Holyfield fights Botha, doubters in ring tonight -- Las Vegas Review-Journal

By STEVE CARP, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Evander Holyfield refuses to go away.

The former four-time heavyweight champion insists he still has the skills to regain the world title, though he's 47, last held a belt nearly 10 years ago and has lost two fights in a row.

"I've been hearing for a while that I can't do it," he said. "All it does is light a fire under me to prove people wrong.

"I can still fight. I don't want to leave until I've become the undisputed heavyweight champion one more time. That's been my goal the entire time."

If Holyfield can't beat 41-year-old Frans Botha tonight at the Thomas & Mack Center, he might as well leave the ring for good. But Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 knockouts) said this fight is a step toward meeting the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vitali, who own three of the four titles.

"After I whup up on Botha, I want the Klitschkos," said Holyfield, who last won a heavyweight title Aug. 12, 2000, when he beat John Ruiz at Paris Las Vegas for the vacant WBA belt.

If Holyfield wins -- he's a 3½-1 favorite -- he'll do so largely in anonymity. By Friday afternoon, only 2,000 tickets had been sold, leaving promoter Crown Boxing, which is paying Holyfield $150,000 plus a pay-per-view percentage, to hope for a large walk-up crowd. Even $25 lower-bowl seats are going unsold.

Holyfield-Botha is also going head to head against a Top Rank card at the Hard Rock Hotel that has tickets priced as low as $20. There's also the Andre Berto-Carlos Quintana welterweight fight on HBO. And if that wasn't enough competition, there's UFC 112, a mixed martial arts card in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, available on pay per view.

Holyfield hasn't fought in Las Vegas since 2003, when he was stopped by James Toney in the ninth round at Mandalay Bay. He has fought eight times since, his latest outing a respectable effort against WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev on Dec. 20, 2008, in Switzerland. Holyfield lost by majority decision.

Holyfield's left shoulder, which troubled him much of the decade, wasn't an issue in the fight.

"I thought I did enough to beat Valuev," Holyfield said. "But they didn't see it that way. But that's OK. It just adds to my motivation.

"I feel like I still have a lot left. The shoulder's great. My conditioning's good. I'm ready."

Botha acknowledged that Holyfield fought well against Valuev, saying, "He should have beaten him. He dominated that fight."

Regardless of Holyfield's worthiness in that bout, his licensing by the Nevada Athletic Commission for tonight's fight was the subject of much discussion. There was a lengthy debate among the five commission members about whether he -- or Botha, for that matter -- should have been licensed.

But with Holyfield's most recent medical information raising no red flags and the fact his opponent wasn't someone named Klitschko, the commission granted Holyfield a one-fight license.

Now he carries the burden of proof to show he can still compete and not be a risk to his own wellbeing at 47.

"When I lost to Lennox Lewis in 1999, I thought it was over," Holyfield said, referring to his 12-round unanimous decision defeat at the Thomas & Mack. "But I got back in line, and here I am."

■ NOTES -- At Friday's weigh-in, Holyfield came in at 220 pounds, Botha 250. ... The undercard, which begins at 4:15 p.m., will be highlighted by cruiserweight Henry Namauu, a former UNLV boxer, who faces Rayford Johnson in a scheduled 10-round bout. ... Botha will receive $100,000 for the fight.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.

Source: lvrj.com

Samuel Peter Says He Wants To Avenge All His Losses; Wants Wladimir Klitschko Next -- Eastside Boxing

By James Slater, Eastside Boxing

Former WBC heavyweight champion Samuel Peter, recently looking somewhat rejuvenated and certainly a whole lot slimmer, has told ESPN.com how he plans to avenge every one of his three defeats as a pro. Fresh off his impressive, 2nd-round stoppage of Nagy Aguilera - a fight that saw the 29-year-old Nigerian tip in at a solid-looking 237-pounds - "The Nigerian Nightmare" is raring to face Wladimir Klitschko in the first step in his plan to avenge his losses and at the same time become a heavyweight champion again..

"I am ready to regain my title," Peter told ESPN.com. "I am out to avenge all of my losses. I expect it will be Klitschko first in a must-fight, but I'd [also] love to step back in the ring with [Eddie] Chambers. I knocked Wladimir down three times in our fight and somehow didn't get the decision.

"Next time we meet, he won't get up."

With the recent TKO win over Aguilera, Peter became the second in line to face Wladimir Klitscho according to the IBF. Unbeaten Russian star Alexander Povetkin is the #1 with the IBF, yet he and his team (including, of course, new trainer Teddy Atlas) are reportedly wanting more time to get ready for the fight. This means Peter will be the next guy in line, and his promoter, Bob Arum, told ESPN.com how he will pursue the Klitschko fight.

"If Povetkin doesn't take the fight, Klitschko is obligated to defend against Samuel Peter," Arum said. "We plan to pursue that on behalf of Samuel."

Arum's words may mean he will look for the IBF to threaten to strip Wladimir if he doesn't face either Povetkin or Peter next. This could make David Haye's chances of landing the mega-fight with the younger Klitschko look doubtful, for the near future anyway. Because if "Dr. Steel Hammer" wants to keep hold of his IBF belt (and the belts do mean a lot to the two giants from Ukraine), he will likely have to fight Peter (what with Povetkin choosing to take yet more time before going ahead with his earned shot) next.

How would the fans take to a Klistchko-Peter II? The first fight, a 2005, non-title affair, was an okay fight, with Klitschko being the recipient of three official counts (the knockdowns were largely of the punches-to-the-back-of-the-head variety) before winning on points. But fans everywhere would surely much prefer to see Wladimir getting it on with "The Hayemaker" instead of meeting Peter again.

Things could get a little nasty, though, if Klitschko does not face a mandatory challenger next. Unless a deal can somehow be struck, whereby Peter would get a guarantee that his shot at the IBF belt will come, whoever holds it at that time, it looks like we will have to keep on waiting for Klitschko and Haye to meet and settle their differences.

As for Peter avenging his pro losses: who would put money on him being able to do so? Defeat either of the two "Doctors?" I don't think so. But would Peter stand a chance at beating "Fast" Eddie in a return bout?

Source: eastsideboxing.com

WBC Orders Valuev vs Solis; Ray Austin To Sue WBC? -- Eastside Boxing

Eastside Boxing

ARENA’s Cuban heavyweight sensation Odlanier Solis advances to the no. 1 spot in the new WBC rankings. Originally „La Sombra“ was scheduled to fight Ray Austin in a final elimination bout but Austin declared to be unavailable due to legal problems. Therefore Solis took Austin’s spot in the rankings. „This is a great honour for Odlanier and ARENA“, stated promoter Ahmet Öner. „To become the no. 1 contender with only 16 pro-fights means something. Odlanier has been an amateur standout and also proved his extraorinary qualities since turning pro in 2007. I am convinced that he is the only serious threat to the Klitschko brothers today and I hope that he will get the chance to prove me right very soon..“

But before facing WBC champion Vitali Klitschko Solis will have to suceed in his biggest challenge so far. Instead of Austin the three-time world amateur champion and 2004 Olympic gold medallist has been ordered to fight the next highest rated contender Nikolay Valuev in a WBC final elimination bout. The 7-foot-giant has lost his WBA championship title against David Haye by mid-decision last November and has an impressive record of 50 wins in 53 pro-fights including 34 stoppages.

„I am sure that this fight will be an epic battle“, says Öner. „The whole world will watch when those two tanks collide in the ring. Solis is bringing the excitement back to the heavyweight division. He will end the Klitschko’s reign and on the way there hopefully become the first man to knock out the Russian giant.“

Ray Austin Ready To Take Legal Action

Heavyweight contender Ray Austin, rated number 1 by the WBC, is prepared to take legal action against the WBC if Jose Sulaiman follows through with his plans to cut Austin out of its next elimination bout. John Tripp, one of the bankruptcy attorneys involved with Austin issued the following statement:

Ray Austin is ready, willing and able to fight in the next elimination bout. The WBC decision to announce the title eliminator between Solis and Valuev merely because of Ray Austin filing bankruptcy and rejectiing his personal management and promotional agreement with Don King Productions is clearly a violation of Ray’s rights under Federal Bankruptcy Law and we intend to file a complaint in the United State Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Ohio against WBC for violating the provisions of the bankruptcy code. I have had some dealings in boxing and this type of abuse has been going on for too long. We previously advised the WBC, on multiple occasions, that Ray was available to box Solis or any other fighter designated by the WBC, but they decided to ignore Ray Austin’s right in his #1 position. Over the weekend we will be investigation possible racketeering, conspiracy, and RICO charges against the WBC and other parties. If Jose Sulaiman wants another debacle like Graciano Rocchigiainni, he is well on his way.

