By Chris Mannix, SI.com
At the time, it seemed like a good idea. Actually, it was a great one.
Get six of the top fighters in one weight class to commit to a series of fights that will consume nearly two years of their careers? If the nonsensical statements uttered during the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather negotiations taught us anything, it's that promoters have a hard time agreeing on a breakfast order, much less the parameters of a significant fight.
Showtime did it, though. Under the guidance of top exec Ken Hershman, the cable network got Mikkel Kessler, Andre Ward, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Andre Dirrell and Jermain Taylor to sign on the dotted lines. A true super middleweight champion will be crowned, the network crowed during a press conference in New York. For the first time in a long time, there will be one face of the 168-pound division.
Quickly, however, things have unraveled. First, Taylor was forced to withdraw, the end result of an Abraham right hand that knocked him out of the tournament and into retirement. With Lucian Bute unavailable and Kelly Pavlik unwanted, Showtime turned to Allan Green, an untested power puncher with no significant wins on his resume.
Kessler was next, withdrawing this week with an eye injury that will require nine months to heal. With the Super Six entering its final stage, it's most accomplished fighter (Kessler) and most recognizable American (Taylor) are on the sidelines.
This tournament needs a save, and a big one. Early word is that Green -- who was battered around in a unanimous decision by Ward in June and who was likely facing a night as human chum for Kessler next month in Denmark -- will be cut, with Showtime dangling a 175-pound fight for Green as a carrot to walk away without complaint.
With Green out, the Super Six suddenly becomes a Final Four. Abraham-Froch, scheduled for Oct. 2 in Monaco -- another utterly idiotic decision caused by Froch's lack of any confidence to win a decision in front of tens of thousands of fans in Germany while, Abraham wasn't interested in fighting in front of a few thousand Froch fans in Nottingham -- becomes a de facto semifinal, with Ward-Dirrell's fight serving as the other.
Of course, that's assuming Ward and Dirrell actually fight. Officially, the two are slated to tango on Sept. 25. But there has been no promotion. No tickets have been sold because there is no venue.
There isn't likely to be one anytime soon, either. Gary Shaw, who promotes Dirrell, is refusing to take his fighter to Oakland, Ward's backyard. He has a point. Ward has already fought at home twice during the Super Six while Dirrell's lone appearance in his home state of Michigan came in his disqualification win over Abraham in March.
Dan Goossen, Ward's promoter, wants nothing to do with a fight in the midwest. He has a point, too. Dirrell-Abraham drew only about 3,500 fans to Detroit's Joe Louis Arena, while Ward has averaged crowds of 9,500 in his wins over Kessler and Green.
With both sides bickering, it's Hershman who needs to step in. Oakland makes the most sense. The network is already being forced to swallow an Abraham-Froch fight that likely won't draw a fraction of the crowd it would in Germany. Ward has carefully cultivated a fan base in Northern California in recent years while Dirrell has largely ignored his home turf. A Ward-Dirrell fight at Oracle Arena would exceed 10,000 fans and could draw as many as 15,000. An energetic crowd is part of the appeal of a big fight, a fact Froch and Abraham will soon become keenly aware of.
Sweeteners can -- and should -- be added to make a trip to Oakland more appealing to Dirrell. And if he is still not comfortable with winning a decision on the road, well, he shouldn't have been in the tournament to begin with. Great fighters win the fights in front of them, regardless of where they are held.
The loss of Taylor and Kessler has put the Super Six in a precarious decision but not one beyond repair. With the clock ticking towards a planned spring final, it's those in positions of power who need to make the right decisions.
Source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Friday, 27 August 2010
Antonio Margarito Approved for Texas License to Fight Manny Pacquiao -- FanHouse
By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse
Antonio Margarito
will fight in the United States once more.
"On Monday, August 23, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation received a complete application for a Texas Professional Combative Sports Contestant license from Antonio Margarito," said William Kuntz, the executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, in an e-mail to FanHouse. "After a thorough review of his application, it was determined that Mr. Margarito met the requirements of the Texas Combative Sports Act and Rules."
When Margarito (38-6, 27 knockouts) faces Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) in the HBO televised pay-per-view event, Pacquiao will be pursuing his eighth crown in as many different weight classes.
"I want to thank the state of Texas for granting me a boxing license, which enables me to continue my passion for the sport of boxing in the United States," said Margarito in a prepared statement. "I have dedicated my life to giving the fans of the sport entertainment and excitement. On November 13, this great opportunity will ultimately be fulfilled when I battle Manny Pacquiao."
Margarito had been unable to fight on American soil since his license was revoked by the California State Athletic Commission following a hand-wrapping scandal stemming from his ninth-round knockout loss to Shane Mosley in January 2009.
Margarito, whose suspension ended on Feb. 11, denied knowledge of the illegal plaster-like substance in his wraps, blaming it all on his former trainer, Javier Capetillo.
Magarito tried to file for a license in Nevada, but was directed by that commission to return to the CSAC for a ruling. He was turned down, yet again, by the CSAC. Margarito was then free to apply at any of the other state commissions, with Texas being the first.
Margarito is coming off of May's 10-round, unanimous decision over Roberto Garcia in a junior middleweight clash fought in Mexico, which licensed him for the bout.
The review of Margarito's application included "the application form, the California order revoking the fighter's Margarito's boxing license, the transcript of Margarito's license revocation hearing before the California State Athletic Commission, his August 18 license application hearing before the California State Athletic Commission, and a letter from the Association of Boxing Commissions to its members that they may now consider licensing Mr. Margarito," according to Kuntz's statement.
"Based on the review of the above information," stated Kuntz, "I have authorized the issuance of a license to Mr. Margarito."
Top Rank Promotions' CEO Bob Arum had expressed optimism all along that Margarito would be licensed in Texas.
"This is absolutely great. For my point of view, it's been a situation where I just thought that Antonio Margarito was really treated unfairly and that Antonio Margarito had no knowledge of this, and that they were piling on to him, particularly after his license was revoked," said Arum.
"And then, to deny him a license again, I thought that that was just horrible. A boxer has a certain number of years during which he can perform, and they really took it all away from him," said Arum. "I just really feel good for him."
On March 13, Pacquiao drew more than 50,000 to Cowboys Stadium when he decisioned Joshua Clottey in the first-ever boxing event held at the venue. Margarito also was present at Pacquiao-Clottey, his popularity rivaling that of Pacquiao's.
