Europe:
James Slater
Mike Casey
Andrew Harrison
Mark Gregory
Adeyinka Makinde
Michael Klimes
Jim Dorney
Andrew Walker
John Wight
Neil Thompson
Neil Goodman
United States:
Frank Gonzalez Jr
Wray Edwards
Vivek Wallace Geoffrey Ciani
Ted Sares
Ralph Rimpell
Coach Tim Walker
Waldon White
Scott Kraus
Robert Jackson
Errol Hyppolite
Thomas Scherr
Doveed Linder
Yero Moody
John Martinez
Trish Kilcullen
P.H. Burbridge
Paul Strauss
Taj Eubanks
Karl E. H. Seigfried
Mike Dunn
South America:
Jaime Castro Núñez
Photos:
Wray Edwards
Peter Mark Heintzelman
Don King Announces Michael Jackson Tribute At Darchinyan-Agbeko Fight
Promoter Don King announced today he will pay tribute to Michael Jackson at a world championship boxing event King has slated for July 11 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. King plans to give Jackson boxing's traditional ringside10-bell count honoring those who have passed and to play Jackson's music and videos at King's previously announced fight card highlighted by an IBF bantamweight championship between titleholder Joseph King Kong Agbeko and world champion Vic "Raging Bull" Darchinyan, who is moving up in weight to face Agbeko. continue l
15 comments Fit And Focused Like Never Before, Could Eddie Chambers Be America's Best Young Heavyweight After All? by James Slater - The question posed by the title of this article will be null and void if "Fast" Eddie Chambers loses emphatically to Alexander Dimitrenko tomorrow night in Germany. But after having seen how incredibly fit and in shape the 27-year-old has got himself for the WBO elimination bout against his unbeaten rival, the question must be asked: could this version of the 34-1(18) Chambers be the best bet the US has of regaining at least a portion of the heavyweight title?
We always knew how gifted and talented the sweet-boxing Philly man was, the moans and groans regarding Chambers were about his seeming lack of commitment to fighting at his optimum weight. "Fast" Eddie promised us after his recent points win over former WBC champ Sam Peter that the next time we saw him his body would look, "like you guys think it should." Chambers kept his word.
Looking magnificent at the 209-pound-mark, Eddie now has as good a chance as he will ever have to fulfil his vast potential. Sure, one other complaint aimed at Chambers has been his seeming reluctance to let his hands go for the full 10 or 12 rounds. continue l
6 comments Muhammad Ali To Visit The UK For The Final Time Next Month
by James Slater - British fight fans are in for an emotional experience in August, as The Greatest, Muhammad Ali, will pay his final visit to The UK next month. The Mirror reports that Ali, his health sadly having been on a steady decline since the mid-1980s due to Parkinson's Syndrome, has been told by his doctors that flying abroad will not be recommended for too much longer. And the former Olympic gold medallist and former three time heavyweight champion of the world has insisted on one last visit to the country that is "so close" to his heart. continue l
12 comments Canadian David Lemieux: 16 fights, 16 K0s, 20 years Old By Ted Sares - Few who saw him in these early videos realize that "the kid from the Title videos" is now a well-regarded professional --Thomas Urville
…you know as well as I do that when you reach a certain level there will be fighters who will withstand that punishment, they will absorb it and come back for more, dishing out there own punishment. For sure he will at some point in his career step up to stiffer opposition, right now he’s just a young kid. Then you have 19-year-old fighters who are not even going to the Canadian senior amateur championships, yet David is a pro... --Russ Anber (from interview with Ivan 'LatinoPorVida' Montiel)
Anyone who follows Canadian boxing might have recognized his name when he turned pro at age 18 in 2007 (he planned to turn pro at 17, but the Quebec Boxing Comission made him wait a year). After all, he was a Canadian national amateur champion three times. continue l
31 comments News: Huck vs Ramirez on Aug.29; Aydin vs Bonsu on July 11 in Turkey
Marco “Captain” Huck will challenge WBO Cruiserweight Champion Victor Emilio Ramirez at Halle´s Gerry Weber Stadium on August 29. Exactly 20 months after falling to Steve Cunningham, the European Champion looks to erase the darkest hour of his career. “I cannot wait to fight for the world title again,” Huck (25-1, 20 KOs) said. “I am thrilled that the fight will take place in Halle, which is just 10 miles from my hometown Bielefeld. The Gerry Weber Stadium is a fantastic venue and I will certainly please the fans on August 29. continue l
1 comment Chambers, Dimitrenko Weigh-In Results By Per Ake Persson, photo by André Boge / Universum Box-Promotion - July 3, Hamburg, Germany: Neither Chambers, nor Dimitrenko had problems making weight and everybody in attendance shed at least a kilo or two at the weigh-in on this blistering hot day for tomorrow´s big show at the Color Line Arena. "Fast" Eddie Chambers came in at 94,5 kg / 208,25 lbs and gives away about ten cm / almost four inches in height to Aleksander Dimitrenko, 115 kg / 253 kg. All in all Dimitrenko is a big favourite but Chambers is the better boxer. If Eddie can pull off a "Chris Byrd"-like performance, he might upset Dimitrenko.
Argentinian Paolo Vazquez is in for a tough fight tomorrow against much-better-than-his-record Vasile Surcica, who hails from Romania but fights out of Barcelona, Spain.
Doing his last show is veteran Jean Marcel Narz. Nartz was there along with Wilfried Sauerland when German boxing was revived in the late 70´s and early 80´s. continue l
21 comments Amir Khan Is Not Underestimating Kotelnik After Shock Ortiz Loss
Amir Khan says top US prospect Victor Ortiz's shock defeat at the weekend has underlined how hard his fight with Andreas Kotelnik will be.