The WBC is not going to get away with ignoring its own rules yet again.

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Looks like Manny Pacquiao ended Ricky Hatton's ring time -- Telegraph

By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk

It’s looking more and more likely that Ricky Hatton may be finished in the ring – as a fighter, if not as a promoter. The final act which saw the curtain fall on the British folk hero’s last scene came from the flashing fists of the Filipino phenomenon Manny Pacquiao – whose inexorable rise, in the ring and electioneering, continues.

Pugilism and politics are the south-east Asian’s game.

After Floyd Mayweather Jnr inflicted Hatton’s first career defeat and created the blueprint in December 2008, the whirlwind from Mindanao ripped Hatton apart and bludgeoned him to flatness on the canvas.

It was ugly to witness. After being released from hospital, Hatton failed to show to speak to the British media the next morning at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It was a sign. With hindsight, it looks as if it were a warning sign. Hatton is reluctant to speak to the media. He inhabits in a netherworld in his mind at present. Should he stay or should he go…?

We’ve all offered our sixpence worth, but to be frank, it is nothing to do with us. Only the fighter can decide. Ask Angelo Dundee. He told me recently he tried it many times with Muhammad Ali, but it was in one ear and out the other. Ali ducked and dived the issue with Dundee, every time it was broached.

Over the last month, we are told a sozzled Hatton, on a stag do abroad, and after a long weekend of partying, blurted out to those close to him that he could not face the long road back. It was reported as fact by the British tabloids. There was no statement from Hatton to follow.

The CEO of Hatton Promotions, Gareth Williams, insisted to me at the time that no decision had been taken and that Hatton, if retiring, would have called a press conference to announce time on his career. The pair met the day after I spoke to Williams. His reply was that no decision had been made.

No press conference, no announcement followed. Nary a word. David Haye held a week of news conferences in Manchester two weeks ago. He used Hatton’s gym in Hyde to spar lightly and hit the bags on the Thursday and Friday nights before the fight with Ruiz.

Some observers made of it that Haye had issues ahead of his fight. It was merely that he was restless, and had not been able to spar because of a cut above his eye. Insiders from the Haye camp have told me that the fighter was eager to get in there, and the 30 minute drive to Hyde from the plush Lowry Hotel, in Salford, where Haye and his entourage stayed throughout the week of preparations, helped to keep the restless beast in Haye in its place. The beast in him needed exercising. But Hatton, throughout it all, kept a low profile. There were even stories, battened down, and being chased by one tabloid newspaper, that Haye and Hatton had fallen out. Nonsense.

But Hatton was very quiet during the week. On Thursday night, he attended a boxing show at The Ritzy in Manchester. Tyson Fury, the heavyweight boxer promoted by Mick Hennessy, and 12 hundred spectators were there. No comments from Hatton that night.

This week, there were still no comments from Hatton. Yet the Manchester Evening News, for whom Hatton writes a ghosted column, printed a story – without a single quote from Hatton – indicating that his career was over, and that he had turned down a two-fight deal with firstly, Erik Morales, the former super-featherweight world champion, who is coming back from retirement, followed by a second contest with Juan Manuel Marquez later in the year.

Robert Diaz, the Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker, was in town on Haye business that week. He will have slid the invites, through Gareth Williams, under Hatton’s door. It looks like the prospect of shifting 50lbs to get down to the weight does not appeal to Hatton at present. That may yet change. But for now, the British former two-weight world champion is happy playing promoter to his brother Matthew, et al.

We can all blame the brilliance and brutality of Manny Pacquiao for that…

Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk

Curious break helps Filipino welterweight -- Las Vegas Review-Journal

By STEVE CARP, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Some boxers need a break to be discovered, and that break can come from just about anywhere. In the case of Mark Melligen, it came from a woman who dives into a tank filled with a million gallons of water.

Melligen, a talented welterweight from the Philippines who used to train with Manny Pacquiao, headlines tonight's Top Rank card at the Hard Rock Hotel against Mexican veteran Norberto Gonzalez in a 10-round main event. He can thank his trainer, Tony Martin, for getting him to Top Rank.

In 2008, Martin trained fighters at the old Vegas Gym on East Sahara Avenue while also working with other athletes and dancers. One of those nonboxers was Sarah Molasky, who was appearing in the show "Le Reve" at Wynn Las Vegas, where part of her routine involved diving into a huge tank of water.

Her grandfather Irwin is close friends with Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. Martin thought Melligen, who was still in the Philippines, had the tools to be a champion. But he was wallowing in anonymity.

Martin met with Irwin Molasky, who arranged for Arum, Martin and Melligen to get together. Top Rank eventually signed Melligen after Pacquiao endorsed the welterweight from Bacolod City.

"It changed my life," said Melligen, who debuted for Top Rank on March 7, 2009, and will be fighting for the seventh time for Arum's company. "Top Rank has given me opportunities I probably would not have gotten. I'm keeping busy, fighting every two months. I'm getting better. I'm very happy with the way things have turned out."

Martin said, "There are a lot of talented fighters in the Philippines, but they don't get the exposure. I knew this kid was special, but he just needed someone to see him and give him a chance. I'm very grateful to Sarah and to Irwin for introducing us to Bob and Top Rank."

Melligen (17-2, 13 knockouts) is headlining for the first time. He acknowledged there's pressure on him to produce.

"This is a big opportunity for me," Melligen said. "This is my first time in a main event, and I don't want to let my fans or Top Rank down. I'm going to go out there and fight my fight."

For Melligen, that means good defense, good footwork and no unnecessary risks. Martin said his fighter is sometimes too cautious and that when he has an opponent hurt, he's reluctant to finish him.

"We've been working on going for the kill," he said. "But he's ready for this next step."

In the 10-round co-feature tonight, super featherweight Diego Magdaleno of Las Vegas faces Manny Perez. Magdaleno (14-0, three KOs) spent a week in the altitude of Reno preparing for Perez (14-5-1, two KOs) and his first 10-round fight.

Also appearing on the card will be Las Vegan Anthony Lenk (6-1, three KOs), who will face Wilson Rivera in a six-round super lightweight bout, and super lightweight sensation Jose Benavidez, who has looked spectacular in his first three fights, all knockout wins. Benavidez meets Scott Paul in a four-round bout.

First bell for the card, which will be televised on Fox Sports Espanol (Cable 140), is at 5:15 p.m.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.

Source: lvrj.com

Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jnr should bow out now -- Liverpool Echo

By Nick Peet, Liverpool Echo

WHILE David Haye was single-handedly changing the face of boxing in Manchester on Saturday night, across the pond fight fans could only glance in envy from ringside in Las Vegas as two dinosaurs of the ring fouled their way through 12 disastrous rounds.

Bernard Hopkins’ win over Roy Jones Jnr would have been the biggest fight of this era had it happened 10 years ago, but 17 years late it was an absolute stinker.

Filled with low blows, rabbit punches and butts and elbows, the slug-fest was a major turn-off in the States and all but ended both of their drawn out careers – finally!

Undoubtedly two of the greatest champions of the last 20 years sure, but it’s high time both of them walked away with what’s left of their dignity and credibility.

Not surprisingly Haye quashed any talk of a scrap with old man Hopkins, who must be 60 if he’s a day, while Jones has only himself to blame for destroying his legacy – he’s gone from Superman to journeyman in one long sweeping uppercut.

Thankfully, credibility will be restored to the US scene at the end of the month when another ageing former champion steps back into the ring for one last crack at top.

Sugar Shane Mosley may be in the twilight of his career, like the two previous practitioners, but he’s at least enjoying an Indian summer right now with some big wins in the tank and he’ll be a game match for Floyd Mayweather in three weeks.

