Boxing News Thread
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Winky Wright vs. Peter Quillin in the works for May 26th
March 14th, 2012
By Jim Dower: A fight between undefeated middleweight contender Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO’s) and 40-year-old former IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Ronald “Winky” Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO’s) is reportedly in the works for May 26th on the undercard of the Antonio Tarver vs. Lateef Kayode bout, according to Dan Rafael. The fight will be televised by Showtime.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN “They’re both in. I don’t have it signed yet, but both sides have agreed to it. I think it’s a fantastic match-up.”
Quillin and Wright had previously been mentioned as a possible fight for the undercard of the May 5th bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the two sides were unable to put the fight together for that card, but this works out better because the Tarver-Kayode card needs a decent fight like Quillin-Wright.
It’s really hard to say if this will even be a good fight because Wright hasn’t fought in three years since losing by a lopsided 12 round to Paul Williams in April 2009. Wright looked shot in that fight and I can only imagine what three years of inactivity has done to his once impressive skills. I disagree with Schaefer in calling this this as fantastic fight. No, a fantastic fight would be Wright from 2005 facing Quillin, but even that wouldn’t be fantastic because Quillin is pretty limited. He’s a pot shot fighter without a left hand, who loads up with everything but is only capable of throwing single shots. Quillin has no inside game and it would be too easy for a prime Wright to beat this guy. But a 40-year-old Wright is likely deteriorated enough for Quillin to add his scalp to his resume but it’s not saying a whole lot. Quillin needs to face better opposition than this because he’s got so many flaws in his game and he needs to work on improving.
March 14th, 2012
By Jim Dower: A fight between undefeated middleweight contender Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO’s) and 40-year-old former IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Ronald “Winky” Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO’s) is reportedly in the works for May 26th on the undercard of the Antonio Tarver vs. Lateef Kayode bout, according to Dan Rafael. The fight will be televised by Showtime.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN “They’re both in. I don’t have it signed yet, but both sides have agreed to it. I think it’s a fantastic match-up.”
Quillin and Wright had previously been mentioned as a possible fight for the undercard of the May 5th bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the two sides were unable to put the fight together for that card, but this works out better because the Tarver-Kayode card needs a decent fight like Quillin-Wright.
It’s really hard to say if this will even be a good fight because Wright hasn’t fought in three years since losing by a lopsided 12 round to Paul Williams in April 2009. Wright looked shot in that fight and I can only imagine what three years of inactivity has done to his once impressive skills. I disagree with Schaefer in calling this this as fantastic fight. No, a fantastic fight would be Wright from 2005 facing Quillin, but even that wouldn’t be fantastic because Quillin is pretty limited. He’s a pot shot fighter without a left hand, who loads up with everything but is only capable of throwing single shots. Quillin has no inside game and it would be too easy for a prime Wright to beat this guy. But a 40-year-old Wright is likely deteriorated enough for Quillin to add his scalp to his resume but it’s not saying a whole lot. Quillin needs to face better opposition than this because he’s got so many flaws in his game and he needs to work on improving.
Robert Guerrero vs. Selcuk Aydin fight for interim WBC welterweight title on 7/28
March 14th, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: Former featherweight/super featherweight champion Robert Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KO’s) has a little more on the line for his next fight on July 28th against #1 WBC welterweight contender Selcuk Aydin (23-0, 17 KO’s) than what was originally thought. According to boxrec.com, Guerrero and Aydin will be fighting for the interim World Boxing Council welterweight title at the Shark Tank in San Jose, California.
The significance of this is the winner will be within a stones throw of a fight against WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in theory. I don’t actually see Mayweather ever wasting his time in fighting the Aydin-Guerrero winner, though, but there’s an astronomical chance that Mayweather might have an interest in facing Guerrero or Aydin if he’s out of opponents.
As good as those guys are, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense for Mayweather to take on either of those guys any time soon because neither of them have much of a fan base in the United States right now. Guerrero comes from Gilroy, California, but his fan base doesn’t extend much further from the San Jose/Gilroy area.
It’s interesting that Guerrero is being permitted to fight for the interim WBC welterweight title when he’s not even ranked in the top 15 in the welterweight division. Guerrero has been fighting at lightweight and will be moving up two divisions to take the fight. While it’s admirable that he feels confident enough to move up that many weight classes to fight for an interim strap, it is more than a little off putting that he’s being allowed to skip over the top 15 ranked contenders in the WBC. It seems slightly unfair for those guys that have been toiling away and who should have the chance to fight for the interim rather than a guy pulled from two divisions below to get a shot. Guerrero is interested in facing Mayweather and/or Manny Pacquiao, but the interest doesn’t seem mutual from them.
March 14th, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: Former featherweight/super featherweight champion Robert Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KO’s) has a little more on the line for his next fight on July 28th against #1 WBC welterweight contender Selcuk Aydin (23-0, 17 KO’s) than what was originally thought. According to boxrec.com, Guerrero and Aydin will be fighting for the interim World Boxing Council welterweight title at the Shark Tank in San Jose, California.
The significance of this is the winner will be within a stones throw of a fight against WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in theory. I don’t actually see Mayweather ever wasting his time in fighting the Aydin-Guerrero winner, though, but there’s an astronomical chance that Mayweather might have an interest in facing Guerrero or Aydin if he’s out of opponents.
As good as those guys are, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense for Mayweather to take on either of those guys any time soon because neither of them have much of a fan base in the United States right now. Guerrero comes from Gilroy, California, but his fan base doesn’t extend much further from the San Jose/Gilroy area.
It’s interesting that Guerrero is being permitted to fight for the interim WBC welterweight title when he’s not even ranked in the top 15 in the welterweight division. Guerrero has been fighting at lightweight and will be moving up two divisions to take the fight. While it’s admirable that he feels confident enough to move up that many weight classes to fight for an interim strap, it is more than a little off putting that he’s being allowed to skip over the top 15 ranked contenders in the WBC. It seems slightly unfair for those guys that have been toiling away and who should have the chance to fight for the interim rather than a guy pulled from two divisions below to get a shot. Guerrero is interested in facing Mayweather and/or Manny Pacquiao, but the interest doesn’t seem mutual from them.
Sulaiman: Chavez Jr. wants the Sergio Martinez fight, but his promoter Arum doesn’t want it
March 14th, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: WBC President Jose Sulaiman says that WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. isn’t the one that doesn’t want the fight against former WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez. Suliaman says that it’s Chavez’s promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank who doesn’t want that fight, according to The Record.
Sulaiman said to the Record.com.mx“It is not Chavez who does not want the fight, it’s his promoter. They will say that Martinez does not sell, but there is no turning back. A decision has been made by the [49th] convention and should do.”
Sulaiman says that negotiations will start this Monday for a fight between Martinez and Chavez Jr., provided that Martinez wins his next fight coming up on Saturday night against Matthew Macklin. If Martinez and Chavez Jr. can’t come to some kind of agreement within the next 30 days, Sulaiman says there will be a purse bid.
It remains to be seen whether Sulaiman and the World Boxing Council will force Chavez Jr’s hand because it doesn’t appear that Arum has any intention of matching Chavez Jr. against Martinez next. Even if Suliaman forces the issue, there’s a good chance that Chavez Jr. still won’t end up fighting Martinez. Arum can always have Chavez Jr. vacate his WBC title rather than fight Martinez and risk getting knocked out. Chavez Jr’s fights are shown on HBO, and he’s very popular both in the United States and in Mexico. He’ll still be popular even without the WBC title and HBO will likely continue showing Chavez Jr’s fights just as before. With as many titles there are available among the four sanctioning bodies, Chavez Jr. can pick up an interim strap or one of the regular titles after one of the sanctioning bodies elevates a champion to a Super World champ to make room for the popular Chavez Jr.
March 14th, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: WBC President Jose Sulaiman says that WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. isn’t the one that doesn’t want the fight against former WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez. Suliaman says that it’s Chavez’s promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank who doesn’t want that fight, according to The Record.
