Boxing News Thread
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Haye showing no signs that he’s going to fight anyone to earn a rematch against Klits
By Sean McDaniel: The roadmap to a rematch with IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimi Klitschko (56-3, 49 KO’s) is an easy one for former World Boxing Association heavyweight champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KO’s) to follow if he wants to get another shot against Wladimir.
All Haye has to do is fight one or two good heavyweights, such as Chris Arreola and Ruslan Chagaev, and beat them. I don’t think Haye has to even look good in beating someone. He’s just got to win and show boxing fans that he’s got the talent to actually beat a real contender instead of carefully picked out old guys like he’d been doing to capture the WBA belt to begin with.
Wladimir needs cover if he gives a rematch to Haye. He can’t just give a rematch to him after the way he beat him on July 2nd, because boxing fans would rake Wladimir over the coals if he were to fight Haye again without him proving himself capable of beating someone worthy.
If Wladimir were to fight Haye without the British heavyweight at least partially redeeming himself in beating someone, it would make it look to a lot of boxing fans like Wladimir and Haye were just out to milk the boxing public for another pay per view bout.
Haye makes things all the worse with his talk of retirement on his 31st birthday in October. It gives one the impression that Haye is selling a product that is about to sell out and people have to purchase it before it’s gone. That makes more than a few people think Haye doesn’t really love the sport and is just out to make more money to cushion his retirement from boxing.
A rematch between Wladimir and Haye or a fight between Haye and Vitali Klitschko would be a big fight. It might not be quite as big as the first fight, but it would still be a sizable payday for both Haye and Klitschko. This is why it’s so bizarre that Haye hasn’t shown any interest in lining up an opponent like Arreola so that he can quickly get back in the ring with one of the Klitschko brothers.
Has Haye lost his nerve or did we all misjudge him? Maybe he was always scary of facing quality guys, and that’s why he fought largely older heavyweights in their late 30s like Monte Barrett, Audley Harrison and John Ruiz.
By Sean McDaniel: The roadmap to a rematch with IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimi Klitschko (56-3, 49 KO’s) is an easy one for former World Boxing Association heavyweight champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KO’s) to follow if he wants to get another shot against Wladimir.
All Haye has to do is fight one or two good heavyweights, such as Chris Arreola and Ruslan Chagaev, and beat them. I don’t think Haye has to even look good in beating someone. He’s just got to win and show boxing fans that he’s got the talent to actually beat a real contender instead of carefully picked out old guys like he’d been doing to capture the WBA belt to begin with.
Wladimir needs cover if he gives a rematch to Haye. He can’t just give a rematch to him after the way he beat him on July 2nd, because boxing fans would rake Wladimir over the coals if he were to fight Haye again without him proving himself capable of beating someone worthy.
If Wladimir were to fight Haye without the British heavyweight at least partially redeeming himself in beating someone, it would make it look to a lot of boxing fans like Wladimir and Haye were just out to milk the boxing public for another pay per view bout.
Haye makes things all the worse with his talk of retirement on his 31st birthday in October. It gives one the impression that Haye is selling a product that is about to sell out and people have to purchase it before it’s gone. That makes more than a few people think Haye doesn’t really love the sport and is just out to make more money to cushion his retirement from boxing.
A rematch between Wladimir and Haye or a fight between Haye and Vitali Klitschko would be a big fight. It might not be quite as big as the first fight, but it would still be a sizable payday for both Haye and Klitschko. This is why it’s so bizarre that Haye hasn’t shown any interest in lining up an opponent like Arreola so that he can quickly get back in the ring with one of the Klitschko brothers.
Has Haye lost his nerve or did we all misjudge him? Maybe he was always scary of facing quality guys, and that’s why he fought largely older heavyweights in their late 30s like Monte Barrett, Audley Harrison and John Ruiz.
Donaire to fight on November 5th, possibly against Omar Narvaez
By Jason Kim: WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (26-1, 18 KO’s) is finally ready to get back in the ring after months of bickering with his promoters at Top Rank.
