BoxMMANEWS

Judah-Mosley In The Making

2008-02-06T02:11:00.000-08:00

A verbal agreement has been reached between Golden Boy Promotions and Premier Event Management (PEMG) for a May 31st, 2008 showdown in Las Vegas between Shane Mosely and Zab Judah. Premier Event Management is Zab Judahs new promotional company, where he will oin the list of others in promoting him self. Judah was supposed to face Margarito on the undercard of Cotto-Gomez. I will keep you up to date on the developments of this one.

The Punisher: " I Want Them All"

2008-02-05T15:21:00.000-08:00

It's hard being Paul Williams these days, when you're entrenched in a talent infested division. The talent goes so far that you can be overlooked because of other possible match-ups. When you are 6'2" 147 pounds and dodged you can honestly point the finger at something or someone other than yourself. So what is a fighter to do when you have called out everybody and to no avail, everyone seems to be gone till nevaworry 31st or has some sort of hand injury or prior commitment. There are even fighters rumored to turn down one million dollars just to avoid him. If Paul Williams had the mouth of Paulie Malignaggi he could definitely get his self more fights than he can handle. If Paul Williams had the temperament of James Toney a riot would breakout at virtually every press conference. It's just too bad that Paul Williams is a nice, respectable person outside of the ring.

His promoter Dan Goossen had this to say:
“For as long as I have been in this sport,” Goossen says, “I have never seen a fighter turn down a million dollars and a unification fight for half that to be on an undercard.” Goossen believes his fighter isn’t being avoided due to a low profile but rather out of fear of his combined size and style. “You avoid Cory Spinks,”(A stylistic nightmare) “but you fear Paul Williams. As evidence, you only have to look at Kermit Cintron.”

“I think we have already made our statement,” says Goossen, referring to the Margarito fight. “I think the real question is what will the other champion do to state their case for being the best welterweight in the world? I don’t care who comes out on top. If they don’t fight Paul Williams, they can’t call themselves champion.”

Here is how Paul Williams feels:“I let my fists do the talking.,” “I don’t worry about them other guys,” “My main focus is to keep winning and eventually get a big fight with [the other champions]. As long as I keep winning they are going to have to end up fighting me. Guys know I’m a tough match up. And they know I’m going to fight them every second of every round. Me? I just want to beat them all. Nothing else matters to me. No matter what happens in the ring I just want to keep winning. That’s my main focus. Just do what I been doing.”

Watch This Video Clip And See Why He Is Avoided:

UFC 83 TIckets Going Fast

2008-02-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Monday held a press conference in Montreal to discuss its upcoming Canadian debut on April 19.

Georges St. Pierre and Matt Serra were on hand to help pump up their welterweight title bout, but from the news that UFC president Dana White delivered, they didn’t really need to be there.

Tickets don’t even go on sale to the general public until Thursday of this week, but according to White, UFC Fight Club members (the only ones to whom tickets are currently available) have already purchased more than 13,000 tickets for UFC 83, which is set to take place at the 21,273-seat Bell Centre.

“13,375 tickets, in that ballpark,” said White of the total ticket sales thus far.

Serra defeated St. Pierre at UFC 69 in Houston, Texas to capture the UFC welterweight title. He was scheduled to defend that belt against Matt Hughes on Dec. 29 in Las Vegas, but had to withdraw due to an injury. St. Pierre stepped up to take his place and ended up defeating Hughes to capture the interim welterweight strap.

The UFC on Monday also announced the rest of the bouts for the April 19 event, minus one opponent. It is a full fight card with 10 bouts scheduled:

-Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra
-Rich Franklin vs. Travis Lutter
-Michael Bisping vs. Charles McCarthy
-Kalib Starnes vs. Nate Quarry
-Jason MacDonald vs. Joe Doerksen
-Mac Danzig vs. Mark Bocek
-Sam Stout vs. Rich Clementi
-Kuniyoshi Hironaka vs. Jonathan Goulet
-Ed Herman vs. Demian Maia
-Patrick Cote vs. TBA

UFC 82 FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED

2008-02-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Monday released nine fights for its March 1 return to the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

The main event features UFC champion Anderson Silva facing Pride champion Dan Henderson in a battle of middleweight titleholders. Silva also headlined the promotion’s first effort in Columbus in March of 2007 where he won the title from local favorite Rich Franklin.