Mayweather, of course, is marking time before reconvening for talks ahead of his mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao which, hopefully, will finally come off later this year.

But make no mistake Mosley is nobody’s fool and certainly won’t be training to get paid.

The former lightweight great has got a similar free-spirited style to Floyd and, while he may not be as sharp as he used to be, he’s got good power in either fist and seems to be something of a party spoiler these days, having won seven of his last eight against world class opposition.

Whether that will be enough to see him become the first man in 41 tries to defeat ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd is yet to be seen. But, with a ringside ticket in hand, I can’t wait to find out.

Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk

HBO gives a dose of Sugar, `24/7' -- Los Angeles Daily News

By Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News

"Sugar" Shane Mosley has never been one to start a war of words.

He'll respond, but is rarely the instigator.

Indeed, the ever-present smile aside, Mosley is not the most flamboyant of fighters outside the ring. He has talked a bit more of late, especially when he was calling out the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. But he still does it in a respectful manner.

His father and former trainer, Jack, said he has told his son that he needs to make some noise.

"I've always told Shane he needs to talk a little more because the mouth that stays closed never gets fed," Jack Mosley said. "Guys like Floyd, Bernard Hopkins and Roy (Jones Jr.), they usually kind of get the jump on him because they're running their mouths.

"And people, while they might not like that, they're on top with the PR stuff. I encouraged Shane to start talking a little more, let people know that, `Yes, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere.' "

The promotion for Mosley's fight against Mayweather on May1 at MGM Grand in LasVegas begins in earnest tonight with the first episode of HBO's award-winning documentary "24/7."

(The fight will be available on HBO pay-per-view).

This will be Mosley's first appearance. But it will be the big-talking Mayweather's fourth.

"I'm an entertainer and the upcoming `24/7' will be the best one yet," Mayweather said this week from his camp in Las Vegas. "The cameras have been rolling since the fight was announced, and you know you're going to see something exciting when you follow me."

Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) last appeared on "24/7" for his fight against Juan Manuel Marquez last September. Marquez was shown doing something that probably grossed out a lot of viewers.

"Marquez tried drinking his own urine last time around," Mayweather said. "People do crazy things when they know they have to face the best fighter in the world. Hopefully, Mosley got the memo that drinking (urine) doesn't work. Let's see what he tries to do."

Good stuff. Now, here's Mosley.

"People who watch `24/7' Mayweather/Mosley will get to see the real me," Mosley said from his camp in Big Bear. "I'm not worried about being over the top and doing anything crazy like Floyd. He's playing a character and doing his thing.

"I'm just excited to let the fans in and give them a glimpse of my life and what it's like leading up to one of the biggest fights of my career."

Pardon us while we yawn. Just kidding.

Seriously, though, this fight doesn't need a lot of hype. Besides, Jack Mosley has himself to blame. He taught Shane about respect in sports at a young age.

"He always wanted to win, but he didn't put anyone down when he did win," Jack Mosley said. "He never stood over anyone and taunted them."

Not only does Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) not talk a lot of smack, he bowls.

A fighter bowling? Oh, and he's in a league in Big Bear, too. Every Tuesday night, it's on.

"Bowling is something I just really enjoy," said Mosley, whose high game is 242. "It's a chance for me to relax with my tribe and people from this community, hone my skills and have a good time.

"Just like when I step in the ring, when it comes to bowling and basketball - another favorite sport of mine - I always want to win."

That is not going to happen May 1, said Floyd Mayweather Sr., who probably runs his mouth more than his son.

"Shane is going to get his (butt) whipped," Floyd Sr. said Monday. "That's what's going to happen. Floyd's faster than Shane, much faster; much slicker, more clever, smarter. He's got so many things he can do."

Mosley has a loaded arsenal, too. His speed and power overwhelmed Antonio Margarito in January 2009, when Mosley shocked the industry with a ninth-round stoppage of Margarito.

Some wonder if Margarito entered the ring out of focus because he had just been caught with illegal hand wraps containing plaster inserts prior to the fight.

Floyd Sr. certainly wasn't impressed with Mosley's work that night.

"All that Margarito stuff he did, Margarito was a walking mummy," he said. "He was tailor-made for Shane."

That could be partially true. But Mosley looked terrific that night. The thing is he hasn't fought since then because of fights getting canceled and because others are not thrilled about getting in the ring with him after blasting Margarito.

The layoff is probably one reason why Mosley, 38, is the underdog. That, and the 33-year-old Mayweather has never lost. Big deal, Mosley said.

"I was 38-0 with 35 knockouts when I stepped into the ring and lost for the very first time," Mosley said. "So when you say 40-0, that doesn't mean a thing to me. All it means is that I'll be the one giving him his first loss.

"No disrespect, but I really don't think he's been in there with a fighter like me, and I believe that when I beat Floyd, I will send him into retirement."

That's better. ---------

Sport mourns longtime promoter Chargin

Promoters Don and Lorraine Chargin were inseparable during their 40-plus years in boxing. Sadly, the sport lost half of that duo Tuesday when Lorraine Chargin died after a short fight with cancer. She was 79.

Longtime publicist Bill Caplan is a close friend of the Chargins and remembered Lorraine fondly.

"Lorraine was a very tough lady but had a heart of gold," Caplan said. "Tough exterior, soft center. She was a wonderful person.

"The only thing that gives anyone any comfort at all is that they discovered the cancer six weeks before she died. She didn't suffer for months and months. But she did suffer for those six weeks. She is really going to be missed."

Caplan mentioned how tough Lorraine Chargin was. The Sacramento Bee this week recalled an incident at a 1995 heavyweight fight between Lionel Butler and Lennox Lewis at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

Promoter Don King represented Butler. As the story goes, King and his entourage tried to rush past Lorraine Chargin at the gate, apparently without credentials. Lorraine Chargin wasn't having it. A heated verbal exchange ensued and prompted an arena employee to go running to find Don Chargin.

"Mr. Chargin, Mr. Chargin," the employee said. "There's a terrible argument going on out there between Don King and your wife."

"Aren't you worried?" a bystander asked.

Replied Don Chargin: "Yes, for King."

Don Chargin was the matchmaker at the Olympic Auditorium from 1964-84. He was given the moniker "War a Week Chargin" for the hard-hitting matches he made. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.

"People feel she should have been in there with him," said Caplan, who said the Hall of Fame is expected to honor Lorraine Chargin at its induction ceremony in June. "It was a 50-50 deal. When Don worked at the Olympic, she did, too."

The Chargins lived in the San Fernando Valley for about 25 years but recently moved to Cambria (in San Luis Obispo County). Lorraine Chargin's services will be held there Wednesday.

"I don't know what I'll do without my sweet Lorraine," Don Chargin said in a statement. "I can't stop looking at her picture. The only comfort I have is knowing that my sweetheart is no longer suffering." ---------

Etc.

Orthodox boxers never like fighting southpaws. But Andre Berto (25-0, 19 KOs) has fought more than his share and will defend his welterweight championship tonight against former champion Carlos Quintana at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. (on HBO). "Carlos Quintana is a former world champion and a crafty southpaw," Berto said. "This is my third straight southpaw, so I'm pretty used to them by now." Quintana (27-2, 21 KOs) won a welterweight world title with a stunning decision over Paul Williams in February 2008. Williams stopped Quintana in the first round of a rematch four months later. ... Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs) will take on Frans Botha (47-4-3, 28 KOs) in the main event tonight at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Holyfield

is 47, Botha is 41. It will be available

on independent pay-per-view. ...

Orlando Lora (26-0-1, 18 KOs) and

David Estrada (23-6, 14 KOs) will

tangle in the welterweight main event tonight at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage (ESPN2).

Source: dailynews.com

Berto strives to be back on radar -- Miami Herald

By SANTOS A. PEREZ, The Miami Herald

Andre Berto recognizes his title fight against Carlos Quintana on Saturday night is between the bookend bouts involving boxing's top welterweights.

A Miami native, Berto will fight Quintana at the BankAtlantic Center following Manny Pacquiao's lopsided win against Joshua Clottey on March 13 and before Floyd Mayweather Jr. faces Shane Mosley on May 1 in Las Vegas.