With those problems now behind him and his contract extended for another four years, Donaire will be looking to get back in the ring on November 5th. He wanted to fight WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo Moreno in order to pick up another title.
However, Moreno isn’t interested in taking the fight. Donaire will now be fighting one of the following guys: Omar Narvaez (35-0, 23 KO’s), Silence Mabuza (23-3, 19 KO’s), Christian Esquivel (23-2, 17 KO’s), Sebastian Gauthier (21-2, 13 KO’s), Alexander Munoz (35-4, 27 KO’s) and Juan Mercedes (26-3, 17 KO’s).
Narvaez is the No.1 choice that Donaire’s management is shooting for, and he’s easily the best pick of that bunch. The other options are good quality fighters, but they’ve all been beaten and Donaire won’t get a lot of credit for knocking off one of them.
According to Dan Rafael, HBO would like to see Donaire fight Vic Darchinyan again. Donaire stopped Darchinyan in the 5th round in July 2007. However, Donaire’s people aren’t interested in trying to put together a rematch with Darchinyan because they’ve been ignored all these years and don’t want to waste any more time trying to put together a fight with Darchinyan.
Donaire destroyed Fernando Montiel in the 2nd round in his last fight in February. It was an impressive punching display by Donaire, as he not only beat a very good fighter in Montiel, but destroyed him in the process in a one-sided fight.
This will likely be the last time that Donaire fights at bantamweight. He plans on moving up to super bantamweight and going after the top champions in that division like WBA champ Jorge Arce.
By Jason Kim: WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (26-1, 18 KO’s) is finally ready to get back in the ring after months of bickering with his promoters at Top Rank.
With those problems now behind him and his contract extended for another four years, Donaire will be looking to get back in the ring on November 5th. He wanted to fight WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo Moreno in order to pick up another title.
However, Moreno isn’t interested in taking the fight. Donaire will now be fighting one of the following guys: Omar Narvaez (35-0, 23 KO’s), Silence Mabuza (23-3, 19 KO’s), Christian Esquivel (23-2, 17 KO’s), Sebastian Gauthier (21-2, 13 KO’s), Alexander Munoz (35-4, 27 KO’s) and Juan Mercedes (26-3, 17 KO’s).
Narvaez is the No.1 choice that Donaire’s management is shooting for, and he’s easily the best pick of that bunch. The other options are good quality fighters, but they’ve all been beaten and Donaire won’t get a lot of credit for knocking off one of them.
According to Dan Rafael, HBO would like to see Donaire fight Vic Darchinyan again. Donaire stopped Darchinyan in the 5th round in July 2007. However, Donaire’s people aren’t interested in trying to put together a rematch with Darchinyan because they’ve been ignored all these years and don’t want to waste any more time trying to put together a fight with Darchinyan.
Donaire destroyed Fernando Montiel in the 2nd round in his last fight in February. It was an impressive punching display by Donaire, as he not only beat a very good fighter in Montiel, but destroyed him in the process in a one-sided fight.
This will likely be the last time that Donaire fights at bantamweight. He plans on moving up to super bantamweight and going after the top champions in that division like WBA champ Jorge Arce.
I don't really consider Khan vs Maidana that close.
It was a unanimous decision, non controversial, he scored a knock down, and won by 2 rounds on 2 cards.
Rematches have to be controversial. Or at the very least a legitimate split. Or a crowd pleasing banger that will sell again just to see two people go at it. Something! Not just "Maidana almost had him". So what? A lot of losers have their moments. I just don't see it.
It was a unanimous decision, non controversial, he scored a knock down, and won by 2 rounds on 2 cards.
Rematches have to be controversial. Or at the very least a legitimate split. Or a crowd pleasing banger that will sell again just to see two people go at it. Something! Not just "Maidana almost had him". So what? A lot of losers have their moments. I just don't see it.
