By James Slater, Eastside Boxing
Ask some fighters, or fight experts, and they will tell you that as soon as a boxer starts to even talk openly about retiring, he is already halfway towards quitting the ring. Fans of Amir Khan, the reigning WBA light-welterweight champion, had better hope this is not true in the case of the 23-year-old..
Yet while Khan is only 23 and a mere 23 fights into his pro career, he has been talking already about how and when he plans to quit the ring. Speaking with popular British newspaper The News of The World yesterday, Khan said he will call it a day at the age of 28, in the year 2015. However, the former Olympian also made it clear how he wants to take on the best fighters his 140-pound weight class has to offer before he's through - and that, according to the Bolton man, means fights against Floyud Mayweather Junior and Manny Pacquiao.
"In the next four years I will have all my big fights, so in five years time I will be gone," Khan said to the paper. "When I hit my peak I will be fighting men like Floyd Mayweather Junior and Manny Pacquiao. They will be my last few fights. There are so many big fights in my division, but my body will tell me when to call it a day."
Khan, who faces the slick Paulie Malignaggi on May 15th, in what will be his U.S debut and second defence of his WBA 140-pound belt, may well be out of luck if he really believes he will be facing either Mayweather or Pacquiao in 2014 or 2015. Mayweather, still unbeaten at 40-0, is 33 years-old now, and will almost certainly be retired himself long before 2014. While Pacquiao, who has ambitions, as we know, of a political nature, is currently aged 31 and will also surely be retired and in The Hall of Fame long before Khan hits his peak.
It's strange that Khan is even talking about when he will call it a day, because, despite his not inconsiderable accomplishments, he has not made his mark on the world scene quite yet, nor has he convinced the critics he is the real deal. Shouldn't Khan be focused on proving how good he is instead of mapping out his retirement plan? Then again, fellow Brit and WBA heavyweight champ David Haye has also made it clear how he has made up his mind about when he will retire; so maybe modern day fighters are simply better equipped than their predecessors when it comes to planning their later years.
Still, Khan should certainly be worrying more about Malignaggi and less about his exit from the sport. For if "King Khan" is looking past "The Magic Man" and if he loses as a result, his exit from the upper echelons of the sport could come much sooner than he thinks!
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Monday, 26 April 2010
No Khan Do: Amir wants Pacquiao, Mayweather -- Examiner
By Michael Marley, Examiner.com
Maybe I botched the story line here.
Maybe I got it all wrong because I thought it was Ricky Hatton who was going into standup comedy and not Amir Khan.
But, right now, it's Khan who is making with the jokes.
Both Coach Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao must be having a good heehaw, meaning a right old guffaw along the lines of a kneeslapper, concerning the "future book" as dreamed up by young Khan.
Speaking with the bravado and impetousness of youth, Kid Khan has proclaimed that he will retire from the ring within five years and that, on the tail end of his enriching career, he will fight "guys like Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr."
Keep in mind Kid Khan will only turn age 24 in December, 10 days before Pacman turns 32.
I think the key words, the important phrase, here is "guys like..."
Five years from now would make Money May Shane Mosley's current age, which is 38, and I would dollars to boxes of balut that Mayweather is not fighting then unless it's an ongoing altercation with the Infernal Internal Revnue Service which makes him do so.
At his current clip, though, Mayweather's tax and other debts should be retired before he hangs up the gloves and moves on to become a fulltime shamster in pro wrestling, Roller Derby or the rap music demimonde.
As for Pacman, who in their right mind thinks he will be scrapping for dollars at age 36?
At some point, his Ayling Dionesia's maternal voice or that of Good Wife Jinkee will lay down the law and Megamanny will become a fulltime promoter or politician/promoter and real estate magnate.
Notice I said magnate and not maggot, my friends.
Perhaps Khan needs a sitdown session with the foggy crystal ball of the damn alluring Madam Auring on the prognostication table between he and the Pinay forecaster.
Chances are he fights neither Pacman nor Flighty Floydster.
But you have to like his stated goals, much like the novice mountain climber who cites the Matterhorn or Kilaminjaro as heighs he wants to reach.
No doubt Khan-Pacman would be a big moolah match.
But what about the plight of Roach and conditioning guru Alex Ariza.
This is a bit more complex than when stablemates Jimmy Ellis and Muhammad Ali threw down in the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Houston Astrodome.
Ali's team stayed intact for that intramural scrum except that chief strategist Angelo Dundee, trainer for both but also Elllis' manager, abandoned Muhammad for that one bout. You might say Dundee beat Dundee that night (I was there along with a hatless Bery Sugar) as Ali did not strain in stopping his hometown (Louisville) crony.
Dundee shed his "Jimmy Ellis" sweater and was back in both their corners for successive bouts against the outside world.
Roach and, to a lesser extent Ariza, cannot switch teams so freely.
I don't think either man would do that even with a script in place.
Now if Khan goes out and hires a new trainer and a new conditioning coach, the wheels might be greased for such a showdown in the ring.
The Khan who figures to beat Yo Paulie Malignaggi May 15 is no real threat to Mayweather or Pacman if we keep our analysis in the "now" rather than in future years.
At 31 and 33, they are Prime Time Players looking down on lesser lights.
So let's admire the 23 year old Khan's mighty ambitions and laugh up our sleeves.
If nothing else, his declaration makes it clear he does not feel threatened in the least by Malignaggi.
Khan wants to chop down the Redwoods, the biggest trees, and thinks he will trample Malignaggi like a slight and insignificant bush.
I guess he figures he will outdo how countryman Ricky Hatton handled the Brooklyn boxer.
Continued success keeps Khan in the Pacquiao-Mayweather orbit, sure.
But he's a tiny star compared to their interplanetary status.
That's why he qualified himself. That's why he referred to "guys like..."
Smart thinking, kid, smart thinking.
Khan wants fights against Mayweather AND Pacquiao.
People in Hell want ice water also.
(mlcmarley@aol.com)
Source: examiner.com
Maybe I botched the story line here.
Maybe I got it all wrong because I thought it was Ricky Hatton who was going into standup comedy and not Amir Khan.
But, right now, it's Khan who is making with the jokes.
Both Coach Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao must be having a good heehaw, meaning a right old guffaw along the lines of a kneeslapper, concerning the "future book" as dreamed up by young Khan.
Speaking with the bravado and impetousness of youth, Kid Khan has proclaimed that he will retire from the ring within five years and that, on the tail end of his enriching career, he will fight "guys like Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr."
Keep in mind Kid Khan will only turn age 24 in December, 10 days before Pacman turns 32.
I think the key words, the important phrase, here is "guys like..."
Five years from now would make Money May Shane Mosley's current age, which is 38, and I would dollars to boxes of balut that Mayweather is not fighting then unless it's an ongoing altercation with the Infernal Internal Revnue Service which makes him do so.
At his current clip, though, Mayweather's tax and other debts should be retired before he hangs up the gloves and moves on to become a fulltime shamster in pro wrestling, Roller Derby or the rap music demimonde.
As for Pacman, who in their right mind thinks he will be scrapping for dollars at age 36?
At some point, his Ayling Dionesia's maternal voice or that of Good Wife Jinkee will lay down the law and Megamanny will become a fulltime promoter or politician/promoter and real estate magnate.
Notice I said magnate and not maggot, my friends.
Perhaps Khan needs a sitdown session with the foggy crystal ball of the damn alluring Madam Auring on the prognostication table between he and the Pinay forecaster.
Chances are he fights neither Pacman nor Flighty Floydster.
But you have to like his stated goals, much like the novice mountain climber who cites the Matterhorn or Kilaminjaro as heighs he wants to reach.
No doubt Khan-Pacman would be a big moolah match.
But what about the plight of Roach and conditioning guru Alex Ariza.
This is a bit more complex than when stablemates Jimmy Ellis and Muhammad Ali threw down in the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Houston Astrodome.
Ali's team stayed intact for that intramural scrum except that chief strategist Angelo Dundee, trainer for both but also Elllis' manager, abandoned Muhammad for that one bout. You might say Dundee beat Dundee that night (I was there along with a hatless Bery Sugar) as Ali did not strain in stopping his hometown (Louisville) crony.
Dundee shed his "Jimmy Ellis" sweater and was back in both their corners for successive bouts against the outside world.
Roach and, to a lesser extent Ariza, cannot switch teams so freely.
I don't think either man would do that even with a script in place.
Now if Khan goes out and hires a new trainer and a new conditioning coach, the wheels might be greased for such a showdown in the ring.
The Khan who figures to beat Yo Paulie Malignaggi May 15 is no real threat to Mayweather or Pacman if we keep our analysis in the "now" rather than in future years.
At 31 and 33, they are Prime Time Players looking down on lesser lights.
So let's admire the 23 year old Khan's mighty ambitions and laugh up our sleeves.
If nothing else, his declaration makes it clear he does not feel threatened in the least by Malignaggi.
Khan wants to chop down the Redwoods, the biggest trees, and thinks he will trample Malignaggi like a slight and insignificant bush.
I guess he figures he will outdo how countryman Ricky Hatton handled the Brooklyn boxer.
Continued success keeps Khan in the Pacquiao-Mayweather orbit, sure.
But he's a tiny star compared to their interplanetary status.
That's why he qualified himself. That's why he referred to "guys like..."
Smart thinking, kid, smart thinking.
Khan wants fights against Mayweather AND Pacquiao.
People in Hell want ice water also.
(mlcmarley@aol.com)
Source: examiner.com
Trainers' take: Age a deciding factor in Floyd Mayweather's fight against Shane Mosley -- Grand Rapids Press
By David Mayo, The Grand Rapids Press
LAS VEGAS -- Two boxing statesmen, both former world champions turned trainers, with a keen eye for the irreversible templates of the punch-for-pay game and the toll it takes, watch Floyd Mayweather intently. One has a vested interest in Saturday’s Mayweather-Shane Mosley fight. The other doesn’t.
Both think they see the same thing at play in the welterweight extravaganza, an experience they lived through during their own careers as active boxers.
Cornelius Boza Edwards and Roger Mayweather were world champions whose principal role in professional boxing was Hall of Fame gatekeeper, because almost anyone who beat them in their primes became an immediate candidate.
They also overstayed those primes and said Mosley, 38, is making the same mistake.
“There’s five years difference between them,” Boza Edwards said. “As we know, over the years, even with great fighters, one or two years could be huge.
“We always have this scenario. Fighting is a young man’s sport. In this fight, between Floyd and Shane, Floyd is the younger man. The reflexes aren’t the same. The quickness isn’t the same. And the other thing is, the last time Shane fought, was more than a year ago. So all those things are combined.”
Roger Mayweather trains his nephew and has an obvious bias. He also is an astute observer of boxing and a student of its history who considers Mosley a great fighter and surefire Hall of Famer, with dangerous power and a big heart.
