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Jul 24, 2005
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Timothy Bradley: "Mayweather Exposed Ricky Hatton

By James Blears

Newly crowned WBC junior welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley wants to fight Ricky Hatton in the near future.

Timothy came to Mexico City to be presented with the green belt by World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman. After thanking his team, co promoters and family for helping him achieve his dream, Tim declared:

“Now I’ve got the belt, I’ve conquered my goal, it’s time to take on all challengers out there. I’m looking for the big fights against the best possible opposition in the world. I’ve got a powerful grip on this belt, and it’s going to be hard to take this belt away from me. I’m letting everyone know that right now.”

Ricky Hatton, who’s due to fight Mexican Juan Lazcano in Manchester on Saturday, is a very high priority on Timothy’s hit list. Tim who studied Junior Wittier for a year to plot his downfall via right hands against a sometimes vulnerably jutting chin, has also thoroughly done his homework on Ricky.

He assessed Ricky by saying: “Ricky Hatton is a great fighter. He pretty much fights one style. He’s a bully. He’s going to be in my face all the time. Mayweather pretty much exposed him, and he’s also susceptible to getting hit by right hands, straight jabs and left hooks. You can just outwork Ricky, but you’ve got to be able to withstand the pressure, you’ve got to be able to punch and you’ve got to use your speed.

“I think Ricky Hatton is chasing the big paydays. He’s trying to go after Paulie Malignaggi (IBF Champion…who’s paradoxically on the undercard) after the Lazcano fight. Hey, but why not go after the young guy, because I’ve got the best belt out there.”

Tim’s co promoter Gary Shaw says the immediate road ahead will probably be an optional fight, unless Hatton changes his path.

"(If) Hatton says I’m not going to fight Malignaggi…I’ll fight Tim Bradley. If that happens, we’ll be there!” Come and get it!” We’ll fight anybody. That’s what champions should do, and that’s what boxing should be like. Not just take easy fights, but defend your belt proudly, and we’ll do that,” Shaw said.

Gary also praised the WBC commenting: “The WBC gave Timothy a chance and I think it proved that the ranking system in the WBC is right.

“A lot of people said Timothy wasn’t worthy of the title shot. But be absolutely proved it and that the WBC can appoint judges internationally. And that an American fighter can get a chance, on the other side of the pond.”

WBC President Jose Sulaiman was quick to explain: “Once again, the WBC proves it’s ratings are the best. We have some of the very best historians and experts in boxing. They are the people who rate the fighters without any influence, and they do a great job.”

Don Jose also agreed Bradley vs. Hatton would be: “A very attractive fight. Timothy Bradley has the merits and right to fight Hatton and give him the opportunity to become a champion. It would be a great fight.”

But concerning the possibility of a Mayweather vs. Hatton rematch, Don Jose cautioned: “They might fight again. But there will not be expectation or interest in the world for the fight, because Floyd showed himself to be much, much better than Hatton, that night.”
 
Jul 24, 2005
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Ronnie Shields - "Hatton's Bad Lifestyle Started Taking Effect In The Mayweather Figh

by James Slater: The ultra-experienced Ronnie Shields, the trainer of Juan Lazcano, is convinced his fighter will beat Ricky Hatton in less than four days time. One of the main factors that Shields believes will lead to "The Hitman's" downfall is the 29-year-old's lifestyle out of the ring when he's not in training.

Most fans, if not all, are aware of Ricky's fondness for drinking the odd beer and eating junk food when he's not got a fight coming up. Seriously ballooning up in weight as a result, (Ricky apparently has two sets of all his clothes - one set for when he's in shape, the other for when he's not) many feel this will take a toll on the fighter one day soon. Shields feels this has already happened.

Speaking to Sky Sports recently, the trainer of Juan Lazcano explained his theory.

"He [Hatton] lives a very bad lifestyle for a fighter," Shields began. "Anyone who goes out and drinks the way he does, it has to take an effect. Personally, I think it started taking an effect in the Floyd Mayweather fight. Floyd Mayweather isn't a big puncher, yet Floyd knocked Ricky out. As could be seen, round after round, Hatton got more and more tired and that's for the simple reason that his lifestyle is starting to take effect on him."

Shields may have a valid point. I for one never felt Mayweather would KO Hatton going into last December's big fight. Out-point, even outclass Hatton, yes. But not knock him out. Yet this is what happened. Of course, it had a lot to do with "Pretty Boy's" pretty precise and fast punches, but Hatton is known for having a good chin. So, is Ronnie Shields correct? Is "The Hitman's" lifestyle beginning to catch up with him? Maybe.

It's unlikely the Hatton faithful, or Ricky himself for that matter, will accept it, but another loss may be on the cards soon, primarily due to the 29-year-old's habit of binge drinking and eating - a habit he seems unlikely to change. It may not come on Saturday, against "The Hispanic (who hopes to be) Causing (more) Panic," but it could come within Hatton's next few fights.