Sulaiman said to the Record.com.mx“It is not Chavez who does not want the fight, it’s his promoter. They will say that Martinez does not sell, but there is no turning back. A decision has been made by the [49th] convention and should do.”
Sulaiman says that negotiations will start this Monday for a fight between Martinez and Chavez Jr., provided that Martinez wins his next fight coming up on Saturday night against Matthew Macklin. If Martinez and Chavez Jr. can’t come to some kind of agreement within the next 30 days, Sulaiman says there will be a purse bid.
It remains to be seen whether Sulaiman and the World Boxing Council will force Chavez Jr’s hand because it doesn’t appear that Arum has any intention of matching Chavez Jr. against Martinez next. Even if Suliaman forces the issue, there’s a good chance that Chavez Jr. still won’t end up fighting Martinez. Arum can always have Chavez Jr. vacate his WBC title rather than fight Martinez and risk getting knocked out. Chavez Jr’s fights are shown on HBO, and he’s very popular both in the United States and in Mexico. He’ll still be popular even without the WBC title and HBO will likely continue showing Chavez Jr’s fights just as before. With as many titles there are available among the four sanctioning bodies, Chavez Jr. can pick up an interim strap or one of the regular titles after one of the sanctioning bodies elevates a champion to a Super World champ to make room for the popular Chavez Jr.
Brandon Rios-Yuriorkis Gamboa Off - It Was Too Good A Fight To Be True!
By James Slater: Well, it turns out the quite mouth-watering match-up that was unbeaten lightweight stars Brandon Rios Vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa WAS too good to be true after all. Upon hearing about the scheduled April 14th showdown set for Las Vegas, fans, experts, writers and just about anybody else who loves boxing went into a frenzy over the possible, probable FOTY encounter.
But now, as has been reported by ESPN.com, the fight is definitely off. Gamboa, who was unhappy with his contract with Top Rank as well as with the money he would have been paid for the 135-pound title clash, will now face legal proceedings by Top Rank; who are seeking to have their contract with the Cuban defector upheld. It could all get very ugly.
But what of Rios? “Bam Bam,” as Rios is known, showed up at both scheduled press conferences, even if Gambo did not. Having trained as hard as can be for April 14th, Rios and his fans will be pleased to know that there will still be a rival opponent on the other side of the ring inside The Mandalay Bay!
“Brandon is disappointed,” Cameron Dunkin, his manager, told ESPN.com. “He’s mad. He’s hurt. All these emotions. He was really looking forward it. It’s a shame, but he’s still gonna fight.”
According to Dunkin, there is one “probable leading candidate” to take Gamboa’s place: another Cuban in interim WBA 135-pound ruler Richard Abril, 17-2-1(8). Dunkin said that while Abril is a real possibility he will have to talk to a lot of people to get that fight done. But at least Rios WILL be fighting next month, against Abril or another suitable contender.
Fans may recall that Abril got into the face of Rios at the Miami press conference for Rios-Gamboa, and “Bam Bam” would no doubt like to take out his frustrations on the 29-year-old from Miami. Abril is a good fighter, too - having never been stopped. Beaten only by Breidis Prescott and Henry Lundy (both defeats coming by way of split decision), Abril has beaten good names such as Sergio Rivera and Miguel Acosta.
Sure, it’s no Rios-Gamboa, but Rios-Abril is a decent late replacement.
Let’s hope the thrilling Gamboa, as much as he’s annoyed some fans, is not kept on the sidelines now and out of the ring.
By James Slater: Well, it turns out the quite mouth-watering match-up that was unbeaten lightweight stars Brandon Rios Vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa WAS too good to be true after all. Upon hearing about the scheduled April 14th showdown set for Las Vegas, fans, experts, writers and just about anybody else who loves boxing went into a frenzy over the possible, probable FOTY encounter.
But now, as has been reported by ESPN.com, the fight is definitely off. Gamboa, who was unhappy with his contract with Top Rank as well as with the money he would have been paid for the 135-pound title clash, will now face legal proceedings by Top Rank; who are seeking to have their contract with the Cuban defector upheld. It could all get very ugly.
But what of Rios? “Bam Bam,” as Rios is known, showed up at both scheduled press conferences, even if Gambo did not. Having trained as hard as can be for April 14th, Rios and his fans will be pleased to know that there will still be a rival opponent on the other side of the ring inside The Mandalay Bay!
“Brandon is disappointed,” Cameron Dunkin, his manager, told ESPN.com. “He’s mad. He’s hurt. All these emotions. He was really looking forward it. It’s a shame, but he’s still gonna fight.”
According to Dunkin, there is one “probable leading candidate” to take Gamboa’s place: another Cuban in interim WBA 135-pound ruler Richard Abril, 17-2-1(8). Dunkin said that while Abril is a real possibility he will have to talk to a lot of people to get that fight done. But at least Rios WILL be fighting next month, against Abril or another suitable contender.
Fans may recall that Abril got into the face of Rios at the Miami press conference for Rios-Gamboa, and “Bam Bam” would no doubt like to take out his frustrations on the 29-year-old from Miami. Abril is a good fighter, too - having never been stopped. Beaten only by Breidis Prescott and Henry Lundy (both defeats coming by way of split decision), Abril has beaten good names such as Sergio Rivera and Miguel Acosta.
Sure, it’s no Rios-Gamboa, but Rios-Abril is a decent late replacement.
Let’s hope the thrilling Gamboa, as much as he’s annoyed some fans, is not kept on the sidelines now and out of the ring.
Dereck Chisora’s Licence Withdrawn “Indefinitely” By BBB Of C - Warren Deciding Whether Or Not To Appeal
By James Slater: Moments ago at The British Boxing Board of Control HQ, former WBC heavyweight title challenger Dereck Chisora’s licence was withdrawn “indefinitely.”
Due to his controversial conduct both before and (especially) after his recent fight with Vitali Klitschko - when “Del Boy” slapped Vitali at the official weigh-in, then spat water in the face of younger Klitschko brother Wladimir in the ring whilst awaiting the opening bell and then, most seriously of all, got into a post-fight brawl with fellow Brit David Haye - Chisora’s career is now in the balance.
Smiling as he left the Board’s HQ and wearing dark glasses, Chisora now has 14 days in which to appeal the decision. It is unknown if the former British champ will ever be permitted to fight again.
Promoter Frank Warren had only a short statement:
“His licence got withdrawn and what will happen now is we’ll consider whether to appeal the decision.”
By James Slater: Moments ago at The British Boxing Board of Control HQ, former WBC heavyweight title challenger Dereck Chisora’s licence was withdrawn “indefinitely.”
Due to his controversial conduct both before and (especially) after his recent fight with Vitali Klitschko - when “Del Boy” slapped Vitali at the official weigh-in, then spat water in the face of younger Klitschko brother Wladimir in the ring whilst awaiting the opening bell and then, most seriously of all, got into a post-fight brawl with fellow Brit David Haye - Chisora’s career is now in the balance.
Smiling as he left the Board’s HQ and wearing dark glasses, Chisora now has 14 days in which to appeal the decision. It is unknown if the former British champ will ever be permitted to fight again.
Promoter Frank Warren had only a short statement:
“His licence got withdrawn and what will happen now is we’ll consider whether to appeal the decision.”
Hearn settles for putting Froch-Bute in the smaller Capital FM Arena Nottingham rather than the huge outdoor stadium
March 15th, 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Carl Froch, has decided on putting the scheduled May 26th fight between Froch vs. Lucian Bute at the smaller 9000 seat Capital FM Arena Nottingham rather than the huge 20,000+ seat outdoor football stadium Meadow Lane in Nottingham, which would have brought in huge cash for Froch had the fight taken place there. Hearn says Meadow Lane didn’t have a license for boxing, according to Sky Sports News.
That has got to hurt, eh? That’s cutting the seating in half and there was probably a could chance that the fight would have sold out even the huge 20,000 seat Meadow Lane. Too bad. I don’t understand why Hearn doesn’t scout out another huge stadium outside of Nottingham. There’s got to be a ton of places you could put this fight close to Nottingham. Why is limited to just Nottingham? Hearn has to think outside the box if he wants to bring in the fans to make the cash.
