Marcos Maidana’s unanimous decision over Adrien Broner was not the biggest upset of 2013.
Jhonny Gonzalez’s first-round stoppage of Abner Mares was far more shocking. Adonis Stevenson’s one-punch demolition of Chad Dawson was the most eye-catching, career-altering statement made by an underdog this year.
The boxing clinic Guillermo Rigondeaux put on against Nonito Donaire was a sound outclassing of a more proven “elite” boxer than Broner. Danny Garcia’s brilliant combination of boxing and fighting against formidable Lucas Matthysse made Twitter Nation eat its words.
And Shawn Porter, a lesser accomplished welterweight than Maidana, defeated a more accomplished welterweight than Broner, when he upset the defending IBF beltholder Devon Alexander to instantly advance from prospect to contender.
However, fans voted Maidana’s punishing victory over Broner as the Upset of the Year because it was the most pleasant surprise of 2103.
The often cynical boxing media and skeptical fans have come to expect humble fighters to come in second to better-talented and better-connected jerks, but that didn’t happen with Maidana-Broner, which garnered 45.3 percent of more than 1,700 votes on RingTV’s year-end award poll. Gonzalez’s opening-round blitzing of Marez came in second with 23.7 percent of the votes, and Rigondeaux’s schooling of Donaire received the third most votes with 13.5 percent.
But Maidana’s punishing victory definitely resonated within the boxing community, which is still apparently celebrating the upset.
Upset of the Year: Maidana UD 12 BronerMany fans and boxing writers who were fed up with Broner’s often disrespectful and sometimes vulgar antics hoped that Maidana’s heavy hands would be “the answer” to the combination of athletic ability, talent and tricky style that gave the undefeated Cincinnati native his nickname “The Problem.”
But most couldn’t pull the trigger on an “upset special” prediction for the Dec. 14 showdown in San Antonio. Maidana had come up short when he had faced other athletically gifted boxers, such as Amir Khan and Alexander, and superior technicians, such as Andreas Kotelnik. Even a thoroughly faded, one-eyed version of Erik Morales gave Maidana fits en route to a majority decision loss in 2011.
Beyond Maidana’s limitations, and perhaps thanks to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s immeasurable success, most boxing folks simply can’t help but believe that an obnoxious boxing talent will always outclass a hardnosed fighter of modest ability – or at the very least get the benefit of the doubt from the official judges (see Mayweather-Jose Luis Castillo I for an example).
Broner had his way on the scorecards in the two most difficult bouts of his career – decision victories over Daniel Ponce DeLeon and Paul Malignaggi. He got his way when he failed to make weight for his WBO junior lightweight title defense against Vicente Escobedo and then blew off the second-day weigh-in that was set up to salvage the HBO-televised bout. (Broner, who was unapologetic throughout the debacle, even went so far as to mock his failure to meet contractual obligations by Tweeting pics of Twinkies and Twix ice cream bars.)
So even those who thought Broner was not the same physical force at welterweight as he was at 130 and 135 pounds – where he won major belts – were hesitant to pick Maidana to beat The Problem simply because they couldn’t envision the straight-forward slugger getting a fair shake from the officials (especially in Texas, the unofficial home of boxing controversy in the United States).
Upset of the Year: Maidana UD 12 BronerMaidana didn’t receive the fairest treatment from referee Laurence Cole, who repeatedly warned Broner for elbowing and shoving tactics but never penalized the defending beltholder a point. Maidana was docked a point after headbutting Broner following his eighth-round knockdown, but Broner didn’t lose a point after he blatantly nailed Maidana with a hook after the bell ending the 11th round.
In Cole’s defense, it was not an easy 12 rounds to officiate as both fighters employed constant roughhouse tactics. But between all of the pushing, elbows, low blows and grappling, Maidana managed to significantly outwork and outland Broner in every round. And after the final punch was landed, the official judges gave boxing fans an early Christmas gift – they got it right.
Maidana finally won a big fight that was rightfully his, and boxing fans have acknowledged triumph by voting it the Upset of the Year.
http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/182719-upset-of-the-year-maidana-ud-12-broner
Knockout of the Year: Adonis Stevenson KO 1 Chad Dawson
Every sport has its acts of ownage. The slam dunk, the home run, the ace serve, the bull goring the matador – all very satisfying. Even better is when these moments of unleashing bring victory.
For boxing, that act is of course the knockout, and no amount of scolding fans for their underappreciation of technique will change the fact that a fighter hitting the canvas equals spectators jumping to their feet.
When it comes to naming the best, 2013 didn't have anything quite as scary as recent years' winners: Paul Williams' face-plant courtesy of Sergio Martinez; Fernando Montiel on his back, climbing an invisible ladder after a left hook from Nonito Donaire; or Juan Manuel Marquez's punch that left Manny Pacquiao unconscious for so long that trainer Freddie Roach later admitted he'd wondered, "Is he dead?" All were selected by an overwhelming percentage of readers.
This past year's KOs, though, had both high drama and significance, and in the end it came down to two main choices.
Sergey Kovalev took Ismayl Sillakh out with a right hand that might as well have been a Greyhound bus. That second-round demolition was picked by 7 percent of readers. Gennady Golovkin's third-round knockout of Nobuhiro Ishida, a man who had produced an award contender of his own in 2011 with his upset first-round annihilation of James Kirkland, was selected by 8.7 percent of those polled. Both Kovalev and Golovkin added extra pizzazz by sending their victims through the ropes, but both also did what was expected.
Lucas Matthysse also lived up to his brick-fisted reputation with a couple left hooks to Lamont Peterson's skull for a third-round knockout, which 12.4 percent of readers picked as the best stoppage of the year. Expected or not, though, no one considered Peterson to be a pushover going into the fight. What also made the KO significant was the fight it preceded; the ringside shots of Danny Garcia led many to say he was "scared" by what he'd just witnessed. That set up the storyline that would lead to a contender for Upset of the Year, when Garcia busted up Matthysse after most predicted he wouldn't last the distance against the Terminator-esque Argentine.
The no-hoper was Argenis Mendez's fourth-round knockout of Juan Carlos Salgado. Great punch, and meaningful in that Mendez won the IBF junior lightweight title, but you can't win the poll when no one's seen the fight. It got just 15 of the 1,272 votes cast for 1.2 percent.
The second-place finisher was Jhonny Gonzalez's first-round stoppage of Abner Mares for the WBC featherweight title, an enormous upset. It was also an incredible left hook that knocked Mares down and set up the KO. Watch the replay from the camera angle behind Gonzalez and you can see where the punch is headed; but watch the replay from the opposite angle – Mares' perspective – and you can see the brilliant optical illusion that Gonzalez engineered. By where he's altlooking and the initial dip of his shoulder, you'd swear Gonzalez was throwing a body shot, which is apparently what Mares thought as he lowered his elbow for protection. Turns out it was a laser-accurate hook upstairs (Watch it here starting at 7:04). Mares would get up but his brain was scrambled and the end was inevitable. Readers showed their appreciation for Gonzalez's accomplishment with 31.4 percent of the vote, and it's safe to say that 100 percent will be watching the rematch in February.
Which leaves this year's winner: Adonis Stevenson KO 1 Chad Dawson, with 39.3 percent of the vote.
Like Gonzalez-Mares, this was not only a monster KO, but also an upset and the second of four big wins in 2013 for Stevenson, who as a result is a surefire contender for Fighter of the Year.
But it was a monster KO. Sort of like Babe Ruth's "called shot" in the 1932 World Series, it was a case of "this is going to happen whether you like it or not." Unlike Ruth's celebrated moment, though, no one will have to argue about what Stevenson actually meant when he pointed his left fist at Dawson's head. This is my fist. That is your head. The two shall now meet. Hard.
Remember, this was a fight between Adonis Stevenson, a relatively unknown Haitian-Canadian, and Chad Dawson, the RING and WBC light heavyweight champion. And before you go bringing up Dawson's loss to super middleweight champ Andre Ward in his previous outing, please refer to the pre-fight photos in which the always-mellow "Sad Chad" looks like he had to shed the proverbial 21 grams of his soul to make weight. Whether or not his best days were behind him, a healthy Dawson was a known quantity. His mistake this time was underestimating his opponent.
With the win and the titles, Stevenson went on to his next challenge, though now with the stigma of being "just a puncher." Accordingly he was matched with another puncher, Tavoris Cloud, whom he outboxed before forcing a stoppage in the seventh round. He would then defeat British contender Tony Bellew with a sixth-round knockout. Before facing Dawson, he got some get-back by knocking out Darnell Boone, the only man who has yet beaten him.
Good year for Adonis. Good choice for Knockout of the Year.
Source
For boxing, that act is of course the knockout, and no amount of scolding fans for their underappreciation of technique will change the fact that a fighter hitting the canvas equals spectators jumping to their feet.
When it comes to naming the best, 2013 didn't have anything quite as scary as recent years' winners: Paul Williams' face-plant courtesy of Sergio Martinez; Fernando Montiel on his back, climbing an invisible ladder after a left hook from Nonito Donaire; or Juan Manuel Marquez's punch that left Manny Pacquiao unconscious for so long that trainer Freddie Roach later admitted he'd wondered, "Is he dead?" All were selected by an overwhelming percentage of readers.
This past year's KOs, though, had both high drama and significance, and in the end it came down to two main choices.
Sergey Kovalev took Ismayl Sillakh out with a right hand that might as well have been a Greyhound bus. That second-round demolition was picked by 7 percent of readers. Gennady Golovkin's third-round knockout of Nobuhiro Ishida, a man who had produced an award contender of his own in 2011 with his upset first-round annihilation of James Kirkland, was selected by 8.7 percent of those polled. Both Kovalev and Golovkin added extra pizzazz by sending their victims through the ropes, but both also did what was expected.
Lucas Matthysse also lived up to his brick-fisted reputation with a couple left hooks to Lamont Peterson's skull for a third-round knockout, which 12.4 percent of readers picked as the best stoppage of the year. Expected or not, though, no one considered Peterson to be a pushover going into the fight. What also made the KO significant was the fight it preceded; the ringside shots of Danny Garcia led many to say he was "scared" by what he'd just witnessed. That set up the storyline that would lead to a contender for Upset of the Year, when Garcia busted up Matthysse after most predicted he wouldn't last the distance against the Terminator-esque Argentine.
The no-hoper was Argenis Mendez's fourth-round knockout of Juan Carlos Salgado. Great punch, and meaningful in that Mendez won the IBF junior lightweight title, but you can't win the poll when no one's seen the fight. It got just 15 of the 1,272 votes cast for 1.2 percent.
The second-place finisher was Jhonny Gonzalez's first-round stoppage of Abner Mares for the WBC featherweight title, an enormous upset. It was also an incredible left hook that knocked Mares down and set up the KO. Watch the replay from the camera angle behind Gonzalez and you can see where the punch is headed; but watch the replay from the opposite angle – Mares' perspective – and you can see the brilliant optical illusion that Gonzalez engineered. By where he's altlooking and the initial dip of his shoulder, you'd swear Gonzalez was throwing a body shot, which is apparently what Mares thought as he lowered his elbow for protection. Turns out it was a laser-accurate hook upstairs (Watch it here starting at 7:04). Mares would get up but his brain was scrambled and the end was inevitable. Readers showed their appreciation for Gonzalez's accomplishment with 31.4 percent of the vote, and it's safe to say that 100 percent will be watching the rematch in February.
Which leaves this year's winner: Adonis Stevenson KO 1 Chad Dawson, with 39.3 percent of the vote.
Like Gonzalez-Mares, this was not only a monster KO, but also an upset and the second of four big wins in 2013 for Stevenson, who as a result is a surefire contender for Fighter of the Year.
But it was a monster KO. Sort of like Babe Ruth's "called shot" in the 1932 World Series, it was a case of "this is going to happen whether you like it or not." Unlike Ruth's celebrated moment, though, no one will have to argue about what Stevenson actually meant when he pointed his left fist at Dawson's head. This is my fist. That is your head. The two shall now meet. Hard.
Remember, this was a fight between Adonis Stevenson, a relatively unknown Haitian-Canadian, and Chad Dawson, the RING and WBC light heavyweight champion. And before you go bringing up Dawson's loss to super middleweight champ Andre Ward in his previous outing, please refer to the pre-fight photos in which the always-mellow "Sad Chad" looks like he had to shed the proverbial 21 grams of his soul to make weight. Whether or not his best days were behind him, a healthy Dawson was a known quantity. His mistake this time was underestimating his opponent.
With the win and the titles, Stevenson went on to his next challenge, though now with the stigma of being "just a puncher." Accordingly he was matched with another puncher, Tavoris Cloud, whom he outboxed before forcing a stoppage in the seventh round. He would then defeat British contender Tony Bellew with a sixth-round knockout. Before facing Dawson, he got some get-back by knocking out Darnell Boone, the only man who has yet beaten him.
Good year for Adonis. Good choice for Knockout of the Year.
Source
Timothy Bradley Vs Ruslan Provodnikov: Boxing 101′s “Fight of the Year” for 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
The justification for this selection goes beyond it simply being a brutal, action-packed, exciting 12 rounds where both men gave it everything they had. While that certainly was the case, this fight was special for other reasons.
At the heart of this mega-drama is Bradley. Coming off a highly controversial split decision win over Manny Pacquiao in June 2012, the undefeated Bradley was at a crossroads. Instead of enjoying the fruits of his labor at an all-time career high, the undefeated Bradley hit rock bottom following the Pacquiao victory. Given universally no acknowledgement of or credit for defeating the Filipino star and enduring senseless threats against his family, Bradley was no longer fighting merely to defend his new title but rather to gain the respect he so desperately craved.
Bradley, a skilled boxer with limited punching power, stated that he would go toe-to-toe with the heavy-handed Provodnikov in an attempt to show the world who had so readily dismissed him that he was a worthy champion. While one could understand why Bradley would plan such a strategy, it was a notion that was difficult to envision actually being executed given his careful and precise boxing style.
It wasn't Provodnikov's style that was in question heading into the fight – the Russian was a straight ahead, sledge-hammering brawler who had stopped 15 of his 23 previous foes and there was no reason to believe he would employ any different tactics against Bradley. What was in question was his ability to rise above ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" prospect level to face a world class opponent on the big stage of HBO in his first world title fight.
Each man did not disappoint. Bradley stuck to his word, drastically deviating from his conservative yet effective style and slugged it out with a slugger. He was in danger of being stopped within the first six minutes, was staggered numerous times during the contest and forced to take a knee in the final seconds of Round 12.
Provodnikov emerged as a legitimate and very scary contender in a stacked welterweight division, overcoming fatigue and a swollen left eye to go the distance and give Bradley all he could handle in an intense and thrilling battle.
Bradley did enough to not only maintain his WBO welterweight title via close unanimous decision and push his record to 30-0, he captured a new found respect and admiration from many who had once disregarded him, Boxing 101 being among them.
Source
Floyd Mayweather: Posts go viral
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Perhaps reminding fans, and Pacquiao himself, he personally called PacMan in January 2012 to negotiate terms for a superfight, Mayweather took to Facebook and Twitter on Monday to post a collection of "Christmas card" photos that mocked the Filipino's response to Mayweather's proposal and Pacquiao's recent turbulence inside and outside the ring.
In the photos, Mayweather's $40 million superfight offer is rejected as Pacquiao, at the time, demanded a "50/50" purse split or nothing at all.
Back then, Manny insisted, "He said he will guarantee me $40 million but I won't have any share on the pay-per-view and other sources of revenue."
The ensuing frame shows an unconscious Pacquiao "sleeping" on the canvas after being knocked out by Marquez.
Current shares thus far on Floyd's Facebook page: 32,244
Read more
Mayweather versus Pacquiao – What Can a Fan Do to Make it Happen?
Friday, December 27, 2013
For going on five years, boxing writers, fans, fighters, enthusiasts, aficionados and celebrities have talked about a Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao mega-fight. But, for an abundance of reasons which we may never really know, it still hasn’t materialized. So, what can a fan do to make this showdown finally take place?
Social media may be the only answer. It gives the everyday Joes a voice, a place to voice opinions, and really let the world know where they’re coming from. Today, this photo was posted on Floyd Mayweather’s Facebook page, so I urge you to comment. Let Mayweather know that he has everything to gain by making this fight finally happen.
As you can see, by posting this photo, Mayweather’s camp has acknowledged the value of social media and, of course, the incredibly lucrative potential this fight has.
So, be creative with your Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Facebook, Youtube and blog postings. There’s nothing better than a hilarious, or controversial video that goes viral and picks up enough steam to really get noticed. Look at Elie Seckbach. This guy went from boxing fan boy to lightweight celebrity on the strength of some clever, controversial video posts. Now, he probably even collects ad revenue from Youtube based on the traffic he generates for the site.
Also, don’t be afraid to talk smack. Sometimes that’s exactly the type of rhetoric that gets noticed by fighters, promoters, writers, and fans. We need to kick up the rumor mill even more so Mayweather, Pacquiao, and their camps have no other recourse than to make this fight happen. Now, please don’t be ignorant, racist, or disrespectful like a lot of boxing fans. But, if you’re imaginative, clever, and have a unique voice, you too may see some ad revenue.
http://www.boxinginsider.com/
Social media may be the only answer. It gives the everyday Joes a voice, a place to voice opinions, and really let the world know where they’re coming from. Today, this photo was posted on Floyd Mayweather’s Facebook page, so I urge you to comment. Let Mayweather know that he has everything to gain by making this fight finally happen.
As you can see, by posting this photo, Mayweather’s camp has acknowledged the value of social media and, of course, the incredibly lucrative potential this fight has.