But he also questions whether Mosley, after 52 pro fights and more than 250 amateur bouts, has enough to cope with the preeminent boxing artist of the past dozen years.
“As far as his ability, as far as his chin, everybody knows Shane Mosley is physically tough,” Roger Mayweather said. “But he had better than 200 amateur fights and nobody knows what he’s got left, until it gets to crunch time, and you find out how he responds. That’s the only way you really know.”
Boza Edwards, 54, and Roger Mayweather, 49, were stalwarts at junior lightweight and lightweight, the 130- and 135-pound classes, during the 1980s heyday of those divisions.
The Ugandan-born Boza Edwards won a world title at 130, and his 45-7 record was dotted with losses to six champions, including Alexis Arguello, Bobby Chacon and Hector Camacho. He also defeated Chacon and Rafael “Bazooka” Limon.
He went into decline after losing his title to Chacon in 1983, but didn’t quit. He won one of his last four fights, against a journeyman, and was outclassed by Camacho and knocked out in his final fight, in 1987, by Jose Luis Ramirez, who five months later became the first fighter to beat Pernell Whitaker.
He said he expects Mosley to be willing and prepared, all predicated on self-delusion.
“Great fighters have shown, over the course of history, that the mind can deceive you,” Boza Edwards said. “But once the bell rings, the reality sets in.”
Boza Edwards said he thinks Mosley’s aggression will work against him “and that’s where he’s going to make his mistake, I think, and Floyd’s going to take advantage of it and jump all over him.” He said he does not expect the fight to last the distance.
Roger Mayweather held world titles at 130 and 140 pounds and had three common opponents with Boza Edwards, although they never fought. His 59-13 record included seven losses in his last 25 bouts.
He was 38 when he last fought in 1999, seven years older than Boza Edwards was -- and more than six months younger than Mosley will be Saturday night.
“I know how good of a fighter Shane Mosley is. Remember, the guy I had beat him twice in the amateurs and twice in the pros,” he said, referring to the late Vernon Forrest, whom he used to train. “But in terms of that, when a guy’s been fighting that long, you don’t know what he’s got left on fight night. That’s when it’s going to show up."
E-mail David Mayo: dmayo@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/David_Mayo
Source: mlive.com
LAS VEGAS -- Two boxing statesmen, both former world champions turned trainers, with a keen eye for the irreversible templates of the punch-for-pay game and the toll it takes, watch Floyd Mayweather intently. One has a vested interest in Saturday’s Mayweather-Shane Mosley fight. The other doesn’t.
Both think they see the same thing at play in the welterweight extravaganza, an experience they lived through during their own careers as active boxers.
Cornelius Boza Edwards and Roger Mayweather were world champions whose principal role in professional boxing was Hall of Fame gatekeeper, because almost anyone who beat them in their primes became an immediate candidate.
They also overstayed those primes and said Mosley, 38, is making the same mistake.
“There’s five years difference between them,” Boza Edwards said. “As we know, over the years, even with great fighters, one or two years could be huge.
“We always have this scenario. Fighting is a young man’s sport. In this fight, between Floyd and Shane, Floyd is the younger man. The reflexes aren’t the same. The quickness isn’t the same. And the other thing is, the last time Shane fought, was more than a year ago. So all those things are combined.”
Roger Mayweather trains his nephew and has an obvious bias. He also is an astute observer of boxing and a student of its history who considers Mosley a great fighter and surefire Hall of Famer, with dangerous power and a big heart.
But he also questions whether Mosley, after 52 pro fights and more than 250 amateur bouts, has enough to cope with the preeminent boxing artist of the past dozen years.
“As far as his ability, as far as his chin, everybody knows Shane Mosley is physically tough,” Roger Mayweather said. “But he had better than 200 amateur fights and nobody knows what he’s got left, until it gets to crunch time, and you find out how he responds. That’s the only way you really know.”
Boza Edwards, 54, and Roger Mayweather, 49, were stalwarts at junior lightweight and lightweight, the 130- and 135-pound classes, during the 1980s heyday of those divisions.
The Ugandan-born Boza Edwards won a world title at 130, and his 45-7 record was dotted with losses to six champions, including Alexis Arguello, Bobby Chacon and Hector Camacho. He also defeated Chacon and Rafael “Bazooka” Limon.
He went into decline after losing his title to Chacon in 1983, but didn’t quit. He won one of his last four fights, against a journeyman, and was outclassed by Camacho and knocked out in his final fight, in 1987, by Jose Luis Ramirez, who five months later became the first fighter to beat Pernell Whitaker.
He said he expects Mosley to be willing and prepared, all predicated on self-delusion.
“Great fighters have shown, over the course of history, that the mind can deceive you,” Boza Edwards said. “But once the bell rings, the reality sets in.”
Boza Edwards said he thinks Mosley’s aggression will work against him “and that’s where he’s going to make his mistake, I think, and Floyd’s going to take advantage of it and jump all over him.” He said he does not expect the fight to last the distance.
Roger Mayweather held world titles at 130 and 140 pounds and had three common opponents with Boza Edwards, although they never fought. His 59-13 record included seven losses in his last 25 bouts.
He was 38 when he last fought in 1999, seven years older than Boza Edwards was -- and more than six months younger than Mosley will be Saturday night.
“I know how good of a fighter Shane Mosley is. Remember, the guy I had beat him twice in the amateurs and twice in the pros,” he said, referring to the late Vernon Forrest, whom he used to train. “But in terms of that, when a guy’s been fighting that long, you don’t know what he’s got left on fight night. That’s when it’s going to show up."
E-mail David Mayo: dmayo@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/David_Mayo
Source: mlive.com
A great round, but Froch was subpar -- 15Rounds
By Bart Barry, 15Rounds.com
“Don’t be afraid of the player with a good grip and a bad swing. Don’t be afraid of a player with a bad grip and a good swing. The player to beware of is the one with the bad grip and the bad swing. If he’s reached your level, he has grooved his faults and knows how to score.” – Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book
That comes from a short but sage hardback of golf instruction. Harvey Penick was a Texas club pro who taught hall of famers Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite and Betsy Rawls how to play. There are more than a few parallels between golf and boxing, and Penick’s warning is one that pertains well to Carl Froch. Beware the world champion who delivers punches awkwardly as he stands; if he’s got to this level, he’s somehow better than he looks.
Saturday, though, Froch wasn’t quite good enough.
In an outstanding fight broadcast from Denmark as part of Showtime’s “Super Six” tournament, and in defiance of an Icelandic volcano, Mikkel Kessler took Carl Froch’s WBC super middleweight title by unanimous decision. The official result was fair if imbalanced. Judge Guido Cavalleri’s 115-113 card was right. The others – 116-112 and 117-111 – were progressively less so.
My card did not concur with the official result. I had it 116-114 for Froch, to whom I awarded rounds 1, 4, 5, 9, 10 and 11. I gave Kessler rounds 2, 6, 7 and 8. I had rounds 3 and 12 even. But if you gave the rounds that were close enough to be even to Kessler, my card was a draw. If you gave Kessler the first round, too, my card was the same as Cavalleri’s. I’ll not file any protests.
Nor will Carl Froch. That’s both troubling and reassuring. The former WBC champ was yielding in his post-fight interview, conceding that he’d not “put it on (Kessler) more,” that he’d “sat back a little bit,” and that he might have been tardy in “biting down on (his) gumshield.” It did not escape Froch that, after the fifth round, it was his fight if he wanted it badly enough.
Froch’s post-fight demeanor also reassured, though, because of the dignity he showed in defeat. It was not a challenge to Froch’s class to fear what might be uttered by an expressively proud man who’d just lost his title in a close fight on foreign soil. Or, for the Yanks in attendance: Does anyone think Floyd Mayweather will react so temperately if his first loss happens that way Saturday night?
Froch was not stunned by losing to Mikkel Kessler. It seems Kessler was the man Froch had circled in his mind as one who might be worthy of vanquishing him. Froch may have seen that Kessler was “quite conclusively outboxed” by Andre Ward, but he didn’t absorb it. He didn’t infer the possibility Kessler was not the same man he’d been a couple years ago.
Because Kessler is not that guy any more. He is no longer the agent of a classic 1-2 that battered Librado Andrade in 2007. As noticed immediately by Antonio Tarver – a fantastic new commentator, by the way – Kessler no longer blasts you with his 2, a straight right cross. Now it’s alternately looped and pushed. Among Kessler’s best punches Saturday was a right hand in round 7 that landed to the back of Froch’s head. Froch is awkward, yes, but a prime Kessler never floated his right elbow enough to hit someone there.
Unsurprisingly, Kessler’s power has gone with his form. His most effective punches Saturday were the ones Froch ran into. Kessler won on determination and hustle. He outworked Froch. He did not outhit him. Kessler used Froch’s momentum to supply his power, the sort of power Kessler once had from a standing start.
There are no standing starts for Froch. So here comes another golf analogy. Carl Froch throws right crosses the way Gary Player used to hit fairway woods. He crosses over. Froch commits all of his weight, all of his person, to the right hand. He starts in an orthodox stance and finishes as a southpaw. If he doesn’t hit you with the right cross, he fires a left hand while correcting his stance, then tries the cross-over right again. It’s combination punching in its most awkward sense and hardly what you’d teach a beginner.
How the hell does it work, then? Partially because it’s planned, partially because Froch believes in it, and partially because combination punching – however it’s accomplished – is never a bad thing. Froch’s stellar run as an amateur makes him the embodiment of Penick’s warning: He has a bad grip and a bad swing, but he’s grooved it. He knows how to score.
He also knows a way to keep you from scoring. How does he barge into a puncher like Kessler’s wheelhouse, arms dangling at his sides, and keep from getting beheaded? The secret is in the dangling. After he tags you with his cross-over right, Froch’s entire body goes limp. Anything but a direct hit, like Kessler’s in round 8, gets harmlessly absorbed by Froch’s body. It’s like punching a sponge.
Still, a little more overall tension from Froch after round 5 likely would have won him the fight. He knocked Kessler backwards with a right hand in the final minute of the fifth. Then he held his glove up and showed it to the Danes, without deigning to press his advantage. He should know better next time.
What happened Saturday made a great tournament better. Kessler-Froch was the best fight of the “Super Six” thus far. And round 12 was the best three minutes in prizefighting’s first third of 2010. What’s next? Kessler may get stretched by Allan Green, the quirky Oklahoma slugger, or he might not. And Froch against Arthur Abraham? No earthly idea.
But know this: “Super Six” will continue to surprise and satisfy.
Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry
Source: 15rounds.com
“Don’t be afraid of the player with a good grip and a bad swing. Don’t be afraid of a player with a bad grip and a good swing. The player to beware of is the one with the bad grip and the bad swing. If he’s reached your level, he has grooved his faults and knows how to score.” – Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book
That comes from a short but sage hardback of golf instruction. Harvey Penick was a Texas club pro who taught hall of famers Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite and Betsy Rawls how to play. There are more than a few parallels between golf and boxing, and Penick’s warning is one that pertains well to Carl Froch. Beware the world champion who delivers punches awkwardly as he stands; if he’s got to this level, he’s somehow better than he looks.