Oh, I know it’s for the fans, but I’m sure getting the green stuff for Froch won’t hurt him any. If I’m Froch, I’d be lashing Hearn’s backside getting him to find a bigger venue. How can you be satisfied with a puny 9000 seat arena for the Bute-Froch fight? This could be Froch’s Waterloo and it has to be seen by as many Brit fans as possible because the interest in Froch could die down to a trickle if he gets spanked as bad as I think he will. That’s why Hearn needs to do anything he can to get the most fans he can for the fight.
If not that, then double or trip the cost of the tickets for the 9000 seat arena so it brings in the same kind of cash that the 20,000 seat stadium would have brought in. Sure, you’d turn off a certain percentage of British fans but since they’re literally rushing the box office to purchase the tickets hand over fist, I’m sure Hearn can still sell out all 9000 seats even if he triples the cost of the tickets. He’s got to be sneaky about this. If it was me, those tickets would be marked up big time x 3 and I wouldn’t have a worry about it.
March 15th, 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Carl Froch, has decided on putting the scheduled May 26th fight between Froch vs. Lucian Bute at the smaller 9000 seat Capital FM Arena Nottingham rather than the huge 20,000+ seat outdoor football stadium Meadow Lane in Nottingham, which would have brought in huge cash for Froch had the fight taken place there. Hearn says Meadow Lane didn’t have a license for boxing, according to Sky Sports News.
That has got to hurt, eh? That’s cutting the seating in half and there was probably a could chance that the fight would have sold out even the huge 20,000 seat Meadow Lane. Too bad. I don’t understand why Hearn doesn’t scout out another huge stadium outside of Nottingham. There’s got to be a ton of places you could put this fight close to Nottingham. Why is limited to just Nottingham? Hearn has to think outside the box if he wants to bring in the fans to make the cash.
Oh, I know it’s for the fans, but I’m sure getting the green stuff for Froch won’t hurt him any. If I’m Froch, I’d be lashing Hearn’s backside getting him to find a bigger venue. How can you be satisfied with a puny 9000 seat arena for the Bute-Froch fight? This could be Froch’s Waterloo and it has to be seen by as many Brit fans as possible because the interest in Froch could die down to a trickle if he gets spanked as bad as I think he will. That’s why Hearn needs to do anything he can to get the most fans he can for the fight.
If not that, then double or trip the cost of the tickets for the 9000 seat arena so it brings in the same kind of cash that the 20,000 seat stadium would have brought in. Sure, you’d turn off a certain percentage of British fans but since they’re literally rushing the box office to purchase the tickets hand over fist, I’m sure Hearn can still sell out all 9000 seats even if he triples the cost of the tickets. He’s got to be sneaky about this. If it was me, those tickets would be marked up big time x 3 and I wouldn’t have a worry about it.
Donaire interested in fighting Gamboa
By Chris Williams: WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (28-1, 18 KO’s) sounds enthusiastic about the idea of facing undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa (21-0, 16 KO’s) in the near future. However, it’s going to have to wait a while because Donaire’s promoter Bob Arum has scheduled Donaire to fight former IBF/WBA/WBC super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (44-6-2, 20 KO’s) on July 28th in Texas.
Donaire told the examiner.com “That [fighting Gamboa] would be great for me. I would like to fight the best guys there, but I’m at 122 right now. I don’t want to skip to a division where I know I’m small. And I’m still small at 122; that’s why I’m doing kettle bells, weight lifting and that kind of stuff.”
As you can see, Donaire isn’t isn’t eager to jump in the ring and fight Gamboa or Brandon Rios, a former WBA World lightweight champion. You really can’t blame Donaire because he moved up in weight recently and struggled badly to beat former WBO super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by a 12 round unanimous decision last month. Donaire took a beating in that fight from Vazquez Jr’s jab alone. Donaire couldn’t hurt Vazquez Jr. and it appeared that Donaire’s power hadn’t traveled up with him to the super bantamweight division. Now imagine Donaire moving up yet another weight class to fight Gamboa. Donaire couldn’t fight Rios unless he was ready to move up two divisions not just one.
It seems to be that Donaire won’t ever get around to fighting the likes of Gamboa, Orlando Salido and Juan Manuel Lopez because Donaire is probably going to struggle against the other super bantamweight fighters once he gets around to fighting them. If you haven’t already noticed his promoter Bob Arum is matching Donaire against the light hitting Mijares in his next fight instead of some of the dangerous super bantamweights like Guillermo Rigondeaux and Toshiaki Nishioka in his next fight. That’s going to save Donaire beating for that fight but he’s to start taking punishment as soon as Arum matches him against a decent super bantamweight. Once he starts struggling at this weight, you can pretty much forget seeing Donaire move up against guys even bigger than him with more power. That won’t happen unless Arum is cashing out and I don’t think he will. Donaire has a large Filipino following like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has a large Mexican following. Donaire doesn’t even need to be matched against any one any good and his fans will still follow him if he’s fighting dangerous guys.
By Chris Williams: WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (28-1, 18 KO’s) sounds enthusiastic about the idea of facing undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa (21-0, 16 KO’s) in the near future. However, it’s going to have to wait a while because Donaire’s promoter Bob Arum has scheduled Donaire to fight former IBF/WBA/WBC super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (44-6-2, 20 KO’s) on July 28th in Texas.
Donaire told the examiner.com “That [fighting Gamboa] would be great for me. I would like to fight the best guys there, but I’m at 122 right now. I don’t want to skip to a division where I know I’m small. And I’m still small at 122; that’s why I’m doing kettle bells, weight lifting and that kind of stuff.”
As you can see, Donaire isn’t isn’t eager to jump in the ring and fight Gamboa or Brandon Rios, a former WBA World lightweight champion. You really can’t blame Donaire because he moved up in weight recently and struggled badly to beat former WBO super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by a 12 round unanimous decision last month. Donaire took a beating in that fight from Vazquez Jr’s jab alone. Donaire couldn’t hurt Vazquez Jr. and it appeared that Donaire’s power hadn’t traveled up with him to the super bantamweight division. Now imagine Donaire moving up yet another weight class to fight Gamboa. Donaire couldn’t fight Rios unless he was ready to move up two divisions not just one.
It seems to be that Donaire won’t ever get around to fighting the likes of Gamboa, Orlando Salido and Juan Manuel Lopez because Donaire is probably going to struggle against the other super bantamweight fighters once he gets around to fighting them. If you haven’t already noticed his promoter Bob Arum is matching Donaire against the light hitting Mijares in his next fight instead of some of the dangerous super bantamweights like Guillermo Rigondeaux and Toshiaki Nishioka in his next fight. That’s going to save Donaire beating for that fight but he’s to start taking punishment as soon as Arum matches him against a decent super bantamweight. Once he starts struggling at this weight, you can pretty much forget seeing Donaire move up against guys even bigger than him with more power. That won’t happen unless Arum is cashing out and I don’t think he will. Donaire has a large Filipino following like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has a large Mexican following. Donaire doesn’t even need to be matched against any one any good and his fans will still follow him if he’s fighting dangerous guys.
Dereck Chisora got just deserts with ban but his time may come again
The British Boxing Board of Control got it absolutely right by taking away Dereck Chisora's licence for an indefinite period for brawling with David Haye in Munich last month. But the saga is not over for the most volatile heavyweight in the fight game. Nor can Haye rest easy just yet.
Chisora has to appear before the World Boxing Council in London on Wednesday to argue why it should give him back the $100,000 (£64,000) it withheld from his purse after what the fighter himself admitted was "inexcusable" behaviour before, during and after his world title fight against Vitali Klitschko.
As a result of his slapping, spitting and brawling in Munich, not to mention his threats to shoot Haye, the WBC also withdrew Chisora's right to fight for any of its titles. At the moment, it is a largely academic sanction as he has no licence to box in the UK nor any immediate prospects of fighting elsewhere, although that could change.
