Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
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If berto had NO OPTIONS then I wouldn't care if he fought another 140 pounder, but he does have options. I mean it's not like HBO isn't willing to put up a large purse for a known name at 147, a guy who has fought Sergio Martinez, Margarito, Angulo, Paul Williams and Matthysse. It's not like this same guy isn't begging for a fight, calling him a faggot, going to all the boxing media outlets and calling him out making him look like a fool.
But I don't know, I guess this guy has just TOOOOO much punching power
But I don't know, I guess this guy has just TOOOOO much punching power
Pacquiao-CBS/Showtime: It's Good For Boxing, Says Koncz
By Lem Satterfield
Michael Koncz, the adviser to WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, believes their decision to take the May 7 pay-per-view fight with Shane Mosley to HBO's network rival, Showtime/CBS, will be good for the sport of boxing. Koncz acknowledged a big advantage presented by Showtime's ability to televise a multi-part series that is equivalent to HBO's 24/7 -- on CBS primetime. There is also CBS's ability to reach 115 million homes compared to HBO's 28 million homes. All of Pacquiao's major pay-per-view fights have been carried by HBO.
"As I've told the media before, we've had a great experience with HBO. There are no complaints there. But we've felt that there was an advantage because of the fact that CBS has an audience base of over 100 million. We just think that it's worth a chance and it's worth a change because we're trying to, again, make Manny that rock star -- that crossover star. In order to accomplish that we need to get him exposure outside of the hardcore boxing fans," Koncz said.
If the move to Showtime/CBS is successful, it could bring boxing back into the mainstream. If that happens, Koncz feels Pacquiao should get some of the credit for helping the sport grow.
"I absolutely think that. I think that if our calculations prove correct concerning what this move to CBS and Showtime and is going to do, as we expect, then, yes, Manny should be credited for doing that. Manny is a non-American, an Asian fighter and boxer who is bringing the sport back to the American public on free television," Koncz said.
By Lem Satterfield
Michael Koncz, the adviser to WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, believes their decision to take the May 7 pay-per-view fight with Shane Mosley to HBO's network rival, Showtime/CBS, will be good for the sport of boxing. Koncz acknowledged a big advantage presented by Showtime's ability to televise a multi-part series that is equivalent to HBO's 24/7 -- on CBS primetime. There is also CBS's ability to reach 115 million homes compared to HBO's 28 million homes. All of Pacquiao's major pay-per-view fights have been carried by HBO.
"As I've told the media before, we've had a great experience with HBO. There are no complaints there. But we've felt that there was an advantage because of the fact that CBS has an audience base of over 100 million. We just think that it's worth a chance and it's worth a change because we're trying to, again, make Manny that rock star -- that crossover star. In order to accomplish that we need to get him exposure outside of the hardcore boxing fans," Koncz said.
If the move to Showtime/CBS is successful, it could bring boxing back into the mainstream. If that happens, Koncz feels Pacquiao should get some of the credit for helping the sport grow.
"I absolutely think that. I think that if our calculations prove correct concerning what this move to CBS and Showtime and is going to do, as we expect, then, yes, Manny should be credited for doing that. Manny is a non-American, an Asian fighter and boxer who is bringing the sport back to the American public on free television," Koncz said.
Roach: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Will Not Be Like His Father
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Freddie Roach, the trainer of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., says the 24-year-old boxer will not be as good as his hall of fame father, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Roach is in Mexico training Chavez for Saturday fight against Billy Lyell. Chavez has a record of 41-0, 30KOs. Chavez Sr. finished his career with three division titles, a rep as the greatest boxer to come out of Mexico and end his career with a record of 107-6-2, 86KOs. Chavez went 89-0 before losing his first contest.
"He is not going to be like his dad. He will be a world champion, and that I have no doubt he will do. But whether he's going to win titles in three divisions like his dad, remains to be seen. We will work on that. I believe he has great potential to be great, but not like his father. There is only one Julio Cesar Chavez," Roach said to Jose Escalante.
Roach was once a pro boxer before he turned to training. He was once offered a fight against Chavez's father but the bout never happened. In that era, Roach saw Chavez Sr. as the best fighter around. He considers him one of the best of all-time in any era.
"One of the most memorable moments that I've had in my life was when I was offered the fight with Julio Cesar Chavez. For me, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life as a fighter because you always want to fight the best, and Julio was at that time the best fighter pound for pound," said the Coach.
