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Contributing Writers
Africa: Prince Dornu-Leiku
Australia:
Tony Nobbs
Srithar Visuasam
Europe:
James Slater
Mike Casey
Andrew Harrison
Christine Maynard
Adeyinka Makinde
Michael Klimes
Jim Dorney
Andrew Walker
John Wight
United States:
Vivek Wallace Geoffrey Ciani
Coach Tim Walker
P.H. Burbridge
Paul Strauss Frank Gonzalez Jr
Wray Edwards
Pavel Yakovlev
Scott Kraus
Robert Jackson
Thomas Scherr
Charles White
Yero Moody
Taj Eubanks
Karl E. H. Seigfried
Mike Dunn
31.03.06 - Photo by Tom Casino / SHOWTIME(c) - WBO Heavyweight Champion Lamon Brewster (232 pounds) and challenger Sergei Liakhovich (238.5 pounds) weighed-in for Saturday's world title fight LIVE on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT) and made their predictions on the NCAA Final Four. The SHOWTIME telecast will be presented at a special time to accommodate fans tuning into the NCAA's Men's Final Four on CBS. The Showtime Championship Boxing telecast will be part of a SHOWTIME Free Preview Weekend (March 31-April 3) when the network will open its signal to 45 million TV households nationwide.
Donning the U.C.L.A. jersey, Brewster picked the Bruins to defeat the L.S.U. Tigers and go all the way. However, he stopped short of picking U.C.L.A.'s opponent in the finals.
"I have to go with my boys to represent Los Angeles, said Brewster, a city of Angels resident. "They are going to use stifling defense to get past L.S.U.'s inside game. But, I cannot call the George Mason - Florida game. That one is too tough to predict." continue l
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Tampa, FL (Mar 31) - By Rob Russen: Looking to put his claim in as one of the best heavyweights in the world Sherman Williams scored a third round knockout over David Na'il of Fayetteville, NC. After an even first round Williams took control and knocked Na'il down in the second before closing the fight with a vicious right had that had Na'il down for the count. A crowd estimated at 1200 turned out on a warm night under a big red and white tent for the second pro boxing event in Ybor. Tonight's show was co-promoted by Tampa based Ringsports Boxing in association with Las Vegas based Slverhawk World Championship Boxing. continue l
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31.03.06 - Cortes Sports and Entertainment, Inc. announces that Archak “Shark Attack” Ter-Meliksetian is set to enter into the ring with Sergio “Latin Snake” Mora on May 4, 2006 at the Aladdin Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mora, (the winner of “The Contender’) a versatile brawler with an average punch will have to be ready to face a tough opponent. continue l
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CANASTOTA, NY – MARCH 31, 2006 - The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today former light heavyweight champion John Conteh from England will attend festivities planned for the 17th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 8-11th. Conteh turned pro in 1971 and captured the EBU, Commonwealth and British light heavyweight titles in 1973. In 1974, Conteh scored a 15-round split decision over Jorge Ahumada to earn the vacant WBC light heavyweight title. continue l
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31.03.06 - By Craig Parrish: I am as guilty as anyone of bashing the current crop of Heavyweights we have out there. Every day, it seems that we read a new piece on how lame they are, how they are no real Champions, too many belts, too much corruption, too many greedy promoters. All of this is true to a large extent. When will the next great Heavyweight Champion arise and come forth to clean the division? Where can he be? Why is this Division, the glamour division, so unpopular?
I became a boxing fan when I was a kid in the seventies. That was truly a golden age of Heavyweights.Ali, Foreman, Norton, Frazier, Shavers, Holmes, Quarry, etc., etc., etc. I cut my teeth watching greatfighters on Wide World of Sports on Saturday afternoons. The big fights were free. FREE! continue l
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31.03.06 - By Justin Hackman: Pound-for-pound status is granted to a fighter when he has proven himself to be one of the best in the fight game. This label of being pound-for-pound worthy is generally decided upon by fight fans and analysts alike. Pound-for-pound fighters are arranged on a list with their rankings supported by that author, magazine, fan, etc. through a case made for each fighter and his position on the list. While these lists are fun to create, thought provoking, and make for good discussion, their legitimacy as a list from 1-10 or 1-20 etc. should not be taken seriously by avid boxing fans. continue l
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31.03.06 - In a fabulous doubleheader on “ShoBox: The New Generation” Friday on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast), physically-gifted Anthony “The Messenger” Thompson takes on battle-tested contender Darnell Boone in a 10-round super welterweight bout, and “Vicious” Victor Ortiz meets fellow Southern Californian “Feisty” Freddie Barrera in an 8-round lightweight duel. continue l
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31.03.06 - From WBC President Jose Sulaiman: The World Boxing Council has decided by a majority vote to confirm Oleg Maskaev as the next challenger to WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. Both fighters should agree that the winner of the Rahman vs. Maskaev fight must next fight James Toney, as voted by the Board of Governors. The free negotiations period begins today for the Rahman vs. Maskaev mandatory defense and if no agreement is reached, a purse offer will be held on May 1, 2006, in the WBC Executive Offices in Mexico City. l
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30.03.06 - By Lee Hayes: This April 22nd, IBF Heavyweight champion Chris Byrd will be returning to Germany to have his third fight with the Klitschko brothers. Klitschko cinched the number one ranking in the IBF by defeating Samuel Peter soundly last December. This is an analysis of what you can look for and may expect during their fight.
By Per Ake Persson: March 30, Copenhagen, Denmark: Ex-WBA bantam champ Johnny Bredahl won his comeback fight over tough Russian Alexander Fedorov on a seventh round disqualification in the headliner of this Bettina Palle promotion at the KB hall. Fedorov had points deducted in both the second and third rounds for punching behind the neck. In the seventh Fedorov threw a left, followed by an elbow and a punch behind the neck and Italian referee Matteo Caddeo dq'd him on the spot after 34 seconds of the round. continue l
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MEMPHIS-March 30th- In anticipation of the high demand for tickets and to ensure that the maximum number of fans will be able to attend the June 17, 2006 mega-fight between Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor and Winky Wright at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennesse, the venue has been resurveyed and the floor seating redesigned. The additional work has caused a short delay in the public on-sale date for tickets to the fight from the originally scheduled date of Friday, March 31 to Wednesday, April 5. continue l
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DONALD TREMBLAY: Juan Diaz is making his third defense of his WBA Lightweight title on April 8th on the Mayweather and Judah card at Thomas & Mack in Las Vegas. The opponent is Jose Miguel Cotto who is 27 and 0 with 19 knockouts and might as well go on from here, Juan why don’t you say a few words and then we’ll turn it over for some questions. continue l
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HOLLYWOOD, FL, March 30 – Colombian knockout artist Juan Urango is healed from an injury to his left hand, back in the gym, and ready for his long-awaited shot at the IBF Junior Welterweight championship vacated earlier this week by Ricky Hatton. “My hand is 100 percent and I’m looking forward to knocking people out with it,” said Urango, 16-0-1 with 13 KOs.
“The first one on my hit list is Naoufel Ben Rabah, and I’m looking forward to becoming a World Champion.”
With the IBF crown vacant, the number one contender, Rabah, must face the leading available contender. With number three rated Junior Witter currently scheduled to face Demarcus Corley for the vacant WBC title, the leading available contender is the number four ranked Urango. Warriors Boxing Promotions is eager to make the fight as soon as possible. continue l
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ALAN HOPPER: Can you tell us how training is going Yoel ? YOEL JUDAH: It’s sunny out here, hot. Birds are whistling. The trees are moving. Everything is good.
ALAN HOPPER: Well, there’s an optimistic forecast. And Don, do you want to give an opening statement about Mayweather versus Judah coming up on April 8 in Las Vegas? continue l
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30th March, 2006 - Bernard Dunne puts his perfect record on the line “online” next Monday night when he takes part in RTE Sports first ever live streaming webcast. The Dubliner is unbeaten in 19 pro fights and travels to Turin, Italy to take on tough Argentinean, Sergio Carlos Santillan. continue l
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30.03.06 - British fight fans can judge for themselves if Howard Eastman is justified in his belief that his exhilarating IBF middleweight final eliminator against Edison Miranda in Florida last weekend shouldn’t have been stopped. Sky Sports will show the contest – originally covered by ESPN – in full on Friday 31st March from 10pm. continue l
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30.03.06 - By James Slater: Following on from my article on the great Earnie Shavers, I have put into print here the interview I was fortunate enough to have had with the man himself only last evening, March the 29th. Earnie, along with another one time Ali opponent - Britain's Richard Dunn, was present at The Irish Centre Leeds, in the north of England ,to help raise money for a local gymnasium. During this event I was lucky enough to grab Earnie for a five minute chat. I am pleased to be able to say that Earnie was in great shape, both mentally and physically and he was very receptive towards me. Although I was conducting the very first interview of my life and was initially nervous, Earnie's relaxed manner and quick wit soon put me at my ease. It was a fascinating and wonderful experience talking in person with a man once voted "The puncher of the century." Here's how the interview went.
James Slater - It's a great honour to talk to you Mr. Shavers. Let me first ask you, do you still follow the game today, particularly the heavyweights?
Earnie Shavers - To be honest with you, no, not really. I still train though, to keep trim (laughs). continue l
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30.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Elite Box Promotion, a new promotional outfit in Germany, have filed a protest to the EBU in regards of the purse bids for EBU lightheavy champ Stipe Drews´ defence against Kai Kurzawa. Elite claims that neither Universum, who won the purse bids, nor Sauerland Event posted the necessary bond in time with their respective Federation. continue l
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30.03.06 - By Jim Amato: I had the great pleasure of talking to one of my favorite boxing people, Kenny Weldon. This Saturday in my hometown of Cleveland, Sergei Liakhovich will attempt to take the WBO heavyweight title from Lamon Brewster. Kenny is Sergei's trainer. This was not conducted as a formal interview or anything like that. It was just Kenny and I shooting the bull. I enjoy talking to Kenny. He's seen it all. We talked about " Old Bones " Joe Brown, the great lightweight champion. We talked about Benny Leonard, possibly the greatest lightweight ever. We also talked about Sergei and his date with destiny. continue l
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30.03.06 - By Jose Nunez: Saying that I am excited to be joining forces with Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions is an understatement. This is a moment that I have been anticipating for a long time. Sycuan Ringside Promotions has been doing a great job as Guzman’s promoter for some time and now with Golden Boy by our side we will be able to accomplish more as a team. continue l
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30.03.06 - By Michael Montero: I remember a time when the top echelon of the heavyweight division defeated their opponents in dominant fashion. I seem to recall, not too long ago, fights filled with drama – guys giving it their all, fighting tooth and nail, losing some and winning some but always giving the fans plenty of drama. That’s why we watched. On the contrary, most of today’s top heavyweight matches have more drama during their pressers than on fight night itself. Hasim Rahman and James Toney fought harder during their scuffle at the WBC convention in Mexico, months ago, than they did on the 18th.
I’m sick of seeing the same old story playing out over and over again: two giants in the ring throwing pity-pat slaps at one another while guarding their grill with their eyes closed. Where’s the hunger? Where’s the passion? Where are the knock outs? continue l
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LOS ANGELES, March 29 – Unbeaten Joan ‘Sycuan Warrior’ Guzman is one of the most feared fighters in boxing. Now, with the promotional backing of Golden Boy Promotions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions, the former super bantamweight champion and current number one WBO featherweight contender will get to display his immense talent for a worldwide audience every time he steps into the ring. continue l
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PROVIDENCE – On Wednesday, May 10, Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) presents “A Night of Championship Boxing” when undefeated cruiserweights Matt Godfrey and Shaun George do battle at the Fox Theatre in Foxwoods Resort Casino. At stake are Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey’s WBC United States cruiserweight championship and Shaun George’s North American Boxing Association (NABA) crown. continue l
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29.03.06 - By Dan Horgan: In boxing, sometimes the hardest thing that a fighter can do is swallow a loss and fight their way back into contention. Countless times we see fighters retire directly after a loss or are just never the same. However, there is one man who always seems to defy the odds and keep coming back no matter how many times he loses, and that’s Montell Griffin. continue l
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Photos: Tom Casino / Showtime - Wednesday, March 29, 2006, Hilton Garden Inn in Cleveland, Ohio. The most exciting and courageous heavyweight champion in the world will return to America's No. 1 Boxing Network on Saturday. Lamon Brewster (33-2, 29 KOs), of Los Angeles, by way of Indianapolis, Ind., will make the fourth defense of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) title when he takes on once-beaten Sergei "The White Wolf'' Liakhovich (22-1, 14 KOs) Saturday, April 1, 2006, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). The 12-round world title fight will be promoted by Don King Productions and take place at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. This will be the first heavyweight world championship bout to take place in the city since 1983.
"RELENTLESS'' LAMON BREWSTER (33-2, 29 KOs): "This is the best camp I have ever had. This is the best I have ever been in my life. I feel very angry to fight for so many reasons." continue l
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29.03.06 - Queensbury, NY – TheDailySports.com Boxing Promotions remain active by signing Cruiserweight Prospect DeMarcus Clark and Middleweight Phillip Lars to promotional contracts. Clark, who resides in Shreveport, Louisiana currently, holds a 1-0 (1 KO) record. His pro debut was a third-round TKO win over Kenny Saavedra on August 19, 2005 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. continue l
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29.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Mike Tyson will be the referee in a K 1 showdown between South African Francois Botha and Jorgen Holm, a K 1 star, who´s 1-0 as a proboxer, May 20 in Stockholm, writes Aftonbladet. K 1 didn´t exist by the time professional boxing was prohibited in 1970 and thus wasn´t included in the law - but K 1 will be included in the new martial arts law that is likely to come into effect this fall. continue l
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29.03.06 - Tickets are now on sale for the rematch between British heavyweight rivals Danny Williams and Matt Skelton. Round 13 starts at the M.E.N Arena on Saturday 15th July. Commonwealth champion Williams retained his title after becoming the first man to beat Skelton by outpointing him in their 12-round brutal-brawl in February. continue l
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29.03.06 - By James Slater: Earnie Shavers turned pro in 1969. When he reached his peak it coincided with a heavyweight division that was enjoying a golden era. Muhammad Ali was at the very top of the pile throughout most of the 1970's, closely followed by his successor- Larry Holmes,the frighteningly strong George Foreman and the man from whom Big George took the title - Joe Frazier. There were other great heavyweights doing there stuff during this time also. Men like Ken Norton, Ron Lyle, Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis, Jimmy Young and George Chuvalo. It truly was a special era. And right in the middle of this fabulous period of heavyweight talent there was Earnie Shavers.