The main card is fleshed out with bouts featuring heavyweights Cheick Kongo vs. Heath Herring, Evan Tanner making his UFC and fighting return against No. 9-ranked Yushin Okami, top welterweight John Fitch vs. UFC newcomer Chris Wilson, and Ultimate Fighter winner Diego Sanchez against another UFC newcomer in Swedish fighter David Bielkheden.

The UFC set the national total attendance record for a mixed martial arts event at Nationwide Arena last year, attracting 19,079 fans.

Main Card:
-Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson
-Cheick Kongo vs. Heath Herring
-Yushin Okami vs. Evan Tanner
-Jon Fitch vs. Chris Wilson
-Diego Sanchez vs. David Bielkheden

Preliminary Card:
-Andrei Arlovski vs. Jake O'Brien
-Luke Cummo vs. Luigi Fioravanti
-Josh Koscheck vs. Dustin Hazelett
-Jorge Gurgel vs. John Halverson

Mir Submits Lesnar

2008-02-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir survived a vicious onslaught by the former WWE superstar Brock Lesnar to lock in a tight ankle lock forcing the tap at 1:30 of the first round. For the last several months, questions were raised whether Brock Lesnar had the skill set to compete at the top level of the sport. All questions were answered Saturday night. As Lesnar engaged Mir, the former professional wrestler mauled his opponent with a fast takedown. After landing a flurry of crushing shots, referee Steve Mazzagatti deducted one point from the newcomer for an illegal blow to the back of the head. Following a restart, Lesnar caught Mir with a right hand but fell directly into a tight foot lock. Lesnar tapped instantly giving Mir the submission victory.

Khan Pitches Shutout

2008-02-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

Ahmir Khan retained his Commonwealth lightweight title against Gairy St Clair at the ExCeL Arena, London. It was the type of test he needed to see if he was the real deal. I would like to take my hat off to St. Clair who pressured Khan every single second of every round, and had some success in the second half of the fight. Khan deserved to win his combinations flowed like water, his hand-speed was blinding and he picked his punches well. He looked very well going the distance, he did not seem to tire. In only his 16th pro fight to take on this type of opposition say an awful lot about his character, competence and commitment to his craft. St Clair, who has gone the distance with Diego Corales and Vivian Harris did everything he was supposed to do but just came up short. All three judges' scorecards read 120-108, I still don't think that anybody will be quick to be lining St. Clair up as an opponent any time soon.

Khans comments on his performance:
"I've beaten a world-class opponent and I want to become world champion this year," Khan said afterwards.

"I've always wanted to do 12 rounds - and now I have. Every shot I hit him with, he kept coming back. He was so strong.

"A few times I caught with good shots and thought he might go. But he was coming and coming - and I had to pace myself.

"I'd done the training and knew I had the fitness in the tank to go the 12 rounds.

"My strength helped a lot. We've done lower-body strength and upper-body strength work - and it all paid off."

Frank Warren added: "That was an excellent performance. To win every one of the 12 rounds was just outstanding.

"I don't think anyone can complain about that one - or about the opponent."

Khan, now 16-0 (12) probably learned more in this fight than his previous 15 combined.

I would not be surprised if he invades the U.S. sometime this year as there are not shortage of lightweigh talent here.

Joe Calzaghe – “I’will Smash Hopkins Up”

2008-02-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

The pride of whales is set and ready for his April 19th date with the Hopkins. He had some comments about Philly fighter. “His comments won’t get under my skin. I remember Robin Reid used to say things about me and I took it personally. Now I just laugh it off. Hopkins knows he has to throw me off to get me to fight his fight. The only way he can do that is to make me angry enough that I make mistakes. But I know I have the temperament to take everything in stride.”

