merce77's Classic Boxing Thread, tape them hands up before you enter!!!!

[Ready2Rumble82]

Mate Parlov passes

Former world champion Mate Parlov sadly passed away at age 59 yesterday in Pula, Croatia. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Parlov won the WBC light heavyweight in January 1978 and made two defenses. He later fought to a draw against Marvin Camel in a WBC cruiserweight title fight. His career record was 24-3-2 with 12 KOs. Parlov also won a gold medal in the 1972 Olympics.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Busy day for DeGuardia

On August 6th, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will be co-promoting two shows in New York City at the same time. Star Boxing is teaming up with Sal Musumeci's Final Forum to promote ESPN2's "Wednesday Night Fights" telecast from the Aviator Sports and Recreation Center in Brooklyn, NY, headlined by junior welterweight prospect Ali "Hurricane" Oubaali (21-3, 17 KOs) against Christopher "Kid Kayo" Fernandez (15-4-1, 9 KOs) with heavyweight Albert Sosnowski (43-1, 26 KOs) vs. Kevin Burnett (13-1-1, 8 KOs) in the co-feature. That same night Star Boxing, in association with DiBella Entertainment, are putting together a card at the B.B. King Blues Club in New York City featuring fan favorite knockout artist Vinny Maddalone (29-4, 20 KOs) versus Joe Stofle (11-13-2, 10 KOs). "On August 6th I am teaming up with not one, but two of the top promoters in the New York Area to put on two great shows," said DeGuardia. "This is what boxing needs, for us promoters to work together to put together exciting shows and give the fans what they want to see. Each show is loaded with top level talent, along with some of the top young prospects to hit the boxing world in a long time."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Bradley-Cherry in the works

Looks like WBC super lightweight world champion Timothy Bradley (22-0, 11 KOs) will be defending his world title against Edner Cherry (24-5-2, 12 KOs) on the September 13 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING card. It will be the first defense for the unbeaten Bradley, who dethroned Junior Witter for the title in May. Still no official venue for the card, which will be co-promoted by Don King Productions and Gary Shaw Productions. Headling that show will be the lightweight championship clash between champion Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs) and former two-division champ Joan Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs).

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Teron ready for SHOWTIME!

Unbeaten six-foot tall lightweight prospect and NABO lightweight champion Jorge "The Truth" Teron (21-0-1, 14 KOs) makes his SHOWTIME television debut against former world title challenger Michael Lozada (29-4-1, 22 KOs) in a scheduled ten round lightweight contest this Friday. Teron spoke about fighting premium TV giant for the first time, his knowledge of his opponent Michael Lozada, and where he rates himself amongst the best at 135.

How excited are you about being on a major television network in Showtime for the first time?

I'm excited to be on Showtime for the first time. So many great fighters have fought on Showtime, including one of my idols, Diego Corrales. I'm very thankful to Showtime because I know that they only put great fighters on their network. I promise to put on the best show that I can and put all of my skills on display August 1 so they will invite me back in the future, hopefully when I fight for a world title.

What do you know about your opponent Michael Lozada?

I saw some tapes and know that he is a really tough fighter that comes forward and throws a lot of hard punches. I also know that he represents a very tough challenge, but one that I am looking forward to. In all, I respect his skills and I have to be very focused for this fight.

Any worries on the fact that Lozada has been in with likes of unbeaten world champion Edwin Valero and former world title challenger Jose Armando Santa Cruz?

No. That is the reason I am excited to be in the ring against him. He has been in with some world class opposition. I have to beat Michael Lozada and look good doing it in order to move forward.

You have a major height and reach advantage over Lozada, so are you planning to fight him from a distance?

Using my height and reach advantage is always my number one priority in a fight, which is what my trainer Mark Breland wants me to do. I tend to get away from it sometimes, but that is always the plan that I go in with.

Bouts between Puerto Rican and Mexican fighters have produced great fights not only in the past but within the last week. Do you anticipate the same with this fight with you being Puerto Rican and Lozada being Mexican?

I agree. Puerto Rican and Mexican fighters have produced so many great fights. I know how important the support of my Puerto Rican fans is to me. The best way for me to show gratitude for that support is to give them a great, exciting victory. Lozada is coming from and representing Mexico, and I'm sure that he does not want to disappoint his fans. So, yes I anticipate that this fight will continue the great tradition of Puerto Rican and Mexican fighters and result in a great fight.