Ortiz was bombed out in six rounds in an interim WBA World Light-Welterweight title fight by heavy-handed Argentine Marcos Maidana in LA. continue l
19 comments 'Call Em Out Fridays': Kelly Pavlik - What's Really Haunting 'The Ghost'? By Vivek Wallace: This weeks 'Call Em Out Fridays' segment shines the spotlight on a man who needs little introduction. Once a dweller along the avenue of anonymity, this warrior started his career by chopping down every opponent placed before him, forcing some to begin questioning his level of competition. In May of 2007 he would silence many of those critics by not only wearing down, but completely stopping a typically granite-chinned Edison Miranda. After proving many of his doubters wrong and moving on, his next act would serve as another tool to cement his response to those in question, as he overcame a moment of adversity that sent him to the canvass, only to seal what was arguably his most triumphant victory to date - a KO victory over the previously undefeated Jermain Taylor who was ahead on all cards at the time of the stoppage. Despite this watershed moment, he would return to face Taylor again, to prove to that same group of detractors that he was capable of getting the nod without needing to stop his opponent. It would appear that Pavlik was the sports newest freight train, running over every man in sight....that was until the 'Ghost' stumbled upon the 'Executioner', along with a few other demons with a quest to get out the closet - or atleast some would have us think that way. continue l
30 comments I’ve got no Doubt, King Arthur Abraham Rules Supreme By Shaun Murphy - I think, in boxing, we’ve been extremely lucky over the course of the last few years as a continuum of highly-skilled tough guys have graced the middleweights and encapsulated the public with their glitz and heart. For example, Bernard Hopkins ruled the division with his knarred fists and jail-house manners for 21 defences. And like domestic fish before feeding time, bubbling under Hopkins’s middleweight waters, stalked a group of fiery-eyed pretenders itching to devour the division’s oldest ever champion. Eventually, the affable Jermaine Taylor defeated the 41-year-old ‘’Executioner’’ and a pressured flood gate opened to a new world and breed of contender…
I like Jermain Taylor, he’s got that hard working blue-collar style of thinking and fighting I admire. When ‘’Bad Intensions’’ enters the ring you know you’re getting an honest performance that’ll be driven by a need to put on a show. However [although Hopkins moved up to light heavyweight] the tall-lean Kelly Pavlik was one of those fish that needed feeding and he wanted Taylor's belt. Unfortunately, for Taylor, ''The Ghost'' had something to prove and when he met Taylor in the center of the ring in September, 2009, in New Jersey’s Boardwalk Hall, his lazer-like punches won him the title in the 7th rd. continue l
24 comments Roy Jones Jr vs Jeff Lacy pensacola , FL (July 2, 2009) -- Eight-Time World Champion Roy Jones, Jr. battles former super middleweight champion Jeff Lacy in “Hook City,” on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, MS. “Hook City” will be presented by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. and broadcast live on pay-per-view. Tickets, priced at $150, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, will go on sale Friday, July 3, at 10 AM CT, and will be available at MS Coast Coliseum Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com.
Roy Jones Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) from Pensacola, FL is the former middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight world champion and was the pound-for-pound king for over a decade. On March 3, 2003, Jones stymied World Heavyweight Champion John Ruiz to become the first former middleweight champion in over 100 years to win the heavyweight world championship. continue l
39 comments Celestino Caballero Wants Juanma Lopez
HOLLYWOOD, FL, July 2 – He owns half of the four recognized world championship belts in the super bantamweight division, is undefeated for over five years, with eight of his 13 wins coming by knockout, and with each of his nine successful title defenses, he has become more and more feared by his opposition at 122 pounds. So in a perfect world, the next logical fight for IBF / WBA champion Celestino Caballero would be a unification showdown with his WBO counterpart Juan Manuel Lopez, but we all know that boxing is far from perfect, and with Lopez’ team talking of fights with Yuriorkis Gamboa and a move up to the featherweight division, “Pelenchin” wonders if the fight fans’ dream fight will ever become a reality. continue l
45 comments Joseph Agbeko - "I Will Give Darchinyan A Worse Beating Than The One Nonito Donaire Gave Him!" Exclusive Interview by James Slater - Joseph King Kong Agbeko (the King Kong is not a nickname, hence no speech marks - the name appears on Joseph's passport) faces the lethal punching Vic Darchinyan a week on Saturday in Florida, as he makes the second defence of his IBF bantamweight crown.
Massively confident the former flyweight and super-flyweight champion has made a mistake in moving up to face him, the Accra-born 29-year-old with the fine 26-1(22) record promises a beating for the man known as "The Raging Bull"
Very kindly taking time out to speak with me earlier today, the incredibly softly-spoken 118-pound champ had the following answers to my questions. continue l
40 comments Chad Dawson-Glen Johnson II Soon - Who Wins? by James Slater, photo by Wray Edwards / ESB - As eagerly awaited as any rematch at light-heavyweight in the past few years, young talent Chad Dawson and tough old warrior Glen Johnson will be getting it on again before the year is out. According to ESPN.com, the fight, already signed, will likely take place on November 7th, at a venue still to be decided. As fans who saw the original fight between the two 175-pounders know, the styles of the two men gelled well and some great action came as a result. However, the debate still goes on in some quarters as to who really won back in April of 2008. "Bad" Chad was awarded a unanimous decision in Miami, Florida - with all three judges seeing him the victor by identical scores of 116-112 - but "The Road Warrior" cried robbery and some fans agreed with him.
Now, having given up the IBF title he subsequently won by beating Antonio Tarver after having given up his WBC strap, 26-year-old Dawson faces the teak-tough 40-year-old in a lucrative rematch. Who will win? continue l
49 comments Preview - Wilson vs Drodz; Lebedev vs Maccarinelli; Tomasz Adamek
By Damian andyZOR Markut - Update: Grigory Drozd (32-1, 24 KOs) stopped Darnell “Ding-a-Ling Man” Wilson (23-9-3, 20 KOs) via 11-round stoppage on Thursday night in Moscow, Russia - First off tonight we will have a fight between American contender Darnell "Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson (23 (20KOs) - 8) , against one of Russias top Cruiserweights, Grigory Drozd (31 (23KOs) - 1)
The fight will take place in Drozd's hometown of Moscow. These two fighters are on the crossroads torwards a title shot vs one of the 4 titlists. continue l
8 comments The Tragic Life of Alexis Arguello LOS ANGELES (July 2, 2009) - by Dan Hunter - Photo: Courtesy WBC - I learned last night of the death of boxing legend Alexis Arguello. Coming as it has in the wake of the equally tragic deaths of pop icon Micheal Jackson and TV and film star Farah Fawcett, it is an uneasy and sad time for anyone who lived through and enjoyed the amazing decade that was the Eighties.
I am in my forties, and these three people were a part of my life, for very different reasons.
I remember Farah Fawcett, not just for the iconic Charlies Angels poster that apparently sold 12 million copies, but mainly because she surprised everyone who had dismissed her as talentless by proving she was actually a hell of an actress, first in the TV movie The Burning Bed, and then in the film Extremities, the latter earning her a Golden Globe best actress nomination.
Micheal Jackson was simply THE music phenomenon of my lifetime. And I´m a hard rock fan! continue l
39 comments News: Danny O’Connor; Ricardo Cortes; Dennis Hasson
2008 Olympic alternate “Irish” Danny O’Connor’s latest fight vs. Montreal, Canada’s Sebastien Hamel is now available via an on demand PPV on www.NESportsTV.com. The bout was recorded this past Saturday at The Roxy in Boston. O’Connor, a native of Framingham, MA, is immensely skilled and especially popular in his hometown. In his six fights leading into the Hamel bout, he’s undefeated with two knockouts. He’s previously been featured on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. continue l
no comment Former World Lightweight Champion Jim Watt Pays Tribute To The Man Who Took His Title; The Late Alexis Arguello
by James Slater - Fight fans the world over are still getting over the shocking news that told them ring legend Alexis Arguello had passed away yesterday. Seemingly taking it even worse than the fans are fellow fighters themselves, either active or retired - with Nonito Donaire and Oscar De La Hoya, for two, having spoken of their grief and sadness at the Nicaraguan's death at the young age of 57.