Shields, however, feels it will come in Hatton's very next fight, and that his man will be the one doing the celebrating afterwards. We will soon see!
 
Jul 24, 2005
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Guzman targets Campbell “Your Honeymoon is Over

Two-division champion Joan Guzman has made it no secret that he intends to win a title in the lightweight division. He already has an opponent in mind; the lightweight kingpin and always colorful Nate Campbell. Campbell 32-5-1 (25) who got married last Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla., is currently on his honeymoon..

“Everyone has seen the picture of Nate and his wife in their cute, white, wedding outfits,” said Guzman, who has a record of 28-0, with 17 knockouts. “I hope they’re enjoying their honeymoon because Nate’s honeymoon at the top of the lightweight division is going to end once he finds the courage to fight me.”

Guzman may or may not get his wish since Campbell’s team is in a WBO purse bid with Campbell’s mandatory challenger Joel Casamayor. The purse bid is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27.

“I don’t know why Nate is considering fighting Casamayor,” said Guzman, who is exclusively promoted by San Diego-based Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “I think he’s afraid of me. I’ll make Nate look so bad that he’ll retire after I wipe the floor with him.

“I guess I can understand why Nate doesn’t want to fight me. Twenty-eight boxers have tried to beat me and none of them came close to succeeding.

“I honestly thought Nate was a serious fighter, but I’m starting to question that. If Nate wants a real challenge, he knows where to find me.”
 
Aug 31, 2003
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LIVE FIGHTS TONIGHT ON ESPN 2 AT 9 PM ET.

Cherry Bomb is fighting Stevie Johnston who's been past him prime for a minute now and Freddie Norwood is fighting Johnnie Edwards who last beat him by DQ. You'll probably remember Edwards in getting startched by Gamboa in one round on Friday Fight Nights earlier this year.
 
Aug 31, 2003
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Guzman is on the right path. Campbell is the type of guy that doesn't turn down fights. I got Guzman by UD if it goes down.
Agreed. I would rather see Campbell/Casamayor atm. Casamayor is the LW champ and I'd like to see him either defend it or pass it on before he chases big money fights. Then Guzman fight the winner of that bout.
 
May 13, 2002
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Nate Campbell: "Joan Guzman, I Don't Forget My Visa"

Georgetown, Grand Cayman: - IBF / WBO / WBA king Nate Campbell took a few moments away from his honeymoon to respond to comments made by former 130lb champ Joan Guzman. The always outspoken Campbell had this to say regarding Guzman's "disrespectful comments" DETAILS
 
Jul 24, 2005
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James Toney vs. Fres Oquendo in Talks For July

By Joe Harrison

At the Chicago press conference to promote the June 28 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz, heavyweight contender Fres Oquendo made an appearance and took some time to tell BoxingScene.com about the current status of his career. He discussed why he hasn’t been in the ring and what may be next for him.

Oquendo tells BoxingScene that his team is currently in talks to match him against comebacking heavyweight James Toney for the first week of July.

“That’s just the politics of boxing. You know how it is sometimes. I’m a good fighter. Hopefully I’ll get one of several opportunities. First I was supposed to fight Chris Arreola on June 20th on Showtime, but they pulled out at the last minute. Now he’s fighting some other fighter, lesser known than myself. There’s another opportunity out there, James Toney. They’re negotiating right now for the first week of July. So hopefully I’ll get this, it’ll be a big fight this year.”

When asked who he would wish to fight the most, Oquendo answered, “Samuel Peter, that fight would be the perfect fight made for me. Styles make fights, and I think I’m the fighter to beat him.”

“Ya’ll stay tuned. First week of July, I’m going for James Toney, get that in my belt. After that I’m going for Samuel Peter or (Wladimir) Klitschko for this Fall.
 
May 13, 2002
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I have not had time to peep this yet, but it looks interesting and I know a few people (naner) would love to see this if they haven't already:



Victory is Your Duty
Documentary on Cuban Boxing (and what they think of defectors)





The Issue

In the past seven Olympic Games, Cuba, an island nation with a population of 11 million people, has dominated the sport of boxing: 32 medals, 26 gold. Boxing has held a special place of honor in Cuban society since the Revolution, not least because Castro has deployed the nation's athletes as an unconventional tool of foreign and domestic policy. Sport propels the nation onto the world stage - allowing it to break out of economic and political isolation into a very public and superficially apolitical arena. While the country has never had the military might to challenge the U.S., it has found a way to compete inside the ropes of the boxing ring. Now, as Castro's faltering health has thrown the future into question, Cuba's athletes, as well as the rest its citizens will face a crucial time of transition. While the shift of power from Fidel to his brother Raul seems to have gone smoothly, there are some indications that changes in economic policy may lie on the horizon.