You are already ranked #7 in the world by the WBO. With a successful victory do you feel you are ready to battle the elite at 135?

With a victory I expect to move up in the WBO ratings as well as the WBA and WBC where I'm currently ranked, as well. I feel that I'm ready for the elite at lightweight, but I will leave that up to my manager Steven Heid and my promoter Hirsch Borao Promotions.

Any final thoughts?

I just want to thank my fans for their support and Showtime for the opportunity, my trainer Mark Breland, my manager Steven Heid, and my promoters Mike Borao and Scott Hirsch (Hirsch/Borao Promotions). I have a great team and feel unstoppable.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Contender fighters collide

Two participants in The Contender reality television series, "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo, Jr. (Season One finalist) and Donny McCrary (Season Three participant) will battle for the NABF interim super middleweight title in the 12-round main event on August 22 at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Manfredo (30-5, 15 KOs) is rated #18 by the WBC. McCrady is 24-7-2 with 13 KOs. "We put our fighters in with real fighters," promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. "This is what boxing's supposed to be all about. People don't want to know the winners before the fights. Peter Manfredo, Jr. and these other guys are like fighters from old warrior days when they'd fight anybody." In the co-feature, super middleweight Joey "KO Kid" Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs) takes on Jim Strohl (27-6, 21 KOs) in a six-round bout. Tickets are priced at $40-$150. Call 401-724-2253/2254.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Muravha wins close decision

Bull Muravha scored a majority six round points decision over Basil Ray in what was billed as an eliminator to challenge South African heavyweight champion Osborne Machimana at the Emperors Palace Casino in Kempton Park on Tuesday night. In an untidy affair with both boxers showing a lack of conditioning Muravha just managed to take the decision, but would be well advised to stay away from Machima at this stage of his career.

Anton Gilmore, 37, making a comeback after eleven years outboxed the inexperienced Thompson Mokwana to score a unanimous six round points decision in a junior lightweight weight bout.Former WBU middleweight champion Ruben Groenewald beat heavyweight Toto Mubenga from the Democratic Republic of the Congo when Mubenga retired in his corner at the start of the fourth round. Groenewald hardly raised a sweat in a poor contest.

Lightweight Victor Temlett stopped Sipho Maabane in the first round of a scheduled four rounder. Also, promising lightweight prospect Grant Fourie battled against Mpumi Matshoba before stopping him in the fifth round. The tournament was presented by Dingaan Thobela/Knockout Boxing Promotions.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Graham says he was fired

Longtime Ricky Hatton trainer Billy Grahram has told the Manchester Evening News that he wanted to continue to train 'The Hitman,' but was terminated against his wishes. "I was sacked," stated Graham bluntly, "but if Ricky wants to finish with me that's entirely up to him. As a result I have decided it is a good time to retire. I'm not going to get into a slanging match with Ricky because we've been through too much together. I always said I would retire when Ricky finished and I had hoped to stick it out right to the end....it's a fantastic story and I'm not going to ruin it by bad-mouthing him. And I wish him all the best for his next fight."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

King loses ESPN libel suit

Don King has lost his $2.5 billion libel suit against ESPN. On Monday, a Florida state court judge ruled that King failed to prove that the network acted with malice in a May 2004 broadcast of ESPN’s Sports Century which featured the famed promoter, according to the Bloomberg news network. “While ESPN could have perhaps done a more searching investigation and contacted additional sources,” Judge Robert A. Rosenberg stated, “it was not reasonably required to continue its investigation until it found somebody who would defend the plaintiffs.” King filed his suit in 2005 in response to the documentary in which he claimed he was defamed by statements made on the program which portrayed him as con artist and bully, and included several false statements - that King allegedly issued death threats to sports journalists and to boxers he promoted. The program also purported that King cheated his fighters out of millions of dollars. King will appeal said one of his lawyers, Tricia Hoffler who stated: “They did a hatchet job on Don King. Definitely the fight has just begun!”

