Marcos Maidana vs. The World II

09/07/201409/06/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

It has certainly been a while since we have heard Floyd Mayweather Jr. mention the blueprint to beat him, the one that every fighter facing him claims to have a hold of before realizing inside the ring, that they never did.

Everyone has a plan, until they don’t. So many various angles have been tried, too many strategies and approached to mention, yet nothing seemed to phase Mayweather Jr.

In his last fight against Marcos Maidana, Mayweather Jr., despite emerging a winner yet again, looked tired and certainly beat up; at least more than we are used to seeing. Many claimed that Maidana should have been given the victory nod that night, while some agree that despite the fight being extremely close, Floyd did deserve the win.

Pacquiao vs. Algieri: SF Scoop

08/30/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

Yesterday, the AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants welcomed team Pacquiao and team Algieri for their the press conference. Both teams were in good spirits, and while neither Pacquiao nor Algieri had anything crowd thrilling to say, there was enough appealing information to make the event worth attending.

Of course the question of Pacquiao vs. Mayweather came up numerous times as expected, but the response from Pacquiao was as default expected. Manny said that he is willing to fight Floyd whenever, and that any great fighter needs to fight other great fighters. Algieri grabbed the microphone and defended Pacquiao, suggesting that fights do not get signed and opponents don’t get picked as easy as the media believes it to be. Chris stated that fighters don’t just get to pick their rivals and fight them, instead claiming that there is a lot more that goes into this process.

Bob Arum on Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao: “All signs seem to point to the fight happening early next year”

08/29/201408/29/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

While the majority of the boxing community has never accepted the idea that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will ever face Manny Pacquiao, some people held on to their belief and their undying hope. I happen to be one of those people, but not because of hope, instead I am convinced that money has a hold on everyone, including both Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao.

Like it or not, but this fight is already in the bank, and always has been if you ask me. This is a guaranteed paycheck, no matter when they decide to cash it. Be it tomorrow, or in 5 years, the fight would sell out the same.

Amir Khan Believes His Victory Against Collazo Might Have Scared Pacquiao Away

08/16/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

While the idea of an Amir Khan vs. Manny Pacquiao fight was never a realistic one, the match-up has been extensively discussed by the boxing fans in the recent past.

After defeating Brandon Rios, Pacquiao’s next opponent was nowhere to be seen. Nobody had even the slightest clue as to whom team Pacquiao was going to face next. After a short while, the online boxing community took it upon themselves to discuss the possibilities, which included Ruslan Provodnikov, Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Amir Khan.

Provodnikov Hungry For Knowledge: “I practically don’t know anything”

08/16/201408/15/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

It didn’t take long for Ruslan Provodnikov to make a name for himself in the sport of boxing. Over the years he has chiseled an image for himself, one of a champion with a granite chin, unstoppable stamina and a burning heart.

When crossing the ropes, Provodnikov is expected to throw an unbelievable volume of punches, while his opponent across the ring, knowing this, prepares for a long and painful night; war,

Nevertheless, Provodnikov is as humble as professional fighters get. In a recent interview, Ruslan admitted that he knows very little when it comes to boxing, and is always hungry and open for more knowledge.

Shannon Briggs threatens Wladimir: Team Klitschko adds extra Security

08/13/201408/11/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

It has been a little over a week since Shannon Briggs stormed into a restaurant where Wladimir Klitschko was having a meal, and took it took far with his antics, eating Wladimir’s food and promising to follow him everywhere he goes. This must have been that very last straw, because this time, even though calm and composed, Klitschko poured a glass of water over Shannon’s head, sending Briggs into a frenzy, resulting in broken glassware and cuts.

Clearly this incident did nothing to settle the situation, as Briggs is back on Wladimir’s back, threatening more action: “As soon as I see you, I will hot you in the face. Your fat security guard approached me from the back and grabbed me. That’s cool. I even cut my foot on your glass jaw. Nobody cares about your fight against Pulev, while the entire world is talking about us. Let’s do this!” said Briggs.

“This was 100% real, not staged,” added Briggs about that restaurant brawl.

Taking on GGG: Who is willing to risk it all next? Cotto?

07/28/201407/28/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

With 30 victories (90% KO rate) and no losses, the Gennady Golovkin express has arrived. The time of realization has arrived, and the time of appreciation is nearing fast, as GGG is clearly one of the most exciting and feared fighters in the sport of boxing today.

There is always a lack of fighters that ultimately guarantee a knockout for your money spent, but at a 90% rate thus far, Golovkin is that very fighter that brings boxing fans exhilaration from bell to bell. His fan base has exploded over the past year, and his ability to generate profit is on a very steady rise.

How many people will order PPV to see Manny Pacquiao chase after Chris Algieri?

07/20/201407/18/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

While this type of question wouldn’t be a discussion to be had during Pacquiao’s peak years, his choice of opponents as well as his former dominating ring generalship have been on a decline, taking away from the thrill and exhilaration of his fights. In short, the action is simply no longer the same.

Of course Pacquiao is still one of the top fighters in the sport, and underestimating him will land one on the canvas.

But the anticipation of a raw knockout, a nonstop freight train style of offense that Pacquiao used to display, is now missing, making the PPV all about paying for the name, rather than the fireworks.

Algieri beating Provodnikov, provides Pacquiao with a phenomenal deal!

07/15/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

For weeks before Ruslan Provodnikov and Chris Algieri stepped inside the ring to face each other, the boxing community was already handing Ruslan the victory, promoting the possibility of him fighting Manny Pacquiao next.

Aside from Freddie Roach being a minor yet easily ignored roadblock, this fight was building momentum. Pacquiao needed a good performance against a top name, which at the time, Provodnikov was. Losing to Bradley did not harm Ruslan’s career, while beating Alvarado advanced it. Boxing fans were excited to see just how far Provodnikov would go in 2014, and many voiced their approval for Pacquiao vs. Provodnikov.

Will Floyd fight a different fight in Mayweather Jr. vs. Maidana II on September 13th?

07/02/201407/01/2014 Vitali Shaposhnikov

When boxing fans start wondering, how is it that Floyd Mayweather Jr., far from being the most exciting fighter in boxing, is the highest paid athlete in the world, a video like the above mentioned provides a solid hint: phenomenal ability to create hype and dictate the significance of his decisions. Basically he is capable of feeding the fans exactly what they need, which happens to be a mix of excitement and enthusiasm for what’s coming next.

In the video interview, not only does Mayweather Jr. grip the viewers by pledging to surprise us in May of 2015 (Pacquiao bout is the first thing that comes to mind), but he also announces a rematch against Marcos Maidana, which was unexpected by most.