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

[Ready2Rumble82]

INTERVIEW: ANDRE BERTO

What's the latest and greatest with Andre Berto?

"I'm on my way to the gym right now, I'm going to get these last few days of work in. I'm feeling good. It's been a great training camp, and you can expect to see a show on Saturday night."

Is Collazo going the distance?

Andre Berto: Hey, you're going to have to wait and see. Hopefully, we can have an early night, but you know. We're ready to go all twelve.

How much of a step up is Collazo from Stevie Forbes? Is Collazo the tougest opposition you've faced?

AB: Yes, definitely. Fighting a southpaw in general is always difficult, and fighting a quick southpaw makes it a little tougher. Just like my last fight, I show people that I can adapt quickly, so it's going to be a good one.

What does a victory over Collazo mean to you?

AB: A victory against Collazo means that there are more big fights out there for me in 2009. This is my year to come out and give the people want they want to see.

Who do you like for Mosley-Margarito?

AB: It's up in the air for me. It just depends on who comes to fight their fight. I know a lot of people think it will be Margarito by a big margin, but at the same time, I believe that styles make fights. I believe that Margarito's style is a little better for Mosley than it was for Cotto. So, it's going to be one to watch. No prediction.

How many times will you fight this year?

AB: It looks like I'm already penciled in for three or four times for this year.

What are your goals for 2009?

AB: My goals are to stay undefeated, and if I can, to capture the other two belts. Another goal of mine is to become a household name.

Does it bother you that, of the welterweight champions out there, you're considered the baby of the bunch?

AB: Yeah, definitely I am the baby. I'm the youngest one in the group, I'm the cutest one in the group, I am who I am, baby. I did just come out of the 2004 Olympic Games.

Are you concerned that Collazo's slick southpaw style could offset your aggressiveness and cause problems?

AB: No, a lot of people know I can bang and be aggressive, but they also know I can box well. I believe that any way he wants to do it, if he wants to bang out or box, I'll be ready. I had tremendous sparring, I had a number of good southpaws come out and work. From international Cubans, to national champions, to the agressive strong professionals. I had a whole bunch of different looks.

Closing thoughts.

AB: 2009 is going to be a big year, hopefully we're going to open it up with a bang. Stay tuned, in a couple of days on the 17th, it's going to be one to watch.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

INTERVIEW: LOU DIBELLA

Can you give us your thoughts on Andre Berto's welterweight title defense against Luis Collazo, on Saturday night?

"It's a big turning point for Berto. It's a guy that's had a belt, a guy that knows what it means to fight big fights. He's fought Hatton and Mosley, so he's been in there with two of the biggest money guys in the business. It's a southpaw style that he's going to have to deal with, it's very different from his own. If he looks good beating Luis Collazo, he says to every welterweight in the world, and everyone else fighting in those weight classes, that he's one of the dominant guys at this weight."

Provided Berto is successful against Collazo, what's the blueprint for him in 2009?

Lou DiBella: The biggest fight we can get. To be honest with you, I don't want to talk about a blueprint until after the Collazo fight, because if you look past a guy like Collazo, you're fucked. Collazo is exactly the kind of guy that if a young fighter is looking beyond him, that fighter's not going to get beyond Luis Collazo.

So, you're obviously concerned that Collazo's southpaw style could hurt Berto's aggressiveness?

LDB: Yes, I think his southpaw style could cause problems for any fighter in the world. Ask Ricky Hatton, and then ask Shane Mosley. He was hurt in that fight, and he still gave it a go. He's a very slick tough guy, and he's got a little bit of pop for a guy who can move and is so slick. He's not an easy fight for anybody. I think it's a difficult fight, but I also think that the boxing world has been waiting for a statement fight for Berto, and he can make a statement right now.

Tell us about the co-feature.

LDB: Joe Green still hasn't passed the stone, and I hope he feels better. It was a real situation, we sent the medical reports. He had kidney stones and he had to pull out of the fight. I've got to give HBO credit, they wanted to hold out for a fight. They thought that if they put the fight off until February 14th, it would give them time to make a bigger fight. They didn't want to do merely a substitute opponent, they wanted to do something as big, or bigger than they already had. They looked at Daniel Santos, but he couldn't make the weight, and he turned the fight down. Then the fight was offered to Sergio Mora, and he turned the fight down because he couldn't make the weight in time. We closed the deal with Kermit Cintron, and in a lot of ways it's more interesting than any of them.