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Freddie Roach, the trainer of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., says the 24-year-old boxer will not be as good as his hall of fame father, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Roach is in Mexico training Chavez for Saturday fight against Billy Lyell. Chavez has a record of 41-0, 30KOs. Chavez Sr. finished his career with three division titles, a rep as the greatest boxer to come out of Mexico and end his career with a record of 107-6-2, 86KOs. Chavez went 89-0 before losing his first contest.
"He is not going to be like his dad. He will be a world champion, and that I have no doubt he will do. But whether he's going to win titles in three divisions like his dad, remains to be seen. We will work on that. I believe he has great potential to be great, but not like his father. There is only one Julio Cesar Chavez," Roach said to Jose Escalante.
Roach was once a pro boxer before he turned to training. He was once offered a fight against Chavez's father but the bout never happened. In that era, Roach saw Chavez Sr. as the best fighter around. He considers him one of the best of all-time in any era.
"One of the most memorable moments that I've had in my life was when I was offered the fight with Julio Cesar Chavez. For me, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life as a fighter because you always want to fight the best, and Julio was at that time the best fighter pound for pound," said the Coach.
Maidana: "Cheap" Khan Will Never Fight Me Again
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Sebastian Contursi, adviser to junior welterweight Marcos Maidana (29-2, 27KOs) has issued a statement through the press in Argentina on behalf of his boxer to respond to the printed claims of WBA champion Amir Khan. Contursi and the boxer are upset over a statement that Khan made - “Maidana had asked for a stupid number to fight me and then came to his senses and accepted the second offer”.
Maidana called the Khan statement a "lie." and went further by saying "what kind of bulls**t did he say now, about me coming to my senses? Khan needs to come to his senses and made a decision as to whether not he wants to be a boxer or a promoter? He is selfish and cheap and offers poor purses to his opponents."
Now Maidana would like to get his hands on Khan for a rematch of last year's "fight of the year" but he doesn't believes it will happen.
"Everybody wants the rematch. Khan will never fight me again. He will never take the risk after barely winning the first time with his damaged face. And he will always use the subject of money to avoid the fight
By Jhonny Gonzalez
Sebastian Contursi, adviser to junior welterweight Marcos Maidana (29-2, 27KOs) has issued a statement through the press in Argentina on behalf of his boxer to respond to the printed claims of WBA champion Amir Khan. Contursi and the boxer are upset over a statement that Khan made - “Maidana had asked for a stupid number to fight me and then came to his senses and accepted the second offer”.
Maidana called the Khan statement a "lie." and went further by saying "what kind of bulls**t did he say now, about me coming to my senses? Khan needs to come to his senses and made a decision as to whether not he wants to be a boxer or a promoter? He is selfish and cheap and offers poor purses to his opponents."
Now Maidana would like to get his hands on Khan for a rematch of last year's "fight of the year" but he doesn't believes it will happen.
"Everybody wants the rematch. Khan will never fight me again. He will never take the risk after barely winning the first time with his damaged face. And he will always use the subject of money to avoid the fight
maybe but berto also brought this on himself though (any lack of respect he may deserve).
I like berto, I just want to see him take some better challenges. Kermit I think while sure, he's folded in some pressure situations but he also kept his poise against Angulo so you never know. Plus, like I said when I predicted Martinez to knock out Williams, Kermit buckled Williams' legs just prior to the leap frog incident so I'd like to see what Berto's chin is like against real power like Kermit's. He's never faced anyone that can bang like Kermit.
On top of that, win lose or draw Kermit he's always entertaining! Whether it's crying to his daddy in margarito, getting "headbutted" by a punch from sergio martinez or flying out the ring dude is pure entertainment!
I like berto, I just want to see him take some better challenges. Kermit I think while sure, he's folded in some pressure situations but he also kept his poise against Angulo so you never know. Plus, like I said when I predicted Martinez to knock out Williams, Kermit buckled Williams' legs just prior to the leap frog incident so I'd like to see what Berto's chin is like against real power like Kermit's. He's never faced anyone that can bang like Kermit.
On top of that, win lose or draw Kermit he's always entertaining! Whether it's crying to his daddy in margarito, getting "headbutted" by a punch from sergio martinez or flying out the ring dude is pure entertainment!
I love this Pirog kid, he's willing fight anyone. After Sergio Martinez turned him down even though it was a unfication bout, Pirog decided to have his first defense of his title in his home of Russia, with no opponent. Ishe Smith, one who is always looking to spoil upcoming stars, challenged him yesterday and early this morning Pirog already says he's down.