So, be creative with your Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Facebook, Youtube and blog postings. There’s nothing better than a hilarious, or controversial video that goes viral and picks up enough steam to really get noticed. Look at Elie Seckbach. This guy went from boxing fan boy to lightweight celebrity on the strength of some clever, controversial video posts. Now, he probably even collects ad revenue from Youtube based on the traffic he generates for the site.
Also, don’t be afraid to talk smack. Sometimes that’s exactly the type of rhetoric that gets noticed by fighters, promoters, writers, and fans. We need to kick up the rumor mill even more so Mayweather, Pacquiao, and their camps have no other recourse than to make this fight happen. Now, please don’t be ignorant, racist, or disrespectful like a lot of boxing fans. But, if you’re imaginative, clever, and have a unique voice, you too may see some ad revenue.
http://www.boxinginsider.com/
Op-Ed: Why Mike Tyson roots for Manny Pacquiao
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Manny Pacquiao's improved fighting style and new-found skills as shown in his last encounter with Brandon Rios in Macau, caught the attention of former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, saying Pacquiao was sensational against Rios in that fight.
In a recent interview on Sportsnation by host Max Kellerman, Tyson talked a little bit about Pacquiao's fighting style.
Asked which of the present big-time fighters he enjoyed most watching, Tyson said Pacquiao looked "sensational" in his fight against Rios.
“No fighter, in the years I have witnessed, looked more sensational than Pacquiao looked the other night,” Tyson said after watching the fight before the interview. “Name a fighter that looked more sensational than Pacquiao the other night.”
Marcellus Wiley, the co-host of the show, mentioned Mayweather's name during the discussion, but Tyson qualified his comments, saying he did not say who is the better fighter.
“That’s shows you’re a neophyte in boxing. You don’t know much about boxing,” Tyson told Wiley. “No one said who was better. I said there’s nobody in boxing who looked as sensational as Pacquiao looked against Rios,” he added, clarifying that his choice was entirely based on who he wanted to watch, not who was the better boxer.
Tyson, who lost just once in 45 outings before losing to Evander Holyfield twice, noticed that Pacquiao has "transitioned into a better fighter, comparing him to Willie Pep, who was noted for his speed when he dominated the featherweight division in the 1960's."
Pacquiao has evidently matured as a person and as a fighter as shown in his ring dominance against Rios. He was visibly cautious even when there was an opportunity to go for a knockout as every fight fan would expect.
More: http://www.digitaljournal.com/
In a recent interview on Sportsnation by host Max Kellerman, Tyson talked a little bit about Pacquiao's fighting style.
Asked which of the present big-time fighters he enjoyed most watching, Tyson said Pacquiao looked "sensational" in his fight against Rios.
“No fighter, in the years I have witnessed, looked more sensational than Pacquiao looked the other night,” Tyson said after watching the fight before the interview. “Name a fighter that looked more sensational than Pacquiao the other night.”
Marcellus Wiley, the co-host of the show, mentioned Mayweather's name during the discussion, but Tyson qualified his comments, saying he did not say who is the better fighter.
“That’s shows you’re a neophyte in boxing. You don’t know much about boxing,” Tyson told Wiley. “No one said who was better. I said there’s nobody in boxing who looked as sensational as Pacquiao looked against Rios,” he added, clarifying that his choice was entirely based on who he wanted to watch, not who was the better boxer.
Tyson, who lost just once in 45 outings before losing to Evander Holyfield twice, noticed that Pacquiao has "transitioned into a better fighter, comparing him to Willie Pep, who was noted for his speed when he dominated the featherweight division in the 1960's."
Pacquiao has evidently matured as a person and as a fighter as shown in his ring dominance against Rios. He was visibly cautious even when there was an opportunity to go for a knockout as every fight fan would expect.
More: http://www.digitaljournal.com/
MIGUEL COTTO: "I WANT TO GO WITH MARTINEZ"
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
"I want to go with Martinez," stated three-division world champion Miguel Cotto, who held an informal luncheon today with select members of the local media at the Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico earlier today, announcing his intentions to move forward with a planned June 7 showdown with middleweight king Sergio Martinez. Though he finally made his future plans officially known, FightHype.com readers were already aware that the proposed bout was essentially a done deal after sources informed us that Cotto's mind was already made up and he was only entertaining the idea of fighting Canelo in hopes of driving up his guarantee for the Martinez bout.
While details of the bout have yet to be finalized, Cotto confirmed that it will indeed take place on June 7 and his preference is to fight at Madison Square Garden. "My history is at Madison Square Garden and I want to fight there," explained Cotto, who also emphasized that his main priority is to become the first Puerto Rican to capture a world title in four weight divisions. ""My priority is to seek a fourth world title and we are hopeful that it will be against Martinez," he added. "If you look at the trajectory of Martinez, he has never been a full 160 pounds. He always comes in at 155, 157 pounds, and that's a factor."
http://www.fighthype.com/news/article15860.html
While details of the bout have yet to be finalized, Cotto confirmed that it will indeed take place on June 7 and his preference is to fight at Madison Square Garden. "My history is at Madison Square Garden and I want to fight there," explained Cotto, who also emphasized that his main priority is to become the first Puerto Rican to capture a world title in four weight divisions. ""My priority is to seek a fourth world title and we are hopeful that it will be against Martinez," he added. "If you look at the trajectory of Martinez, he has never been a full 160 pounds. He always comes in at 155, 157 pounds, and that's a factor."
http://www.fighthype.com/news/article15860.html
Nothing Can Get Floyd Mayweather to Fight Manny Pacquiao; Now We Know Why
The things Floyd Mayweather says are frequently at odds with the things he does, so predicting his moves based on his comments can be a foolish task. But a recent interview with “Fight Hype” makes it abundantly clear he won’t fight Manny Pacquiao next year or any other year, not even if pressured by boxing godfather Al Haymon, his manager/advisor.
It’s obvious that Pacquiao is very much on Floyd’s mind. He, not the interviewer, raises the issue: “We all know the Pacquiao fight, at this particular time, will never happen. And the reason the fight won’t happen is because I will never do business with Bob Arum again in life.”
He goes on to say, still not asked about the subject, “I will give you two reasons the Pacquiao fight is not going to happen.” First he repeats his pledge never to do business with Arum, and then he adds, “And I want to see Manny Pacquiao’s real pay-per-view numbers.” Get the numbers, he says, “from his last fight and compare them with my pay-per-view numbers with Canelo Alvarez.”
This declaration is ridiculous, misleading, and downright false. It also insults the intelligence of fans. You don’t tell a fighter to quit his promoter and then maybe you’ll fight him. That’s like saying, “I may fight you if you lick the soles of my shoes. On camera. Naked.” What he’s really saying is “I won’t fight you.”
Why all this outrage with Arum? Mayweather doesn’t claim Arum stole any money from him because if he did he’d be sued and lose plenty. I don’t like everything Arum does, but I know of no instance when he’s been sued by anyone claiming Arum shorted-changed him on the money. Doesn’t happen. He honors his contracts. So what’s the problem? We’re supposed to believe that because you don’t like just one guy in a fighter’s considerably large entourage that you refuse to fight him and pick up $95 million or more?
More: http://www.boxinginsider.com/
It’s obvious that Pacquiao is very much on Floyd’s mind. He, not the interviewer, raises the issue: “We all know the Pacquiao fight, at this particular time, will never happen. And the reason the fight won’t happen is because I will never do business with Bob Arum again in life.”
He goes on to say, still not asked about the subject, “I will give you two reasons the Pacquiao fight is not going to happen.” First he repeats his pledge never to do business with Arum, and then he adds, “And I want to see Manny Pacquiao’s real pay-per-view numbers.” Get the numbers, he says, “from his last fight and compare them with my pay-per-view numbers with Canelo Alvarez.”
This declaration is ridiculous, misleading, and downright false. It also insults the intelligence of fans. You don’t tell a fighter to quit his promoter and then maybe you’ll fight him. That’s like saying, “I may fight you if you lick the soles of my shoes. On camera. Naked.” What he’s really saying is “I won’t fight you.”
Why all this outrage with Arum? Mayweather doesn’t claim Arum stole any money from him because if he did he’d be sued and lose plenty. I don’t like everything Arum does, but I know of no instance when he’s been sued by anyone claiming Arum shorted-changed him on the money. Doesn’t happen. He honors his contracts. So what’s the problem? We’re supposed to believe that because you don’t like just one guy in a fighter’s considerably large entourage that you refuse to fight him and pick up $95 million or more?
More: http://www.boxinginsider.com/
Holiday Cheer For a Possible Cotto-Martinez Matchup
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
The word on the street is that the Miguel “Angel” Cotto vs. Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez fight, is almost signed, sealed, and delivered. I myself am very excited for this fight as it pits two of the best boxers of this era against each other, for what will certainly be a super fight in June of 2014.
I have no doubts that Maravilla will be the betting favorite going into this fight. After all he is the reigning lineal middleweight champion of the world, the naturally bigger man, who posses that rare blend of speed and power that is seldom seen in this sport. He is a guy who can box and bang with the best of thee, a fighter who owns victories over the likes of Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
If it materializes as expected, Cotto will attempt to move up yet another weight class, in an effort to capture a title in a fourth weight division, A feat never achieved by any other Puerto Rican champion in the history of the sport. He will come in as the much smaller man. As we know, even as a junior middleweight, he is almost always the little guy in the ring, come fight night.
What makes this fight such an interesting matchup is very simple. We have the true middle weight champion of the world; arguably still a top five pound for pound fighter in the world, matched up against, one of the few real superstars, and boxing greats of this era. Many now think that Sergio’s bests days are behind him, and that his recent string of injuries and subsequent surgeries, have damaged him just enough to make him very vulnerable against a guy as skilled as Cotto. Those same people probably see Cotto as a surging fighter, making his final run, in an attempt to solidify his boxing legacy.
Those that think that Miguel Cotto can win this fight will point at Sergio’s last fight against Martin Murray and say he was given a gift decision in his home country of Argentina. They will still have a fresh memory of Chavez Jr. almost knocking Sergio out in the 12th round of their fight. They were probably very impressed with the way that Miguel Cotto dispatched, the always tough Delvin Rodriguez, in just 3 rounds, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. They take that as an indication that Miguel has turned back the clock style wise, and that Freddy Roach’s all out offensive training style, is just what the doctor ordered, to get the best out of Miguel.
Those favoring Sergio will say that he is just too big for Miguel even at this stage in his career. That his advantages in size, speed and power will be too much for the Boricua warrior. They will say that Sergio was still injured going into that Murray fight, and will view the extended time off as a positive, an opportunity for him to heal his deteriorating body. But mostly they will say, that Sergio Martinez is no Delvin Rodriguez.
A few years ago this fight would not have been seen, as a very competitive bout. Sergio was just that good, and Miguel was considered a damaged fighter at the time. In this sport, perception is heavily swayed, by the “what have you done for me lately.” For that reason, it is now viewed as a very evenly matched bout. I am not making an official pick yet. However if you put a gun to my head ask me today, who would win. I would have to lean toward Sergio by stoppage mid rounds, putting an end to my favorite fighter’s career. I sure hope that my preliminary prediction is entirely wrong. How do you think this fight will play out? Happy Holidays folks, see you at the fights!
http://thaboxingvoice.com/
I have no doubts that Maravilla will be the betting favorite going into this fight. After all he is the reigning lineal middleweight champion of the world, the naturally bigger man, who posses that rare blend of speed and power that is seldom seen in this sport. He is a guy who can box and bang with the best of thee, a fighter who owns victories over the likes of Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
If it materializes as expected, Cotto will attempt to move up yet another weight class, in an effort to capture a title in a fourth weight division, A feat never achieved by any other Puerto Rican champion in the history of the sport. He will come in as the much smaller man. As we know, even as a junior middleweight, he is almost always the little guy in the ring, come fight night.
What makes this fight such an interesting matchup is very simple. We have the true middle weight champion of the world; arguably still a top five pound for pound fighter in the world, matched up against, one of the few real superstars, and boxing greats of this era. Many now think that Sergio’s bests days are behind him, and that his recent string of injuries and subsequent surgeries, have damaged him just enough to make him very vulnerable against a guy as skilled as Cotto. Those same people probably see Cotto as a surging fighter, making his final run, in an attempt to solidify his boxing legacy.
Those that think that Miguel Cotto can win this fight will point at Sergio’s last fight against Martin Murray and say he was given a gift decision in his home country of Argentina. They will still have a fresh memory of Chavez Jr. almost knocking Sergio out in the 12th round of their fight. They were probably very impressed with the way that Miguel Cotto dispatched, the always tough Delvin Rodriguez, in just 3 rounds, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. They take that as an indication that Miguel has turned back the clock style wise, and that Freddy Roach’s all out offensive training style, is just what the doctor ordered, to get the best out of Miguel.
Those favoring Sergio will say that he is just too big for Miguel even at this stage in his career. That his advantages in size, speed and power will be too much for the Boricua warrior. They will say that Sergio was still injured going into that Murray fight, and will view the extended time off as a positive, an opportunity for him to heal his deteriorating body. But mostly they will say, that Sergio Martinez is no Delvin Rodriguez.
A few years ago this fight would not have been seen, as a very competitive bout. Sergio was just that good, and Miguel was considered a damaged fighter at the time. In this sport, perception is heavily swayed, by the “what have you done for me lately.” For that reason, it is now viewed as a very evenly matched bout. I am not making an official pick yet. However if you put a gun to my head ask me today, who would win. I would have to lean toward Sergio by stoppage mid rounds, putting an end to my favorite fighter’s career. I sure hope that my preliminary prediction is entirely wrong. How do you think this fight will play out? Happy Holidays folks, see you at the fights!
http://thaboxingvoice.com/
IS MAYWEATHER NOW READY TO FACE PACQUIAO?
Monday, December 23, 2013
The coming year is ideal for the fight to happen, should it ever get to be made. If not 2014, then count everything nice hereunder to be profound poetry or plain satire.
Don’t get him wrong. The American top dog is ready to face his biggest challenge anytime soon though he seems to be currently using the PPV numbers comparison as an excuse to avoid a persistent public outcry for him to face the Filipino icon.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has evolved into a braver man who now utters oddities not to duck Manny Pacquiao. His latest “Pacquiao is not on my level” is meant merely to gain maximum leverage for future “Mayweather-Pacquiao” negotiations, and for money purposes. He guarantees that the long-awaited bout has nothing to do with running away from the eight-division champion anymore. Floyd swears that at the end of the day, all boil down to boxing as business or business as boxing.
To help ease complexities surrounding the issues involved, it is wise that both camps shun hubris and refrain from mentioning any other names as possible opponents for their respective wards if they cannot mention just the names Pacquiao and Mayweather; and if they’re serious in making the fight happen. Pardon the pundits whose opinions achieve nothing but build obstructions to the mega bout.
The fight is supposed to be between Pacquiao and Mayweather. But why the people around them are the ones on war with each other for the past four years while the two confused boxers have yet to come to terms to unleash their salvo? Thus it is incumbent for the pound-for-pound superstars to personally initiate the talk and it is up to Pacquiao to grab the phone if Mayweather is too proud to do it. Floyd wears Reebok brand, hence Pacman has to prove his own: JUST DO IT.
Money May spoke from his inner recesses when for the first time he categorically stated on video, “I am not afraid of Pacquiao.” Believe him when he said that. Mayweather has perhaps totally overcome his dread of Pacquiao, for he has to, and because no fight can bring so much money for Money but Manny. Besides, it’s the sole, single option left for him. Who or what else but Mayweather’s subdued scare of Pacquiao can bring out the best in Floyd (inside the ring)? And what bane but Mayweather’s live scare of Pacquiao can bring out the worst in Floyd (outside the ring)?
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Would you allow your man’s sterling record to go down the drain on account of just one important fight he is not willing to make? Won’t you do him the greatest favour of his life as a boxer, to let him be complete and declared as among the “all time bests” in the sport by holding ground with him against tendencies to surrender to a dare? Can’t you stir up his heart and soul enough to keep him awake at night or put him in deep slumbers to visualize “Pacquiao in May 2014” everytime?
Will you do something about his plight if you truly care?
Or, would you rather have your treasured prop be eternally hated and lampooned whose memory exudes an offending “aroma” at the mention of his name than have him stand as a model and inspiration for your children and your children’s children to emulate and follow? Can you endure the weight of him being possibly labeled and known to the coming generations as history’s worst boxing “champion” should he fail to heed his new found courage by dodging Pacman for no reason? And at a time when the fight with his arch-rival makes sense and matters?
Why deprive the outside world of seeing your toddler become a full grown warrior? For what cause do you prevent him from coming out of his cocoon? What speck or mote blocks you from discovering the light, or from sharing the light to your champ? When will you be a true friend to him?
http://philboxing.com/
Don’t get him wrong. The American top dog is ready to face his biggest challenge anytime soon though he seems to be currently using the PPV numbers comparison as an excuse to avoid a persistent public outcry for him to face the Filipino icon.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has evolved into a braver man who now utters oddities not to duck Manny Pacquiao. His latest “Pacquiao is not on my level” is meant merely to gain maximum leverage for future “Mayweather-Pacquiao” negotiations, and for money purposes. He guarantees that the long-awaited bout has nothing to do with running away from the eight-division champion anymore. Floyd swears that at the end of the day, all boil down to boxing as business or business as boxing.
To help ease complexities surrounding the issues involved, it is wise that both camps shun hubris and refrain from mentioning any other names as possible opponents for their respective wards if they cannot mention just the names Pacquiao and Mayweather; and if they’re serious in making the fight happen. Pardon the pundits whose opinions achieve nothing but build obstructions to the mega bout.