"I think that this is going to be huge. I really think that this is going to be a big, big event," said Arum. "I think that, you know, Margarito, an Hispanic fighting at the [Cowboys Stadium], with this fight being during football season, where the Cowboys are playing, we can utilize their assets to promote the fight. It will be really great."
Arum plans to stack the card with other big names such as Cuban-born southpaw and two-time former Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux (6-0, five KOs), a super bantamweight (122 pounds), as well as 28-year-old former WBO and WBC middleweight (160 pounds) champion Kelly Pavlik (36-2, 32 knockouts) of Youngstown, Ohio, against an opponent to be determined, and rising Philadelphia welterweight (147 pounds) Mike Jones (22-0, 18 KOs) in a bout opposite Mexican-born Jesus Soto Karass (24-4-3, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles.
BoxingScene.com cited sources close to Arum in reporting that Felipino featherweight (126 pounds) contender Bernabe Concepcion (28-4, 15KOs) and Panamanian southpaw featherweight Ricardo Cordoba (37-2-2, 23KOs) are two of the names being mentioned as candidates to face Rigondeaux, with Cordoba being the preferred option.
"I think that we're working on all of the undercard fights, and I think that we'll have announcements next week," said Arum. "It's going to be a great celebration of boxing."
Arum told FanHouse earlier this week that he already had scheduled a press tour that will begin on Tuesday with stops in Los Angeles, New York and Dallas.
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Antonio Margarito
will fight in the United States once more.The ex-world champion from Mexico was granted a license on Thursday to fight WBO welterweight (147 pounds) champion Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 13 at Cowboys Stadium for the vacant WBC junior middleweight (154 pounds) title, an official from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation told FanHouse.
"On Monday, August 23, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation received a complete application for a Texas Professional Combative Sports Contestant license from Antonio Margarito," said William Kuntz, the executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, in an e-mail to FanHouse. "After a thorough review of his application, it was determined that Mr. Margarito met the requirements of the Texas Combative Sports Act and Rules."When Margarito (38-6, 27 knockouts) faces Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) in the HBO televised pay-per-view event, Pacquiao will be pursuing his eighth crown in as many different weight classes.
"I want to thank the state of Texas for granting me a boxing license, which enables me to continue my passion for the sport of boxing in the United States," said Margarito in a prepared statement. "I have dedicated my life to giving the fans of the sport entertainment and excitement. On November 13, this great opportunity will ultimately be fulfilled when I battle Manny Pacquiao."
Margarito had been unable to fight on American soil since his license was revoked by the California State Athletic Commission following a hand-wrapping scandal stemming from his ninth-round knockout loss to Shane Mosley in January 2009.
Margarito, whose suspension ended on Feb. 11, denied knowledge of the illegal plaster-like substance in his wraps, blaming it all on his former trainer, Javier Capetillo.
Magarito tried to file for a license in Nevada, but was directed by that commission to return to the CSAC for a ruling. He was turned down, yet again, by the CSAC. Margarito was then free to apply at any of the other state commissions, with Texas being the first.
Margarito is coming off of May's 10-round, unanimous decision over Roberto Garcia in a junior middleweight clash fought in Mexico, which licensed him for the bout.
The review of Margarito's application included "the application form, the California order revoking the fighter's Margarito's boxing license, the transcript of Margarito's license revocation hearing before the California State Athletic Commission, his August 18 license application hearing before the California State Athletic Commission, and a letter from the Association of Boxing Commissions to its members that they may now consider licensing Mr. Margarito," according to Kuntz's statement.
"Based on the review of the above information," stated Kuntz, "I have authorized the issuance of a license to Mr. Margarito."
Top Rank Promotions' CEO Bob Arum had expressed optimism all along that Margarito would be licensed in Texas.
"This is absolutely great. For my point of view, it's been a situation where I just thought that Antonio Margarito was really treated unfairly and that Antonio Margarito had no knowledge of this, and that they were piling on to him, particularly after his license was revoked," said Arum.
"And then, to deny him a license again, I thought that that was just horrible. A boxer has a certain number of years during which he can perform, and they really took it all away from him," said Arum. "I just really feel good for him."
On March 13, Pacquiao drew more than 50,000 to Cowboys Stadium when he decisioned Joshua Clottey in the first-ever boxing event held at the venue. Margarito also was present at Pacquiao-Clottey, his popularity rivaling that of Pacquiao's.
"I think that this is going to be huge. I really think that this is going to be a big, big event," said Arum. "I think that, you know, Margarito, an Hispanic fighting at the [Cowboys Stadium], with this fight being during football season, where the Cowboys are playing, we can utilize their assets to promote the fight. It will be really great."
Arum plans to stack the card with other big names such as Cuban-born southpaw and two-time former Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux (6-0, five KOs), a super bantamweight (122 pounds), as well as 28-year-old former WBO and WBC middleweight (160 pounds) champion Kelly Pavlik (36-2, 32 knockouts) of Youngstown, Ohio, against an opponent to be determined, and rising Philadelphia welterweight (147 pounds) Mike Jones (22-0, 18 KOs) in a bout opposite Mexican-born Jesus Soto Karass (24-4-3, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles.
BoxingScene.com cited sources close to Arum in reporting that Felipino featherweight (126 pounds) contender Bernabe Concepcion (28-4, 15KOs) and Panamanian southpaw featherweight Ricardo Cordoba (37-2-2, 23KOs) are two of the names being mentioned as candidates to face Rigondeaux, with Cordoba being the preferred option.
"I think that we're working on all of the undercard fights, and I think that we'll have announcements next week," said Arum. "It's going to be a great celebration of boxing."
Arum told FanHouse earlier this week that he already had scheduled a press tour that will begin on Tuesday with stops in Los Angeles, New York and Dallas.
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Cowardice? Not really. It's Floyd's superb intuition -- 8CountNews
By Art Babao, 8CountNews.com
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is probably the greatest thinking boxer of all time. He is likened into a sophisticated jet fighter with advanced radar system that can easily detect the presence of danger even from a far distance.. He really knows when to engage and determines precisely if there’s a necessity to evade. He has the intuitive ability to detect how much danger that his opponent can bring, and can foresee how much chances he can take to overcome him. The Pretty Boy has the edge of this rare ‘gut feelings’ that allows him to pre-determine the outcome of the fight should he decide to engage against anybody. It’s like a high-tech detector that forewarns him accurately -if he will lose or win. His record speaks for itself.