``People will be paying attention, especially since I have been away for a while,'' Berto said. ``This is a deep division, but there are a few of us who are in the top right now. In due time, everything is going to come.''

The backdrop of HBO televising Saturday's fight also could elevate Berto's profile. A victory over the battle-tested, ex-welterweight champion Quintana not only would reward Berto with the fourth successful defense of his World Boxing Council welterweight title but also place him closer to coveted matches against Pacquiao, Mayweather or Mosley.

``This is a big fight in a big stage,'' Berto said. ``I am going to go out and try to put on a great performance.''

Berto was scheduled to face Mosley on Jan. 30 but withdrew after the earthquake that struck his parents' native Haiti on Jan. 12. Berto has not fought since defeating Juan Urango on May 30 at the Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood.

``Everything happens for a reason,'' Berto said. ``Everybody's been reading and hearing what has been happening to me for months.''

Berto (25-0, 19 KOs) said the tragedy in Haiti affected him greatly but won't carry over into his bout against Quintana (27-2, 21 KOs).

``It's a situation you are never going to forget, it's always going to be part of you,'' Berto said. ``But I am completely motivated for this fight. We've had a tremendous training camp and we are ready to go.

``Quintana is a slick southpaw fighter. He knows how to capitalize on your mistakes. You just have to stick to your game plan and go to work.''

After spending most of his career as a welterweight, Quintana, 33, moved up to the junior-middleweight division. But Quintana immediately took on the opportunity to face Berto.

``Berto is a very talented fighter, and he is the favorite,'' Quintana said. ``But I enjoy being the underdog. It will give me more motivation to win the fight.''

Saturday's fight will headline a 10-bout card, which also will feature Celestino Caballero's first fight as a featherweight after a three-year run as super-bantamweight world champion. A Panama native, Caballero (33-2, 23 KOs) will face Indonesia's Daud Yordan (25-0, 19 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round bout.

South Florida based-fighters Antowne Smith and Jonathan Cepeda are scheduled to appear in undercard bouts. Cuba's Yudel Johnson, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist, also is on the undercard.

sperez@MiamiHerald.com

Source: miamiherald.com

Nongqayi barely keeps belt -- FightNews

By Alexey Sukachev, FightNews.com

There will be no new IBF champion at 115lb after the fight between the reigning titlist Simphiwe Nongqayi (16-0-1, 6 KOs) from the Republic of South Africa and IBF #10 ranked challenger Malik Bouziane (13-1-1, 1 KO) of Massy, France. A heated twelve-round affair between two well-educated but light-hitting stylists, which was held at Bouziane’s backyard ended in a split draw, which well reflects the flow of the contest. Both boxers boxed cautiously, using jab and tight defense and going into the slugfest mode only on occasion. The reigning champion took first two rounds off to adjust himself to the awkward Frenchman. Nongqayi was the better man in rounds three and four. The see-saw process continued in subsequent rounds as well and neither fighter could get the better of another. It looked like Bouziane did exactly enough to get the twelfth and final round but it turned out to be a disappointing mirage both for him and his partisan home crowd. Scores were 114-114, 114-114 and 115-113 for Bouziane. Fightnews scored it 115:114 for the challenger. Both fighters were down once and both times no knockdowns were issued.

Source: fightnews.com

AUDLEY HARRISON'S BIG END -- Daily Star

By Nick Parkinson, DailyStar.co.uk

AUDLEY Harrison got ­revenge over Michael Sprott with a savage last-round knockout to win the European heavyweight ­title last night.

Harrison avenged a 2007 KO loss to Sprott to claim the vacant title at ­Alexandra Palace in north London.

By lifting the European belt, ­Harrison is now in the best position of his under-achieving career, with a world title shot later this year a ­realistic possibility.

However, the 38-year-old was ­heading for a clear points loss until he ­uncorked a stunning left hook in the 12th round.

Harrison suffered a right ­shoulder injury at the end of the second round and needed a ­knockout to ­rescue his career from the threat of ­retirement.

He said: “My right shoulder went. I knew I was behind, but I stayed in looking for a shot with my left hand and I was able to gain victory. With one hand from the second round, I found that shot. I showed heart, I showed bottle and I ­deserve to be the European champion.”

Harrison wants to face either WBC champion Vitali Klitschko or his younger brother Wladimir – the IBF-WBO king – rather than ­Britain’s WBA ruler David Haye.

Becoming European champion has catapulted Harrison into the WBC top 10 rankings, so a successful first defence against Ukrainian ­Alexander Dimitrenko would earn a straight shot at Vitali.

Sprott, 35, knocked out Harrison in three rounds in 2007 and last month returned with a 58-second stoppage win following the death of his sister in September.

Harrison had auctioned off the Prizefighter Series trophy he won in October for Sprott’s family, but there was no charity on show between them in this long-awaited rematch.

Harrison was the busier boxer in the first session and then unloaded a barrage of left hooks with Sprott on the ropes. But moments later, in the second round, Harrison’s legs were wobbled under the force of a fierce right by a fired-up Sprott.

The California-based Londoner looked in trouble in the third round as Sprott launched himself ­furiously at him.

Southpaw Harrison began getting through with his jab later in the third, but another big right from Sprott found the target.

Harrison seemed reluctant to throw his right hand after the ­middle rounds and Sprott took ­advantage by relentlessly marching forward on the attack.

Harrison launched a series of left hooks in the ninth, but took some big shots in the 10th as Sprott ­continued to dominate.

After winning the 11th round Sprott only needed to survive the last to be confident of a points win.

But Harrison found the best punch of his career to flatten Sprott with a left hook as the Reading boxer opened his guard at the wrong time.

Source: dailystar.co.uk

Audley Harrison the injured enigma clings to career after late KO -- Telegraph

By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk

Last week the nation watched as David Haye, drunk with a growing self-belief and bringing a touch of brilliance in his belligerence, continued on the glittering path seeking to be lord of the heavyweight ring in despatching American John Ruiz over nine brutal rounds.

It was a homecoming world title fight – the WBA portion of the belt – and the contest raised the rafters at the MEN Arena. It also raised several questions, and answered them over 26 brutalizing minutes of ring action. Haye is on the way up, and almost ready for two mega-fights with the Klitschko brothers.

So, to Audley Harrison… Challenge the Klitschkos ? Fight David Haye ? Last night in Alexandra Palace, north London, we (almost) saw the last of the big guy from Brent. Remember Audley Harrison, they might have said the guy who won Olympic gold in 2000 but went nowhere for ten years until it was all over…? It was that close at the old home of British Broadcasting up on Ally Pally, as it is known locally.

Harrison was almost two minutes from the walls closing in on him, his career all but over. Coming into the twelfth round Harrison was losing the fight for the vacant European title against Michael Sprott, on points. It was a half-decent fight, in which Sprott made most of the running. Harrison even showed some heart.

Yet, somehow, Harrison rescued this contest with a thunderous left ‘equalizer’ with 100 seconds left in his career, leaving the British and Commonwealth champion supine. Out cold was Sprott. Sprotted.

A-Farce, Audrey, call him what you like – and they have- but Harrison was finished before a huge left hand saved his career, kept it afloat.

I have to confess, it hasn’t really changed anything. Nor will it have changed most observers views of Harrison. He showed some heart, he turned this into the late, late show. But he has flagrantly disappointed for a decade. And now he’s 38.

He hasn’t really got it at the highest level. He’ll huff and he’ll puff and he may yet get a crack at the Klitschkos, or even Haye…never say never in boxing, but he’s not of that level. Physically, he is. As a promoter he is; as a talker, he is…but then the bell has to go.

Personally, I’d like to see Haye-Harrison. It would sell out…

I reported on every one of Harrison’s first ten professional fights (groans) on the BBC, from 2001 onwards (and I even saw his US debut, his eighth fight, in Atlantic City against Shawn Robinson who was a foot smaller and 53lbs lighter than Harrison) and it was clear from the off that the OLympic champion-turned-pro felt that knocking out a random doorman from Krakow should be followed by a long monologue to the media immediately afterwards.

It was a bad habit. There was the nagging feeling from the off that he was a quite brilliant talker, wonderful at representing himself…yet lacked something at the highest level. This is still a secret only Harrison himself is unaware of. Which is why he is mocked so pitilessly.