The fight is supposed to be between Pacquiao and Mayweather. But why the people around them are the ones on war with each other for the past four years while the two confused boxers have yet to come to terms to unleash their salvo? Thus it is incumbent for the pound-for-pound superstars to personally initiate the talk and it is up to Pacquiao to grab the phone if Mayweather is too proud to do it. Floyd wears Reebok brand, hence Pacman has to prove his own: JUST DO IT.
Money May spoke from his inner recesses when for the first time he categorically stated on video, “I am not afraid of Pacquiao.” Believe him when he said that. Mayweather has perhaps totally overcome his dread of Pacquiao, for he has to, and because no fight can bring so much money for Money but Manny. Besides, it’s the sole, single option left for him. Who or what else but Mayweather’s subdued scare of Pacquiao can bring out the best in Floyd (inside the ring)? And what bane but Mayweather’s live scare of Pacquiao can bring out the worst in Floyd (outside the ring)?
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Would you allow your man’s sterling record to go down the drain on account of just one important fight he is not willing to make? Won’t you do him the greatest favour of his life as a boxer, to let him be complete and declared as among the “all time bests” in the sport by holding ground with him against tendencies to surrender to a dare? Can’t you stir up his heart and soul enough to keep him awake at night or put him in deep slumbers to visualize “Pacquiao in May 2014” everytime?
Will you do something about his plight if you truly care?
Or, would you rather have your treasured prop be eternally hated and lampooned whose memory exudes an offending “aroma” at the mention of his name than have him stand as a model and inspiration for your children and your children’s children to emulate and follow? Can you endure the weight of him being possibly labeled and known to the coming generations as history’s worst boxing “champion” should he fail to heed his new found courage by dodging Pacman for no reason? And at a time when the fight with his arch-rival makes sense and matters?
Why deprive the outside world of seeing your toddler become a full grown warrior? For what cause do you prevent him from coming out of his cocoon? What speck or mote blocks you from discovering the light, or from sharing the light to your champ? When will you be a true friend to him?
http://philboxing.com/
Chris John retires with 48-1-3 mark
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Chris John, who held a featherweight world title for nine years and made 18 successful defenses, announced his retirement Thursday in a ceremony carried on national television in Indonesia, where he is an icon and the nation's most famous athlete.
The 34-year-old John (48-1-3, 22 KOs) had hoped to reach 50-0-3 and retire undefeated. However, on Dec. 6 in Perth, Australia, Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa scored a major upset. John, known as "The Dragon," got knocked down and eventually retired on his stool after the sixth round, losing his title, his undefeated record and a chance to tie International Boxing Hall of Famer Eusebio Pedroza's division record of 19 title defenses of a 126-pound world title.
"Now that I have achieved more than I have ever dreamt of in my career, I would like to formally announce my retirement," John said at the ceremony, which took place at the television studios of RCTI, the Indonesian national network that carried his fights. "I would like to give back to the sport of boxing, which has been so good to me and given me and my family a better life, and continue to represent Indonesia as best as I can.
"Most importantly, now I will spend time with my wife and children. The most important title I have held in my life is father."
John won an interim belt by split decision against Oscar Leon in 2003, was elevated to a full titleholder in 2004, and outpointed Osamu Sato in Sato's home country of Japan to begin a remarkable run that saw him defend his title in five countries: Indonesia, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore.
"My first defense of my title was against Osamu Sato in Japan. I knew it would be very hard to win against a Japanese in Japan because they are all warriors," John said. "But I knew I had to represent my people of Indonesia and make them proud. This was a very special moment in my career."
When Vetyeka ended John's reign, he had been the longest active world titleholder in boxing and had become so famous in Indonesia that the president of the country would meet with him after his victories.
The biggest win of John's career came in 2006, when he outpointed Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez in Indonesia.
Although in the later years of his career John did not face the elite of the featherweight division, he did score some notable victories during his long reign, including against former titleholder Derrick Gainer, longtime contender Rocky Juarez and countryman Daud Cino Yordan in 2011 in the biggest fight in Indonesian history.
More: http://espn.go.com/
The 34-year-old John (48-1-3, 22 KOs) had hoped to reach 50-0-3 and retire undefeated. However, on Dec. 6 in Perth, Australia, Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa scored a major upset. John, known as "The Dragon," got knocked down and eventually retired on his stool after the sixth round, losing his title, his undefeated record and a chance to tie International Boxing Hall of Famer Eusebio Pedroza's division record of 19 title defenses of a 126-pound world title.
"Now that I have achieved more than I have ever dreamt of in my career, I would like to formally announce my retirement," John said at the ceremony, which took place at the television studios of RCTI, the Indonesian national network that carried his fights. "I would like to give back to the sport of boxing, which has been so good to me and given me and my family a better life, and continue to represent Indonesia as best as I can.
"Most importantly, now I will spend time with my wife and children. The most important title I have held in my life is father."
John won an interim belt by split decision against Oscar Leon in 2003, was elevated to a full titleholder in 2004, and outpointed Osamu Sato in Sato's home country of Japan to begin a remarkable run that saw him defend his title in five countries: Indonesia, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore.
"My first defense of my title was against Osamu Sato in Japan. I knew it would be very hard to win against a Japanese in Japan because they are all warriors," John said. "But I knew I had to represent my people of Indonesia and make them proud. This was a very special moment in my career."
When Vetyeka ended John's reign, he had been the longest active world titleholder in boxing and had become so famous in Indonesia that the president of the country would meet with him after his victories.
The biggest win of John's career came in 2006, when he outpointed Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez in Indonesia.
Although in the later years of his career John did not face the elite of the featherweight division, he did score some notable victories during his long reign, including against former titleholder Derrick Gainer, longtime contender Rocky Juarez and countryman Daud Cino Yordan in 2011 in the biggest fight in Indonesian history.
More: http://espn.go.com/
FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR: “MY SON WOULDN’T MIND TAKING A FIGHT WITH MARCOS MAIDANA RIGHT AFTER HE GETS THROUGH WITH AMIR KHAN!”
It has been less than a week since one of the most controversial boxers in the sport met defeat at the hands of a hard hitting Argentinian welterweight. Adrien Broner lost via unanimous decision to Marcos Maidana, and with the loss came a tremendous amount of backlash from fans and media that felt his accomplishments did not warrant his behavior. In part 1 of my interview with Floyd Mayweather Sr, I get his thoughts on the Broner-Maidana result, and get his views on where Broner goes from here. Senior also discusses the possibility of training Adrien Broner, and if he thinks he can improve with his style. In addition Floyd speaks on the future of his son, if Amir Khan is next, and if Mayweather Jr. would take a fight with Maidana. Here is what Floyd Mayweather Sr. had to say.
JENNA J:
Floyd, I’m happy to once again have you on the show, I’m proud to announce that the fans of our show have named you the 2013 Trainer of the Year, it’s one of the first awards given out this year. How do you feel that the fans are acknowledging your work this past year?
FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR:
I’m overly excited about it, I said one time before that I didn’t even care about any awards, they can say what they say, but I’ll be very happy to accept the award.
JENNA:
It’s because of the year that you had, you led your son to two victories over Robert Guerrero and Canelo Alvarez. How do you feel about the two performances that you trained your son for?
MAYWEATHER SR:
I feel really, really happy about it because I feel happy about what I did and also my son is still happy about what I did, so two A+’s. We can’t do nothing with that right there but accept it and run with it. He looked fantastic in both fights to me.
JENNA:
They are already talking about what’s next for your son, I’m sure you’re on the inside track. Is it looking like Amir Khan or are there other options out there?
MAYWEATHER SR:
I’m gonna tell you this right here, to be honest with you, to me it looks like Amir Khan, but I don’t think Amir Khan is gonna want to fight because Amir Khan is gonna be fighting King Kong. So you know how that’s gonna end up being.
JENNA:
Floyd, one thing I want to get your views on from a trainers perspective, this past weekend we saw Adrien Broner who has tried to adapt his own style that looks like Floyd’s style, he recently lost to Marcos Maidana. I’m curious what did you think of that fight?
MAYWEATHER SR:
I’m gonna be honest with you, everything that he was saying about how good his defense is better than Floyd’s and this and that. He had been talking about all that kind of stuff, and “Floyd’s my big brother” blah blah blah. When Broner finally fought and the way he looked, you know, I’ll be honest, I want to train Broner and bring him back to the top.
I will have a talk with Broner to as well, if it happens. I will have a talk with Broner too and let him know that all that mouth ain’t where it’s at. You don’t fight with your mouth, you fight with your legs, your feet, your hands and your mind. I wanna talk to Broner as well as teach him, groom him and show him how to be a real professional, just like the guy he was talking about.
Him and Floyd are two different entities. Him and Floyd is nothing alike, in no kind of way, in fighting or anything else. I’d like to take Broner and if he wants to fight like Floyd, I can teach him how to fight that style and protect yourself at the same time, which right now he’s not doing. The guy kept hitting him with right hands and hooks and everything. I can teach him everything, I can teach him how to stop all of that. The same way I taught my son.
JENNA:
Now Floyd, the fight that Broner had with Maidana, he was getting hit a lot. He was trying to use the roll of shoulder style, but he was getting hit with a lot of overhand rights. I’m curious, why did you think Maidana style was such a trouble for Broner?
More: http://otrboxingradio.com/
JENNA J:
Floyd, I’m happy to once again have you on the show, I’m proud to announce that the fans of our show have named you the 2013 Trainer of the Year, it’s one of the first awards given out this year. How do you feel that the fans are acknowledging your work this past year?
FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR:
I’m overly excited about it, I said one time before that I didn’t even care about any awards, they can say what they say, but I’ll be very happy to accept the award.
JENNA:
It’s because of the year that you had, you led your son to two victories over Robert Guerrero and Canelo Alvarez. How do you feel about the two performances that you trained your son for?
MAYWEATHER SR:
I feel really, really happy about it because I feel happy about what I did and also my son is still happy about what I did, so two A+’s. We can’t do nothing with that right there but accept it and run with it. He looked fantastic in both fights to me.
JENNA:
They are already talking about what’s next for your son, I’m sure you’re on the inside track. Is it looking like Amir Khan or are there other options out there?
MAYWEATHER SR:
I’m gonna tell you this right here, to be honest with you, to me it looks like Amir Khan, but I don’t think Amir Khan is gonna want to fight because Amir Khan is gonna be fighting King Kong. So you know how that’s gonna end up being.
JENNA:
Floyd, one thing I want to get your views on from a trainers perspective, this past weekend we saw Adrien Broner who has tried to adapt his own style that looks like Floyd’s style, he recently lost to Marcos Maidana. I’m curious what did you think of that fight?
MAYWEATHER SR:
I’m gonna be honest with you, everything that he was saying about how good his defense is better than Floyd’s and this and that. He had been talking about all that kind of stuff, and “Floyd’s my big brother” blah blah blah. When Broner finally fought and the way he looked, you know, I’ll be honest, I want to train Broner and bring him back to the top.
I will have a talk with Broner to as well, if it happens. I will have a talk with Broner too and let him know that all that mouth ain’t where it’s at. You don’t fight with your mouth, you fight with your legs, your feet, your hands and your mind. I wanna talk to Broner as well as teach him, groom him and show him how to be a real professional, just like the guy he was talking about.
Him and Floyd are two different entities. Him and Floyd is nothing alike, in no kind of way, in fighting or anything else. I’d like to take Broner and if he wants to fight like Floyd, I can teach him how to fight that style and protect yourself at the same time, which right now he’s not doing. The guy kept hitting him with right hands and hooks and everything. I can teach him everything, I can teach him how to stop all of that. The same way I taught my son.
JENNA:
Now Floyd, the fight that Broner had with Maidana, he was getting hit a lot. He was trying to use the roll of shoulder style, but he was getting hit with a lot of overhand rights. I’m curious, why did you think Maidana style was such a trouble for Broner?
More: http://otrboxingradio.com/
Marcos Maidana vs Lucas Matthysse: A Storm is Brewing
Saturday, December 21, 2013
By In the immediate aftermath of Marcos Maidana’s stunning victory over Adrien Broner he was quizzed on the possibility of fighting in his native Argentina. Then, suddenly, after months have elapsed without as much as the mere mention of his name in the boxing press Lucas Matthysse’s co-promoter, Mario Arano, finally released a statement on his behalf.
In it he states that his charge is intent on reclaiming a world title in 2014, after a tune up type fight in the 1st half of the year.
Arano stated, “By no later than August or September he (Matthysse) will have his belt. He will have a fight in late March or early April and then we will wait to see what happens regarding a fight for a world title”
Now it may be entirely coincidental, but my appetite for conspiracy is compelling me to believe there are deliberate attempts to brew a storm between two of boxings biggest hitters, fellow Argentine brawlers Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse.
To me, asking Maidana, immediately after the biggest win of his career, whether he was willing to fight in his homeland was clearly a veiled attempt by Showtime to orchestrate a match-up between him and Matthysse. Or at the very least, it was a way of allowing the idea to once again permeate the consciousness of the boxing public.
Well who else would he fight in Argentina? You can be rest assured Floyd Mayweather wouldn’t board a flight to fight Maidana in his homeland. What happens with Mayweather stays in Vegas.
Upon the time of writing this article, I stumbled upon a statement from Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer regarding the possibility of Maidana versus Matthysse. The article was published on the Ring website on the 24th June 2012, and Schaefer is quoted as saying, “The fight that everybody, of course, would love to see is the showdown between Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse. This would be probably the biggest fight in Argentina based on what I’ve been told. I’ve already discussed it with Showtime. They would love to go to Argentina and cover that fight.”
It appears that Schaefer and Showtime will soon be having very similar discussions, if they haven’t already.
What is also painfully obviously is that a proposed tune up fight in the first half of next year would present the ‘Machine’ with the perfect opportunity to bounce back from his defeat to Danny Garcia with a big knockout victory. That would set the wheels of the hype train in motion, from which point it would be full steam ahead towards Argentina for a bloody South American super fight.
Of course, if Maidana was granted the golden ticket to fight Floyd Mayweather Jnr in September then that would obviously de-rail any attempts to stage a ‘Chino’ versus ‘The Machine’ in 2014. But it would be simply delaying the inevitable.
Marcos Maidana vs Lucas Matthysse will happen. And regardless of whether it happens next year or in 2015, it will be worth the wait.
The most recent Compu-Box stats of both men tell us that a clash of these two explosive boxer-punchers would be a bloody battle of apocalyptic proportions.
The final CompuBox numbers for the Garcia and Matthysse fight showed how both fighters amassed a dead even connect percentage of 36%. But Garcia landed 225 of 626 punches thrown in comparison to Matthysse’s 206 from 566. However, the power punch stats make for mouth watering reading.
Matthysse landed 153 of the 346 powers shots he rained down on Garcia, to record a massively impressive connect percentage of 44%. That’s Floyd Mayweather territory. On the other hand, he was caught with 48% of Garcia power punches, who buzzed him with an incredible 174 shots- most of them flush on the chin.
Whereas, the final fight stats from Adrien Broner vs Marcos Maidana show that the challenger completely overwhelmed the champion by throwing a barrage of 663 power punches. Of those power shots thrown by Maidana, he landed 231 or 35% of his output as he gave Broner a beating he will never forget. Broner, although far too conservative in his punch output, still managed to find the target with 42% of his power shots, piercing the guard of Maidana with 122 power punches- most of which were accurate and landed very cleanly.
So according to the stats: if and when the fight happens, it is guaranteed to be a hellacious war, with both men giving and taking murderous punishment from the brutal beginning to the bloody end.
Basically, you do not need to be a meteorologist to see there is a perfect storm brewing between Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse.
http://www.boxinginsider.com/
In it he states that his charge is intent on reclaiming a world title in 2014, after a tune up type fight in the 1st half of the year.
Arano stated, “By no later than August or September he (Matthysse) will have his belt. He will have a fight in late March or early April and then we will wait to see what happens regarding a fight for a world title”
Now it may be entirely coincidental, but my appetite for conspiracy is compelling me to believe there are deliberate attempts to brew a storm between two of boxings biggest hitters, fellow Argentine brawlers Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse.
To me, asking Maidana, immediately after the biggest win of his career, whether he was willing to fight in his homeland was clearly a veiled attempt by Showtime to orchestrate a match-up between him and Matthysse. Or at the very least, it was a way of allowing the idea to once again permeate the consciousness of the boxing public.
Well who else would he fight in Argentina? You can be rest assured Floyd Mayweather wouldn’t board a flight to fight Maidana in his homeland. What happens with Mayweather stays in Vegas.
Upon the time of writing this article, I stumbled upon a statement from Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer regarding the possibility of Maidana versus Matthysse. The article was published on the Ring website on the 24th June 2012, and Schaefer is quoted as saying, “The fight that everybody, of course, would love to see is the showdown between Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse. This would be probably the biggest fight in Argentina based on what I’ve been told. I’ve already discussed it with Showtime. They would love to go to Argentina and cover that fight.”
It appears that Schaefer and Showtime will soon be having very similar discussions, if they haven’t already.
What is also painfully obviously is that a proposed tune up fight in the first half of next year would present the ‘Machine’ with the perfect opportunity to bounce back from his defeat to Danny Garcia with a big knockout victory. That would set the wheels of the hype train in motion, from which point it would be full steam ahead towards Argentina for a bloody South American super fight.
Of course, if Maidana was granted the golden ticket to fight Floyd Mayweather Jnr in September then that would obviously de-rail any attempts to stage a ‘Chino’ versus ‘The Machine’ in 2014. But it would be simply delaying the inevitable.