Without this superb intuition, Floyd Mayweather Jr. could have been into a rash-decision to fight the great Pacman who could bring him an irreparable damage. Floyd knows that poor intuition will often bring a poor decision leading into a tragic consequence.
See what happened to Marco Antonio Barrera in Alamodome- who ignored to listen his intuition to detect how much danger that Manny would bring. Instead, he listened to his pride, underestimated the Pacman, and never had the radar to foresee the humiliation that he could possibly take. Look also the Golden Boy, who also underestimated Manny Pacquiao, and failed to listen his inner gut of the possible outcome in fighting Manny. Clearly, Dela Hoya’s pride covered his ears away from his intuitive device that could have saved him from shame. Similar feat happened to the pride of Manchester, and many others who relied too much on their pride and arrogance, instead of listening in their natural gift of intuition that could have forewarned them to fight or not.
The alleged ‘egocentric’ Floyd has done the right thing. He actually ‘swallowed his ego’ and listen to his natural gift of intuition. In fact his intuitive power to foresee the possible outcome is very sharp. He exactly knows at this point how much Pacquiao brings to the table. We know for sure that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has already detected something ‘danger’.. yeah, real danger for sure that Manny brings. Hence, being a thinking fighter, he must not go rushing to fight for the sake of his hyperbolic pride. He does not want to end like Barrera , Dela Hoya, and Hatton.
Mayweather is really a great fighter both of skills and brain. No matter of how many ‘coward’ and ‘chicken’ that has been thrown unto his name, still, he has to rely into his sharp intuition whether he’ll fight or not the great fighter of the Philippines. For now, his journey in boxing career with unblemished record of 0 loss must be remained.
For now, Floyd Mayweather’s sharp intuition has detected something in the crossroad while going closer towards the Pacman. It warns him loud and clear: “Please, Detour! Cliff Ahead.”
This time, he has to eat his pride… or else, he’s taking a suicide!
Source: 8countnews.com
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is probably the greatest thinking boxer of all time. He is likened into a sophisticated jet fighter with advanced radar system that can easily detect the presence of danger even from a far distance.. He really knows when to engage and determines precisely if there’s a necessity to evade. He has the intuitive ability to detect how much danger that his opponent can bring, and can foresee how much chances he can take to overcome him. The Pretty Boy has the edge of this rare ‘gut feelings’ that allows him to pre-determine the outcome of the fight should he decide to engage against anybody. It’s like a high-tech detector that forewarns him accurately -if he will lose or win. His record speaks for itself.
Without this superb intuition, Floyd Mayweather Jr. could have been into a rash-decision to fight the great Pacman who could bring him an irreparable damage. Floyd knows that poor intuition will often bring a poor decision leading into a tragic consequence. See what happened to Marco Antonio Barrera in Alamodome- who ignored to listen his intuition to detect how much danger that Manny would bring. Instead, he listened to his pride, underestimated the Pacman, and never had the radar to foresee the humiliation that he could possibly take. Look also the Golden Boy, who also underestimated Manny Pacquiao, and failed to listen his inner gut of the possible outcome in fighting Manny. Clearly, Dela Hoya’s pride covered his ears away from his intuitive device that could have saved him from shame. Similar feat happened to the pride of Manchester, and many others who relied too much on their pride and arrogance, instead of listening in their natural gift of intuition that could have forewarned them to fight or not.
The alleged ‘egocentric’ Floyd has done the right thing. He actually ‘swallowed his ego’ and listen to his natural gift of intuition. In fact his intuitive power to foresee the possible outcome is very sharp. He exactly knows at this point how much Pacquiao brings to the table. We know for sure that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has already detected something ‘danger’.. yeah, real danger for sure that Manny brings. Hence, being a thinking fighter, he must not go rushing to fight for the sake of his hyperbolic pride. He does not want to end like Barrera , Dela Hoya, and Hatton.
Mayweather is really a great fighter both of skills and brain. No matter of how many ‘coward’ and ‘chicken’ that has been thrown unto his name, still, he has to rely into his sharp intuition whether he’ll fight or not the great fighter of the Philippines. For now, his journey in boxing career with unblemished record of 0 loss must be remained.
For now, Floyd Mayweather’s sharp intuition has detected something in the crossroad while going closer towards the Pacman. It warns him loud and clear: “Please, Detour! Cliff Ahead.”
This time, he has to eat his pride… or else, he’s taking a suicide!
Source: 8countnews.com
Kelly Pavlik Discussed as Potential Undercard to Margarito-Pacquiao -- FanHouse
By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse
Kelly Pavlik, the former WBC and WBO middleweight (160 pounds) titlist, could return to the ring on the November 13 undercard of the proposed Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito fight at Cowboys Stadium, according to Top Rank Promotions CEO, Bob Arum.
In a move that was first reported by BoxingScene.com, the 28-year-old Pavlik (36-2, 32 knockouts) would return to action for the first time since April, when he was dethroned by 35-year-old Sergio Martinez (45-2-2, 24 KOs) in a 12-round unanimous decision.
Pavlik, of Youngstown, Ohio, would compete at a maximum weight of 164 pounds against a quality opponent.
"That's being discussed now, yes, by (Top Rank president) Todd duBoef, and (Pavlik's manager) Cameron Dunkin, and the Pavlik camp," said Arum. "There's nothing definite, but, yes, it's definitely being discussed."
Prior to his loss to Martinez, Pavlik made what Arum called "a good impression" on Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, who took a liking to him when Pavlik attended Pacquiao's fight against Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in March.
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Kelly Pavlik, the former WBC and WBO middleweight (160 pounds) titlist, could return to the ring on the November 13 undercard of the proposed Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito fight at Cowboys Stadium, according to Top Rank Promotions CEO, Bob Arum.
In a move that was first reported by BoxingScene.com, the 28-year-old Pavlik (36-2, 32 knockouts) would return to action for the first time since April, when he was dethroned by 35-year-old Sergio Martinez (45-2-2, 24 KOs) in a 12-round unanimous decision.
Pavlik, of Youngstown, Ohio, would compete at a maximum weight of 164 pounds against a quality opponent.