Team Pirog: If The WBO Approves We'll Fight Ishe Smith
By Alexey Sukachev
American junior middleweight/middleweight contender Ishe Smith has recently contacted BoxingScene.com to state his desire to fight unbeaten WBO 160-pound champion Dmitry Pirog. The Russian champion's voluntary defense of the belt, which he earned with an eye-catching kayo of prospect Daniel Jacobs, will take place in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on March 26.
"We are ready to fight Ishe Smith anytime he wants if he is approved to contest for the title by the WBO. Right now he is out of the rankings. If he is in, we can start negotiations immediately. Unfortunately, the WBO rejected a good half of our proposals so we are still struggling to sign an opponent. We have nothing against Smith and we are ready to fight him. If he is rated of course," answered promoter German Titov in an exclusive conversation with BoxingScene.
Team Pirog: If The WBO Approves We'll Fight Ishe Smith
By Alexey Sukachev
American junior middleweight/middleweight contender Ishe Smith has recently contacted BoxingScene.com to state his desire to fight unbeaten WBO 160-pound champion Dmitry Pirog. The Russian champion's voluntary defense of the belt, which he earned with an eye-catching kayo of prospect Daniel Jacobs, will take place in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on March 26.
"We are ready to fight Ishe Smith anytime he wants if he is approved to contest for the title by the WBO. Right now he is out of the rankings. If he is in, we can start negotiations immediately. Unfortunately, the WBO rejected a good half of our proposals so we are still struggling to sign an opponent. We have nothing against Smith and we are ready to fight him. If he is rated of course," answered promoter German Titov in an exclusive conversation with BoxingScene.
Joan Guzman: A Promising Career Crippled By Demons
Mark Staniforth
Joan Guzman grew used to being feted as a future pound-for-pound superstar.
When he turned professional in 1997 boasting an amateur record of 310 wins in 320 fights, he was clearly something special.
With fast, hard hands and superb speed and versatility inside the ropes, Guzman won world titles at two different weights and earned favourable comparison with the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao.
When Guzman signed with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions in July 2009, it was with the clear intention of turning the former Santo Domingo street fighter into the next big Las Vegas bill-topper.
"Everyone in boxing knows how good Joan Guzman is," said De La Hoya at the time. "He can box with the best of them and he can also knock you out with either hand.
"Now it's time for Joan to take things even further with super fights against the best fighters around the lightweight division has to offer. Boxing fans are going to be in for a treat when they see what Joan brings to the ring."
The promised super-fights did not happen, and now more than likely never will. Guzman, still only 34 and still unbeaten in his 32-fight career, is on the scrapheap. As career suicides go, Guzman's self-inflicted wounds have been spectacular.
It was announced this week that Guzman had tested positive for a banned diuretic after his two-round win over journeyman Jason Davis on the undercard of Amir Khan's dramatic win over Marcos Maidana in December.
The plan, clearly, had been to rehabilitate Guzman with a view to sharing the ring with Khan. Instead, he faces suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and has been released from his contract by Golden Boy.
Even for such a routine assignment as a warm-up against a nobody welterweight who had lost his last six straight, Guzman's demons got the better of him. For what was agreed as a 141lbs contest, he came in three pounds over at 144lbs.
It was far from the first time the weight had got the better of Guzman, but it ensured once and for all it will be how one of the most talented boxers of his generation is destined to be remembered.
There was a time when Guzman's career blazed with promise. Like when he won his first world title with a stunning third round knockout of previously unbeaten Fabio Daniel Olivia in Cardiff in August 2002.
Or when he leapt to super-featherweight to win the WBO title over Antonio Davis. "I think I'm as good as them [Pacquiao, Barrera and Erik Morales]" said Guzman. "I'd like to fight them one day."
But Guzman's inability to control his weight was already evident as he careered through the weight divisions. By 2008 he was up at lightweight, preparing for a shot at undisputed champion Nate Campbell.
It should have been Guzman's gateway to the glory many had predicted, and it was certainly his biggest payday. Instead it turned into an embarrassment as Guzman weighed in almost four pounds overweight.
Desperate to fight in a bid to stave off bankruptcy, champion Campbell offered to take the bout with no title on the line, but Guzman refused and was promptly admitted to hospital suffering from dehydration.
He subsequently issued a statement in which he said he was "wrong". He added: "There is no-one else to blame for me not making the lightweight limit. Put all the blame on me, because I was completely at fault."
It got worse. The single blot on Guzman's record was a draw in a fight for the vacant IBF lightweight title against Ali Funeka in November 2009. For the rematch 10 months later, Guzman weighed in a barely believable nine pounds over the limit.