One of Don King's first fighters, Earnie made his pro debut in November 1969, with a second round KO over one Silas Johnson. Johnson became the first in a number of fighters to be knocked flat or stopped, this number would eventually total sixty seven! Shavers didn't waste any time following up his first victory - he fought another two times in the same week in November. continue l
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CANASTOTA, NY – MARCH 29, 2006 - The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today Hall of Fame light heavyweight champion Bob Foster will attend festivities planned for the 17th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 8-11th. Boxing out of Albuquerque, NM Foster turned pro in 1961. He captured the world light heavyweight championship in 1968 with a fourth round kayo over Hall of Famer Dick Tiger. continue l
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NEW YORK, NY (March 29, 2006) – Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, present the biggest rumble New York has witnessed since the Jets took on the Sharks. World jr. welterweight champion MIGUEL COTTO, the pride of Puerto Rico, returns to Madison Square Garden to take on undefeated Top-10 contender PAULIE “MAGIC MAN” MALIGNAGGI of Brooklyn, N.Y., Saturday, June 10. Cotto vs. Malignaggi headlines a championship card, which will include six bouts on the Pay Per View telecast. continue l
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29.03.06 - Commonwealth Heavyweight king Danny Williams will be ringside at the York Hall this Saturday (1 April) to watch rival Matt Skelton in his comeback fight before their big rematch in the summer. Skelton has his first fight since losing his unbeaten record to Williams last month in their brutal encounter and takes on Frenchman Suren Kalachyan over eight-rounds. The Brixton puncher will face Skelton again at the M.E.N Arena on July 15 and this time says he will not leave it until the final round to stop Skelton - as he nearly did in the first fight. continue l
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29.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Renowned Irish trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick is back in Europe after nine years in the US and is currently residing in Berlin. Paddy is working with a team of fighters signed to Elite Box Promotion who will have its inaugural show in Potsdam on Friday (March 31). Among the fighters are Latvian Edgar Kalnars, a former journeyman heavy, Swedes Tonton Semakala and Vatche Wartanian, both back after long layoffs and Mathias and Andreas Kempe, both former amateur stars (Mathias went 3-0 in the pros back in 04). Paddy also trains Sauerland Event signed lightheavy Kai Kurzawa, who will fight Stipe Drews for the EBU title May 26 in Munich.
Q: How do you like Berlin?
A: It´s nice, very cosmopolitan, we live right in the center of the city. continue l
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29.03.06 - Floyd Mayweather has relinquished his title and is moving up to welterweight to fight for the title of another organization. For the above reason, the World Boxing Council is declaring the world super lightweight title vacant and ordering No. 1 ranked Junior Witter of Great Britain to face No. 2 ranked DeMarcus Corley of the United States for the vacant title. The free negotiations period will begin today for both to reach an agreement and if no agreement is reached, the WBC will hold a purse offer on April 27, 2006. continue l
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29.03.06 - Boxing fans, don’t miss it on March 31, 2006, when boxing’s “Comeback Fighter of the Year” and former linear heavyweight champion, Shannon Briggs, 46-4-1 (40 KOs), will be throwing down live in the studio with host Brian Kenny on this week’s broadcast of ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights.” Always charismatic and entertaining, among other things, Briggs will be announcing his upcoming fight and speaking about his mission to become heavyweight king and re-invigorate the division. continue l
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Tuesday, March 29, 2006 - Photos: Tom Casino / Showtime - Old School Gym, Cleveland, Ohio. The 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues with a WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT on Saturday, April 1, when "Relentless" Lamon Brewster defends his WBO title against Sergei "The White Wolf'' Liakhovich. The 12-round world title fight at Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio is promoted by Don King Productions and will air on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
"RELENTLESS'' LAMON BREWSTER (33-2, 29 KOs)
"School's in session on Saturday night. I'll be the teacher.
"Sergei has a good record and in order to go to the next level this type of competition is necessary. Sergei doesn't have the credentials I have, but he is a good fighter and should not be overlooked. continue l
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29.03.06 - A contrast in styles between nationally ranked boxer Jairo Ramirez of San Diego and hard-hitting Russell Stoner Jones of Denver is featured in the 10-round lightweight main event on the inaugural “Guilty Fight Night” card presented by Guilty Boxing and sponsored by Xyience Friday, April 7, at the new South Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. continue l
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LAS VEGAS (March 28, 2006) - Former IBF cruiserweight champion William "Kid Chocolate" Guthrie (30-3-1, 24 KOs) has been there, done that, and now at 39, all he really wants is an opportunity to prove that he's still a world-class boxer. "The difference now is not being a champion doesn't open doors anymore," Guthrie remarked. "There have been a lot of inner changes. continue l
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28.03.06 - By Ike Enwereuzor: Former NABA heavyweight champion Serguei Lyakhovich (photo: Tom Casino) of Vitebsk, Belarus, with a professional record of (22-1, 14 KO's) now ranked No.13 WBO 13 will challenging WBO Heavyweight Champion Lamon Brewster (33-2, 29 KO's) on April 1, 2006 at Wolstein center, Cleveland, OH, event is promoted by Don King Productions and will be televised on Showtime.
Lyakhovich, the once beaten professional heavyweight contender represented his country, Belarus in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA and suffered a controversial one-point to Paea Wolfgramm who went on to capture the silver medal losing to Wladimir Klitschko. In 1997, he also won a Bronze medal at the world amateur Boxing championship. This is what he had to say about his showdown with the WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster: continue l
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March 27, 2006 - Promoter Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions will present a sensational fight card on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, in the New Orleans Arena, located next to the Superdome in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. The main event and featured fights are sponsored by Harrahs New Orleans, and will be televised on ESPN2’s first “Wednesday Night Fights” telecast of the year. continue l
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HOLLYWOOD, FL, March 27 – After a stirring seventh round TKO of Howard Eastman on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights last weekend, top middleweight contender Edison “Pantera” Miranda is eager to take the next step in his career and bring home a world championship. “I predicted a knockout of Howard Eastman on March 24th and I delivered one,” said Miranda, now 26-0 with 23 KOs. “Now I have another prediction – I will knock out anyone at 160 pounds – at least anyone who is willing enough to step into the ring with me.” continue l
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27.03.06 - By Mike Dunn: It was 40 years ago this week that Muhammad Ali put the heavyweight title on the line against the rugged Canadian George Chuvalo. The bout took place on March 29, 1966 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto and Ali won a lopsided 15-round decision.
The decision doesn’t nearly tell the story of the fight, however.
Ali, coming off an uninspiring 12-round stoppage of former champ Floyd Patterson the previous November, had been scheduled to do battle with Chicago’s Ernie Terrell to unify the heavyweight crown. Ali was the linear champ after his KO of Sonny Liston and was still recognized at this point as the “real” champ by almost everyone. The angular, defensive-minded Terrell, who used his 6-foot-6 frame to good advantage with an effective jabbing and clutching style, had claim to the World Boxing Association title, however. continue l
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HOLLYWOOD, FL, March 27 – Unbeaten prospect Timur Ibragimov, fresh off a second round stoppage of Kenny Craven on March 24, will take the next step on his road to the heavyweight championship of the world when he faces highly-regarded contender Calvin Brock on Saturday, June 24th at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. continue l
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27.03.06 - 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING is once again proud to sponsor the Chicago Golden Gloves tournament for the second year in a row, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions. Said Pesoli, “8 Count Productions is very happy to play a role in the development of these amateur fighters. continue l
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27.03.06 - By Michael Klimes: Nigel Benn, the ‘Dark Destroyer’ was once described by Bob Arum as ‘the most exciting fighter in the world’. Benn’s gifts were his steel fisted hands, fiery resolve to punish his opponents whatever they through at him and his fearful ability to be at his most dangerous when he was hurt. Benn had been frequently praised as a ‘wounded tiger.’ If he was plastered with a beautiful uppercut he had the power to counter attack with one of his slinging left hooks. Benn’s flaws were a reckless defence and stamina problems caused by an inability to pace himself properly. To his credit, Benn got better with age and fought more strategically as he got older.
Hatton is the most explosive attacking fighter to emerge from Britain’s shores in ten years and is the natural heir to Arturo Gatti. In some ways he is also the natural heir to Benn. He never stops coming forward; he is a peerless body puncher with what is surely one of the most energy exorcising left hooks to the body in years and is a merciless predator. continue l
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NEW YORK, March 27th-When boxing historians look back at the date of June 10th, 2006, one of two results will be crystal clear- it will be the day that light heavyweight Antonio Tarver cements his hall of fame credentials by ending the career of boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, or it will be the day when middleweight great Hopkins, ends a legendary career with a stirring win over one of the top light heavyweights of this era. continue l
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MERRILLVILLE, IN.- Hard hitting, crowd pleasing Live Pro boxing returns to the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN with "Vengeance," the next event from Octavius James' One In A Million Inc. on Friday, April 14th. All doubts must be erased when Ruben "The Modern Day Warrior" Galvan faces Mexico City's Jaime Alvarado in a rematch of one of boxing's most controversial endings last year. continue l
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27.03.06 - By Craig Parrish: Hollywood loves fight pictures. While they are not as common as they used to be, it still seems like every year or so we get at least one movie that centers around boxing. Some are good, some are bad, and some are just plain silly. Over the years, many actors have taken on the daunting task of trying to portray a prize fighter realistically in the ring. This would prove especially difficult as most boxers spend a great majority of their childhood and adolescent years training, and in essence grow up in the Ring. Most actors have a limited amount of time they can spend training for a role. So I thought it would be an interesting idea to take a poll of fight fans opinions to see what people think.
Please respond to this article with your choices and I will tally up the responses after a certain number have been posted. Please post your picks, 1 through 5 only once, so we get an accurate count. Professional boxers who portrayed fighters in films should not be listed. Obviously, there are not many people who have seen every boxing film ever made. Here’s my top five from the movies I’ve seen over the years: continue l
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27.03.06 - By Jim Amato: I see why Bernard Hopkins is going after Antonio Tarver's light heavyweight championship. No doubt, Hopkins has nothing to lose at this point in his career. I mean, his legacy has already been written. However, I still just can't see him winning this fight, no matter how I look at it. In fact, I fear he may be stopped. Tarver is a big, strong light heavyweight, with serious power, just ask Roy Jones Jr. Taylor is also a southpaw and knows how to use all these gifts to his advantage. He is well trained and well schooled. continue l
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27.02.06 - By Per Ake Persson: German news agency DPA writes that it will be Australian Sakio Bika that challenge WBC 168 lb ruler Markus Beyer May 13 in Zwickau. This will be the co-headliner to IBF champ Arthur Abraham´s defence vs Kofi Jantuah. The Town Hall in Zwickau, 4000, seats is already sold out. IBF middle champ Arthur Abraham will defend against Kofi Jantuah May 13, it´s a voluntary defence for Abraham who then will have to take on offical challenger Edison Miranda. continue l
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27.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: IBO middle champ Raymond "Hallelujah" Joval kindly took time out for an interview on Wednesday (March 22). It was already then clear he wouldn´t be able to take on IBF ruler Arthur Abraham May 13 due to his neck injury. "Hallelujah" can look back on a long and good career where he participated in the 92 Olympic games before turning pro in 94.
Q: How is your injury healing up, what exactly are you suffering from and when do you expect to be ready?
A: It´s kind of a whiplash injury to my neck. I go to the gym every day, train and get treatment. I would say I have five good days followed by two bad. It was something that happend a year ago and wasn´t taken care of properly at that time. I can´t say when I can be ready. This kind of injury just has to take its time. continue l
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Tampa, FL: For many boxers the comeback trail is the hardest trail to travel. But for 2-time former WBC Lightweight Champion and current IBO and NABC Light Welterweight Champion Stevie “Lil’ But Bad” Johnston every day is in his comeback is as bright and full of promise as the beautiful sunny weather in his new home of Vero Beach. FL. Johnston firmly believes his future is as bright as the warm, sunny skies he awakens to each and every day. continue l
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27.03.06 - WIBF World Champion Natascha Ragosina (10 fights, 10 win, 7 KO) can concentrate now fully on her challenger for the double championship in Super Middleweight on April, 15th in the Maritim Hotel in Magdeburg, Germany. The 29-year-old champion from Moscow is challenged by the American Carlotte Virginia Ewell (14 fights, 10 win, 8 KO) to a fight for the defence of the WIBF crown, as well as for the GBU World Championship belt. continue l
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27.03.06 - By James Slater: Not too long before his crushing three round loss to Iran Barkley, there had been whispers coming from boxing people regarding the possibility of Thomas Hearns being a fighter who was shot already or at least one who was swiftly heading towards being so. This talk had surfaced due to the trouble he’d had in his fights with Juan Roldan, in which Tommy was hurt on a couple of occasions, and Dennis Andries, a fight in which Hearns appeared to get knocked down (there was no count). Now, after being flattened in such a shocking manner by “The Blade”, these whispers had become deafening roars. Roars that demanded Tommy’s exit from the sport.
It is incredible to think that concerns about Hearns fighting again were first heard all those years ago, in late 1987. Lord knows how the people who expressed those concerns would have felt if they’d known then that Tommy would still be fighting today, in 2006! And, back in 1988, when Tommy announced his decision to fight on after the Barkley loss, most figured it to be the wrong move. What did he have left, they asked? Tommy’s comeback bout with James “The Heat” Kinchen looked like a fight that would provide an answer. continue l
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26.03.06 - Despite having a sell-out show at the York Hall on Friday night when David Haye retained his European title. Frank Maloney had little time for celebrating or partying as he was on the road early on Saturday morning to meet and sign the 2004 ABA champion Chris Pacy who is the latest edition to the growing stable of young stars at Maloney Promotions. continue l
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26.03.06 - Wild Bill's Atlanta - We have great news for fight fans in the Atlanta metropolitan area. On Tuesday April 18, for the first time ever, a fistic 8 fight professional boxing card comes to Wild Bill's Atlanta located in Duluth, GA. Promoter Dana Pitcher of Dana Pitcher Productions, along with legendary matchmaker Peyton Sher have put together an exciting card totaling 50 plus rounds of professional boxing, featuring world class boxers and local young talent in competitive bouts. continue l
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26.03.06 - By Dan Horgan: Today in boxing, it is popular belief that the cure all to the dreadful heavyweight division is a unification tournament which would wipe out all of the division’s troubles. This would make perfect sense if the four best heavyweights in the world all had belts, but that’s where the problem lies. continue l
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26.03.06 - by MIKE DUNN: It was December of 1927. Tommy Loughran had just laid claim to the undisputed light-heavyweight championship with a fast 15-round decision over slick Jimmy Slattery, the National Boxing Association champion. The fight had taken place at Madison Square Garden.