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Agbeko-Gonzalez scuttled

Gonzalez Visa Snafu Leaves Challenger Unable to Travel to Puerto Rico
Newly crowned IBF bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko was to have made his first title defense against mandatory challenger William Gonzalez on Saturday in Ponce, Puerto Rico, but the match will not take place due to Gonzalez’s inability to obtain his travel visa. Agbeko is promoted by Don King Productions and Gonzalez is promoted by Warriors Boxing. Don King Productions and Universal Promotions are promoting Saturday’s boxing card at Auditorio Pachin Vicens. The event promoters petitioned for and were granted a visa for Gonzalez, a Nicaraguan native, to travel to Puerto Rico and participate in the match; however, Gonzalez’s promoter was responsible to finalize the visa and failed to do so. Saturday’s “Night of Champions” event will be go on with 10 scheduled bouts including the previously announced main event featuring Juan “El Exterminador” Perez vs. Omar “El Pastor” Soto competing for the interim WBC strawweight championship.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Audley bout recheduled

Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison will now face Martin Rogan on September 6 at the M.E.N Arena. The pair had been due to meet in Birmingham in July, but the fight was resceduled. "I'm delighted that the Rogan fight has been rearranged so quickly," said Harrison. "I'm looking forward to getting my career back on track, and defeating Rogan will be the perfect way of signalling my intentions."Alex Arthur's WBO World Super-Featherweight title defense against Nicky Cook tops the card in Manchester along with Amir Khan's defense of his Commonwealth lightweight titleAlso on the card are Paul Smith in an English middleweight title challenge against Steve Bendall, Steve Foster Jr in an English super-featherweight title challenge against Femi Fehintola, Matt Macklin in a 10 rounder, plus Matthew Hall, Steve Bell, Anthony Crolla, Denton Vassell and Stephen Smith.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Donaire defense in Macau?

IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire jr. will most likely defend his crown against mandatory challenger Moruti Mthalane of South Africa on October 11 in Macau. In an interview with the daily morning show “Sports Chat” Wednesday morning, Donaire said he was informed by his manager Cameron Dunkin about the scheduled fight. Donaire would want to have a tune-up fight before the mandatory defense but was told by the IBF about their ruling of not allowing both champion and challenger of any other fight before a mandatory title bout.

Donaire’s promoter Bob Arum in a separate guesting with the show Tuesday morning revealed a planned meeting with officials of Venetian Macau Resort Hotel that can seat around 15,000 patrons. Arum is scheduled to leave for Macau this week to attend the 75th birthday celebration of the hotel’s owner Sheldon Adelson. Mthalane (22-1, 15 KO’s) became the mandatory challenger when he defeated Australian Hussein Hussein via 12-round unanimous decision win earlier this month in South Africa.

Arum also said Mexican superstar Jorge Arce will be part of the Venetian card against a still to be determined foe. Donaire’s last fight was December 2008 when he successfully defended his IBF crown over Mexican Luis Maldonado via 8th round TKO at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

 

[Q-vo]

Quick question. Is the replay of Marg/Cotto gonna be shown before the Zab/Clottey main event? Already got the fight, but I wanted to check it out in HD.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Yeah, they'll show it right before judah-clottey.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Darchinyan: I'll KO Kirilov!

Vic Darchinyan has talked a big game in the days leading up to his world championship showdown with Dimitri Kirilov on Saturday. “Kirilov has never been KO'd before. He's going to get his first knockout this Saturday," vowed Darchinyan.

Dimitri “The Baby” Kirilov (29-3-1, 9 KOs) will defend his IBF junior bantamweight against title against former IBF flyweight champion and knockout artist Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KOs) live this Saturday on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

In the co-feature, U.S. Olympian and undefeated prospect Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (15-0, 10 KOs) will put his flawless record on the line against fellow unbeaten Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall (17-0-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight brawl.

The telecast will originate from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash., and is promoted by Gotham Boxing, Inc.

Here’s what the fighters had to say just two days before they battle in the ring:

DIMITRI KIRILOV: “Darchinyan has a very unorthodox style, but it makes no difference. I will fight the way I always have. I will use my boxing skills and strategy to keep him off me. It does not matter how much power he has or he says he has. I’ve been in the ring with big punchers before. Whatever Vic Darchinyan has, it’s not enough to beat me. Freddie (Roach, his trainer) tells me ‘The bigger they punch, the harder they punch, the harder they fall.’ I feel very at home in Tacoma and I’m looking forward to defending my title on Saturday.”