He showed a bit of spirit in this contest, and ten years on from Olympic glory, he still has the gift of the gab, huge athleticism, technique, he is a southpaw, but is derided by all in boxing, and even those not desperately familiar with it.

I was involved in analysing Harrison’s career with Andy Jacobs and Andy Goldstein on TalkSport this week, and they were mystified that he can claim that he could face the Klitschko brothers or Haye in a ring, for a world title, somewhere soon. It does seem improbable. However, the reality is that such a contest is only two fights away.

At Alexandra Palace, they booed him (of course). Three years ago, Sprott knocked Harrison flat out in the third. Here Harrison took his revenge.

“My right shoulder went in the second round, and I showed determination and heart in there. It showed how much I wanted to keep my career,” explained Harrison. He had fought one-handed for seven rounds. “I proved that I want to remain in boxing. I didn’t quit, and I’m still here….”

* * * * *

There is even worse tomorrow night in the United States, when 47-year-old Evander Holyfield meets Frans Botha, now 41, in a Las Vegas ring. Holyfield, unfortunately, is still fighting because he says he wishes to be world heavyweight champion again, but in reality his 200 million + dollars have all gone and he needs, I understand, around $1 million a year for alimony and to run his estate. I watched him in Zurich last year live, labouring through 12 rounds against Nikolai Valuev, losing the WBA title fight

* * * * *

Back in north London…

The truth is out there. Ten years ago, as they prepared for the Olympics, Haye, aged 19, was a skinny beanpole next to Audley Harrison, then 28.

Haye failed to make the Olympics; Harrison claimed gold in Sydney and won the golden pot, and negotiated a £1million deal with the BBC, for which the corporation were pilloried.

Ten years on, they are both heavyweights, and are not even in the same league. Haye is the fighter, and Harrison…well…let’s just say he could yet be a contender…for now, let’s leave it at that.

Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk

Harrison finally hits the Sprott: Injured Audley keeps his career alive -- Daily Mail

By Jeff Powell, DailyMail.co.uk

Audley Harrison dragged redemption from the brink of retirement by dredging up the courage which has lain dormant through most of his professional career.

That's right, courage. He showed bravery of such a high and unexpected order that he finally backed his claims to a world title challenge which he has craved since winning gold for Britain at the Sydney Olympics a decade ago.

Harrison, the A-force man whose fighting heart has been questioned so often, fought with one arm as good as tied behind his back before inflicting the last-round knock-out of Michael Sprott which made him champion of Europe.

An emotional Harrison said: 'I ripped a tendon in the shoulder when throwing a jab. It's an old injury. I knew I needed a knock-out going into the last round because I was behind on points. But I always felt I could find the big shot. I would like to ask Michael if I still haven't got any heart.'

For most of the 11 rounds before the knock-out, Harrison had taken a firestorm of punishment while clinging to the hope of landing one blow with the only weapon remaining in his armoury. That left hook arrived with one minute and 55 seconds of his ordeal remaining.

Referee Dave Parris did not finish the count. Instead he summoned urgent attention for Sprott, who revived, only to be taken unwell in the dressing room to which the paramedics hurried again. He spent the night under observation in hospital.

Harrison's finding of himself as a true fighting man came with the clock apparently running down on his career. We watched with surprise as well as a kind of morbid fascination as he fought more heroically with one hand than he has ever done with two.

As Harrison's arm fell more limp, he resorted to switching from his southpaw lead to not only jabbing with his left but trying virtually every punch with that one hand.

Inevitably, Sprott pounded away to build up a winning lead on the scorecards. One of the three judges had Harrison's fellow Londoner six points ahead before the last round.

At times Harrison reeled around the Alexandra Palace ring but, with oblivion beckoning, he found the nerve to take the hard knocks. Sprott's corner made the crucial error of sending their man out to try to finish Harrison in the 12th. Had he boxed those last minutes with caution he would have beaten Harrison for the second time. Instead he was caught by a thunderous left hook.

Harrison's swollen features confirmed the extent of his discomfort but by coming through the hurt he is within one fight of a challenge for Vitali Klitschko's WBC title.

First he must deal with the mandatory contender for the European belt, another giant Ukrainian named Alexander Dimitrenko.

But promoter Barry Hearn said: 'After this - one of the most fantastic things I've seen in the ring - I believe Audley only has to win that to get his wish against Klitschko before the end of the year.'

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Holyfield Fight: Who's In Charge At NSAC? -- The Sweet Science

By Ron Borges, The Sweet Science

A dinosaur will fight a white buffalo at the Thomas and Mack Center Saturday night and the Nevada Athletic Commission is fine with that. This is not a sign of the end of society as we know it but it may be the end of the Nevada Commission as anything remotely resembling a regulatory body.

The sanctioning of a fight between 47-year-old Evander Holyfield, who is barely capable of still winning an argument let alone a fight, and 41-year-old South African Frans “The White Buffalo’’ Botha is absurd on the face of it but coming on the heels of the NSAC allowing so well shot he’s riddled Roy Jones, Jr. to fight in Las Vegas last weekend against moderately shot Bernard Hopkins makes one thing clear – the Nevada State Athletic Commission should be disbanded.

I mean, what’s the point? What are they regulating? Are they even still empowered to do anything but rubber stamp anything any promoter willing to bring two cadavers to ringside wants?

Jones was pathetic, an empty vessel who was out to sea and out of his element inside a boxing ring. Hopkins was not pathetic but you could see it from where he was fighting. Hopkins has much to be proud of but his performance against Jones, in which he took a knee as often as he took it to Jones, was shameful.

It was not, however, anywhere near as shameful as the performance of Keith Kizer and the commission he serves. While it is true he is simply the executive director and hence has no final vote on any matters, he is – or at least should be – a loud voice of reason when it comes to which boxers are allowed to ply their dangerous trade inside state lines.

Here are the facts about the dinosaur and the white buffalo. The former is 6-7-1 since 1999 and 3-8 in his last 11 fights. His last victory over a heavyweight other than someone who just happened to be a heavy man was nearly eight years ago, when he stopped Hasim Rahman.

He has not fought in 16 months, having lost an achingly boring decision to then WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev on Dec. 20, 2008. That fight proved two things. Valuev couldn’t fight and neither can Holyfield any more. Yet Nevada is telling the same fighter denied a license in New York for being “non-competitive’’ 5 ½ years ago to, as Monty Hall would say, “Come on down!’’

As for Botha, he is a 41-year-old journeyman who would be considered a has been had he ever been anybody other than a jovial fellow from South Africa. Botha retired for five years but, like the rest of them, couldn’t stay away. Once he was knocked out by both Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko within two years. Those are his career highlights.

Since his return to boxing, Botha has won a split decision from Tino Hoffman and fought a draw in his last outing against Pedro Carrion. If you are not a limb on the Carrion family tree you are excused if you have no idea who he is.

Yet things have grown so dismal in Las Vegas that the town will try anything to attract a crowd. Last weekend it was two old geezers. This weekend it’s another senior tour event. The only problem with this is that there is no seniors tour in boxing and these kind of fights are about as entertaining as watching a pie eating contest but far more dangerous.

For reasons known only to the promoter, Holyfield-Botha will be staged in the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus. That is where the Runnin’ Rebels play their basketball games. It will be so empty Saturday night that any punch that lands will echo around the place as if they were fighting inside an echo chamber.

This is what it has come to for Holyfield, who was the best heavyweight of his time and truly “The Real Deal’’ for much of it. It has been a long, long time since boxing was anything but a bad deal for him and for the public. The public finally figured this out, which is why his last fight had to be staged in Switzerland. The Nevada State Athletic Commission still hasn’t. Or, if you are extremely cynical, they have and couldn’t care less.

Earlier this week Holyfield said, “I’m happy to have the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas again. Everything that’s happened to me has been here – in 1984 I had to win Saturday and Sunday to make the Olympic team. In 1990, 1993, 1996 and 2000 I won the heavyweight title here. Las Vegas has been the place that’s given me the opportunity to be the person I am.’’

Now it’s giving him the opportunity to be what Roy Jones, Jr. was a week ago which was a sad embarrassment to himself, to the sport he once ruled and to the commission that is sanctioning this kind of schlock.