Loughran, who already owned a piece of the title courtesy of a hard-fought decision over Ireland's Mike McTigue, had outpaced and outjabbed the lightning-quick Slattery before a large crowd. Now the Philadelphia native had sole ownership of the championship. Most newly crowned champions take a well-deserved break from the ring. Loughran, who would have 174 fights in his distinguished career, wanted no part of a long layoff. Loughran liked to stay active and wanted to take advantage of his recent popularity among New York fight fans. So he and manager Joe Smith signed to put the title on the line at the Garden less than a month later. The chosen opponent for Loughran's first defense was Leo Lomski, a slugger from the Pacific Northwest who had been making a name for himself. continue l
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26.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: March 25, Siedlice, Poland: Polish cruiser Krzysztof "Diablo" Wlodarczyk won an unanimous decision over American Imamu Mayfield. At stake was the IBC and WBC Fexarbox titles. Wlodarczyk, now 35-1, won on scores of 116-112, 116-113 and 117-111. Mayfield was rattled a few times but used his vast experience to survive. On the undercard heavyweight Tomasz Bonin tko´d Belorussian Ihar Shukala in four and welterweight Rafael Jackiewicz knocked out Valery Kharyanov in two. continue l
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26.03.06 - By Harry J Hawkins: British Heavyweights Danny Williams and Matt Skelton have signed for a rematch following up from their fascinating bout (25/02) when Williams marginally edged a split decision. Whilst Williams is a crafty boxer who has had a long career mixing with top fighters on the world stage, the 32 year old’s main stumbling block seems to have been a distinct lack in motivation when heading into bouts he should win. continue l
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26.03.06 - By Jim Amato: The British produced some quality heavyweights during the 1950's and 60's. Of course "Ol" Enry' Cooper comes to mind. There was rugged Joe Erskine and Wales gave us Dick Richardson. Later Billy "The Golden Boy" Walker would emerge. One of the best was Brian London who would twice fight for world title honors. continue l
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25.03.06 - By Troy Ondrizek: Tonight three separate men Eliseo Castillo, Felix Cora Jr., and David Haye declared they are ready to make some noise and turn some heads in the incredibly deep and talented cruiserweight division. I have stated on several occasions that this division is something special. These men are big enough to deliver brain-thumping knockouts like the heavyweight division, but unlike the bigger boys, cruiserweights can ring up the punch count and not get tired, and are able to continue to entertain throughout the fight. In an early candidate for FOTY, Jean Marc Mormeck and O’Neill Bell gave us an amazing unification fight, in which fans were subjected to non-stop action, as the fighters were subjected to each other’s fist upside their head. Bell found a way to walk through the onslaught brought on by the bruising Frenchmen in Mormeck, to gain a stunning stoppage of his formidable foe. With just rumors of fights in talks, the division went on a relative hibernation since landmark unification bout of Bell-Mormeck back on January 7th, but tonight Eliseo Castillo, Felix Cora Jr., and David Haye helped the division flex some literal muscle and gain some notoriety. continue l
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(Sydney, Australia : 25th March 2006) IBF/WBA super lightweight world champion Ricky “Hitman” Hatton will move up in weight to face WBA welterweight world champion Luis Collazo on May 13 in Boston, USA on HBO. The fight has been announced and is scheduled to happen. But the “Black Panther” Lovemore Ndou is waiting eagerly for the next bombshell to hit. continue l
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25.03.06 - Middleweight Howard Eastman, 35, the old ring veteran of countless wars, was stopped in the 7th round tonight by knockout artist Edison Miranda (26-0, 23 KOs) for the IBF title eliminator at the Seminole Hard Rock LIVE Arena, in Hollywood, Florida. However, Eastman (40-4, 34 KOs) made a great fight of it, landing huge right hand bombs up until the 6th round, when he almost had Miranda out on his feet. To his credit, Miranda was able to recoup and follow up with his own power shots in the 7th. continue l
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25.03.06 - By Dan Scog: In every sense of the word, boxing is America's true national past time. Tell the average sports-fan to talk about baseball and you'll hear about how the Yankees played last week, how Clemens pitched yesterday, or who's going to get traded. You most likely won't hear them drone on and on about Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth with a nostalgic tear in their eye. But the opposite is true for boxing. continue l
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25.03.06 - By Bryce Wren: That's right. I'm giving the big boys a rare break for a change, because there is a lot of activity currently going on with the major players in the division, and even if the talent pool is a little shallow, there's nothing like a round robin to livin' up any weight class.
Personally, I liked Rahman vs Toney. I thought it was a very close fight, with Rahman probably winning by a point, maybe it was a draw, but I thought it was a good action fight.
Next we have WBO champion Lamon Brewster putting up his strap against Sergei Liakhovich. Brewster by some accounts has the best recent record of all the current belt holders. He's KO'd Wladimir Klitschko, Andrew Golota, and Luan Krasniqi and out worked Kali Meehan on a rare off night. Brewster has re-invented his career and has a solid relationship with his trainer and father figure Jesse Reid. Brewster has enough dynamite in both hands to knock out any heavyweight at any given time if the punch lands solid on the button. What he needs now is some more consistency. Most likely he will get by Liakhovich -although he may be behind on the score cards at the time he scores a stoppage- but Lamon will make it to the next round. continue l
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24.03.06 - By Pat Lanier: Sergei “The White Wolf” Liakhovich (22-1, 14 KOs), although slow of hand and foot, and slightly thick around the midsection, he still has the ability to punch in combinations, something that is Kryptonite against Lamon Brewster, the WBO heavyweight champion, who is in seemingly danger of being out boxed every time he sets foot in the ring. continue l
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24.03.06 - By Izyaslav “Slava” Koza: Before anybody starts accusing me of buying into the hype, let's make one thing clear: I'm not, but that doesn't change the fact that Augustus has paid his boxing dues, and I mean in full. When I say that, I don’t mean he has “managed” his way to the top, and you guys know full well what I mean when I say that. Just look at his opposition, look at the number of fights, and then ask yourself who else in their right mind, in this day and age does this sort of thing? continue l
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TEWKSBURY, Mass. (March 24, 2006) – An avid New York Yankees fan, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (21-0, 5 KOs), has returned to the heart of Boston Red Sox country to train once again with famed strength-and-conditioning coach, Mike Boyle, in preparation for Malignaggi’s breakthrough June 10th mega-fight against World Boxing Organization light welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (26-0, 22 KOs) at Madison Square Garden. continue l
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24.03.06 - By Troy Ondrizek: Finally we have a chance to see Lamon Brewster, the exciting, heart-stopping slugger who carries the WBO heavyweight belt around his waist, back in action. Lamon has been on a fairly long layoff, for him, since his conquering of Luan Krasniqi back in September of last year. Fans of the sport have been hungering for Brewster to step back in the ring and fill their needs of electrifying a dull division.
The heavyweight division indeed needs Brewster to breathe a little more life into it. The big European fight between two of the division’s biggest sluggers in Vladimir Virchis and Ruslan Chagaev seemed to disappoint because both men were weary of the other’s power; thus leading to a ho-hum points victory for Chagaev. Then just last week the much anticipated match between James Toney and Hasim Rahman, saw Rahman control most of the fight, to only end in a disputed draw. So as we salivated with anticipation of Brewster fighting again, the news broke of a potential fight. I was conceivably joyous; then I heard he was fighting Serguei Lyakhovich. After hearing the news, I was left, well, a little empty inside. I cheer for Brewster because of his style, and willingness to fight anybody anywhere, and frankly, I expected more from him. I blasted Nicolay Valuev for taking Owen Beck as his first defense of his WBA crown. Owen Beck isn’t deserving of a title shot, and luckily for us, the giant got hurt and Beck probably isn’t going to be his future foe. So going back to Brewster, when I heard who Brewster’s opponent was; I didn’t say “who”, like so many people did. I have actually seen tape of Lyakhovich, but I asked, why? continue l
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NEW YORK, March 24th – The fight will be a war, but the battle between Antonio Tarver and Bernard Hopkins - which has been brewing from coast-to-coast during their four-city media tour this past week with stops in New York, Philadelphia, Tampa and Los Angeles- really kicks into gear tonight when the two go one-on-one in studio with ESPN2’s Stephen A. Smith on the hit series “Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith”. The show airs at 8:00pm (PT) / 10:00pm (CT) / 11:00pm (ET). continue l
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NEW YORK, NY (March 24, 2006) -- WBO jr. welterweight champion MIGUEL COTTO, from Puerto Rico, and top-10 contender PAUL MALIGNAGGI, from Brooklyn, will hold a news conference Next Wednesday! March 29, to announce the biggest rumble New York has witnessed since the Jets took on the Sharks! The news conference will take place in the Theater at Madison Square Garden Lobby (enter at 32nd and Seventh Avenue through Theater Entrance) beginning at 11:30 AM. continue l
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24.03.06 - There are 24 rounds of full British Championship boxing scheduled by Hennessy Sports for May 12th at the York Hall in Bethnal Green. Lenny Daws will meet Nigel Wright at light welterweight following the promotional outfit’s successful purse bid for the fight, whilst friends and teammates Lee Meager and Dave Stewart will face off at lightweight. continue l
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23.03.06 - By James Slater: The recent article that appeared on ESB focusing on possible fixed fights in heavyweight boxing history generated a fair deal of debate, as one would expect. However, amongst the comments that readers left there was some talk as to whether or not Oscar De La Hoya, in his fight with middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins, took a dive in the ninth round. I cannot believe that anyone would seriously entertain such an absurd notion, yet people other than ESB readers are apparently choosing to do so. The very idea of Oscar De La Hoya participating in a fixed fight is something I simply can not and will not accept.
This coming May will see the return of “The Golden Boy” and it will have been almost twenty months since his losing effort against then middleweight king Hopkins. And now, with his comeback set, people are wondering what awaits Oscar and his future as a top class boxer. continue l
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23.03.06 - Lou DiBella: “The public wanted this fight, these are the two best middleweights in the world. Winky is in the lion’s den, but he’s been in the lion's den before. The issue is not the lion’s den, it’s the young lion – Jermain Taylor. Jermain didn’t have to fight Winky coming off beating Bernard Hopkins twice. He’s going from fighting the toughest guy out there, to fighting the toughest guy out there.” continue l
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23.03.06 - Former undefeated British, Commonwealth and European champion Howard Eastman intends to put recent disappointments behind him by defeating Colombian puncher Edison Miranda in Florida this Friday to line up a third world title tilt. "Because of things that have happened lately, I need to go in there and prove to people that I can take guys like this out in style," insisted the ‘Battersea Bomber’ earlier this week. continue l
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23.03.06 - The 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues on Saturday, April 1, when "Relentless" Lamon Brewster defends his WBO heavyweight title against Sergei "The White Wolf" Liakhovich. The 12-round world title fight at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, is promoted by Don King Productions and will air on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). continue l
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23.03.06 - By Harry Hawkins: Undisputed British Light-Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton has signed to move up a weight and face American Welterweight Luis Collazo for the WBA belt in Boston on 13 May.
This is an interesting move from the Manchester based fighter, as the force used to demolish opponents at light-welter has been Hatton's sublime power when delivering crushing body-shots.
Will the step-up from the 140lb division hamper Hatton's strength? Certainly he will be amongst fighters that may be more used to the kind of blows that the Englishman throws up, and Hatton's own trainer, Billy Graham, had preferred to avoid a bout against Collazo. continue l
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23.03.06 - Hennessy Sports promoted Matthew Thirlwall is in upbeat mood ahead of his American debut at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena in Florida this Friday on the undercard of Howard Eastman’s IBF Middleweight final eliminator against Edison Miranda. The 25-year-old will take on Mexican born, American based Moises Martinez over six rounds on the show being televised by ESPN. continue l
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23.03.06 - Heavyweight, Sultan Ibragimov sends his condolences to the family of his former manager, Steve Trunov who passed away earlier today. Ibragimov states, 'I am moving forward with my career under the management of Boris Greenberg and the promotion of Warriors Boxing Promotions and Sampson Lewcowitz. I expect to challenge for and become the Heavyweight Champion of the World this year!' l
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Mike Tyson flies into Dublin this Saturday for a whirlwind visit to Ireland. Tyson will be guest of honour at a dinner in the Burlington Hotel on Sunday evening which will also be attended by boxers Steve Collins, Bernard Dunne, Jim Rock and Joe Egan. A limited number of tickets are still available for the dinner and can be purchased by contacting 01 473 6826. Tyson will hold a press conference on Saturday at 4pm in the Burlington Hotel (O' Connell Room). l
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23.03.06 - Hennessy Sports promoted Junior Witter looks set to face former WBO champion DeMarcus Corley this summer for the vacant prestigious WBC light welterweight title reportedly vacated by Floyd Mayweather. Once validated by the governing body, the news will mean that the Bradford switch-hitter won’t have to wait for Mayweather to decide what division to campaign in after his welterweight fight against Zab Judah in April.