Micky Ward Interview
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Calm, humble, optimistic, respectful and genuine are the attributes that Micky “Irish” Ward (38-13-0) showed when I had the pleasure of interviewing him over the phone on August 9, 2011.
For boxing enthusiasts as well as casual boxing fans, this fighter rarely needs a formal introduction, as his trilogy with Arturo Gatti (40-9-0) showed Ward’s unparalleled heart and dedication to the sport. Their battles took boxing to a whole new level, and provided the fans with three thrilling unforgettable nights.
Last year, a major multiple award winning motion picture “The Fighter” had been released about Ward’s early career. The movie starred Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Any Adams. The sequel, which will include the Gatti vs. Ward trilogy has been officially confirmed, and will begin filming soon.
Please enjoy this interview with Micky Ward below:
VS: What are your thoughts regarding the second film about yourself, featuring the Gatti trilogy?
MW: I think it’s great because most people know and recognize me by the Gatti bouts. And I think that it’s great that they will show the Gatti fights.
VS: Are you aware that there was an investigation going on concerning Gatti’s death, and that the people involved have concluded and will reveal their findings in August 30th?
MW: Yes I have heard something about that. I just hope the truth comes out, because I personally don’t think that he did it himself.
VS: Do you think that “The Fighter” generated any extra interest in the sport of boxing?
MW: I think it did. I don’t know how much, but I do think a little bit. The thing is that in the movie, boxing was more like a backdrop; the movie was more about the family dynamics. So really, it wasn’t a boxing movie. I think that the second one might be more of a boxing movie. There was a lot of drama in the first one, had to show all the craziness.
VS: Who was the hardest hitter that you have ever faced in your entire career?
MW: I couldn’t really think of just one person, there were a lot of them. Alfonzo Sanchez, he was a really hard puncher.
VS: Are you still having vision problems that you were experiencing before?
MW: Yea a little bit, I might have to go back in. It’s not as bad as it was before, but I might have to go get surgery done, not too sure yet.
VS: What is your secret, or maybe you could give some advice on how you planted that amazing left hook to the liver? How did you set it up? It must be one of the best ones in boxing history…
MW: There isn’t really one specific way to get it done. The thing about that punch is you have to take some punches to get in there and let it go. What I would do is try to get my left foot outside of my opponent’s feet, and I would tap upstairs just to make them bring their arms up. Sometimes it didn’t work, so you have to go back to it. But with me, I am a righty, but I punch harder with my left, so that screwed them up too.
VS: In the second movie, will you also be a part of the team? Will you be participating just like in the first one?
MW: Yea I’ll be helping. I’ll be working with them.
VS: Do you still ever wish that you could go through just one more fight, or is boxing well past you?
MW: Its past me. I don’t really miss it. I do miss the conditioning. I trained as hard as I could, I ran as much as I could, I sparred hard, I did everything right. I did everything I could possibly do at the age when I could fight. You have to be realistic, you can’t say ‘Oh I am smarter now, older and I can punch harder.’ You think you can, but you can’t.
VS: Still, what do you miss the most about boxing?
MW: I miss the preparations, and also the condition I was in. I miss the nerves and getting ready for a fight.
VS: What are you doing nowadays?
MW: I am in the boxing gym a lot, I own a boxing gym. Also I own an outside hockey rink. I am also a Teamster Local 25.
VS: Mayweather vs. Ortiz, your pick?
MW: I think Ortiz is a great young fighter, but Mayweather Jr. is not the average or normal guy, he is a different breed.
VS: Pacquiao or JMM in November, who do you pick to win in that fight?
MW: I like Manny. I think he is fighting better, and he is punching hard. Yea I’ll go with Manny.
VS: A while back, Mayweather Jr. fought JMM and easily beat him. What if when fighting him in November, Pacquiao struggles with JMM, does that mean he will look similar to JMM if and when he fights Mayweather Jr.?