Again, his opponent elected to take the fight on the understanding that he would earn the belt if victorious, while Guzman would forfeit any chance of the title as well as 25 per cent of his purse. Guzman scored a tainted win by split decision.
The Davis fight was only Guzman's latest controversy, but probably his last. The street-fighting kid from Santo Domingo had the talent to take on the world. Instead it would prove to be the scales that dealt the knockout blow
Mark Staniforth
Joan Guzman grew used to being feted as a future pound-for-pound superstar.
When he turned professional in 1997 boasting an amateur record of 310 wins in 320 fights, he was clearly something special.
With fast, hard hands and superb speed and versatility inside the ropes, Guzman won world titles at two different weights and earned favourable comparison with the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao.
When Guzman signed with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions in July 2009, it was with the clear intention of turning the former Santo Domingo street fighter into the next big Las Vegas bill-topper.
"Everyone in boxing knows how good Joan Guzman is," said De La Hoya at the time. "He can box with the best of them and he can also knock you out with either hand.
"Now it's time for Joan to take things even further with super fights against the best fighters around the lightweight division has to offer. Boxing fans are going to be in for a treat when they see what Joan brings to the ring."
The promised super-fights did not happen, and now more than likely never will. Guzman, still only 34 and still unbeaten in his 32-fight career, is on the scrapheap. As career suicides go, Guzman's self-inflicted wounds have been spectacular.
It was announced this week that Guzman had tested positive for a banned diuretic after his two-round win over journeyman Jason Davis on the undercard of Amir Khan's dramatic win over Marcos Maidana in December.
The plan, clearly, had been to rehabilitate Guzman with a view to sharing the ring with Khan. Instead, he faces suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and has been released from his contract by Golden Boy.
Even for such a routine assignment as a warm-up against a nobody welterweight who had lost his last six straight, Guzman's demons got the better of him. For what was agreed as a 141lbs contest, he came in three pounds over at 144lbs.
It was far from the first time the weight had got the better of Guzman, but it ensured once and for all it will be how one of the most talented boxers of his generation is destined to be remembered.
There was a time when Guzman's career blazed with promise. Like when he won his first world title with a stunning third round knockout of previously unbeaten Fabio Daniel Olivia in Cardiff in August 2002.
Or when he leapt to super-featherweight to win the WBO title over Antonio Davis. "I think I'm as good as them [Pacquiao, Barrera and Erik Morales]" said Guzman. "I'd like to fight them one day."
But Guzman's inability to control his weight was already evident as he careered through the weight divisions. By 2008 he was up at lightweight, preparing for a shot at undisputed champion Nate Campbell.
It should have been Guzman's gateway to the glory many had predicted, and it was certainly his biggest payday. Instead it turned into an embarrassment as Guzman weighed in almost four pounds overweight.
Desperate to fight in a bid to stave off bankruptcy, champion Campbell offered to take the bout with no title on the line, but Guzman refused and was promptly admitted to hospital suffering from dehydration.
He subsequently issued a statement in which he said he was "wrong". He added: "There is no-one else to blame for me not making the lightweight limit. Put all the blame on me, because I was completely at fault."
It got worse. The single blot on Guzman's record was a draw in a fight for the vacant IBF lightweight title against Ali Funeka in November 2009. For the rematch 10 months later, Guzman weighed in a barely believable nine pounds over the limit.
Again, his opponent elected to take the fight on the understanding that he would earn the belt if victorious, while Guzman would forfeit any chance of the title as well as 25 per cent of his purse. Guzman scored a tainted win by split decision.
The Davis fight was only Guzman's latest controversy, but probably his last. The street-fighting kid from Santo Domingo had the talent to take on the world. Instead it would prove to be the scales that dealt the knockout blow
Khan-McCloskey Agreement Reached in Principle For April?
By Mark Vester
According to a report from BBC Sport, European junior welterweight champion Paul McCloskey (22-0, 12KOs) has agreed in principle to face WBA 140-pound champion Amir Khan (24-1, 17KOs) on April 16 at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Amir's father, Shah, would not confirm if a deal was reached but he said the two sides are very close to an agreement. The finalized deal would depend on HBO approving McCloskey as an opponent but negotiations would not have been drawn out for so many weeks if the network was planning to turn him down.
"I think we are getting very close to tell you the truth," said Shah. "Fingers-crossed, I think we can make it happen."