There is an obvious dilemma for Chisora: he is 28, has a mother who is seriously distressed by his behaviour, and he has to earn a living – yet if he applies for a licence to box in another country he will give the impression that he is snubbing the British board. That would do his chances of regaining his licence no good at all, although two convictions for assault, as well as a previous ban for biting an opponent in the ring, suggest chastisement does not leave much impression on him.
Chisora and his promoter, Frank Warren – who are considering whether or not to appeal against the suspension of his British licence – resent what they consider the WBC's heavy-handed intervention. They have a point; the Mexico-based organisation, whose title Klitschko holds, handed down its verdict without even talking to the fighter.
However, when the British board went through due process at a four-hour hearing at its Cardiff headquarters on Wednesday, it came to the conclusion that Chisora was "not a fit and proper person" to hold a boxer's licence. That is as damning as it sounds. Boxing is a dangerous and serious undertaking, and licences are not granted lightly. Chisora expressed sorrow and regret for what he did, but the evidence of his actions will not easily be forgotten. Amateur film of it is embedded in the memory through repeated versions from all angles on the internet and social media networks.
He is both a child of his generation and a victim of it. He has a sense of entitlement he has not earned. Nobody should think they can cross the boundaries of accepted behaviour and escape punishment. The Munich police have not concluded their investigations and could yet bring charges against both boxers that could result in their imprisonment.
Now Haye will wonder what is to become of him. Whatever his part in the fracas, his indifference about appearing before either the board or the police in Germany does him little credit. Running away from the fight scene and catching an early flight back to London – supposedly in fear of his life – then flaunting his high-profile departure to Las Vegas for some "party time!", as he described it, with photos, on Twitter, did not send out a message of contrition. Haye, too, seems to consider himself above his sport, the law and, for what it's worth, public opinion.
Haye, whose licence lapsed when he retired last October on his 31st birthday, will take heed from Wednesday's ruling and may not bother to reapply, because the board's language was unequivocal. It is hard to imagine they would be much more lenient on him. If he were to join Chisora in exile they could no doubt go about their business without a care, perhaps even resume their tawdry brawl.
While Haye has pleaded self-defence after being confronted aggressively by Chisora, he would nevertheless have to explain why he chose to swing a camera tripod so recklessly that he accidentally cut the head of his own trainer, Adam Booth, and might easily have caused more serious injury to anyone in the crowded space.
Neither boxer emerged with credit; neither can complain with any conviction. Chisora made a fight highly likely by leaving his seat and marching towards Haye with his team in close attendance, like some Wild West gunslinger. Haye (already pilloried for his bruised-toe excuse after losing to Wladimir Klitschko last July) will have thought he could not walk away and keep face.
There are scenes like that in pubs everywhere every night of the week. But these are professional boxers – or at least they were when they had licences. Chisora told Booth in the immediate aftermath of the brawl that he would fight Haye anywhere, any time, inside or outside the ring, that he had the better posse. That threat was as empty as it was puerile.
Chisora and Haye have a duty to a sport that gives them a comfortable living, as well as a responsibility to set an example to thousands of boxers throughout the country. Who knows how many impressionable young amateurs will feel emboldened to act in a similarly disgraceful way?
The board secretary, Robert Smith, said the ban – for that is effectively what it is – could last "for a few years", although time heals a lot of wounds. In all probability, Chisora will go away, perhaps box abroad, and return in a year's time and be told to behave himself. Amnesia is a calming balm in professional boxing.
Someone who has known Chisora since he arrived in Britain as a wild teenager from Zimbabwe 12 years ago told me this week there is a warm, engaging side to him. He cares what people think about him. He is sensitive. He is, in short, misunderstood. With the best will in the world, that saintly Chisora has not been much in evidence the past month or so.
The British Boxing Board of Control got it absolutely right by taking away Dereck Chisora's licence for an indefinite period for brawling with David Haye in Munich last month. But the saga is not over for the most volatile heavyweight in the fight game. Nor can Haye rest easy just yet.
Chisora has to appear before the World Boxing Council in London on Wednesday to argue why it should give him back the $100,000 (£64,000) it withheld from his purse after what the fighter himself admitted was "inexcusable" behaviour before, during and after his world title fight against Vitali Klitschko.
As a result of his slapping, spitting and brawling in Munich, not to mention his threats to shoot Haye, the WBC also withdrew Chisora's right to fight for any of its titles. At the moment, it is a largely academic sanction as he has no licence to box in the UK nor any immediate prospects of fighting elsewhere, although that could change.
There is an obvious dilemma for Chisora: he is 28, has a mother who is seriously distressed by his behaviour, and he has to earn a living – yet if he applies for a licence to box in another country he will give the impression that he is snubbing the British board. That would do his chances of regaining his licence no good at all, although two convictions for assault, as well as a previous ban for biting an opponent in the ring, suggest chastisement does not leave much impression on him.
Chisora and his promoter, Frank Warren – who are considering whether or not to appeal against the suspension of his British licence – resent what they consider the WBC's heavy-handed intervention. They have a point; the Mexico-based organisation, whose title Klitschko holds, handed down its verdict without even talking to the fighter.
However, when the British board went through due process at a four-hour hearing at its Cardiff headquarters on Wednesday, it came to the conclusion that Chisora was "not a fit and proper person" to hold a boxer's licence. That is as damning as it sounds. Boxing is a dangerous and serious undertaking, and licences are not granted lightly. Chisora expressed sorrow and regret for what he did, but the evidence of his actions will not easily be forgotten. Amateur film of it is embedded in the memory through repeated versions from all angles on the internet and social media networks.
He is both a child of his generation and a victim of it. He has a sense of entitlement he has not earned. Nobody should think they can cross the boundaries of accepted behaviour and escape punishment. The Munich police have not concluded their investigations and could yet bring charges against both boxers that could result in their imprisonment.
Now Haye will wonder what is to become of him. Whatever his part in the fracas, his indifference about appearing before either the board or the police in Germany does him little credit. Running away from the fight scene and catching an early flight back to London – supposedly in fear of his life – then flaunting his high-profile departure to Las Vegas for some "party time!", as he described it, with photos, on Twitter, did not send out a message of contrition. Haye, too, seems to consider himself above his sport, the law and, for what it's worth, public opinion.
Haye, whose licence lapsed when he retired last October on his 31st birthday, will take heed from Wednesday's ruling and may not bother to reapply, because the board's language was unequivocal. It is hard to imagine they would be much more lenient on him. If he were to join Chisora in exile they could no doubt go about their business without a care, perhaps even resume their tawdry brawl.
While Haye has pleaded self-defence after being confronted aggressively by Chisora, he would nevertheless have to explain why he chose to swing a camera tripod so recklessly that he accidentally cut the head of his own trainer, Adam Booth, and might easily have caused more serious injury to anyone in the crowded space.
Neither boxer emerged with credit; neither can complain with any conviction. Chisora made a fight highly likely by leaving his seat and marching towards Haye with his team in close attendance, like some Wild West gunslinger. Haye (already pilloried for his bruised-toe excuse after losing to Wladimir Klitschko last July) will have thought he could not walk away and keep face.
There are scenes like that in pubs everywhere every night of the week. But these are professional boxers – or at least they were when they had licences. Chisora told Booth in the immediate aftermath of the brawl that he would fight Haye anywhere, any time, inside or outside the ring, that he had the better posse. That threat was as empty as it was puerile.
Chisora and Haye have a duty to a sport that gives them a comfortable living, as well as a responsibility to set an example to thousands of boxers throughout the country. Who knows how many impressionable young amateurs will feel emboldened to act in a similarly disgraceful way?
The board secretary, Robert Smith, said the ban – for that is effectively what it is – could last "for a few years", although time heals a lot of wounds. In all probability, Chisora will go away, perhaps box abroad, and return in a year's time and be told to behave himself. Amnesia is a calming balm in professional boxing.
Someone who has known Chisora since he arrived in Britain as a wild teenager from Zimbabwe 12 years ago told me this week there is a warm, engaging side to him. He cares what people think about him. He is sensitive. He is, in short, misunderstood. With the best will in the world, that saintly Chisora has not been much in evidence the past month or so.
