “We will win on May 14th and then we’ll win the final.”
If Abraham can beat Ward, he will have figured out the problems that has been holding him back in his last two fights. If Abraham can do that, then he should have no problems beating the Carl Froch vs. Glen Johnson winner. The chances of that happening are remote, though. Abraham has problems with letting is hands go until late in his bouts and doesn’t seem to be able to fight hard for more than 20 to 30 seconds of every round.
Abraham allows his opponents to outwork him for 2 ½ minutes of ever round and that’s a huge problem. Through his inactivity, Abraham ends up giving away too many rounds and is forced to try and rally late in his fights to attempt to score a come from behind knockout.
That may work against lesser fighters in the super middleweight or middleweight division, but against the best fighters in the super middleweight division, Abraham is having problems. He’s got to work harder than he’s been if he wants to beat Ward in May. It seems to be a problem that’s beyond Abraham’s control unfortunately.
Abraham says “I will use my heart, my fists, my body and my hands to defeat Andre.”
By Jason Kim: Photo credit: Craig Bennett/Goossen Tutor Promotions – Former IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (32-2, 26 KO’s) has lost back to back fights in the Super Six tourney as he limps into his semifinals bout against WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward (23-0, 13 KO’s) at the Home Depot Center, in Carson, California.
Abraham is a huge underdog in this fight and few fans are giving him much of a chance in this fight. Abraham, however, has a number of excuses for his losses to Andre Dirrell and Carl Froch in the tourney, and feels that he’s got the power and the determination to take Ward out.
In today’s press conference to promote the fight, Abraham said “We will win on May 14th and then we’ll win the final.”
If Abraham can beat Ward, he will have figured out the problems that has been holding him back in his last two fights. If Abraham can do that, then he should have no problems beating the Carl Froch vs. Glen Johnson winner. The chances of that happening are remote, though. Abraham has problems with letting is hands go until late in his bouts and doesn’t seem to be able to fight hard for more than 20 to 30 seconds of every round.
Abraham allows his opponents to outwork him for 2 ½ minutes of ever round and that’s a huge problem. Through his inactivity, Abraham ends up giving away too many rounds and is forced to try and rally late in his fights to attempt to score a come from behind knockout.
That may work against lesser fighters in the super middleweight or middleweight division, but against the best fighters in the super middleweight division, Abraham is having problems. He’s got to work harder than he’s been if he wants to beat Ward in May. It seems to be a problem that’s beyond Abraham’s control unfortunately.
Abraham says “I will use my heart, my fists, my body and my hands to defeat Andre.”
Pascal calls Hopkins a cry baby
By Dan Ambrose: WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (26-1-1, 16 Kos) thinks that 46-year-old Bernard Hopkins (51-5-2, 32 KO’s) is a big baby because of all the complaining that the soon to be 47-year-old Hopkins did last year when he fought to a 12 round majority draw with Pascal in December.
Hopkins felt that he did enough to win and didn’t take it well that he had to settle for a draw.
At their recent press conference to promote their May 21st rematch in Montreal, Pascal said “I think Hopkins is a cry baby and after the fight he kept crying. But also the fans asked how he could do this against me the way he did, why so aggressive.”
Hopkins doesn’t handle losses or draws very well, and wanted to let himself be heard by complaining about the decision. Hopkins was given a second chance at trying to beat Pascal by the WBC, who ordered an immediate rematch between the two fighters. If Hopkins can’t get the win this time he’s going to have to look in another direction against one of the other champions in the light heavyweight division.
Hopkins had problems with Pascal’s hand speed early on in their fight, and was knocked down repeatedly. In their rematch, Hopkins can’t let himself get knocked around the ring again if he wants to win. As a challenger, you can’t be knocked down more than once if you want to win. Hopkins was knocked down twice by Pascal last time out.
By Dan Ambrose: WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (26-1-1, 16 Kos) thinks that 46-year-old Bernard Hopkins (51-5-2, 32 KO’s) is a big baby because of all the complaining that the soon to be 47-year-old Hopkins did last year when he fought to a 12 round majority draw with Pascal in December.
Hopkins felt that he did enough to win and didn’t take it well that he had to settle for a draw.
At their recent press conference to promote their May 21st rematch in Montreal, Pascal said “I think Hopkins is a cry baby and after the fight he kept crying. But also the fans asked how he could do this against me the way he did, why so aggressive.”
Hopkins doesn’t handle losses or draws very well, and wanted to let himself be heard by complaining about the decision. Hopkins was given a second chance at trying to beat Pascal by the WBC, who ordered an immediate rematch between the two fighters. If Hopkins can’t get the win this time he’s going to have to look in another direction against one of the other champions in the light heavyweight division.