There are three losses between Cintron and Sergio Martinez, and all three losses are to a guy named Antonio Margarito. Obviously, it could be a real explosive matchup. They both have a lot of firepower, Kermit is a huge puncher, and Martinez is high volume and very sharp. It's a very good fight. I guess, by holding out for the month, HBO got what they needed. We have a great main event in Biloxi, and I've got to tell you, it's a great way to start the year. It's a highly competitive fight between a young star, and a guy who's still young, in Collazo but who's ready for the comeback. It's a classic crossroads fight. It's an interesting fight, and I expect Berto to step up and move to that next level. If he does, I expect to be able to put him in a major marquee matchup later this year.

Is there any update on Jermain Taylor's next move?

LDB: Jermain want's to get back in the ring as soon as possible, and he wants a major fight. There are a bunch of guys in the kicker, but nothing is done yet. Basically, you can look at the top 168 pounders, and figure out that there's only about a half dozen guys that are major challengers, and that's even if you move up to 175 and fight Glen Johnson at a catchweight. It's going to be someone from among that pool of guys, and we're going to make a decision as quickly as possible. Totally honestly, nothing is done yet, as we're on the record.

Alan Green recently told us that he thinks his next fight will be for a title, is that true? What can you tell us about that?

LDB: I hope that his next fight takes place for the title. I will say that in the 168 pound mix, no matter who you're talking to or what network, when discussing the top of the division Alan's name always comes up. I also particularly think for guys like Bute, and Kessler, any of foreign champions, in order to get on American TV, it's going to be a great preferrance if they're fighting a major contender who's American. So, I think you're going to see Alan Green fight for a world title in 2009. I hope to do it as quickly as possible, but I think he'll get that opportunity no later than late spring..

Has there been an update on Paulie Malignagi, will he fight again?

LDB: Paulie will box again, we're having conversations with an Italian promoter about bringing Paulie over to Italy, and possibly fighting. Paulie has a duel passport, and has family in Italy, we may bring him back with a fight for the European title. It's something that we're kicking around right now.

Closing thoughts.

LDB: 2009 is off to a pretty good start, in terms of the matchups in all levels of fights. We're in a rough world and a rough economy. I think everybody in the industry, from promoters, to managers, to fighters themselves, have to recognize the situation we're in. Ticket prices for all the fights are going to come down, and you're also going to see a lot of great matchups, and a lot of local interest. I urge fans to keep your eye out there for what's coming to you, an arena near you, or a place where you can see a great fight. We're going to have to get back to the grassroots economy. I aslo think for the fight fan, I don't know what it's going to be economically, but for the fight fan it could be a good year.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

MONTE BARRETT BASHES KEVIN "QUEENPIN" JOHNSON

Is there any update on your next fight?

"Not really. The last time I was on here, it was to mention the fact that Sam Peter's people and my people were talking about me fighting Sam. I guess Sam's promoters couldn't find any TV network or enough money to make all of them happy, but now it seems like they're calling out Chris Arreola. I just wanted to come on the record to chat about the Queenpin Kevin Johnnson, you know the one who keeps on sending these press releases like he's a threat, but this interview is the most dangerous opposition he's faced thus far. When you're biggest win is Terry Smith, you're disgracing the sport acting like you're ready for the best. I've made a living taking out so called future somethings like you and as soon as you and your promoter Joe DeGuardia, grow the balls to make the fight, I'm ready to sign. We could do it on ESPN winner take all for all I care. I just know that once I expose you to the world, another opportunity will come my way and I will make the most of it."

Wow. Is there anybody else besides Johnson you'd like to talk about?

Monte Barrett: "Not really, really could keep this one short and sweet. But whenever the Queenpin is ready for his first L, I'm ready to ruin him just like I did Tye Fields. I just don't want to see anymore bogus press releases from these lames until they respond to my challenge."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

KEVIN JOHNSON: MONTE WHO?

I'm sorry. I saw your interview with Monte "Bitch-Ass" Barrett and I had to respond. I don't usually respond to former sparring partners who call me out but this one I had to jump in. First off, Monte, I realize what you are trying to do. After getting your ass whooped by the likes of Joe Mesei, David Haye, Cliff Couser and Nicolay Valuev, you are shot and you career is washed up. So now you trying to jump into my spotlight. Queenpin? Ask your woman if I'm the "Queenpin" . She'll tell you what's up.