Saturday, though, Froch wasn’t quite good enough.
In an outstanding fight broadcast from Denmark as part of Showtime’s “Super Six” tournament, and in defiance of an Icelandic volcano, Mikkel Kessler took Carl Froch’s WBC super middleweight title by unanimous decision. The official result was fair if imbalanced. Judge Guido Cavalleri’s 115-113 card was right. The others – 116-112 and 117-111 – were progressively less so.
My card did not concur with the official result. I had it 116-114 for Froch, to whom I awarded rounds 1, 4, 5, 9, 10 and 11. I gave Kessler rounds 2, 6, 7 and 8. I had rounds 3 and 12 even. But if you gave the rounds that were close enough to be even to Kessler, my card was a draw. If you gave Kessler the first round, too, my card was the same as Cavalleri’s. I’ll not file any protests.
Nor will Carl Froch. That’s both troubling and reassuring. The former WBC champ was yielding in his post-fight interview, conceding that he’d not “put it on (Kessler) more,” that he’d “sat back a little bit,” and that he might have been tardy in “biting down on (his) gumshield.” It did not escape Froch that, after the fifth round, it was his fight if he wanted it badly enough.
Froch’s post-fight demeanor also reassured, though, because of the dignity he showed in defeat. It was not a challenge to Froch’s class to fear what might be uttered by an expressively proud man who’d just lost his title in a close fight on foreign soil. Or, for the Yanks in attendance: Does anyone think Floyd Mayweather will react so temperately if his first loss happens that way Saturday night?
Froch was not stunned by losing to Mikkel Kessler. It seems Kessler was the man Froch had circled in his mind as one who might be worthy of vanquishing him. Froch may have seen that Kessler was “quite conclusively outboxed” by Andre Ward, but he didn’t absorb it. He didn’t infer the possibility Kessler was not the same man he’d been a couple years ago.
Because Kessler is not that guy any more. He is no longer the agent of a classic 1-2 that battered Librado Andrade in 2007. As noticed immediately by Antonio Tarver – a fantastic new commentator, by the way – Kessler no longer blasts you with his 2, a straight right cross. Now it’s alternately looped and pushed. Among Kessler’s best punches Saturday was a right hand in round 7 that landed to the back of Froch’s head. Froch is awkward, yes, but a prime Kessler never floated his right elbow enough to hit someone there.
Unsurprisingly, Kessler’s power has gone with his form. His most effective punches Saturday were the ones Froch ran into. Kessler won on determination and hustle. He outworked Froch. He did not outhit him. Kessler used Froch’s momentum to supply his power, the sort of power Kessler once had from a standing start.
There are no standing starts for Froch. So here comes another golf analogy. Carl Froch throws right crosses the way Gary Player used to hit fairway woods. He crosses over. Froch commits all of his weight, all of his person, to the right hand. He starts in an orthodox stance and finishes as a southpaw. If he doesn’t hit you with the right cross, he fires a left hand while correcting his stance, then tries the cross-over right again. It’s combination punching in its most awkward sense and hardly what you’d teach a beginner.
How the hell does it work, then? Partially because it’s planned, partially because Froch believes in it, and partially because combination punching – however it’s accomplished – is never a bad thing. Froch’s stellar run as an amateur makes him the embodiment of Penick’s warning: He has a bad grip and a bad swing, but he’s grooved it. He knows how to score.
He also knows a way to keep you from scoring. How does he barge into a puncher like Kessler’s wheelhouse, arms dangling at his sides, and keep from getting beheaded? The secret is in the dangling. After he tags you with his cross-over right, Froch’s entire body goes limp. Anything but a direct hit, like Kessler’s in round 8, gets harmlessly absorbed by Froch’s body. It’s like punching a sponge.
Still, a little more overall tension from Froch after round 5 likely would have won him the fight. He knocked Kessler backwards with a right hand in the final minute of the fifth. Then he held his glove up and showed it to the Danes, without deigning to press his advantage. He should know better next time.
What happened Saturday made a great tournament better. Kessler-Froch was the best fight of the “Super Six” thus far. And round 12 was the best three minutes in prizefighting’s first third of 2010. What’s next? Kessler may get stretched by Allan Green, the quirky Oklahoma slugger, or he might not. And Froch against Arthur Abraham? No earthly idea.
But know this: “Super Six” will continue to surprise and satisfy.
Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry
Source: 15rounds.com
Trainer as tenacious as Mosley -- Las Vegas Review-Journal
By STEVE CARP, LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
As Shane Mosley enters the twilight of a presumed Hall of Fame boxing career, he appears to have finally found one thing that has eluded him the last 10 years -- stability in his corner.
Mosley's revolving door of trainers has included two stints with his father Jack, along with Joe Goosen and John David Jackson. But that door has stopped spinning. Mosley has connected with Naazim Richardson, who knows all about overcoming seemingly unbeatable obstacles.
Only days from his welterweight showdown against one such obstacle -- unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. -- Mosley believes he has found someone he can trust to have him ready.
"I needed someone who's into it -- and he's 100 percent into the game," Mosley said of Richardson, 45, whose stable includes light heavyweight Bernard Hopkins and cruiserweight Steve Cunningham. "He's in the fight as much as I am, only he's using his mind and I'm using my fists."
The two teamed up for Mosley's last fight, with astonishing results. With Richardson devising a game plan, Mosley (46-5, 39 knockouts) executed it flawlessly and convincingly stopped Antonio Margarito in the ninth round on Jan. 24, 2009.
Now Mosley has entrusted Richardson to plan a strategy to hand Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) his first loss Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden.
"It's a great opportunity," Richardson said. "(Mosley's) work ethic, his demeanor ... very few people sit as high at his profession and still carry that down-to-earth demeanor as he does. He's a great listener. He's still a student of the game and that's what's so fascinating about training him."
That Richardson is training anyone, much less Mosley, is amazing. He suffered a stroke in 2007 that left him paralyzed on his left side and required brain surgery. But he has made a remarkable recovery. His mind is as sharp as ever. His speech is not slurred. Physically, he's able to do his job in the ring, working with Mosley and getting him ready at the training camp in Big Bear Lake, Calif.
"In my case, it reconfirmed what I already knew -- that God's greatness works and He is almighty," Richardson said. "I had great doctors at Temple University Hospital and they said it wouldn't be easy to recover. It was scary. But my family members and my team were unbelievable, and God helped me get through it."
Richardson, who grew up in North Philadelphia and fell in love with boxing as a kid, never fought professionally. Instead, he became a student of the sport, learning from famed trainer Bouie Fisher.
"To be a good leader, at one point of your life, you had to be a good follower," Richardson said. "I tell my athletes the minute I stop being a student, you need a new teacher."
Richardson never stops trying to learn. He'll stay up until daybreak by himself, watching tape of his fighter's opponent, trying to find something he can exploit.
Having watched how Richardson trained Hopkins over the years, Mosley sought out Richardson for the Margarito bout after parting with his father for the second time.
Richardson doesn't tolerate foolishness from his fighters. Mosley agreed to train under his rules, which meant no distractions, no outside interference and total dedication to the game plan.
"He's hard on me," Mosley said. "But I trust him completely. I can't ask for a better person to be in my camp."
Or a more attentive person. Prior to Mosley's fight against Margarito, it was Richardson who noticed something wasn't right with the hand wraps of Margarito. He pointed out to California State Athletic Commission inspectors that the wraps were concealing something.
Sure enough, a plaster-like substance had been used to harden the cloth wraps. Margarito ultimately would be suspended for a year and fined for the attempt to circumvent the rules. It's that kind of attention to detail that endears Richardson to his fighters.
Richardson says he's merely doing his job. He doesn't like to bring attention to himself, preferring to let his fighters bask in the limelight. He might know his place, but it's an important place.
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.
Source: lvrj.com
As Shane Mosley enters the twilight of a presumed Hall of Fame boxing career, he appears to have finally found one thing that has eluded him the last 10 years -- stability in his corner.
Mosley's revolving door of trainers has included two stints with his father Jack, along with Joe Goosen and John David Jackson. But that door has stopped spinning. Mosley has connected with Naazim Richardson, who knows all about overcoming seemingly unbeatable obstacles.
Only days from his welterweight showdown against one such obstacle -- unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. -- Mosley believes he has found someone he can trust to have him ready.
"I needed someone who's into it -- and he's 100 percent into the game," Mosley said of Richardson, 45, whose stable includes light heavyweight Bernard Hopkins and cruiserweight Steve Cunningham. "He's in the fight as much as I am, only he's using his mind and I'm using my fists."
The two teamed up for Mosley's last fight, with astonishing results. With Richardson devising a game plan, Mosley (46-5, 39 knockouts) executed it flawlessly and convincingly stopped Antonio Margarito in the ninth round on Jan. 24, 2009.
Now Mosley has entrusted Richardson to plan a strategy to hand Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) his first loss Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden.
"It's a great opportunity," Richardson said. "(Mosley's) work ethic, his demeanor ... very few people sit as high at his profession and still carry that down-to-earth demeanor as he does. He's a great listener. He's still a student of the game and that's what's so fascinating about training him."
That Richardson is training anyone, much less Mosley, is amazing. He suffered a stroke in 2007 that left him paralyzed on his left side and required brain surgery. But he has made a remarkable recovery. His mind is as sharp as ever. His speech is not slurred. Physically, he's able to do his job in the ring, working with Mosley and getting him ready at the training camp in Big Bear Lake, Calif.
"In my case, it reconfirmed what I already knew -- that God's greatness works and He is almighty," Richardson said. "I had great doctors at Temple University Hospital and they said it wouldn't be easy to recover. It was scary. But my family members and my team were unbelievable, and God helped me get through it."
Richardson, who grew up in North Philadelphia and fell in love with boxing as a kid, never fought professionally. Instead, he became a student of the sport, learning from famed trainer Bouie Fisher.
"To be a good leader, at one point of your life, you had to be a good follower," Richardson said. "I tell my athletes the minute I stop being a student, you need a new teacher."
Richardson never stops trying to learn. He'll stay up until daybreak by himself, watching tape of his fighter's opponent, trying to find something he can exploit.
Having watched how Richardson trained Hopkins over the years, Mosley sought out Richardson for the Margarito bout after parting with his father for the second time.
Richardson doesn't tolerate foolishness from his fighters. Mosley agreed to train under his rules, which meant no distractions, no outside interference and total dedication to the game plan.
"He's hard on me," Mosley said. "But I trust him completely. I can't ask for a better person to be in my camp."
Or a more attentive person. Prior to Mosley's fight against Margarito, it was Richardson who noticed something wasn't right with the hand wraps of Margarito. He pointed out to California State Athletic Commission inspectors that the wraps were concealing something.