Calzaghe went on to add, “Bad things happen to people who mouth off to me. They get paid back. Come April 19th I’m going to smash him up. It’s about me going over there and kicking his ass. He’ll need a facelift when I’m finished with him.” I still do not like the styles but, it is safe to assume that Calzaghe will press the action in the fight. Hopkins will rely on guile and strategy to win the fight.

Hitman Hatton Back In the Gym

2008-02-01T02:24:00.000-08:00

IBO junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton is back in the gym after returning to his hometown of Manchester, England following a two-week safari in South Africa. Things are on target for the Hitman's return on May 24 at the City of Manchester Stadium, possibly in the early morning hours to accomodate US TV. The Manchester Evening News is reporting that Team Hatton has narrowed it down to a shortlist of four potential opponents. "As for Ricky's opponent, there have been Americans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and Brits looking to challenge him. That's all I want to say about it at the moment," Ricky's father and manager Ray Hatton most likely has an opponent for his son, but will not release any details on who it is.

Powell and Green Back In Action

2008-01-31T02:26:00.000-08:00

On February 29th's "Friday Night Fights" broadcast from the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana, features IBF #1-rated Sechew "Iron Horse" Powell (23-1, 13 KOs) and IBF/WBO #14 super middleweight rated Allan "Sweetness" Green (26-1, 18 KOs) in dual main events. Powell, coming off an impressive TKO over Olympian Terence Cauthen, is slated to face Kevin Finley (12-0-1, 9 KOs), while Green is set to face big-punching Samuel Miller (18-2, 15 KOs). Both guys are taking these fights to stay busy because nothing is ever carved in stone when it comes to boxing. They are both doing the right thing by stay busy and providing for their families, why sit and wait a year for a title shot. You can be ranked the #1 mandatory challenger and still get overlooked in this sport. I applaud both of them for wanting to fight more than the twice a year schedule as most fighters do.

Broadway Boxing Returns

2008-01-31T02:19:00.000-08:00

DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing returns to New York City on March 5 at the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center. Staten Island featherweight Gary “Kid” Stark (20-2, 8 KOs) and Spanish Harlem welterweight Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana (22-3, 14 KOs) will headline the night in separate bouts against opponents to be named. They both sell tickets in the Big Apple but the truth of the matter is these guys are already 28 years old and they are not even ranked in the top 20 of their division. Gary Starks is a super bantamweight who does not have the punching power to compete in the top 10. The other side is in that division their really are no bums that you can just walk over. Edgar Santana is a junior welterweight who has the same short comings. I wish them well as both are likable guys.

St Clair Promises Annihilation

2008-01-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

Gairy St Clair has vowed to celebrate his birthday on Saturday with a devastating KO of Amir Khan. The Australia-based Guyanan will challenge British boxings Khan for the Commonwealth lightweight crown at London's ExCel Arena, and is intent on creating a major upset. St Clair had alot to say about his upcoming fight.

" I've seen a few of Amir's fights, and he likes sticking his chin out."

" I hope he does that against me because it will be the perfect birthday present. I'll clock him one so quick he'll be on the floor before he knows it.

" I'm planning on blowing out his candles inside a few rounds. For me, defeat isn't an option."

We've already been working on a few things that I believe will prove decisive in the fight. I didn't want to reveal too much today in front of the press, but I'm in the form of my life. Khan won't know what's hit him on Saturday night."

Let me remind everyone that St Clair has never been stopped or tasted the canvas in 46 pro fights and is as ruff as they come, Khan is fighting only his 16th pro fight and is still only 21 years old. It does look like a slaughtering in the making but I not sure this is the case.