“My goal has simply been to be undisputed heavyweight champion,’’ Holyfield said in the kind of statement that would have led Mills Lane to stop the press conference if he was still a boxing official.

“I’m a person – I think my attitude is good when people tell me I can’t do something -- I’m driven by what people say I can’t do to prove I can. I’m not disappointed by decisions. I felt I beat Valuev. I won’t quit seeking to do my best and Saturday night you’ll see me give my all. If not enough, I’ll make adjustments. I’m telling you, Saturday night, I’ll look better than I used to be.”

If he does there won’t be many witnesses.

As for Botha, he claims to be the WBF heavyweight champion. The WBF is one thing and one thing only. It is proof that there are too many letters in the alphabet for boxing’s own good. Sadly, four of them are now NSAC.

“I’m defending my title against one of the greatest legends of all-time,’’ Botha said. “This will make my resume perfect.”

Botha is right about that. If he can get knocked out by Holyfield he will have a perfect record of having been stopped by Holyfield, Lewis, Klitschko and Mike Tyson. It would be a quadfecta of concussions.

“The White Buffalo’ is roaming the prairie,’’ Botha (47-4-3, 28 KO) continued when speaking in Holyfield’s direction. “I’m going to end your career, make you retire.’’

Source: thesweetscience.com

Kelly Pavlik to 'Silence Critics' Against Sergio Martinez -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Kelly Pavlik sent shockwaves throughout the boxing world on September 29, 2007, when his seventh-round knockout dethroned previously unbeaten Jermain Taylor as WBO and WBC middleweight (160 pounds) champion.

In doing so, the then 25-year-old Pavlik demolished a man who had twice vanquished the legendary Bernard Hopkins over the course of 24 rounds, and battled world titlist, Winky Wright, to a draw.

Since then, however, boxing observers seem to have forgotten that heroism of Pavlik's effort, which included rising from a second-round knockdown and absorbing nearly 20 unanswered punches before he could claim victory before 10,127 partisan fans in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall.

Some criticism comes from Pavlik's lopsided loss to Hopkins in October of 2008, a 170-pound match up during which he won only a round on one judge's card, two on another, just three on the third.

Other backlash stems from Pavlik's pulling out of a scheduled December bout with southpaw Paul Williams (38-1, 27 KOs) as a result of a painful staph infection in his left forefinger which had Pavlik hospitalized and near death.

In the meantime, the 27-year-old Pavlik (36-1, 32 KOs) has tried to fight his way back into the good graces of what promoter, Bob Arum, calls a "very fickle" public.

Pavlik's four title defenses are comprised of a unanimous decision over Taylor in their February, 2008 rematch, as well as knockouts over Gary Lockett, Marco Antonio Rubio, and, Miguel Espino, respectively, in the third, ninth, and, fifth rounds.

"Maybe people didn't expect me to be what I am. People see me as a one-dimensional power-puncher. The one bad outting for me against Hopkins, and it seems like that's the case," said Pavlik.

"The only thing that you can do with that is to go back out there and to keep fighting," said Pavlik. "As long as I go back out there and keep moving and working on what I have to work on and winning, that will silence all of the critics."

Pavlik's latest attempt will come on April 17 when he returns to Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall for an HBO-televised bout against Argentinian-born, 35-year-old, southpaw challenger, Sergio Martinez (44-2-2, 24 KOs).

The owner of the WBC's junior middleweight (154 pounds) title, Martinez is coming off of December's disputed, 12-round, majority decision loss to Williams, a bout during which both fighters were floored during the first round.

The loss to Williams ended Martinez's run of 28-0-1, with 18 knockouts since being knocked out by Antonio Margarito in the seventh round in February of 2007.

"I wanted to fight Williams. It is what it is. The staph infection, they say I was lying. Even though I had doctors saying that I wasn't lying. We couldn't make the fight happen. So the next best fight out there was Martinez, who, a lot of people think beat Paul Williams," said Pavlik.

"That's the biggest name right now in the division, and the biggest fight for me to take. It goes to show that I'm definitely taking a chance," said Pavlik. "And I'm proving to the people to the boxing world and myself that I'm taking a dangerous fight because I never strayed away from taking a big fight."

Pavlik said that he feels "100 percent" for the first time since facing Lockett, a June, 2008, third-round KO over a fighter who was 30-1, with 21 KOs.

"Going into the camp healthy this time was definitely a plus. I had no problems at all and felt really good -- probably the best I've ever felt going into a camp," said Pavlik.

"The main thing is going in there and taking care of business and being on top of my game, following the gameplan that we worked on so that everything falls into place," said Pavlik. "This is a fight that, if I go out there and dominate and win, then I'll be right back on track."

Pavlik hopes to display versatile talents against Martinez, who considered a slick boxer.

"I'm ambidextrious. I do have good boxing ability and a great jab, and, obviously, the power is there. In the rematch with Taylor, when I beat Taylor on points and not by knocking him out, I showed that I could out-jab one of the best jabbers in the game," said Pavlik.

"My handspeed was obviously right there with him," said Pavlik. "I would say that, right now, my strength is that people underestimate my hand speed, and being able to establish a jab or any punch that I can set up as a key factor in a fight."

Arum believes that a sensational effort against Martinez will restore the luster lost since Pavlik knocked Taylor cold.

After that, Arum can look to go pursue Williams, or, even IBF super middleweight (168 pounds) king, Lucian Bute (25-0, 20 KOs) of Canada -- the latter of whom is defending his crown against Colombian-born, Edison Miranda (33-4, 29 KOs) as part of HBO's split-site coverage from Quebec on the same night.

"I am convinced beyond any measure that we're going to see the old Kelly Pavlik against Martinez, and as soon as the public sees that, he'll be right back on top. People will be clamoring for his next fight, whether it's Paul Williams or Lucian Bute or somebody else. People love to see knockout fighters," said Arum, who already has entertained taking Pavlik to The Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in the future.

"The 168-pound guys are the middleweights of the 1980s," said Arum, "and I think that Kelly, when he cleans out the middleweight division, will go up to 168 pounds, and there is a lot of competition there."

In defeating Taylor, Pavlik succeeded in restoring a boxing legacy in Youngstown, whose celebrated heroes, Ray Mancini and Harry Arroyo, had failed during their Atlantic City debuts.

Mancini had been unbeaten in 20 bouts when he lost a lightweight title fight to Alexis Arguello in 1981, and Arroyo, 26-0 when he was dethroned by Jimmy Paul there in 1985.

Martinez will mark Pavlik's fourth bout in at Alantic City, where he has begun to build a following that may be approaching that of the late Arturo Gatti in popularity.

"Arturo Gatti was just a great fighter, just a blood and guts type of fighter. So to me, it's an honor to be considered the guy that is going to be the next guy to fulfill his spot. I enjoyed watching Gatti fight, and I think that pretty much everybody in boxing enjoyed it," said Pavlik.

"It's a lot for me to try and live up to, but it's great to be back at Boardwalk Hall with the fan support that I get there," said Pavlik. "Winning the world title there and having had a handfull of fights there, it's just a great atmosphere and a great fight city. I love it a lot."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

The jury’s still out on Haye -- The Sun

By FRANK WARREN, The Sun

DAVID HAYE stopped John Ruiz last week to remain WBA heavyweight champ.

But until I see him in with a 'live heavyweight', the jury is still out.

Haye did as expected - you can only defeat what's put in front of you.

But let's not get carried away - Ruiz had effectively lost four of his previous seven fights and, at 38, had seen better days.

Haye has been in the right place at the right time in fighting Nikolay Valuev and Ruiz, because the pair are probably the worst two heavyweight world champions of all time.

After the fight, Haye, 29, said he was glad he had won because he didn't want to be like Frank Bruno and lose his title in his first defence.

That is unfair on Bruno. Other than the Klitschkos, the heavyweights of his generation were far superior to today's.

Haye says the Klitschko brothers are next on the agenda but Vitali and Wladimir are very different prospects to Ruiz.

On Saturday, Haye took more shots than he needed to. If either of the Klitschkos connect, they are going to have Haye in big trouble.