MW: No I don’t necessarily think so. I think that styles make fights. Everyone fights differently in every fight. I don’t believe that if Pacquiao struggles with Marquez, that it’s guaranteed he would lose against Mayweather Jr. I just want to see the fight. Those are the two best fighters in the sport.
VS: Many people say that if they ever fought, it would be a boxing savior; do you think that there is such a thing as a boxing saving fight? Does boxing really need saving?
MW: I don’t really think that boxing needs saving, but it would bring back a lot of people to the sport. I think it would bring a lot of interest back to boxing. I don’t think that boxing will ever go anywhere, because it’s the oldest sport there is. But there are a lot of people going to the MMA side. You know what we need? We need the best fighters to fight the best fighters, and that way boxing would go back to where it was in the 70’s. Look at Bernard Hopkins; he will fight anyone in the world. He is the exception to the age rule. He is incredible.
VS: A lot of people are saying that many boxing fans are switching their interest and attention to MMA, your thoughts?
MW: I kind of believe it. I see it actually happening. There are more fights and more action. That’s why you have to have the best fighting the best. It’s all money, money and money. It’s positioning.
VS: When you were actively fighting, was money the most important thing to you, or were you more focused and interested in the fights and the titles?
MW: When I first started fighting as a pro in the 80’s, it wasn’t about money but about getting a title. It was all about winning, and making the money along that. As I got older towards the end of my career, it was all about making money. Obviously you want the title, because being the world champion will make you be remembered for the rest of your life. But that’s not going to pay your bills and live. You need to make the money to have a good life and support your family. You have to be able to spend and have money in the bank.
VS: Well Mayweather Jr. always says that the only thing belts do, is collect dust. And that it’s all about money.
MW: Well he is right in a way. Money is the name of the game. Do you know how many homeless world champions there are right now? Because they won the world title and then blew the money and now are homeless. You have to get the money and save it, put it away. And then you have to be able to work, work, and work. Work and make even more money, to get your benefits, your insurance. And then when you are older and retiring, then take your money out, and start spending it.
VS: What advice would you give to the young boxers out there trying to make it?
MW: If you do it, do it 110%. Don’t cut corners. You only get out of it what you put into it. It’s a very tough sport. If you don’t do it the right way, don’t do it at all. You can get hurt and never make it.
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Calm, humble, optimistic, respectful and genuine are the attributes that Micky “Irish” Ward (38-13-0) showed when I had the pleasure of interviewing him over the phone on August 9, 2011.
For boxing enthusiasts as well as casual boxing fans, this fighter rarely needs a formal introduction, as his trilogy with Arturo Gatti (40-9-0) showed Ward’s unparalleled heart and dedication to the sport. Their battles took boxing to a whole new level, and provided the fans with three thrilling unforgettable nights.
Last year, a major multiple award winning motion picture “The Fighter” had been released about Ward’s early career. The movie starred Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Any Adams. The sequel, which will include the Gatti vs. Ward trilogy has been officially confirmed, and will begin filming soon.
Please enjoy this interview with Micky Ward below:
VS: What are your thoughts regarding the second film about yourself, featuring the Gatti trilogy?
MW: I think it’s great because most people know and recognize me by the Gatti bouts. And I think that it’s great that they will show the Gatti fights.
VS: Are you aware that there was an investigation going on concerning Gatti’s death, and that the people involved have concluded and will reveal their findings in August 30th?
MW: Yes I have heard something about that. I just hope the truth comes out, because I personally don’t think that he did it himself.
VS: Do you think that “The Fighter” generated any extra interest in the sport of boxing?
MW: I think it did. I don’t know how much, but I do think a little bit. The thing is that in the movie, boxing was more like a backdrop; the movie was more about the family dynamics. So really, it wasn’t a boxing movie. I think that the second one might be more of a boxing movie. There was a lot of drama in the first one, had to show all the craziness.
VS: Who was the hardest hitter that you have ever faced in your entire career?