Tarver-Woods No More Lacey

2008-01-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

It was reported earlier that Antonio Tarver was going to take on Jeff Lacy on the undercard of Dawson vs Johnson, somewhere negotiations broke down. Tarver opted to take on a rougher assignment in Clinton Woods who is IBF light heavyweight champion and Tarver will put the lightly regarded IBO title on the line. The winner will face either Dawson or Johnson. Woods and Tarver are not strangers to Johnson, whereas both men fought him twice. Woods is 1-1-1 versus the road warrior and Tarver is 1-1 versus the road warrior,both men are looking elsewhere if they win because neither wants to get it on again with Johnson. Dawson is the youngest of the light heavy weights, his future is still bright at only 25 years of age. Dawson will be around long after they fade into the sunset within the next few years.Tarver vs. Woods, an intriguing match-up in its own as both men feel that they still have something to prove. Each man is trying to single handily wipe out the division.

Shamrock Opponent Named

2008-01-28T16:49:00.000-08:00

Ultimate Fighting Championship pioneer/veteran/legend Ken Shamrock son Ryan has an opponent named for March 8th in Wembley arena. Ryan made his first and only appearance on his Fathers show. He will going up against Giorgio Andrews who has won both of his fights by TKO. Ken and Ryan signed with EliteXc or rather ProElite which is the parent company of EliteXc. They also own and operate Cage Rage. My personal feelings is that if my son were to appear on the same card as me, then it would be time for me to step down and retire. As with all fighters who usually are stubborn when it comes to stepping down from an illustrious career. It's just that they feel they will be missing something if they are not fighting, in truth it's that you conditioned yourself for so many years and programmed your mind state for this. It is a hard habit to kick. The high that you get from combatant sports, no narcotic or bottle can compare to that type of high.

Povetkin Outhustles Chambers

2008-01-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

Alexander Povetkin (15-0, 11 KOs) had put out an astonishing work rate not usually seen in the heavyweight division, on his way to defeating previously unbeaten American Eddie Chambers (30-1, 16 KOs) by a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision at the Tempodrom, Kreuzberg, in Berlin, Germany. Chamber who last seen giving Calvin Brock a thorough lesson was a little gun shy last night. This fight was entertaining for heavyweights due to the fact that neither man is a holder. There were an excess of four rounds in which Povetkin threw 90 punches or more which was astonishing. When was the last time you witnessed that. Povetkin seemed to be the more gassed of the two, but he made the fight and pressed the action with combo punches all night long. Chambers would land a two or three punch combo and Povetkin would come back with five or six punches unanswered.

The punches were not all landing clean and effectively, but they were landing everywhere including the arms, side of the head and the elbows of Chambers. On my score card I did not have Chamber win a round after that. Povetkin used all of his international experience to take over control of the fight. Chamber still has a decent future he just lacks that great equalizer in one punch knockout power. With this win, Povetkin becomes the mandatory challenger for IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko should he get past Sultan Imbragimov, in a match where he is clearly the favorite. If Povetkin stands a chance he definitely has to find a way to hurt Klitschko who is a strong puncher. It is just a hunch that I have but it will be 5-10 years before you witness another dominant American as a heavyweight champ. It is now the era of the Eastern European invasion.

Nevada Turns It Up On Athletes

2008-01-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

Nevada Athletic Commission Director Keith Kizer announced that the Commission has expanded steroid and drug testing for licensed fighters and those applying for licenses.In addition to the testing performed on contestants on fight night, the Commission will require licensed fighters and licensing applicants to be randomly tested at other times during the year.

In a memo issued to “All Nevada Licensees” dated Jan. 7, 2008, Chairman John Bailey noted that some fighters “...have become very sophisticated in the timing of taking prohibited substances,” which is why the Commission has instituted additional random
testing. “Random testing throughout the year will further deter any fighters considering taking non-approved substances,” said Executive Director Kizer. “The additional testing, which will be paid for by the Commission, will help us keep the sport of unarmed combat safe and fair for all fighters.”

Selection of licensees for testing will be made in one of three ways:

1. Fighters may be randomly chosen for testing.
2. If there is some indication that a fighter is taking a non-approved substance, they may be tested.
3. If a fighter has previously tested positive for using a non-approved substance, they may be tested.