"That's being discussed now, yes, by (Top Rank president) Todd duBoef, and (Pavlik's manager) Cameron Dunkin, and the Pavlik camp," said Arum. "There's nothing definite, but, yes, it's definitely being discussed." Prior to his loss to Martinez, Pavlik made what Arum called "a good impression" on Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, who took a liking to him when Pavlik attended Pacquiao's fight against Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in March."When we were in Dallas, we had a press conference with Pavlik and Martinez. And Kelly, his trainer, Jack Loew, and Kelly's father were at our Manny Pacquiao fight. And before the fight, they were brought up to Jerry Jones' box," said Arum. "Pavlik made a really good impression on Jerry, who mentioned to me that if Pavlik won his next fight, he could headline, in the fall, at Cowboys Stadium."
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Forty wishes on my 40th birthday -- ESPN
By Dan Rafael, ESPN.com
I turn 40 today. No need for cards or candles. But in the spirit of the day, here are 40 things I want in the sport of boxing:
1. Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. -- and no more excuses from either side.
2. For David Haye to shut his piehole and fight either Wladimir or Vitali Klitschko.
4. And fewer sanctioning bodies, including the elimination of the WBC and WBA as presently constructed.
5. For the deal to make Devon Alexander against Timothy Bradley Jr. on Jan. 29 to get done ASAP.
6. Amir Khan against Marcos Maidana, with the winner to fight the Alexander-Bradley winner next.
7. To head to Montreal to see a showdown between Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute. Great ring entrances, for sure, and hopefully an even better fight. And, hopefully, one that doesn't take 16 months to get.
8. For networks to make fights that fans want to see every single time, instead of making some fights because of relationships with certain promoters or advisers.
9. A bigger budget for "Friday Night Fights."
10. An American amateur program that produces Olympic medalists and professional prospects.
11. Fifty Tomasz Adameks to fill up arenas around the country, even if the fights aren't on HBO.
12. For state commissions to have more uniform rules.
13. When HBO and Showtime put on fights, that we get at least two live bouts every time. No more single-fight telecasts.
14. For fighters to stop turning down big paydays. I'm talking to you, Alfredo Angulo and Alexander Povetkin, among others.
15. Angulo versus Miguel Cotto.
16. For people to stop asking me if Joe Calzaghe is going to unretire. I don't know and, frankly, I don't care. If he does, I'll think about it then.
17. For Evander Holyfield to call it a day. Ditto for Roy Jones Jr.
18. The abolition of rematch clauses.
19. An end to the pointless and boring boxing-versus-MMA debate.
20. To be able to go to the store and buy a fresh pack of boxing cards.
21. A Super Six-style tournament at featherweight involving Juan Manuel Lopez, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Chris John, Rafael Marquez, Celestino Caballero and Elio Rojas.
22. A legitimate fight of the year candidate, already.
23. Sergio Martinez-Paul Williams II. At 160 pounds and a 50-50 deal. Enough with the nonsense.
24. More Dmitry Pirog, please.
25. The return of HBO's countdown shows for big fights.
26. Andre Berto in a serious fight.
27. Zab Judah to stay serious about his return to junior welterweight. He'll do some damage if he's focused.
28. For folks to quit crying robbery after a legitimately close fight.
29. Juan Manuel Marquez against Michael Katsidis.
30. A dollar for every time a promoter, TV exec, manager or fighter has lied to me.
31. Nonito Donaire against either Fernando Montiel or Vic Darchinyan.
32. Peace between Golden Boy and Top Rank. Do it for the fans -- and also for guys like me who get caught in the middle.
33. The truth about how it all really went down with Antonio Margarito's hand wraps.
34. For Javier Capetillo to get what he deserves.
35. Another Yankee Stadium fight.
36. An American heavyweight who: a) can punch; b) can take a punch; c) has a personality; d) is in shape; e) who can sell tickets.
37. A satisfying conclusion to Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic, even with Mikkel Kessler having to pull out because of an eye injury.
38. To complete my collection of DVDs of every HBO and Showtime boxing telecast.
39. On a regular basis, quality pay-per-view undercards instead of the usual junk we get.
40. For a fighter to use this as his ring entrance music just once.
Source: espn.go.com
I turn 40 today. No need for cards or candles. But in the spirit of the day, here are 40 things I want in the sport of boxing:
1. Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. -- and no more excuses from either side.2. For David Haye to shut his piehole and fight either Wladimir or Vitali Klitschko.
3. Fewer titles.
4. And fewer sanctioning bodies, including the elimination of the WBC and WBA as presently constructed.5. For the deal to make Devon Alexander against Timothy Bradley Jr. on Jan. 29 to get done ASAP.
6. Amir Khan against Marcos Maidana, with the winner to fight the Alexander-Bradley winner next.
7. To head to Montreal to see a showdown between Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute. Great ring entrances, for sure, and hopefully an even better fight. And, hopefully, one that doesn't take 16 months to get.
8. For networks to make fights that fans want to see every single time, instead of making some fights because of relationships with certain promoters or advisers.
9. A bigger budget for "Friday Night Fights."
10. An American amateur program that produces Olympic medalists and professional prospects.
11. Fifty Tomasz Adameks to fill up arenas around the country, even if the fights aren't on HBO.
12. For state commissions to have more uniform rules.
13. When HBO and Showtime put on fights, that we get at least two live bouts every time. No more single-fight telecasts.
14. For fighters to stop turning down big paydays. I'm talking to you, Alfredo Angulo and Alexander Povetkin, among others.
15. Angulo versus Miguel Cotto.
16. For people to stop asking me if Joe Calzaghe is going to unretire. I don't know and, frankly, I don't care. If he does, I'll think about it then.
17. For Evander Holyfield to call it a day. Ditto for Roy Jones Jr.
18. The abolition of rematch clauses.
19. An end to the pointless and boring boxing-versus-MMA debate.
20. To be able to go to the store and buy a fresh pack of boxing cards.
21. A Super Six-style tournament at featherweight involving Juan Manuel Lopez, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Chris John, Rafael Marquez, Celestino Caballero and Elio Rojas.
22. A legitimate fight of the year candidate, already.
23. Sergio Martinez-Paul Williams II. At 160 pounds and a 50-50 deal. Enough with the nonsense.
24. More Dmitry Pirog, please.
25. The return of HBO's countdown shows for big fights.
26. Andre Berto in a serious fight.
27. Zab Judah to stay serious about his return to junior welterweight. He'll do some damage if he's focused.
28. For folks to quit crying robbery after a legitimately close fight.
29. Juan Manuel Marquez against Michael Katsidis.
30. A dollar for every time a promoter, TV exec, manager or fighter has lied to me.
31. Nonito Donaire against either Fernando Montiel or Vic Darchinyan.
32. Peace between Golden Boy and Top Rank. Do it for the fans -- and also for guys like me who get caught in the middle.
33. The truth about how it all really went down with Antonio Margarito's hand wraps.
34. For Javier Capetillo to get what he deserves.
35. Another Yankee Stadium fight.
36. An American heavyweight who: a) can punch; b) can take a punch; c) has a personality; d) is in shape; e) who can sell tickets.