Bernard can't Hop to heavy

BERNARD HOPKINS finally avenged his loss to Roy Jones at the weekend, defeating his nemesis on points.

Hopkins immediately called out David Haye - but there's no way he's going to heavyweight.

The most likely scenario is a showdown with light-heavyweight No 1 Chad Dawson - or retirement.

I expected Hopkins to stop Jones but he opted for a safety-first approach to get the win.

Despite being 45, Hopkins has managed to fight on because he knows how to look after himself.

Jones, on the other hand, has now lost six of his last 11 fights and has ruined what was once an impressive legacy. He should call it a day. To me he just about won a round.

Hopkins hit the canvas a couple of times after being caught with rabbit punches, which led to one observer saying: "Hopkins has a glass back of the head."

That's kids' stuff

SCHOOLS from the North-West took part in a competition last week.

Hundreds of spectators watched the kids' boxing skills in 22 contests. Points were awarded in a new form of boxing for skills, self-discipline and scoring on the target area.

Pupils with disabilities acted as officials - good to see boxing having a positive impact on kids and communities.

Ali film is all gold

FACING ALI is the latest US documentary on Muhammad Ali.

There are interviews with Joe Frazier, George Chuvalo, Larry Holmes, George Foreman and Ken Norton. It also touches on Ali's connection with Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan including tapes of Farrakhan's death threats against Washington Post writer Milton Coleman.

Can't wait to see it.

Calzaghe comeback?

THE only man to have beaten both Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins was at a Press conference held by Golden Boy last week.

Could Joe Calzaghe really come out of retirement for a rematch with Hopkins?

He shouldn't come back but it's not impossible.

Source: thesun.co.uk

Abraham’s management protesting loss to Dirrell – looking to get it changed to a ‘no decision’ -- BoxingNews24

By Jim Dower, BoxingNews24.com

Sauerland, the promotional company for Arthur Abraham (31-1, 25 KO’s), is looking to get his recent 11th round disqualification loss to Andre Dirrell overturned and changed to a ‘no decision,’ according to German news agency Bild.de. They’re unhappy that American referee Lawrence Cole, who worked the Abraham-Dirrell stage 2 Super Six tournament bout on March 27th, failed to shout “Break” after Dirrell has accidently slipped on the canvas in the 11th round.

Abraham, not hearing any stop in the action, landed a right hand to the side of Dirrell’s head while he was on one knee, knocking Dirrell out and causing referee Lawrence Cole to disqualify Abraham. After the fight, Abraham complained that he didn’t notice that Dirrell was down when he hit him, and called him a “good actor.”

Sauerland has protested the loss to the WBC, and want the loss to be taken off. Besides the punch that led to the disqualification, Abraham’s management is also unhappy that Cole didn’t rule that Dirrell was knocked down in the 10th round after getting hit with a hard right hand that put Dirrell on his backside. Cole ruled that he had tripped over Abraham’s foot.

Additionally, Abraham’s German management felt that Dirrell should have had points taken off for a series of low blows, which Dirrell was allowed to land without being penalized by Cole. But their main gripe is that Cole failed to shout “Break” after Dirrell slipped to the canvas in the 11th. Without the referee stopping the action, Abraham continued to fight and blasted Dirrell with a hard right to the head that badly hurt him.

Earlier in the fight, Dirrell had hit Abraham with a low blow, and Dirrell continued to go after Abraham, even though the German looked to be in visible pain and bending forward. Dirrell looked briefly at the referee and when he saw that he wasn’t going to stop the action, Dirrell went after Abraham and missed with a big left hook. The difference between what Dirrell did and what Abraham did was that Dirrell looked at the referee before proceeding to continue his attack, whereas Abraham didn’t hesitate after Dirrell slipped on the canvas, bending down and hitting Dirrell with a hard right hand to the head.

It’s unclear whether the WBC will overturn the decision. It’s hard to imagine they will, because there wasn’t much time for the referee Cole to shout for a stop in the action because he appeared to be partially shielded from what was taking place by Abraham’s back and was far away from the action. It’s possible the WBC will overturn it, but I doubt it. Dirrell appeared to be clearly down and Abraham had to actually bend over to hit him. Even if Abraham didn’t receive any instructions from the referee, it should seem pretty obvious that Dirrell was down and defenseless at the time he was hit by Abraham.

Source: boxingnews24.com

Stadium primed for Foreman-Cotto bout -- MLB.com

By Tim Britton, MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Yankee Stadium's upper deck will be the place to see uppercuts one day this summer.

On June 5, Miguel Cotto will challenge Yuri Foreman for the World Boxing Association's Super Welterweight Championship in the first fight to be held at a Yankees' home ballpark since Ken Norton battled Muhammad Ali in 1976. It will be a first for the new stadium, which opened last year.

The ring will be set up in right-center field on the playing surface, with a canopy overhead and seating both in the stands and on the field. The headline match between Cotto and Foreman will start at 11:30 p.m. and can be seen live on HBO. Tickets will go on sale on April 16.

"Yankee Stadium ...the name itself just brings up memories of fabulous sports nights," said Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank, the promotions company that helped bring the fight together. "How could anybody who has any kind of feeling for momentous events not be here on Saturday, June 5?"

Foreman, a native of Belarus and current resident of Brooklyn, is the reigning super welterweight champ, earning that title in November by defeating Daniel Santos. He will enter the fight with a 28-0 mark. Instead of relaxing after earning his title belt, Foreman wanted to challenge himself by taking on another former world champion in Cotto, who will move up a weight class for the bout.

Cotto, who was raised in Puerto Rico but has spent several years in the Bronx, is one of the biggest names in boxing and looking to rebound after a loss to Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas in November. That was just Cotto's second loss in 36 career fights.

Arum and Top Rank have worked to stage boxing events in some of the country's biggest and newest venues. Just last month, Pacquiao battled Joshua Clottey in the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington in front of more than 50,000 fans.

"It enables us to put the sport of boxing at a new level and on a new platform where it can be seen by so many people on a big stage," said Arum, who added that the set-up at Yankee Stadium will allow for variable ticket prices and greater availability. "We can confidently expect to have 30,000 people here."

The fighters themselves are excited for the chance not only to challenge each other, but to do so in one of the most hallowed venues in American sports.

"Fighting here, at the home of the greatest baseball team in America, is more than an honor for me," said Cotto, excited by the possibility of an even larger crowd here than for his fights at Madison Square Garden.

"I never imagined anything like this," Foreman said as he took in the Stadium from the third-base line. "I'm living the American Dream."

This first fight at Yankee Stadium -- already dubbed "Stadium Slugfest" on the promotional material -- will rejuvenate a tradition of major boxing events in the Bronx. The old Yankee Stadium across 161st Street hosted 30 championship fights that included the likes of Gene Tunney, James Braddock, and Sugar Ray Robinson. It was home to the famous bout between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling in 1938 and the first televised boxing match in 1939 between Max Baer and Lou Nova.

The Yankees grounds crew will have plenty of time to get the field back into playing shape after the fight. The Bronx Bombers begin a road trip the day before the bout and don't return home until six days after it for Interleague Play and a series with the Astros.

Tim Britton is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Source: mlb.mlb.com

Cotto-Foreman to box at Yankee Stadium in June -- The Associated Press

By DAVE SKRETTA, The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Boxing is back at Yankee Stadium after more than three decades.

Greats such as Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton have been replaced by Miguel Cotto and Yuri Foreman, and the ballpark where they once fought stands as a shell of its former self just across the street.

The dream of Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum to return to the ballpark in the Bronx was realized Friday, when Cotto and Foreman were introduced at the new, $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium. They'll meet for Foreman's junior middleweight title June 5 in the first sports event besides baseball since the facility opened last spring.

"How can anybody that has any kind of feeling for momentous things not be here?" Arum said.

After the Yankees wrap up a three-game home series June 3 against the Baltimore Orioles, the stadium will be turned over to Top Rank promotions. The ring will be built in right-center field, under an enormous canopy, with about 7,000 field-level seats.

The rest of the seating will be in the outfield bleachers and down the first-base line, and promoters hope between 30,000 and 35,000 fans show up.

"It's an honor fighting here," said Foreman, the WBA titleholder, who was born in Belarus but makes his home in Brooklyn. "It's a dream."