Fighting you would be a major step down for me. It would probably cause my ratings in the WBA, WBC and IBF to fall off the charts. But I tell you what, we can do it like we use to when I was just a19 year old amateur coming up in Newark. Remember how I use to kick your ass around the Red Brick Gym in Kearny, NJ. Do you remember? Well, I'll be at Dew Drop's Boxing Club in Newark in a couple of weeks. Maybe we just grab a camera, get in the ring and then I can put the footage of me whoopin up on you on YouTube. Fight you on ESPN? Nah, you just ain't in my class dude. But I might need a sparring partner in a few weeks or maybe you can walk my dog for me when I'm out of town. I'll let you know.

"Kingpin" Kevin Johnson

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

MONTE BARRETT: WHATEVER QUEENPIN, JUST SEND A CONTRACT!

Former two time heavyweight title challanger Monte Barrett responded to Kevin Johnson with the following;

"I want to make fights fans are interested in, period. Kevin Johnson, hasn't faced anybody, not one fighter with a chance. He hasn't faced one fighter with a pulse. The only sparring I remember is when I had you dangling all over the ropes in The Bronx. Everybody you named who I lost to is better than you are.

"Couser was a fluke and then I followed that up two fights later by taking out an even bigger fluke than you are, if you can actually believe that, in less than one minute. You and Joe DeGuardia keep on sending out your press releases. Until you fight me or somebody with a pulse, nobody will ever take you seriosuly. If I was such easy work in the gym, you shouldn't have a problem to fight me whenever your press releasing promoter is capable of getting you a fight with somebody better than you've ever faced. Kevin if you want me to shut up, PLEASE point out somebody you have faced that means anything. Bottom line is a win over me suddenly makes you credible, stop talking shit and tell your promoter to send a contract."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

GAMBOA TO HEADLINE APRIL 3RD SHOBOX CARD

According to Ricky De Cubas, Arena Box Promotions has landed an April 3rd date on ShoBox to continue to showcase Cuban Olympic champion, Yuriorkis Gamboa. Since turning pro, Gamboa is 13-0 and campaigns as a featherweight. The co-feature will be filled by Breidis Prescott, the Colombian who shocked British prospect Amir Khan via first-round stoppage in September. The promoters are still looking for opponents for both Gamboa and Prescott, but the card will be staged at the site of three Gamboa's last four fights, Buffalo Bill's in Primm, Nevada. Another Cuban prospect, Erislandy Lara, will also be on the card. More to follow.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Chris John vs. Rocky Juarez is Set For February 28

Sampson Lewkowicz, the adviser for WBA featherweight champion Chris "The Dragon" John, has promised for a long time that in the near future John would travel to America to defend his title. The time is now. John will defend his title against Rocky Juarez in the HBO televised co-feature to Juan Manuel Maruez-Juan Diaz on February 28 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

John (42-0-1, 22 KOs), the number one featherweight in the world and holds wins over several notable names, including Marquez. The fight between John and Juarez was in talks several times and appeared to fall apart for good in 2008. Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told Dan Rafael that he wasn't able to put a fight together between Juarez (28-4, 20 KOs) and WBO champ Steven Luevano. Schaefer said that Luevano's manager, Cameron Dunkin, was against the fight taking place in Juarez's backyard of Houston.

If John and Marquez both win, it could set up an interesting scenario for a rematch. The weight would come into question. Marquez is now fighting two divisions above John.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Manny Pacquiao Believes He Can Beat Antonio Margarito

A few weeks ago, WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito said that he would gladly accept a bout with Manny Pacquiao if the fight was offered to him. Both Margarito and Pacquiao are promoted by Top Rank.

"Pacquiao looked very good [against Oscar De La Hoya] and showed that he can fight against the better welterweights. If he and the promoters agree, and want to do it [a fight with me] - I will gladly do it," Margarito told El Nuevo Dia .

Margarito is bigger and stronger welterweight than Oscar De La Hoya, who Pacquiao demolished in eight rounds on December 6. Margarito has the body and the power of a middleweight and is currently considered the best welterweight in the sport.

Many fans, and experts, found the idea of Margarito vs. Pacquiao absurd. Manny is not one of those people. According to Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, not only does Manny want to fight Margarito in the future - he believes that he can outbox the Mexican warrior. Speaking with boxing scribe Ron Borges, Roach says Pacquiao would not be worried about Margarito's physical advantages.

“Manny wants to fight Margarito,’’ Roach said. “Manny thinks he can outbox him. Margarito is a big welterweight. He’d have a lot of advantages physically but Manny doesn’t really worry about that. I don’t know but he believes he can beat him."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Roach: "Sorry Mayweather, Pacquiao Knocks Hatton Out"

Last week, trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. made comments regarding Ricky Hatton's ability to stop Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas. Mayweather says Hatton is stronger and will put Pacquiao away after wearing him down.