Looks like Khan vs Peterson will have Olympic style drug testing. Theory busted.
Nothing has been left to chance for the rematch, as all parties are able to enter May 19 with peace of mind. Both camps have agreed to Olympic-style drug testing, which will include random blood and urine samples drawn throughout their respective training camps leading all the way to fight night.
http://www.boxingscene.com/khan-expects-fair-fight-agrees-olympic-drug-testing--50650
Peterson-Khan face off in Washington:
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Juan Manuel Marquez to fight Serhiy Fedchenko on April 14th
March 15th, 2012
By Chris Williams: According to the Record.com.mx, former three division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO’s) will be fighting #5 WBO contender Serhiy Fedchenko (30-1, 13 KO’s) on April 14th for the interim WBO light welterweight title at the New Mexico City Arena, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico. The 30-year-old Fedchenko from Ukraine will be replacing No.1 WBO contender Cesar Rene Cuenca as Marquez’s next opponent.
It’s unclear why Cuenca is being replaced, because he’s about as good as Fedchenko. Both are flawed fighters with little power. Fedchenko was beaten by Kaizer Mabuza in September 2010 in a fight that took place in Fedchenko’s home country of Ukraine. That same year, Fedchenko struggled badly to beat journeyman DeMarcus Corley by a 12 round decision. I think you get the gist.
Fedchenko is a very beatable fighter and Marquez should have zero problems dominating Fedchenko to pick up the interim title. It’s doubtful that Marquez will stop Fedchenko, because Fedchenko mostly just jabs and immediately retreats to the outside. He does all the time like clockwork. He’s not there to be hit because he’s mostly just looking to jab and quickly back away. It’s predictable but hard to fight him because he’ll literally retreat all around the ring to avoid getting hit by an opponent. Fedchenko struggles against guys that take the fight to him and pursue him around the ring like Mabusa and Corley did.
Marquez’s trainer Nacho Beristain likes what he sees of Fedchenko and thinks he’ll be perfect for Marquez to fight. I agree. Fedchenko is an easy mark and won’t be able to do much with Marquez. In Fedchenko’s last three fights, he’s beaten Laszlo Fazekas, Willy Blain and Artem Ayvazidi. Fedchenko barely beat the little known Ayvazidi. Fedchenko isn’t taking on dangerous opponent, yet he’s struggling badly and not looking good against guys that can kind of fight like Mabuza and Corley.
March 15th, 2012
By Chris Williams: According to the Record.com.mx, former three division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO’s) will be fighting #5 WBO contender Serhiy Fedchenko (30-1, 13 KO’s) on April 14th for the interim WBO light welterweight title at the New Mexico City Arena, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico. The 30-year-old Fedchenko from Ukraine will be replacing No.1 WBO contender Cesar Rene Cuenca as Marquez’s next opponent.
It’s unclear why Cuenca is being replaced, because he’s about as good as Fedchenko. Both are flawed fighters with little power. Fedchenko was beaten by Kaizer Mabuza in September 2010 in a fight that took place in Fedchenko’s home country of Ukraine. That same year, Fedchenko struggled badly to beat journeyman DeMarcus Corley by a 12 round decision. I think you get the gist.
Fedchenko is a very beatable fighter and Marquez should have zero problems dominating Fedchenko to pick up the interim title. It’s doubtful that Marquez will stop Fedchenko, because Fedchenko mostly just jabs and immediately retreats to the outside. He does all the time like clockwork. He’s not there to be hit because he’s mostly just looking to jab and quickly back away. It’s predictable but hard to fight him because he’ll literally retreat all around the ring to avoid getting hit by an opponent. Fedchenko struggles against guys that take the fight to him and pursue him around the ring like Mabusa and Corley did.
Marquez’s trainer Nacho Beristain likes what he sees of Fedchenko and thinks he’ll be perfect for Marquez to fight. I agree. Fedchenko is an easy mark and won’t be able to do much with Marquez. In Fedchenko’s last three fights, he’s beaten Laszlo Fazekas, Willy Blain and Artem Ayvazidi. Fedchenko barely beat the little known Ayvazidi. Fedchenko isn’t taking on dangerous opponent, yet he’s struggling badly and not looking good against guys that can kind of fight like Mabuza and Corley.
Eloy Perez tests positive for cocaine after loss to Broner
March 15th, 2012
By Chris Williams: No.1 WBO super featherweight contender Eloy Perez (23-1, 7 KO’s) reportedly tested positive after his 4th round TKO loss to WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner last month on February 25th in Saint Louis, Missouri. According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, Perez’s management, Garcia Boxing, informed Golden Boy Promotions, the promoters for Broner, about the positive drug test results.
Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said “I’m obviously disappointed by this. There’s no excuse and nothing more you can say. It’s not good.”
At least it wasn’t a performance enhancing drug; that’s about all you can say. Perez is excellent fighter and if he tested positive for a drug that some people use for recreational uses then that’s something he needs help with. Garcia Boxing has reportedly let Perez go from his contract. I personally think Perez should be helped. He’s an excellent fighter and despite getting dominated by Broner, he’s still someone that can make a mark at super featherweight against the other champions or else when Broner eventually moves up in weight. Perez will likely be a champion in the future as long he’s not messed up by the loss to Broner.
Perez could have his boxing license suspended by the Missori Department of Recreation.
Perez had been doing really well up until he faced Broner, defeating the likes of Daniel Jimenez and Ira Terry. In facing Broner, Perez couldn’t handle Broner’s speed, power, counter punching ability and his accurate pin point shots. The power advantage that Broner had was perhaps the biggest problem that Perez had going against him in the Broner fight.
Perez is young enough to learn and this should be nothing more than a small blip in his career. He’ll be okay and as long as they don’t throw him back in with Broner, I see Perez rebounding well to start winning again.
March 15th, 2012
By Chris Williams: No.1 WBO super featherweight contender Eloy Perez (23-1, 7 KO’s) reportedly tested positive after his 4th round TKO loss to WBO super featherweight champion Adrien Broner last month on February 25th in Saint Louis, Missouri. According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, Perez’s management, Garcia Boxing, informed Golden Boy Promotions, the promoters for Broner, about the positive drug test results.
Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said “I’m obviously disappointed by this. There’s no excuse and nothing more you can say. It’s not good.”
At least it wasn’t a performance enhancing drug; that’s about all you can say. Perez is excellent fighter and if he tested positive for a drug that some people use for recreational uses then that’s something he needs help with. Garcia Boxing has reportedly let Perez go from his contract. I personally think Perez should be helped. He’s an excellent fighter and despite getting dominated by Broner, he’s still someone that can make a mark at super featherweight against the other champions or else when Broner eventually moves up in weight. Perez will likely be a champion in the future as long he’s not messed up by the loss to Broner.
Perez could have his boxing license suspended by the Missori Department of Recreation.
Perez had been doing really well up until he faced Broner, defeating the likes of Daniel Jimenez and Ira Terry. In facing Broner, Perez couldn’t handle Broner’s speed, power, counter punching ability and his accurate pin point shots. The power advantage that Broner had was perhaps the biggest problem that Perez had going against him in the Broner fight.
Perez is young enough to learn and this should be nothing more than a small blip in his career. He’ll be okay and as long as they don’t throw him back in with Broner, I see Perez rebounding well to start winning again.
Robert Guerrero leap-frogs over Devon Alexander for Aydin fight for interim WBC 147 title
March 15th, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: Lightweight contender Robert Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KO’s) is being allowed by the World Boxing Council to leap frog over #2 WBC contender Devon Alexander (23-1, 13 KO’s) to fight #1 WBC Selcuk Aydin (23-0, 17 KO’s) for the interim WBC welterweight title on July 28th at the Shark Tank in San Jose, California.
What makes this so wrong is that the 28-year-old Guerrero isn’t even ranked in the top 15 by any of the sanctioning bodies in the welterweight division, let alone by the WBC. That seems somewhat unfair for Alexander, because he is No.2 in the WBC, and should be the one facing Aydin, not a guy that has never even fought at welterweight like Guerrero. Why this is important is that the winner of the Guerrero-Aydin fight will be in the position to face WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a big money fight. The question is why is the WBC allowing Guerrero to jump ahead of Alexander if Guerrero isn’t even fighting in the welterweight division?