As the WBC’s #1 and mandatory contender he will now automatically be paired off against #2 Corley for the Championship providing the American - who has mixed with the world’s elite in a highly accomplished ten-year career - elects to take the fight. continue l
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23.03.06 - By Jim Amato: ESPN showcased many fine young boxers in the early 1990's. One among them was Lorain, Ohio lightweight Carl "Stuff" Griffith. Carl turned professional in 1988 and won twelve of his first fifteen fights. In 1990, he stepped into contender status with a decision over former IBF lightweight champion Harry Arroyo. continue l
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NEWPORT BEACH, CA (March 23, 2006) -- As the huge success of the inaugural Fight Promoter University still reverberates throughout the sports world, FPU founder Roy Englebrecht is pleased to announce that due to popular demand, Fight Promoter University II will be held from August 23-25 in Irvine, California. continue l
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23.03.06 - Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ undefeated teenage sensation Jorge Paez Jr. makes his Las Vegas debut when he fights on a nationally televised card Friday, March 24, at the Orleans Hotel & Casino. Paez Jr., from Mexicali, Mexico, meets by far his most experienced opponent in veteran Miguel Angel Galindo in a four-round lightweight bout at the Orleans Hotel & Casino. continue l
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23.03.06 - By James Slater: Oscar De La Hoya has never been a guy to give many fighters a return bout. It could be argued that he defeated every one of his vanquished opponents in such a clear manner that no second bout was necessary. However, fans of Pernell Whitaker would no doubt disagree with such a notion and maybe Ike Quartey's too. But it is a fact that in his entire career Oscar has only given one man who he had previously beaten a return fight. That man was the great Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez. Fight one, held in 1996, ended rather abruptly with a badly cut Chavez being stopped near the end of round four. Many in attendance were unhappy and a bitter Chavez refused to give De La Hoya any credit, insisting that the cut and the cut alone had led to his loss. Without such an injury, Chavez claimed, he would defeat his young opponent. A rematch took place two years later, only the second ever return assignment in Oscar's long career, and Julio got the fight he so craved. continue l
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23.03.06 - RISING SUN, Indiana - Bayamon, Puerto Rico native, Mike Gonzalez seeks to continue his status as one of the hottest lightweight prospects in professional boxing as he faces Joseph Pujoe of Gary, Indiana this Saturday night, March 25th in a six round bout, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions. continue l
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New York, NY; March 22 - DiBella Entertainment along with Madison Square Garden Network (MSG), Fox Sports Net New England (FSNNE), Comcast SportsNet Chicago and HDNet have announced a total of eight broadcasts for the March 9th installment of Broadway Boxing Presented by Turning Stone Resort and Casino from the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center. continue l
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23.03.06 - A great card featuring world rated fighters and exciting prospects looks set to provide plenty of fireworks on April 1 in Auckland, New Zealand. The main even features New Zealand's world rated cruiserweight Mohamed Azzaoui 14-0-2(6 ko’s), squaring off against Australian hard man Costa Chondros 10-4 (8ko’s). continue l
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22.03.06 - By Stuart Cornwell: During the halcyon decades of boxing, sometime before the game was virtually destroyed and left for dead by the alphabet boys and their pernicious allies, there was such a thing as The World’s Heavyweight Championship. The World’s Heavyweight Championship was the richest prize in sport, to be defended by its holder to the last drop of blood – if not for the money or the fame then for the honour and the prestige. To surrender the championship without fighting to the finish was almost inexcusable. To throw away the championship on purpose was worse than unforgivable. Yet in the 20th Century there were - on three separate occasions – widespread rumours that the champion had done just that.
The first of these occasions was in 1915 when Jess Willard took the title from Jack Johnson with a knockout in the 26th round of a fight in Havana, Cuba. Johnson himself later claimed that he had faked it. continue l
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Memphis, Tennessee; March 22 - Looming as the biggest middleweight title match up since the glory days of Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard 20 years ago, Undisputed and Undefeated Middleweight World Champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor will put his belts on the line against Winky Wright on Saturday night, June 17th, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions and Prize Fight Promotions will present the boxing extravaganza. continue l
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22.03.06 - This Saturday night, March 25th at the beautiful Grand Victoria Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana, Sumya “The Hawaiian Girl” Anani of Overland Park, Kansas will defend her IBA World Championship against Terri “The Road Warrior” Blair as Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING and Octavius James’ One in a Million Inc. of Merrillville, Indiana present another action packed evening of world-class professional boxing. continue l
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22.03.06 - By Harry Summers: Rabah trainer/manager Craig Christian praises IBF's actions -- On September 19, 2005, Naoufel Ben Rabah defeated Arturo Morua to become the #1 mandatory challenger for Ricky Hatton's International Boxing Federation (IBF) title. In accordance with the IBF rules, Hatton would be obligated to defend against Rabah either before or on March 5, 2006. continue l
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22.03.06 - By Aaron King: Joe Calzaghe’s win, or, obliteration, over Jeff Lacy was one of the most significant of fights of the past decade, and it’s not because he “cemented his place as a legitimate champion” or a pound-for-pound type. It’s not because Jeff Lacy was “exposed” or because now it proves that European fighters are superior to American fighters. While the performance said a lot more about Calzaghe than it did Lacy, for whom the jury is still deliberating, something was said about the future of boxing’s place in the world. And I mean that quite literally.
There are more declarations of the demise of boxing than there are miles that separate America from Great Britain. The antagonizing starts with corruption, then leads to smaller fan base, which in turn, leads to further marginalizing, which only starts the cycle over again. continue l
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22.03.06 - On Friday, March 31, Thompson Boxing Promotions will feature another electrifying championship night, as two young undefeated combatants will erase each other's unblemished record into oblivion. Timothy Ray Bradley Jr. will defend his WBC Youth Welterweight title against Eli Addison in an eight-round main event bout dubbed "Dynamite Comes in Small Packages." This championship duel will headline an all-action five-bout card at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. continue l
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22.03.06 - Undefeated cruiserweight Lasse Johansen will cut a menacing figure at London's historic York Hall this Friday, March 24 when the tall, hammer fisted Dane must wade through a venomous sea of rabid David Haye supporters before he can climb through the ropes to challenge for the European title currently held by "The Haymaker". Having yet to suffer the bitter sting of defeat, Johansen is brimming with confidence that his British excursion will yield impressive results and bring him to the forefront of European boxing at the expense of Haye's burgeoning career. continue l
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22.03.06 - Bernard Dunne continues his European campaign on Monday, April 3rd when he travels to Italy for a fight with Sergio Carlos Santillan. Dunne made a successful continental debut last October when he stopped Marian Leondraliu in Germany. He followed that up with an impressive sixth round win over former European champ Noel Wilders back home in Dublin but he’s now ready to hit the road once again for Santillan. continue l
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22.03.06 - EVANSVILLE, IN - As family, friends and fight fans pay their final respects to hometown hero Kevin Payne, Octavius James/One In A Million Inc. Today announced it will sponsor the Kevin Payne Memorial Fund to ease the difficult transition for the fighter's family.
All funds contributed to the memorial fund will be given to Kevin's wife, Jenny, and his two young children.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the memorial fund can send checks or money orders payable to the: continue l
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22.03.06 - By Jim Amato: I don't get too excited over PPV cards. They are usually a rip off. There is one coming up April 8th that has peaked my interest. Zab Judah puts his IBF version of the welterweight title on the line against undefeated superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. Despite the fact that Judah lost a portion of the title in his last fight to Carlos Baldomir, this bout will provide a stern test for Mayweather. continue l
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22.03.06 - Heavyweights Cliff Couser and Troy Beets headline a seven-bout, benefit professional boxing card presented by Tony Dane’s World Wide Boxing Friday, April 7, at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. A portion of the proceeds from the card go to assist those persons in the Gulf Coast region who were victims of Hurricane Katrina, said Dane, who is presenting this second show in the area during the past nine months. continue l
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22.03.06 - By Tony Nobbs: The long awaited super middleweight showdown between Anthony Mundine and Danny Green has been postponed until May 17 at Sydney's Aussie Stadium following a freak back injury to Green while training with a medicine ball. The two world rated Australians were originally due to clash 4 weeks today on April 17. continue l
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21.03.06 - "Sworn Enemies' on April 8 featuring Floyd Mayweather Jr and Zab Judah is loaded underneath with two world championship bouts and with the the Son of the Legend, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Here is how Top Rank's big fight card is shaping up at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas:
Jorge Arce vs. Rosendo Alvarez, 12 Rds., WBC Interim Flyweight Title - Arce and Alvarez had a 'bad encounter' in the ring following Arce's last fight Jan 28 in Cancun, Mexico. After Arce had his hand raised for victory, Alvarez got into the ring, got into Arce's face and told him off to flame this riveting showdown. "Alvarez knows I am the man, the best in this division," said Arce, the champion. Arce is promoted by Top Rank; Alvarez fights for Don King Productions. Arce is 43-3-1; Alvarez, 37-2-2.
Juan 'El Torito' Diaz vs. Jose Miguel Cotto, 12 Rds., WBA Lightweight Championship - Tremendous matchup of undefeated fighters. Diaz, 28-0, of Houston is the world lightweight champion. Cotto, older brother of Miguel, is 27-0 and fights out of Caguas, Puerto Rico. Diaz: "I want to be the best in my division - that motivates me." continue l
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LAS VEGAS (March 21, 2006) – Silverhawk Boxing has signed the Mitchell twins, Eric (“Murder”) and Aaron (“Homicide”), it was officially announced today by Silverhawk’s CEO, Tim Doyle. Eric (18-4-1, 9 KOs) is coming off of a sensational first-round knockout of previously unbeaten Rob Dula (15-0-1) a year ago in St. Louis, while Aaron’s (23-1-1, 18 KOs) last fight was a fifth-round stoppage of Carlton Holland 26 months ago in New York City. continue l
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NEW YORK – When boxing historians look back at the date of June 10th, 2006, one of two results will be crystal clear – it will be the day that light heavyweight Antonio Tarver cements his hall of fame credentials by ending the career of boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, or it will be the day when middleweight great Hopkins, ends a legendary career with a stirring win over one of the top light heavyweights of this era. However, one thing is certain. When Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver and Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins meet on Saturday, June 10th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it will definitely be a “Fight to The Finish”. continue l
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21.03.06 - On April 1st, 2006 "Baby" Joe Mesi steps into the ring putting his perfect 29 - 0 record on the line from Puerto Rico. This fight will tune-up Joe's skills to once again work towards his lifetime ambition of being Heavyweight Champion of the World. The live fight will only be available for viewing in Puerto Rico. As a historical first for Mesi and his fans, the fight will be edited to include Mesi's commentary and played for viewing as a webcast on April 11 2006. continue l
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21.03.06 - By Lee Hayes: How quickly things can change in the sport of boxing. One minute Bernard Hopkins can be the #1 pound for pound king of the ring, with only an inkling of pressure for that top spot by someone as talented as “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather, and the next, the entire top 10 can be turned upside down if not completely changed from top to bottom.
Only a year ago, you might have had Bernard Hopkins in first or second place. You almost definitely would have placed Kostya Tszyu and Erik Morales in the top ten. Well, a year has gone by and a lot of the names have to be replaced. There have been some surprising outcomes and some unexpected ones. For example, nobody could have predicted Vitali Klitschko’s retirement. A year ago many people thought Zab Judah had finally matured as he and his father had been trying to convince us of for half a decade, but we learned that almost surely was not true (yet again), and he lost in an upset against relative no-name Carlos Baldomir of Argentina. So in the tradition of letting out the old and bringing in the new, here is my current top ten pound for pound fighters as of March 21 st, 2006: continue l
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LAS VEGAS (March 21, 2006) – Team Ruiz collectively feels that James Toney’s listless performance last Saturday night against Hasim Rahman strengthen former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz’ lawsuit against Toney. “Toney looked sluggish against Rahman,” Ruiz said. “He didn’t have the same energy he did against me, but that’s what steroids do. Toney had a lot of energy right through the last round in our fight. If I fought that Toney (last Saturday versus Rahman), I guarantee it would have been a completely different fight. He had to cheat to beat me.” continue l
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21.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Danish jr middle Reda Zam Zam will take on dangerous Russian Marat Khuzeev March 30 in Copenhagen in a non-titlefight scheduled for eight. Khuzeev beat Zam Zam´s stablemate Christian Bladt on his previous visit to Denmark. Johnny Bredahl vs Alexander Fedorov headlines in a WBO and WBA I/C 118 lb titlefight. continue l
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21.03.06 - Former undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins announced earlier today, on the eve of a four city media tour with Antonio Tarver to promote their June 10th light heavyweight title fight in Atlantic City on HBO Pay-Per-View, that he has hired renowned fitness guru Mackie Shilstone to help him prepare for the 175 pound contest, which is two weight divisions and 15 pounds heavier than Hopkins' 160 pound middleweight divison. continue l
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By Peter Cameron, Sunday 21th March 2006: July 1995 was a fine month to be British. Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Lennox Lewis and Naseem Hamed all had fights in July 1995. All four won, each by knockout or stoppage. It was the last time this fabulous quartet ever fought in the same month. Over a decade later and Benn and Eubank have long since retired, whilst big Lennox finally hung up his gloves in June 2003. Hamed never officially quit the fight game but his lengthy absence from the ring suggested he too was gone for good. Or so we thought.
Then in November 2005 Hamed announced he was back. Seismic waves of anticipation reverberated around the boxing world as Hamed spoke of a possible six-fight contract with an American television network. He had often mentioned comebacks before, but this time was different. There was extra purpose in his words. The message was clear; this time he meant it. continue l
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21.03.06 - 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING packed the house this past Friday night as a huge crowd turned out for MADNESS IN MARCH, a St. Patrick’s Day event at the Aragon Ballroom. Chicagoland’s most popular fighter David Diaz took a unanimous decision in his ten round bout battle with Silverio Ortiz that had the crowd on their feet for the duration supporting the two warriors in the electrifying main event. continue l
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21.03.06 - By Tom Moran: Usually, as a manager, I’ll try and let my boxer Kassim Ouma do the talking. He is bright, funny and always willing to fight anyone. But today I need to speak on the business of boxing, and why a potentially big fight that HBO fans would love may not get made. Our sport is hurting for a thousand different reasons. One major obstacle is the lack of competition, an unwillingness on the part of some boxers and their people to ‘risk their perceived position’ and take meaningful career building fights. continue l
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NEW YORK (March 21, 2006) – For Anthony Thompson, his message is clear. “I want to step up and fight guys in the top 10,” the promising super welterweight said. “I hope to fight for a world title soon. I am confident in my ability and I will be ready.’’ Thompson (20-1, 15 KOs), of Philadelphia, will attempt to deliver his message to Darnell Boone (10-4-1, four KOs), of Youngstown, Ohio, Friday, March 31, in the “ShoBox: The New Generation” main event on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast). continue l
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20.03.06 - Unified World Super-Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe will make a hero's return to Wales on July 8 at the Millennium Stadium to defend his titles. The unbeaten Welshman returns to home soil following his sensational win over Jeff Lacy last month in Manchester when he added the IBF crown to his WBO belt. The challenger for Calzaghe is to be confirmed but one fighter Calzaghe wants in the opposite corner is brash American James Toney - if he can lose the flab and get back to 168lb!