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has fired back a prediction of his own - Manny by knockout in nine rounds. Roach knows Hatton is tough and he knows Hatton is dangerous but he says Manny is too quick and too strong.

“Ricky is a tough guy and he’s durable but I think we will get him in the later rounds. Ninth round? Yeah. That’s my favorite number. Yes, I think we’ll get Ricky in the later rounds,” Roach said to Filipino outlet Philstar.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Andre Ward Wants a Crack at Jermain Taylor Next

2004 Olympic gold medal winner Andre Ward (17-0, 12KOs) wants to make a statement in 2009. One of the names at the top of his list is former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor, who won bronze at the 2000 Olympic Games.

Ward's promoter Dan Goossen stated that he's had conversations with Taylor's promoter Lou DiBella. Recently HBO turned down a fight between Taylor and WBC middleweight champion Carl Froch of Nottingham. Goossen believes the two styles would make an exciting fight. He says Ward is ready and willing to jump in there with Taylor on HBO.

Since HBO went cold on Froch, DiBella has received interest from several parties - including Roy Jones Jr.

"What better way for Andre to start off 2009. A veteran against a young bull .I think a fight with Taylor has all of the ingredients for a great fight," Goossen said.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Junior Witter and Devon Alexander To Clash For WBC Title

Promoter Mick Hennessy appeared on Steve Bunce's Boxing Hour and revealed that former champion Junior Witter will fight Devon Alexander for the interim WBC junior welterweight title.

According to Hennessy, since the regular WBC champion Timothy Bradley is set to face WBO champ Kendall Holt in a unification bout on April 4 - the WBC has scheduled a fight for the interim title.

"Timothy Bradley's fighting a unification fight and we had some good news over the last 24 hours that we will have an interim title fight for Junior Witter against Devon Alexander," Hennessy said on Setanta Sports News.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Cristian Mijares To Return on March 14 at Bantamweight

Former super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (36-4-2, 15KOs) returns to the ring on March 14 at the bantamweight limit. Mijares says that he will no longer fight at super flyweight. Mijares is coming off a November knockout loss to Vic Darchinyan. His next opponent is unknown, but the fight will likely take place in Mexico.

Darchinyan will be facing Mijares' countryman, Jorge Arce, on February 7. Mijares says the fight will be very tough for Arce but don't count him out.

"It is a very hard fight, but Arce has the experience, he is brave and should not be ruled out," Mijares told ESTO.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Montiel Has Weight Issues, Donaire vs. Lopez Instead

IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire may wind up fighting Puerto Rico’s Jose “Carita” Lopez (38-7-2, 32 KO’s) for the WBO super flyweight title since reigning champion Fernando Montiel reportedly can’t make the weight.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum gave us a rundown of developments in an overseas telephone conversation with insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports from his home in Las Vegas .

Arum said Montiel cannot make the weight and would move up and fight Puerto Rico ’s Erik Morel, the mandatory challenger to WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa who has been offered the fight he has long said he’s wanted, against WBO 122 pound champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez.

Under the Arum scenario, Penalosa would relinquish the bantamweight title for a bigger money, title fight against Lopez.

He said he had discussed the fight with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer since GBP has Penalosa under contract . Arum said “ Richard is happy to make the match and we are reaching out to Penalosa” to get the fight done. He said it would be held in either New York or Las Vegas and they have an April 4 date already available.

Arum said he hasn’t spoken to Penalosa and doesn’t wish to because “we are very friendly with Golden Boy and we don’t want any problems since he has a contract with them. Let him (Penalosa) talk to his promoter. Tell him to call Eric Gomez or Richard Schaefer.”

When we spoke to Penalosa about the chance to fight “Juanma” Lopez he said he was excited and “it would be great. That’s the fight I want.” However, in the same breath he said he didn’t want to talk to the GBP people. It was only when we explained that he had no choice because his hopes that Arum would sign him up were misplaced and he may wind up without a fight, that he agreed to call Golden Boy Promotions.

The Top Rank promoter said he would “absolutely get more money” than in a mandatory defense against Morel and warned that if Penalosa keeps making things difficult Lopez is going to go up against another opponent.”

Arum said that if Penalosa beats Lopez he’ll be a hot property. At the same time Arum said he believes Penalosa has a hard time making the weight even as he said a Penalosa-Morel clash would be a “nothing fight.”

As of now there has been no indication of any interest on the part of Penalosa’s people in making a pitch in the Purse Bid set for January 12 at the WBO offices to be presided over by WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel. Even the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN which Penalosa appeared to be banking on has indicated it was too expensive at this particular time, given the economic situation and competing fights.