A fighter chosen for testing will be contacted by the Commission directly and given details on the ordering of the test and the time frame within which testing must occur.

If the test is not completed within the designated time frame or if a fighter fails the test, the Commission will refuse to license the fighter. I happen to like this idea because fighters are licensed in various states at once. Fighters know which states test more heavily than others. Some states turn their head when it comes to this because they are just happy to have an event going on in their state. With regards to all fighters no man wants to find out that somebody has an artificial advantage over them.

Judah Leaves Prize Fight!

2008-01-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

Former two division world champion Zab "Super" Judah and Prize Fight Promotions have mutually agreed to part ways as of January 23rd, 2008. Prize Fight Promotions signed Judah after his one year suspension by the Nevada Athletic State Commission for taking part in a ring brawl. They promoted his last four fights. Zab is taking part in a new trend which pits fighters who at least have made a name for themselves take more control over their future and financial well being.

"I am at the point in my career where I have the financial freedom to build and promote my own fights, in conjunction with my management company, Premiere Event Management (PEMG). I hold no grudges towards Prize Fight Promotions, and I thank Brian Young for his support."

Cintron-Margarito II April 12th Boarwalk Hall

2008-01-25T14:22:00.000-08:00

Kermit Cintron will take on Antonio Margarito April 12th. The rematch will take place on the undercard of Cotto vs Gomez at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. In their first encounter on April 23 2005, Margarito retained his WBO Welterweight title by keeping a feverish fast paced pressure work rate which proved to be too much for Kermit Cintron, dropping him four times on his way to a fifth round knockout. Cintron claims he had hand injuries which kept him from properly preparing for the fight.

Cintron is now trained/managed by legendary HBO analyst Emmanuel Stewart. Manny is know to rebuild fighters like a mechanic body shop. I want to see this rematch because it was a different time in his career when he was destroyed by the "Tijuana Tornado", although I think the outcome will still be the same just not as lopsided. I honestly don't think Manny would let him take the fight if he was not sure of his fighter, but everyone deserves a chance at redemption so if that is the fight he wants let him have it. This also sets up a possible unification bout between the winner and Cotto, providing he gets past Gomez.

Cotto -Gomez April 12th Boardwalk Hall

2008-01-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

After a couple of rough & tough prize fights champion Miguel Cotto will take a breather by defending his title against Alfonso Gomez at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on April 12th. Cotto, 31-0 with 25 KOs is coming off a twelve round unanimous decision victory over Sugar Shane Mosley in November, while Gomez, 18-3-2 with 8 KOs was last seen winning a ten round decision over Ben Tackie in October, and right before that he put an end to the human highlight reel Arturo "Thunder" Gatti's career with a sensational seventh round stoppage. Gomez, who came into public view on the first season of the Contender series. The fight will be entertaining as long as it last because they have similar styles to each other, so expect them to find each other easily.

Trinidad Pockets 8 Figure Payday

2008-01-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

I stated in an earlier article that both guys (Roy Jones Jr.and Felix Trinidad) had fun, made some money, while know one was seriously hurt in the bout.Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad was generously compensated for his losing effort. Trinidad, who was knocked down twice in the bout, in typical fashion kept pressing the action, is alleged to have pocketed nearly $14 million for his nights work. According to the El Vocero periodical Trinidad made nearly $7 million plus an added $2 million from pay-per-view sales. The latest numbers on the Jones – Trinidad fight has pay-per-view buys exceeding four hundred thousand. On top of that, promoter Don King sweetened Tito’s deal with a second payment of a undisclosed amount.