The big mouth from Ann Arbor, Michigan, held Calzaghe's IBF crown in the early Nineties before losing to Roy Jones Jnr - who himself said recently that he wants to tackle Calzaghe in Cardiff - and was linked to super-fights against Britain's big-three at the time Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn and Steve Collins. continue l
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20.03.06 - Promoters Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions and Top Rank, Inc., will present a sensational world championship fight card on April 29, 2006, in the Fox Arena at Foxwoods Resort Casino, located at 39 Norwich Westerly Road in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The main event and co-featured fight will be televised live at 10:15 P.M. (ET) on the first telecast of the year of HBO’s “Boxing After Dark” series. continue l
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20.03.06 - By Stevie Johnston: "Dear Ricky, I have all the respect in the world for you and what you’ve accomplished in boxing. You are a true champion with a big heart. I’m writing this letter to call you on some of the comments you made a few weeks ago as a guest on ESPN. You said that you’ve come to America to train and fight, let the American public have a chance to see you in action, and test your skills against the best fighters America has to offer in your weight class. continue l
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LAS VEGAS (March 20, 2006) – Silverhawk Boxing, on behalf of former two-time world champion Stevie “Lil’ But Bad” Johnston, has issued a challenge to Fight Academy for a title fight May 13 at Foxwoods Resort Casino against IBF & WBA junior welterweight champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton. “I’m personally asking Hatton’s promoters, Dennis Hobson and Robert Waterman, to accept our challenge for Hatton to defend his belts against America’s top junior welterweight contender, Stevie Johnston,” Silverhawk Boxing owner Dennis Rider said. continue l
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20.03.06 - By Bill Calogero: Comment-one: The Heavyweight Picture: Everyone thought that after Saturday night’s Hasim Rahman vs. James Toney Heavyweight Title fight, the Heavyweight division “picture” would become clearer. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Hasim Rahman has retained the WBC Heavyweight Title, which he was awarded when Vitali Klitschko retired, by his majority decision draw over James Toney. What this outcome has done to the overall picture of the Heavyweight division is, well nothing.
What we needed to happen was one of these two top-rated Heavyweights step up and give the Boxing World a Champion caliber performance, stake a solid claim to a piece of the Heavyweight picture and ultimately setup a Unification of the Heavyweight Title, which would return respect to the title of “World Heavyweight Champion." continue l
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20.03.06 - Undefeated Las Vegas Cruiserweight, Aaron Williams (6-0, 5 KO’s), has been added to the March 24th , Telefura Solo Boxeo de Miller card at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The exciting night of world-class fight action is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Guilty Boxing. continue l
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20.03.06 - Dino Duva, promoter of top-rated heavyweight contender Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter, 25-1 (21 KOs), says he was less than impressed by Saturday’s sloppy, and in James Toney’s case grossly overweight, heavyweight title bout between Hasim Rahman and James Toney and even more unimpressed and angered by the way HBO approached the status of the heavyweight division during the broadcast. continue l
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20.03.06 - ONE IN A MILLION INC. today bid farewell to a family member and boxing hero. Together with the Evansville and Tri-State communities, we mourn the loss of one of our own, Kevin Payne. As a boxer, Kevin fought with passion, determination and a deep respect for the sport of boxing. As our team member and friend, Kevin won our respect and our hearts with his friendly, engaging demeanor and an unrivaled commitment to uplift those around him. continue l
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20.03.06 - By James Slater: So, the much anticipated fight between WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman and challenger James Toney gave us the result with which no-one is happy - a draw. Nobody likes a draw in boxing, there is a feeling of wasted time and effort - the boxers feel this way due to fighting so hard only to find themselves right back at square one after their efforts, and we fans feel as though our time was misspent while watching them fight.
After Saturday's fight, however, the feeling of dissatisfaction was felt perhaps more than is usual after witnessing a bout that is tied. The hope was that with a clear winner in the contest to decide one third (or one quarter if you choose to recognise the WBO belt) of the heavyweight championship, we would be one step nearer to sorting out of the mess that is today's heavyweight division. continue l
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20.03.06 - On Friday March 31st, 2006, the city of Nashville, TN will bear witness to a unique mix of sports, music and spring break. Fight Beat Entertainment is proud to present “The Road to Glory: Spring Break Ladies Night at the Fights.” For the first time in over five years, Nashville will host a world championship fight, as Bobby Gunn (15-2 12 KO’s) and Shelby Gross (16-3 13 KO’s) vie for the vacant IBA Cruiserweight title. continue l
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(Rocky Ford, Colorado, March 20th, 2006, Gladiator Sports Management & Marketing) Zeferino Ramirez and his promotional company JewBoy Promotions are bringing live professional boxing to Rocky Ford, Colorado, hometown to David Medina, Marvin Cordova and his sister Chantell. This will be a great night of boxing featuring some of Colorado’s finest. The 5 bout fight card is scheduled for March 24th at the Arkansas Field House. All the fighter’s contracts have been signed and the final match ups are set. continue l
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LAS VEGAS (March 19, 2006) – Caribbean heavyweight champion Sherman “The Caribbean Tank” Williams (28-10-2, 15 KOs) takes on Adenilson “Maguilinha” Rodrigues (18-3, 14 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature March 31 for the vacant NBA Intercontinental heavyweight championship at the new Ybor City Multi Fight Complex in Tampa, Florida. continue l
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19.03.06 - By Chris Acosta: You could hear the hope in the voices of the HBO announcing team, in the media in the weeks leading up to this fight and even in the crowd after a rousing second round that saw James Toney show flashes of a skill that can often be overlooked to the untrained eye.
But just as quickly as the flames were rising, so were they pissed on by forces that really are under the control of the fighters themselves. Toney, coming in at an unsightly 237 pounds can say what he wants about a body with no existing waistline being able to perform aptly but it did affect his performance as demonstrated by his struggles to reposition his body after missing wild right hands. He was unable to muster sustained outbursts in order to catch his breath and for all of his old school taglines and instincts, no one in this day and age cares. They want action. Hasim Rahman, for all of his efforts has all the physical tools but for some reason or another, just doesn’t seem to be able to put them all together for more than one fight at a time. Like Toney, he’s willing and able, but “The Rock” will always be one fight away from looking like a glorified club fighter. continue l
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18.03.06 - By Mike Indri - Retired Boxers Foundation - After twelve grueling rounds against title challenger James Toney, Hasim Rahman left the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall boxing ring still the World Boxing Council's heavyweight champion. As the "appointed" champ, upon Vitali Klitschko's sudden retirement last year, Rahman actually did not win his new title in the ring, his WBC world championship belt was not earned in battle. Hasim "The Rock" Rahman EARNED the right to be called champion after battling James Toney to a hard fought draw in defense of his crown tonight. continue l
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19.03.06 - By Kieran Redmond: While fans are left disappointed by a draw in a fight that many consider Hasim Rahman to have won, at least we finally have some idea of where James Toney figures in the current heavyeight picture. For two and a half years there have been arguments over the credentials Toney has as a heavyweight. continue l
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19.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: French-Iranian Mahyar Monshipour lost the WBA 122 lb title to Thai Somsak Sitchatchawal on a tenth round tko last night in Levallois. Monshipour was down in the first but came back and was ahead on points after nine in what French media describes as a war, the toughest fight in France for decades, with both men staggered numerous times Sitchatchawal was however the stronger and hurt Monshipour in the sixth and finally in the tenth forcing British referee John Coyle to stop the fight. continue l
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18.03.06 - By 18.03.06 - Frank Gonzalez Jr., Photo: Chris Farina - Top Rank - Saturday night in Atlantic City, James Toney (69-4-3-43 KO’s) took on designated WBC Heavyweight Champion, Hasim Rahman (41-5-2-33 KO’s), who was installed as such after former WBC Champion, Vitali Klitschko retired—right before their scheduled fight.
The Rahman Toney fight featured some close rounds but it was Rahman’s jab and work rate that put the most rounds in the bank over Toney on my scorecard.
This was the best boxing I’ve ever seen from Rahman. He used his jab, kept good control of the tempo and even beat Toney at his own game too many times on the inside. At times, Rahman lost his focus and got drawn into Toney’s game on the inside but even when he did, he was at the least, equally effective. On the outside, Rahman used his jab effectively to control the pace, while winning most of the exchanges with stronger punching power.
Toney did a fair share of damage, cutting Rahman with a Head Butt and causing a cut on Hasim’s mouth to trickle blood by about the eighth round. Toney landed at a higher percentage but the fact is, he lost this fight because he didn’t do enough to win. continue l
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18.03.06 - By Jim Amato: In a give and take battle and really a better fight then expected, Hasim Rahman and James Toney fought to a majority draw. Tough fight to score. HBO gave it to Rahman 116-112. One judge scored it for Rahman 117-111. Two judges agreed at 114-114. continue l
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18.03.06 - By Michael Montero: I’m writing this article half way through the 11th round of the Rahman-Toney bout on HBO. I’m so that bored that I couldn’t even watch the rest of this garbage that’s being called a championship fight. To this point it appears that we’ll see Rahman win by UD, after another less-than-dominant performance from the Baltimore native…… continue l
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18.03.06 - By Lee Hayes: Tonight we may be witness to the best heavyweight championship fight since Evander Holyfield fought Mike Tyson the first time, back in November of 1996. Usually heavyweight title fights are unable to live up to the hype the division assumes it deserves. Tonight may be different. In James Toney we have with out a doubt and all-time great throw back fighter. continue l
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The two pressure fighters got on like a house on fire at a popular restaurant in Hatton's hometown of Manchester, England.
"The Hitman" is coming off an impressive destruction of Carlos Maussa almost four months ago and the devastating Fight Academy/Banner promoted body puncher remains on the hunt for an opponent for his American Championship debut, scheduled to take place on May 13 at Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut with HBO televising. l
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17.03.06 - By Jim Amato: Coming in on one weeks notice Jesse Feliciano scored an upset majority decision win over former junior welterweight champion Vince Phillps. Phillips had upset Kostya Tyszu in 1997 to win the title. That was Kostya's only loss until he ran into Ricky Hatton last year. Phillips has been in with the best in the world but now he is over forty. Still, on paper, this looked like just another day at the office for Vince. Wrong. continue l
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17.03.06 - North American promoter Golden Boy Promotions, headed by Oscar de la Hoya, today won the purse offer for the WBC super bantamweight world title fight between champion Israel Vazquez and challenger Oscar Larios, both of Mexico. continue l
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17.03.06 - When Fight Production’s Kenyan female featherweight Damaris Muthoni, 8-3-2 (4 KO’s), returned back to Germany on February 15 to supposedly prepare with Aachen’s Mario Guedes for her WBF ‘world’ title shot on April 8 – to be staged by Guedes’ P4P Boxpromotion – she joyfully thought of it as a return to her fistic home. continue l
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17.03.06 - By Troy Ondrizek: Now I know there will be dozens of articles regarding this fight before and after it will be acted out. However, I notice that no-one speaks for Hasim Rahman and his career. I know the views I am about to project onto to you are contrary to popular belief about “The Rock”, but just hear me out. Rahman undoubtedly is the most inconsistent heavyweight there is on the scene. At moments he gives us exciting fights to stand up and cheer about; like his fights with Oleg Maskaev and Corrie Sanders; then he delivers fights like his last one against Monte Barrett. It is because of his inability to decide what type of fighter he really is, that we as fight fans are always left guessing what Rahman we will see. It is because of this glaring flaw that he is underrated; not only in this fight, but his entire career. Hasim is an enigma that has baffled supposed boxing experts and common fight fans for the last eight years. So let’s go back and find out where he began to lose his fighting identity and why we should appreciate him nonetheless. continue l
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17.03.06 - By Dan Gretz: With already an incredible boxing resume of winning three world boxing titles in three different weight classes, James Toney (69-4-2, 43 KOs) will attempt to win his fourth title when he meets up with the power punching Hasim Rahman (41-5-1, 33 KOs), on Saturday night in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At this point in time, most of the betting money is being put on the 37-year-old Toney, who despite weighing in at a career high 237 at the recent weigh-in for the bout, looks to be in relatively good condition. continue l
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17.03.06 - Tampa, FL: A few weeks back WBA/IBA World Light Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton sat in the ESPN studios on a Friday night proudly proclaiming that he has come to America to train and fight … to test his skills against the best fighters America has to offer … and to let the American public get a chance to see him in action. continue l
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LOS ANGELES, March 17 – In recent years, some of the most exciting and talented fighters have hailed from the Philippines. In 2006, Golden Boy Promotions will bring some of that talent to the United States, as the Los Angeles-based promotional company is pleased to announce an alliance with international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz, SGG Promotions, and ALA Boxing Management that will bring the best of Filipino boxing to American arenas and living rooms. continue l
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17.03.06 - BY MIKE CASEY: When El Cholo first came to visit us in earnest, it was with a glorious rush of youth and fire that burned the blood and made the spine tingle. Given his charisma and volcanic presence, it seems hard to believe now that Roberto Duran had slipped in under the radar when he climbed through the ropes to challenge Ken Buchanan for the lightweight championship on the night of June 26 1972. Most of us knew that Duran was a wild kid from Panama with a big right hand punch who had been knocking a lot of guys out in the first round. Trouble was, we hadn’t heard of most of the guys.