One man who actually shared a ring with the great fighter known as "The Explosive Thin Man" is Scotland's Jim Watt, the former WBC lightweight champion. continue l
13 comments Jason Booth Dominates Dean To Retain British Title
On Tuesday at London's famed York Hall, Jason Booth led the way on a massive Frank Maloney fight card televised by Sky Sports.Now fully at the height of his powers, Nottingham's Booth was in the form of his career as he picked apart seasoned opponent Rocky Dean with a blistering array of offense that the Thetford man simply had no answer for. continue l
2 comments Ted the Bull’s Scotch and Cigar Club (Number Eight) By Ted Sares -- ESB July 2009 Rankings Update --Hey, it’s club time so get comfortable near your key pad and monitor and torch up a nice Punch - Black Prince (Size: Ring: 46, Length: 143). It's not easy to find it as this marvelous stick will no longer be produced. Great strength and wonderful flavor. I shall miss these guys; good-bye to good friend. For scotch this month, I am featuring the dark and intense Lagavulin. Pungent and potent (be careful), with a richly peaty, deep, smoky flavor, it has an intense, long, ambrosial finish. Damn, it’s good.
In the background, I have Ronnie Earle and Bryan Lee doing their upbeat guitar thing. . I also have John Lee Hooker doing “Boom Boom Boom,” Buddy Guy doing “Slippin' In,” and Hound Dog Taylor doing “Natural Boogie.” Of course, any reasonable request will be entertained, though I’m partial to jump blues, West Coast Blues, Chicago Blues and particularly boogie (I like Mitch Woods) because they go so well with boxing and cigars. continue l
151 comments Dimitrenko-Chambers: Eddie Chambers Ready For Dimitenko
02.07.09 - #5 WBC rated heavyweight Eddie Chambers (34-1, 18 KOs), who is set to square off against #1 WBO heavyweight Alexander Dimitrenko (29-0, 19KOs) as the main event this Saturday, July 4 in a WBO official eliminator at Color Line Arena participated in an open media workout today in Hamburg, Germany. Chambers stated, “I’m motivated and ready to take my position as the mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko. “A win on Saturday night, will be especially significant, because it’s the 4th of July and I know that my fellow Americans will be celebrating their independence. This would make victory especially sweet – I am proud to be an American.. continue l
89 comments John Ruiz jumps all over Arreola’s comments
LAS VEGAS (July 1, 2009) – It didn’t take two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs) very long to respond to comments made by unbeaten heavyweight contender Chris Arreola and his promoter, Dan Goossen, at a press conference Tuesday in Los Angeles. Arreola was quoted as saying, “There are a lot of old guys and former champs sitting around there that we need to take care of. Their time is up. They need to go.” “This September,” Goossen added, “you’re going to see Chistobal fighting in California and you’re going to see him fighting a former world champion.. continue l
119 comments Donaire and Luevano to Defend Titles on Aug 15
LAS VEGAS, NEV (July 1, 2009) Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) / International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight champion NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE, JR. and World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion STEVEN LUEVANO return to the top of the marquee to headline “Pinoy Power 2” -- the world championship extravaganza taking place Saturday, August 15, in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. “Pinoy Power 2,” Top Rank’s newest boxing series, will also feature undefeated Cuban heavyweight sensation ODLANIER SOLIS and Filipino junior welterweight contender MARK “MJM Grand” MELLIGUEN in separate exciting 10-round all-action brawls. continue l
8 comments Gone But Never To Be Forgotten, Alexis Arguello, "The Explosive Thin Man" Dead At 57 by James Slater - As most fight fans will have no doubt read by now, the great Alexis Arguello, arguably the finest fighter to have ever come out of Nicaragua, died a few hours ago. Though autopsy reports have still to be made public, early reports suggest the 57-year-old committed suicide by shooting himself through the heart whilst at home. This is tragic news indeed, and tributes will doubtless be pouring in from all corners of the globe very soon.
Born in Managua, Nicaragua on April 19th, 1952, Arguello turned pro in 1968, and soon became known by the nickname of "El Flaco Explosivo" or "The Explosive Thin Man." Actually losing in his pro debut (via a 1st-round TKO at the hands of Cachorro Amaya), the teenager made his way up the featherweight ranks soon afterwards (although Arguello did also lose his fifth fight, on points). Eventually getting to 36-3, Arguello then challenged Panama's Ernesto Marcel for the WBA 126-pound crown. Fighting in the defending champion's home country in February of 1974, Arguello went home without the title due to losing a 15-round unanimous decision. It was Marcel's last fight. continue l
104 comments News: Fight Night Club on July 30; George Tahdooahnippah; Howard Davis Jr
LOS ANGELES, July 2 - After an explosive night of boxing action on June 11th that thrilled fight fans in attendance at Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE as well as those watching at home on VERSUS and RingTV.com and Yahoo! Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions is pleased to announce that tickets for the second installment of the hit "Fight Night Club" series which will take place on Thursday, July 30th, are on sale now. continue l
no comment R.I.P Alexis Arguello
CANASTOTA, NY – JULY 1, 2009 –– The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of three-division world champion Alexis Arguello. He passed away today at his home in Managua, Nicaragua. He was 57.