Sure enough, a plaster-like substance had been used to harden the cloth wraps. Margarito ultimately would be suspended for a year and fined for the attempt to circumvent the rules. It's that kind of attention to detail that endears Richardson to his fighters.
Richardson says he's merely doing his job. He doesn't like to bring attention to himself, preferring to let his fighters bask in the limelight. He might know his place, but it's an important place.
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.
Source: lvrj.com
Ledger weighs heavily on Mayweather side against Mosley -- Eastside Boxing
By Paul Strauss, Eastside Boxing
It's an interesting fight to contemplate. Although, most fans and experts say it's not a difficult one to predict. Mayweather will win, they say. In fact, very few experts are willing to go out on a limb and pick Mosley to win. They might say that Sugar Shane will put up a good fight, or that he will make it interesting, and maybe even exciting, but that is as far as they are willing to go. On the contrary, most say they won't bet against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. As support for their position, they reiterate what everyone already knows, and that is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is undefeated and one of the best defensive fighters of all time. In addition, they might correctly add something like, "He is an excellent and accurrate counter puncher."
Even Nazim Richardson, Mosley's new trainer, will not try to denegrate Floyd's ability as a fighter. He admittedly recognizes Floyd's ability to adapt and adjust when needed. In Floyd, he sees a fighter who doesn't get flustered and doesn't lose his cool. Floyd doesn't have any obvious weaknesses. He seems to have everything a fighter needs to be great. He possesses great footwork and balance. He can get in or out in the blinking of an eye. Or, he can move around and frustrate and opponent. His blindingly fast feet and hand speed enable him to get away with lead rights, and to jump in with a lead left hook without consequences..
When under attack, he can simply move quickly out of range, which might mean something as subtle as a shoulder roll and slight lean back. He might simply catch the punch on his own glove. Or, his opponent's attempt to pressure him might necessitate a half step back. If his opponent persists, he can quickly snap away even more, and if his opponent keeps coming, he will duck under the punches, and then come in close to smother his attacker's assault.
In addition, no one roughs him up on the inside. That was always part of Ricky Hatton's game, but he just couldn't make it work successfully against Floyd, who understands the importance of proper positioning and leverage. He can spin a man, or step around him. If necessary, he will use his shoulders and elbows effectively, and will do so depending upon the situation. In other words, if his opponent wants to play that game, he will quickly let him know that he can fight that way too, and probably better then just about anyone around. One last thing, he is a master at managing distance. He exhibits great ring generalship, and conducts the fight at his distance. His speed and coordination enable him to do so. The result is his opponents are always ending up over-extending themselves in order to land a punch on him. When they do so, they are left exposed to one or more of his sharp effective counter punches.
Let's just quickly go over a check list and see if there are any important ingredients of a great fighter that Floyd doesn't have. 1) Speed - Nope, he has incredible speed with both movement and punching. 2) Hand to eye coordination - He doesn't miss an opportunity for counter punches. He is always wide-eyed and fully understands a fighter is most vulnerable when he is punching. 3) Technical flaws or weaknesses - Nope, he doesn't make mistakes. He is never out of position or off balance, and he will not allow anyone to egg him into taking foolish chances. 4) Poor Conditioning - Nope, he is a noted gym rat, who loves to work out and stay in shape. There's no chance he will run out of gas. 5) Positive attitude - Yep, he's got that too. He doesn't really know anything other than boxing. He has been raised in its environment. He eats and sleeps it. He hasn't tasted defeat, and geniunely doesn't expect that he can be beaten. 6) Unable to deal with the big show - Again the answer is no. He's successfully been through it before. He is not fazed by critics, or those who dislike him or his antics. He is comfortable with who he is and doesn't care what anyone else thinks or says.
The picture of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. we've painted is a pretty daunting one for Sugar Shane Mosley to view. It would appear the odds are so far out of whack that one can only hope for a relatively interesting fight, but not really hold out any realistic hope for a Mosley victory. Oh sure, there have been plenty of upsets over the years, and some pretty goods ones recently as well. One involved Shane if you will recall. But, does this fight really have the chance of being another upset?
What do fans and the experts think about Shane? Obviously, he is a very popular and exciting fighter. He lives to please the fans. He wants to give them a knockout if at all possible, and fans love him for it. He most recently destroyed the monster image Antonio Margarito carried into the ring with him when the two of them battled. However, everyone knows about his miss-steps against Vernon Forrest and Roanld Winky Wright, and the close decision loss to Miquel Cotto. Do those loses fairly and realistically remove from him any real chance at victory against Floyd?
When you apply the same checklist to Shane, you come up a bit short in some areas. He's fast, but probably not as fast as Floyd.
He is a wonderful athelete, but doesn't possess the incredible reflexes, vision and punching accuracy that Floyd possesses. Technically, Shane does make mistakes, mainly because he takes chances. He is an exciting fighter, and most exciting fighters have to expose themselves to danger in order to accomplish what they desire. He definitely is vulnerable for right hands, and Floyd has both a great counter and lead right hand. Shane also remains fairly straight up, and presents a much larger target than Floyd will present. As far as conditioning is concerned, there's probably not much chance that Shane will run out of gas either, and he too has been in the big show many times, and successfully. His life is also boxing. His father taught him from an early age, so boxing is deeply ingrained in him.
Hence, it would appear the balance tips more than slightly to the Mayweather side of the ledger. Any liabilities on Floyd's side probably rest more with his popularity and legacy than with his skills. There remains a bit of gray area though, because there's always the possibility a very good fighter like Shane might land a good hard punch or punches, and no one knows for sure how Floyd will react. That's one thing we didn't talk about earlier on the checklist, and that's heart. Floyd's never been in a really tough fight, so he hasn't had the opportunity to demonstrate what kind of heart he possesses. Chances are he will come out well there too, but even he doesn't yet know the answer to that one.
Sometimes the unusual or unpredictable fighter wins over the more skilled and talented. Many times it's nothing more than a conflicting matchup of styles. It's a good bet that Shane and Nazim know and appreciate that fact, and they will take more than a few chances to create problems for Floyd. Shane trusts his chin and overall toughness, so he will be willing to be "vulnerable" for a moment here and there in an attempt to confuse Floyd and possibly land a telling blow that might start the action going his way. It's also a good bet that Shane will not play into Floyd's strength's, and let him manage distance and pot-shot him. Look for Shane to employ abupt shifts and transitions, coupled with unusual punch angles to deal with Floyd's elusiveness. Can he pull it off? Most, understandably, say no. But, just as critics don't faze Floyd, neither do they concern Sugar Shane and his new trainer Nazim Richardson. They too have no illusions and understand perfectly well what's ahead of them. They are firmly convinced they know how to come away with the victory. It's not a false hope either. They are truly students of the game and have carefully analyzed not only the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent, but Shane's as well. They see no need for bad mouthing or down grading their opponent. Rather, it's just calm, cool and calculating preparation they demonstrate for the task at hand. As a result, they will not hesitate a bit in letting you know that betting on Shane to win is a good bet. .
Source: eastsideboxing.com
It's an interesting fight to contemplate. Although, most fans and experts say it's not a difficult one to predict. Mayweather will win, they say. In fact, very few experts are willing to go out on a limb and pick Mosley to win. They might say that Sugar Shane will put up a good fight, or that he will make it interesting, and maybe even exciting, but that is as far as they are willing to go. On the contrary, most say they won't bet against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. As support for their position, they reiterate what everyone already knows, and that is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is undefeated and one of the best defensive fighters of all time. In addition, they might correctly add something like, "He is an excellent and accurrate counter puncher."
Even Nazim Richardson, Mosley's new trainer, will not try to denegrate Floyd's ability as a fighter. He admittedly recognizes Floyd's ability to adapt and adjust when needed. In Floyd, he sees a fighter who doesn't get flustered and doesn't lose his cool. Floyd doesn't have any obvious weaknesses. He seems to have everything a fighter needs to be great. He possesses great footwork and balance. He can get in or out in the blinking of an eye. Or, he can move around and frustrate and opponent. His blindingly fast feet and hand speed enable him to get away with lead rights, and to jump in with a lead left hook without consequences..
When under attack, he can simply move quickly out of range, which might mean something as subtle as a shoulder roll and slight lean back. He might simply catch the punch on his own glove. Or, his opponent's attempt to pressure him might necessitate a half step back. If his opponent persists, he can quickly snap away even more, and if his opponent keeps coming, he will duck under the punches, and then come in close to smother his attacker's assault.
In addition, no one roughs him up on the inside. That was always part of Ricky Hatton's game, but he just couldn't make it work successfully against Floyd, who understands the importance of proper positioning and leverage. He can spin a man, or step around him. If necessary, he will use his shoulders and elbows effectively, and will do so depending upon the situation. In other words, if his opponent wants to play that game, he will quickly let him know that he can fight that way too, and probably better then just about anyone around. One last thing, he is a master at managing distance. He exhibits great ring generalship, and conducts the fight at his distance. His speed and coordination enable him to do so. The result is his opponents are always ending up over-extending themselves in order to land a punch on him. When they do so, they are left exposed to one or more of his sharp effective counter punches.
Let's just quickly go over a check list and see if there are any important ingredients of a great fighter that Floyd doesn't have. 1) Speed - Nope, he has incredible speed with both movement and punching. 2) Hand to eye coordination - He doesn't miss an opportunity for counter punches. He is always wide-eyed and fully understands a fighter is most vulnerable when he is punching. 3) Technical flaws or weaknesses - Nope, he doesn't make mistakes. He is never out of position or off balance, and he will not allow anyone to egg him into taking foolish chances. 4) Poor Conditioning - Nope, he is a noted gym rat, who loves to work out and stay in shape. There's no chance he will run out of gas. 5) Positive attitude - Yep, he's got that too. He doesn't really know anything other than boxing. He has been raised in its environment. He eats and sleeps it. He hasn't tasted defeat, and geniunely doesn't expect that he can be beaten. 6) Unable to deal with the big show - Again the answer is no. He's successfully been through it before. He is not fazed by critics, or those who dislike him or his antics. He is comfortable with who he is and doesn't care what anyone else thinks or says.
The picture of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. we've painted is a pretty daunting one for Sugar Shane Mosley to view. It would appear the odds are so far out of whack that one can only hope for a relatively interesting fight, but not really hold out any realistic hope for a Mosley victory. Oh sure, there have been plenty of upsets over the years, and some pretty goods ones recently as well. One involved Shane if you will recall. But, does this fight really have the chance of being another upset?
What do fans and the experts think about Shane? Obviously, he is a very popular and exciting fighter. He lives to please the fans. He wants to give them a knockout if at all possible, and fans love him for it. He most recently destroyed the monster image Antonio Margarito carried into the ring with him when the two of them battled. However, everyone knows about his miss-steps against Vernon Forrest and Roanld Winky Wright, and the close decision loss to Miquel Cotto. Do those loses fairly and realistically remove from him any real chance at victory against Floyd?