They were calling Duran Rocky in those days, not El Cholo or Manos de Piedra. The nickname, like the fighter, was still in transition as the formula for greatness bubbled and gelled tantalisingly into the final product. continue l
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17.03.06 - Former British Heavyweight Champion Matt Skelton makes a quick return to the ring on Saturday 1 April at the York Hall and aims to get back into title contention. The Bedford battler lost his unbeaten record by split decision to Danny Williams last month in a brutal encounter that had many ringside observers divided on who won. Skelton wants to get it on again with Williams to prove to the public and media that he is the best but must first take on Suren Kalachyan over eight-rounds. continue l
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17.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Sauerland Event have signed a multifight deal with EBU heavy champ Paolo Vidoz. Mandatory challenger for Vidoz is Sinan Samil Sam, who´s back with Universum, after a spell with Sauerland. Universum have for the first time made an official comment on the Juan Carlos Gomez case. The Cuban heavy tested positive to cocain after winning over Oliver McCall October 15, 2005. Universum states in their press release that Gomez has been unable to prove that he was "clean" in the fight against McCall and have released Gomez from his contract. continue l
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NEW YORK, March 16- Antonio Tarver & Bernard Hopkins will kick off a 4 city media tour beginning Tuesday, March 21 in New York & Philadelphia with stops in Tampa (Wednesday, March 22) and Los Angeles (Thursday, March 23). Tarver vs. Hopkins, "Fight To The Finish", which is presented by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm (ET) / 6pm (PT). continue l
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17.03.06 - By James Slater: Right up to the present day, Sir Henry Cooper claims that Cassius Clay got anywhere from oneminute's extra rest to a minute and a half extra after being felled by "'Enery's 'Ammer" in the first famous bout between the young Muhammad Ali and Henry Cooper. Usually, after Henry has finished making his claims, the T.V station he is on will then show us footage of Clay's trip to the floor near the end of round four. However, never do they seem to show film of the very moment Cooper speaks so passionately about. Without exception, at least on the television programmes Henry has been invited to be on in the U.K, as soon as the audience begins to cheer at the left hook and the knockdown it brings the camera switches back to present day and Henry's beaming face. Why on earth do they never let the film roll and allow us all to see what Cooper claims to have happened with our own eyes? continue l
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17.03.06 - Viking warriors began to raid sacred monasteries all over Britain starting in the year 793 and the unprecedented ferocity of their looting cursed each part of the island nation over the next 300 years. Again and again the Scandinavian invaders robbed the British of their most prized possessions, only to sail back to their frigid homelands across the North Sea. continue l
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16.03.06 - Harry Summers: In Las Vegas on 17th of September 2005, Naoufel Ben Rabah, aka Chocolata, drubbed Arturo Morua to earn the #1 spot. Naoufel Ben Rabah became the mandatory contender for Ricky Hatton’s IBF Jnr-welterweight title by his stylish victory over Arturo Morua of Colombia in a 12-round match in Las Vegas MGM Grand. continue l
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16.03.06 - John Duddy improved to 16-0 when he stopped Shelby Pudwill at 1:31 of the first round to win the vacant WBO Continental Americas middleweight title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Duddy knocked down Pudwill three times before the referee stopped the bout. The loss for Pudwill was his first in nine fights. He dropped to 21-3-1. l
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16.03.06 - By Bryan Amador: This Saturday night, James Toney (69-4-2, 43 KO's) and Hasim Rahman meet up for the WBC heavyweight championship bout in Atlantic City, New Jersey. So far, this fight has generated a scarce whisper with few people really getting excited about it, although, I, for one, think this may turn out to be one of the better heavyweight fights for 2006. That being said, I clearly don't see either of these guys as revitalizing the heavyweight division, something has been bandied about quite a bit as of late. These guys are good, no doubt, yet neither of them are particularly exciting to watch, especially Rahman (41-5-1, 33 KO's), who's clumsy style of fighting simply bores me to tears, making me want to reach for my channel changer.
Still, Rahman does his job and wins his fights, at least lately he's been winning, that is, but in his big fights against John Ruiz, David Tua, Lennox Lewis and even Evander Holyfield, Hasim has come up lacking and looking bad in losing efforts. continue l
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16.03.06 - Matthew Macklin would like to clear up any confusion surrounding the circumstances of his fight with Chris Troupe falling through on the Irish Express card at Madison Square Garden last night. Due to a contract mix up at the pre fight weigh in Troupe agreed to weigh in again on the night of the fight. continue l
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16.03.06 - "All-American Prizefighter" Rob Calloway will return to the ring Saturday, March 18, 2006 at the Fort Smith, Arkansas Convention Center. Calloway was contacted Sunday evening about being added to the all heavyweight card and all contracts had been signed and faxed as of Wednesday afternoon. continue l
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16.03.06 - PROVIDENCE, RI -- WBC United States Cruiserweight Champion Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey and 2004 United States Olympic Heavyweight Jason "Big Six" Estrada recently returned from Rocks Gym in Rochester, NY where the two assisted the former undisputed and current WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman as he finalized his preparations for his big bout Saturday night against future Hall of Famer James "Lights Out" Toney. continue l
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16.03.06 - By Frank Gonzalez Jr, Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank (Hasim Rahman weighed in at 238 lbs, James Toney weighed in at a career high 237)- James Toney's slick boxing skills and sneaky power should be the difference in this fight. His quality defensive skills should be enough to keep Hasim Rahman off guard and off tempo. But considering the quality of Toney's recent opponents at HW, there's no real way of knowing how Toney takes a big punch from a legitimate, though past his prime HW if he takes a clean shot. Rahman has the capability to answer that question-if he can land a big shot in the right spot. If Rahman were able to furiously press Toney with a constant barrage of punches, he could get lucky. But if Toney can stay out of harms way and dictate the pace, he will outbox Rahman to a blowout, decision victory.
On a good day, Hasim Rahman has decent boxing skills and power. On a bad day, his inconsistency makes him a tough bet against top-level opposition. Against an aged Holyfield, Rahman had trouble scoring and was rendered ineffective until the fight was stopped due to a head butt administered by Holyfield that swelled unnaturally. Against an even older Holyfield, James Toney won every round en route to a TKO 9 victory. continue l
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16.03.06 - The World Boxing Council is honored and very pleased with the news about the candidacy of world heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko to the Mayoralty of Kiev, Capital City of Ukraine. If Vitali gets elected, the people of Kiev will have an active, honest, patriotic and hard-working mayor in one of the most exemplary champions who always devoted his efforts to succeed in the boxing arenas and who will certainly continue striving for the benefit of this historic and beautiful capital city. continue l
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16.03.06 - Upon hearing the announcement that Juan Lazcano has withdrawn from his May 13 challenge of IBF and WBA Light Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton at the Foxwoods Resort, New Jersey-based contender Kendall "Rated R" Holt says it's the perfect time for HBO to make good on a promise he says they once made to him. "HBO promised my promoter Dino Duva that my time would come to fight in a big fight, so I'm calling out HBO to get me this fight and I'm calling out Ricky Hatton to fight me. I'm ready, willing and able to step in." continue l
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16.03.06 - By Dan Scog: It's a thankless profession. With thirty-five wins and four losses Danny Williams is still referred to (even by the BBC!) as a fighter who "blows hot and cold." Can you even imagine another sport or trade where a 90% success rate is considered hit and miss? And boxing fans themselves are not even as positive as the BBC in this case. It seems to me like Danny Williams has been written off more times than other fighter in the sport. continue l
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16.03.06 - The glittering amateur career of Bermondsey cruiserweight David Haye didn’t merely fine-tune the 25-year-old for the professional game – it also comes in handy for research purposes. Following the announcement of Haye’s first defence of his European title on March 24 at the storied York Hall, Bethnal Green, the London puncher revised his extensive amateur history to put a face to the name of his first title-challenger – Denmark’s Lasse Johansen, 14-0 (10).
With the help of Google and a quick image search, Haye remembered the man, and had the scars to prove it. “I looked up Johansen on Google.com and instantly recognised his face,” the 15-1 (15) champion began. “I knew I’d shared a ring with him before, but just couldn’t put my finger on it.
“I then realised that Johansen gave me one of my toughest amateur fights in Athens, Greece, when we met in the 2000 Acropolis Cup. We had a real gruelling, close fight. I knocked him down in the second round, but that just seemed to spur him into life, and he was relentless from that point on. continue l
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SAN FRANCISCO—March 16, 2005—The San Francisco Golden Gloves has recently announced that six-time world champion Sugar Ray Leonard and The Contender champion Sergio Mora will be in attendance to show their support for the 75th Annual San Francisco Golden Gloves event scheduled to take place between March 21st and 25th at the Bill Graham Civic Center. continue l
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16.03.06 - Amazin' Alex Arthur will return to the ring on Saturday 29th April at Edinburgh's Meadowbank Stadium to defend his British, Commonwealth and European Super-Featherweight titles. The Edinburgh hotshot, ranked inside the top ten by the WBO, WBC and IBF, continues his march towards a world title opportunity planned for later this year and awaits confirmation of the challenger for his titles. continue l
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New York, March 16--The New York State Athletic Commission offices were abuzz for the weigh ins for the "Irish Express" fight card set for a sold out Theater at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Sixteen pugilists hit the scales under the auspices of NYSAC chairman Ron Scott Stevens just 24 hours before the premiere promotion for Eddie McLoughlin's Irish Ropes Promotions. continue l
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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – Arturo Gatti, boxing’s most exciting fighter and one of its most popular stars, returns to the ring July 22 when he battles world-recognized linear welterweight champion/The Ring magazine world welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir (photo: Tom Casino) at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. Main Events is promoting the evening of boxing, in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego and Caesars Atlantic City.
The 12-round championship bout will be broadcast on HBO’s “World Championship Boxing” series. Tickets, priced at $400, $250, $150, $100 and $ 50, go on sale to the public Saturday, April 1. They can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.
Baldomir (42-9-6, 12 KOs) shocked the universally recognized welterweight champion Zab Judah Jan. 7, 2006, to win the welterweight title (W 12). The 34-year-old Santa Fe, Argentina, native has not lost a bout in more than five years, compiling an 18-0-2 record in his past 20 bouts. continue l
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(Sydney, Australia : 16th March 2006) With the news that Juan Lazcano has broken a finger and is unavailable to fight Ricky Hatton on May 13 on HBO in the USA, the "Black Panther" Lovemore Ndou has his hand up and is ready to take the fight. "I think there is a greater power working to make this fight," said Ndou. "Ricky Hatton vs. Lovemore Ndou must happen. HBO and the fans will not be disappointed when this fight goes down. Ricky and I are the two fittest fighters in the super lightweight division. We are punching non-stop round after round. This will be a guaranteed contender for 'fight of the year' when I give Ricky a whipping." continue l
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16.03.06 - Chicagoland’s most popular professional boxer, David Diaz, 29-1-1 (16KO’s) returns home this Friday night, March 17th as he faces Silverio Ortiz Jr., 16-8 (7KO’s) of Merida, Mexico in a ten round lightweight bout which headlines MADNESS IN MARCH at the Aragon Ballroom, another fantastic evening of professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions in association with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated along with Miller Beer and TCF Bank. continue l
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LAS VEGAS (March 15, 2006) – Former two-time World Boxing Council lightweight champion Stevie “Lil’ But Bad” Johnston (38-3-1, 17 KOs) fights Dominican knockout artist Luis Ernesto Jose (24-4-2, 22 KOs) on March 31 in the 10-round main event at the Ybor City Multi Fight Complex in Tampa, Florida. continue l
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16.03.06 - By Harry Summers: Fact. 24-1 (13) Naoufel Ben Rabah is one of the smoothest boxers yet to fight on a major US network. Fact. Rabah defeated world rated Dario Esalas and Arturo Morua in back-to-back IBF eliminators to become the mandatory challenger for Ricky "Hitman" Hatton's 140lb title. Fact. Team Rabah can rightfully have Hatton stripped of that title if he faces anyone other than "Chocolata" on HBO on May 13. Fact. Come May 13, Rabah just wants what is rightfully his. What is with the delays in announcing an opponent for that date? It's a no-brainer. Rabah has earned his shot, and more importantly, brings a fresh, classy boxing style to a division overflowing with walk-up brawlers.
It's difficult to comprehend why HBO would reportedly demonstrate a lack of interest in Rabah, yet throw out the possibility of a Ricardo Torres-Ricky Hatton showdown. Wasn't Torres another supposed non-descript, undeserving mandatory before his thrilling war with Miguel Cotto? HBO gave Torres the all-clear and was pleasantly surprised. And the guy hadn't fought anybody! Rabah has. Remember, Morua did defeat former WBA champ Carlos Maussa, and Rabah virtually shutted him out. continue l
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16.03.06 - Scott Hirsch’s World Class Boxing Management Inc., proudly announces the opening of the WCBMI Training Center in Davie, Florida. The 4,000 square foot Training Center boasts a 20x20’ ring, a full variety of speed and heavy bags, a state-of-the-art weight-training circuit, specialized abdominal machines and a full complement of cardio and plyometric equipment. continue l
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15.03.06 - Sports Network's very own Brat Pack will swing into action on May 13 with three of the South East's best young boxers involved in title action. At the home of boxing, Bethnal Green's York Hall, Kevin Mitchell, Ross Minter and Danny Hunt will all be appearing on a mouth-watering show supported by a bumper undercard. continue l
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NEW YORK, March 15 – Star Boxing is pleased to announce that unbeaten Jr. featherweight Roberto Benitez - one of the most highly decorated amateur boxers in United States history and a 2004 Olympic team member - is joining the New York based promotional company’s roster of world-class fighters. continue l
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15.03.06 - By James Slater: There have been many incredible comebacks in boxing, near miraculous accomplishments pulled off by the likes of Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and "Sugar" Ray Leonard. But it seems to me that when most people reminisce on comebacks, the name Iran Barkley seldom comes up. Yet what he was to achieve after the potentially career ending defeat he was subject to against Nigel Benn, in the summer of 1990, surely ranks up there with any of them.