Hopkins had problems with Pascal’s hand speed early on in their fight, and was knocked down repeatedly. In their rematch, Hopkins can’t let himself get knocked around the ring again if he wants to win. As a challenger, you can’t be knocked down more than once if you want to win. Hopkins was knocked down twice by Pascal last time out.
Exclusive Interview With James Toney - “I Ain’t Entering No BS Tournament
By James Slater- As fans may know, there will be an International Heavyweight version of “Prizefighter” on May 7th, in London. Recognisable names: Kevin Johnson, Martin Rogan and unbeaten Cuban Mike Perez have been made official for the one-night, eight-man tournament, but until today rumours persisted that the great James Toney might also be close to signing for the event.
Well, in calling up the all-time great, former middleweight, super-middleweight, cruiserweight king, I was given a definite answer today: “Lights Out” will NOT be a participant in the May 7th show.
Here, in a short, somewhat volatile interview that had not been prearranged, the 42-year-old legend had the following answers to the few questions I had the time to ask. It was still a pleasure to be able to speak with an all-time great, as I told James, but his mood was not a great one..
Here is what he had to say:
James Slater: James, it’s always a pleasure to speak with an all-time great. There are persisting rumours that say you will be fighting in the May 7th “Prizefighter” in London. This is exciting, but can you confirm: are these rumours true or false?
James Toney: I can tell you right now - it’s bull shit! You know how much they offered me? $7,000!
J.S: $70,000?
J.T: No; $7,000! They must be out of their mind! I’m a former world champ and a current world champ - I’m the IBA heavyweight champion - why would I enter a BS tournament like that? For chump change?
J.S: We got excited thinking you’d be in the tourney - Kevin Johnson has reportedly signed up for it. I had you down as a potential winner!
J.T: No, not for chump change. They can kiss my ass! As I say, I’m the IBA heavyweight champion; I want someone to come up and challenge me so I can defend my title. No disrespect, but no dumb ass tournament means anything to me; why should it?
J.S: Well, thanks for quashing the rumours, Champ. We look forward to your next fight, whoever it may be against.
J.T: Okay. And you can tell him from me: David Haye is gay! You tell him from me when you see him!
Okay, it’s short and sweet; but I defy any other writer to be able to go out and get a better interview from J.T, the mood he is in today! I pity his next opponent!
jame toney has to be the best interview in boxing
By James Slater- As fans may know, there will be an International Heavyweight version of “Prizefighter” on May 7th, in London. Recognisable names: Kevin Johnson, Martin Rogan and unbeaten Cuban Mike Perez have been made official for the one-night, eight-man tournament, but until today rumours persisted that the great James Toney might also be close to signing for the event.
Well, in calling up the all-time great, former middleweight, super-middleweight, cruiserweight king, I was given a definite answer today: “Lights Out” will NOT be a participant in the May 7th show.
Here, in a short, somewhat volatile interview that had not been prearranged, the 42-year-old legend had the following answers to the few questions I had the time to ask. It was still a pleasure to be able to speak with an all-time great, as I told James, but his mood was not a great one..
Here is what he had to say:
James Slater: James, it’s always a pleasure to speak with an all-time great. There are persisting rumours that say you will be fighting in the May 7th “Prizefighter” in London. This is exciting, but can you confirm: are these rumours true or false?
James Toney: I can tell you right now - it’s bull shit! You know how much they offered me? $7,000!
J.S: $70,000?
J.T: No; $7,000! They must be out of their mind! I’m a former world champ and a current world champ - I’m the IBA heavyweight champion - why would I enter a BS tournament like that? For chump change?
J.S: We got excited thinking you’d be in the tourney - Kevin Johnson has reportedly signed up for it. I had you down as a potential winner!
J.T: No, not for chump change. They can kiss my ass! As I say, I’m the IBA heavyweight champion; I want someone to come up and challenge me so I can defend my title. No disrespect, but no dumb ass tournament means anything to me; why should it?
J.S: Well, thanks for quashing the rumours, Champ. We look forward to your next fight, whoever it may be against.
J.T: Okay. And you can tell him from me: David Haye is gay! You tell him from me when you see him!
Okay, it’s short and sweet; but I defy any other writer to be able to go out and get a better interview from J.T, the mood he is in today! I pity his next opponent!
jame toney has to be the best interview in boxing
that's if you believe he was only offered $7,000.
I know the "Prizefighter" doesn't usually pay that high, but I highly doubt Kevin Johnson and others would do it for 7k.
Toney is pretty delusional right now, thinking people actually care about him and his IBA title. If he wants his shot against the "Bitchko's" (lmao) winning a tournament like that certainly could make him more relevant in boxing. Then again, he probably wouldn't win.