Arum said he plans to expand the March 15 fight card at the Araneta Coliseum to a triple championship fight card with Donaire battling Jose “Carita” Lopez for the WBO super flyweight title, Fernando Montiel clashing with Erik Morel for the WBO bantamweight crown and former WBC light flyweight champion Brian Viloria facing reigning IBF champion Ulises Solis for Solis’ title.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Israel Vazquez Will Stay Put For Juanma, Marquez Part 4

WBC super bantamweight champ Israel Vazquez is willing to remain at 122-pounds for potential fights with WBO champ Juan Manuel Lopez and a fourth meeting with Rafael Marquez. Vazquez is recovering from surgery to correct a detached retina. Vazquez is looking at a move to featherweight to claim another title and may target WBC champ Oscar Larios. Vazquez fought Larios three times. He stopped Larios in 1997, Larios stopped him in 2002 and Vazquez stopped him again in 2005.

"I want to show that I can fight at featherweight, against the best opponents. If God wants it, I am ready for bigger things. If I stay at 122-pounds, it would be for Juanma Lopez or Marquez, but if those things don't come about - a fourth fight with Oscar Larios at featherweight for the WBC title," Vazquez told ESTO .

"I love this sport. I have to must show that I am not only in this for the money, but to give something to those who believe in me."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Ivan Calderon May Land on Cotto vs. Jennings Show

WBO junior flyweight champion Ivan Calderon (32-0, 6KOs) may see action on the undercard to Miguel Cotto-Michael Jennings at New York's Madison Square Garden on February 21. The fight would appear on the Top Rank pay-per-view undercard. Kelly Pavlik defends his middleweight titles against Marco Antonio Rubio in Youngstown on the split-feed pay-per-view card.

According to Peter Rivera of Puerto Rico Best Boxing, Calderon's co-promoter, a deal for Calderon to appear on the undercard is in talks. No opponent has been mentioned.

"I've been give the impression that [Calderon's return] will be on February 21 and we are expecting that Top Rank place the Calderon's fight on the same card as Cotto", Rivera told El Nuevo Dia.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Berto Wants Manny Pacquiao, Winner Gets Margarito

The entire boxing industry has Pac-Man fever. It's no surprise that unbeaten WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto is ready and eager to fight Manny Pacquiao, too. Veteran writer Ron Borges recently conducted an interview with Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach. During the interview, Roach informed Borges that Manny wanted to fight the much bigger Antonio Margarito. Pacquiao, according to Roach, believes that he can beat Margarito by outboxing him.

Promoter Lou DiBella says that Berto, a smaller but quicker welterweight, is willing to risk his crown. And then the challenge goes a step further with the winner fighting Antonio Margarito. In order for all of this to happen, Berto would have to get past a tough mandatory defense against Luis Collazo on January 17, Pacquiao would have to beat Ricky Hatton on May 2 and Margarito would have to beat Shane Mosley on January 24 and then Miguel Cotto in June [provided he beats Michael Jennings for the the vacant WBO title on 2/21].

Hypothetically speaking, we could end up with three of the four major welterweight titles being unified at the end of all this. If we only lived in a perfect world.

DiBella doesn't believe that Pacquiao is big enough to pose a risk to Margarito. But if Pacquiao has the urge to rise back up to welterweight for someone like Margarito - Berto is waiting there too. Adding to the spice of things, DiBella goes a bit further and says Berto would be willing to meet Pacquiao at an agreed upon weight of 145-pounds.

"We are not looking past Luis Collazo. Collazo is a very tough fight, but Andre would sign to fight Pacquiao tomorrow, provided that Manny beats Hatton in May. Berto would even come down to 145. And the winner can fight Margarito," DiBella said.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Jose Luis Castillo Having One Last Go in Mexico

It was only a few short years ago that former champion Jose Luis Castillo (56-9, 48KOs) was still being ranked among the best pound for pound fighters in the sports. The fighter who once ruled the lightweight division with an iron fist and came close to handing Floyd Mayweather Jr. his first professional loss. A few defeats later, struggles with weight and financial issues have crippled his career at age 35 and he is now viewed as a shot fighter.

Castillo lost a one-sided decision to Sebastian Andres Lujan last July. Everyone thought they had seen the the last of Castillo that night, but he returns on January 17 against James Wayka (16-7, 8KOs) in Palenque del FEX in Mexicali, Mexico. Due to his issues with weight, the fight is the second welterweight contest in a row for the former champ.