MW: I couldn’t really think of just one person, there were a lot of them. Alfonzo Sanchez, he was a really hard puncher.
VS: Are you still having vision problems that you were experiencing before?
MW: Yea a little bit, I might have to go back in. It’s not as bad as it was before, but I might have to go get surgery done, not too sure yet.
VS: What is your secret, or maybe you could give some advice on how you planted that amazing left hook to the liver? How did you set it up? It must be one of the best ones in boxing history…
MW: There isn’t really one specific way to get it done. The thing about that punch is you have to take some punches to get in there and let it go. What I would do is try to get my left foot outside of my opponent’s feet, and I would tap upstairs just to make them bring their arms up. Sometimes it didn’t work, so you have to go back to it. But with me, I am a righty, but I punch harder with my left, so that screwed them up too.
VS: In the second movie, will you also be a part of the team? Will you be participating just like in the first one?
MW: Yea I’ll be helping. I’ll be working with them.
VS: Do you still ever wish that you could go through just one more fight, or is boxing well past you?
MW: Its past me. I don’t really miss it. I do miss the conditioning. I trained as hard as I could, I ran as much as I could, I sparred hard, I did everything right. I did everything I could possibly do at the age when I could fight. You have to be realistic, you can’t say ‘Oh I am smarter now, older and I can punch harder.’ You think you can, but you can’t.
VS: Still, what do you miss the most about boxing?
MW: I miss the preparations, and also the condition I was in. I miss the nerves and getting ready for a fight.
VS: What are you doing nowadays?
MW: I am in the boxing gym a lot, I own a boxing gym. Also I own an outside hockey rink. I am also a Teamster Local 25.
VS: Mayweather vs. Ortiz, your pick?
MW: I think Ortiz is a great young fighter, but Mayweather Jr. is not the average or normal guy, he is a different breed.
VS: Pacquiao or JMM in November, who do you pick to win in that fight?
MW: I like Manny. I think he is fighting better, and he is punching hard. Yea I’ll go with Manny.
VS: A while back, Mayweather Jr. fought JMM and easily beat him. What if when fighting him in November, Pacquiao struggles with JMM, does that mean he will look similar to JMM if and when he fights Mayweather Jr.?
MW: No I don’t necessarily think so. I think that styles make fights. Everyone fights differently in every fight. I don’t believe that if Pacquiao struggles with Marquez, that it’s guaranteed he would lose against Mayweather Jr. I just want to see the fight. Those are the two best fighters in the sport.
VS: Many people say that if they ever fought, it would be a boxing savior; do you think that there is such a thing as a boxing saving fight? Does boxing really need saving?
MW: I don’t really think that boxing needs saving, but it would bring back a lot of people to the sport. I think it would bring a lot of interest back to boxing. I don’t think that boxing will ever go anywhere, because it’s the oldest sport there is. But there are a lot of people going to the MMA side. You know what we need? We need the best fighters to fight the best fighters, and that way boxing would go back to where it was in the 70’s. Look at Bernard Hopkins; he will fight anyone in the world. He is the exception to the age rule. He is incredible.
VS: A lot of people are saying that many boxing fans are switching their interest and attention to MMA, your thoughts?
MW: I kind of believe it. I see it actually happening. There are more fights and more action. That’s why you have to have the best fighting the best. It’s all money, money and money. It’s positioning.
VS: When you were actively fighting, was money the most important thing to you, or were you more focused and interested in the fights and the titles?
MW: When I first started fighting as a pro in the 80’s, it wasn’t about money but about getting a title. It was all about winning, and making the money along that. As I got older towards the end of my career, it was all about making money. Obviously you want the title, because being the world champion will make you be remembered for the rest of your life. But that’s not going to pay your bills and live. You need to make the money to have a good life and support your family. You have to be able to spend and have money in the bank.
VS: Well Mayweather Jr. always says that the only thing belts do, is collect dust. And that it’s all about money.