Trinidad’s attorney Nicolas Medina commented on Trinidad’s earnings. “Tito was well protected during the negotiation process and right after the fight we picked up both of our checks in full,” although negotiations are usually lengthy when it comes to prize fighting. I do not know of any other profession where a individual can make $14 million in an hour or less, with the exception of Bill Gates. There are countless times where you here fighters state that they will never fight for Don King. Some fighters have a good relationship with him and others feel that they have lost everything dealing with him. Don King is an opportunist. I view it as this "you can be a fighter in the ring,it does not mean you are one outside of it." No one will look after your financial welfare better than you do.

LESNAR TO FACE MIR AT UFC 81

2008-01-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

Newly signed heavyweight Brock Lesnar will make his debut in the Octagon against former champion Frank Mir, in a official match-up for UFC 81 taking place Feb. 2 in Las Vegas.
Lesnar was announced as a part of the organization at UFC 77. Just weeks later his opponent has been named and now the former WWE and University of Minnesota wrestling star will make his Octagon debut.

“I just want to find out a name, get a face, and be able to watch his previous fights and then just start training everyday to dismantle my opponent,” said Lesnar in an interview just a week ago before Mir was named as his opponent. Lesnar vs. Mir will garner much attention, not only in the MMA world, but also among fans that followed Lesnar as an NCAA wrestling champion to his stint as a professional wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment. I have to admit I would love to see a Lesnar vs. Kimbo Slice fight, that would break every PPV sports event record in history. That is Far down the road if it ever happens.

De La Hoya Picks Next Opponent

2008-01-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

Former IBF super featherweight champion Steve Forbes has been selected to fight Oscar De La Hoya in the first of three “Farewell” fights that the “Golden Boy” has proposed for 2008. Forbes runner-up in Season Two of The Contender was chosen over IBF jr welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi and WBA #3 ranked lightweight Dmitriy Salita. Forbes will face De La Hoya on May 3rd at a catch weight of approximately 150 pounds, which - ironically - was the same weight limit for the participants in Season Two of The Contender.Golden Boy Promotions will officially announce the De La Hoya vs. Forbes contest this week. HBO will telecast the De La Hoya-Forbes fight during a “Free HBO weekend!”

This is the first time in probably over a decade that, Oscar De La Hoya is fighting on a non-PPV event. It's a career high pay day for Steve Forbes, an easy win for Oscar plus nobody gets hurt. What more can a fighter ask for.

Khan Is Furious!

2008-01-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

Furious Amir Khan has vowed to knock out Gary St Clair after hearing a radio ad recorded by the Commonwealth lightweight title challenger. St Clair warned Khan he was coming to destroy him in their February 2 fight at the ExCeL London, but the 21-year-old Olympian hot-shot Khan has vowed to make him eat his words.

"I was heading to my training camp listening to the radio, when I heard the advert," said Khan. "I couldn't believe it! I was so mad that when I got to the gym I did double my normal routines just to get rid of the anger. I think Oliver Harrison's hands are still stinging from when he took me on the pads. I'm still pumped up about it now, and can't wait to show him who's boss a week on Saturday.....this is my chance to make a big statement by stopping St Clair for the first time, and also beating a former IBF world champion. I've also been reading that St Clair knocked around a big Australian heavyweight called Mad Mick. Well, he won't be able to do that to me!"

Hopkins-Calzaghe Is On!!

2008-01-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins will finally get it on, at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on April 19, it was confirmed today at a London press conference. The fight will take place at light-heavyweight and will be screened by HBO in America and Setanta Sports in the UK. Hopkins ring magazine title is also at stake, which means a slide up or down the pound-for-pound rankings.it is reported that 6,000 tickets have already been purchased by Sports Network to accommodate Calzaghe's fan base. The tickets in the US go on sale Feb. 6th.

Calzaghe had this to say at the conference:"This is a dream come true,""People always ask me 'When are you going to America?' and now they've got their answer. I won't be taking Hopkins lightly, but I believe I have the tools to beat him."

Promoter Frank Warren, who will promote the fight in partnership with Hopkins' handlers, Golden Boy Promotions, added: "It's taken a lot of hard work but I'm delighted that we have a deal.

"I've always wanted Joe to fight Hopkins, because I believe he has the beating of him.