When you apply the same checklist to Shane, you come up a bit short in some areas. He's fast, but probably not as fast as Floyd.
He is a wonderful athelete, but doesn't possess the incredible reflexes, vision and punching accuracy that Floyd possesses. Technically, Shane does make mistakes, mainly because he takes chances. He is an exciting fighter, and most exciting fighters have to expose themselves to danger in order to accomplish what they desire. He definitely is vulnerable for right hands, and Floyd has both a great counter and lead right hand. Shane also remains fairly straight up, and presents a much larger target than Floyd will present. As far as conditioning is concerned, there's probably not much chance that Shane will run out of gas either, and he too has been in the big show many times, and successfully. His life is also boxing. His father taught him from an early age, so boxing is deeply ingrained in him.
Hence, it would appear the balance tips more than slightly to the Mayweather side of the ledger. Any liabilities on Floyd's side probably rest more with his popularity and legacy than with his skills. There remains a bit of gray area though, because there's always the possibility a very good fighter like Shane might land a good hard punch or punches, and no one knows for sure how Floyd will react. That's one thing we didn't talk about earlier on the checklist, and that's heart. Floyd's never been in a really tough fight, so he hasn't had the opportunity to demonstrate what kind of heart he possesses. Chances are he will come out well there too, but even he doesn't yet know the answer to that one.
Sometimes the unusual or unpredictable fighter wins over the more skilled and talented. Many times it's nothing more than a conflicting matchup of styles. It's a good bet that Shane and Nazim know and appreciate that fact, and they will take more than a few chances to create problems for Floyd. Shane trusts his chin and overall toughness, so he will be willing to be "vulnerable" for a moment here and there in an attempt to confuse Floyd and possibly land a telling blow that might start the action going his way. It's also a good bet that Shane will not play into Floyd's strength's, and let him manage distance and pot-shot him. Look for Shane to employ abupt shifts and transitions, coupled with unusual punch angles to deal with Floyd's elusiveness. Can he pull it off? Most, understandably, say no. But, just as critics don't faze Floyd, neither do they concern Sugar Shane and his new trainer Nazim Richardson. They too have no illusions and understand perfectly well what's ahead of them. They are firmly convinced they know how to come away with the victory. It's not a false hope either. They are truly students of the game and have carefully analyzed not only the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent, but Shane's as well. They see no need for bad mouthing or down grading their opponent. Rather, it's just calm, cool and calculating preparation they demonstrate for the task at hand. As a result, they will not hesitate a bit in letting you know that betting on Shane to win is a good bet. .
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Duddy vs. Chavez Jr.: The Second Battle of the Alamo -- Eastside Boxing
By Dan Fitz-Simons, Eastside Boxing
When John Duddy enters the Alamodome in San Antonio on June 26th to a capacity crowd of 15,000; most of the seats will be filled by fanatical Chavez Jr. fans, who live within a stone’s throw of the Mexican border. Duddy, 29-1 (18KOs) is on a rebound from his only defeat to Billy Lyell in 2009. Yet the fact that his last 3 wins were all against fighters of Mexican descent (Munoz, Astorga, and Medina) was no accident. Thanks to Top Rank’s promoter, Bob Arum, Duddy is now known and despised by thousands of Mexican fans, who will pay top dollar to watch their young hero humiliate the arrogant Irishman..
The undefeated 24-year old Chavez Jr. 41-0-1 (30KOs) is training under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym solely for the Duddy match. Yet Freddie may have his hands full with young Julio, who sometimes looks as though he’s bored in the ring. Nevertheless, if Chavez becomes committed to Roach’s techniques, he could present a formidable challenge to Duddy. Julio’s 41 wins is an accomplishment, and at 24, he still has time to improve. He also has a crowd-pleasing Mexican temper, and if cornered can explode, blasting his way out with both hands. Craig Hamilton, Duddy’s manager, thinks Chavez will be John’s toughest opponent.
However, Chavez also has some unresolved problems. Mike Quarry once complained that he had to spend his entire career in the shadow of his brother Jerry. Julio Jr. has a similar burden; only in his case it’s his legendary father. In addition, he has several tactical flaws including: lack of hand speed, low work output, careless defense, limited punching power, and a nagging weight problem. Although Julio likes to fight in close, he’s sometimes lethargic, opening himself up to dangerous counter punches. Moreover, while his resume is impressive at first glance, many of his opponents were cherry-picked B and C level fighters.
Chavez is ranked a little ahead of Duddy by Boxrec; however, both are roughly at the same level, which makes for an interesting contest. Both Duddy and Chavez have fought Matt Vanda, but Duddy defeated Vanda more easily. The best punch for both fighters is the left hook. Duddy has slowly climbed back up in world rankings: the WBO lists him at #14, the WBC at #8. His new ratings are not due to any outstanding talent, but rather to the fact that he fights a lot. As a result, Duddy should be in prime condition. His boxing skills have improved, his problem with cuts has diminished, and he has an iron jaw.
Duddy usually does well against sluggers like Chavez and won’t hesitate to mix it up on the inside. He has a dangerous upper cut that could cause Julio problems. While not a banger, Duddy is a solid boxer-puncher, as was evidenced by his 1st round KO of Juan Astorga. Moreover, Julio’s stand-up style could set up an easy target for Duddy’s body shots. On the other hand, Duddy’s speed and footwork are only adequate, he lacks lateral movement, and still takes too many head shots. Harry Keitt, Duddy’s trainer, envisions a bloody slugfest with the Derry Destroyer emerging the clear winner. We’ll soon see if he’s right.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
When John Duddy enters the Alamodome in San Antonio on June 26th to a capacity crowd of 15,000; most of the seats will be filled by fanatical Chavez Jr. fans, who live within a stone’s throw of the Mexican border. Duddy, 29-1 (18KOs) is on a rebound from his only defeat to Billy Lyell in 2009. Yet the fact that his last 3 wins were all against fighters of Mexican descent (Munoz, Astorga, and Medina) was no accident. Thanks to Top Rank’s promoter, Bob Arum, Duddy is now known and despised by thousands of Mexican fans, who will pay top dollar to watch their young hero humiliate the arrogant Irishman..
The undefeated 24-year old Chavez Jr. 41-0-1 (30KOs) is training under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym solely for the Duddy match. Yet Freddie may have his hands full with young Julio, who sometimes looks as though he’s bored in the ring. Nevertheless, if Chavez becomes committed to Roach’s techniques, he could present a formidable challenge to Duddy. Julio’s 41 wins is an accomplishment, and at 24, he still has time to improve. He also has a crowd-pleasing Mexican temper, and if cornered can explode, blasting his way out with both hands. Craig Hamilton, Duddy’s manager, thinks Chavez will be John’s toughest opponent.
However, Chavez also has some unresolved problems. Mike Quarry once complained that he had to spend his entire career in the shadow of his brother Jerry. Julio Jr. has a similar burden; only in his case it’s his legendary father. In addition, he has several tactical flaws including: lack of hand speed, low work output, careless defense, limited punching power, and a nagging weight problem. Although Julio likes to fight in close, he’s sometimes lethargic, opening himself up to dangerous counter punches. Moreover, while his resume is impressive at first glance, many of his opponents were cherry-picked B and C level fighters.
Chavez is ranked a little ahead of Duddy by Boxrec; however, both are roughly at the same level, which makes for an interesting contest. Both Duddy and Chavez have fought Matt Vanda, but Duddy defeated Vanda more easily. The best punch for both fighters is the left hook. Duddy has slowly climbed back up in world rankings: the WBO lists him at #14, the WBC at #8. His new ratings are not due to any outstanding talent, but rather to the fact that he fights a lot. As a result, Duddy should be in prime condition. His boxing skills have improved, his problem with cuts has diminished, and he has an iron jaw.
Duddy usually does well against sluggers like Chavez and won’t hesitate to mix it up on the inside. He has a dangerous upper cut that could cause Julio problems. While not a banger, Duddy is a solid boxer-puncher, as was evidenced by his 1st round KO of Juan Astorga. Moreover, Julio’s stand-up style could set up an easy target for Duddy’s body shots. On the other hand, Duddy’s speed and footwork are only adequate, he lacks lateral movement, and still takes too many head shots. Harry Keitt, Duddy’s trainer, envisions a bloody slugfest with the Derry Destroyer emerging the clear winner. We’ll soon see if he’s right.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Angry Carl Froch in quit threat -- Daily Star
By Kevin Francis, DailyStar.co.uk
CARL FROCH
has threatened to hit his promoters for six if his next fight is not on home soil.
Froch lost to Mikkel Kessler in the latest bout of the Super Six Classic series, which is designed to determine the undisputed world super-middleweight champion.
But his defeat in Herning, near Copenhagen in Denmark, left him calling the judges’ decision a “disgrace”.
And now he says he will withdraw from the six-man tournament altogether if his planned August 21 clash with Arthur Abraham is moved away from his home city of Nottingham.
Tournament promoters Sauerland Events have angered ‘The Cobra’ by suggesting that the bout against Berlin-based Abraham may be shifted to Germany.
But Froch has told German promoters Sauerland: “If I am not fighting in Nottingham then I will quit the tournament – there is no doubt about that. We had an agreement that the next fight would be there and now they are suddenly trying to move the goalposts.”
Froch’s promoter Mick Hennessy confirmed that his fighter was serious about his intentions to throw in the towel.
He said: “Carl is a very strong individual and can be stubborn.
“If he says he doesn’t want to fight he won’t – it is as simple as that.
“We went into the Kessler fight with an agreement that, as Carl was the WBC world champion, he would have two of his three fights in the UK.”
But an insider at Sauerland Events told me: “They have misunderstood. The only agreement was that the next fight would take place in Europe. The situation is this – the fight will go to where the money is.
“Carl may think he is calling the shots but he isn’t.”
The 32-year-old’s bargaining power has certainly diminished after he suffered a points defeat in Kessler’s backyard.
I must say that I had Froch losing the contest by two rounds.
But it was one of those tight fights that could have gone either way.
One judge, however, was way off the mark, awarding it to Kessler by a staggering SIX rounds – sheer incompetence.
Froch said: “I thought it was a disgrace. I have received loads of texts from friends saying they thought I had won.
“Kessler fought well but I genuinely thought I had done enough to get the decision against a brave fighter.
“This does open up the whole Super Six series but, if I remain in it, I am convinced that I can end up coming out on top.”
One certain fact to emerge from the fight is that Froch was way below his normal high standard as he suffered his first defeat of a 27-fight career.
Trainer Rob McCracken said: “He did well but it just wasn’t good enough on the night against a fighter who had nothing to lose.
“But for one judge to give it to Kessler by six rounds was absolutely stupid.”