Castillo calls the upcoming fight in Mexico his "last chance run" to get his career back on track. He continues to promise a eventual drop down in weight to capture the junior welterweight title. He is too small and not strong enough for a serious run at 147. He says that he took a six-month layoff to take care of some personal issues. Now he plans to give it one last go in Mexico.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Bernard Hopkins Waiting To Land One Last Career Fight

Now at age 44, Bernard Hopkins (49-5-1, 32 KOs) is poised to hang up the gloves in 2009. Hopkins is waiting for one last fight before he calls an end to his very lucrative career. Hopkins would like to rematch Joe Calzaghe, who won a close split decision over the Philadelphia fighter last April. He remembers the fighters who circled his era and he outlasted them all, including rival Roy Jones Jr. Hopkins would like to return to the ring by late spring.

"I'm waiting to get a reasonable date to fight between now and late spring. Then it's a wrap. Meaningful fights, they're not there anymore. I've outlasted them all. I still have one great win in me, and I'd like to give it to the fans in 2009, even if I have to go to Wales," Hopkins told USA Today.

At the same time, Hopkins told the paper that he doesn't need Calzaghe. He appears to be happy with his new gig as an expert analyst for ESPN2's Friday Night Fights. After dominating Kelly Pavlik last October, there are few options left for Hopkins. He had hoped for a rematch with Jones, but those dreams were crushed when Calzaghe busted Jones up last November in New York. Though, Hopkins is willing to risk it all by going to Wales to fight Calzaghe.

"This is how I want to be remembered: 'He was a man who was willing to fail to win.' That ain't Shakespeare. That's Bernard Hopkins," Hopkins said.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Penalosa Accepts Offer To Face Juan Manuel Lopez on 4/4

According to Filipino scribe Dennis Principe, current WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa has accepted the offer to move up in weight for a fight with the WBO's super bantamweight champ, Juan Manuel Lopez. The fight would take place on April 4 in Puerto Rico. HBO was said to be televising the card.

“They say I’m old and my days are numbered. Then we’ll see with this fight with Lopez. If he really is the next big thing of the sport, then give him a tough test by fighting me. I’m more than willing to travel to Puerto Rico and fight him in front of his hometown,” said Penalosa to Principe.

“I love challenges. If people get to watch all my losses it was because all those who beat me never really fought me. All they did was run. Against Lopez, I know he is a tough fighter and fights toe-to-toe but I guess he is still young. At this stage of our careers, I‘m capable of beating him."

If the fight gets finalized, the WBO will strip Penalosa of the title. That would leave Fernando Montiel (who is moving up) and Eric Morel (Penalosa' mandatory) to face off for the vacant belt.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

James Kirkland-Joel Julio, Victor Ortiz-Vivian Harris - 3/7

A few weeks back that Golden Boy Promotions was in talks with HBO for a March doubleheader that featured highly regarded prospects James Kirkland and Victor Ortiz. The deal is done, the date is March 7 and the opponents have been named.

Kirkland (24-0, 21 KOs) will get a huge test when he faces puncher Joel Julio (34-2, 31 KOs) in a junior middleweight contest. Julio was once regarded as the best prospect in boxing. He is coming off a November decision loss to WBO champion Sergei Dzindziruk. Dan Rafael reports that Sergio Mora was offered the shot at Kirkland and turned the fight down. Kirkland is hittable and his style has holes. Julio is a very live opponent here.

In the co-feature, junior welterweight Victor Ortiz (23-1-1, 18 KOs) will face former champion Vivian Harris (29-3-1, 19 KOs). Harris is coming off an October sixth-round stoppage of journeyman Octavio Narvaez. The fight took place on a small New Jersey card and saw Harris come within an inch of being stopped by Narvaez. Many felt the stopping of Narvaez was premature.

According to Rafael, Golden Boy is trying to place super featherweight Robert Guerrero (22-1-1, 15 KOs) on the show, making it a tripleheader.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Amir Khan Vows To Outbox, Beat Marco Antonio Barrera

2004 Olympic silver medal Amir Khan has vowed to outbox, and beat former three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera on March 14 in a UK venue to be annoucned at a later date. Khan has one win in the books since being knocked out by Breidis Prescott in 54-seconds last September, but he is confident of beating the legendary veteran. Khan says that he took such a tough fight to shut the mouths of his critics.

"This fight is not a gamble; I'm going to learn so much from it. At this stage, it's brilliant for me," said Khan. "Barrera is tougher than any British fighter - he's in a different league - and I'm going to seize the opportunity with both hands. I want to shut my critics up, prove to them how good I am. I have a point to prove, and this is the time to do it. I'm confident and know I can win. Winning this fight would take me to the next level."