"We've seen in the past how many British fight fans have gone to America to see fights involving our guys, and I'm sure people will go in their thousands again."

This fight should be stylistic nightmare for each other. Calzaghe will more than likely be the favorite, but don't under estimate Bernard Hopkins the man knows how to win at any cost. Hopkins is also 11-0 against southpaws, he's also the slightly bigger man. Calzghe is a superior southpaw whereas, no sparring partner in the world can prepare you for a Joe Calzaghe. One thing I know for sure is that both future Hall of Fame's first ballot inductees are in fight shape right this moment.

Latest Pound-4-Pound RankingsBoxing

2008-01-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

Fans, critics and writers alike choose the Ring Magazine Rankings / Ratings over other sources. Here are the latest rankings in the pound for Pound list. Note:(Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy enterprises own the magazine.)

1. FLOYD MAYWEATHER
WELTERWEIGHT

2. MANNY PACQUIAO
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT

3. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT

4. BERNARD HOPKINS
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

5. JOE CALZAGHE
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT

6. ISRAEL VAZQUEZ
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT

7. MIGUEL COTTO
WELTERWEIGHT

8. RICKY HATTON
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT

9. WINKY WRIGHT
MIDDLEWEIGHT

10. RAFAEL MARQUEZ
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT

To see the Top 10 in Each Weight Division visit www.Thering-online.com

Inside the Maskaev Camp!

2008-01-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

Author: Matt Richardson
In seven weeks WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev and his team will get on a plane, fly down to Cancun, Mexico and weigh-in for Maskaev’s second title defense against Samuel Peter. The next night Maskaev will climb the stairs to the ring, listen to the referee’s final instructions and proceed to get knocked out by Samuel Peter.

Or at least that seems to be the general consensus.

But Maskaev doesn’t seem to have got the message. Neither, for that matter, has his trainer, Victor Valle Jr. or his promoter Dennis Rappaport. Ditto for Maskaev’s manager, Fred Kesch.

As Maskaev trains daily in the mountains of the Pocono’s in Pennsylvania a quiet confidence radiates from the boxer and his team. Maybe it’s because Peter looked so susceptible last October in a win over Jameel McCline. Maybe it’s because Maskaev is healthy, a serious concern after herniated and bulging discs in his back forced him to pull out of an earlier date. Or maybe it’s because, at 38 years old, Maskaev is finally coming into his own as a fighter and as a champion.

It doesn’t hurt that he finally knows when and where he will be fighting too.

“It was confusing for me,” Maskaev, 34-5, 26 KO’s said about the myriad attempts to re-schedule the bout post-injury. “But once again I was training, sparring, doing my job as I always do and I’m alright. I told Dennis, ‘Don’t tell me anything that’s happening right now because I know you’re staying on top of it. I’m going to do my job; you’re going to do your job. This way, we’re going to perform. If something comes up, we’re going to sit down and decide.”

According to Maskaev his back is now feeling better. This, Maskaev says, is due to New York-based doctor David Cuccia and the “Extentrac Elite,” a machine specially designated to deal with the type of back pain Maskaev encountered. “It’s a miracle machine,” Rappaport said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s done wonders for Oleg.

“It works beautiful,” said Maskaev. “I have no complaints.”

“He’s a hundred percent now,” said Rappaport. “He was having problems for a while then he injured himself running and we took him for the MRI. The MRI showed two herniated discs and a bulging disc. And we didn’t even say this, so most people don’t even know, but he had a bruise on his ankle also. There was just no time. He wanted to fight but there was no way we could’ve done it. He couldn’t have sparred; he couldn’t have done anything for that matter of time.”

Now that Maskaev has recuperated he is back training full time at the Fernwood resort, the usual site for his training camps. He is a hard critic of his own work, despite boxing well over five, four minute rounds with his sparring partners. Maskaev has been training on and off for the fight for over a year but has been back in camp steadily since December 5. Kesch, meanwhile, is busy trying to secure a new training camp site to acclimate the fighter to conditions he will encounter once he reaches Mexico.