He took some time off after his one round loss to Benn and upon returning from twelve months of inactivity wisely had a couple of tune-up bouts. Of course, the chances of him actually getting a big fight now were pretty slim, the odds were very heavily against him ever being a world champion again. But Iran was never a person to be intimidated by the odds and on August 16th 1991 he was prepared to give it one more go. continue l
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15.03.06 - Düsseldorf – Only thirteen weeks after the exciting duel between Jürgen Brähmer and Andre Thysse on February 4 other young fighters off the Universum stable will return with the intention to electrify the spectators at Burg-Wächter Castello again. continue l
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15.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Danish supermiddle Rudy Markussen takes on Russian southpaw Sergey Tatevosyan March 30 in Copenhagen on Bettina Palle´s show at the KB Hall. Markussen can punch, especially with his right, and have stated he likes fighting southpaws but this Russian is not likely to walk into one of Rudy´s bombs. Tatevosyan lost to Howard Eastman and Khoren Gevor at middle but stopped ex-WBO ruler Armand Krajnc back in 02 and won over David Gogiya, who just upset Stjepan Bozic, last year. continue l
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15.03.06 - Rock and Sock Productions, the producers of “A Ring of Their Own,” the only all women’s boxing series, announced today that they will televise three world title fights in their weekly TV series. All three fights are from international locations, and begin with the first taping this Saturday. continue l
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15.03.06 – By Karl E. H. Seigfried: On Saturday, March 18, James “Lights Out” Toney will challenge Hasim “The Rock” Rahman for the WBC World Heavyweight Championship in a fight that will have a completely insignificant impact on the heavyweight division. It has been a truism for quite a while now that the former Glamour Division is a weight class in search of a hero, and this fight, between a wildly inconsistent 33-year-old and a 37-year-old former middleweight, doesn’t solve any of the division’s problems.
Last August, Rahman came to Chicago to fight Monte Barrett for the so-called WBC Interim Heavyweight Championship. Promoter Don King had petitioned the sanctioning body to create the pseudo-title after Rahman’s real title shot at then-champ Vitali Klitschko was postponed a third time due to the Ukrainian’s various injuries. This stroke of business genius helped out all involved: the WBC received a sanctioning fee for a fictional title fight, Rahman changed from a mandatory challenger (with a 25% cut of the scheduled Klitschko bout) to an interim champion (with a 35% claim on the take), and the fight in Chicago could be promoted as a World Heavyweight Title Fight instead of a Keep Busy Tune-Up. In a total defiance of logic, the match was also talked up as being a final eliminator for the honor of challenging Klitschko. Since Rahman had been scheduled to fight Klitschko for months, the only effect this fight could possibly have on the heavyweight scene would be if Barrett won and took Rahman’s place. continue l
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15.03.06 - While European Cruiserweight Champion David Haye and his lethal one punch knockout act headlines Maloney Promotions' cracking fightcard at London's history steeped York Hall on Friday, March 24, an intriguing matchup will take place on the undercard and could very well determine the next light middleweight to come through at top domestic level. Welling's charismatic Gary Woolcombe will take a plunge into the treacherous deep end when he meets Portuguese dangerman Eugenio Monteiro over ten scheduled rounds. continue l
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15.03.06 - Jim Amato: This is a very interesting match up and the winner of this just may be the best active heavyweight in the world. Who is going win and why ? Good question. I can for see so many possible scenarios. What does Hasim Rahman have to do to win ? I say the key is his jab. No he is no Larry Holmes but he has a pretty stiff jab. Toney would prefer to fight on the inside where he is the master of slip and counter. If the jab is working it will keep Toney at a distance where Rahman could unload his powerful right hand. continue l
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HARTFORD (March 14, 2006) -- Former USBA & NABF lightweight champion Israel “Pito” Cardona (34-6, 26 KOs) begins his long awaited comeback Friday night (March 17) in a six-round match against veteran Bobby McAndrews at Worcester (MA). Cardona retired nearly four years ago at the age of 27 due to managerial problems, but his love of the sport as well as his burning desire to capture a major world title have led to Friday evening’s return to the ring. continue l
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14.03.06 - By Tim Neilson: It's hard to believe that on Saturday night, March 18, we'll probably be seeing the two best heavyweights in the divison when Hasim Rahman & James Toney face off against each other for the WBC heavyweight title. Both fighters are somewhat long in the tooth in heavyweight terms with Rahman at 33-years-old and Toney fighting at 37, yet strangely enough, they're clearly the best in the division as far as I'm concerned.
It's all pretty sad, no doubt. Who would ever thought that Rahman, who is now a two-time heavyweight champion would be at the top of the division, especially when looking at his fight history over the best 5 years where he's lost to Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and John Ruiz, while fighting to a draw with David Tua. continue l
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EVANSVILLE, IN.- The hottest sports ticket in town just got hotter as two Tri-State giants, WABX-FM and Fast Eddy's Burgers joined Octavius James/ One In A Million Inc. in association with Whirlpool Corp. Evansville for the highly anticipated Mar. 18th “Evansville Explosion,” a live, Las Vegas style pro boxing event at the Centre 715 Locust St. in Evansville, IN. continue l
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14.03.06 - By Bill Calogero: Professional boxing has certainly had its ups and downs over the years. The state pugilism is in today isn’t that great. Some will argue that it is in its worst state ever. Just ask Senator John McCain. He thinks, as do many others, that a Federal Boxing Commission is the answer. Although that may sound good at first, I think in the long run, it would be just as bad as it is now. In my opinion, it would end up being worse. The problems Professional Boxing faces in 2006 are not that different then what was faced during it’s infancy over three hundred years ago. continue l
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14.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Sauerland Event writes in a press release that they have recieved an offer from Sports Network about an unification bout between IBF and WBO supermiddle king Joe Calzaghe and WBC champ Markus Beyer. However, promoter Wilfried Sauerland states that neither the money offered or the suggested date are acceptable. "But we keep negotiating and and would like this attractive bout to happen in September or October of 06." Markus Beyer will defend the title May 13 in Zwickau. l
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14.03.06 - World champion Markus Beyer got an offer for a bout vs. Joe Calzaghe. Beyer is holding the Supermiddleweight title of the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Calzaghe won in March, 2006 the unification bout against Jeff Lacy and is now the world champion of the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
His manager Frank Warren made an offer concerning a bout of the two world champions. “We are interested in a bout and are pleased that the English do, too.” stated the manager of Beyer, Wilfried Sauerland. “But the current offer is not acceptable for us – it is financially unsatisfactory and in addition the suggested date crosses the FIFA-World Cup in Germany. But we keep negotiating and would like to make this attractive bout happen in September or October 2006.” continue l
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14.03.06 - PROVIDENCE, RI – Reigning IWBF world lightweight champion was given clearance at the beginning of February to begin use of her surgically repaired left hand, however the use was limited to light hitting only. Now, a month later Clampitt is hoping to take it to the next level. continue l
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New York, March 13—"Fighting Irishmen: A Celebration of Celtic Warriors," an eclectic collection of boxing photography and artifacts exhibit, will be launched in mid-August at the Irish Arts Center, located at 553 West 51st Street, it was announced today by curator Jim Houlihan, at Gallagher's Steak House. continue l
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CHICAGO - With the first three shows of 2006 producing excellent action packed televised co-main events, Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions’ Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated along with Miller Lite and TCF Bank are proud to announce further details of this Friday night’s SOLO BOXEO De Miller MADNESS IN MARCH event on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom. continue l
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13.03.06 - By James Slater: There was a time when James Toney’s nickname was one of the most apt in the sport. Many top men fell at the feet of “Lights out”, none more spectacularly than “Prince” Charles Williams. This KO, along with what actually makes a knockout artist, is the subject of this article.
Toney’s fight with Williams took place in Las Vegas, only the third time James had defended a world title there, and he put on a world class demonstration of infighting. Another often neglected style of fighting, Toney is a master at it. The pace was a hard one but with Toney once again showing his adeptness at slipping and blocking punches, Williams was showing signs of weariness towards the later rounds. Ahead on points going in to the last round, “Lights Out” had an explosive finale up his sleeve which came via a perfectly delivered straight right hand that crashed into Williams’ chin and sent him down in absolutely spectacular fashion. continue l
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13.03.06 - A rematch is being proposed between Archak Ter-Meliksetian and Giovanni Lorenzo, by the Ter-Meliksetian camp (Henry Cortes-Manager/Trainer). The two dynamic boxers went 7 rounds Friday March 10th at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, NJ. At the start of the 8th round Archak “Shark Attack” Ter-Meliksetian was unable to continue boxing due to vomiting brought on by having eaten a full meal shortly before the fight. continue l
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NEW YORK (March 13, 2006) - The prospect of fighting before a packed house of predominately passionate Irish fans the night before St. Patrick's Day doesn't add any pressure according to the "Irish Express" headliner, "Ireland's" John Duddy (15-0, 13 KOs). continue l
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13.03.06 - Current Irish middleweight champion Matthew Macklin launches his 2006 campaign in New York this week hoping to set up a British title shot. The 23-year-old has linked up with new manager Brian Peters and Macklin’s first fight under the new arrangement will see him share top billing with John Duddy at Madison Square Garden this Thursday. continue l
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13.03.06 - By Fritz Drexel: On Saturday night, German-based middleweight Felix Sturm ( 25-1, 11 KOs) easily defeated Maselino Masoe from New Zealand, by way of unanimous 12-round decision in Hamburg, Germany. The fight was for Masoe’s WBA middleweight championship, which he had won in his last bout way back in May 2004, defeating Evans Ashira. To say that Masoe (26-3, 25 KOs) was a little rusty going into his bout with Sturm, is huge understatement, as he looked completely unprepared to deal with Sturm’s movement. However, despite winning the fight in a completely one-sided manner and essentially winning all the rounds, Sturm looked timid, almost scared, as he ran all over the ring, avoiding close combat with Masoe.
No doubt, it was a battle tactic going into the fight, yet it made Sturm look almost petrified with fear, since he ran from Masoe, even though the fight was completely in the bag and there was no indication that Maose could hurt him with any of his punches. Obviously, the crowd hated it, for they booed loudly in the final rounds, voicing their distain for Sturm’s reluctance to mix it up with Masoe. The final judges scores were: 117-111, 117-111, 115-113. continue l
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13.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Sauerland Event have today put out a press release offering newly crowned WBA middle champ Felix Sturm one million Euro for a showdown with IBF ruler Arthur Abraham August 19 in Germany. Abraham will make a voluntary defence of the title May 13 in Zwickau. continue l
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Sports Network's Championship Boxing event at the Braehead Arena on Saturday 25th March has unfortunately had to been cancelled. Last week Danny Williams replaced an injured Scott Harrison, who was originally scheduled to headline the show, but the Brixton heavyweight has himself suffered an injury over the weekend whilst in training for his fight. continue l
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12.03.06 - By Jim Amato: He lost his professional debut in 1962 but he would go on to later win the bantamweight title and be a major force for several years. Jesus "Chuchu" Castillo rebounded from that initial loss to win fourteen straight. As he moved up in competition, he suffered an occasional loss but he was also beating some good fighters like Jesus Hernandez and Lenny Brice. continue l
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12.03.06 - By Peter Cameron: It is rare in history to hear one man tell so many lies to so many people. Usually this astounding feat is reserved to the men of politics, that most slippery of spin-driven professions. President Nixon's "I am not a crook", at the height of the Watergate scandal, perhaps ranks as the single most outrageous lie of the Twentieth Century. Close to challenging for Nixon's title is another president, Clinton, addressing millions of viewers to explain "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," only for an unpleasantly-stained dress to prove otherwise.
The current incumbents of power are displaying an honesty deficiency which challenges even the darkest depths of their mirky predecessors. Despite apocalyptic warnings from the Bush-Blair double act about the need to disarm Saddam of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, nothing more scary than a kitchen knife has been found in three years of searching since the invasion. continue l
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12.03.06 - Former IBF Bantamweight world champion Tim Austin, perhaps the most feared contender in boxing, will be a part of the undercard of the big Don King Productions card in Cleveland, Ohio on April 1 against an opponent to be announced. Austin, 27-1-1 with 24 knockouts; who is currently ranked #8 in the March WBC ratings, has won two straight since his lone loss to Rafael Marquez in 2003, with his latest win coming last Novemeber when when he stopped Julio Coronell in Bossier, Louisiana. continue l
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By Per Ake Persson: March 11, Hamburg, Germany: Felix Sturm won the WBA 160 lb title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Maselino Masoe. It was scored 117-111, 117-111 and 115-113. There were no knockdowns. Masoe was sharp early and stunned Sturm in the third but was outboxed in the middle rounds. Sturm coasted in the last two and was booed by the fans in the Color Line Arena for his running - his victory could not be disputed though but Felix better think about the entertainment factor if he is to make it all the way to superstardom. continue l
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SANDWICH, Mass. (March 13, 2006) - Cape Cod-based sports marketing veteran Hank Tuohy and businessman Dino Mitrokostas have teamed to form Alpha Omega Entertainment Group, Inc., the newest promoter of professional boxing and mixed martial arts shows.). continue l
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12.03.06 - By Mark de Mori: With Ricky Hatton still undecided about his next opponent, there is a lot of speculation going on. Juan Lazcano, Vivian Harris, Naoufel Ben Rabah --and recently added to the list-- the outspoken Lovemore Ndou, are all possible opponents.
Not much is known of the talented Naoufel Ben Rabah, so I decided to make the most of living down the road from his Perth gym, and see what a world class boxer looks like in the gym. In extreme contrast to the strong as an ox head first brawler Ricky Hatton, what I saw was an extremely fluid boxer who was quick on his feet and can punch from all angles. Naoufel Benrabah, the 28 year old IBF number one contender, has sat back quietly waiting for his world title shot after earning it in an IBF eliminator against Arturo Moura (who recently beat Emanuel Augustus). Ben Rabah boxed his ears off winning every round convincingly to bring his impressive record to 24-1(13 ko’s). continue l
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12.03.06 - By Michael Klimes: The cruiserweight clash between the power punching Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli (the W.B.U Champion) and the dangerous Mark Hobson (the British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion), who replaced the suddenly injured W.B.O Cruiserweight Champion Johnny Nelson raised my eyebrows at its conclusion. continue l
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11.03.06 - By Mike Indri: Retired Boxers Foundation - Any, and all, questions concerning Giovanni Lorenzo's fighting ability were answered last night; during the talented Dominican fighter's dominant performance against a very tough Archak Ter-Melikestian. Fighting as the main attraction for the appropriately named "Back to the Future II" fightcard, Lorenzo and Ter-Melikestian battled through seven grueling rounds, with both fighters realizing just how important a victory would be to their respectively bright careers. continue l
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10.03.06 - By Bill Calogero: Ledyard, Ct.- In front of a near capacity crowd at the beautiful Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Willie “The Gladiator” Gibbs knocks out Lenord Pierre at 2:53 of the twelfth round to become the new USBA Middleweight Champion. Willie Gibbs and Lenord Pierre showed the close to 1400 fans why they were worthy of being the Main Event on an action packed fight card. From the opening bell until the KO, this was a non-stop action packed brawl. continue l
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10.03.06 - By Izyaslav “Slava” Koza: Nowadays, prediction making has lost some of its luster because of the fact that writers, and critics, for the most part, can’t embed themselves in training camps. Take, for example, when Rustam Nugaev recently took out that tall drink of water called, Mora, sure there may have been some who predicted a 5th round TKO, yet probably not the reason for it. What I mean is, had there been somebody following Mora through training camp, they would see he was not prepared enough for the fight at that weight. This is really why I don’t see a sense in making hardcore, stick to your guns predictions, because there are just so many variables to consider that it doesn’t mean much (unless you put money on it) even if you are right.