If Alexander is being skipped over for this fight, then it puts him in a position where someone is cutting in line in front of him. I think Guerrero is a great fighter, but he’s never fought at welterweight and is coming off of a serious shoulder injury and hasn’t fought since April of last year. By the time Guerrero steps into the ring to fight Aydin for the interim WBC title, Guerrero will have been out of the ring for 15 months. That’s a long time and still he’s being given a shot at the interim title two weight classes above his own. Does that seen unfair or what?
Alexander’s trainer Kevin Cunningham said that he’s hoping that Alexander can face the winner of the planned June 23rd rematch between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. That sounds like a nice idea, but Berto’s ruptured left bicep may not be healed in time for the June 23rd fight and it could be many months before Berto and Ortiz face off in a rematch. And even if they do fight again, who’s to say that the winner will want to fight Alexander? Cunningham is hoping they’ll want to fight Alexander but it may not happen and Alexander could end up with little to show for 2012 other than the win over Marcos Maidana.
March 15th, 2012
By Dan Ambrose: Lightweight contender Robert Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KO’s) is being allowed by the World Boxing Council to leap frog over #2 WBC contender Devon Alexander (23-1, 13 KO’s) to fight #1 WBC Selcuk Aydin (23-0, 17 KO’s) for the interim WBC welterweight title on July 28th at the Shark Tank in San Jose, California.
What makes this so wrong is that the 28-year-old Guerrero isn’t even ranked in the top 15 by any of the sanctioning bodies in the welterweight division, let alone by the WBC. That seems somewhat unfair for Alexander, because he is No.2 in the WBC, and should be the one facing Aydin, not a guy that has never even fought at welterweight like Guerrero. Why this is important is that the winner of the Guerrero-Aydin fight will be in the position to face WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a big money fight. The question is why is the WBC allowing Guerrero to jump ahead of Alexander if Guerrero isn’t even fighting in the welterweight division?
If Alexander is being skipped over for this fight, then it puts him in a position where someone is cutting in line in front of him. I think Guerrero is a great fighter, but he’s never fought at welterweight and is coming off of a serious shoulder injury and hasn’t fought since April of last year. By the time Guerrero steps into the ring to fight Aydin for the interim WBC title, Guerrero will have been out of the ring for 15 months. That’s a long time and still he’s being given a shot at the interim title two weight classes above his own. Does that seen unfair or what?
Alexander’s trainer Kevin Cunningham said that he’s hoping that Alexander can face the winner of the planned June 23rd rematch between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. That sounds like a nice idea, but Berto’s ruptured left bicep may not be healed in time for the June 23rd fight and it could be many months before Berto and Ortiz face off in a rematch. And even if they do fight again, who’s to say that the winner will want to fight Alexander? Cunningham is hoping they’ll want to fight Alexander but it may not happen and Alexander could end up with little to show for 2012 other than the win over Marcos Maidana.
Sergio Martinez: “Chavez Senior should be ashamed of himself. However with Junior, let’s stop talking and let’s see each other in the ring!”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio featured an exclusive interview with the recognized Middleweight Champion of the World, Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KOs) who will be squaring off against former title challenger Matthew Macklin (28-3, 19 KOs) this Saturday, March 17 at Madison Square Garden. Marinez spoke about his upcoming fight, his opponent, and more! Here is what Sergio had to say:
Regarding his upcoming March 17 fight against Matthew Macklin:
“It will be a very difficult fight. I’m very motivated and I am very sure that I will win by KO.”
His views on how he expects Macklin to fight him:
“I expect him to be attacking for three minutes of every round like he did with Felix Sturm and I will be ready for that.”
Regarding fighting in front of a pro-Macklin crowd on St. Paddy’s Day:
“I’ve been here before where I was the stranger in the arena, so it will be no problem for me.”
On whether he feels he will silence his critics who claimed he was slowing down and showing his age in his knockout victory against Darren Barker last time out:
“I don’t believe that I’m slowing down. I don’t know what people were thinking, but I was really hurt with a lot of injuries, but I will prove myself this Saturday. I’m still in the best shape of my life.”
Whether he believes the best is still yet to come for him in his career:
“That’s for sure! I continue working and upgrading myself, and I will bring into boxing much more than the fans expect.”
On whether he believes an impressive victory against Macklin can get him any closer to one of the super fights he desires:
“The only thing I’m thinking at this moment is about Saturday night, and I won’t think about anything else. That most likely would happen on Monday.”
His views on comments made by Julio Cesar Chavez Senior regarding a fight between Martinez and his son Julio Cesar Chavez Junior:
“Well the father is an idol! He was a great champion, but all of what he thought was shameful. Chavez Senior should be ashamed of himself. However with Junior, let’s stop talking and let’s see each other in the ring!”
On whether he believes it is possible that him and Chaves Junior can ever actually meet in the ring:
“I don’t think Chavez will take the fight, but you never know. So let’s wait and see.”
Regarding what he believes he needs to do to be successful against Matthew Macklin:
“I worked very hard for this Saturday and I will definitely win by KO. I have no doubts that I will come out victorious by KO.”
Whether he believes that a mediocre effort against Macklin might be beneficial to Martinez in the sense it will help him land a fight with Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao:
“I always prepare myself the way that I’m supposed to for the public. Whatever people think about whether it happens or doesn’t happen doesn’t make a difference now.”
On whether he had any message he wants to pass along to all of his fans and supporters:
“I will give everything this Saturday for all of my fans! Whoever can come down to Madison Square Garden it’s on March 17, or you can watch it on HBO. But definitely I will give a very good fight that everybody will be proud of!”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio featured an exclusive interview with the recognized Middleweight Champion of the World, Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KOs) who will be squaring off against former title challenger Matthew Macklin (28-3, 19 KOs) this Saturday, March 17 at Madison Square Garden. Marinez spoke about his upcoming fight, his opponent, and more! Here is what Sergio had to say:
Regarding his upcoming March 17 fight against Matthew Macklin:
“It will be a very difficult fight. I’m very motivated and I am very sure that I will win by KO.”
His views on how he expects Macklin to fight him:
“I expect him to be attacking for three minutes of every round like he did with Felix Sturm and I will be ready for that.”
Regarding fighting in front of a pro-Macklin crowd on St. Paddy’s Day:
“I’ve been here before where I was the stranger in the arena, so it will be no problem for me.”
On whether he feels he will silence his critics who claimed he was slowing down and showing his age in his knockout victory against Darren Barker last time out:
“I don’t believe that I’m slowing down. I don’t know what people were thinking, but I was really hurt with a lot of injuries, but I will prove myself this Saturday. I’m still in the best shape of my life.”
Whether he believes the best is still yet to come for him in his career:
“That’s for sure! I continue working and upgrading myself, and I will bring into boxing much more than the fans expect.”
On whether he believes an impressive victory against Macklin can get him any closer to one of the super fights he desires:
“The only thing I’m thinking at this moment is about Saturday night, and I won’t think about anything else. That most likely would happen on Monday.”
His views on comments made by Julio Cesar Chavez Senior regarding a fight between Martinez and his son Julio Cesar Chavez Junior:
“Well the father is an idol! He was a great champion, but all of what he thought was shameful. Chavez Senior should be ashamed of himself. However with Junior, let’s stop talking and let’s see each other in the ring!”
On whether he believes it is possible that him and Chaves Junior can ever actually meet in the ring:
“I don’t think Chavez will take the fight, but you never know. So let’s wait and see.”
Regarding what he believes he needs to do to be successful against Matthew Macklin:
“I worked very hard for this Saturday and I will definitely win by KO. I have no doubts that I will come out victorious by KO.”
Whether he believes that a mediocre effort against Macklin might be beneficial to Martinez in the sense it will help him land a fight with Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao:
“I always prepare myself the way that I’m supposed to for the public. Whatever people think about whether it happens or doesn’t happen doesn’t make a difference now.”