I know the "Prizefighter" doesn't usually pay that high, but I highly doubt Kevin Johnson and others would do it for 7k.
Toney is pretty delusional right now, thinking people actually care about him and his IBA title. If he wants his shot against the "Bitchko's" (lmao) winning a tournament like that certainly could make him more relevant in boxing. Then again, he probably wouldn't win.
Khan expects 20,000 fans for McCloskey bout on 4/16
By Scott Gilfoid: WBA Super World light welterweight champion Amir Khan (24-1, 17 KO’s) expects a large crowd of 20,000 fans to come see his April 16th fight against the little known EBU light welterweight champion Paul McCloskey (22-0, 12 KO’s) at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, England.
The fight will be pay-per-view for fans in the UK, which hasn’t exactly endeared Khan to a lot of his fans because many of them don’t see this fight as PPV material. It’s hard to argue with that because anytime you have a champion like Khan handpicking an opponent that has never faced a top tier in his entire life like McCloskey you get the seeds for a rematch. This was the case with Khan’s fight against Dimitriy Salita in 2009, and now it seems that history is repeating itself with this fight.
Khan didn’t have much of a choice to fight Salita, because he was the mandatory challenger that the WBA put at the #1 spot for Khan. However, Khan did have a choice about whether to face McCloskey or not and instead of taking on guys like Lamont Peterson, Michael Katsidis, and Breidis Prescott, Khan and his management selected McCloskey.
In an interview at Sporting Life, Khan said “He’s [McCloskey] not in my class. I’m a world class fighter. My next step is [Timothy] Bradley. I want to take the 140 pound division to a new level. I’m glad to be coming home. I’ve had my last two fights in Las Vegas and New York and I know my fans have been dying to see me. There’s going to be 20,000 full house.”
Khan wanted to fight in the U.S. because he wanted to build a fan base there. He’s one good fighter over there thus far in Marcos Maidana, barely beating him, and one soft fighter in Paulie Malignaggi. Khan is now going back to fighting soft fighters in what appears to be another soft fighter in McCloskey.
It would seem more logical for Khan to stick to fighting quality guys so that it won’t be so much of a shock for him when he faces Bradley in the summer. What Khan should be doing right now is fighting a rematch with either Prescott or Maidana instead of fighting a guy like McCloskey.
When you get knocked out like Khan did in the Prescott fight, you have to fight the guy again to avenge the defeat, don’t you? And Khan needs to fight Maidana again to dispel the notion that many boxing fans have that Khan would have been knocked out in the last three rounds if the fight if there hadn’t had so many breaks in the action by the referee.
By Scott Gilfoid: WBA Super World light welterweight champion Amir Khan (24-1, 17 KO’s) expects a large crowd of 20,000 fans to come see his April 16th fight against the little known EBU light welterweight champion Paul McCloskey (22-0, 12 KO’s) at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, England.
The fight will be pay-per-view for fans in the UK, which hasn’t exactly endeared Khan to a lot of his fans because many of them don’t see this fight as PPV material. It’s hard to argue with that because anytime you have a champion like Khan handpicking an opponent that has never faced a top tier in his entire life like McCloskey you get the seeds for a rematch. This was the case with Khan’s fight against Dimitriy Salita in 2009, and now it seems that history is repeating itself with this fight.
Khan didn’t have much of a choice to fight Salita, because he was the mandatory challenger that the WBA put at the #1 spot for Khan. However, Khan did have a choice about whether to face McCloskey or not and instead of taking on guys like Lamont Peterson, Michael Katsidis, and Breidis Prescott, Khan and his management selected McCloskey.
In an interview at Sporting Life, Khan said “He’s [McCloskey] not in my class. I’m a world class fighter. My next step is [Timothy] Bradley. I want to take the 140 pound division to a new level. I’m glad to be coming home. I’ve had my last two fights in Las Vegas and New York and I know my fans have been dying to see me. There’s going to be 20,000 full house.”
Khan wanted to fight in the U.S. because he wanted to build a fan base there. He’s one good fighter over there thus far in Marcos Maidana, barely beating him, and one soft fighter in Paulie Malignaggi. Khan is now going back to fighting soft fighters in what appears to be another soft fighter in McCloskey.
It would seem more logical for Khan to stick to fighting quality guys so that it won’t be so much of a shock for him when he faces Bradley in the summer. What Khan should be doing right now is fighting a rematch with either Prescott or Maidana instead of fighting a guy like McCloskey.