A native of Managua, Nicaragua, Arguello held the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight titles. Known as “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello was a brilliant offensive fighter and a master tactician. He compiled an 82-8 (65KOs) record that includes wins over Jose Legra, Art Hafey, Alfredo Escalera, Rafael Limon, Ruben Castillo, Cornelius Boza-Edwards, Jim Watt, Ruben Olivares, Ray Mancini and Bobby Chacon. In 1982 and 1983, he engaged in two pitched battles for fellow Hall of Famer Aaron Pryor’s junior welterweight championship, with Pryor registering kayo wins in the 14th and 10th round respectively. He retired in 1986, but returned to the ring for two fights in 1994 and 1995 before hanging up the gloves. In 2008, Arguello was elected mayor of Managua. continue l
60 comments Ricky Hatton's Lawyer Calls Reports Of Planned Comeback, "Nonsense"
by James Slater - As was always a possibility, it has been confirmed that the recent talk of an imminent return to the ring by Ricky Hatton was hugely premature at best. Recent newspaper and internet articles lead us to believe that Hatton had made up his mind about fighting on and that a comeback bout was being planned for his hometown of Manchester later this year, possibly against former IBF 130-pound champion Steve Forbes. continue l
39 comments De La Hoya, José Sulaimán and Bob Arum Statement on Passing of Alexis Arguello
Six-time world champion Oscar de la Hoya mourns the tragic loss of the legendary Nicaraguan boxer, Alexis Arguello. The three-division former world champion and boxing icon was found dead Wednesday morning in his hometown of Managua, Nicaragua. De La Hoya shared several fond memories with the pride of Nicaragua, known as the "Explosive Thin Man" for his slim figure and powerful punch and was shocked to hear the tragic news about the man many considered to be a gentleman both in and out of the ring. continue l
6 comments News: Jesse Brinkley; Fres Oquendo; Nagaev vs Huerta
PAWTUCKET , RI (June 30, 2009) Amidst the sweltering summer heat and humidity in Pawtucket , Rhode Island , trains the Fighting Pride of Northern Nevada, Jesse Brinkley, in preparation for his light heavyweight showdown with Baltimore ’s Mike “THE PERSECUTOR” Paschall on Friday, July 10th at the Reno Events Center . The Brinkley/Gilbert main event headlines “SUMMER SHOWDOWN”, an outstanding evening of boxing presented by Reno ’s “Let’s Get It On” Promotions and Las Vegas based TKO BOXING Promotions. continue l
3 comments Lviv's Andriy Kotelnik: I'm Doing It For Palance! Andreas Kotelnik says he will beat Amir Khan - and dedicate the victory to his hero the Oscar winning actor Jack Palance. Kotelnik puts his WBA World Light-Welterweight title on the line against Khan at the M.E.N Arena, Manchester, on July 18. And he is predicting a spectacular KO in the fight, inspired by his idol Palance, whose family also came from the city of Lviv in the Ukraine.
Palance, who was born Volodymyr Palahniuk, died in 2006 and was the star of more than 100 movies, winning an Oscar for his role in 1990s smash City Slickers. In the early 1940s he was a heavyweight prospect, winning his first 15 fights before WWII cut short his career.
"He is a hero in Lviv and I remember thousands of people coming out to see him when he visited and I was a small child," said Kotelnik. continue l
56 comments Promoter Frank Maloney Will Try His Best To Get Jason Booth A World Title Shot
by James Slater - Last night, at the historic York Hall in London, Jason Booth, one of Britain's hardest working fighters, successfully defended his British super-bantamweight title with a points win over fellow Brit Rocky Dean. Booth, nicknamed "2-Smooth" won unanimously on points in a tough affair, and now his promoter Frank Maloney is going to try his best to see that the 31-year-old servant of the sport is rewarded with a much deserved crack at a major world title. continue l
3 comments The Forgotten Hatton
By Shaun Murphy: If you’re British, boxing fan or not, you’ll know who Ricky Hatton is.
From the ’Hitman’s’’ escapades in the ring; Hatton’s self-deprecating humor; to his love of beer and collecting things -- Ricky Hatton is the most popular British boxer in modern history. continue l
13 comments Cristobal Arreola, Dan Goossen, Henry Ramirez Press Conference Quotes Undefeated No. 1 ranked World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight Cristobal Arreola, his promoter Dan Goossen and trainer Henry Ramirez hosted a press luncheon on Tuesday to discuss his future plan and quest on becoming the first Mexican fighter to become World Heavyweight Champion in the history of boxing. Arreola, whose parents were born in Mexico, lives in Riverside by way of East Los Angeles. Tuesday, he expressed his feelings with the current champions in the heavyweight division and their past and future challengers. He stated that he continues to get stronger and better as they continue to fight lesser opponents in Europe.
Goossen described his plans for Arreola to take his next fight in September in Los Angeles and how he’s willing to bide his time to land a world title shot against any of the world champions at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Ramirez described Arreola’s new training regimen and the hiring of a strength and conditioning coach to help prepare his fighter for the future. continue l
116 comments News: Shaun George Video Diary; Pro-Am boxing show in Rhode Island
BROOKLYN - The initial installment of Shaun George's Video Diary is now available on Youtube. Shaun George will face Chris Henry on July 11 at The Arena in Philadelphia, PA in a ten round light-heavyweight bout that will be aired on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights. Brooklyn's George, 18-2-2 (9 KO), opened eyes with a punishing ninth round TKO of former heavyweight champion Chris Byrd last May. As an amateur George had a record of 51-7, which was highlighted by two New York Golden Gloves titles and on National Golden Gloves championship. continue l
no comment Tyson Fury looking for English and Irish title double Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury wants to have both the English and Irish title belts wrapped around his waist in the coming months. The undefeated Manchester giant has been nominated by the British Boxing Board of Control as the mandatory challenger for John McDermott’s English heavyweight title with the bout ordered to take place by the end of November.
However Fury’s strong Irish roots mean that he’s also eligible for an Irish title and he has his sights firmly set on that belt as well. “It would be great to be the English and Irish Heavyweight Champ at the same time. That would be pretty unique and I’m very proud of my Irish roots. My Dad was born in Tuam in County Galway and my grandmother on my Mum’s side was a Tipperary woman so it would be great to fight for the Irish title.”
Fury returns to the ring at the York Hall, Bethnal Green on July 18th as he bids to stretch his perfect record to 7 straight wins. The bout is on the undercard of the Danny McIntosh – Nathan Cleverly British Light Heavyweight title fight with the Hennessy Sports event live on ITV4. continue l
68 comments Arce-Lumacad: Ken Smith Apologizes to the Filipino People
By Benjie Varella – Right after the fight of the Mexican warrior Jorge Arce and Fernando Lumacad of the Philippines last weekend at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic city, New Jersey, all boxing sites were swamped by harsh and negative comments due to the Filipino’s poor performance. lthough Lumacad showed top boxing skills during the first two rounds of the bout, he was decked on the third round by Arce due to an overhand right that landed to his jaw. continue l
55 comments IBF orders Arthur Abraham-Giovanni Lorenzo
Giovanni Lorenzo of New York and the Dominican Republic has waited very patiently for his shot at the world title. The former Dominican Olympian has compiled an impressive 27-1, 19 KO record while quietly toiling under the tutelage of trainer Pastor Ralph Farriett of Yonkers for the past seven years. “I want to be the world champion,” the soft spoken Lorenzo says. “That is my goal and nothing will stop me.. continue l
43 comments Victor Ortiz Speaks Out LOS ANGELES (June 30) - After Saturday's thrilling world title match, which ended in a sixth round technical knockout victory for Argentinean Marcos Maidana when the fight was stopped by the ringside physician due to a severe cut over Victor Ortiz' right eye and swelling under his left eye, Ortiz wants to clear the air with the media and public regarding his performance.