MW: Well he is right in a way. Money is the name of the game. Do you know how many homeless world champions there are right now? Because they won the world title and then blew the money and now are homeless. You have to get the money and save it, put it away. And then you have to be able to work, work, and work. Work and make even more money, to get your benefits, your insurance. And then when you are older and retiring, then take your money out, and start spending it.
VS: What advice would you give to the young boxers out there trying to make it?
MW: If you do it, do it 110%. Don’t cut corners. You only get out of it what you put into it. It’s a very tough sport. If you don’t do it the right way, don’t do it at all. You can get hurt and never make it.
Malignaggi vs. Lora on Hopkins-Dawson undercard on October 15th
By Dan Ambrose: Former IBF light welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (29-4, 6 KO’s) will be fighting on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson fight on October 15th against little known fighter Orlando Lora (28-1-1, 19 KO’s) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
This is another fairly safe fight for the 30-year-old Malingaggi. It looks like his promoter isn’t going to take any chances of putting him in with a live body before Malignaggi gets a title shot – and gets destroyed – by one of the champions. Since moving up to the welterweight division in 2010, Malignaggi has fought twice, beating Michael Lozada and Jose Miguel Cotto.
Lora is more like Lozada. Actually, Lora is a couple steps down from Cotto. Malignaggi, ranked #9 WBO, #11 IBF, #3 WBA, #11 WBC, defeated Cotto in his last fight by a wide 10 round decision. Malignaggi took a lot of head shots early on in the fight but after Cotto tired out, Malignaggi was able to dominate the remainder of the fight.
Lora, 30, has fought mostly guys with losing records during his career, which would explain his impressive 28-1 record. When Lora did finally step it up last year in a fight against David Estrada, Lora was badly beaten and stopped in the 8th round of a one-sided fight.
Given that outcome, it’s kind of sad that Malignaggi is being put in with Lora. You would think that with the experience that Malignaggi has he’d be matched against someone that could make a fight of it. However, don’t expect Malignaggi to be matched against anyone with a pulse before he gets a title shots. He’ll lose, of course, but at least he’ll get another title shot.
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By Dan Ambrose: Former IBF light welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (29-4, 6 KO’s) will be fighting on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson fight on October 15th against little known fighter Orlando Lora (28-1-1, 19 KO’s) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
This is another fairly safe fight for the 30-year-old Malingaggi. It looks like his promoter isn’t going to take any chances of putting him in with a live body before Malignaggi gets a title shot – and gets destroyed – by one of the champions. Since moving up to the welterweight division in 2010, Malignaggi has fought twice, beating Michael Lozada and Jose Miguel Cotto.
Lora is more like Lozada. Actually, Lora is a couple steps down from Cotto. Malignaggi, ranked #9 WBO, #11 IBF, #3 WBA, #11 WBC, defeated Cotto in his last fight by a wide 10 round decision. Malignaggi took a lot of head shots early on in the fight but after Cotto tired out, Malignaggi was able to dominate the remainder of the fight.
Lora, 30, has fought mostly guys with losing records during his career, which would explain his impressive 28-1 record. When Lora did finally step it up last year in a fight against David Estrada, Lora was badly beaten and stopped in the 8th round of a one-sided fight.
Given that outcome, it’s kind of sad that Malignaggi is being put in with Lora. You would think that with the experience that Malignaggi has he’d be matched against someone that could make a fight of it. However, don’t expect Malignaggi to be matched against anyone with a pulse before he gets a title shots. He’ll lose, of course, but at least he’ll get another title shot.
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Povetkin vs. Chagaev for vacant WBA strap on August 27th
By Jason Kim: Alexander Povetkin (21-0, 15 KO’s) will be tangling with former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) for the vacant World Boxing Association title belt on August 27th at the Messehalle, Erfurt, Thuringen, Germany.
This is Povetkin’s big chance to finally fight for a heavyweight title after seven long years of grooming to get to this spot. Povetkin could have fought Wladimir Klitschko for a title in the past but at the advice of his trainer he chose not to.