Marcos Maidana vs Lucas Matthysse will happen. And regardless of whether it happens next year or in 2015, it will be worth the wait.
The most recent Compu-Box stats of both men tell us that a clash of these two explosive boxer-punchers would be a bloody battle of apocalyptic proportions.
The final CompuBox numbers for the Garcia and Matthysse fight showed how both fighters amassed a dead even connect percentage of 36%. But Garcia landed 225 of 626 punches thrown in comparison to Matthysse’s 206 from 566. However, the power punch stats make for mouth watering reading.
Matthysse landed 153 of the 346 powers shots he rained down on Garcia, to record a massively impressive connect percentage of 44%. That’s Floyd Mayweather territory. On the other hand, he was caught with 48% of Garcia power punches, who buzzed him with an incredible 174 shots- most of them flush on the chin.
Whereas, the final fight stats from Adrien Broner vs Marcos Maidana show that the challenger completely overwhelmed the champion by throwing a barrage of 663 power punches. Of those power shots thrown by Maidana, he landed 231 or 35% of his output as he gave Broner a beating he will never forget. Broner, although far too conservative in his punch output, still managed to find the target with 42% of his power shots, piercing the guard of Maidana with 122 power punches- most of which were accurate and landed very cleanly.
So according to the stats: if and when the fight happens, it is guaranteed to be a hellacious war, with both men giving and taking murderous punishment from the brutal beginning to the bloody end.
Basically, you do not need to be a meteorologist to see there is a perfect storm brewing between Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse.
http://www.boxinginsider.com/
How A Boxer Could Use PEDs Right In The Middle Of A Fight
When someone mentions performance-enhancing drugs, what comes to mind? For me, it's an image of two 'roided out home run hitters embracing on a baseball field. But as Adrien Broner might have discovered on Saturday night, the world of PEDs—which we traditionally associate with anabolic steroids and human growth hormone—is far more complex. And sometimes the results are instantaneous.
Video from the match appears to show Marcos Maidana ingesting a white pill between rounds of the welterweight title bout before pulling off his stunning upset of Broner. As the Texas Boxing Commission, the Keystone Kops of boxing, investigates what, if anything, Maidana actually ingested—the inquiry is expected to conclude later today—speculation abounds. Inquiring minds want to know: What could Maidana have taken, and how could it have helped him?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of banned substances includes five broad classes of PEDs: stimulants, diuretics and masking agents, growth hormones and growth factors, metabolic modulators, and anabolic steroids. A sixth category, painkillers (like morphine and oxycodone), represents a grey zone, but they are widely considered to enhance performance. Many of these agents require repeated use; PEDs in sports are are typically the long con. But some—like painkillers or stimulants (amphetamine or methamphetamine)—can provide an immediate benefit to a dazed, battered boxer like Maidana. Amphetamine, for example, has been shown to improve stamina, strength, and perhaps most importantly for a boxer, reaction times. (The benefit of taking a painkiller while sustaining repeated blows to the head seems obvious.)
Read More: http://regressing.deadspin.com/
Video from the match appears to show Marcos Maidana ingesting a white pill between rounds of the welterweight title bout before pulling off his stunning upset of Broner. As the Texas Boxing Commission, the Keystone Kops of boxing, investigates what, if anything, Maidana actually ingested—the inquiry is expected to conclude later today—speculation abounds. Inquiring minds want to know: What could Maidana have taken, and how could it have helped him?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of banned substances includes five broad classes of PEDs: stimulants, diuretics and masking agents, growth hormones and growth factors, metabolic modulators, and anabolic steroids. A sixth category, painkillers (like morphine and oxycodone), represents a grey zone, but they are widely considered to enhance performance. Many of these agents require repeated use; PEDs in sports are are typically the long con. But some—like painkillers or stimulants (amphetamine or methamphetamine)—can provide an immediate benefit to a dazed, battered boxer like Maidana. Amphetamine, for example, has been shown to improve stamina, strength, and perhaps most importantly for a boxer, reaction times. (The benefit of taking a painkiller while sustaining repeated blows to the head seems obvious.)
Read More: http://regressing.deadspin.com/
Let’s Face It – Floyd Doesn’t Want To Fight Manny
It looks like it’s about that time, fight fans. We were all hoping against hope that the long dreamed of Mayweather-Pacquiao Super Bout could somehow, someway, come to fruition. Yet it’s time to push that dream aside. Barring a highly unlikely course of events, the match will never happen while both men remain exceptional. Why am I so sure of this? Because I’ve heard Mayweather’s words with my own ears.
During a recent interview with Fight Hype, Money May said something that those who truly listen can understand. Speaking of the business of boxing, the pound for pound great claimed “it’s about taking less punishment as you can possibly take, for the highest reward.” Thinking about those words (which I’ve quoted verbatim), it’s hard not to arrive at a somber conclusion: Mayweather now intends on picking fighters who aren’t likely to physically hurt him.
And Manny Pacquiao is one of those fighters who can hurt him. Despite the fact many claim the man isn’t what he once was, PacMan can sill dish it out. Take a good look at Brandon Rios’ face during his November matchup with Pacquiao in Macau if you find yourself in need of solid evidence.
Truth be told, I think Mayweather can beat Pacquiao (and I’d be willing to bet a majority of serious boxing observers would agree with me). Still, I’m not completely sold on a guaranteed Mayweather victory. Pacquiao is incredibly fast, after all. Plus he strikes from odd angles. Plus he’s intensely aggressive. And let’s not forget that the guy can whack.
The point here is that out of all Mayweather’s potential opponents, I still feel that none have a better chance of beating him than Pacquiao does. And if Pacquiao were to beat him, it wouldn’t be in a harmless fashion. Pacquiao would do it by making the guy they used to call “Pretty Boy Floyd” a bit less pretty. Frankly, it’s the only way Pacquiao would know how to win.
Still, it helps if we look at things, at least for a moment, through Mayweather’s eyes. He’s nearly 40. He’s received no serious damage from his ring wars and he brings in a mint each and every time he fights. A match with Pacquiao may deliver a gold mine for him, but it also may deliver a real beating – and the guy clearly doesn’t want that. It would destroy any aura of invincibility, demolish his perfect record and, quite frankly, be emotionally and physically painful.
It’s far easier, really, for Mayweather to face, say, Amir Khan, who will bring in untold Euros for far less risk. After that, Mayweather can pick a few more low risk, high-popularity opponents and likely exit the sport on top of the heap. As Mayweather himself has said, “it’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter.”
And, let’s face it, it’s smart for Mayweather to avoid Pacquiao at this point in his career.
That doesn’t mean those of us who love boxing have to like it, however. This is a sport of risks, after all, and Mayweather stepped into it willingly. In fact, he’s taking a risk now by thinking like a businessman rather than as a fighter. Great as he is, Mayweather will always have Pacquiao standing beside his resume like a giant asterisk if he avoids the Filipino legend. That means Mayweather will forever stand charged with ducking the best possible opponent.
Bottom line: if Mayweather lets this chance to battle Pacquiao pass, he will inevitably leave the sport with a question mark rather than with an exclamation point. And that will really be too bad. Not just for boxing fans, but for Mayweather himself. We should believe Mayweather when he claims he fears no one. Yet the man should ask himself if he’s now being too smart for his own good.
http://www.boxinginsider.com/columns/lets-face-floyd-doesnt-want-fight-manny/
During a recent interview with Fight Hype, Money May said something that those who truly listen can understand. Speaking of the business of boxing, the pound for pound great claimed “it’s about taking less punishment as you can possibly take, for the highest reward.” Thinking about those words (which I’ve quoted verbatim), it’s hard not to arrive at a somber conclusion: Mayweather now intends on picking fighters who aren’t likely to physically hurt him.
And Manny Pacquiao is one of those fighters who can hurt him. Despite the fact many claim the man isn’t what he once was, PacMan can sill dish it out. Take a good look at Brandon Rios’ face during his November matchup with Pacquiao in Macau if you find yourself in need of solid evidence.
Truth be told, I think Mayweather can beat Pacquiao (and I’d be willing to bet a majority of serious boxing observers would agree with me). Still, I’m not completely sold on a guaranteed Mayweather victory. Pacquiao is incredibly fast, after all. Plus he strikes from odd angles. Plus he’s intensely aggressive. And let’s not forget that the guy can whack.
The point here is that out of all Mayweather’s potential opponents, I still feel that none have a better chance of beating him than Pacquiao does. And if Pacquiao were to beat him, it wouldn’t be in a harmless fashion. Pacquiao would do it by making the guy they used to call “Pretty Boy Floyd” a bit less pretty. Frankly, it’s the only way Pacquiao would know how to win.
Still, it helps if we look at things, at least for a moment, through Mayweather’s eyes. He’s nearly 40. He’s received no serious damage from his ring wars and he brings in a mint each and every time he fights. A match with Pacquiao may deliver a gold mine for him, but it also may deliver a real beating – and the guy clearly doesn’t want that. It would destroy any aura of invincibility, demolish his perfect record and, quite frankly, be emotionally and physically painful.
It’s far easier, really, for Mayweather to face, say, Amir Khan, who will bring in untold Euros for far less risk. After that, Mayweather can pick a few more low risk, high-popularity opponents and likely exit the sport on top of the heap. As Mayweather himself has said, “it’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter.”
And, let’s face it, it’s smart for Mayweather to avoid Pacquiao at this point in his career.
That doesn’t mean those of us who love boxing have to like it, however. This is a sport of risks, after all, and Mayweather stepped into it willingly. In fact, he’s taking a risk now by thinking like a businessman rather than as a fighter. Great as he is, Mayweather will always have Pacquiao standing beside his resume like a giant asterisk if he avoids the Filipino legend. That means Mayweather will forever stand charged with ducking the best possible opponent.
Bottom line: if Mayweather lets this chance to battle Pacquiao pass, he will inevitably leave the sport with a question mark rather than with an exclamation point. And that will really be too bad. Not just for boxing fans, but for Mayweather himself. We should believe Mayweather when he claims he fears no one. Yet the man should ask himself if he’s now being too smart for his own good.
http://www.boxinginsider.com/columns/lets-face-floyd-doesnt-want-fight-manny/
Ricardo Mayorga To Resume Boxing In Search Of Fourth World Title
Friday, December 20, 2013
Former 3 time world champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga is currently planning a return to the boxing ring in search of a fourth world title after several failed attempts at MMA.
Mayorga last fought in 2011 when he fought a spirited fight against Miguel Cotto and lost by TKO in the twelfth round. Mayorga looked good in the fight and his stock should have risen but he did not continue to box.
“I am leaving mixed martial arts to return to boxing,” said Mayorga. “I want to think everyone who supported me. Arbitrators and the Federation of Mixed Martial Arts. I am returning to my sport, boxing and I will win a fourth world title.”
http://thaboxingvoice.com/
Mayorga last fought in 2011 when he fought a spirited fight against Miguel Cotto and lost by TKO in the twelfth round. Mayorga looked good in the fight and his stock should have risen but he did not continue to box.
“I am leaving mixed martial arts to return to boxing,” said Mayorga. “I want to think everyone who supported me. Arbitrators and the Federation of Mixed Martial Arts. I am returning to my sport, boxing and I will win a fourth world title.”
http://thaboxingvoice.com/
2013 Report Card: Manny Pacquiao
What happened: In December 2012, Pacquiao was on the receiving end of one of the most devastating one-punch knockouts in boxing history, courtesy of Juan Manuel Marquez. Many doubted whether he would ever be the same again. Perhaps he won't, but in November he fought fantastically well against Brandon Rios in his highly-anticipated comeback. Rios may have been ponderous, but Pacquiao was sharp and aggressive, winning nearly every round.
What's ahead: A loss to Rios would have been his third in a row, and would surely have prompted calls for retirement. The convincing win, however, breathes a new lease of life into his career as it enters the final stretch. It seems he will fight for some time yet, and his enduring popularity means he will always be a strong pay-per-view draw.
Who's next: Inevitably, the public want to see him fight Mayweather, even if they're both in their twilight years. The demand for this won't stop until they're both long retired. Equally, many would like to see a fifth instalment in the epic Pacquiao-Marquez saga. Marquez currently holds the bragging rights after his crushing knockout win in 2012, but he recently lost to Timothy Bradley, and has insisted that the Pacquiao chapter of his career is over. However, could he really resist the lure of such a handsome payday? Danny Garcia, one of the game's young guns, would welcome the chance to remove old Pac Man from the landscape.
Who can beat him: The Filipino isn't an unbeatable force. Clearly Juan Manuel Marquez can, as he showed in emphatic fashion. Timothy Bradley can, though his win was highly controversial. Floyd Mayweather would definitely be the bookmakers' favourite if they were ever to meet, regardless of what Pacquiao's fans say.
http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/
What's ahead: A loss to Rios would have been his third in a row, and would surely have prompted calls for retirement. The convincing win, however, breathes a new lease of life into his career as it enters the final stretch. It seems he will fight for some time yet, and his enduring popularity means he will always be a strong pay-per-view draw.
Who's next: Inevitably, the public want to see him fight Mayweather, even if they're both in their twilight years. The demand for this won't stop until they're both long retired. Equally, many would like to see a fifth instalment in the epic Pacquiao-Marquez saga. Marquez currently holds the bragging rights after his crushing knockout win in 2012, but he recently lost to Timothy Bradley, and has insisted that the Pacquiao chapter of his career is over. However, could he really resist the lure of such a handsome payday? Danny Garcia, one of the game's young guns, would welcome the chance to remove old Pac Man from the landscape.
Who can beat him: The Filipino isn't an unbeatable force. Clearly Juan Manuel Marquez can, as he showed in emphatic fashion. Timothy Bradley can, though his win was highly controversial. Floyd Mayweather would definitely be the bookmakers' favourite if they were ever to meet, regardless of what Pacquiao's fans say.
http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/
Floyd Mayweather vs Amir Khan: Even bigger than Mayweather vs Canelo?
"It's the fight I've always been after and we're very close now, not too far away," Khan told BoxingScene earlier this week.
"Hopefully something is going to be announced within the next couple of weeks."
Khan's decry should come as no surprise; especially considering Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer's recent statements.
Last week, Schaefer acknowledged the criticism over a possible Mayweather vs Khan match-up, stating, "If he's going to fight Amir Khan.... Some people might disagree with me, [and] I understand because Khan might not have looked as stellar in his last couple of fights as one would have hoped..."
Nevertheless, Khan appears to be the man.
How and why?
If so many fight fans oppose Mayweather vs Khan in May, how can it be successful?
Why Mayweather vs Khan sells, and big
Believe it or not, although Khan lacks buzz at the moment, this card, if it comes to fruition, can be the biggest ever from a business perspective.
1. Floyd Mayweather's drawing power
"When Floyd fights it's an event. Floyd could frankly fight Joe Schmo and it would still be an event because of his personality, his reach, his everything," stated CEO Richard Schaefer.
"A Floyd event is must-see TV."
Mayweather, one of the most popular athletes in the world, has a large fanbase that will spend good money to attend and watch his bouts regardless of who he fights.
Read more at http://www.fightsaga.com/
Floyd Mayweather Next Fight: Manny Pacquiao And 5 Boxers Who Could Beat Him
Thursday, December 19, 2013
There is not a boxing fan in the world who isn't interested in finding out who Floyd Mayweather will face in his next fight. And let's face it, there are a lot of people who watch the pound for pound king in the boxing ring just for a chance to see him lose because they do not like him.
With that said, we decide to compile a list of five fighters who could realistically hand Money May the first loss of his professional boxing career.
Manny Pacquiao
First and foremost, we have to list the Pacman. Pacquiao is Mayweather's ultimate nemesis and the one guy he has seemingly ducked throughout his professional career. Why you ask? Because Pacquiao's hands are just as fast as Mayweather's and he packs a knockout punch.
Paulie Malignaggi
This may be a bit of a stretch, but let's face it: one of the reasons Mayweather has been so dominant even past his physical prime is because of his ring smarts. Paulie Malignaggi is every bit as smart in the ring as Money May. Mayweather would enter the ring as a heavy favorite and rightfully so. But Mayweather would have to rely on what's left of his physical ability because he would not outsmart Malignaggi.
Miguel Cotto
These two fighters have met before and Money May won a unanimous decision. However, is was arguably the toughest fight of his professional boxing career. Since the loss, Cotto has hooked up with trainer Freddie Roach who has rejuvenated Cotto and turned him into an aggressive and very offensive fighter. Now that Cotto has revamped his offensive skills, he may have what it takes to pull off the upset.
Timothy Bradley
Early on in his career, Bradley was seen as an overachiever with no power and mediocre boxing ability. But now he has earned a reputation as one of the toughest and game fighters in the sport today. Nobody outworks him and he refuses to give up. If he fought a smart fight and forced Mayweather to press the action, Bradley has what it takes to defeat him.
Gennady Golovkin
Golovkin is the one fighter that most everybody believes could beat Mayweather and that's likely the reason it will never happen. He's currently the middleweight champion of the world with an undefeated record of 28-0 with 25 knockouts. In addition to his professional record, he had a ton of success as an amateur, finishing his career with a record of 345-5.
Golovkin is a smart fighter, a great boxer and a wonderful puncher. However, it's highly unlikely that we'll ever see Mayweather face him. Money May will likely always claim that Golovkin is too big for him, although GGG did say he could make 154lbs.
Source: http://www.isportstimes.com/
With that said, we decide to compile a list of five fighters who could realistically hand Money May the first loss of his professional boxing career.