"I didn't fight the right fight and I didn't execute the correct game plan to beat Maidana," Ortiz said from his home in Oxnard. "I will learn from the mistakes I made on Saturday and not make the simple mistakes again, like trying to slug when I should box. I promise that next time, I will be more focused."
"I made some comments after the fight that were an emotional response to the loss," Ortiz continued. "I take full responsibility for my mistakes and actions, but I didn't mean what I said. I am young, have things to learn and I guarantee you, I will be a world champion, MARK MY WORDS...Just watch me!. continue l
205 comments Heavyweight Hopes Brian Minto And Donnell Holmes Clash In Intriguing Showdown
by James Slater - Originally, Butler, PA's 34-year-old Brian "The Beast" Minto was to have faced faded former WBA heavyweight champ Bruce Seldon in his next fight, instead, the exciting slugger takes on the far more dangerous and unbeaten Donnell "The Real Touch Of Sleep" Homes next. Set to clash in an intriguing and risky (for both men) fight, Minto and North Carolina's 36-year-old Holmes get it on on August 14th in Minto's hometown. The bout, arguably the biggest yet for either fighter, will contest the interim WBO NABO heavyweight strap. continue l
29 comments Olympic Gold Medallist James DeGale May Spar With Floyd Mayweather Junior In July
by James Slater - In the case of many fighters, what they learn in the gym while sparring amounts to way more knowledge than any early pro fight will get them. Larry Holmes, for one example, was the beneficiary of priceless learning of his trade while he was the great Muhammad Ali's sparring partner in the early to mid 1970s. continue l
9 comments Andrey Nevsky Stops Roberto Burgess at the Roxy By Ted Sares - He [Burgess] had power but not enough speed…He chose the distance and that distance was good for me. --Andrey Nevsky
Nevsky is a terrific young talent…He has skill, power, and he is showing his heart in stepping up against a tough, hard-nosed Philly fighter like Burgess. --Promoter Rich Cappiello
Southpaw Nevsky, now 7-0, is a Russian born super middleweight who fights out of Clinton, Massachusetts. Saturday night at the “Showdown at Early Sunset” venue at the Roxy in Boston, he systematically broke down Philadelphian Roberto Burgess by keeping the pressure on with sharp jabs, solid body work, and punishing overhand lefts. Finally in the fourth round, he floored the hard-nosed Burgess twice, though he seemed OK when he got up. continue l
40 comments NTH promotions seeks injunction to stop Rigondeaux fight July 17 on ESPN FNF
CORK, Ireland (June 30, 2009) – Irish boxing manager Gary Hyde, president of NTH Promotions, is seeking an injunction to prevent 2-time Olympic champion Guillermo Rigondeaux from fighting on the July 17th ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rigondeaux (1-0, 1 KO), fighting as a bantamweight, now lives in Los Angeles after defecting from Cuba, where he was a 7-time national champion. The 28-year-old southpaw also won multiple World Championships titles, as well as a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-Am Games, during his incredible 243-4 amateur career. continue l
7 comments UK Boxing: Kevin Mitchell; Booth vs. Dean; Tony Jeffries
Red-hot talent Kevin Mitchell is confident of getting a world title shot - but knows he could miss out if he doesn't perform on July 18. The Dagenham Destroyer is closing in on a crack at WBO World super-featherweight world champion Roman Martinez. But first he has to come through an eight rounder on the undercard of Amir Khan's WBA World Light-Welterweight title challenge against Andreas Kotelnik on July 18 at the M.E.N Arena. It will given unbeaten Mitchell an opportunity to spend more time in the ring following a year-long absence with a hand injury. continue l
6 comments 'Left-Hook Lounge': Vivek Wallace's mailbag feat. Ortiz, Lopez, Hatton, Pavlik, and More! By Vivek Wallace, photo by Chris Farina - Top Rank - This weeks 'Left-Hook Lounge' takes a look at a crew of fairly unmentionables. Typically we see the likes of Pacquiao, Mayweather and company, but with the sport literally turned upside down after a slew of cancellations, the spotlight shifts to a crew of new comers, as well as a two familiar names who find themselves in unfamiliar territory. From Lopez, to Maidana, to Ortiz, to Hatton to Pavlik, and down the line, today we once again put an ear to the street to hear the buzz directly from the fans. First question week comes to us from one of my favorite destinations, San Diego, California, where a fight fan wanted to know the following:
Hector A. (San Diego, CA): I think Victor Ortiz is more talented than he displayed against Maidana. What was your take on his KO lost and what do you see in his future?
Vivek W. (ESB): First off, I think you have to tip your hat to Maidana. continue l
156 comments UK Boxing: Jamie Moore; Dwayne Lewis; Darren Sutherland
JAMIE MOORE has promised to take the fizz out of Jimmy Colas when he makes the second defence of his European light-middleweight title at Leigh Indoor Sports Centre on Friday July 24. Moore, recently promoted to number three in the WBC rankings recently is rapidly closing in on champion Sergio Martinez, but knows there can be no slip ups against Colas (27-6). Salford southpaw Moore (32-3) has beaten several serious injuries during his career and claims there are no more fitness worries. continue l
11 comments News: Elijah McCall Back In Action; Gamboa Signs Cuban Amateur Stars; BBU News
Heavyweight Elijah McCall along with his father will make History again. Elijah will appear on the August 21st card in a Heavyweight Fight. The only difference this time is his father Oliver the current IBA Heavyweight (Continental Belt) Champion will wear the Belt into the ring. Oliver McCall will defend his Continental Belt against Franklin Lawrence of Indianapolis, Indiana the former IBA Heavyweight (Continental Belt) Champion. This 7 bout card featuring 34 scheduled rounds of boxing, promises to be another sell out at The Orleans Hotel and Casino on Friday, August 21st in The Boxing Capital of The World Las Vegas, Nevada. continue l
14 comments Jersey Fight Journal #5: Juanma Lopez overcomes an awkward obstacle… The Lollipop Cowboy rides again… Martirosyan and Korobov crush June 29, 2009 – By Scott Kraus at ringside -- On Saturday night, I weaved through the maze of Atlantic City to watch Bob Arum’s Latin Fury 9 live from ringside at the Boardwalk Hall Ballroom. Puerto Rican knockout sensation Juan Manuel Lopez headlined the card in the fourth defense of his WBO super bantamweight title.