By Mark Vester
According to a report from BBC Sport, European junior welterweight champion Paul McCloskey (22-0, 12KOs) has agreed in principle to face WBA 140-pound champion Amir Khan (24-1, 17KOs) on April 16 at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Amir's father, Shah, would not confirm if a deal was reached but he said the two sides are very close to an agreement. The finalized deal would depend on HBO approving McCloskey as an opponent but negotiations would not have been drawn out for so many weeks if the network was planning to turn him down.
"I think we are getting very close to tell you the truth," said Shah. "Fingers-crossed, I think we can make it happen."
Wladimir says Haye can still fight him on July 2nd – Boxing News
By William Mackay: IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s) is still hoping that World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) will come to his senses and take the original July 2nd date that the two fighters had initially agreed on. Wladimir has a fight coming up on April 30th against unbeaten Brit Dereck Chisora (14-0, 9 KO’s) and after that, Wladimir could possibly be fighting Tomasz Adamek in September in Poland.
However, July 2nd is still free for Wladimir if Haye wants to step up and take the fight. Haye pulled out of negotiations with Wladimir after finding out that Wladimir wanted a tune-up fight against Chisora. Haye felt that the Chisora-Wladimir would cause Wladimir to either pull out of the July 2nd date, as he would need more time to recover from the Chisora fight, or it would hurt the marketing of the July 2nd Haye-Wladimir fight. Haye feels that his fight with Wladimir will need a lot of marketing to get the maximum pay-per-view benefits.
With Haye set on retiring later this year in October, he needs to take the July 2nd date offered to him by Wladimir. If he doesn’t want to agree to that, then Haye won’t have any other opportunities to fight Wladimir before retiring in October. In that case, Haye will have to bite the bullet, face his fears and take on Vitali Klitschko, a fighter with a stronger chin than Wladimir. It’s unlikely Haye will ever decide to fight Vitali because it would mean an almost guaranteed loss for Haye and one in which he would take a terrible beating. However, if Haye wants the big cash before retiring, he’s going to man up and take the fight with Vitali or else agree to fight Wladimir on July 2nd.
If Haye doesn’t agree to fight Wladimir or Vitali on July 2nd, it will mean that Haye will have to fight his mandatory challenger and that could be a dangerous thing for the weak-chinned Haye. He’s made a living since moving up to the heavyweight division fighting strictly older fighters that are no threat to him. If Haye is forced to fight someone like Denis Boytsov, Alexander Povetkin or Ruslan Chagaev, we could see reduced to jelly on the canvas. He can dish it out, that’s for sure, but Haye’s ability to take it very questionable.
By William Mackay: IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s) is still hoping that World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) will come to his senses and take the original July 2nd date that the two fighters had initially agreed on. Wladimir has a fight coming up on April 30th against unbeaten Brit Dereck Chisora (14-0, 9 KO’s) and after that, Wladimir could possibly be fighting Tomasz Adamek in September in Poland.
However, July 2nd is still free for Wladimir if Haye wants to step up and take the fight. Haye pulled out of negotiations with Wladimir after finding out that Wladimir wanted a tune-up fight against Chisora. Haye felt that the Chisora-Wladimir would cause Wladimir to either pull out of the July 2nd date, as he would need more time to recover from the Chisora fight, or it would hurt the marketing of the July 2nd Haye-Wladimir fight. Haye feels that his fight with Wladimir will need a lot of marketing to get the maximum pay-per-view benefits.
With Haye set on retiring later this year in October, he needs to take the July 2nd date offered to him by Wladimir. If he doesn’t want to agree to that, then Haye won’t have any other opportunities to fight Wladimir before retiring in October. In that case, Haye will have to bite the bullet, face his fears and take on Vitali Klitschko, a fighter with a stronger chin than Wladimir. It’s unlikely Haye will ever decide to fight Vitali because it would mean an almost guaranteed loss for Haye and one in which he would take a terrible beating. However, if Haye wants the big cash before retiring, he’s going to man up and take the fight with Vitali or else agree to fight Wladimir on July 2nd.
If Haye doesn’t agree to fight Wladimir or Vitali on July 2nd, it will mean that Haye will have to fight his mandatory challenger and that could be a dangerous thing for the weak-chinned Haye. He’s made a living since moving up to the heavyweight division fighting strictly older fighters that are no threat to him. If Haye is forced to fight someone like Denis Boytsov, Alexander Povetkin or Ruslan Chagaev, we could see reduced to jelly on the canvas. He can dish it out, that’s for sure, but Haye’s ability to take it very questionable.