VIC DARCHINYAN: "I have not made any changes in my game plan. Against Nonito Donaire, I just got caught, that's all. If anything, I am more focused than I ever was before. My left hand is much stronger. My right hand is faster....I never respect my opponents before I fight them. I respect them only after I knock them out. I help them wake up and help them to their corner. I am here as a proud rep of my home town of Vanadzor, Armenia. I am also very proud to fight out of Australia. I am here to put on another exciting show for SHOWTIME. I am going to fill up your highlight reel. Everyone at the Emerald Queen Casino is going to hear my punches, lefts and rights. The people come out to watch the KO and that's what I am here for. Freddie Roach (Kirilov’s trainer) says I am predictable. The only thing he can predict is that his boy is going to get knocked out.”

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Lamon Brewster returns Aug 30

Former heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster (33-4, 29 KOs) returns against an opponent to be named on August 30 at Cincinnati Gardens. The card will include at least seven bouts and will also feature several local fighters. Rashad Halloway, Robert Dula, Adrien Broner, Hasaan Murph, Ravea Springs and Bran-don Bennett are all scheduled to see action. The entire fight card will be announced within the week. Cincinnati businessman Andrew Williams is promoting the fight card jointly with Brewster's company, Relentless Promotions. Tickets will be priced at $102, $77, $32, $22 and $12. They are available at the Cincinnati Gardens Box Office, at all Ticketmaster Outlets including select Kroger stores, charge at 513-562-4949 or online at ticketmaster.com.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Arslan to face Jones Sept 27

Already a folk hero in his native Swabia, WBA cruiserweight champion Firat Arslan (29-4-1, 18 KOs) will now try to conquer the hearts of fight fans in the Hanseatic City of Hamburg, when he takes on mandatory challenger Guillermo Jones (35-3-2, 27 KOs) on September 27th. The bout at the huge Color Line Arena wil highlight the first "Universum Champions Night" event following the summer break. "Jones is a top fighter with a high KO rate," said Arslan. "He has boxed good names, but I've never feared anyone. I respect his achievements, and I'm quite certain that with a win I'll earn an abundance of respect. The better the opponent, the higher the respect behind it." Arslan, who turns 38 the following day, will be making his second defense. After many years without a trainer, he will again be prepared for the fight by Michael Timm and Valentin Silaghi. The 36-year-old Jones is promoted by Don King and has been a contender in three different weight classes. "I'm massively happy to box for the first time for the great Hamburg fans," said Arslan. "I love Hamburg. I've often trained here and have seen the great atmosphere from ringside. Now I want to thrill the people myself." Additional matchups wil be announced soon. Advance ticket sales start on Saturday.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Theopane defeats Corley

Junior welterweight Ashley Theopane (22-3-1) from the UK and NY took a unanimous eight round decision from former WBO world champion Demarcus "Chop Chop" Corley (31-9-1) on Thursday night in Rochester, NY. Corley started out strong and won the first two rounds, but from there it would be hard pressed to give him another stanza as Theopane put on constant pressure. Scores were 78-74, 78-75 and 79-73. The ex-champ has now lost five straight fights.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Q&A: Dimitri Kirilov

IBF junior bantamweight champion (29-3-1, 9 KOs) Dimitri "The Baby" Kirilov will be defending his title for the second time when battles former IBF flyweight champion Vic "Raging bull" Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KOs) Saturday night. The bout will take place at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington and aired live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing at 9PM ET/PT. Kirilov spoke to Fightnews regarding his recent string of close decision fights, any advantages he'll have being the naturally bigger man, and the magnitude of importance this fight is for both fighters.

With Darchinyan being such an awkward fighter did you have to prepare differently for this fight?

I sparred during the camp with a hard hitting southpaw, but outside of that my training methods remained the same.

Your last four fights have been very close on the scorecards. Are you looking to make fight night adjustments because of this?

I don't think my last fight (a draw with Cecilio Santos) should have been a draw. I thought the fight was close but thought I should have been a clear decision winner. I just go out there and do my job and trust that the judges will do theirs. No adjustments will be made to answer your question.