The Fight Card: A rundown of the action
Juan Manuel Lopez (26-0) W-TKO end 9 Olivier Lontchi (18-1-2) – Juanma knocked Lontchi down in the second and ninth rounds and beat up the challenger in the rounds between, forcing Lontchi’s corner to stop the fight after the ninth round. The unknown Cameroonian fighting out of Canada presented a very awkward style and landed as many headbutts as right hands but Lopez overcame his difficult opponent and wore him down for a second straight victory by corner retirement. continue l
17 comments News: Marcus Johnson; Derek Ennis; Ty Ortiz
(June 30, 2009) DiBella Entertainment is proud to announce Marcus “Too Much” Johnson, one of the brightest young prospects boxing has to offer, as the latest to join the DiBella Entertainment stable. Johnson will be co-promoted by DBE and Antonio Leonard Productions, and managed by James Prince. continue l
1 comment Ricky Hatton To Fight Again? Possibly Against Steve Forbes?
by James Slater - Over the weekend, a news story ran in UK paper, The News of The World, in which it was revealed how Ricky Hatton has made up his mind about fighting again. According to the article, 30-year-old Hatton has decided that he will box on for at least one more fight. There were no direct quotes from "The Hitman" himself, the paper instead gave us the word from a "leading ring source," who said the following: "Ricky doesn't take anything away from Floyd [Mayweather Junior] and Manny [Pacquiao] but he feels there were things that didn't help his performances. He believes he can still offer something and wants to have at least one more fight.. continue l
172 comments Dimitrenko vs Chambers: How good is Alexander Dimitrenko? By Shaun Murphy: Amir Khan is, now, only weeks away from his scheduled fight with Andreas Kotelnik and it highlights, for me, why I love boxing.
I first heard of Khan while in a place full of naughty people [I’ll let you guess where], and I spoke to an Asian fellow, in the gym, about Khan’s Olympic prospects. 5-years later – and plenty of good behavior -- that ambitious, articulate and gifted young-man from Bolton-England is on the cusp of a world title fight against Andreas Kotelnik.
Vicariously, I imagine, the Ukrainian people feel the same way about their huge heavyweight-prospect Alexander Dimitrenko. continue l
52 comments News: Mayweather/Marquez 24/7; Shane Mosley Nominated For ESPY Award
NEW YORK, June 29, 2009 – With the intriguing showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez rescheduled for Sept. 19 in Las Vegas, HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured seven Sports Emmy® Awards, will premiere MAYWEATHER/MARQUEZ 24/7 on SATURDAY, AUG. 29 (10:15-10:45 p.m. ET/PT), it was announced today by Ross Greenburg, president, HBO Sports. continue l
119 comments Potential Superstars Of The Future, Yuriorkis Gamboa And Juan Manuel Lopez On A Collision Course
by James Slater - Promoter Bob Arum says he believes he has found a superstar of the future with unbeaten bomber Juan Manuel Lopez, the unbeaten, reigning WBO super-bantamweight champion from Puerto Rico. Clearly hoping to see the fighter he promotes develop into the next Felix Trinidad or Miguel Cotto, Arum wants "Juanma" to engage in his first truly big fight. According to a number of sources - ESPN and USA Today newspaper for two - this initial big fight could come against another possible star of the future, in unbeaten Cuban featherweight Yuriorkis Gamboa, the current interim WBA 126-pound ruler. continue l
57 comments Maidana TKO's Victor Ortiz in the 6th By Paul Strauss: Vicious Victor looked like he was going to live up to his moniker when he ignited the Staples Center crowd in LA with a quick first round knockdown of Marcos Rene Maidana. It was Maidana who came out firing bombs, but Ortiz remained poised and landed a beautiful short right hook to score the first knockdown.
The counter right hook was available because Maidana came out fast, throwing long powerful right hands from the outset, leaving no doubt as to what his game plan might be. He hadn't scored 24 KOs in 25 victories by accident, and instead of backing off after the knock down, he quickly shook off the effects and resumed his attack.
There was no shying away from throwing the right hand either for Maidana. He continued to wing it with speed and power. The crowd hardly had time to stop gushing over Victor's beautiful right hook, and bam down went Ortiz from a long straight right hand. continue l
183 comments Give Miguel Cotto A Break!
By Doveed Linder - Having faced Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, and Joshua Clottey over the last two years, Miguel Cotto is known for taking on the best available opposition. Now that he has made it past Joshua Clottey, it looks as if the stage is set for a showdown with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Cotto has accomplished a lot in his career and he may still have some great fights ahead of him. But if his handlers do, in fact, go forward with the Pacquiao fight, they would be doing their fighter a great disservice.
The fight with Antonio Margarito was a rough night for Cotto. He took some punishment and suffered the first loss of his career via TKO. Because of the controversy surrounding Margarito’s handwraps, some may view this loss as debatable, since the possibility exists that Margarito’s gloves were loaded. But regardless of this issue, the fight took a toll on Cotto and it demonstrated that he has stylistic problems with fighters who bring pressure. continue l
206 comments UK Boxing: Fury Wants McDermott; Khan Public Work-Out; Nathan Cleverly
Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury is hot on the trail of English Champion “Big Bad” John McDermott after the British Boxing Board of Control ordered that the bout must take place before the end of November. Purse bids for the bout have been ordered for July 8th and Fury says he can’t wait to get his hands on McDermott. The 6 foot 9 inch Manchester heavyweight has won all 6 of his pro fights since turning pro last December and maintained a 100% KO ratio on the process. His next outing comes at the York Hall, Bethnal Green on July 18th when he appears on the undercard of the Danny McIntosh – Nathan Cleverly British Light Heavyweight title fight. continue l
16 comments Ultimate Tough Guy — The Life & Times of James J. Jeffries - Book Review By ADEYINKA MAKINDE - Almost a hundred years have passed since ‘The Fight of the Century’, namely that world heavyweight title bout staged in Reno, Nevada between the defending champion, Jack Johnson and the unretired and undefeated former champion, James J. Jeffries. Only two other fights have carried a similar level of significance. Joe Louis’ return confrontation with the German Max Schemeling on the eve of World War Two and the 1971 clash between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, each man an undefeated claimant for the heavyweight championship. If Ali-Frazier partly symbolized the clash between the forces of conservatism and youthful radicalism, and Louis-Schmeling that of opposing ideological camps on the threshold of a world war, the encounter between Johnson-Jeffries was perceived and promoted as a clash between black and white and nothing short of a battle for racial hegemony.
After six years out of the sport, paunchy and corroded; Jefferies had been roused out of an almost idyllic retirement by a call first sounded little more than hours after Johnson’s humiliation of Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia on Boxing Day in 1908: “Leave your Alfalfa farm and save the honour of the white race.” It was a burden Jeffries resented and one which he could not discharge. Bloodied and exhausted after been on the receiving end of a largely one-sided mauling by Johnson, the former champion was stopped in the 15th round. continue l
22 comments Boxing In China: Former Professional World Champion Eyes Olympic Gold
Beijing, China. (June 29, 2009) - By Zhenyu Li: China's boxing has made a significant move to add professional prizefighters to its rosters of the national women's boxing team, in the hope of winning one gold in women's boxing during the 2012 London Olympic Games, should the sport is approved for inclusion in the program of the Games.