On whether he had any message he wants to pass along to all of his fans and supporters:
“I will give everything this Saturday for all of my fans! Whoever can come down to Madison Square Garden it’s on March 17, or you can watch it on HBO. But definitely I will give a very good fight that everybody will be proud of!”
Sergio Martinez willing to take an 80 – 20 split with Mayweather
March 16th, 2012
By John F. McKenna (McJack): The Ring and World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond middleweight champion Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KO’s) is willing to do an 80 – 20 split with undefeated superstar WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26 KO’s). Sergio is willing to take only 1/5 of the revenue for the fight just to get Floyd in the ring with him. And Martinez is willing to drop down to 154 pounds, which is what Mayweather will be fighting at when he clashes with Miguel Cotto on May 5.
Promoter Lou DiBella has stated that he would jump at the opportunity for his fighter to take on Mayweather with Martinez taking the smaller part of the split. DiBella was quoted in USA TODAY Sports saying:
“I’d do an 80 – 20 deal with Mayweather tomorrow, and Mayweather would make almost as much money as he would fighting Pacquiao.
“It would be huge Pay Per View (PPV) because it would be maybe the first fight in Mayweather’s career where it would be an even money fight.”
For his part Martinez does not believe that any fighter who is unwilling to fight him should be considered the best. It is difficult to argue with that kind of logic.
Mayweather in moving up to 154 pounds for the Cotto fight may have unwittingly fell into a trap. “Maravilla” as Martinez is known to his fans is the most avoided boxer in the sport. And while many boxing observers have correctly stated that the blame for the non happening of a Mayweather – Pacquiao fight should be evenly distributed among both camps, with Sergio openly stating that he is willing to take a 1/5 cut of the revenue, it will be extremely difficult for Floyd to duck Martinez. Even the most ardent Mayweather supporters would have to acknowledge that Martinez does emphatically want to get Floyd into the ring with him. The spin games, the smoke and mirrors, the calling out and the absurd Twitters will not work this time.
Floyd’s willingness to move up to 154 pounds is seen by some as a further excuse not to fight Pacquiao in the future. How then does “Money” refuse to fight the only other fighter who has a reasonably decent chance of defeating him? Martinez by agreeing to come down to 154 pounds has effectively removed the weight issue as a potential obstacle.
Martinez has demonstrated that he is a classy individual both inside and outside of the ring. Wednesday he joined forces with New York City Council member Julissa Ferreras at City Hall in support of legislation for a Violence Against Women Act. Domestic violence is an issue that Sergio has been involved in for a number of years. More recently he has been involved in anti bullying issues. It is not done to get publicity for himself. He has visited the safe houses where women stay that have been victims of domestic violence where there locations are kept strictly confidential. It is a refreshing change from what we sometimes see in boxing.
March 16th, 2012
By John F. McKenna (McJack): The Ring and World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond middleweight champion Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KO’s) is willing to do an 80 – 20 split with undefeated superstar WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26 KO’s). Sergio is willing to take only 1/5 of the revenue for the fight just to get Floyd in the ring with him. And Martinez is willing to drop down to 154 pounds, which is what Mayweather will be fighting at when he clashes with Miguel Cotto on May 5.
Promoter Lou DiBella has stated that he would jump at the opportunity for his fighter to take on Mayweather with Martinez taking the smaller part of the split. DiBella was quoted in USA TODAY Sports saying:
“I’d do an 80 – 20 deal with Mayweather tomorrow, and Mayweather would make almost as much money as he would fighting Pacquiao.
“It would be huge Pay Per View (PPV) because it would be maybe the first fight in Mayweather’s career where it would be an even money fight.”
For his part Martinez does not believe that any fighter who is unwilling to fight him should be considered the best. It is difficult to argue with that kind of logic.
Mayweather in moving up to 154 pounds for the Cotto fight may have unwittingly fell into a trap. “Maravilla” as Martinez is known to his fans is the most avoided boxer in the sport. And while many boxing observers have correctly stated that the blame for the non happening of a Mayweather – Pacquiao fight should be evenly distributed among both camps, with Sergio openly stating that he is willing to take a 1/5 cut of the revenue, it will be extremely difficult for Floyd to duck Martinez. Even the most ardent Mayweather supporters would have to acknowledge that Martinez does emphatically want to get Floyd into the ring with him. The spin games, the smoke and mirrors, the calling out and the absurd Twitters will not work this time.
Floyd’s willingness to move up to 154 pounds is seen by some as a further excuse not to fight Pacquiao in the future. How then does “Money” refuse to fight the only other fighter who has a reasonably decent chance of defeating him? Martinez by agreeing to come down to 154 pounds has effectively removed the weight issue as a potential obstacle.
Martinez has demonstrated that he is a classy individual both inside and outside of the ring. Wednesday he joined forces with New York City Council member Julissa Ferreras at City Hall in support of legislation for a Violence Against Women Act. Domestic violence is an issue that Sergio has been involved in for a number of years. More recently he has been involved in anti bullying issues. It is not done to get publicity for himself. He has visited the safe houses where women stay that have been victims of domestic violence where there locations are kept strictly confidential. It is a refreshing change from what we sometimes see in boxing.
Edwin Rodriguez: “I’ll be working extremely hard to send a message to let everybody know that I have arrived and that I’m ready to fight anyone in the top ten”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio featured an exclusive interview with undefeated super middleweight contender Edwin Rodriguez (20-0, 14 KOs) who will be taking on Don George (22-1-1, 19 KOs) TONIGHT on HBO! Rodriguez spoke about his upcoming fight with George, and also touched on a variety of other subjects including his 2011 campaign, the fight between Sergio Martinez and Matthew Macklin, the 168 pound landscape, the fight between Carl Froch and Lucian Bute, and more! Here is what Rodriguez had to say:
On receiving the opportunity to fight Don George on HBO March 17:
“Oh, it’s a great opportunity you know being on HBO at Madison Square Garden which is a legendary venue. It’s a blessing!”
On whether there is any added pressure fighting under the spotlights of high profile exposure:
“Definitely there’s a lot of pressure, but boxing is performed in front of a lot of people on TV. So I’m ready for the pressure and I know how to perform under pressure.”
His views on whether he believes the winner of the fight between him and Don George could be in line for a title shot:
“You know I have a tough fight in front of me with Donovan George. He’s a strong fighter, he has power in both hands, and I’m just looking at one fight at a time. I’m going to let my manager manage, and my promoter promote, and I’m just going to be the fighter! I’m going to take care of Donovan George on March 17 and if they feel like I’m ready for a world title and give me the opportunity, then that would be great. But I’ll let them do their jobs.”
On whether he views Don George as his toughest opponent to date:
“Uhmm, we’ll see. We’ll see March 17. I know he’s going to be prepared for this fight. I know this is a big opportunity for me, but I know it’s a big opportunity for him as well. So I know the best Donovan George is going to come out on March 17, but I had a great camp and I’ll be ready.”
Regarding whether he believes the added pressure will take him out of his game:
“Not at all. I think with that pressure, I’m going to turn it into a positive. You know I got to impress. I’ve got to be impressive at this next level and that pressure is going to help me stay focused and do the things I need to do on March 17.”
On what he sees himself needing to do in order to be successful against Don George:
“Just follow my trainer, just follow Ronnie. Ronnie has a great game plan. He put something together that we’ve been working on in the gym every day, and just making that game plan just be natural and just be normal. You know I’ve been practicing it every day. I’m not going to give it away, but I trust Ronnie in the corner and I know he has the right game plan to beat this opponent, and I will be ready March 17.”
His evaluation of his efforts in the three fights he had in 2011:
“I think it was good. I had three fights. I beat Aaron Pryor Junior and an undefeated fighter Will Rosinsky. Right before I beat Aaron Pryor he went on to beat Librado Andrade he was a top 10 contender at the time. So I thought I had a good year. I think I could have been more busy, but I had a good year and I had a new trainer in Ronnie Shields. So I had a lot of times when I was in camp just making adjustments and getting used to having a new trainer.”