Barrera is the number-one ranked contender to WBO belt being held by Nate Campbell. If Khan pulls off a win, he might be in line for a title shot at the end of the year. Khan's promoter Frank Warren says that his fighter really wanted the challenge of a fight with Barrera.

"This is the right fight for Amir at this stage of his career, and we hope it will bring out the best in him," said Warren. "Talking about fighting Barrera put a twinkle in his eye, and we've delivered it. This puts him well and truly on the world stage.

"Sometimes there are fights and fighters that you should grab when you get the opportunity. I think this is one of those moments. Facing Barrera will be the making of Amir. I can't think during my time in boxing of anyone who has stepped up to fight a quality opponent like Amir is doing after just 20 fights. That tells you something about him."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Roy Jones Jr. Eyes a Return on March 21 in Florida

The pounding that Joe Calzaghe dished out in November was not enough to convince Roy Jones Jr. (52-5, 38 KOs) to hang up the gloves. Jones, who turns 40 shortly, plans to return to the ring on March 21. He would like to return in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida and is currently in talks with the Pensacola Civic Center.

"They've been supporting me all these years, through good and bad," Jones told the Pensacola News Journal . "So I feel like I need to bring one back to them. This is my chance to bring one back here."

Jones appears confident that a deal can be reached with the venue, but if talks fall apart, he would return on the same date in Biloxi, Miss. No opponent has been named, but Jones was recently trying to land a fight with super middleweight Jermain Taylor.

 

[nobuo5626]

Nice

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

ESPN2 Friday Night Fights from 1/9

Yuriorkis Gamboa vs Roger Gonzalez

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4GZLI5JQ

__________________________________________________


Odlanier Solis vs Kevin Burnett

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=B8X9G4YI

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Erislandy Lara vs. Rodrigo Aguilar
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=89CT1LF4​

 

[Q-vo]

R.I.P. Jose Torres
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3843953

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

A light heavyweight great.

RIP Chegui.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Camacho defeats Sparkman

Middleweight Hector Camacho, Jr. (48-3, 27 KOs) pounded out a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over Sammy “Silk” Sparkman (20-18, 9 KOs) on Saturday night at the Rock Arena in Kissimmee, Florida. Camach dropped Sparkman in round five and rocked Sparkman numerous times, but the veteran Sparkman made it to the final bell. Scores were 100-89, 100-89, 99-90. After the fight, Camacho called for a showdown with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. “The fans want it,” he said. “It would be a historic fight. I want to get revenge for my father. It makes too much sense not to happen!” The card in Kissimmee was promoted by Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Finally, Tua vs Cameron is on

Heavyweights Shane “Mountain Warrior” Cameron (22 -1, 19 KOs) and David Tua (49-3-1, 42 KOs) have agreed to fight later on this year. Both have signed contracts with promotions company Duco. Ian Fraser, one time head of Television New Zealand, has joined forces with Duco to squeeze as much revenue out of the fight that’s being called “The Fight of the Century”. Tua still holds the honor of bringing in the most viewers to a sporting event in New Zealand history. Over one million New Zealanders tuned in to see his failed attempt to dethrone long time champ Lennox Lewis. Duco have yet to set out a venue and date and both Cameron and Tua are both expected to have tune-up bouts, so in all likelihood their showdown will take place around July or August.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Ricky Hatton Update

Ray Hatton: We won't be messed around

The father and manager of Ricky “The Hitman Hatton” told the UK Guardian newspaper, “We won’t be messed around!” in the on-going discussions with Team Pacquiao concerning their planned May 2nd mega bout. He stated, “We have the offer of another massive fight in the summer, in the British Isles, which would bring a crowd of 80,000 or more,” said Ray Hatton. “We are extremely serious in our threat that we will pull the plug on Pacquiao and go for that alternative if that contract is not signed. We will not be messed around.” Many people are speculating that this summer bout mention by Ricky’s father could be the return and re-match of “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather Jr. It is estimated that both Pacquiao and Hatton could earn $10-20m for a potential fight, and although no one disputes Pacquiao’s position as the “pound for pound” champion, Team Hatton have pointed to the vast army of fans that will travel to the live gate in the US and the additional UK PPV income that could see in excess of 1.0m buys, alone generating several million additional dollars to the main US PPV market. With the clock now ticking for the final negotations, this should be a key week in deciding whether one of the most anticipated fights of 2009 will take place.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Penalosa-Juanma in Puerto Rico