In a few of your recent fights knockdowns have been the difference on the outcome of the fights. Once in your favor against Jose Navarro and once against you in your fight with Luis Perez. Any concerns knowing that Darchinyan is a big puncher?

Honestly I think that my style of fighting versus Darchinyan's style gives me as good a chance as his of scoring a knockdown.

Do you feel you have any advantage with Darchinyan moving up to your natural weight division of 115 pounds?

Darchinyan is moving up three pounds which can make a diffence in boxing but we will have to see once we get into the ring just how much of a difference it makes.

Have you seen Darchinyan fight since his knockout loss to current IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire?

I have seen Darchinyan fight since his loss and he still fights the same. Comes forward and throws alot of power punches. If all he knows how to do is hit hard and talk about it, he's not going to take my title.

Even though you're the champion do you feel that this is as an important fight for you as it is for him?

I think that this is an important fight for both of us. As a champion I want to take my career to the next level and to do that I have to defeat the biggest named fighters in my division and Darchinyan is one of those names.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Q&A: Israel Vazquez

Good evening champ how are you doing?

I'm doing really good, I am very happy about being in Tucson to see this fight card.

What brings you to the scorching desert heat in Tucson Arizona, are you here to watch Gonzalez fight for a possible rematch?

There are two reasons for me being here, number one, Golden Boy Promotions extended the invitation to me, and the second one, I came to see Johnny Gonzalez since I would like to fight a rematch with him, before getting in the ring with Rafael Marquez again, I would like to fight again with Gonzalez in the interim.

Have you discussed when you'll be stepping back in to the ring?

Well I'm currently taking a well deserved break, I am in the U.S. to be a narrator and commentator for the Olympics in the boxing events, but as far as stepping back in to the boxing ring I probably won't do it until late this year, maybe November or December or even early next year, and as I've mentioned before, I would like to face Gonzalez in my return to the ring.

Jorge Arce has been calling you out for several months now, have you considered him as an opponent?

Yes, I do see Travieso Arce as a possible ring opponent , even though he's very flamboyant and a little crazy, I will take him very seriously should I ever face him, he is a very strong fighter and a true warrior and despite the weight discrepancy between him and I, when I face him in the ring, I know he will be very well prepared.

What about a fourth bout with Marquez?

Well I don't even know what you call a fourth bout; I know it's not a rubber match, but yes, my handlers and my manager Frank Espinoza is already working with Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions on the Marquez bout, we are looking to fight Marquez in March or April of next year, with an interim bout in between.

How much longer do you plan to stay at super bantamweight, and is it getting difficult to make the 122 limit?

I make 122 without a problem I always stay in shape and I'm always in the gym, but I do want to make history and in order for me to do so, I will need to win world titles at 126 and 130 that would make me Mexico's fourth champion to win championships in 3 different weight classes. That would officially put me in a different league and it would truly be a historical event, and as I mentioned before I'm in boxing to make history.

You've mentioned that you would like to face Manny Paquiao in the future, But with Paquiao moving up in weight to lightweight, super lightweight or even welterweight, do you still see this as a possible match up?

To be completely honest with you, I no longer see that as a possibility or even an option. I was present in Manny Paquiao's last fight against David Diaz and he looked way too big and strong, plus I don't think I could go all the way up to 135, my body just wouldn't be able to do it, even if I stop training I can't get that heavy, much less 140 or 147 which is where he is heading. Plus, should he lose to De La Hoya, it would completely take the luster away, but this is boxing and anything can happen. There's a remote chance I may face him in the future, but chances are very slim.

Israel, you are finally getting the respect you've worked so hard to obtain. How much more do you have to prove, and how much longer do you plan to stay in the sport?

Not very long! I would like to retire while I'm still young, maybe 33 or 34. I don't want to be anybody's stepping stone, and I see a lot of young phenoms out there watching me and waiting for the right moment to face me. I am talking about strong fighters, dangerous fighters trying to get me out of the way and there will come a time when they will be too much for me, so I would like to step out before one of those guys gets me, maybe three or four more fights and then I'm done.

Do you have specific opponents in mind for those final bouts of your career?