His views on how Ronnie Shields has helped him progress and develop as a fighter:
“Ronnie is just a teacher. He knows how to teach the game. He’s been in the game for a long time. He was a fighter himself. He’s been there before, so you know having somebody that you can trust in that corner is a big plus, because I know he’s been there. I know he’s used to what I’m feeling at that moment, and he’s very good tactical-wise, and he’s able to put together the best game plan for me to carry through the fight.”
Regarding how he feels about fighting in the 168 pound division that has a lot of big names at the moment:
“Oh, there are a lot of opportunities! There are so many big names! There are former champions, the Super Six, it’s a very hot division right now and I’m happy to be a part of it. There are a lot of great fights to be made, and like I said I’m just happy to be a part of it. In this fight I’ll be working extremely hard to send a message to let everybody know that I have arrived and that I’m ready to fight anyone in the top ten.”
His views on who he considers the best fighter in the super middleweight division:
“I have to go with Andre Ward because he actually earned it! I mean he earned it in the ring. He beat the best super middleweight fighters in the world. I know that Lucian Bute is very talented, but I don’t think he deserves the number one spot because he hasn’t fought the same opposition that Andre Ward did. At the end of the day I have to give it to Andre Ward.”
His opinion on how he thinks the fight between Carl Froch and Lucian Bute will play out:
“I have sparred with Carl Froch before, so I know that he’s a very good fighter and that he’s strong. I think it’s going to be a very good fight, and I’m just going to be a fan and watch it that night because I know it’s going to be a very good fight.”
Regarding who he would view as a tougher challenge: Andre Ward or Lucian Bute:
“I think Bute being a lefty and Andre Ward I think is just a tough fight for anybody—either of those guys, because they are the elite in this division. I think they both bring different strengths, and I couldn’t actually sit here and pick one because they both are just as dangerous. Andre Ward has proven he’s the better one because he has beaten the better opposition, but if they fight each other one day it could go either way.”
His views on the main event matchup between Sergio Martinez and Matthew Macklin:
“I think it’s going to be a very good fight. Matthew Macklin is a very good fighter. Sergio Martinez is a pound-for-pound fighter. He’s very talented. I think it’s going to be a great night for boxing.”
On what fans can expect from him when he faces off against Don George:
“Oh it’s going to be a great fight! Like I said with Donovan George, me knowing how much this fight means to me I also know it means a lot to him as well. So he’s going to be prepared. I’m going to be 100% prepared. He’s never been in a fight that’s not entertaining and all of my fights have been entertaining, so it’s definitely going to be a war! It’s going to be entertaining. It’s going to be a fan friendly fight. Like I said before, it’s going to be a good night for boxing with my fight and Sergio Martinez’s fight as well.”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio featured an exclusive interview with undefeated super middleweight contender Edwin Rodriguez (20-0, 14 KOs) who will be taking on Don George (22-1-1, 19 KOs) TONIGHT on HBO! Rodriguez spoke about his upcoming fight with George, and also touched on a variety of other subjects including his 2011 campaign, the fight between Sergio Martinez and Matthew Macklin, the 168 pound landscape, the fight between Carl Froch and Lucian Bute, and more! Here is what Rodriguez had to say:
On receiving the opportunity to fight Don George on HBO March 17:
“Oh, it’s a great opportunity you know being on HBO at Madison Square Garden which is a legendary venue. It’s a blessing!”
On whether there is any added pressure fighting under the spotlights of high profile exposure:
“Definitely there’s a lot of pressure, but boxing is performed in front of a lot of people on TV. So I’m ready for the pressure and I know how to perform under pressure.”
His views on whether he believes the winner of the fight between him and Don George could be in line for a title shot:
“You know I have a tough fight in front of me with Donovan George. He’s a strong fighter, he has power in both hands, and I’m just looking at one fight at a time. I’m going to let my manager manage, and my promoter promote, and I’m just going to be the fighter! I’m going to take care of Donovan George on March 17 and if they feel like I’m ready for a world title and give me the opportunity, then that would be great. But I’ll let them do their jobs.”
On whether he views Don George as his toughest opponent to date:
“Uhmm, we’ll see. We’ll see March 17. I know he’s going to be prepared for this fight. I know this is a big opportunity for me, but I know it’s a big opportunity for him as well. So I know the best Donovan George is going to come out on March 17, but I had a great camp and I’ll be ready.”
Regarding whether he believes the added pressure will take him out of his game:
“Not at all. I think with that pressure, I’m going to turn it into a positive. You know I got to impress. I’ve got to be impressive at this next level and that pressure is going to help me stay focused and do the things I need to do on March 17.”
On what he sees himself needing to do in order to be successful against Don George:
“Just follow my trainer, just follow Ronnie. Ronnie has a great game plan. He put something together that we’ve been working on in the gym every day, and just making that game plan just be natural and just be normal. You know I’ve been practicing it every day. I’m not going to give it away, but I trust Ronnie in the corner and I know he has the right game plan to beat this opponent, and I will be ready March 17.”
His evaluation of his efforts in the three fights he had in 2011:
“I think it was good. I had three fights. I beat Aaron Pryor Junior and an undefeated fighter Will Rosinsky. Right before I beat Aaron Pryor he went on to beat Librado Andrade he was a top 10 contender at the time. So I thought I had a good year. I think I could have been more busy, but I had a good year and I had a new trainer in Ronnie Shields. So I had a lot of times when I was in camp just making adjustments and getting used to having a new trainer.”
His views on how Ronnie Shields has helped him progress and develop as a fighter:
“Ronnie is just a teacher. He knows how to teach the game. He’s been in the game for a long time. He was a fighter himself. He’s been there before, so you know having somebody that you can trust in that corner is a big plus, because I know he’s been there. I know he’s used to what I’m feeling at that moment, and he’s very good tactical-wise, and he’s able to put together the best game plan for me to carry through the fight.”
Regarding how he feels about fighting in the 168 pound division that has a lot of big names at the moment:
“Oh, there are a lot of opportunities! There are so many big names! There are former champions, the Super Six, it’s a very hot division right now and I’m happy to be a part of it. There are a lot of great fights to be made, and like I said I’m just happy to be a part of it. In this fight I’ll be working extremely hard to send a message to let everybody know that I have arrived and that I’m ready to fight anyone in the top ten.”
His views on who he considers the best fighter in the super middleweight division:
“I have to go with Andre Ward because he actually earned it! I mean he earned it in the ring. He beat the best super middleweight fighters in the world. I know that Lucian Bute is very talented, but I don’t think he deserves the number one spot because he hasn’t fought the same opposition that Andre Ward did. At the end of the day I have to give it to Andre Ward.”
His opinion on how he thinks the fight between Carl Froch and Lucian Bute will play out:
“I have sparred with Carl Froch before, so I know that he’s a very good fighter and that he’s strong. I think it’s going to be a very good fight, and I’m just going to be a fan and watch it that night because I know it’s going to be a very good fight.”
Regarding who he would view as a tougher challenge: Andre Ward or Lucian Bute:
“I think Bute being a lefty and Andre Ward I think is just a tough fight for anybody—either of those guys, because they are the elite in this division. I think they both bring different strengths, and I couldn’t actually sit here and pick one because they both are just as dangerous. Andre Ward has proven he’s the better one because he has beaten the better opposition, but if they fight each other one day it could go either way.”
His views on the main event matchup between Sergio Martinez and Matthew Macklin:
“I think it’s going to be a very good fight. Matthew Macklin is a very good fighter. Sergio Martinez is a pound-for-pound fighter. He’s very talented. I think it’s going to be a great night for boxing.”
On what fans can expect from him when he faces off against Don George:
“Oh it’s going to be a great fight! Like I said with Donovan George, me knowing how much this fight means to me I also know it means a lot to him as well. So he’s going to be prepared. I’m going to be 100% prepared. He’s never been in a fight that’s not entertaining and all of my fights have been entertaining, so it’s definitely going to be a war! It’s going to be entertaining. It’s going to be a fan friendly fight. Like I said before, it’s going to be a good night for boxing with my fight and Sergio Martinez’s fight as well.”