37. A satisfying conclusion to Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic, even with Mikkel Kessler having to pull out because of an eye injury.
38. To complete my collection of DVDs of every HBO and Showtime boxing telecast.
39. On a regular basis, quality pay-per-view undercards instead of the usual junk we get.
40. For a fighter to use this as his ring entrance music just once.
Source: espn.go.com
Margarito's license request greeted by Texas hospitality -- Los Angeles Times
By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times
Antonio Margarito's request to have his boxing license reinstated by the California commission that originally revoked it when it was found he had plaster-caked inserts inside both of his hand wraps before a title fight last year was denied last week, with commissioners telling him they wouldn't consider his request again until next year.
Unlike California, Texas has the opportunity to profit from Margarito's next fight, to the likely tune of 75,000 people in Cowboys Stadium in a Nov. 13 super-welterweight title fight against the world's most popular boxer, Manny Pacquiao.
So although California didn't hesitate to give Margarito grief over a bundle of reasons, down to his lack of a sparring permit (a misstep the state doesn't enforce in other cases), Texas is poised to loosely reinstate Margarito without a hearing by the end of the week.
According to sources close to the negotiation, Texas authorities have all the information they need to reinstate Margarito in the form of a letter the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's head of combat sports requested from the Assn. of Boxing Commissions.
In the four-paragraph letter, ABC President Timothy Lueckenhoff and other board members advised to state commissions that "Margarito has fulfilled his obligations" to appear before California before seeking a license elsewhere "and thus he is now free to pursue licensure with any ABC member commission. There is nothing under the federal law that would prohibit consideration for licensure."
Dickie Cole, Texas' program manager of combat sports, told The Times this week that in his personal opinion, "If a man serves his time for his crime, he's served his time and needs to be released."
Cole won't personally decide Margarito's fate, but he has worked behind the scenes to assist Margarito promoter Bob Arum and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in their effort to place the fight in Texas.
Cole, 79, went further in defending Margarito's reinstatement, assessing that though Margarito broke rules forbidding the presence of foreign material in hand wraps, the tainted knuckle pads might have been there only to protect Margarito's hands.
"My personal opinion is what he had on his hands doesn't give you any advantage over an opponent," Cole said. "Do I personally think it'd help his hands or be detrimental to his opponent? No. It'd have no effect on his punching power. I wonder how many of those [California] commissioners ever had a hand wrapped before."
Cole noted that "the only gentleman on that committee who's been involved in boxing [John Frierson] voted to give [Margarito] the license. The others are just political appointees who don't really know the sport."
Cole's point is that Margarito would've gotten "spanked" in Texas too, but that he's been sufficiently punished by being held out of fighting in the U.S. for more than 17 months, "has a family to care for," and deserves to be reinstated because he's denied knowing the plaster inserts were inside his wraps in the first place.
"I'm not a policeman," Cole said, "but it appeared the evidence against him was weak. I don't think the kid is a bad person. Now, technically, he's legally able to fight here."
Margarito's team hasn''t sent a similar license request to Nevada. But for the sake of maintaining a positive relationship, Pacquiao's manager, Michael Koncz, had discussions Tuesday with MGM/Mirage officials and Keith Kizer, executive officer of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, to let them know Pacquiao is deeply appreciative of their past involvement in his fights.
"He told me Manny wants to fight in Las Vegas, and nowhere else," Kizer said.
Koncz said he realizes the fight against Margarito appears bound for Texas, but he wanted to express that, "Manny likes the city of Las Vegas, how they've always treated him well there, especially Mandalay Bay bending over backward for him. I can't force Margarito to apply here, but I've expressed Manny's thoughts, of how, if we had a choice, we'd fight here. But we have no complaints over Dallas."
Continuing the theme of this fight, Koncz was just playing politics.
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
Antonio Margarito's request to have his boxing license reinstated by the California commission that originally revoked it when it was found he had plaster-caked inserts inside both of his hand wraps before a title fight last year was denied last week, with commissioners telling him they wouldn't consider his request again until next year.
Unlike California, Texas has the opportunity to profit from Margarito's next fight, to the likely tune of 75,000 people in Cowboys Stadium in a Nov. 13 super-welterweight title fight against the world's most popular boxer, Manny Pacquiao.
So although California didn't hesitate to give Margarito grief over a bundle of reasons, down to his lack of a sparring permit (a misstep the state doesn't enforce in other cases), Texas is poised to loosely reinstate Margarito without a hearing by the end of the week.
According to sources close to the negotiation, Texas authorities have all the information they need to reinstate Margarito in the form of a letter the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's head of combat sports requested from the Assn. of Boxing Commissions.
In the four-paragraph letter, ABC President Timothy Lueckenhoff and other board members advised to state commissions that "Margarito has fulfilled his obligations" to appear before California before seeking a license elsewhere "and thus he is now free to pursue licensure with any ABC member commission. There is nothing under the federal law that would prohibit consideration for licensure."
Dickie Cole, Texas' program manager of combat sports, told The Times this week that in his personal opinion, "If a man serves his time for his crime, he's served his time and needs to be released."
Cole won't personally decide Margarito's fate, but he has worked behind the scenes to assist Margarito promoter Bob Arum and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in their effort to place the fight in Texas.
Cole, 79, went further in defending Margarito's reinstatement, assessing that though Margarito broke rules forbidding the presence of foreign material in hand wraps, the tainted knuckle pads might have been there only to protect Margarito's hands.
"My personal opinion is what he had on his hands doesn't give you any advantage over an opponent," Cole said. "Do I personally think it'd help his hands or be detrimental to his opponent? No. It'd have no effect on his punching power. I wonder how many of those [California] commissioners ever had a hand wrapped before."
Cole noted that "the only gentleman on that committee who's been involved in boxing [John Frierson] voted to give [Margarito] the license. The others are just political appointees who don't really know the sport."