Well the ideal fights would be Jorge Arce, Rafael Marquez, a third bout with Oscar Larios and I would like to end my career by facing Juan Manuel Lopez of Puerto Rico. Those are all very strong fighters, but I still have the skill and the will to beat them. Plus those are the fighters that would bring me the biggest purses, I have sacrificed so much for this sport, all my youth, all the pain all the blood and its now time to get something back. I want large significant purses because I've worked very hard to be where I am today.

Champ thank you for your time.

Thank you it was a pleasure

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Weights from Las Vegas

Zab Judah 143 vs. Joshua Clottey 147
(IBF world welterweight title)
Anthony Peterson 136 vs. Javier Jauregui 136.5/136
Omar Chavez 142 vs. Jeremy Marts 140
Joseph Judah 151 vs. Javier Sanchez 152
Miguel Angel Garcia 126 vs. Jose Hernandez 126
Diego Magdaleno 130.5 vs. Scott Furney 130
Michael Franco 118 vs. Felix Flores 118
Richard Pierson 160 vs. Don Mouton 161
Venue: Palms Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: HBO

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Kirilov, Darchinyan make weight

Dimitri "The Baby" Kirilov (29-3-1, 9 KOs) weighed in at 114.5 lbs. for his IBF junior bantamweight title defense against former IBF flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KOs), who scaled in at 114. They meet Saturday night on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. In the co-feature, U.S. Olympian and undefeated prospect Andre "The Matrix" Dirrell (15-0, 10 KOs) weighed 168 while fellow unbeaten Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall (17-0-1, 4 KOs) weighed 166.5 for their ten-round super middleweight bout.

 

[johniz]

Gotta go with Zab.

Last Chance, No Breaks.

 

[Q-vo]

Funny lookin pic

Still awaiting for the Zab-who-KO'd-Cory Spinks-late to show up again. Everybody (Including myself) just thinks of him as a 5 round fighter. That ain't gonna do it against Clottey.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Gorres picks Kirilov

Two-time world title challenger Z Gorres picks Russian Dimitri Kirilov to keep his world crown against challenger Vic Darchinyan this weekend. In an interview with Fightnews, Gorres said Kirilov has the skills to outsmart the supposed punching power of Darchinyan as the two collide for the Russian's IBF super flyweight crown in a 12-round battle at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. "Darchinyan is not really a strong puncher. Kirilov si skillful enough to beat Darchinyan and I won't be surprised if Kirilov stops Darchinyan in the later rounds," said Gorres in a telephone conversation with this writer. Gorres fought Darchinyan to a draw last February in Cebu in an IBF title eliminator and had the opportunity of being Kirilov's sparring partner when the Filipino lefty trained at the Wild Card Gym owned by Freddie Roach. As for his next fight Gorres said he needs to wait for the result of the Kirilov-Darchinyan fight before aiming for another major bout. Gorres hopes to return to action October of this year and is still aching to get a rematch with Darchinyan.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Judge For Yourself: Judah vs. Clottey

The boxing world is still buzzing over last Saturday night’s classic Margarito vs Cotto. Interestingly enough that super fight provides a backdrop for this week’s crossroads fight between Zab Judah.

Judah is a former champion and at one time was considered one of boxing’s elite. Losses to Kostya Tszyu. Floyd Mayweather, Cory Spinks and Carlos Baldomir have changed the boxing’s world’s perspective on Zab but nonetheless he remains a skilled boxer who has some power when he lands.

Joshua Clottey is a hard-hitting stalker whose stock is on the way up though he hasn’t faced the competition or fought on the same stage that Judah has. If Clottey wins he gets instant recognition and will be ushered into the upper class of today’s fighters. If Judah wins he raises the argument that he still belongs in the sport’s upper echelons.

Last week we saw Miguel Cotto box brilliantly. He gave Margarito movement, executed nearly perfect defense and then capitalized on openings and delivered expert counter punches that snapped Antonio’s head back. Margarito stalked and relentlessly threw punches, some of which were blocked but others that got through and took their toll. By the eleventh round Cotto was worn done and couldn’t keep up with his stick and move strategy. Margarito delivered a beating that the tough Cotto could no longer avoid.

Joshua Clottey is a relentless stalker and Zab Judah is a slick boxer. It is boxing’s best and hardest to predict style match up because until the two men face off it is impossible to tell if the power will dominate the slick movement and counters or if the crafty boxer will avoid the power and punish the stalker.