Manny Pacquiao
First and foremost, we have to list the Pacman. Pacquiao is Mayweather's ultimate nemesis and the one guy he has seemingly ducked throughout his professional career. Why you ask? Because Pacquiao's hands are just as fast as Mayweather's and he packs a knockout punch.
Paulie Malignaggi
This may be a bit of a stretch, but let's face it: one of the reasons Mayweather has been so dominant even past his physical prime is because of his ring smarts. Paulie Malignaggi is every bit as smart in the ring as Money May. Mayweather would enter the ring as a heavy favorite and rightfully so. But Mayweather would have to rely on what's left of his physical ability because he would not outsmart Malignaggi.
Miguel Cotto
These two fighters have met before and Money May won a unanimous decision. However, is was arguably the toughest fight of his professional boxing career. Since the loss, Cotto has hooked up with trainer Freddie Roach who has rejuvenated Cotto and turned him into an aggressive and very offensive fighter. Now that Cotto has revamped his offensive skills, he may have what it takes to pull off the upset.
Timothy Bradley
Early on in his career, Bradley was seen as an overachiever with no power and mediocre boxing ability. But now he has earned a reputation as one of the toughest and game fighters in the sport today. Nobody outworks him and he refuses to give up. If he fought a smart fight and forced Mayweather to press the action, Bradley has what it takes to defeat him.
Gennady Golovkin
Golovkin is the one fighter that most everybody believes could beat Mayweather and that's likely the reason it will never happen. He's currently the middleweight champion of the world with an undefeated record of 28-0 with 25 knockouts. In addition to his professional record, he had a ton of success as an amateur, finishing his career with a record of 345-5.
Golovkin is a smart fighter, a great boxer and a wonderful puncher. However, it's highly unlikely that we'll ever see Mayweather face him. Money May will likely always claim that Golovkin is too big for him, although GGG did say he could make 154lbs.
Source: http://www.isportstimes.com/
Showtime's Broner-Maidana Fight Draws 1.3 Million Viewers
Showtime’s Adrien Broner-Marcos Maidana live boxing telecast Saturday night drew 1.3 million viewers, the network announced Tuesday.
The fight, in which Maidana (pictured right) upset the previously undefeated Broner in a unanimous decision win, is the third most watched fight for the network since 2009 when Showtime began tracking individual bouts, according to Showtime officials.
The average audience for the entire four-fight, Dec. 14 telecast also ranks as the fourth-largest live boxing telecast on Showtime since 2004, behind the Dec. 1 2012 Miguel Cotto/Austin Trout fight; the June 22 Paul Malignaggi/Broner bout; and Oct. 26 Bernard Hopkins/Karo Murat match, according to the network.
Overall, the Showtime Championship Boxing series’ 2013 viewership average is up 24% over last year’s viewership average and 64% over 2011's audience average, said network officials.
“Showtime Sports has achieved incredible growth in viewership of Showtime Championship Boxing in 2013, and we’ll take this momentum into 2014,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Showtime Sports in a statement. “With marquee events featuring boxing’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and global star Floyd Mayweather, the return of Canelo Alvarez, and a myriad of incredible matchups on the horizon in the welterweight, junior welterweight and super welterweight divisions—the very deepest, most talent-rich divisions in boxing--our subscribers can continue to expect Showtime Sports to deliver the biggest and most significant bouts in boxing.”
Source: http://www.multichannel.com/
The fight, in which Maidana (pictured right) upset the previously undefeated Broner in a unanimous decision win, is the third most watched fight for the network since 2009 when Showtime began tracking individual bouts, according to Showtime officials.
The average audience for the entire four-fight, Dec. 14 telecast also ranks as the fourth-largest live boxing telecast on Showtime since 2004, behind the Dec. 1 2012 Miguel Cotto/Austin Trout fight; the June 22 Paul Malignaggi/Broner bout; and Oct. 26 Bernard Hopkins/Karo Murat match, according to the network.
Overall, the Showtime Championship Boxing series’ 2013 viewership average is up 24% over last year’s viewership average and 64% over 2011's audience average, said network officials.
“Showtime Sports has achieved incredible growth in viewership of Showtime Championship Boxing in 2013, and we’ll take this momentum into 2014,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Showtime Sports in a statement. “With marquee events featuring boxing’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and global star Floyd Mayweather, the return of Canelo Alvarez, and a myriad of incredible matchups on the horizon in the welterweight, junior welterweight and super welterweight divisions—the very deepest, most talent-rich divisions in boxing--our subscribers can continue to expect Showtime Sports to deliver the biggest and most significant bouts in boxing.”
Source: http://www.multichannel.com/
The Maidana Investigation: Why Broner Just Can’t Seem To Keep His Mouth Shut
So now the Marcos Maidana camp is being investigated for some suspicious happenings that occurred during Maidana’s dazzling upset of Adrien “The Problem” Broner last Saturday night at the Alamo Dome. There’s a video out, in case you don’t know, showing, some say, Maidana receiving a pill in his corner. Or is it powder of some kind? Or is it heroin? Or is it just a Kleenex? Not to worry, the Texas Boxing Commission aims to find out.
Of course the snarky side of me wonders why the Texas Boxing Commission hasn’t bothered to find out why Texas boxing matches tend to be so controversial, but that’s neither here nor there. People want an investigation and they’re going to get it. I don’t know what the Commission’s findings will be, but I’m no prophet. If Maidana’s camp did nothing wrong, then they have nothing to fear (then again, we are talking Texas here).
What’s particularly disturbing in all this, though, is Broner’s behavior (at least it is if TMZ has its facts right). Seriously, can the guy take one single second not to act like a total jerk? According to TMZ, Broner’s “confident the investigation will prove Maidana cheated.” I know, I know, I’ve said boxers should be judged for their boxing, not their behavior. Yet Broner’s behavior here does indeed pertain to his boxing. He got thrashed and now TMZ reports he’s claiming it was because someone cheated.
News flash, Adrien: there’s a good, a very good, possibility you simply got bested on Saturday night. Rather than point fingers, why not try to fix what so clearly went wrong? Honestly, even if Maidana did take something (and I’m certainly not suggesting or saying he did), you could have looked a whole lot better out there. The way you were being bounced about the ring, you’d have thought Maidana’s gloves were loaded with bricks.
But self-awareness doesn’t seem to be Broner’s strong suit. At this point he doesn’t seem to be capable of possessing any self-awareness at all. Any mature fighter and all around good sport would simply say that it’s up to the Texas Commission to decide whether Maidana cheated or not and leave it at that. That’s apparently not the case with Broner, though. It seems he’s still the same guy who ran from the ring after the decision was read at the Alamo Dome.
It seems he’s still the guy who’s unable (to use a Texas-style term) to cowboy up.
This is all actually rather sad. When you really look at Broner, and I mean really look at him objectively, it’s hard to conclude that the guy isn’t pathetic. He’s childish to a degree that seems almost clinical. The boasting, the constant need for attention, the unsportsmanlike conduct…it’s all pretty depressing behavior for a grown man to engage in.
Yet right when fight fans might want to pity him, right when they might begin to develop some empathy for the man, things like TMZs report comes out. Just imagine the good will Broner might have gotten if he simply said he’d wait and see. How refreshing would that have been? Sadly, though, it looks like such graciousness is simply too much to ask of the man.
Scratch that…it’s simply too much to ask of the boy.
Truth be told, it’s hard to see Broner going too far in the fight game at this point. Any twelve step program worth its weight in salt expounds personal responsibility. An addict won’t clean up until he admits he’s an addict. An alcoholic won’t become sober until she admits she’s an alcoholic. And Broner won’t be a success until he admits he’s acting like a failure – now both in and out of the ring.
Source: http://www.boxinginsider.com/
Of course the snarky side of me wonders why the Texas Boxing Commission hasn’t bothered to find out why Texas boxing matches tend to be so controversial, but that’s neither here nor there. People want an investigation and they’re going to get it. I don’t know what the Commission’s findings will be, but I’m no prophet. If Maidana’s camp did nothing wrong, then they have nothing to fear (then again, we are talking Texas here).
What’s particularly disturbing in all this, though, is Broner’s behavior (at least it is if TMZ has its facts right). Seriously, can the guy take one single second not to act like a total jerk? According to TMZ, Broner’s “confident the investigation will prove Maidana cheated.” I know, I know, I’ve said boxers should be judged for their boxing, not their behavior. Yet Broner’s behavior here does indeed pertain to his boxing. He got thrashed and now TMZ reports he’s claiming it was because someone cheated.
News flash, Adrien: there’s a good, a very good, possibility you simply got bested on Saturday night. Rather than point fingers, why not try to fix what so clearly went wrong? Honestly, even if Maidana did take something (and I’m certainly not suggesting or saying he did), you could have looked a whole lot better out there. The way you were being bounced about the ring, you’d have thought Maidana’s gloves were loaded with bricks.
But self-awareness doesn’t seem to be Broner’s strong suit. At this point he doesn’t seem to be capable of possessing any self-awareness at all. Any mature fighter and all around good sport would simply say that it’s up to the Texas Commission to decide whether Maidana cheated or not and leave it at that. That’s apparently not the case with Broner, though. It seems he’s still the same guy who ran from the ring after the decision was read at the Alamo Dome.
It seems he’s still the guy who’s unable (to use a Texas-style term) to cowboy up.
This is all actually rather sad. When you really look at Broner, and I mean really look at him objectively, it’s hard to conclude that the guy isn’t pathetic. He’s childish to a degree that seems almost clinical. The boasting, the constant need for attention, the unsportsmanlike conduct…it’s all pretty depressing behavior for a grown man to engage in.
Yet right when fight fans might want to pity him, right when they might begin to develop some empathy for the man, things like TMZs report comes out. Just imagine the good will Broner might have gotten if he simply said he’d wait and see. How refreshing would that have been? Sadly, though, it looks like such graciousness is simply too much to ask of the man.
Scratch that…it’s simply too much to ask of the boy.
Truth be told, it’s hard to see Broner going too far in the fight game at this point. Any twelve step program worth its weight in salt expounds personal responsibility. An addict won’t clean up until he admits he’s an addict. An alcoholic won’t become sober until she admits she’s an alcoholic. And Broner won’t be a success until he admits he’s acting like a failure – now both in and out of the ring.
Source: http://www.boxinginsider.com/
Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather react to Brandon Rios’ failed drug test
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Maywather both chimed in on the issue regarding Brandon Rios’ failed drug test. Pacquiao, who defeated Rios via unanimous decision, called for more sanctions for fighters in the future while Mayweather was more forgiving.
“In my next fight, I’ll stipulate on the contract that fines should be imposed on the fighter who will test positive (for a banned substance),” Pacquiao said in Filipino as he was interviewed by Dyan Castillejo. “Getting a suspension is not enough. They need to pay fines so that the fighter and trainer will be disciplined.”
Rios tested positive in the post-fight drug test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). He tested positive for the banned substance methylexanamine, a stimulant that is commonly known as dimenthylamylamine or DMAA, which helps in cutting down weight. Rios has ben suspended by China Professional Boxing Association until April 24, 2014.
“I wasn’t thinking about it until I got word (of the result). I was surprised because he was walking through my punches even if I was feeling the impact on my arms,” added Pacquiao.
Alex Ariza, Pacquiao’s former strength and conditioning coach tried to wiggle out of the situation by saying that the test done to Rios was questionable.
“The containers that are used to retrieve the urine samples weren't available after the fight. So they had Brandon pee into a (drinking) glass,’’ Ariza said in an interview with Ring Magazine’s Tim Smith.
“Robert just brought that to my attention. So we will have to see whether something happened as they transferred it to another glass, or whether it was the drinking glass, or there could be a lot of contaminants like that."
Pacquiao however noted that he also underwent the same process and his test came out negative. “Whatever they did with him was also done to me,” Pacquiao explained. “It’s hard to try to get out of it.”
Read More: http://ph.sports.yahoo.com/
“In my next fight, I’ll stipulate on the contract that fines should be imposed on the fighter who will test positive (for a banned substance),” Pacquiao said in Filipino as he was interviewed by Dyan Castillejo. “Getting a suspension is not enough. They need to pay fines so that the fighter and trainer will be disciplined.”
Rios tested positive in the post-fight drug test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). He tested positive for the banned substance methylexanamine, a stimulant that is commonly known as dimenthylamylamine or DMAA, which helps in cutting down weight. Rios has ben suspended by China Professional Boxing Association until April 24, 2014.
“I wasn’t thinking about it until I got word (of the result). I was surprised because he was walking through my punches even if I was feeling the impact on my arms,” added Pacquiao.
Alex Ariza, Pacquiao’s former strength and conditioning coach tried to wiggle out of the situation by saying that the test done to Rios was questionable.
“The containers that are used to retrieve the urine samples weren't available after the fight. So they had Brandon pee into a (drinking) glass,’’ Ariza said in an interview with Ring Magazine’s Tim Smith.
“Robert just brought that to my attention. So we will have to see whether something happened as they transferred it to another glass, or whether it was the drinking glass, or there could be a lot of contaminants like that."
Pacquiao however noted that he also underwent the same process and his test came out negative. “Whatever they did with him was also done to me,” Pacquiao explained. “It’s hard to try to get out of it.”
Read More: http://ph.sports.yahoo.com/
MIKEY GARCIA RETURNS TO THE BIG APPLE!
TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION TO DEFEND TITLE AGAINST JUAN CARLOS BURGOS
UNDERCARD TO FEATURE UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHTS BRYANT JENNINGS vs. ARTUR SZPILKA
Saturday, January 25 at Madison Square Garden
Live on HBO Boxing After Dark®
NON-TELEVISED BOUTS TO FEATURE NEW YORK FAVORITES SEANIE MONAGHAN, FELIX VERDEJO and JESSE HART
Tickets Go On Sale Just In Time For The Holidays This Friday! December 20 at Noon ET
NEW YORK (December 16, 2013) -- Undefeated two-division world champion and Ventura County Police and Sheriff's Reserve Officer Academy graduate MIKEY GARCIA returns to the stage where he won his first world title 12 months earlier -- The Theater at Madison Square Garden -- only this time he'll be defending his second world championship belt in as many weight classes. Garcia will put his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title on the line against two-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contender JUAN CARLOS "Mini" BURGOS. Garcia vs. Burgos will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, Saturday, January 25, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round battle between undefeated heavyweight contenders BRYANT JENNINGS and ARTUR SZPILKA.
These four warriors have a combined record of 96-1-2 (69 KOs) -- a winning percentage of 97% and a victory by knockout ratio of 72%.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Madison Square Garden and Tecate, tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, go on sale This Friday! December 20 at Noon ET -- THE perfect holiday gift for boxing fans. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com. .
The non-televised undercard will feature New York's favorite light heavyweight, undefeated Top-10 contender "Irish" SEANIE MONAGHAN, 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian and undefeated lightweight contender FELIX VERDEJO and undefeated super middleweight contender JESSE HART, the son of Philadelphia boxing legend Eugene "Cyclone" Hart. The trio of young contenders boast a perfect record of 39-0 (29 KOs).
"We are proud to be presenting Mike Garcia once again," said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. "We believe Mikey is the next big superstar in boxing and in 2014 that will become evident."
“We are really excited for Juan Carlos Burgos and his opportunity to win the world title that he should have already had," said Arthur Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions, who co promotes Burgos with Thompson Boxing Promotions . "Juan was given that very questionable draw against Rocky Martinez last January 25th at The Garden that robbed him of the title. Mikey Garcia is a tremendous fighter, but we feel that Juan has the tools and the experience to get the win and become the new Junior Lightweight Champion of the World.”
"Burgos is primed for a big year in 2014," said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. "He's one of the more talented boxers in his division and he'll prove that against Mikey Garcia."
"I'm happy to be returning to the ring," said Garcia. " Burgos is a very good fighter. He did very well against Rocky Martinez at The Garden last January and I think he is deserving of this title shot. There is no question we will give the fans a very exciting fight."
"I've been looking forward to getting back in the ring," Burgos said. "We've had a strong training camp with excellent sparring sessions. I know Mikey is a tough boxer, but I've been putting in the work and I expect a win on January 25."
"With his two titles won in three victories on Boxing After Dark in 2013,” said Peter Nelson, director of programming, HBO Sports, "Mikey Garcia joined an elite class of fighters who emerged throughout the past season as boxing's rising stars. Now, we'll see if he can keep up that momentum or if his challenger Juan Carlos Burgos can steal it for himself. Opening the show, two undefeated heavyweights, Bryant Jennings and Artur Szpilka, face off in their HBO debuts, a compelling addition to the season premiere.”
“Madison Square Garden is excited to welcome back one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world -- Mikey Garcia -- for another great night of world championship boxing,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “Garcia versus Juan Carlos Burgos along with Seanie Monaghan and Felix Verdejo will be a thrilling night for fight fans and a great way to kick off another exciting year of boxing at The Garden.”
Garcia (33-0, 28 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., returns to the ring having won 16 of his past 18 bouts by knockout and has not gone the distance in over three years. He became a two-division world champion in his last fight, stopping defending WBO junior lightweight champion Roman "Rocky" Martinez in the eighth round with a vicious body shot to the liver on November 9, in Corpus Christi, TX. Garcia won his first world title -- the WBO featherweight championship -- on January 19, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, dethroning two-time featherweight champion Orlando Salido via an eighth-round technical win that had Garcia winning virtually every round against the seasoned veteran. He was forced to vacate the title in his first defense, for not being able to make the 126-pound weight limit. Though drained, he was still able to rise to the occasion and knock out former two-division world champion Juan Manuel "Juanma" Lopez in the fourth round last June 15. Garcia, 26, had a great year in 2012 too, knocking out one-time world title challenger Bernabe Concepcion and former world champion Mauricio Pastrana, in the seventh and second rounds, respectively. He ended his 2012 campaign by knocking out former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Jonathan Barros in the eighth round. Garcia is trained by his father Eduardo Garcia and co-managed and trained by his brother, 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion.