Xiyan Zhang, the former WBA, WIBC and WIBA title holder, is one of the prizefighters that returned from the professional battle fields to the amateur square ring. She's now the team leader and the assistant coach of the Chinese national women's boxing team, and currently China's biggest hopeful for its female boxing Gold Rush in London. continue l
4 comments Changing perspectives on Kelly Pavlik Vs Arthur Abraham
By Bill Patrice Jones - There has now for some time been a potential fight brewing between two top middleweights: Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham. Though both men currently possess their own ‘world titles’ if a fight did take place boxing purists would no doubt understand it as a title defence for Pavlik more than a unification fight. Pavlik after all possessed the linear and legitimate Middleweight championship of the world. It seems over the past few years whilst interest for such a fight between two undefeated champions in a reasonably unentertaining division, perspectives over the winner have changed. continue l
83 comments Abraham Stops Oral; Frenkel Destroys De Dominicis By Vladimir S. at ringside: International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KO’s) had a tougher than expected time against number #11 rated IBF contender Mahir Oral (25-2, 10 KO’s) on Saturday night, stopping him in the 10th round at the Max Schmeling Halle, in Berlin, Germany. Abraham, 29, used a very economical approach to the fight giving away many of the rounds to the much busier Oral and making the fight tougher than it might have been had Abraham fought all out in one of the earlier rounds.
Oral, 29, was knocked down five times in total, including three times in the 10th when he took a knee several times to escape punishment. Ultimately, Oral’s corner threw in the towel after the third knockdown in the 10th, as it was clear that Oral was a beaten fighter and couldn’t continue on.
Oral controlled the action in the first three rounds, throwing short combinations and nice jabs and easily outworking Abraham. Oral stood straight up and showed very little power in his shots. continue l
38 comments On The Ropes Boxing Radio Episode #28 with Guest Steve Forbes
-- Click here to listen to the show -- Show starts at 6 pm ET - click "play" on the player to listen live. Call in number (646) 716-5404 -- As the past week in entertainment and boxing alike have shown us, stars can rise just as easily as they can fall. On The Ropes Radio returns on June 29th, 2009 at 6pm Eastern time and after an action packed weekend of fights and with a Guest former World Champion Steve “2 Pound” Forbes for a Interview. continue l
4 comments Euro Boxing Roundup: Pablo Vazquez; Aleksander Alekseev; More Per-Ake Persson - The undercard to Universum´s big show in Hamburg on July 4 features the European debut of Venezuelan Pablo Vazquez, who comes in at 16-0 with all wins inside the distance. Cruiser Aleksander Alekseev is in against Kendrick Releford, who in his last fight in Germany came very close to win over Enad Licina in an exellent fight. On the official scorcards Kendrick was a clear loser but in reality it was very close. continue l
2 comments Sharkie’s Machine - Maidana and Ortiz in a Classic Brawl in L.A By Frank Gonzalez Jr. - June 28, 2009 -- Victor Ortiz said, “The better man won last night.” And that man was Marcos “El Chino” Maidana. This was one of the best fights I’ve seen this year! This fight had everything, drama, suspense, intrigue, five knockdowns and a pair of young warriors worthy of remembrance. Too bad someone had to lose.
A few times a year, fight fans get treated to a truly wonderful rumble in the ring. Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jr. Welterweight contender and local product, Victor Ortiz (24-2-1, 19 KO’s) was the featured fighter on the card. His opponent, Marcos Maidana of Argentina, came to LA with an impressive record of 26-1, 25 KO’s and his one loss was the result of a dubious Split Decision that went to Andriy Kotelnik in Germany last February. continue l
110 comments Results: Danny O’Connor Moves to 7-0; Arnaoutis Defeats Carrasquillo; Gabor Veto
HOLLYWOOD, FL, June 28 – You could say it was lucky number seven for hot junior welterweight prospect Danny O’Connor Saturday night at The Roxy in Boston, Massachusetts, but when you win by shutout scores of 60-54 on all three judges’ cards, there’s no luck involved. The victory, O’Connor’s seventh in seven pro fights, was his first six round test against 31 fight veteran Sebastien Hamel, and the Framingham, Massachusetts native passed with flying colors in front of scores of local fans who cheered on the 2008 US Olympic team alternate. continue l
2 comments
by James Slater - The question posed by the title of this article will be null and void if "Fast" Eddie Chambers loses emphatically to Alexander Dimitrenko tomorrow night in Germany. But after having seen how incredibly fit and in shape the 27-year-old has got himself for the WBO elimination bout against his unbeaten rival, the question must be asked: could this version of the 34-1(18) Chambers be the best bet the US has of regaining at least a portion of the heavyweight title?
By Ted Sares - Few who saw him in these early videos realize that "the kid from the Title videos" is now a well-regarded professional --Thomas Urville
By Per Ake Persson, photo by André Boge / Universum Box-Promotion - July 3, Hamburg, Germany: Neither Chambers, nor Dimitrenko had problems making weight and everybody in attendance shed at least a kilo or two at the weigh-in on this blistering hot day for tomorrow´s big show at the Color Line Arena. "Fast" Eddie Chambers came in at 94,5 kg / 208,25 lbs and gives away about ten cm / almost four inches in height to Aleksander Dimitrenko, 115 kg / 253 kg. All in all Dimitrenko is a big favourite but Chambers is the better boxer. If Eddie can pull off a "Chris Byrd"-like performance, he might upset Dimitrenko. 
By Vivek Wallace: This weeks 'Call Em Out Fridays' segment shines the spotlight on a man who needs little introduction. Once a dweller along the avenue of anonymity, this warrior started his career by chopping down every opponent placed before him, forcing some to begin questioning his level of competition. In May of 2007 he would silence many of those critics by not only wearing down, but completely stopping a typically granite-chinned Edison Miranda. After proving many of his doubters wrong and moving on, his next act would serve as another tool to cement his response to those in question, as he overcame a moment of adversity that sent him to the canvass, only to seal what was arguably his most triumphant victory to date - a KO victory over the previously undefeated Jermain Taylor who was ahead on all cards at the time of the stoppage. Despite this watershed moment, he would return to face Taylor again, to prove to that same group of detractors that he was capable of getting the nod without needing to stop his opponent. It would appear that Pavlik was the sports newest freight train, running over every man in sight....that was until the 'Ghost' stumbled upon the 'Executioner', along with a few other demons with a quest to get out the closet - or atleast some would have us think that way. 