History shows us that these types of matchups are difficult to predict. Jack Dempsey was seen as a destroyer until Gene Tunney’s strategy to stick and move frustrated that era’s premier stalker. Billy Conn gave Joe Louis fits with his movement and angles and had the Bomber beat until he decided to become a slugger and Louis KO’d him. Later, Ali outfoxed the heavy hitters by floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee.

The “stinging like a bee” is the important part for the mover. A boxer can avoid the stalker but he can’t win if he doesn’t either score enough counters to win rounds or issue enough damage and hurt to the predator. Cotto seemed to be winning the early rounds of last week’s fight but he couldn’t stave off Margarito and he got hurt.

A study of Hector Camacho Sr. is perfect for illustration. In the late 80’s and early 90’s he was undefeated. He had moved up from lightweight to junior welterweight and then welterweight and didn’t bring the knockout power that he had at his lower weights. He fought one matador after another all of whom promised to stalk him, get him in the corner and punish him until he relented. Vinny Paz, Ray Mancini and Tony Baltazaar all stalked Camacho and Camacho moved brilliantly, weathering their shots and scoring his own.

A super matchup with Julio Cesar Chavez was made. Chavez was the ultimate matador stalker and he went right through the Macho Man winning every round. Camacho’s counters weren’t enough to keep Chavez off him and he took a beating. Chavez did what the others promised to do. A year later Felix Trinidad did the same thing to Camacho.

There comes a time when a boxer can’t keep moving and he has to get respect by landing and hurting his opponent. The stalker can’t merely stalk his prey without landing punishment and doing damage. When either the boxer or the stalker imposes their will the judges have an easy night because the dominance is obvious.

When the action goes back and forth and the two opposing styles score then the judges have their hands full because they have to evaluate the following two very subjective question:

1. Are the stalker’s fewer but harder shots worth more than the boxer’s quantity of punches with less power?
2. Does the boxer’s ring generalship and effective avoidance count more than the stalker’s forward movement and less effective aggression?

This is what every Hagler-Leonard argument is about and it’s why no one ever convinces a fight fan that sees it one way or another. Professional judges aren’t any different.

What we don’t know now is whether Clottey’s power can negate Judah’s slickness. It might be an easy night if one fighter’s dominance within their style wins out. It also could be a controversial night that will have the HBO team up in arms about the state of judging today.

Clottey either walks through Judah’s boxing and punishes him or Judah weathers the stalker and counters him and gives him a boxing lesson.

Which will happen and who will win?

Watch and judge for yourself.

 

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In the fourth season of the reality TV series 'The Contender' fighters from the cruiserweight division will be showcased. Versus Network has picked up the series.

 

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Since a Paul Williams-Antonio Margarito rematch isn't in the cards this year, HBO and Williams promoter Dan Goossen are working on a fall "Boxing After Dark" doubleheader. Williams (34-1, 25 KOs) would defend his welterweight belt in the main event, possibly against mandatory challenger Michael Jennings (33-1, 16 KOs) of England. It would also include rising heavyweight contender Cristobal Arreola (24-0, 21 KOs), but don't count on seeing him against David Tua, a fight often discussed. The sides are far apart on money and it does not fit the budget of an opening bout on "BAD."

 

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HBO and promoter Gary Shaw are finalizing an Oct. 4 "Boxing After Dark" card, which is headed for the Pechanga resort in Temecula, Calif. Featherweight sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa (11-0, 9 KOs), a 2004 Cuban Olympic gold medalist, will be on, likely against Marcos Ramirez (25-0, 16 KOs). Also, junior middleweight brawler Alfredo Angulo (13-0, 10 KOs) will face Andrey Tsurkan (26-3, 17 KOs), according to Shaw and Tsurkan promoter Joe DeGuardia. Gamboa and Angulo both put on exciting performances in their May HBO debuts, Gamboa outpointing Darling Jimenez and Angulo stopping Richard Gutierrez in five action-packed rounds. Shaw likes the Angulo-Tsurkan fight. "I gotta keep stepping Angulo up," he said. "I want to know if I have the next Margarito." The third fight for the show under discussion is junior middleweight Joel "Love Child" Julio (who has to win on Aug. 13 on ESPN2) against Sergio Martinez, the overdue mandatory challenger for titlist Vernon Forrest. Martinez promoter Lou DiBella said the chances of it happening were 50-50.