Source: dailystar.co.uk
CARL FROCH
has threatened to hit his promoters for six if his next fight is not on home soil.Froch lost to Mikkel Kessler in the latest bout of the Super Six Classic series, which is designed to determine the undisputed world super-middleweight champion.
And now he says he will withdraw from the six-man tournament altogether if his planned August 21 clash with Arthur Abraham is moved away from his home city of Nottingham.
Tournament promoters Sauerland Events have angered ‘The Cobra’ by suggesting that the bout against Berlin-based Abraham may be shifted to Germany.
But Froch has told German promoters Sauerland: “If I am not fighting in Nottingham then I will quit the tournament – there is no doubt about that. We had an agreement that the next fight would be there and now they are suddenly trying to move the goalposts.”
Froch’s promoter Mick Hennessy confirmed that his fighter was serious about his intentions to throw in the towel.
He said: “Carl is a very strong individual and can be stubborn.
“If he says he doesn’t want to fight he won’t – it is as simple as that.
“We went into the Kessler fight with an agreement that, as Carl was the WBC world champion, he would have two of his three fights in the UK.”
But an insider at Sauerland Events told me: “They have misunderstood. The only agreement was that the next fight would take place in Europe. The situation is this – the fight will go to where the money is.
“Carl may think he is calling the shots but he isn’t.”
The 32-year-old’s bargaining power has certainly diminished after he suffered a points defeat in Kessler’s backyard.
I must say that I had Froch losing the contest by two rounds.
But it was one of those tight fights that could have gone either way.
One judge, however, was way off the mark, awarding it to Kessler by a staggering SIX rounds – sheer incompetence.
Froch said: “I thought it was a disgrace. I have received loads of texts from friends saying they thought I had won.
“Kessler fought well but I genuinely thought I had done enough to get the decision against a brave fighter.
“This does open up the whole Super Six series but, if I remain in it, I am convinced that I can end up coming out on top.”
One certain fact to emerge from the fight is that Froch was way below his normal high standard as he suffered his first defeat of a 27-fight career.
Trainer Rob McCracken said: “He did well but it just wasn’t good enough on the night against a fighter who had nothing to lose.
“But for one judge to give it to Kessler by six rounds was absolutely stupid.”
Source: dailystar.co.uk
Manny Pacquiao can do to Floyd Mayweather what Shane Mosley won't -- Examiner
By Michael Marley, Examiner.com
Handicapping the Sugar Shane Mosley-Floyd Mayweather Jr. is child's play, really.
A kid lurching around the sandbox could figure that the smart play is to bet the younger, much faster guy.
A kindergarten student might know, to draw on college and pro football parlance, that a merely good offense will not beat a nonpareil defense.
If you can't score, if you can't punch the ball over the goal line, then you won't be lighting up the scorecard.
Mosley will score no touchdowns against the mercury like swift feet and rolling shoulders of Mayweather next Saturday night in Lost Wages.
The way I see it, albeit in a blurry manner having just survived the wet and wild New Orleans Jazzfest, Mosley won't even be kicking any field goals.
Instead, he will be swinging and swatting like a man deep in the woods who forgot to cover himself with mosquito repellent.
I know I'm mixing metaphors here the way they mix Ramos Gin Fizzes and Sazeracs in the adult playground that is New Orleans (not to mention the slushy but jest right frozen dacquiris) but I'm not going to slip and fall as the big fight runup picks up the pace.
I refuse to drink the Mosley Kool Aid.
I remain steadfast in stating the only Man-ny on the planet who has the will, the skill and the unorthodox offense to beat Mayweather is a guy slightly younger than he is.
In fact, Pacquiao is the only Man-ny on the planet who can either outpoint or KO whirling dervish and Scarlet Pimpernel combination Mayweather.
Pacquiao can cripple the shoulder roll, make those come to a sudden stop.
Pacquiao can hurt Mayweather.
Pacquiao may make Mayweather quit, wave the white flag.
Pacquiao even has the firepower to knock Mayweather into the same location that Messrs. de la Hoya and Hatton went, into permanent retirement.
We may add that as a boxing category, alongside KTFO, getting KIPR or Knocked Into Permanent Retirement.
I've no axe to grind against Mosley or for Mayweather, you know that.
In the League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Mosley belongs. He's also a Hall Of Fame stature fighter and his career speaks for itself. The BALCO steroid escapades are a minor blemish on his siny resume, really.
But Mayweather waited until Mosley was 38 and a step or two slower than he was in younger years.
Stepping to and slamming the mainly immobile Antonio Margarito was a big achievement but now he is fighting Margo's polar opposite.
Mayweather will win this fight going away and I mean that literally.
He will always be going away from Mosley and away from danger.
The frustration level will be extremely high from the first round to the last round.
A 12 frame shutout is a genuine possibility.
Again, I like and respect Mosley. Away from the ring, he's fired managers, promoters, trainers, cutmen and had a divorce.
But Mosley has handled such breakups, including canning his own father twice, in a discreet and take the high road manner.
That counts for something in measuring Mosley the man.
But Mosley the fighter at this point?
His chances are slim and none and slim is out of town.
Slim was last seen at the airport or the Amtrak railroad station, one or the other.
Mayweather's dipping and dancing will be too much for Mosley to handle.
You think Mosley can win?
You must be that optimistic guy who entered a Mini-Cooper in the Indianapolis 500.
I know you.
Have a nice crash.
(mlcmarley@aol.com)
Source: examiner.com
Handicapping the Sugar Shane Mosley-Floyd Mayweather Jr. is child's play, really.
A kid lurching around the sandbox could figure that the smart play is to bet the younger, much faster guy.
A kindergarten student might know, to draw on college and pro football parlance, that a merely good offense will not beat a nonpareil defense.
If you can't score, if you can't punch the ball over the goal line, then you won't be lighting up the scorecard.
Mosley will score no touchdowns against the mercury like swift feet and rolling shoulders of Mayweather next Saturday night in Lost Wages.
The way I see it, albeit in a blurry manner having just survived the wet and wild New Orleans Jazzfest, Mosley won't even be kicking any field goals.
Instead, he will be swinging and swatting like a man deep in the woods who forgot to cover himself with mosquito repellent.
I know I'm mixing metaphors here the way they mix Ramos Gin Fizzes and Sazeracs in the adult playground that is New Orleans (not to mention the slushy but jest right frozen dacquiris) but I'm not going to slip and fall as the big fight runup picks up the pace.
I refuse to drink the Mosley Kool Aid.
I remain steadfast in stating the only Man-ny on the planet who has the will, the skill and the unorthodox offense to beat Mayweather is a guy slightly younger than he is.
In fact, Pacquiao is the only Man-ny on the planet who can either outpoint or KO whirling dervish and Scarlet Pimpernel combination Mayweather.
Pacquiao can cripple the shoulder roll, make those come to a sudden stop.
Pacquiao can hurt Mayweather.
Pacquiao may make Mayweather quit, wave the white flag.
Pacquiao even has the firepower to knock Mayweather into the same location that Messrs. de la Hoya and Hatton went, into permanent retirement.
We may add that as a boxing category, alongside KTFO, getting KIPR or Knocked Into Permanent Retirement.
I've no axe to grind against Mosley or for Mayweather, you know that.
In the League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Mosley belongs. He's also a Hall Of Fame stature fighter and his career speaks for itself. The BALCO steroid escapades are a minor blemish on his siny resume, really.
But Mayweather waited until Mosley was 38 and a step or two slower than he was in younger years.
Stepping to and slamming the mainly immobile Antonio Margarito was a big achievement but now he is fighting Margo's polar opposite.
Mayweather will win this fight going away and I mean that literally.
He will always be going away from Mosley and away from danger.
The frustration level will be extremely high from the first round to the last round.
A 12 frame shutout is a genuine possibility.
Again, I like and respect Mosley. Away from the ring, he's fired managers, promoters, trainers, cutmen and had a divorce.
But Mosley has handled such breakups, including canning his own father twice, in a discreet and take the high road manner.
That counts for something in measuring Mosley the man.
But Mosley the fighter at this point?
His chances are slim and none and slim is out of town.
Slim was last seen at the airport or the Amtrak railroad station, one or the other.
Mayweather's dipping and dancing will be too much for Mosley to handle.
You think Mosley can win?
You must be that optimistic guy who entered a Mini-Cooper in the Indianapolis 500.
I know you.
Have a nice crash.
(mlcmarley@aol.com)
Source: examiner.com
Pacquiao is a clean fighter…Absolutely! -- PhilBoxing
By Allan Recto, PhilBoxing.com
Los Angeles, California (April 25, 2010) – A certified ringside physician from the Texas Boxing Commission has conveyed the test results of WBO welterweight world champion Manny Pacquiao’s urine for steroids collected last March 13th at his dressing room, right after his clash with Joshua Clottey, in their match-up dubbed “The Event” in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. The test results as shown by the Medical Review Officer’s Report were negative. Dr. Oscar Molina confirmed that Manny Pacquiao is indeed a clean fighter and not using any steroids or illegal drugs.
During the day of the weigh-in, it was Dr. Molina from Dallas, TX who, accompanied by representatives from Top Rank and the TDLR’s Combative Sports Division (Texas Boxing Commission), came to Pacquiao’s suite at the Gaylord Texan Hotel to perform the mandatory pre-fight physical examination. The ring doctor took PacMan’s vital signs that read: BP – 116/64 and a resting HR of 43 per minute. “Perfect. This is indeed amazing,” he remarked and re-iterated our similar observation that elite athletes who are in top condition have this kind of measurement with regards to their heart rate being low. “Wow, this means he is in excellent condition,” the assigned Texas ringside physician revealed to us. Pacquiao was grinning but remained relax and quiet. Just like all of us, he was excited about his upcoming fight.
Immediately post-fight, at the Team Pacquiao’s dressing room, two Texas Combative Sports Division ringside physicians, Dr. Wayne Lee of San Antonio, TX and Dr. Manuel Gonzalez from Laredo, TX, showed up to monitor and collect the urine specimen of Manny Pacquiao for testing purposes. The fighter, looking a bit weary and dehydrated, was elated by his Unanimous Decision win over number one welterweight contender Joshua Clottey. The unprecedented seven title holder in seven divisions Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao gulped a couple of bottled water after the contest then declared, “I’m ready anytime, anywhere!” Pacquiao was certainly referring to any drug testing or urine collection. The PacMan, accompanied by a commission physician, went inside the restroom to do what was expected of him and came out with a half-filled specimen bottle of fresh, amber-colored urine.
The Texas ringside physicians properly labeled the urine sample and followed proper chain of custody protocol. The urine specimen was tested without delay for any illegal drugs. Pacquiao’s urine sample was negative for drugs such as Amphetamines, Marijuana, Opiates, etc. The WBO Supervisor, who was present during the urine drug screen, officially noted the results and relayed it to Pacquiao, the Texas Boxing Commissioner Dicky Cole and later on to the WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel. “The initial Urine Drug Test was negative,” affirmed the WBO Supervisor to the boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao who nodded to confirm, as he was busy preparing for the post-fight press conference.