For this fight, Povetkin will be trained by ESPN analyst/trainer Teddy Atlas in Russia. If Povetkin can’t beat the 32-year-old Chagaev for the vacant title it’s unclear who he’s going to be able to beat, because the other heavyweight titles belong to the Klitschko brothers.
The 6’1” Povetkin would probably be too small to beat either of those guys. Chagaev, for his part, was already stopped in the 9th round two years ago by Wladimir. However, there’s a possibility that Chagaev could end up meeting up with Wladimir again if he can beat Povetkin.
It’s going to be a big ask for Chagaev, because he hasn’t looked very good recently in beating Kali Meehan and Travis Walker since the Klitschko loss. Povetkin hasn’t exactly shined either as of late. He looked fairly good in 2008 when he defeated Chris Byrd and Eddie Chambers in the International Boxing Federation title eliminator tournament. But it’s been downhill since them, as Povetkin looks slower and not as sharp as he was during that period of his career.
Povetkin will likely win this fight by outworking Chagaev. However, Chagaev could give him some problems with his usual in and out style of fighting.
By Jason Kim: Alexander Povetkin (21-0, 15 KO’s) will be tangling with former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) for the vacant World Boxing Association title belt on August 27th at the Messehalle, Erfurt, Thuringen, Germany.
This is Povetkin’s big chance to finally fight for a heavyweight title after seven long years of grooming to get to this spot. Povetkin could have fought Wladimir Klitschko for a title in the past but at the advice of his trainer he chose not to.
For this fight, Povetkin will be trained by ESPN analyst/trainer Teddy Atlas in Russia. If Povetkin can’t beat the 32-year-old Chagaev for the vacant title it’s unclear who he’s going to be able to beat, because the other heavyweight titles belong to the Klitschko brothers.
The 6’1” Povetkin would probably be too small to beat either of those guys. Chagaev, for his part, was already stopped in the 9th round two years ago by Wladimir. However, there’s a possibility that Chagaev could end up meeting up with Wladimir again if he can beat Povetkin.
It’s going to be a big ask for Chagaev, because he hasn’t looked very good recently in beating Kali Meehan and Travis Walker since the Klitschko loss. Povetkin hasn’t exactly shined either as of late. He looked fairly good in 2008 when he defeated Chris Byrd and Eddie Chambers in the International Boxing Federation title eliminator tournament. But it’s been downhill since them, as Povetkin looks slower and not as sharp as he was during that period of his career.
Povetkin will likely win this fight by outworking Chagaev. However, Chagaev could give him some problems with his usual in and out style of fighting.
Andrade Takes A Gamble On ESPN
Next Friday, August 19th, the 2007 Amateur World Champion, and 2008 U.S. Olympian, Demetrius Andrade (13-0, 9KO’s) will step up in competition and look to make a huge statement, when he takes on dangerous veteran, and winner of Season 2 of "The Contender" Grady Brewer (28-12, 16KO’s) in the main event on this year’s finale of ESPN’s "Friday Night Fights" at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. The bout, which was put together on very short notice after the original main event fell through, is scheduled for ten rounds; the first of Andrade’s career; in the jr. middleweight division.
"Demetrius has been asking us for this type of fight," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing, co-promoter of Andrade with Banner Promotions. "A fight where he can show everyone what we already know, that he is a future world champion. Not only is he taking this dangerous fight, but he is taking it on very short notice. An impressive showing on the 19th will propel Demetrius from an upcoming prospect to true contender and serious force to be reckoned with in the jr. middleweight division."
Critics and naysayers are a very common in the sport of boxing. Every fight fan who has ever watched a live fight, automatically believes they are an expert of the sport. Way too often, as an up and coming prospect is making his way through the ranks, these so-called boxing experts will quickly become impatient and start criticizing the prospects talent and skills, his level of opposition, and his progression.