Gerry Penalosa will have his own stab at boxing glory by facing super bantamweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez behind enemy lines. Interviewed by DZSR’s “Sports Chat” Monday morning hosted by this writer, Lopez’ promoter Ivan Rivera revealed they have already agreed on an April 25 date, possibly at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Penalosa meanwhile is set to take a tune-up fight on February 21 in Cebu by facing Mexican German Meraz. In a separate interview Penalosa said he has accepted every detail of the offer and is now awaiting for the contract to formalize his second shot at the world super bantamweight crown.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Sylvester, Murat return Feb 28

Former European middleweight champion Sebastian Sylvester will have his first fight under the guidance of Karsten Rower on February 28 when he takes on Gaetano Nespro for the WBA International middleweight title at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany. In the co-featured main event, European super middleweight champion Karo Murat defends against former world champion Cristian Sanavia in a rematch.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Hide-Godfrey set for 3/6

“The Dancing Destroyer” will be back at the North Sea on March 6th. Herbie Hide will return to the Kugelbake-Halle in Cuxhaven, Germany, for his WBC Final Eliminator against Matt Godfrey. In his last fight on November 18th, Hide won an unexpectedly hard fought unanimous decision over Polish journeyman Lukasz Rusiewicz. “I was sick at that time and could not show my real power and speed”, says Herbie. “That’s why I am very happy that I can go back to Cuxhaven and show the people there the real “Dancing Destroyer”. I will get rid of Godfrey in style to go on and become cruiserweight champion of the world.”

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Estrada to undergo surgery

2008 US Olympian Shawn Estrada will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder this Wednesday in Los Angeles. Dr. Douglas E. Garland of the Southern California Center for Sports Medicine will perform the surgery for what is described as a decompression of the subacromial space. Dr. Garland expects the operation to be a complete success and that Estrada should be able to resume training within ninety days after the procedure. Estrada, who was scheduled to fight on January 24 in Minnesota and again on February 6 as the opening bout on Showtime’s ShoBox series at the Tachi Palace, will undergo rehab at Southern California Center for Sports Medicine. He is scheduled to return to the ring in April 2009.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Jones Jr. against Sheika?

Looks like four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. will return against Omar Sheika in a March PPV event. According to Jones’ hometown newspaper the Pensecola News Journal, the bout could take place March 21 at the Pensacola Civic Center. The 40-year-old Jones (52-5, 38 KOs) would be making an unusually quick comeback coming off his loss to Joe Calzaghe in November, while former world title challenger Sheika (27-8, 18 KOs) is taking only his second fight since 2005.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

GARY RUSSELL BREAKS FOE'S JAW IN PRO DEBUT

In Shobox' main event, 2000 Olympian Orlando Cruz (15-0-1 7 KOs) scored a one-punch knockout of Leonilo Miranda (30-1). This is another chapter to add to the Mexico vs Puerto Rico boxing rivalry. Miranda, a featherweight, came out and dominated the second round. He landed more punches while Cruz seemed tentative. In the third round, Miranda was again dominating. Miranda had his right eye swollen and he was bleeding from his nose even though he was winning the fight. Cruz rebounded in the fourth and had a good round. Miranda seemed to be losing steam and was keeping his hands low. Cruz was regarded as a weak puncher but landed a short left that rocked Miranda. Cruz scored a one-punch knockout with a perfectly timed short left hook at the :39 mark of round fie. Miranda had only fought in his home state of Sonora, Mexico and his lack of quality opponents was exposed. Shobox started off the year with a nice action packed show with none of their fights going the distance.

In a highly entertaining fight with little defense, Marvin Quintero (19-1 with 12 KOs) scored a TKO victory over former prospect Nick Casal (18-4-1 with 14 KOs) when Casal quit on his school after three rounds. Casal started out strong, getting inside Quintero's defense and landing a series of shots. Casal overcame his reach disadvantage as he stayed mostly on the inside. The second round was a different story as Quintero started to land shots and Casal didn't get inside where he had success in the first. Quintero easily won the round. The third round had Quintero landing almost every punch he threw. Casal didn't have an answer . He didn't seem in danger of being knocked down but after the bell sounded he quit on his stool, surprising his own trainer.

2008 U.S. Olympian Gary Russell, in his pro debut, stopped Antonio Reyes (3-3) in the third round. The featherweight Russell easily won the first round. He scored a second round knockdown via a right hook just before the end of the frame. Referee Steve Smoger warned Reyes he would stop the fight if he took more punishment and, true to his word, Smoger stopped the fight at the :21 mark of the third round. ShoBox signed off the air by reporting Reyes suffered a broken jaw.