A Texas Boxing Commission ringside physician later notified Team Pacquiao members, particularly Michael Koncz, that the rest of the urine sample would be sent to a special laboratory for steroid confirmation. The turn around time for test results would be a few weeks. SteroidConfirm Urine Test screens for commonly abused anabolic steroid agents using the latest technique of Liquid Chromatograph Tandem Mass Spectrometry, the most sensitive and sophisticated technology available. This test enables ringside physicians, sports trainers, boxing or athletic commissions, etc. to test athletes who they suspect may be abusing anabolic steroids, which are known to increase muscle mass and physical strength.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission had ordered random drug-testing to be performed to Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in late December 2009, which conformed with the World Anti- Doping Agency’s guidelines, and those test results showed Pacquiao was negative for performance enhancing as well as illegal drugs or steroids.
Should Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. get past Shane Mosley on May 1st next week, a potential mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao is a definite possibility. During his most recent conference call in Las Vegas, Mayweather, Jr. said, “All I'm saying, if you're a clean athlete, take your test. That's all I'm saying. That's all I've got to say. If you're a clean athlete, take the test! Show the world, you know what, I'm a natural. Take the test, that's all I say. Let them come get you at any time and take the test."
The allegations of certain individuals are truly unfounded. Pacquiao has never been tested positive for steroids or any illegal drugs. During HBO’s “Road to Dallas” TV special leading to the fight between Pacquiao and Clottey last March 13th at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Manny Pacquiao openly denied he was using any drugs or steroid. Pacquiao said, “I’m a very clean fighter. I don’t know what is a steroid. I don’t have an idea what it is. Because for me, hard work and faith to God…that is my energy everyday.”
Source: philboxing.com
Los Angeles, California (April 25, 2010) – A certified ringside physician from the Texas Boxing Commission has conveyed the test results of WBO welterweight world champion Manny Pacquiao’s urine for steroids collected last March 13th at his dressing room, right after his clash with Joshua Clottey, in their match-up dubbed “The Event” in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. The test results as shown by the Medical Review Officer’s Report were negative. Dr. Oscar Molina confirmed that Manny Pacquiao is indeed a clean fighter and not using any steroids or illegal drugs.
During the day of the weigh-in, it was Dr. Molina from Dallas, TX who, accompanied by representatives from Top Rank and the TDLR’s Combative Sports Division (Texas Boxing Commission), came to Pacquiao’s suite at the Gaylord Texan Hotel to perform the mandatory pre-fight physical examination. The ring doctor took PacMan’s vital signs that read: BP – 116/64 and a resting HR of 43 per minute. “Perfect. This is indeed amazing,” he remarked and re-iterated our similar observation that elite athletes who are in top condition have this kind of measurement with regards to their heart rate being low. “Wow, this means he is in excellent condition,” the assigned Texas ringside physician revealed to us. Pacquiao was grinning but remained relax and quiet. Just like all of us, he was excited about his upcoming fight.
Immediately post-fight, at the Team Pacquiao’s dressing room, two Texas Combative Sports Division ringside physicians, Dr. Wayne Lee of San Antonio, TX and Dr. Manuel Gonzalez from Laredo, TX, showed up to monitor and collect the urine specimen of Manny Pacquiao for testing purposes. The fighter, looking a bit weary and dehydrated, was elated by his Unanimous Decision win over number one welterweight contender Joshua Clottey. The unprecedented seven title holder in seven divisions Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao gulped a couple of bottled water after the contest then declared, “I’m ready anytime, anywhere!” Pacquiao was certainly referring to any drug testing or urine collection. The PacMan, accompanied by a commission physician, went inside the restroom to do what was expected of him and came out with a half-filled specimen bottle of fresh, amber-colored urine.
The Texas ringside physicians properly labeled the urine sample and followed proper chain of custody protocol. The urine specimen was tested without delay for any illegal drugs. Pacquiao’s urine sample was negative for drugs such as Amphetamines, Marijuana, Opiates, etc. The WBO Supervisor, who was present during the urine drug screen, officially noted the results and relayed it to Pacquiao, the Texas Boxing Commissioner Dicky Cole and later on to the WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel. “The initial Urine Drug Test was negative,” affirmed the WBO Supervisor to the boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao who nodded to confirm, as he was busy preparing for the post-fight press conference.
A Texas Boxing Commission ringside physician later notified Team Pacquiao members, particularly Michael Koncz, that the rest of the urine sample would be sent to a special laboratory for steroid confirmation. The turn around time for test results would be a few weeks. SteroidConfirm Urine Test screens for commonly abused anabolic steroid agents using the latest technique of Liquid Chromatograph Tandem Mass Spectrometry, the most sensitive and sophisticated technology available. This test enables ringside physicians, sports trainers, boxing or athletic commissions, etc. to test athletes who they suspect may be abusing anabolic steroids, which are known to increase muscle mass and physical strength.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission had ordered random drug-testing to be performed to Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in late December 2009, which conformed with the World Anti- Doping Agency’s guidelines, and those test results showed Pacquiao was negative for performance enhancing as well as illegal drugs or steroids.
Should Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. get past Shane Mosley on May 1st next week, a potential mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao is a definite possibility. During his most recent conference call in Las Vegas, Mayweather, Jr. said, “All I'm saying, if you're a clean athlete, take your test. That's all I'm saying. That's all I've got to say. If you're a clean athlete, take the test! Show the world, you know what, I'm a natural. Take the test, that's all I say. Let them come get you at any time and take the test."
The allegations of certain individuals are truly unfounded. Pacquiao has never been tested positive for steroids or any illegal drugs. During HBO’s “Road to Dallas” TV special leading to the fight between Pacquiao and Clottey last March 13th at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Manny Pacquiao openly denied he was using any drugs or steroid. Pacquiao said, “I’m a very clean fighter. I don’t know what is a steroid. I don’t have an idea what it is. Because for me, hard work and faith to God…that is my energy everyday.” Renowned Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said in that HBO documentary episode, “There’s no validation in that accusation because he’s never been tested positive. He’s been tested in every title fight and has passed every time. Just because he went from 106 lbs. to 147 lbs., does that mean he is on steroids?” Roach questioned, “Floyd Mayweather, Jr. went from 106 to 154 lbs., does that mean he is on steroids too? That’s bull---t!”
In December 30, 2009, Pacquiao filed a civil lawsuit versus Floyd, Jr., Sr. and Roger Mayweather, the Mayweather Promotions as well as Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaeffer, demanding trial by jury. Until now, it has not been resolved and the case is still pending.
When interviewed yesterday at the Wild Card Boxing Club of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza told this writer, “I’m not surprised that Manny Pacquiao tested negative again, Doc. He is a clean fighter! Manny is the pinnacle of an athlete that other fighters should emulate. He doesn’t berate his opponents. He is very respectful and professional.” With a melancholic voice, Ariza added, “It is sad that people say things that cast a shadow on his accomplishments. Manny has never tested positive for PED (perfomance enhancing drugs) or steroids.”
Finally, the latest test results in Texas show that Manny Pacquiao, the current best pound per pound boxer in the world, is indeed a clean athlete. When this boxing writer/physician queried his colleague from the Texas Boxing Commission - “Does this mean that Manny Pacquiao is a clean fighter and not using any steroids
?” Dr. Molina simply answered, “Absolutely!”
?” Dr. Molina simply answered, “Absolutely!”Source: philboxing.com
Shane Mosley says he's ready to unleash a mountain of trouble on Floyd Mayweather Jr. -- Los Angeles Times
By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times
Before a fight, Shane Mosley's ritual is to lock himself away from the world in his Big Bear Lake training compound.
"You have to drive all the way up here to have something to say and then I have to agree to let you in," Mosley said recently at Big Bear. "I'm up here because boxing is a mental game."
The WBA welterweight champion on Saturday faces his stiffest challenge yet in taking on unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas.
Mosley is 38 and hasn't fought since a stirring technical-knockout win over Antonio Margarito in January 2009, and oddsmakers peg Mayweather as a 9-2 favorite. Mosley ignores it all.
"The boxing game is right here," Mosley said, pointing to his right temple. "Getting ready for a fight means going to war. This is the hurt business. I can't accept a thought like, ‘This might be my last fight,' or ‘I'm getting old.' "
Before the Margarito fight, Mosley heard the same concerns. He and trainer Naazim Richardson kept saying, "Don't de-fang the monster after we beat him." Then, Mosley pounded Margarito until the fight was stopped in the ninth round.
"Shutting down naysayers, I love that," Mosley said. "That's why Margarito got what he did. This is why I chose boxing. It's a one-on-one sport, and I've always believed no one can beat me one on one when I do the right things."
Mayweather, 33, "is a great fighter," Mosley added. "I'm the best in the world."
Why is Mosley so confident? One reason is Richardson, who has often formulated strategies to beat foes who appeared unstoppable. The trainer orchestrated Bernard Hopkins' upset of then-unbeaten middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in 2008. And he devised Mosley's game plan against Margarito. Richardson also spotted the plaster-of-Paris inserts confiscated from Margarito's hand wraps before their bout.
"I'm very confident," Richardson said. "Shane prepares like a gladiator going to war. . . . I feel if we present the very best Shane Mosley, we win the [Mayweather] fight."
Richardson's main concern for Mosley is ring rust. After beating Margarito, Mosley hoped to quickly fight Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. It didn't happen. So Mosley accepted a title unification bout against Andre Berto scheduled for January. But Berto backed out over concerns about his family in Haiti after the devastating earthquake there.
Around then, the Mayweather-Pacquiao mega-fight collapsed after Mayweather insisted on Olympic-style drug tests. So Mosley stepped into the void and accepted the strict drug-testing procedures to fight Mayweather, years after Mosley's own involvement with performance-enhancing drugs.
Mosley, before his rematch win over Oscar De La Hoya in 2003, worked with Victor Conte, founder of the infamous steroid-distributing Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO). Conte and Mosley's ex-trainer Darryl Hudson say the fighter took designer steroids and the oxygen-boosting drug EPO. Mosley said he believed he was injecting legal vitamins, and taking EPO. Conte has publicly called Mosley a liar and Mosley has sued for defamation.
For the Mayweather bout, Mosley has followed the drug testing conducted by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. "I have to write an e-mail telling [testers] if I want to go somewhere," Mosley said.
"I actually think this is working to my favor. . . . [Mayweather] likes to go out to clubs until 2, 3 in the morning. I'm not sure he wants USADA there. Me? You know where I'm at. I'm here in Big Bear."
Indeed, Mosley is a gym rat who plays basketball and snowboards outside training and religiously works out.
"I don't care about how fast [Mayweather] is or how good his defense is," Mosley said. "I'm a boxer, a puncher. I can move. I can knock you out with both hands."