Burgos (30-1-2, 20 KOs), of Tijuana, México, will be making his third attempt at a world title. After unsuccessfully challenging Hozumi Hasagawa for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title in 2010, he moved up to the junior lightweight division stringing together a two-year, five-bout winning streak, including victories over Luis Cruz for the NABO title in 2011, and former world champion Cristobal Cruz for the WBC Silver championship belt in February 2012. In July 2012 Burgos stopped undefeated Cesar Vazquez in the third round to catapult himself into the No. 1 contender position. Burgos challenged defending WBO junior lightweight champion Rocky Martinez on the same card that saw Mikey Garcia stop Orlando Salido. Unfortunately Burgos' efforts were not rewarded the same way as both fighters walked away with a disputed draw despite Burgos landing 93 more punches than Martinez, according to CompuBox statistics, including 70 more power punches, and his 36% connect rate was 13% higher than Martinez. Burgos, who turns 26 on December 26 -- Boxing Day -- returns to ring world-rated No. 1 by the WBO.
Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, is picking up steam, winning four of his last five bouts by knockout. One of the brightest lights among U.S. heavyweight contenders, Jennings, 29, captured the USBA heavyweight title in June of 2012, winning a 10-round decision over Steve Collins. He successfully defended that title in December 2012, knocking out Bowie Tupou in the fifth round. He only had one fight in 2013 -- a sixth-round stoppage victory of Andrey Fedosov in June. Collins, Tupou and Fedosov had a combined record of 71-5-1 when they faced Jennings, who enters this fight with a new managerial and promotional team. He is currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBC and No. 5 by the WBA.
Szpilka (16-0, 12 KOs), of Krakow, Poiland, enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 12 fights by knockout, including three of the four bouts he fought in 2013. He has picked up an American following thanks to his two nationally-televised knockout victories over Mike Mollo in 2013, where both men hit the deck in each of their action-packed fights. Another highlight for Szpilka was his 10-round unanimous decision victory over Brian Minto for the interim WBC Baltic heavyweight title. He enters this fight world-rated No. 14 by the WBC.
One of New York's top boxing attractions, Monaghan (19-0, 12 KOs), of Long Beach, NY, is the reigning WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight champion. He captured that title in June 2012, knocking out Romaro Johnson in the eighth round, and has successfully defended it twice -- via a 10-round unanimous decision in October 2012 and in his pay-per-view debut, on the Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Márquez welterweight champion card, by stopping Anthony Caputo-Smith in the third round. Monaghan enters this fight having won four of his last six fights by stoppage and world-rated No. 6 by the IBF and No. 10 by the WBA. He will be facing Fabio Garrido (19-4, 15 KOs), of Säo Paulo, Brazil, in a 10-round light heavyweight battle. Garrido, who has won his last three fights by knockout, captured the vacant Brazilian light heavyweight title on December 7, knocking out Ernesto Gonzalez in the first round.
Verdejo (9-0, 6 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, has not only transitioned from a stellar amateur, where he fought on Puerto Rico's 2012 Olympic team, to an exciting professional, he has also ignited the passions of his island's boxing fans who currently have no world champions representing them. In short, he is showing the potential for being Puerto Rico's next big boxing star, following the lineage of Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto in attracting legions of fans to his all-action fights not only in Puerto Rico, but in New York, Las Vegas and Florida. Verdejo, 20, fought eight times in 2013 and only went the distance twice. He will be facing Lauro Alcantar (8-0, 1 KO), of Agua Prieta, México, in a six-round battle of undefeated lightweight contenders.
Hart (11-0, 10 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA , won all six of his 2013 fights by knockout, with only one of those bouts reaching the third round. Trained by his father, the highly-rated middleweight contender of the late '60s and early '70s Eugene "Cyclone" Hart, the younger Hart, 24, will be taking on durable veteran Derrick Findley (20-11-1, 13 KOs), of Gary IN. Findley, who scored a second-round TKO of contender Ronald Hearns in 2012, has gone the distance against undefeated contenders Matt Korobov, Gilberto Ramirez and J'Leon Love.
Source: http://philboxing.com/
UNDERCARD TO FEATURE UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHTS BRYANT JENNINGS vs. ARTUR SZPILKA
Saturday, January 25 at Madison Square Garden
Live on HBO Boxing After Dark®
NON-TELEVISED BOUTS TO FEATURE NEW YORK FAVORITES SEANIE MONAGHAN, FELIX VERDEJO and JESSE HART
Tickets Go On Sale Just In Time For The Holidays This Friday! December 20 at Noon ET
NEW YORK (December 16, 2013) -- Undefeated two-division world champion and Ventura County Police and Sheriff's Reserve Officer Academy graduate MIKEY GARCIA returns to the stage where he won his first world title 12 months earlier -- The Theater at Madison Square Garden -- only this time he'll be defending his second world championship belt in as many weight classes. Garcia will put his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title on the line against two-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contender JUAN CARLOS "Mini" BURGOS. Garcia vs. Burgos will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, Saturday, January 25, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round battle between undefeated heavyweight contenders BRYANT JENNINGS and ARTUR SZPILKA.
These four warriors have a combined record of 96-1-2 (69 KOs) -- a winning percentage of 97% and a victory by knockout ratio of 72%.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Madison Square Garden and Tecate, tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, go on sale This Friday! December 20 at Noon ET -- THE perfect holiday gift for boxing fans. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com. .
The non-televised undercard will feature New York's favorite light heavyweight, undefeated Top-10 contender "Irish" SEANIE MONAGHAN, 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian and undefeated lightweight contender FELIX VERDEJO and undefeated super middleweight contender JESSE HART, the son of Philadelphia boxing legend Eugene "Cyclone" Hart. The trio of young contenders boast a perfect record of 39-0 (29 KOs).
"We are proud to be presenting Mike Garcia once again," said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. "We believe Mikey is the next big superstar in boxing and in 2014 that will become evident."
“We are really excited for Juan Carlos Burgos and his opportunity to win the world title that he should have already had," said Arthur Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions, who co promotes Burgos with Thompson Boxing Promotions . "Juan was given that very questionable draw against Rocky Martinez last January 25th at The Garden that robbed him of the title. Mikey Garcia is a tremendous fighter, but we feel that Juan has the tools and the experience to get the win and become the new Junior Lightweight Champion of the World.”
"Burgos is primed for a big year in 2014," said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. "He's one of the more talented boxers in his division and he'll prove that against Mikey Garcia."
"I'm happy to be returning to the ring," said Garcia. " Burgos is a very good fighter. He did very well against Rocky Martinez at The Garden last January and I think he is deserving of this title shot. There is no question we will give the fans a very exciting fight."
"I've been looking forward to getting back in the ring," Burgos said. "We've had a strong training camp with excellent sparring sessions. I know Mikey is a tough boxer, but I've been putting in the work and I expect a win on January 25."
"With his two titles won in three victories on Boxing After Dark in 2013,” said Peter Nelson, director of programming, HBO Sports, "Mikey Garcia joined an elite class of fighters who emerged throughout the past season as boxing's rising stars. Now, we'll see if he can keep up that momentum or if his challenger Juan Carlos Burgos can steal it for himself. Opening the show, two undefeated heavyweights, Bryant Jennings and Artur Szpilka, face off in their HBO debuts, a compelling addition to the season premiere.”
“Madison Square Garden is excited to welcome back one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world -- Mikey Garcia -- for another great night of world championship boxing,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “Garcia versus Juan Carlos Burgos along with Seanie Monaghan and Felix Verdejo will be a thrilling night for fight fans and a great way to kick off another exciting year of boxing at The Garden.”
Garcia (33-0, 28 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., returns to the ring having won 16 of his past 18 bouts by knockout and has not gone the distance in over three years. He became a two-division world champion in his last fight, stopping defending WBO junior lightweight champion Roman "Rocky" Martinez in the eighth round with a vicious body shot to the liver on November 9, in Corpus Christi, TX. Garcia won his first world title -- the WBO featherweight championship -- on January 19, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, dethroning two-time featherweight champion Orlando Salido via an eighth-round technical win that had Garcia winning virtually every round against the seasoned veteran. He was forced to vacate the title in his first defense, for not being able to make the 126-pound weight limit. Though drained, he was still able to rise to the occasion and knock out former two-division world champion Juan Manuel "Juanma" Lopez in the fourth round last June 15. Garcia, 26, had a great year in 2012 too, knocking out one-time world title challenger Bernabe Concepcion and former world champion Mauricio Pastrana, in the seventh and second rounds, respectively. He ended his 2012 campaign by knocking out former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Jonathan Barros in the eighth round. Garcia is trained by his father Eduardo Garcia and co-managed and trained by his brother, 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion.
Burgos (30-1-2, 20 KOs), of Tijuana, México, will be making his third attempt at a world title. After unsuccessfully challenging Hozumi Hasagawa for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title in 2010, he moved up to the junior lightweight division stringing together a two-year, five-bout winning streak, including victories over Luis Cruz for the NABO title in 2011, and former world champion Cristobal Cruz for the WBC Silver championship belt in February 2012. In July 2012 Burgos stopped undefeated Cesar Vazquez in the third round to catapult himself into the No. 1 contender position. Burgos challenged defending WBO junior lightweight champion Rocky Martinez on the same card that saw Mikey Garcia stop Orlando Salido. Unfortunately Burgos' efforts were not rewarded the same way as both fighters walked away with a disputed draw despite Burgos landing 93 more punches than Martinez, according to CompuBox statistics, including 70 more power punches, and his 36% connect rate was 13% higher than Martinez. Burgos, who turns 26 on December 26 -- Boxing Day -- returns to ring world-rated No. 1 by the WBO.
Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, is picking up steam, winning four of his last five bouts by knockout. One of the brightest lights among U.S. heavyweight contenders, Jennings, 29, captured the USBA heavyweight title in June of 2012, winning a 10-round decision over Steve Collins. He successfully defended that title in December 2012, knocking out Bowie Tupou in the fifth round. He only had one fight in 2013 -- a sixth-round stoppage victory of Andrey Fedosov in June. Collins, Tupou and Fedosov had a combined record of 71-5-1 when they faced Jennings, who enters this fight with a new managerial and promotional team. He is currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBC and No. 5 by the WBA.
Szpilka (16-0, 12 KOs), of Krakow, Poiland, enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 12 fights by knockout, including three of the four bouts he fought in 2013. He has picked up an American following thanks to his two nationally-televised knockout victories over Mike Mollo in 2013, where both men hit the deck in each of their action-packed fights. Another highlight for Szpilka was his 10-round unanimous decision victory over Brian Minto for the interim WBC Baltic heavyweight title. He enters this fight world-rated No. 14 by the WBC.
One of New York's top boxing attractions, Monaghan (19-0, 12 KOs), of Long Beach, NY, is the reigning WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight champion. He captured that title in June 2012, knocking out Romaro Johnson in the eighth round, and has successfully defended it twice -- via a 10-round unanimous decision in October 2012 and in his pay-per-view debut, on the Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Márquez welterweight champion card, by stopping Anthony Caputo-Smith in the third round. Monaghan enters this fight having won four of his last six fights by stoppage and world-rated No. 6 by the IBF and No. 10 by the WBA. He will be facing Fabio Garrido (19-4, 15 KOs), of Säo Paulo, Brazil, in a 10-round light heavyweight battle. Garrido, who has won his last three fights by knockout, captured the vacant Brazilian light heavyweight title on December 7, knocking out Ernesto Gonzalez in the first round.
Verdejo (9-0, 6 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, has not only transitioned from a stellar amateur, where he fought on Puerto Rico's 2012 Olympic team, to an exciting professional, he has also ignited the passions of his island's boxing fans who currently have no world champions representing them. In short, he is showing the potential for being Puerto Rico's next big boxing star, following the lineage of Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto in attracting legions of fans to his all-action fights not only in Puerto Rico, but in New York, Las Vegas and Florida. Verdejo, 20, fought eight times in 2013 and only went the distance twice. He will be facing Lauro Alcantar (8-0, 1 KO), of Agua Prieta, México, in a six-round battle of undefeated lightweight contenders.
Hart (11-0, 10 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA , won all six of his 2013 fights by knockout, with only one of those bouts reaching the third round. Trained by his father, the highly-rated middleweight contender of the late '60s and early '70s Eugene "Cyclone" Hart, the younger Hart, 24, will be taking on durable veteran Derrick Findley (20-11-1, 13 KOs), of Gary IN. Findley, who scored a second-round TKO of contender Ronald Hearns in 2012, has gone the distance against undefeated contenders Matt Korobov, Gilberto Ramirez and J'Leon Love.
Source: http://philboxing.com/
Dr. Goodman Responds To Team Rios Slam on Testing Protocol in Macau
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Word came out last week that Brandon Rios tested positive for a banned substance following his Nov. 23 loss to Manny Pacquiao in Macau. Team Rios responded with protests, and strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, who oversaw elements of Rios' diet and supplement intake in the leadup to the bout, said he doubts the veracity of the tests.
In several interviews, Ariza said that the protocol for the post-fight test was substandard, in his view. He said that Rios gave a urine sample into a "regular drinking glass" in a Fighthype piece, and then that liquid was poured into another cup. I followed up with Ariza on Sunday night about the positive test, after asking him about some accusations of misdeeds that were bouncing around Twitter on Sunday. He reiterated that his statement about the "drinking glass" stands, and that he saw this action with his own eyes. "There were about ten of us in the room," he told me. He said that the testing crew didn't have containers with them, and one tester went into the bathroom in the dressing room, and came back with a glass, and asked Rios to pee into that glass.
I reached out to Dr. Margaret Goodman, who runs the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association; VADA was contracted by all involved parties to handle testing for the Pacquiao-Rios fight. I asked her to respond to Ariza's assertions, that the testing protocol wasn't top grade.
Goodman told me that in her view the testing was done in professional fashion. "The urine specimen was collected by a highly reputable collection organization and experienced collection officers who routinely collect samples for the Olympic movement," Goodman said. "The specimen was collected, as per protocol, in a sterile vessel that was in factory-sealed packaging prior to the collection. The athlete chose among several sterile vessels in individually sealed packaging. At no time was the specimen in a drinking glass, as has been reported. The athlete signed the paperwork at the collection site, specifically confirming that the sample had been collected according to protocol. Neither the athlete nor any members of his team reported anything unusual at the collection, after the collection, nor after the test results were reported to the athlete, promoter, commission, and ABC on December 2nd. The athlete was given seven days to request the B sample analysis, but he did not respond."
Ariza told me he had no knowledge of the "B" sample status, for the record.
Goodman said that at the time of the collection, Team Rios didn't pipe up and complain about the manner of collection. "Neither the athlete nor his trainers made any claims of abnormalities of any kind until the recent media reports," she said.
Rios was suspended, until April 24, by the China Professional Boxing Organization.
Ariza told me that he still doesn't know how the banned substance Rios' sample contained, methylhexaneamine, also known as dimethylpentylamine or DMAA, and used by some as a weigh loss aid, would have made its way into Rios' system. He had said when the news of the Rios positive came out that he was under the impression that the substance can be found in energy drinks, but told me he now understands that the FDA banned the chemical DMAA.
He implied, heavily, that the timing of the test was dubious, and intended to be disruptive, as it occured the day before another Ariza-Robert Garcia client, Marcos Maidana, was to fight Adrien Broner.
It is a severe understatement to say Ariza has had an interesting month. He karate kicked Freddie Roach during a fracas days for the Macau faceoff. Nobody involved in that spat came off well, with slurs and nasty mocking coming from several parties. I asked Ariza if he'd do anything differently if the same event occured today. "What I did is not something I'm proud about, but I didn't attack (like Roach did)," he said. If Roach had merely entered the gym and asked Garcia politely to exit, no beef would have occured, he said. He implied that Roach was jealous of the attention and acclaim Garcia has received, and acted up because of envy.
I did convey that I found the mocking of Roach's Parkinson's symptoms distasteful and ironic, as any fighter who has taken punishment might well be susceptible to the same symptoms down the line. "I get it," Ariza replied. "It was the heat of the moment though. I've known Freddie for six years, his tirades I've seen before." He said that he believes Roach to be capable of inflicting damage, and said the trainer isn't so affected by his condition that he couldn't be able to muster a strong attack. "If you catch mitts for Manny Pacquiao, you can't be that bad," he said.
I offered a hypothetical which made Ariza chuckle. Mano a mano, Ariza vs. Roach, who'd win? He laughed, paused, and said, "I can't answer that."
It's evident that the air between the two hasn't cleared, however. "I've never really lashed out at Freddie the way he's lashed out at me," Ariza said. "Freddie is the past, and Robert (Garcia) is my future."
He said he's still working with Maidana, Rios and Mikey Garcia. So, nobody has dumped you? He chuckled. "No, not yet," Ariza said.
Source: http://www.thesweetscience.com/
In several interviews, Ariza said that the protocol for the post-fight test was substandard, in his view. He said that Rios gave a urine sample into a "regular drinking glass" in a Fighthype piece, and then that liquid was poured into another cup. I followed up with Ariza on Sunday night about the positive test, after asking him about some accusations of misdeeds that were bouncing around Twitter on Sunday. He reiterated that his statement about the "drinking glass" stands, and that he saw this action with his own eyes. "There were about ten of us in the room," he told me. He said that the testing crew didn't have containers with them, and one tester went into the bathroom in the dressing room, and came back with a glass, and asked Rios to pee into that glass.