Yankee Stadium has a proud tradition of hosting fights. Harry Greb fought under the famous facade, along with Gene Tunney, Jack Dempsey and James Braddock — the Cinderella Man.

When the 1920s beget the '30s, the great Joe Louis fought the first of his record 11 bouts at Yankee Stadium, including his famous victory over German champion Max Schmeling on June 22, 1938, that avenged an earlier loss in the same ballpark.

In later years, Jake LaMotta, Rocky Graziano and Sugar Ray Robinson were the marquee names on the front gate. Rocky Marciano won four straight fights there in the 1950s, before Ali and Norton fought on Sept. 28, 1976.

"As a boxing fan, you can't forget any of those names," Yankees chief operating officer Lonn Trost said. "Yankee Stadium was, is and will always remain a fabric in the life of boxing."

Several factors played into why there hasn't been a major fight at the ballpark in the past three decades. Ownership became tepid about erecting a ring on the infield grass, which had drainage problems. Casinos created competition for marquee events by offering exorbitant site fees.

The Ali-Norton fight also left a bitter taste for some, mostly because the fight was dull and members of the NYPD went on strike that day. The Bronx turned into a scene of chaos, and many fans getting off the subway immediately returned to Manhattan.

"Whenever I thought of the possibility in the interim years of coming back and doing a fight at Yankee Stadium, that went through my mind," Arum said. "Now remember, it's 34, 35 years later, and things change. But it was a really bad experience."

There are plenty of story lines involving the two fighters, though they'll probably take a back seat to Yankee Stadium, a monument to success and excess all at once.

Foreman, a self-proclaimed Yankees fan, is studying to become a rabbi and has backing from the large Jewish population in the New York metropolitan area. The sabbath doesn't officially end until sundown on Saturday night, so the main event start time will be pushed back to 11:30 p.m.

The first title fight at the old stadium also featured a Jewish champion. Benny Leonard defended his title against Lew Tendler on July 23, 1923, just a few months after the doors opened for the first time.

"When I won the world title on Nov. 14, they told me to take a few fights, some easy fights, then get into something better," Foreman said. "Being a world champion is not just easy fights, it's fighting other world champions. And Miguel Cotto is another world champion."

Or at least a former world champion.

Cotto has lost two of his last four fights, including a stoppage loss to pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao last November on the same night Foreman won his title in Las Vegas.

The former welterweight has numerous fans in New York City who trace their roots to his native Puerto Rico, many of them residing in the Bronx.

Cotto has headlined at Madison Square Garden several times on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day parade, which this year falls a week after the fight, when the Yankees are at home.

"I know it's going to be a tough fight for us, a tough fight for Yuri, too," said Cotto, who will fight at junior middleweight for the first time. "But we are owners of our own destiny, you know? We'll try hard, and I guarantee you we're going to make a great show."

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Source: google.com

No red carpets: Coach Roach loses Cuban, gains Chavez Brothers -- Examiner

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

(Breaking News: ESPN reports it today (Friday) as a pending deal but Bob Arum just confirmed it to me face to face as a done deal that Coach Freddie Roach has assumed training duties for Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and his brother Omar.)

Maybe it’s the snail mail address that deceived not so crafty Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux.

I mean, the funky Freddie Roach owned Wild Card Gym is within the legal confines of starry Hollywood. It is on Vine Street.

So maybe the two time Olympic gold medalist was expecting the black limos, the shining kleig lights and the overall red carpet treatment for his training sessions with Master Roach.

If that was the case then, let’s just say that Rigondeaux, 5-0 as a pro and now back in Miami seeking a new ring tutor, was geographically confused.

Where the Wild Card is not the section of Hollyweird that the tourists long to see. Instead of Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Walk Of Fame, you’re adjacent to Nat’s Thai Restaurant, a laundromat, a hair stylist and a rundown bodega.

There’s also a tattered nightclub, The Three Of Clubs, where I think they have a new door policy, a 25 cent cover charge.

You know, to keep the riffraff out. The Three Of Clubs makes Jumbo's Clown Room look like the Ritz Carlton, let's put it that way.

I don’t want to say it’s a tough neighborhood but the elementary school has an obituary column.

Teachers get notes like: “Please excuse Johnny for five to 15 years, depending on his parole hearing.”

How tough is it, you ask?

Tina, the lovely lady who owns the Thai spot where the Manny Pacquiao entourage chows down daily, is thinking of adding lamb to the menu...

Broken leg of lamb...

Enough with the Rodney Dangerfield riffs...

Seriously, Rigondeaux was sadly misinformed, like Bogart in “Casablanca” when he said he came to Morocco “for the waters,” if he thought he was going to get the Big Willie treatment at Pacman’s training shrine.

Security chief Rob Peters insists on it, per Master Roach, you must check your ego at the front door...unless your last name is Pacquiao.

And not even Manny gives anyone the high hat routine.

Imagine Tiger Woods standing next to you, Joe Hacker, on the driving range or sharing the putting green with you...yeah, right, like that would ever happnen.

But Pacquiao–and I have seen this–shares the gym on nonsparring days with chunky housefraus and skinny schoolkids.

They don’t lock the door or clear regular duespaying members or even some spectators out UNLESS it is a day on which Manny is sparring and spies might zoom in on some strategic moves.

Pacman’s wideopen workouts are a sight to behold, a refreshing touch and it’s that openness that gives Megamanny such “Everyman” popular appeal.

Personally, I think we have to reach back to the halcyon days of Cassius Clay who became Muhammad Ali at the oceanfront (OK, two blocks away from the Miami Beach surf) Fifth Street Gym.

The gym monitor was an old coot named Sully, if I recall, and he worked hard to get the one dollar admission charge out of everyone.

If you told Sully, you were “press,” he had a snappy rejoinder.

“Press your pants,” he would say. “Give me a buck!”

So Rigogdeaux, who shows flashes of championship form, is gone.

I’m sure Freddie, his brother Pepper, Peters and all the others in the cast of characters at the gym have not skipped a beat.

Subtract one Cuban, add two sons of the great Mexican Legend, JC Chavez.

Unlike their father, JC Jr. and Omar are to the manor born.

But they better not expect any rumpkissing or red carpets at the Roach Motel.

The Wild Card crew, they just don’t roll like that.

Manny has special privileges that no one else can claim.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

PACQUIAO INVITED AS GUEST AT WBC NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS IN CARDIFF -- PhilBoxing

By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com

Pound-for-pound king and “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao has been invited as a guest at the World Boxing Council “Night of Champions” which will be held in Cardiff, Wales from July 29-31 this year.

The event will be the second WBC Night of Champions with the first having taken place in Cancun, Mexico in support of the local area of Cancun in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina that tore through the picturesque tourist resort city in 2006.

In a letter to Pacquiao, former world welterweight champion John Stracey who is a member of the Executive Committee hosting the event said the second WBC Night of Champions is all about supporting charitable legacy projects within Wales. He said they will be raising funds for the Princes Trust, the WBC cares charity and a legacy project in Wales entitled Sporting Chances. Sporting Chances is aimed at improving the lives of the Welsh disadvantaged youth.

Stracey told Pacquiao “your support would inspire these people”.

Also enclosed was a document which outlined in more detail the itinerary of events to take place over the three days. In brief, there will be an awards ceremony, charity sports day, gala dinners, Great Britain versus rest of world road to the Olympics tournament and the world film premiere of ‘Risen’ the story of Welsh boxer Howard Winstone.

The letter stated “we should be delighted if you could attend this prestigious event.”

The invitation was emailed by Stracey who attended the last WBC Convention in Manila to his good friend, internationally respected referee Bruce McTavish who requested us to kindly forward the invitation letter to Pacquiao which we did, forwarding the document to Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz.

Koncz’ initial reaction was “I don’t see any problem.”

Stracey who will turn 50 on September 22 won the WBC world title with a stunning 6th round TKO over Cuban great Jose Napoles in a scheduled 15 round bout in Mexico City on December 6, 1975. Stracey was dropped in the first round but fought back to cut Napoles severely forcing referee Octavio Meyrem to c all a halt at 2:30 of the sixth round.

Source: philboxing.com