Cole's point is that Margarito would've gotten "spanked" in Texas too, but that he's been sufficiently punished by being held out of fighting in the U.S. for more than 17 months, "has a family to care for," and deserves to be reinstated because he's denied knowing the plaster inserts were inside his wraps in the first place.
"I'm not a policeman," Cole said, "but it appeared the evidence against him was weak. I don't think the kid is a bad person. Now, technically, he's legally able to fight here."
Margarito's team hasn''t sent a similar license request to Nevada. But for the sake of maintaining a positive relationship, Pacquiao's manager, Michael Koncz, had discussions Tuesday with MGM/Mirage officials and Keith Kizer, executive officer of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, to let them know Pacquiao is deeply appreciative of their past involvement in his fights.
"He told me Manny wants to fight in Las Vegas, and nowhere else," Kizer said.
Koncz said he realizes the fight against Margarito appears bound for Texas, but he wanted to express that, "Manny likes the city of Las Vegas, how they've always treated him well there, especially Mandalay Bay bending over backward for him. I can't force Margarito to apply here, but I've expressed Manny's thoughts, of how, if we had a choice, we'd fight here. But we have no complaints over Dallas."
Continuing the theme of this fight, Koncz was just playing politics.
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Exclusive Interview With UFC President Dana White - "Couture-Toney Is A FIGHT And Anything Can Happen In A Fight!" -- Eastside Boxing
By James Slater, Eastside BoxingDana White, the president of The UFC, is, like many of us, looking ahead with intrigue towards this Saturday's James Toney-Randy Couture "Boxing Vs. MMA" contest. White was literally hounded by Toney, and he finally granted "Lights Out" his wish, and got him a big MMA fight.
Now, with some other great match-ups also set for the card in Boston, Dana hopes for a good action bout between the men who are legends in their respective sports.James Slater: How are you, sir? It's great to be able to speak with you..
Dana White: I'm good, how are you? It's good that we got top speak with a boxing web site, to get you guys' take on the Couture-Toney fight.
J.S: It's our pleasure. First of all, are you looking forward to Saturday's "Boxing Vs. MMA" fight?
D.W: Yes I am. I was with James Toney, we just did a video blog, and he is in the best shape I think I've seen him in years; he's been doing his training. The thing about this fight - even though I fully expect Randy Couture to win, probably by double-legging him and putting him down near the fence and submitting him, something like that - is it is a FIGHT! Anything can happen when two guys are throwing punches at each other. And the reason this fight is happening is because Toney's nuts! He's crazy. He chased me around and then asked for this fight and now he's got it - and now he has to fight!
J.S: You are expecting a good fight then, not a farce as some people have been concerned about?
D.W: Yes. As far as a farce, Randy Couture is a legend, he's been around forever, and the same thing with James Toney. As I say, this is a fight! Anything can happen. But what I did was, I built a great card around it. We have Frankie Edgar-B.J Penn-two, and we have guys like Nate Diaz, Marcus Davis and Kerry Florian in action. So even if Couture does put Toney down and submits him in half a minute, there are still those great fight to see.
J.S: Do you have any regrets at having signed Toney?
D.W: No, not at all. He chased after me, he picked this fight and now he's gotta fight. I'm a fight fan, and I respect James Toney; he's a real guy.
J.S: The fight sure has got a lot of people talking. I am hugely intrigued by it, I must say. I'm not sure how many buys big UFC cards get on pay-per-view, but is it out of the question that Saturday's card gets a million buys?
D.W: It's not out of the question at all. Listen, if you are a fight fan, whether it's boxing or MMA - and I'm a huge fight fan, a boxing fan and historian myself - you will love this card. The thing is, even though I think Couture will win, I don't know for sure. When people say things like, 'oh, who would've won, Ali or Tyson?' no-one can say; the only way to find out is to put 'em in the ring and see. You can break down stats and if you do, Randy Couture will come out on top because he has more tools. But who knows for sure? Saturday night we'll find out!
J.S: Just talking about the Penn-Edgar rematch. Was Penn ill back when he lost in that upset?
D.W: Who knows if he was ill? Many guys have fought in the past when they were ill and had an off night. But Frankie Edgar is one bad little dude, and B.J Penn is one of the best ever. They both have something to prove.
J.S: With the Toney-Couture fight; whoever wins, it won't prove which is the superior sport, boxing or MMA, will it?
D.W: No, it won't. But that started [the debate about which sport was superior] with James Toney. He said Dana White had been shooting his mouth off about MMA being superior, and he said he was the only one who had the balls to try MMA. So that's how that started. I'm not going to tell you that MMA is the most superior fighting sport on earth. Toney said a boxer would beat an MMA fighter in boxing, and I don't dispute that. But boxing is just one tiny piece of MMA, and he challenged us at our sport.
J.S: What would it mean to you if Toney did win on Saturday? Would you try and make a rematch?
D.W: No, there wouldn't be a rematch. We'd put Toney in with another MMA guy, to see how far he can go. And Toney is 42, Couture is 47, so Toney does have the advantage in age. I think the boxing world would love it if Toney won!
J.S: Do you also feel, Dana, that IF Toney won, or even if he put on a great show, that more boxers would "invade" UFC?
D.W: Yeah, I think there probably would be a few more boxers coming out of the woodwork if that happened - and why not?
J.S: Are there any boxers out there now who you think would make the crossover to MMA well?
D.W: I think it would have to be guys with a wrestling background. But let's get past Saturday and see what happens.
J.S: Am I right in saying Boston is your hometown?
D.W: That's right.
J.S: And this is the first big card to take place there since you've been UFC president?
D.W: Yeah, it is. I'm real excited.
J.S: Are there any other boxing or MMA fights that you are looking forward to in the coming months?
D.W: We have a bunch of great fights in MMA. With boxing, I'm looking forward to the one fight the whole world wants to see, which is Mayweather-Pacquiao.
J.S: This is one of the things some boxing fans have talked about; how the big fights get made so much easier in MMA compared to boxing. Is that why people have/are making the switch do you feel?
D.W: Well, the big fights do get made in MMA - and also, you get a bunch of great fights on one card, not just one big fight. The big fights do still get made in boxing, but only once in a blue moon. That said, there really is no reason to switch. If you're a fight fan, you'll love UFC, but there is no reason you cannot go back and watch the big boxing matches when they take place.
J.S: Just talking about Pacquiao-Mayweather; do you think it will ever happen?
D.W: I don't know, man. I don't think Floyd wants that fight. In my opinion, he just doesn't look like he wants that fight.