 

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Shaw's other big fight of the fall, the long-awaited Oct. 11 (Showtime) bout between light heavyweight titlist Antonio Tarver and ex-beltholder Chad Dawson, who vacated his alphabet title to facilitate the match, won't take place in the hometowns of either fighter. Instead, Shaw said it is headed for Las Vegas. On the same telecast, Showtime will air the heavyweight title match between Samuel Peter and unretiring former titleholder Vitali Klitschko. That bout likely will take place at the O2 Arena in Berlin, Klitschko adviser Shelly Finkel said.

 

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Handlers for middleweight titlist Arthur Abraham (27-0, 22 KOs) and mandatory challenger Raul Marquez (41-3-1, 29 KOs) avoided a purse bid by making a deal this week. Abraham will make his eighth defense against the ex-junior middleweight titleholder Oct. 4 in Germany. Marquez promoter Leon Margules of Seminole Warriors Boxing said the card would be televised live in the United States on Integrated Sports pay-per-view for $24.95. Marquez earned the shot by outpointing Giovanni Lorenzo June 21 on the undercard of Abraham's nontitle knockout victory against Edison Miranda in their rematch.

 

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Junior featherweight champ Israel Vazquez (43-4, 31 KOs) is taking the rest of the year off, manager Frank Espinoza told ESPN.com. Vazquez, of course, has faced rival Rafael Marquez in his past three fights, all brutal slugfests. Vazquez is 2-1 against Marquez, including a split-decision victory March 1 in the likely fight of the year. The physical toll was exacting on both men. Espinoza said he wants to give Vazquez ample time to recover. "He'll take the rest of the year off and come back at the beginning of next year," Espinoza said. "We're looking for good things. The options are many. Everyone wants to fight Israel. I've heard call outs from Jorge Arce, Gerry Penalosa, Jhonny Gonzalez and Oscar Larios, and certainly Rafael Marquez and his people want to do the fight again."

 

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The Kelly Pavlik-Bernard Hopkins fight on Oct. 18 (HBO PPV) in Atlantic City, N.J., will officially be announced Tuesday at a news conference in New York followed by another news conference later in the day in Philadelphia, Hopkins' hometown. Pavlik, the middleweight champion, is moving up to face Hopkins at a catch weight of 170 pounds.

 

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Junior middleweight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (37-0-1, 29 KOs), pushed to the brink in a tough split-decision win against Matt Vanda (38-7, 21 KOs) July 12 in Mexico, will face him in a rematch. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said he's planning it for Oct. 25 in Mexico and that the fight would be on U.S. pay-per-view. Arum added that junior lightweight contender Humberto Soto would fight on the undercard unless he winds up facing Manny Pacquiao in the fall.

 

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In his first fight since signing with Top Rank, junior welterweight contender Demetrius Hopkins (28-0-1, 11 KOs) will fight a 10-rounder against an opponent to be named Aug. 30, manager Cameron Dunkin told ESPN.com. The fight is on the undercard of the Ivan Calderon-Hugo Cazares junior flyweight championship rematch in Puerto Rico, but won't be part of pay-per-view. Bernard Hopkins' nephew will be fighting for the first time since November and an ensuing fallout with his uncle and Golden Boy Promotions. "We just need to get Demetrius going and get him busy," Dunkin said.

 

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Unified lightweight titlist Nate Campbell, who has a gift for gab in addition to his boxing prowess, fills in as the ringside analyst on ESPN2's "Wednesday Night Fights" on Aug. 6 and Aug. 13 while Teddy Atlas is in Beijing covering Olympic boxing for NBC. "One day when I'm done fighting, broadcasting is definitely something I would really enjoy pursuing," Campbell said. Campbell is training for a Sept. 13 defense against Joan Guzman, but said the assignment would not disrupt his camp. "It's not any kind of distraction," he said. Filling in for Atlas on "Friday Night Fights" on Aug. 8, 15 and 22 will be ex-heavyweight titleholder Shannon Briggs. Atlas will be back for the final two shows of the season, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5.