Those close to Mosley say he has the same mind-set going into this fight that he did before his first win over De La Hoya in 2000.
Soon after that breakthrough victory, Mosley fell in love with a woman he married, Jin, and they had three children. She also served as his business manager. But the burden of that pairing took a toll. The two are getting divorced. Friends of the boxer say the marriage became a toxic situation that visibly distracted Mosley and, under California's community property laws, he faces a costly divorce.
"Anything Mayweather says is nothing compared to the things she said to me," Mosley said of his wife. The pair separated in 2008.
"Look at the timeline," Mosley said, referring to his marriage. "When I was losing. When I was ready to retire. When people said I was washed up. . . ."
Mosley said more about his wife but didn't want it to be published, so he reached into a reporter's notebook, tore out a page and tossed it in a trash can.
"Now, I feel great," Mosley said. "I'm ready to fight."
Attempts to reach Jin Mosley for comment were unsuccessful.
The divorce "is like a huge cloud has been lifted," said Mosley's attorney Judd Burstein. "In the Margarito fight, you saw his freedom from the craziness."
Richardson, Mosley's trainer, also feels confident about the Mayweather fight.
"I have a guy who's about not taking prisoners, who wants to leave his opponents lying on the battlefield," Richardson said.
"So now I'm telling everyone I know Mayweather is the best of all time. Better than Ali. Better than Frazier. The best that God has ever molded. But if he's the greatest of all time and we knock him on his back, what's that make Shane?"
lance.pugmire@latimes.com
Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times
Source: latimes.com
Before a fight, Shane Mosley's ritual is to lock himself away from the world in his Big Bear Lake training compound.
"You have to drive all the way up here to have something to say and then I have to agree to let you in," Mosley said recently at Big Bear. "I'm up here because boxing is a mental game."
The WBA welterweight champion on Saturday faces his stiffest challenge yet in taking on unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas.
Mosley is 38 and hasn't fought since a stirring technical-knockout win over Antonio Margarito in January 2009, and oddsmakers peg Mayweather as a 9-2 favorite. Mosley ignores it all.
"The boxing game is right here," Mosley said, pointing to his right temple. "Getting ready for a fight means going to war. This is the hurt business. I can't accept a thought like, ‘This might be my last fight,' or ‘I'm getting old.' "
Before the Margarito fight, Mosley heard the same concerns. He and trainer Naazim Richardson kept saying, "Don't de-fang the monster after we beat him." Then, Mosley pounded Margarito until the fight was stopped in the ninth round.
"Shutting down naysayers, I love that," Mosley said. "That's why Margarito got what he did. This is why I chose boxing. It's a one-on-one sport, and I've always believed no one can beat me one on one when I do the right things."
Mayweather, 33, "is a great fighter," Mosley added. "I'm the best in the world."
Why is Mosley so confident? One reason is Richardson, who has often formulated strategies to beat foes who appeared unstoppable. The trainer orchestrated Bernard Hopkins' upset of then-unbeaten middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in 2008. And he devised Mosley's game plan against Margarito. Richardson also spotted the plaster-of-Paris inserts confiscated from Margarito's hand wraps before their bout.
"I'm very confident," Richardson said. "Shane prepares like a gladiator going to war. . . . I feel if we present the very best Shane Mosley, we win the [Mayweather] fight."
Richardson's main concern for Mosley is ring rust. After beating Margarito, Mosley hoped to quickly fight Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. It didn't happen. So Mosley accepted a title unification bout against Andre Berto scheduled for January. But Berto backed out over concerns about his family in Haiti after the devastating earthquake there.
Around then, the Mayweather-Pacquiao mega-fight collapsed after Mayweather insisted on Olympic-style drug tests. So Mosley stepped into the void and accepted the strict drug-testing procedures to fight Mayweather, years after Mosley's own involvement with performance-enhancing drugs.
Mosley, before his rematch win over Oscar De La Hoya in 2003, worked with Victor Conte, founder of the infamous steroid-distributing Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO). Conte and Mosley's ex-trainer Darryl Hudson say the fighter took designer steroids and the oxygen-boosting drug EPO. Mosley said he believed he was injecting legal vitamins, and taking EPO. Conte has publicly called Mosley a liar and Mosley has sued for defamation.
For the Mayweather bout, Mosley has followed the drug testing conducted by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. "I have to write an e-mail telling [testers] if I want to go somewhere," Mosley said.
"I actually think this is working to my favor. . . . [Mayweather] likes to go out to clubs until 2, 3 in the morning. I'm not sure he wants USADA there. Me? You know where I'm at. I'm here in Big Bear."
Indeed, Mosley is a gym rat who plays basketball and snowboards outside training and religiously works out.
"I don't care about how fast [Mayweather] is or how good his defense is," Mosley said. "I'm a boxer, a puncher. I can move. I can knock you out with both hands."
Those close to Mosley say he has the same mind-set going into this fight that he did before his first win over De La Hoya in 2000.
Soon after that breakthrough victory, Mosley fell in love with a woman he married, Jin, and they had three children. She also served as his business manager. But the burden of that pairing took a toll. The two are getting divorced. Friends of the boxer say the marriage became a toxic situation that visibly distracted Mosley and, under California's community property laws, he faces a costly divorce.
"Anything Mayweather says is nothing compared to the things she said to me," Mosley said of his wife. The pair separated in 2008.
"Look at the timeline," Mosley said, referring to his marriage. "When I was losing. When I was ready to retire. When people said I was washed up. . . ."
Mosley said more about his wife but didn't want it to be published, so he reached into a reporter's notebook, tore out a page and tossed it in a trash can.
"Now, I feel great," Mosley said. "I'm ready to fight."
Attempts to reach Jin Mosley for comment were unsuccessful.
The divorce "is like a huge cloud has been lifted," said Mosley's attorney Judd Burstein. "In the Margarito fight, you saw his freedom from the craziness."
Richardson, Mosley's trainer, also feels confident about the Mayweather fight.
"I have a guy who's about not taking prisoners, who wants to leave his opponents lying on the battlefield," Richardson said.
"So now I'm telling everyone I know Mayweather is the best of all time. Better than Ali. Better than Frazier. The best that God has ever molded. But if he's the greatest of all time and we knock him on his back, what's that make Shane?"
lance.pugmire@latimes.com
Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times
Source: latimes.com
Does Barrera legend seemingly overshadow Chavez, Jr vs. Duddy main event? -- Examiner
By Matt Stolow, Examiner.com
I never knew what Big George Foreman meant by saying he originally came back to soon until he stood over Michael Moore and had reclaimed the heavyweight world championship as dramatically as it could ever be done.
Now I'm looking over names Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and John Duddy, and fight friendly San Antonio and thinking marketing whiz Lester Bedford already owes me for the piece I did on him on the Pacquiao card recently.
This is Cowboys Stadium vs. San Antonio AlamoDome and it just seems the "Whataburger Man" should naturally be doing the play by play like the late NFL's John Facenda.
So its got to be about come backing Marco Antonio Barrera
. He came back a year ago on actually a decent and necessary pay-per-view card in England I bought one Saturday afternoon to both redeem Amir Khan coming off a first round KO loss and for Frank Warren to pay back Don King who delivered MAB with a quick, bloody technical knockout for Khan but here we are and all I can believe is previous reincarnations of Barrera have been premature.
I know Erik "El Terrible" Morales came back recently and promoter Bob Arum is trying to maneuver Antonio Margarito into the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes but Marco Antonio Barrera?
Haven't we and MAB suffered enough? "I can't explain it, " said Bedford." It's hard to tell these guys "No". It's hard to tell these great fighters to see an end. Who knows, maybe he has a lot more to offer. I know there will be lots of fans in San Antonio glad to see him, either way."
This card with Chavez, Jr. and Duddy would be going on without MAB anyway.
This card is being set up for 17,000 fans and is the first big event for new Alamodome chief Marc Solis, a San Antonio native, boxing friendly, who has been toiling for a few years and with wife building a family in Corpus Christi.
I see this event as a better fit for San Antonio than Dallas.
San Antonio once hosted Barrera vs. a young Manny Pacquiao in 2003 and years later a more mature well-known Pacquiao vs. Mexico 's Jorge Solis.
But today, Dallas, is DALLAS and it already looking down at all but a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather, Jr. at its 100,000 seat, $1.2 billion temple in nearby Arlington.
So Monday afternoon they will host a big press conference with Mexican food and BBQ to welcome Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr, John Duddy, Bob Arum, and even come backing Marc Solis and Marco Antonio Barrera.
It will quickly be drowned out by fight week for Mayweather vs. Mosley but it will be good fun while it lasts.
Source: examiner.com
I never knew what Big George Foreman meant by saying he originally came back to soon until he stood over Michael Moore and had reclaimed the heavyweight world championship as dramatically as it could ever be done.
Now I'm looking over names Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and John Duddy, and fight friendly San Antonio and thinking marketing whiz Lester Bedford already owes me for the piece I did on him on the Pacquiao card recently.
This is Cowboys Stadium vs. San Antonio AlamoDome and it just seems the "Whataburger Man" should naturally be doing the play by play like the late NFL's John Facenda.
So its got to be about come backing Marco Antonio Barrera. He came back a year ago on actually a decent and necessary pay-per-view card in England I bought one Saturday afternoon to both redeem Amir Khan coming off a first round KO loss and for Frank Warren to pay back Don King who delivered MAB with a quick, bloody technical knockout for Khan but here we are and all I can believe is previous reincarnations of Barrera have been premature.I know Erik "El Terrible" Morales came back recently and promoter Bob Arum is trying to maneuver Antonio Margarito into the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes but Marco Antonio Barrera?
Haven't we and MAB suffered enough? "I can't explain it, " said Bedford." It's hard to tell these guys "No". It's hard to tell these great fighters to see an end. Who knows, maybe he has a lot more to offer. I know there will be lots of fans in San Antonio glad to see him, either way."
This card with Chavez, Jr. and Duddy would be going on without MAB anyway.
This card is being set up for 17,000 fans and is the first big event for new Alamodome chief Marc Solis, a San Antonio native, boxing friendly, who has been toiling for a few years and with wife building a family in Corpus Christi.
I see this event as a better fit for San Antonio than Dallas.
San Antonio once hosted Barrera vs. a young Manny Pacquiao in 2003 and years later a more mature well-known Pacquiao vs. Mexico 's Jorge Solis.
But today, Dallas, is DALLAS and it already looking down at all but a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather, Jr. at its 100,000 seat, $1.2 billion temple in nearby Arlington.
So Monday afternoon they will host a big press conference with Mexican food and BBQ to welcome Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr, John Duddy, Bob Arum, and even come backing Marc Solis and Marco Antonio Barrera.
It will quickly be drowned out by fight week for Mayweather vs. Mosley but it will be good fun while it lasts.
Source: examiner.com
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