J.S: Well, it's been great speaking with you, Dana. Can I ask you, whoever wins, is there any chance Toney-Couture goes the distance, or do you see a definite stoppage?
D.W: There's no way in hell this fight goes the distance! (laughs).
J.S: As you say, Toney asked for this fight and now he's got it. We'll all be tuning in, I just hope he doesn't get hurt! Also, I hope this article gets some good intelligent comments from the fans. Some boxing fans seem to see UFC as a threat!
D.W: Well, as long as they're interested in us. Thanks for having an open mind and putting us on a boxing site. There's no reason for the two sports to rival one another.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Monday, 23 August 2010
Freddie Roach: Ban was too lenient on Manny Pacquiao opponent Antonio Margarito -- Telegraph
By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk
Freddie Roach has hinted that he believes Antonio Margarito, Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent, was treated leniently, and could have been banned for life.
Margarito was banned for a year by the California State Athletic Commission for illegal hand wraps. The Mexican has just re-applied for his boxing license.
How does Roach feel about Margarito’s ban ? Speaking exclusively to Telegraph Sport, Roach explained: “Well, you know, I guess he did his time, I guess everyone deserves a second chance but they can’t get away with that against us. It won’t happen in this fight, I can tell you. The Commission gave him a one-year suspension, but deep down, you know, I’m the kind of person who thinks that if you do something like that, you should be suspended for life.”
“Panama Lewis was suspended for life. I thought the sentence [for Margarito] was light.”
Roach leaves for the first half of Pacquiao’s next training camp ten days into September. “I’ll be out in The Philippines from Sept 11. We’ll train out there and have four weeks here in Los Angeles, and the last five days if it ends up in Texas. He [Margarito] is a big, strong guy. I’m not overly worried about him. I’m not a big Margarito fan. Manny will have too much for him. It’s just the size I’m concerned about, and what weight we have it at. I’d like it at 147lbs, but it will most likely be at catch weight between welter[weight] and junior middleweight.”
“You know what kind of size Manny is. He’ll come in at 149 lbs in the ring. He can’t come in too much heavier than that, and anyway, any extra weight would not help him. Manny will start fast with this guy, and we will finish with him fast.”
Roach is in regular contact with Pacquiao, immersed in politics for the present. “He’s really really enjoying trying to make things better in his country. He told me the time was going quickly, and that it was a lot of hard work. He wants to change people’s perceptions and their ambitions in life.”
“I’m really looking forward to working with him again because his boxing is going to be a break from politics. The Congress will give him enough time to get ready for boxing, because everyone in The Philippines wishes him well in the ring.”
Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk
Freddie Roach has hinted that he believes Antonio Margarito, Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent, was treated leniently, and could have been banned for life.
Margarito was banned for a year by the California State Athletic Commission for illegal hand wraps. The Mexican has just re-applied for his boxing license.
How does Roach feel about Margarito’s ban ? Speaking exclusively to Telegraph Sport, Roach explained: “Well, you know, I guess he did his time, I guess everyone deserves a second chance but they can’t get away with that against us. It won’t happen in this fight, I can tell you. The Commission gave him a one-year suspension, but deep down, you know, I’m the kind of person who thinks that if you do something like that, you should be suspended for life.”
“Panama Lewis was suspended for life. I thought the sentence [for Margarito] was light.”
Roach leaves for the first half of Pacquiao’s next training camp ten days into September. “I’ll be out in The Philippines from Sept 11. We’ll train out there and have four weeks here in Los Angeles, and the last five days if it ends up in Texas. He [Margarito] is a big, strong guy. I’m not overly worried about him. I’m not a big Margarito fan. Manny will have too much for him. It’s just the size I’m concerned about, and what weight we have it at. I’d like it at 147lbs, but it will most likely be at catch weight between welter[weight] and junior middleweight.”
“You know what kind of size Manny is. He’ll come in at 149 lbs in the ring. He can’t come in too much heavier than that, and anyway, any extra weight would not help him. Manny will start fast with this guy, and we will finish with him fast.”
Roach is in regular contact with Pacquiao, immersed in politics for the present. “He’s really really enjoying trying to make things better in his country. He told me the time was going quickly, and that it was a lot of hard work. He wants to change people’s perceptions and their ambitions in life.”
“I’m really looking forward to working with him again because his boxing is going to be a break from politics. The Congress will give him enough time to get ready for boxing, because everyone in The Philippines wishes him well in the ring.”
Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk
King Can Work With Mayweather's Handlers to Make Pacquiao Fight -- FanHouse
By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse
Legendary promoter, Don King, told FanHouse on Sunday that in order to sign Floyd Mayweather, he would be willing to work with both the fighter's adviser, Al Haymon, and Golden Boy Promotions, the organization that has handled the unbeaten, six-time titlist's past four bouts.
King said that he has worked with Haymon in the past, such as with former heavyweight world champion, Lamon Brewster, that he has attempted to contact Haymon and that he would do so again on Sunday.
"I tried to contact him about two weeks ago. I've been trying. I'm going to make another attempt to contact Al Haymon today. It shouldn't be a question," said King. "That's the strange part about this situation. This is is the strangest thing that I've ever seen that we can't pick up a phone and grab each other and say, 'hey, man, let's go.'"
The 79-year-old King has been wooing Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) recently for the chance to make a mega bout with seven-division champion and WBO welterweight (147 pounds) king Manny Pacquiao, something that Haymon and Golden Boy Promotions were not able to accomplish twice during failed negotiations with Pacquiao's promoter, Top Rank Promotions.
Golden Boy Promotions has had a hand in Mayweather's past four victories comprised of those over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley, for which the boxer "has made over $120 million," according to Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.
"I don't know about replacing Golden Boy Promotions. 'Replacing' would be the wrong word. But I believe that I could work in addition to," said King.
"You got a nice banker in [Golden Boy CEO,] Richard Schaefer, who has done a nice job in his capacity and working with the fighters that he has had. And [president] Oscar De La Hoya, you can't knock that," said King. "I can work with anybody, it don't matter who they are, where they come from, what color their skin is, I can work with anybody. We don't have to like each other, it's about working together to accomplish a goal."
King said that he spoke to Mayweather when the fighter called to wish him a happy birthday on his 79th birthday on Aug. 20, and that he is expecting to speak with the fighter again over the next few days.