However, many insiders are naturally circumspect that the fight will actually come off this time. The fight has been on and off for over a year with dates set for last spring, October 6, February 2 and now March 8. But according to all those involved, the date in Cancun is solid. “Well, it’s as solid as the rock of Gibraltar,” Peter co-promoter Don King confirmed to Fightnews last week. “You know, things could happen, events can bring about change. But right now I’m looking forward to having my swimming suit on and my big towel. They have great big terry cloth towels. They are amazing. You know what I mean? And to be on the beach on Cancun, you know, witnessing greatness at its best.”

As for the venue King said that “it’s going to be a baseball stadium.”

Rappaport said he received a letter from the WBC on Wednesday, January 9, also re-confirming the March 8 date and location.

With the new date, the television has also shifted from Showtime to HBO. “The fight was scheduled for February 2,” said Rappaport. “King had confirmed it was going to be at the Garden on February 2. That didn’t happen and frankly we don’t understand how he could have stated it was going to be on February 2 since the building was booked previously for a year by Colgate. So it was never available, so when he went to go move the date, Showtime didn’t have the date. And he wanted them to go along with him and that didn’t happen so he went to HBO.”

“I believe it will take place March 8,” Rappaport said, “and there will be very serious repercussions if it doesn’t happen.”

As for the talk about Maskaev trying to avoid a fight with Peter, the champion isn’t buying it.

“I’m not even going to fall into that. Whatever they’re going to say I’m not going to pay attention to people,” Maskaev said. “Whatever they’re going to say, I know people. One day they’re going to say one thing; tomorrow they’re going to say a different thing. They’re not going to trick me with that. I have to worry about myself, not what they’re going to say. I know they want to see a great fighter and a great fight. That’s what I have to show people. The rest, you know, people talk.”

One thing Maskaev and his team do seem concerned about is the judging of the bout in Mexico. Rappaport currently has a lawsuit pending against the WBC for, among other things, Maskaev receiving only 55 of the purse split rather than the traditional 70.

“Let me put it on the record – I’m extremely worried,” said Rappaport. “Look, there’s a conflict of interest, the ‘BC and Sulaiman are selecting the officials and we have a court case and arbitration pending. How could you not be (concerned)? There’s a conflict of interest. They should recuse themselves and let a commission appoint the judges outside of the ‘BC to insure the integrity of the event. But the whole world will be watching and yes, we are 100-percent concerned they are going to rob us.”

“I know my opponent and his people are 100 percent against us,” Maskaev said. “They’re going to do everything to rob me. That’s why I’m going to be in great shape and not give them a chance to rob me.”

As for the status of the lawsuit Rappaport said that “it’s pending and we’re still conferring with our lawyers about what the next step will be.”

Regarding the actual fight with Peter, Maskaev sounds confident, if slightly indifferent.

“I think if McCline was in better shape he would’ve beat this guy. He would’ve stopped him,” said Maskaev. “Nobody’s perfect, you know. One day you’re a good fighter tomorrow you’re a nobody. You’re going to look like a nobody. And that’s exactly what happened. We’ll see what’s going to happen tomorrow. I’m not going to go by his last fight. I’m not going to go by that. But Oleg Maskaev is going to train like I used to train; even better to be in the best shape and put up a great fight because I want to defend my title. I want to be a champion.”

And if Maskaev wins would a fight against Vitali Klitschko be next?

“He wants to fight me. Who knows? We’ll see,” Maskaev stated. “He called me a liar (about Maskaev knocking him out in the amateurs). That’s true. I didn’t knock him out but I stopped him in the first round because I beat him good and he doesn’t want to admit it. We’ll see. We’re going to check, this time. If this guy (Klitschko) is serious, why not? I’ll fight him. It would be a good fight.”

But first things first.

Cancun.

March 8.

Samuel Peter.

Let’s see what happens when the opening bell finally rings.