The Film

WIDE ANGLE gains intimate access to the Havana Boxing Academy on the outskirts of Cuba's capital. There, from the tender age of nine, boys hand-picked as future Olympians are molded into soldiers of the ring. They live and train at the academy with a single purpose: to bring home Olympic Gold. Victory is Your Duty follows the boys' dramatic path over eight months of training, schooling and board.

Watch it HERE:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/shows/cuba/index.html#videoplayer
 
May 13, 2002
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Cotto vs. Margarito: A Great Fight, Will it be a Great Event?

By Doug Fischer

Hardcore boxing fans have been treated to some great fights this decade – including Barrera-Morales I, Castillo-Corrales I and this year’s instant classic Vazquez-Marquez III. On a few occasions during the last 10 years, general sports fans have witnessed boxing matches that could be categorized as great events, such as De La Hoya-Trinidad, Lewis-Tyson and last year’s live-gate and pay-per-view record-breaker, De La Hoya-Mayweather.

It’s a pity that the recent high-profile showdowns, for all their crossover appeal and mainstream media coverage, did not produce compelling bouts. It’s even sadder that the thrilling toe-to-toe slugfests of recent years have been witnessed by relatively small live crowds.

Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales fought the first of their three encounters in front of around 6,000 mostly Mexican fight fans in 2000. Half of the Mandalay Bay’s Event Center, where the bout took place, was partitioned off to give the fight a more intimate feeling. Jose Luis Castillo and the late Diego Corrales waged their first brutal war, which some argue is the best fight that ever took place, in front of about 5,000 hardcore fanatics (about 1,000 of whom were either VIPs or members of the media who attended the Boxing Writers Association of America annual dinner the night before the fight) also at the Mandalay Bay.

Last year and this past March, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez put on the kind of classic three-fight series that once would have filled the 18,000-seat Great Western Forum to its rafters, but in today’s market the valiant junior featherweights fought in 8,000-seat venues, with only the rubbermatch selling out.

Whatever happened to great events that also produced great fights?

Remember when the super-fights that had everyone talking were actually entertaining contests once the bell rang? (For a prime example of great fights that made for great events look at the round-robin between Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler in the ‘80s.)

Bob Arum, who promoted Hagler-Hearns and Hagler-Leonard, believes his latest all-Latino showdown between welterweight standouts Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito will be a great fight and a great event.

The veteran promoter is so sure of this that he lobbied the Nevada State Athletic Commission to wave its recent ruling to have pro boxers over the lightweight limit wear 10-ounce gloves in the ring in order to bring the fight to the MGM Grand casino/resort in Las Vegas. (Arum and his two offense-minded welterweights prefer the hard-hitting impact that eight-ounce gloves produce in heated ring combat).

Cotto, the undefeated WBA welterweight titlist, sells well on the East Coast, particularly in New York City where the 2000 Olympian is heavily supported by Puerto Rican fans. However, the Caguas native, who beat Zab Judah and Shane Mosley last year to earn a place on most pound-for-pound lists, has never been much of a draw on the West Coast and he’s never headlined a card in Las Vegas. Margarito, a two-time welterweight titlist who was born in Torrance, California, grew up in Tijuana and now trains in the greater L.A. area, has never attracted a large Mexican following in his “home region” despite his heritage and having fought 23 of his 41 pro bouts in either Tijuana or Southern California.

However, Arum believes that putting the two welterweight punishers in the ring together will create a buzz among fight aficionados so loud that it will attract mainstream sports coverage and a live crowd big enough to fill the MGM Grand’s 17,500-seat Garden Arena on July 26th when the fight will take place.

“We know this is going to be a great fight and we know how big a fight this is,” Bob Halloran, director of sports for MGM-Mirage, told the boxing media at Tuesday’s press conference at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. “The tickets, which go on sale Thursday, have been priced fairly. Ringside tickets are $700 and then they drop to $500, $400, all the way down to $100. We’ve been swamped with calls every day from fans from around the country asking if they can buy tickets, suggesting an automatic sellout.”

Arum is banking on the ethnic background and nationalities of Cotto and Margarito to drum up as much interest in the July showdown as the boxers’ reputations for making all-action fights.

During the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s, ethnic rivalries between recent immigrants from various parts of Europe fueled the sport. As more Spanish-speaking nations produced standout boxers in the ‘60s and ‘70s, rivalries between Latin-American and Latin-Caribbean cultures were formed, however none have been as constant and fierce as the rivalry between Mexican and Puerto Rican fans and fighters.
 
Jul 24, 2005
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yeah that's gay as fuck if they don't. They should at least do something. imo, they should promote the fuck out of this fight.

This is one of the most important fights of the year.


Mexico City, Monday, May 19

it looks like if it's not promoted by golden boy HBO not going to get the hype behind it