"Floyd is okay. Floyd is doing good," King said from his his Florida home, adding that Mayweather "will be down here," and, "I'll be talking to him again," in addition to, "I can make the Pacquiao fight with [Top Rank Promotions CEO] Bob Arum in a blink of an eye."
In the meantime, Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) is scheduled to pursue his eighth title in as many different weight classes on Nov. 13 against ex-titlist Antonio Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs) at the Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in their clash for the WBC's vacant junior middleweight (154 pounds) belt.
"There shouldn't even be a question of what we can do with Floyd if everybody means to do the right thing. It shouldn't be a case of you have to leave somebody to come to somebody. It should be that we should be able to work together," said King.
"It's indicative that you know that I'm the best promoter out there, and I say that humbly and with humility and not bragging. It's just a fact," said King. "But here we are with two guys -- one a fighter and one an adviser that I'm trying to transcend earthly bounds with. The other one [Haymon] should just jump on board and, say, 'Okay, let's do it,' especially since we know each other."
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Legendary promoter, Don King, told FanHouse on Sunday that in order to sign Floyd Mayweather, he would be willing to work with both the fighter's adviser, Al Haymon, and Golden Boy Promotions, the organization that has handled the unbeaten, six-time titlist's past four bouts.
King said that he has worked with Haymon in the past, such as with former heavyweight world champion, Lamon Brewster, that he has attempted to contact Haymon and that he would do so again on Sunday.
"I tried to contact him about two weeks ago. I've been trying. I'm going to make another attempt to contact Al Haymon today. It shouldn't be a question," said King. "That's the strange part about this situation. This is is the strangest thing that I've ever seen that we can't pick up a phone and grab each other and say, 'hey, man, let's go.'"
The 79-year-old King has been wooing Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) recently for the chance to make a mega bout with seven-division champion and WBO welterweight (147 pounds) king Manny Pacquiao, something that Haymon and Golden Boy Promotions were not able to accomplish twice during failed negotiations with Pacquiao's promoter, Top Rank Promotions.
Golden Boy Promotions has had a hand in Mayweather's past four victories comprised of those over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley, for which the boxer "has made over $120 million," according to Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.
"I don't know about replacing Golden Boy Promotions. 'Replacing' would be the wrong word. But I believe that I could work in addition to," said King.
"You got a nice banker in [Golden Boy CEO,] Richard Schaefer, who has done a nice job in his capacity and working with the fighters that he has had. And [president] Oscar De La Hoya, you can't knock that," said King. "I can work with anybody, it don't matter who they are, where they come from, what color their skin is, I can work with anybody. We don't have to like each other, it's about working together to accomplish a goal."
King said that he spoke to Mayweather when the fighter called to wish him a happy birthday on his 79th birthday on Aug. 20, and that he is expecting to speak with the fighter again over the next few days.
"Floyd is okay. Floyd is doing good," King said from his his Florida home, adding that Mayweather "will be down here," and, "I'll be talking to him again," in addition to, "I can make the Pacquiao fight with [Top Rank Promotions CEO] Bob Arum in a blink of an eye."
In the meantime, Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) is scheduled to pursue his eighth title in as many different weight classes on Nov. 13 against ex-titlist Antonio Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs) at the Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in their clash for the WBC's vacant junior middleweight (154 pounds) belt.
"There shouldn't even be a question of what we can do with Floyd if everybody means to do the right thing. It shouldn't be a case of you have to leave somebody to come to somebody. It should be that we should be able to work together," said King.
"It's indicative that you know that I'm the best promoter out there, and I say that humbly and with humility and not bragging. It's just a fact," said King. "But here we are with two guys -- one a fighter and one an adviser that I'm trying to transcend earthly bounds with. The other one [Haymon] should just jump on board and, say, 'Okay, let's do it,' especially since we know each other."
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Sunday, 22 August 2010
Marco Huck Stops Matt Godrey in Fifth Round -- FanHouse
By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse
Serbian-born, WBO cruiser weight (200 pounds) champion Marco "Captain" Huck of Germany earned his 11th straight win, and his ninth knockout during that span as well as his fourth straight stoppage victory with Saturday night's fifth round knockout of Rhode Island's Matt Godfrey in the fourth defense of his title before his hometown fans in Erfurt, Thüringen, Germany.
The 25-year-old Huck (30-1, 23 knockouts) has not lost since December of 2007, when promotional stablemate and present IBF king, Steve Cunningham (23-2, 12 KOs), stopped him in the 12th round.
Huck was coming off of May's ninth-round knockout of American Brian Minto, whom he floored in the previous round under a barrage of blows and dropped in the third, and, the fifth rounds, as well.
Huck floored the 29-year-old Godfrey (20-2, 10 KOs), of Providence, once each in the second and third rounds, and twice in the fifth and final round before referee Genaro Rodriguez ended it.
Godfrey had won four straight since suffering his lone defeat by 12-round, unanimous decision at the hands of Rudolf Kraj (14-1, 10 KOs) in March of 2008.
In his next bout, in Aug. of 2008, Godfrey got off the canvas in the third round of an eventual fourth-round knockout of Emmanuel Nwodo, and he was coming off of September's 10-round split-decision victory over Michael Simms.
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Serbian-born, WBO cruiser weight (200 pounds) champion Marco "Captain" Huck of Germany earned his 11th straight win, and his ninth knockout during that span as well as his fourth straight stoppage victory with Saturday night's fifth round knockout of Rhode Island's Matt Godfrey in the fourth defense of his title before his hometown fans in Erfurt, Thüringen, Germany.
The 25-year-old Huck (30-1, 23 knockouts) has not lost since December of 2007, when promotional stablemate and present IBF king, Steve Cunningham (23-2, 12 KOs), stopped him in the 12th round.
Huck was coming off of May's ninth-round knockout of American Brian Minto, whom he floored in the previous round under a barrage of blows and dropped in the third, and, the fifth rounds, as well.
Huck floored the 29-year-old Godfrey (20-2, 10 KOs), of Providence, once each in the second and third rounds, and twice in the fifth and final round before referee Genaro Rodriguez ended it.
Godfrey had won four straight since suffering his lone defeat by 12-round, unanimous decision at the hands of Rudolf Kraj (14-1, 10 KOs) in March of 2008.
In his next bout, in Aug. of 2008, Godfrey got off the canvas in the third round of an eventual fourth-round knockout of Emmanuel Nwodo, and he was coming off of September's 10-round split-decision victory over Michael Simms.
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
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