When you get knocked out like Khan did in the Prescott fight, you have to fight the guy again to avenge the defeat, don’t you? And Khan needs to fight Maidana again to dispel the notion that many boxing fans have that Khan would have been knocked out in the last three rounds if the fight if there hadn’t had so many breaks in the action by the referee.
Johnson sees himself beating Froch, wants rematch with Hopkins
By Dan Ambrose: 42-year-old Glen Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KO’s) is hoping to get another crack at Bernard Hopkins if Johnson can get by WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (27-1, 20 KO’s) in their semifinal bout in the Super Six tournament on June 4th at the Boardwalk Hall, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Johnson was stopped in the 11th round by Hopkins was back in 1997. A rematch between them is long overdue. However, there is a lot of hoops that both Hopkins and Johnson will have to jump through in order for them to battle it out in a fight that boxing fans would care to watch.
First of all, Johnson will have to not only beat Froch on June 4th, but also beat the winner of the Super Six tournament fight between WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham on May 14th. Ward will likely beat Abraham and put a huge obstacle in front of Johnson or Froch.
Johnson would then have to beat Ward to get to the position where he can fight Hopkins. It’s not likely to happen given how well Ward is fighting. Johnson will likely get tripped up in his fight with Froch, because the British fighter is the favorite in that fight.
As for Hopkins, he has to beat WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal in their rematch on May 21st and then beat Chad Dawson before Hopkins can start looking at facing Johnson. Hopkins will struggle with Pascal and Dawson may be one step too far for the aging 46-year-old Hopkins.
By Dan Ambrose: 42-year-old Glen Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KO’s) is hoping to get another crack at Bernard Hopkins if Johnson can get by WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (27-1, 20 KO’s) in their semifinal bout in the Super Six tournament on June 4th at the Boardwalk Hall, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Johnson was stopped in the 11th round by Hopkins was back in 1997. A rematch between them is long overdue. However, there is a lot of hoops that both Hopkins and Johnson will have to jump through in order for them to battle it out in a fight that boxing fans would care to watch.
First of all, Johnson will have to not only beat Froch on June 4th, but also beat the winner of the Super Six tournament fight between WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham on May 14th. Ward will likely beat Abraham and put a huge obstacle in front of Johnson or Froch.
Johnson would then have to beat Ward to get to the position where he can fight Hopkins. It’s not likely to happen given how well Ward is fighting. Johnson will likely get tripped up in his fight with Froch, because the British fighter is the favorite in that fight.
As for Hopkins, he has to beat WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal in their rematch on May 21st and then beat Chad Dawson before Hopkins can start looking at facing Johnson. Hopkins will struggle with Pascal and Dawson may be one step too far for the aging 46-year-old Hopkins.
Bernard Hopkins speaks on Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao saga and Jean Pascal's D
By Johnny Benz
Bernard Hopkins thinks that maybe Jean Pascal has been watching too much of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. - Manny Pacquiao saga.
At a recent press conference to help hype their rematch on May 21st, Hopkins discussed the situation in which Pascal demanded that Hopkins submit to blood testing before they face one another
In regards to Pascal hurling "take the test" to Hopkins, the man known as "The Executioner" stated: "Maybe he's been watching too much of the (Floyd) Mayweather- (Manny) Pacquiao saga. When he said Naazim Richardson, my trainer, also trained Shane Mosley, at that point everybody knew where it was going. I was thinking, 'Is he trying to say I'm a cheat?' That's when I got up to leave."
In regards to the Mayweather - Pacquiao comment, Hopkins was referring to the ongoing feud Mayweather has with Pacquiao in wanting the Filipino fighter to adhere to strict blood testing to check for performance enhancing drugs (should the two ever fight). In reference to Shane Mosley, it has been reported widely and admitted by Mosley that he used PEDs in the past. "
By Johnny Benz
Bernard Hopkins thinks that maybe Jean Pascal has been watching too much of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. - Manny Pacquiao saga.
At a recent press conference to help hype their rematch on May 21st, Hopkins discussed the situation in which Pascal demanded that Hopkins submit to blood testing before they face one another
In regards to Pascal hurling "take the test" to Hopkins, the man known as "The Executioner" stated: "Maybe he's been watching too much of the (Floyd) Mayweather- (Manny) Pacquiao saga. When he said Naazim Richardson, my trainer, also trained Shane Mosley, at that point everybody knew where it was going. I was thinking, 'Is he trying to say I'm a cheat?' That's when I got up to leave."
In regards to the Mayweather - Pacquiao comment, Hopkins was referring to the ongoing feud Mayweather has with Pacquiao in wanting the Filipino fighter to adhere to strict blood testing to check for performance enhancing drugs (should the two ever fight). In reference to Shane Mosley, it has been reported widely and admitted by Mosley that he used PEDs in the past. "