I reached out to Dr. Margaret Goodman, who runs the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association; VADA was contracted by all involved parties to handle testing for the Pacquiao-Rios fight. I asked her to respond to Ariza's assertions, that the testing protocol wasn't top grade.
Goodman told me that in her view the testing was done in professional fashion. "The urine specimen was collected by a highly reputable collection organization and experienced collection officers who routinely collect samples for the Olympic movement," Goodman said. "The specimen was collected, as per protocol, in a sterile vessel that was in factory-sealed packaging prior to the collection. The athlete chose among several sterile vessels in individually sealed packaging. At no time was the specimen in a drinking glass, as has been reported. The athlete signed the paperwork at the collection site, specifically confirming that the sample had been collected according to protocol. Neither the athlete nor any members of his team reported anything unusual at the collection, after the collection, nor after the test results were reported to the athlete, promoter, commission, and ABC on December 2nd. The athlete was given seven days to request the B sample analysis, but he did not respond."
Ariza told me he had no knowledge of the "B" sample status, for the record.
Goodman said that at the time of the collection, Team Rios didn't pipe up and complain about the manner of collection. "Neither the athlete nor his trainers made any claims of abnormalities of any kind until the recent media reports," she said.
Rios was suspended, until April 24, by the China Professional Boxing Organization.
Ariza told me that he still doesn't know how the banned substance Rios' sample contained, methylhexaneamine, also known as dimethylpentylamine or DMAA, and used by some as a weigh loss aid, would have made its way into Rios' system. He had said when the news of the Rios positive came out that he was under the impression that the substance can be found in energy drinks, but told me he now understands that the FDA banned the chemical DMAA.
He implied, heavily, that the timing of the test was dubious, and intended to be disruptive, as it occured the day before another Ariza-Robert Garcia client, Marcos Maidana, was to fight Adrien Broner.
It is a severe understatement to say Ariza has had an interesting month. He karate kicked Freddie Roach during a fracas days for the Macau faceoff. Nobody involved in that spat came off well, with slurs and nasty mocking coming from several parties. I asked Ariza if he'd do anything differently if the same event occured today. "What I did is not something I'm proud about, but I didn't attack (like Roach did)," he said. If Roach had merely entered the gym and asked Garcia politely to exit, no beef would have occured, he said. He implied that Roach was jealous of the attention and acclaim Garcia has received, and acted up because of envy.
I did convey that I found the mocking of Roach's Parkinson's symptoms distasteful and ironic, as any fighter who has taken punishment might well be susceptible to the same symptoms down the line. "I get it," Ariza replied. "It was the heat of the moment though. I've known Freddie for six years, his tirades I've seen before." He said that he believes Roach to be capable of inflicting damage, and said the trainer isn't so affected by his condition that he couldn't be able to muster a strong attack. "If you catch mitts for Manny Pacquiao, you can't be that bad," he said.
I offered a hypothetical which made Ariza chuckle. Mano a mano, Ariza vs. Roach, who'd win? He laughed, paused, and said, "I can't answer that."
It's evident that the air between the two hasn't cleared, however. "I've never really lashed out at Freddie the way he's lashed out at me," Ariza said. "Freddie is the past, and Robert (Garcia) is my future."
He said he's still working with Maidana, Rios and Mikey Garcia. So, nobody has dumped you? He chuckled. "No, not yet," Ariza said.
Source: http://www.thesweetscience.com/
Danny Garcia and Austin Trout not thrilled about a Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana fight
On Saturday night, Marcos Maidana produced a benchmark performance in overpowering the heavily-favored Adrien Broner inside of the Alamodome in San Antonio, Tex. on Showtime’s airwaves.<br />
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Scoring knockdowns in rounds two and eight while dishing out heavy punishment in many of the others, Maidana fought a poised and determined fight in the face of the man many had been referring to as one of the future staples of the sport.<br />
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The future is now bright for the 30-year old newly-crowned WBA welterweight champion and 2014 brings the promise of meaningful fights for the Argentinean.<br />
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Some have even gone as far as to fancy a Maidana matchup with the sport’s pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather, who is looking sharp as ever coming off of dominating victories over Robert Guerrero and Saul Alvarez this year.<br />
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During the 9th annual Watson Celebrity Basketball Game in Northridge, Calif., Mayweather could be found playing host to the event as he spoke to the media and later took the court to play some ball.<br />
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Prior to the game, HustleBoss.com reporter Mohamed Ali caught up with former junior middleweight champion Austin Trout and current WBA/WBC junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia to get their thoughts on a Mayweather-Maidana clash.<br />
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Garcia seemed disinterested, if anything, when giving his view.<br />
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“Anything can happen,” Garcia stated. “I’m not a promoter. I’m not a matchmaker. My job is just to fight. It is what it is.”<br />
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Trout seemed to be caught off guard more so that Garcia, and feels that Maidana hasn’t quite earned a shot at the game’s top dog just yet.<br />
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“I don’t know, man,” Trout stated. “Floyd could fight whoever he wants and it’s going to be a good fight. I don’t know if that was enough to get a Floyd fight. I don’t make the decisions; it’s not my job.”<br />
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Read More: <a href="http://hustleboss.com/danny-garcia-and-peter-quillin-not-thrilled-about-a-floyd-mayweather-vs-marcos-maidana-fight/" rel="nofollow">http://hustleboss.com</a>
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Scoring knockdowns in rounds two and eight while dishing out heavy punishment in many of the others, Maidana fought a poised and determined fight in the face of the man many had been referring to as one of the future staples of the sport.<br />
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The future is now bright for the 30-year old newly-crowned WBA welterweight champion and 2014 brings the promise of meaningful fights for the Argentinean.<br />
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Some have even gone as far as to fancy a Maidana matchup with the sport’s pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather, who is looking sharp as ever coming off of dominating victories over Robert Guerrero and Saul Alvarez this year.<br />
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During the 9th annual Watson Celebrity Basketball Game in Northridge, Calif., Mayweather could be found playing host to the event as he spoke to the media and later took the court to play some ball.<br />
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Prior to the game, HustleBoss.com reporter Mohamed Ali caught up with former junior middleweight champion Austin Trout and current WBA/WBC junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia to get their thoughts on a Mayweather-Maidana clash.<br />
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Garcia seemed disinterested, if anything, when giving his view.<br />
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“Anything can happen,” Garcia stated. “I’m not a promoter. I’m not a matchmaker. My job is just to fight. It is what it is.”<br />
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Trout seemed to be caught off guard more so that Garcia, and feels that Maidana hasn’t quite earned a shot at the game’s top dog just yet.<br />
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“I don’t know, man,” Trout stated. “Floyd could fight whoever he wants and it’s going to be a good fight. I don’t know if that was enough to get a Floyd fight. I don’t make the decisions; it’s not my job.”<br />
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Read More: <a href="http://hustleboss.com/danny-garcia-and-peter-quillin-not-thrilled-about-a-floyd-mayweather-vs-marcos-maidana-fight/" rel="nofollow">http://hustleboss.com</a>
Manny Pacquiao next fight: Birthday boy to choose opponent from top boxers
"It's the fight I've always been after and we're very close now, not too far away," Khan told BoxingScene earlier this week.
"Hopefully something is going to be announced within the next couple of weeks."
Khan's decry should come as no surprise; especially considering Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer's recent statements.
Last week, Schaefer acknowledged the criticism over a possible Mayweather vs Khan match-up, stating, "If he's going to fight Amir Khan.... Some people might disagree with me, [and] I understand because Khan might not have looked as stellar in his last couple of fights as one would have hoped..."
Nevertheless, Khan appears to be the man.
How and why?
If so many fight fans oppose Mayweather vs Khan in May, how can it be successful?
Why Mayweather vs Khan sells, and big
Believe it or not, although Khan lacks buzz at the moment, this card, if it comes to fruition, can be the biggest ever from a business perspective.
1. Floyd Mayweather's drawing power
"When Floyd fights it's an event. Floyd could frankly fight Joe Schmo and it would still be an event because of his personality, his reach, his everything," stated CEO Richard Schaefer.
"A Floyd event is must-see TV."
Mayweather, one of the most popular athletes in the world, has a large fanbase that will spend good money to attend and watch his bouts regardless of who he fights.
Read more at http://www.fightsaga.com/
"Hopefully something is going to be announced within the next couple of weeks."
Khan's decry should come as no surprise; especially considering Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer's recent statements.
Last week, Schaefer acknowledged the criticism over a possible Mayweather vs Khan match-up, stating, "If he's going to fight Amir Khan.... Some people might disagree with me, [and] I understand because Khan might not have looked as stellar in his last couple of fights as one would have hoped..."
Nevertheless, Khan appears to be the man.
How and why?
If so many fight fans oppose Mayweather vs Khan in May, how can it be successful?
Why Mayweather vs Khan sells, and big
Believe it or not, although Khan lacks buzz at the moment, this card, if it comes to fruition, can be the biggest ever from a business perspective.
1. Floyd Mayweather's drawing power
"When Floyd fights it's an event. Floyd could frankly fight Joe Schmo and it would still be an event because of his personality, his reach, his everything," stated CEO Richard Schaefer.
"A Floyd event is must-see TV."
Mayweather, one of the most popular athletes in the world, has a large fanbase that will spend good money to attend and watch his bouts regardless of who he fights.
Read more at http://www.fightsaga.com/
Adrien Broner still defiant in defeat: ‘I will be back’
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Having been floored twice, his nose bloodied and dethroned as WBA welterweight beltholder by Marcos Maidana following a unanimous decision at The Alamodome, a dejected Adrien “The Problem” Broner left the ring without being interviewed by Showtime.
Later, however, Broner (27-1, 22 knockouts) did sit down with Showtime’s Barry Tompkins in the locker room to address the loss to Maidana (35-3, 31 KOs), and below is what he said.
On how he the loss affected him:
“I will never put myself above nobody, but I’m still young, fly and flashy and I’m rich, and I’m still in the game of boxing, so what’s happening?”
On the eighth-round intentional head butt by Maidana, who was penalized:
“I’m not here to make any excuses. I’m in a dangerous sport, and I fought to the end. Like I say, some fans hate me, some love me. But if you hate me, you gotta love me because I fought to the end.
“But you know, we’re not going to sit in sorrow. We’re going to live tomorrow like we won the fight…I can still go on and say that I was a three-time world champion. I still am a three-time world champion in three different weight classes.”
On the mark of a champion being the ability to rebound from a loss:
“I’m not going to agree with that. You don’t have to lose nothing to find out how good you are. So, all I can do is go back to the drawing board, and do what I do best, and that’s to come back and train my ass off. I want to thank everybody who watched the fight or came to the fight, and I will be back.”
On the early affect of the second-round knockdown:
“I’m okay. Things happen. Like I said, he fought a helluva a fight, and he was the better man tonight. But guess what? We can rematch at any time. I will fight him my next fight. I don’t need a warm up fight. I will fight him in my next fight.”
On his general accomplishments:
“I’m still a champion in three different weight classes. Tonight, Maidana was just the better man. But we fought a helluva fight, and I hope that the fans got what they deserved. We’re still going to live like we won the fight.”
Source: http://ringtv.craveonline.com/
Later, however, Broner (27-1, 22 knockouts) did sit down with Showtime’s Barry Tompkins in the locker room to address the loss to Maidana (35-3, 31 KOs), and below is what he said.
On how he the loss affected him:
“I will never put myself above nobody, but I’m still young, fly and flashy and I’m rich, and I’m still in the game of boxing, so what’s happening?”
On the eighth-round intentional head butt by Maidana, who was penalized:
“I’m not here to make any excuses. I’m in a dangerous sport, and I fought to the end. Like I say, some fans hate me, some love me. But if you hate me, you gotta love me because I fought to the end.
“But you know, we’re not going to sit in sorrow. We’re going to live tomorrow like we won the fight…I can still go on and say that I was a three-time world champion. I still am a three-time world champion in three different weight classes.”
On the mark of a champion being the ability to rebound from a loss:
“I’m not going to agree with that. You don’t have to lose nothing to find out how good you are. So, all I can do is go back to the drawing board, and do what I do best, and that’s to come back and train my ass off. I want to thank everybody who watched the fight or came to the fight, and I will be back.”
On the early affect of the second-round knockdown:
“I’m okay. Things happen. Like I said, he fought a helluva a fight, and he was the better man tonight. But guess what? We can rematch at any time. I will fight him my next fight. I don’t need a warm up fight. I will fight him in my next fight.”
On his general accomplishments:
“I’m still a champion in three different weight classes. Tonight, Maidana was just the better man. But we fought a helluva fight, and I hope that the fans got what they deserved. We’re still going to live like we won the fight.”
Source: http://ringtv.craveonline.com/
Marcos Maidana vs. Adrien Broner: Pulp Diction
Throughout the history of time, actions have always proven that words mean nothing. They are but pennies to a dollar, and might matter after the tax on a .99 drink at a corner store.
Even then they might end up in a dish for anyone to use. That is, if the guy behind the register even bothers to think they matter.
New WBA welterweight champion Marcos Maidana works like a guy behind the counter.
On the front of the rudely dethroned Adrien Broner’s fancy trunks read the following: “About Billions”. If that was supposed to be truth, then “The Problem” is it proved to be fiction. In NASDAQ terms, Broner went from being a blue chip to a pennie stock.
The cow had messed with the bull- and not the “cash cow” either.
Not since the day of Prince Naseem Hamed has a fighter who’s been such a caricature of himself had less character or been loathed more than Adrien Broner. Floyd Mayweather’s arrogant, narcissistic personality traits really only shows up in scattered sequences, and he’s smart enough to know when not to reveal it.
You remember Floyd’s gold-toothless smile that’s accompanied with words of precise diction. Words free of pulp or clutter. It’s part of his gift.
Adrien Broner (27-1, 22 KO’s) never allows you to forget that you hate him, and I instantly remembered that the moment I saw his ass hit the canvas, courtesy of a massive left hook from Maidana in round 2.
Right away I could just imagine people jumping up and down for joy in living rooms across the country.
The champion never waited on Broner or allowed him to preen, furiously engaging him throughout while always punching through him. The Argentinean mauler never admired his work, was committed to his assault, and executed trainer Robert Garcia’s magnificent game-plan to perfection.
After roughhousing Broner to the point of madness while trying to shove both gloves down his throat, Broner took “advantage” of an awkward angle that saw Maidana turn his back to him.
Broner then placed his gloves on Maidana’s hips and feigned sodomy while gyrating back and forth. What Broner (who's IQ was falling faster than he was behind the scorecards) didn't know was, not only had he f***ed himself, but he was going to get his ass beat even further before getting f***ed himself.
It was like shoving a pool ball in the mouth of Ving Rhames’ Marsellus in ‘Pulp Fiction’ and then raping him. You uh, you remember how he got “medieval” on that bastard, in a way that resulted in his never being able to even think about having sex with a man, woman or a dog again for the rest of his life.
Marcos Maidana (35-3, 31 KO's) went medieval on Adrien Broner for things said and done before and during the fight, and he will never be the same. The comprehensive beating he took in dropping a unanimous decision will have lingering effects.
This is the same Adrien Broner who, like a colossal assh*le in tough economic times, was seen flushing $20 bills down the toilet for showing up in a stack of $100’s. The same Broner, who received oral sex from a woman on a toilet bowl and put it on Twitter.
The same Broner, who put Paulie Malignaggi’s “side piece” on blast, and famously blasted Ray J for putting Floyd Mayweather's ex “side piece” on his body in the form of a tattoo, got the living sh** beat out of him by a tattooed guy he was caught mocking God about in Showtime’s “All Access”. Maidana took his undefeated record and shoved it up his ass, while taking his “side piece” belt in the process.
Karma, like father-time, is undefeated.
You can try to script, avoid or fix it if you like, but there really is no beating it. More than likely, what we saw in Maidana's performance against Broner is a portent of things to come for Floyd Mayweather, if for no other reason than he’s the original copy to Broner's bootleg.
The actual blueprint to beating Floyd was on vivid display by Maidana. Not that he would beat him, but that someone can- and will.
In one of the rare instances in life in which we get what we want without really wanting it, I wanted to be wrong about Adrien Broner for all of the right reasons. I picked him to win this fight while hoping to God he’d get his ass kicked.
He is a vile and foul disrespectful representative of the sport and a horrible role model.
No true champion of longevity would party the way he does between fights and allow his conditioning and weight to get out of control like Adrien Broner. He came to the ring with a big mouth, aided by rappers and a small army of supporters, only to leave silenced and humiliated and more importantly- alone.
So devoid of class was he, that he didn't even bother to talk to Showtime after the fight, while being able to guide himself back to the dressing room. Guess he had to take a shower.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/
Even then they might end up in a dish for anyone to use. That is, if the guy behind the register even bothers to think they matter.
New WBA welterweight champion Marcos Maidana works like a guy behind the counter.
On the front of the rudely dethroned Adrien Broner’s fancy trunks read the following: “About Billions”. If that was supposed to be truth, then “The Problem” is it proved to be fiction. In NASDAQ terms, Broner went from being a blue chip to a pennie stock.
The cow had messed with the bull- and not the “cash cow” either.
Not since the day of Prince Naseem Hamed has a fighter who’s been such a caricature of himself had less character or been loathed more than Adrien Broner. Floyd Mayweather’s arrogant, narcissistic personality traits really only shows up in scattered sequences, and he’s smart enough to know when not to reveal it.
You remember Floyd’s gold-toothless smile that’s accompanied with words of precise diction. Words free of pulp or clutter. It’s part of his gift.