By Shaun Murphy - I think, in boxing, we’ve been extremely lucky over the course of the last few years as a continuum of highly-skilled tough guys have graced the middleweights and encapsulated the public with their glitz and heart. For example, Bernard Hopkins ruled the division with his knarred fists and jail-house manners for 21 defences. And like domestic fish before feeding time, bubbling under Hopkins’s middleweight waters, stalked a group of fiery-eyed pretenders itching to devour the division’s oldest ever champion. Eventually, the affable Jermaine Taylor defeated the 41-year-old ‘’Executioner’’ and a pressured flood gate opened to a new world and breed of contender…
pensacola , FL (July 2, 2009) -- Eight-Time World Champion Roy Jones, Jr. battles former super middleweight champion Jeff Lacy in “Hook City,” on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, MS. “Hook City” will be presented by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. and broadcast live on pay-per-view. Tickets, priced at $150, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, will go on sale Friday, July 3, at 10 AM CT, and will be available at MS Coast Coliseum Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com.
Exclusive Interview by James Slater - Joseph King Kong Agbeko (the King Kong is not a nickname, hence no speech marks - the name appears on Joseph's passport) faces the lethal punching Vic Darchinyan a week on Saturday in Florida, as he makes the second defence of his IBF bantamweight crown. 
by James Slater, photo by Wray Edwards / ESB - As eagerly awaited as any rematch at light-heavyweight in the past few years, young talent Chad Dawson and tough old warrior Glen Johnson will be getting it on again before the year is out. According to ESPN.com, the fight, already signed, will likely take place on November 7th, at a venue still to be decided. As fans who saw the original fight between the two 175-pounders know, the styles of the two men gelled well and some great action came as a result. However, the debate still goes on in some quarters as to who really won back in April of 2008. "Bad" Chad was awarded a unanimous decision in Miami, Florida - with all three judges seeing him the victor by identical scores of 116-112 - but "The Road Warrior" cried robbery and some fans agreed with him.
LOS ANGELES (July 2, 2009) - by Dan Hunter - Photo: Courtesy WBC - I learned last night of the death of boxing legend Alexis Arguello. Coming as it has in the wake of the equally tragic deaths of pop icon Micheal Jackson and TV and film star Farah Fawcett, it is an uneasy and sad time for anyone who lived through and enjoyed the amazing decade that was the Eighties. 
By Ted Sares -- 
by James Slater - As most fight fans will have no doubt read by now, the great Alexis Arguello, arguably the finest fighter to have ever come out of Nicaragua, died a few hours ago. Though autopsy reports have still to be made public, early reports suggest the 57-year-old committed suicide by shooting himself through the heart whilst at home. This is tragic news indeed, and tributes will doubtless be pouring in from all corners of the globe very soon.
Andreas Kotelnik says he will beat Amir Khan - and dedicate the victory to his hero the Oscar winning actor Jack Palance. Kotelnik puts his WBA World Light-Welterweight title on the line against Khan at the M.E.N Arena, Manchester, on July 18. And he is predicting a spectacular KO in the fight, inspired by his idol Palance, whose family also came from the city of Lviv in the Ukraine.
Undefeated No. 1 ranked World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight Cristobal Arreola, his promoter Dan Goossen and trainer Henry Ramirez hosted a press luncheon on Tuesday to discuss his future plan and quest on becoming the first Mexican fighter to become World Heavyweight Champion in the history of boxing. Arreola, whose parents were born in Mexico, lives in Riverside by way of East Los Angeles. Tuesday, he expressed his feelings with the current champions in the heavyweight division and their past and future challengers. He stated that he continues to get stronger and better as they continue to fight lesser opponents in Europe. 
Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury wants to have both the English and Irish title belts wrapped around his waist in the coming months. The undefeated Manchester giant has been nominated by the British Boxing Board of Control as the mandatory challenger for John McDermott’s English heavyweight title with the bout ordered to take place by the end of November.
LOS ANGELES (June 30) - After Saturday's thrilling world title match, which ended in a sixth round technical knockout victory for Argentinean Marcos Maidana when the fight was stopped by the ringside physician due to a severe cut over Victor Ortiz' right eye and swelling under his left eye, Ortiz wants to clear the air with the media and public regarding his performance.
By Ted Sares - He [Burgess] had power but not enough speed…He chose the distance and that distance was good for me. --Andrey Nevsky 
By Vivek Wallace, photo by Chris Farina - Top Rank - This weeks 'Left-Hook Lounge' takes a look at a crew of fairly unmentionables. Typically we see the likes of Pacquiao, Mayweather and company, but with the sport literally turned upside down after a slew of cancellations, the spotlight shifts to a crew of new comers, as well as a two familiar names who find themselves in unfamiliar territory. From Lopez, to Maidana, to Ortiz, to Hatton to Pavlik, and down the line, today we once again put an ear to the street to hear the buzz directly from the fans. First question week comes to us from one of my favorite destinations, San Diego, California, where a fight fan wanted to know the following:
June 29, 2009 – By Scott Kraus at ringside -- On Saturday night, I weaved through the maze of Atlantic City to watch Bob Arum’s Latin Fury 9 live from ringside at the Boardwalk Hall Ballroom. Puerto Rican knockout sensation Juan Manuel Lopez headlined the card in the fourth defense of his WBO super bantamweight title. 
By Shaun Murphy: Amir Khan is, now, only weeks away from his scheduled fight with Andreas Kotelnik and it highlights, for me, why I love boxing. 
By Paul Strauss: Vicious Victor looked like he was going to live up to his moniker when he ignited the Staples Center crowd in LA with a quick first round knockdown of Marcos Rene Maidana. It was Maidana who came out firing bombs, but Ortiz remained poised and landed a beautiful short right hook to score the first knockdown.
By ADEYINKA MAKINDE - Almost a hundred years have passed since ‘The Fight of the Century’, namely that world heavyweight title bout staged in Reno, Nevada between the defending champion, Jack Johnson and the unretired and undefeated former champion, James J. Jeffries. Only two other fights have carried a similar level of significance. Joe Louis’ return confrontation with the German Max Schemeling on the eve of World War Two and the 1971 clash between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, each man an undefeated claimant for the heavyweight championship. If Ali-Frazier partly symbolized the clash between the forces of conservatism and youthful radicalism, and Louis-Schmeling that of opposing ideological camps on the threshold of a world war, the encounter between Johnson-Jeffries was perceived and promoted as a clash between black and white and nothing short of a battle for racial hegemony.
By Vladimir S. at ringside: International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KO’s) had a tougher than expected time against number #11 rated IBF contender Mahir Oral (25-2, 10 KO’s) on Saturday night, stopping him in the 10th round at the Max Schmeling Halle, in Berlin, Germany. Abraham, 29, used a very economical approach to the fight giving away many of the rounds to the much busier Oral and making the fight tougher than it might have been had Abraham fought all out in one of the earlier rounds.