Since turning pro in late 2008 with a second round TKO over Patrick Cape, Andrade has experienced this. Having stopped nine of his thirteen opponents, seven in two rounds or less, and losing only a handful of rounds on the official judge’s scorecards in his other four decision victories, it is clear that Andrade has been extremely dominant. This domination has led people to believe that Andrade has been matched too softly, despite his opponents having a sixty five percent win to loss ratio, including three of which were previously undefeated fighters, and five more over with just one loss on their record’s.
Now Andrade will be looking to make a huge statment to the boxing world when he squares off against the very dangerous Brewer. In addition to winning the Contender Tournament by defeating former world champion Steve Forbes, Brewer holds victories over current IBF Jr. Middleweight Champion, Cornelius Bundrage and is coming off his most impressive victory to date, a fourth round TKO over highly regarded Fernando Guerrero (21-0, 16KO’s at the time) in June of this year.
"I’m ready to put on an exciting performance come August 19th," stated Andrade. "Brewer is a tough opponent, but I am just too fast and too strong for him, and everyone will see that fight night. This is a huge fight for me, as a win will propel me into the world ratings, and put me in line to start facing the top fighters in the jr. middleweight division."
The Andrade-Brewer bout is scheduled for ten rounds in the jr. middleweight division and is promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions. ESPN will begin live coverage starting at 9PM ET.
Next Friday, August 19th, the 2007 Amateur World Champion, and 2008 U.S. Olympian, Demetrius Andrade (13-0, 9KO’s) will step up in competition and look to make a huge statement, when he takes on dangerous veteran, and winner of Season 2 of "The Contender" Grady Brewer (28-12, 16KO’s) in the main event on this year’s finale of ESPN’s "Friday Night Fights" at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. The bout, which was put together on very short notice after the original main event fell through, is scheduled for ten rounds; the first of Andrade’s career; in the jr. middleweight division.
"Demetrius has been asking us for this type of fight," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing, co-promoter of Andrade with Banner Promotions. "A fight where he can show everyone what we already know, that he is a future world champion. Not only is he taking this dangerous fight, but he is taking it on very short notice. An impressive showing on the 19th will propel Demetrius from an upcoming prospect to true contender and serious force to be reckoned with in the jr. middleweight division."
Critics and naysayers are a very common in the sport of boxing. Every fight fan who has ever watched a live fight, automatically believes they are an expert of the sport. Way too often, as an up and coming prospect is making his way through the ranks, these so-called boxing experts will quickly become impatient and start criticizing the prospects talent and skills, his level of opposition, and his progression.
Since turning pro in late 2008 with a second round TKO over Patrick Cape, Andrade has experienced this. Having stopped nine of his thirteen opponents, seven in two rounds or less, and losing only a handful of rounds on the official judge’s scorecards in his other four decision victories, it is clear that Andrade has been extremely dominant. This domination has led people to believe that Andrade has been matched too softly, despite his opponents having a sixty five percent win to loss ratio, including three of which were previously undefeated fighters, and five more over with just one loss on their record’s.
Now Andrade will be looking to make a huge statment to the boxing world when he squares off against the very dangerous Brewer. In addition to winning the Contender Tournament by defeating former world champion Steve Forbes, Brewer holds victories over current IBF Jr. Middleweight Champion, Cornelius Bundrage and is coming off his most impressive victory to date, a fourth round TKO over highly regarded Fernando Guerrero (21-0, 16KO’s at the time) in June of this year.
"I’m ready to put on an exciting performance come August 19th," stated Andrade. "Brewer is a tough opponent, but I am just too fast and too strong for him, and everyone will see that fight night. This is a huge fight for me, as a win will propel me into the world ratings, and put me in line to start facing the top fighters in the jr. middleweight division."
The Andrade-Brewer bout is scheduled for ten rounds in the jr. middleweight division and is promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions. ESPN will begin live coverage starting at 9PM ET.