Adrien Broner (27-1, 22 KO’s) never allows you to forget that you hate him, and I instantly remembered that the moment I saw his ass hit the canvas, courtesy of a massive left hook from Maidana in round 2.
Right away I could just imagine people jumping up and down for joy in living rooms across the country.
The champion never waited on Broner or allowed him to preen, furiously engaging him throughout while always punching through him. The Argentinean mauler never admired his work, was committed to his assault, and executed trainer Robert Garcia’s magnificent game-plan to perfection.
After roughhousing Broner to the point of madness while trying to shove both gloves down his throat, Broner took “advantage” of an awkward angle that saw Maidana turn his back to him.
Broner then placed his gloves on Maidana’s hips and feigned sodomy while gyrating back and forth. What Broner (who's IQ was falling faster than he was behind the scorecards) didn't know was, not only had he f***ed himself, but he was going to get his ass beat even further before getting f***ed himself.
It was like shoving a pool ball in the mouth of Ving Rhames’ Marsellus in ‘Pulp Fiction’ and then raping him. You uh, you remember how he got “medieval” on that bastard, in a way that resulted in his never being able to even think about having sex with a man, woman or a dog again for the rest of his life.
Marcos Maidana (35-3, 31 KO's) went medieval on Adrien Broner for things said and done before and during the fight, and he will never be the same. The comprehensive beating he took in dropping a unanimous decision will have lingering effects.
This is the same Adrien Broner who, like a colossal assh*le in tough economic times, was seen flushing $20 bills down the toilet for showing up in a stack of $100’s. The same Broner, who received oral sex from a woman on a toilet bowl and put it on Twitter.
The same Broner, who put Paulie Malignaggi’s “side piece” on blast, and famously blasted Ray J for putting Floyd Mayweather's ex “side piece” on his body in the form of a tattoo, got the living sh** beat out of him by a tattooed guy he was caught mocking God about in Showtime’s “All Access”. Maidana took his undefeated record and shoved it up his ass, while taking his “side piece” belt in the process.
Karma, like father-time, is undefeated.
You can try to script, avoid or fix it if you like, but there really is no beating it. More than likely, what we saw in Maidana's performance against Broner is a portent of things to come for Floyd Mayweather, if for no other reason than he’s the original copy to Broner's bootleg.
The actual blueprint to beating Floyd was on vivid display by Maidana. Not that he would beat him, but that someone can- and will.
In one of the rare instances in life in which we get what we want without really wanting it, I wanted to be wrong about Adrien Broner for all of the right reasons. I picked him to win this fight while hoping to God he’d get his ass kicked.
He is a vile and foul disrespectful representative of the sport and a horrible role model.
No true champion of longevity would party the way he does between fights and allow his conditioning and weight to get out of control like Adrien Broner. He came to the ring with a big mouth, aided by rappers and a small army of supporters, only to leave silenced and humiliated and more importantly- alone.
So devoid of class was he, that he didn't even bother to talk to Showtime after the fight, while being able to guide himself back to the dressing room. Guess he had to take a shower.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/
Floyd Mayweather Jr. next fight: Is it Amir Khan or Pacman?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. next fight is certain to be held in May 2014. Is it Amir Khan or Manny Pacquiao (Pacman) against whom he will fight? Khan claims that he has sixty percent chance of facing Mayweather in May.
British boxer Amir Khan is very eager to fight Floyd Mayweather, though the latter’s principal negotiator, Al Haymon, has put Khan along with two more contenders on hold for the scheduled May 2014 fight.
On his part, Khan is leaving no stones unturned to stay in the media spotlight. He even avoided a challenging fight scheduled on December 7th against International Boxing Federation champion Devon Alexander, not risking his new number 2 position at welterweight that is said to be gained by pulling political strings rather than winning any welterweight championships.
Khan had been training for Alexander fight since several weeks in San Francisco until three weeks ago, but he claims that “the negotiations between our teams did not end with an agreement”. Since his new position, he has a better chance to get a fight with Mayweather on May 3rd. But it is noticeable that he would have been out of work for about 13 months before the fight, if Mayweather is only what he plans to fight against next, not to add that it would be his first fight at the division above the light welterweight limit he has campaigned at since March 2009.
Talking about his past losses, he said, “I make my mistakes, and I learn from them. You’ll see a new Amir Khan now. Especially at this weight, 147. I bet I’m bigger than Floyd Mayweather. If you look at me, and look at him I’m bigger, but I was making 140.” Khan has also gained a good political base, thanks to his connection with his US handlers Golden Boy Promotions, a strategic place to be since Mayweather fights on Showtime and GBP have a deal with the same broadcasters.
Keeping himself in a good public view, Khan has also helped raise money at a sold-out fundraising dinner for Islamic Relief’s Typhoon Haiyan Appeal recently, raising $136,000 through ticket sales and a charity auction. The eager fighter is even considering a fight with Manny Pacquiao or Saul Alvarez, though his camp has let a lot of time pass by without saying anything definite, just waiting for the Mayweather camp to look at them.
Source: http://nvonews.com/
British boxer Amir Khan is very eager to fight Floyd Mayweather, though the latter’s principal negotiator, Al Haymon, has put Khan along with two more contenders on hold for the scheduled May 2014 fight.
On his part, Khan is leaving no stones unturned to stay in the media spotlight. He even avoided a challenging fight scheduled on December 7th against International Boxing Federation champion Devon Alexander, not risking his new number 2 position at welterweight that is said to be gained by pulling political strings rather than winning any welterweight championships.
Khan had been training for Alexander fight since several weeks in San Francisco until three weeks ago, but he claims that “the negotiations between our teams did not end with an agreement”. Since his new position, he has a better chance to get a fight with Mayweather on May 3rd. But it is noticeable that he would have been out of work for about 13 months before the fight, if Mayweather is only what he plans to fight against next, not to add that it would be his first fight at the division above the light welterweight limit he has campaigned at since March 2009.
Talking about his past losses, he said, “I make my mistakes, and I learn from them. You’ll see a new Amir Khan now. Especially at this weight, 147. I bet I’m bigger than Floyd Mayweather. If you look at me, and look at him I’m bigger, but I was making 140.” Khan has also gained a good political base, thanks to his connection with his US handlers Golden Boy Promotions, a strategic place to be since Mayweather fights on Showtime and GBP have a deal with the same broadcasters.
Keeping himself in a good public view, Khan has also helped raise money at a sold-out fundraising dinner for Islamic Relief’s Typhoon Haiyan Appeal recently, raising $136,000 through ticket sales and a charity auction. The eager fighter is even considering a fight with Manny Pacquiao or Saul Alvarez, though his camp has let a lot of time pass by without saying anything definite, just waiting for the Mayweather camp to look at them.
Source: http://nvonews.com/
Broner no problem of Maidana
When Adrian “The Problem” Broner stepped into the ring on Saturday night to defend his WBA welterweight title against Marcos Maidana, he was – in his own mind and the minds of his fans – the heir-apparent to pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. And Mayweather seems to agree.
When he left the ring, however, Broner was without his title, without his undefeated record, and without any valid basis to compare himself to his idol, Mayweather. Broner found himself on the canvas twice en route to a brutal 12-round decision loss to the Argentine dangerman.
Going into the bout, Maidana was considered a live underdog – a tough test for Broner, but one that “The Problem” should have passed. The big-punching Maidana’s main claim to fame was coming off the floor to make red-hot prospect Victor Ortiz quit four years ago. But Maidana had lost decisions to Devon Alexander, Amir Khan, and Andriy Kotelnik. All three are accomplished boxers, as Broner was hyped to be. So, theoretically, Broner should have done exactly what those three did against Maidana.
But he didn’t get the job done. Whatever it was that prevented Maidana from going over the hump and beating Khan, Kotelnik and Alexander, the Argentine overcame it and handed a thorough beatdown to a fighter who was by far his superior in terms of skill and talent.
Cracks had shown in Broner’s Mayweather-esque façade in his previous bout, an ugly decision over Paulie Malinaggi. As always, Malinaggi screamed “Robbery!” This time, more than a few observers agreed with him.
Maidana turned those cracks into chasms as he floored Broner in the second and eighth stanzas, and withstood a late-round rally to preserve his victory. Broner displayed courage in this bout, but few of the skills that had previously prompted the comparisons with Mayweather.
Actually, Mayweather had his own Maidana moment back in 2002, when he defended the lightweight title he then held against the redoubtable Jose Luis Castillo. Even though the decision was unanimous in favor of Mayweather, to this day there are those who insist that Castillo was robbed, and that Mayweather is undefeated in name only. Mayweather gave Castillo an immediate rematch, which he won by a wide margin.
Unlike Broner, Mayweather passed his toughest – to that point in his career – test. The observers who thought he legitimately beat Castillo the first time were just as vociferous as those who differed. And Mayweather didn’t go down once in that fight, let alone twice.
Victory in a rematch with Maidana would go a long way toward restoring Broner’s lost luster. Unless “The Problem” does that, and adds other impressive wins to his ledger, his status as heir to Mayweather will remain suspect.
As for Maidana, he deserves full credit for his win. Now he’s got a title to go along with his other accomplishments. Also, he has positioned himself well in the Floyd Mayweather Sweepstakes. That fight would earn Maidana the biggest payday of his career – and also a one-sided beating, as Mayweather would do to him what Broner was supposed to have done.
Source: http://boxscorenews.com/
When he left the ring, however, Broner was without his title, without his undefeated record, and without any valid basis to compare himself to his idol, Mayweather. Broner found himself on the canvas twice en route to a brutal 12-round decision loss to the Argentine dangerman.
Going into the bout, Maidana was considered a live underdog – a tough test for Broner, but one that “The Problem” should have passed. The big-punching Maidana’s main claim to fame was coming off the floor to make red-hot prospect Victor Ortiz quit four years ago. But Maidana had lost decisions to Devon Alexander, Amir Khan, and Andriy Kotelnik. All three are accomplished boxers, as Broner was hyped to be. So, theoretically, Broner should have done exactly what those three did against Maidana.
But he didn’t get the job done. Whatever it was that prevented Maidana from going over the hump and beating Khan, Kotelnik and Alexander, the Argentine overcame it and handed a thorough beatdown to a fighter who was by far his superior in terms of skill and talent.
Cracks had shown in Broner’s Mayweather-esque façade in his previous bout, an ugly decision over Paulie Malinaggi. As always, Malinaggi screamed “Robbery!” This time, more than a few observers agreed with him.
Maidana turned those cracks into chasms as he floored Broner in the second and eighth stanzas, and withstood a late-round rally to preserve his victory. Broner displayed courage in this bout, but few of the skills that had previously prompted the comparisons with Mayweather.
Actually, Mayweather had his own Maidana moment back in 2002, when he defended the lightweight title he then held against the redoubtable Jose Luis Castillo. Even though the decision was unanimous in favor of Mayweather, to this day there are those who insist that Castillo was robbed, and that Mayweather is undefeated in name only. Mayweather gave Castillo an immediate rematch, which he won by a wide margin.
Unlike Broner, Mayweather passed his toughest – to that point in his career – test. The observers who thought he legitimately beat Castillo the first time were just as vociferous as those who differed. And Mayweather didn’t go down once in that fight, let alone twice.
Victory in a rematch with Maidana would go a long way toward restoring Broner’s lost luster. Unless “The Problem” does that, and adds other impressive wins to his ledger, his status as heir to Mayweather will remain suspect.
As for Maidana, he deserves full credit for his win. Now he’s got a title to go along with his other accomplishments. Also, he has positioned himself well in the Floyd Mayweather Sweepstakes. That fight would earn Maidana the biggest payday of his career – and also a one-sided beating, as Mayweather would do to him what Broner was supposed to have done.
Source: http://boxscorenews.com/
PEDS: For Brandon Rios, Things Have Gone From Bad To Worse
Monday, December 16, 2013
Let’s get this right out of the way – Brandon Rios does not come across as a likable guy. He claims he likes hitting people in the face better than having sex. He associates with people who mock the sick. He’s proven to be less than gracious in defeat. Still, I believe we should hesitate before publicly crucifying famous fighters.
Why? Because, as I’ve said before, we should judge boxers on their boxing. It’s simply a “let he who is without sin cast the first stone,” sort of thing with me. And I think that’s the smart route for boxing’s writers and fans to take.
Brandon Rios’ questionable actions, however, may now have entered the realm of boxing itself. In case you haven’t heard, it’s been announced that Rios failed a post-fight drug test after losing to Manny Pacquaio last month in Macau. Apparently there were traces of a drug called methylhexanemine in the man’s system.
For those who don’t know – and I had never heard of the drug myself until the news broke – methylhexanemine is used as a dietary aid. Yet; according to Dan Rafael at ESPN, at least, the substance can also be employed as a PED. That’s bad news. Bad news for boxing. Bad news for boxing fans. Bad news for boxing super-promoter Bob Arum.
Of course, Arum is trying to downplay Rios’ involvement in the whole affair, claiming the young fighter isn’t responsible for what happened. Instead, Arum is blaming Alex Ariza for the embarrassing situation. Ariza, in case anyone has forgotten, is the “conditioning expert” who acted like a first rate piece of humanity weeks ago when he mocked Freddy Roach for having Parkinson’s disease.
By behaving like a villain on camera, Azira can easily be cast in the role of villain in this situation, as well. Is it right to make him the bad guy in this, though? Was Ariza, we should ask ourselves, actually the one who gave Rios the methylhexanemine? Did Rios even know he was taking a banned substance, for that matter? Is there any way the truth will ever get out at all?
Who knows? What we do know, however, is that at least one individual in the camp of a boxer entering one of the biggest fights of the year took part in cheating. That’s right, someone in Rios’ camp cheated. People can downplay the effects of methylhexanemine all they want, it’s still a banned substance. And when you bring in a banned substance to replace hard work, you’re a cheater.
Truth be told, I have no idea whether or not Rios was aware that he was taking a drug that wasn’t allowed in the fight game. Only he and perhaps a handful of other people know for sure. If Rios was an innocent victim, however, he should rightfully be furious. He should also be ready, eager and willing to let the truth get out. Unless the whole thing was some kind of galactic screw up, someone needs to be responsible for willfully breaking the rules.
If Rios knew he was taking a banned substance however, well…here’s hoping he’s enjoying his just desert. He’s now been further embarrassed by the whole Pacquaio affair. Not only did he lose his match with the Filipino legend in a big way, he’s now been suspended by authorities in Macau. Fair or unfair, the man’s integrity has been brought into question in a very public way.
Still, Rios’ career is far from over. Boxing may be brutal, but it’s also a perfect outlet for redemption. How many unsavory characters has the sport helped save? Probably too many to count. Guilty or innocent, Brandon Rios is in a bad place right now. Let’s hope his sport of choice can help him get to a better place – and sooner rather than later.
Source: http://www.boxinginsider.com/
Why? Because, as I’ve said before, we should judge boxers on their boxing. It’s simply a “let he who is without sin cast the first stone,” sort of thing with me. And I think that’s the smart route for boxing’s writers and fans to take.
Brandon Rios’ questionable actions, however, may now have entered the realm of boxing itself. In case you haven’t heard, it’s been announced that Rios failed a post-fight drug test after losing to Manny Pacquaio last month in Macau. Apparently there were traces of a drug called methylhexanemine in the man’s system.
For those who don’t know – and I had never heard of the drug myself until the news broke – methylhexanemine is used as a dietary aid. Yet; according to Dan Rafael at ESPN, at least, the substance can also be employed as a PED. That’s bad news. Bad news for boxing. Bad news for boxing fans. Bad news for boxing super-promoter Bob Arum.
Of course, Arum is trying to downplay Rios’ involvement in the whole affair, claiming the young fighter isn’t responsible for what happened. Instead, Arum is blaming Alex Ariza for the embarrassing situation. Ariza, in case anyone has forgotten, is the “conditioning expert” who acted like a first rate piece of humanity weeks ago when he mocked Freddy Roach for having Parkinson’s disease.
By behaving like a villain on camera, Azira can easily be cast in the role of villain in this situation, as well. Is it right to make him the bad guy in this, though? Was Ariza, we should ask ourselves, actually the one who gave Rios the methylhexanemine? Did Rios even know he was taking a banned substance, for that matter? Is there any way the truth will ever get out at all?
Who knows? What we do know, however, is that at least one individual in the camp of a boxer entering one of the biggest fights of the year took part in cheating. That’s right, someone in Rios’ camp cheated. People can downplay the effects of methylhexanemine all they want, it’s still a banned substance. And when you bring in a banned substance to replace hard work, you’re a cheater.
Truth be told, I have no idea whether or not Rios was aware that he was taking a drug that wasn’t allowed in the fight game. Only he and perhaps a handful of other people know for sure. If Rios was an innocent victim, however, he should rightfully be furious. He should also be ready, eager and willing to let the truth get out. Unless the whole thing was some kind of galactic screw up, someone needs to be responsible for willfully breaking the rules.
If Rios knew he was taking a banned substance however, well…here’s hoping he’s enjoying his just desert. He’s now been further embarrassed by the whole Pacquaio affair. Not only did he lose his match with the Filipino legend in a big way, he’s now been suspended by authorities in Macau. Fair or unfair, the man’s integrity has been brought into question in a very public way.
Still, Rios’ career is far from over. Boxing may be brutal, but it’s also a perfect outlet for redemption. How many unsavory characters has the sport helped save? Probably too many to count. Guilty or innocent, Brandon Rios is in a bad place right now. Let’s hope his sport of choice can help him get to a better place – and sooner rather than later.
Source: http://www.boxinginsider.com/
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