For instance, though my official prediction was not posted in an article before the fight due to high traffic to the site, I did, in fact, pick Calzaghe to win by decision. However, the truth is, I thought the fight would be more competitive and since it was fought in Britain, where there might be issues with scoring from a purely statistical standpoint. So, although I picked Calzaghe to win, my prediction wasn’t really “correct,” from a reasoning standpoint. continue l
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10.03.06 - Hasim Rahman will face James Toney for the WBC World Heavyweight Championship on March 18,2006, in Atlantic City, NJ. Toney was named official challenger by the WBC in Rahman’s first title defense since securing the forfeited WBC Heavyweight Belt from former Champion Vitali Klitschko in November 2005. The bout will be presented by Top Rank and broadcast live on HBO. continue l
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10.03.06 - OPERATOR: Good afternoon and welcome to today’s Top Rank call with Hasim Rahman. At this time all lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers’ remarks there will be a question-and-answer period. If you would like to answer a question, please press star, one, on your touchtone telephone. If you would like to withdraw your question, please press the pound key. continue l
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March 10, 2006 - Promoter Dino Duva has announced that granite fisted heavyweight slugger Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter will return to action on April 28, as he headlines a 1,2,3 punch of Duva Boxing heavyweights live at the Mohegan Sun Casino and on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights. Peter, 25-1 (21 KOs), will tangle with Detroit’s 7-foot-tall Julius Long in a 12-round main-event battle for his NABF heavyweight championship. continue l
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10.03.06 - By Mike Casey: In the autumn days of his life, former heavyweight champion Jem Mace had become a sad and somewhat pathetic figure. Some seventy years of age, Jem was a walking time warp of a man who continued to dress in the style of the era he had dominated for so long with his mighty fists. His old frock coat and silk hat were his last possessions from the golden period of the bare-knuckle tough guys. His fighting days were over, his money had gone and now his pride too was steadily dribbling away.
Needs must and Mace would politely seek out old and new friends at social occasions in the hope of eliciting their sympathy and collecting a few precious pennies. continue l
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10.03.06 Photo: Chris Farina - Top Rank - "HAMMING IT UP"- Three-time World Champion "Pretty Boy" FLOYD MAYWEATHER,JR.(R) and WBC World Flyweight Champion Jorge ' Travieso' Arce ham it up during a press conference at Universal Studios Camacho's Cantina restaurant for their upcoming title fights on Top Rank's big "Sworn Enemies" championship card presented by Top Rank and Don King Promotions, in association with Caesars Palace and Wynn Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Saturday,April 8, live on HBO Pay Per View. continue l
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Hamburg – Even though the main event at Saturday’s Universum show at the Color Line Arena of Hamburg will be the WBA middleweight championship between Felix Sturm and Maselino Masoe, there is another duel on this card that draws almost as much interest. It’s the heavyweight clash between Ruslan Chagaev, 19-0-1 (16), off the Universum stable and Spotlight fighter Vladimir Virchis, 20-0 (17). continue l
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10.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: : Both WBA middleweight champ Maselino Masoe from New Zealand and German challenger Felix Sturm weighed in at 159,5 lbs / 72,5 kg at today´s weighin at the Moebel Kabs near the Universum gym. Both looked fit and trim and a lengthy staredown followed. MC Gerd Mueller then announced that they had drawn in that department but Sturm, looking very fired up, shook his head and pointed to himself. Masoe smiled, got dressed and left the ring. continue l
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10.03.06 - By James Allan: I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Joe Calzaghe on his fantastic performance and victory over Jeff Lacy last Saturday. Joe was almost punch perfect and it became patently obvious by the end of round three that Jeff Lacy was going to be in for a hard night. I can’t actually ever recall a more one sided fight in what was supposed to be a pick em. Joe has now cemented his position as the number one super middleweight, impressed American audiences and set himself up for the super fights he should have been having five years ago. With all of this in mind, I sincerely hope his next fight isn’t against Roy Jones Jnr.
Roy is nowhere near the fighter he was just three years ago. Three defeats in his last three fights, including two knockouts have pretty much put paid to Roy’s time at the top as the best pound for pound fighter in the world. continue l
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NEW YORK (March 10, 2006) – CBS Corporation's Showtime Networks Inc. announced that the iTunes Music Store is offering its first boxing match for download. The world title unification bout between IBF/IBO Super Middleweight Champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy of St. Petersburg, Fla., and his WBO counterpart Joe Calzaghe of Wales, is available now, in its entirety at www.itunes.com. SHOWTIME’s live telecast took place on March 4, from the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England. continue l
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10.03.06 - WBO/IBF World Super-Middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe will lead the Wales team out at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow (Saturday, 11 March) ahead of the RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy. The 33-year-old from Newbridge has been invited by the WRU to make a guest appearance at arguably the home of world sport following his magnificent unification fight victory over American Jeff Lacy last weekend. continue l
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10.03.06 - By James Slater: The above title makes quite a bold statement. However, I have to say I strongly doubt that those who have seen this fight will disagree. To those who have not had the pleasure, I say get a copy of this incredible fight now! Of course, everyone has a different opinion of what makes a fight great. Some love nothing better than a chess match, with all the skills practitioners of the sweet science possess being on display. continue l
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10.03.06 - By Andrew Teece: Wednesday night April 19th 2006 (Aust EST) heralds undoubtedly the biggest all-Australian boxing match in our history. Certainly in terms of the purse on offer, but this bout is one that has polarised the Australian public for years. Anthony ‘The Man’ Mundine 25-3 (20 KO’s) takes on Danny ‘Green Machine’ Green 21-2 (19). This fight is also one that can help raise the profile of the sweet science in our country, and the affect and influence of this can not be underestimated. It is a fight that will bring boxing to the forefront of the sporting public’s minds.
Anthony Mundine, in truth, is the star of the show. Australia wants to see if he is as good as he says he is, or if Danny Green can pull it off, and knock him out. Mundine is not well received by many here in Australia, his attitude is more like the loud, brash attitude of Floyd Mayweather Jnr. and the like, than the amicable and affable Danny Green. continue l
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10.03.06 - It's England versus Argentina again when boxing wonderkid Amir Khan takes on Diego Alejandro Madole at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow on Saturday 25th March. The unbeaten Bolton hotshot has his seventh professional fight against the first South American opponent of his career and he knows that they come tough. continue l
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10.03.06 - After great consideration and deliberation with boxing people and Team Magee, Maloney Promotions have today decided to move the classic British and Commonwealth Super-middleweight title fight between Carl Froch the champion and Brian Magee to the home of British boxing the atmospheric York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, this is a venue where many titles have been won and lost and reputations lost and gained, including fighters such as Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Lennox Lewis. continue l
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10.03.06 - By Harry Summers: Lovemore N'dou is back to what he does best -- whining. Throwing out a desperate plea to secure an undeserved payday against 140lb champ Ricky Hatton on May 13. Lovemore, haven't you had enough chances? How many title fights/eliminators does a guy have to lose before he's tossed into the scrapheap? Apparently in your case, not enough. continue l
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10.03.06 - By Kevin Kincade: It all came down to this moment; the taunts, the insults, the hurtful words: “You’re too Ugly to be Champion!”, “Here’s what he sounds like….Duh, duh, duh, duh, duhhh.”, “He’s Not The Real Champ!!”, “He’s just an old Uncle Tom!”, and worse. But now, all of the talking was done. Now, it was down to two men in a circle square. Forty-five minutes to settle the argument and quench the anger that had been brewing for months. Two men on the stage with 300 million people watching around the world, holding their collective breaths for the sound of the gong. In the ring, surrounded by a wall of sound, Joe Frazier stared deep into the soul of the man who had made his life a living hell for far too long. His tormentor was a mere four or five steps away. So long had he waited. So much he had endured; but now it was here…..the hour of truth had arrived.
Sometimes it’s about more than just two men; but sometimes, inside, it’s not. “The Fight” was hyped to epic proportions and had far reaching implications in the boxing world but; ultimately, it boiled down to a sharecropper’s son from Beaufort, South Carolina and an ambitious and vociferous son of a sign maker from Louisville, Kentucky. It may have been a super-event to us; but to them, as it is with any fighter, it was much more personal….one man against another. And in the Case of “The Fight of the ‘Twentieth’ Century”, it was more personal than any of us could imagine, in particular for the Philadelphia fire plug affectionately known as Smokin’ Joe. continue l
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10.03.06 - Undefeated Rhode Island Super Middleweight Joe “The KO Kid” Spina, (17-0-1, 12 KO’s,) has signed an exclusive management agreement with Highland Park, IL based Warehouse Boxing. “I’m very anxious to head to Las Vegas and start training for the Brinkley fight”, said Spina, referring to a proposed match-up with Contender alumni, Jesse Brinkley. Spina’s promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, is currently negotiating the details of the bout with ESPN 2. continue l
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10.03.06 - Tickets are now available for the World Championship Boxing event at Belfast's Kings Hall on Saturday 20th May. WBO World Featherweight Champion Scott Harrison headlines the show in an explosive showdown against the dynamite-punching Domincan Republican Joan Guzman. Chief-support features an equally electric clash between Belfast hero Eamonn Magee against Takaloo for the WBU World Welterweight title. continue l
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(Sydney, Australia : 10th March 2006) Reigning IBF/IBO flyweight world boxing champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan has his knockout targets set on WBC Interim flyweight champion Jorge Arce. 26 year-old Arce defends his title against Rosendo Alvarez on the Floyd Mayweather-Zab Judah card on April 8 in Las Vegas. Should he be successful, Darchinyan wants Arce in the ring next. continue l
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10.03.06 - Photos: TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME - The 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues on Saturday, April 1, when “Relentless’’ Lamon Brewster defends his WBO heavyweight title against Sergei “The White Wolf’’ Liakhovich. The 12-round world title fight at Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio is promoted by Don King Productions and will air on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
“RELENTLESS’’ LAMON BREWSTER (33-2, 29 KOs): “I am ready to do this. This is what I do for a living. I do nothing else but sleep, eat, drink and think boxing. Some people are college material. I’m from the school of hard knocks. I am very emotional. I am very pumped. I am working with the best trainer (Buddy McGirt) in the world. continue l
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(Sydney, Australia : 10th March 2006) Reports on the Internet suggest that Undisputed super lightweight world boxing champion Ricky “Hitman” Hatton will be making his next defence in the USA on May 13, with four boxers being considered as possible opponents in Vivian Harris, Naoufel Ben Rabah, Juan Lazcano and Lovemore Ndou. Team Fenech’s “Black Panther” Lovemore Ndou says there is only one obvious choice. If HBO Sports and the fans want to see a truly great fight, Ricky Hatton must fight Lovemore Ndou. continue l
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09.03.06 - Two hard-hitting, former heavyweight national champions--Tye Fields of Las Vegas and Ed Mahone of Los Angeles-- highlight the undercard of the nationally televised show featuring former world champion Manuel Medina against Javier Alvarez in a 12-round, International Boxing Federation junior lightweight title-elimination bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Guilty Boxing Friday, March 24, at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. continue l
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08.03.06 - Bernie McCoy: George Herbert Mallory, a famous English mountaineer, was once asked why he wanted to ascend Mount Everest. He replied, "Because it is there." Sumya Anani has "been there" in the sport of Women's boxing for almost ten years and in the recent past the top fighters in the sport have not shown anything near the resolve that Mallory exhibited when it came to climbing into the ring with Anani. In the past three years, the fighter, many consider the best in the sport, has fought a total of 27 rounds, less than a full ten round fight per year. continue l
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08.03.06 - Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, and Octavius James' One in a Million Inc. present another outstanding evening of professional boxing on Saturday, March 25th at Grand Victoria Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana. "We're thrilled to be returning to Grand Victoria Casino," said Pesoli. "Our last event was headlined by an outstanding world title bout between David Diaz and Ramazan Palyani. Both fighters put on a great show and we had a tremendous turnout of fight fans."
Pesoli noted the fans and Grand Victoria have been very supportive and he's pleased to bring another high-quality event to Southeast Indiana. "We've got a great main event, a terrific undercard featuring three undefeated prospects and, once again, Showtime's Jimmy Lennon Jr. will emcee," said Pesoli. Headlining the evening is a women's world championship bout between Sumya "The Island Girl" Anani of Overland Park, Kansas and Terry "The Road Warrior" Blair of Louisville, Kentucky who will battle in a ten round IBA Welterweight Title bout. continue l
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08.03.06 - European heavyweight contender Richel Hersisia, 31, today underwent shoulder surgery in Cologne, Germany. It is obviously too early to judge the success of the operation, performed by Dr. Peter Schaeferhoff, but sure enough the power-punching Dutchman with a fine record of 27-1 (21 KO’s) was feeling his share of nervousness during the last few days. continue l
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08.03.06 - By James Slater: Fighting in the new weight division of middleweight, having started his career at super featherweight, is the equivalent in weight divisions of a guy starting off at light welterweight to one day wind up swapping punches with light heavyweights! This puts Oscar De La Hoya’s decision to move up to 160, almost two years ago, in perspective. It really was an audacious move and although he wasn’t greatly successful as a middleweight, he did manage to get his hands on the WBO title. This came courtesy of his win over the German, Felix Sturm.
This fight though, was more in the way of a testing of the waters at 160 pounds. In a double header with Bernard Hopkins fighting Robert Allen for a third time (the first fight had been a no-contest when Hopkins had been accidentally pushed out of the ring by referee Mills Lane and was then unable to continue. continue l
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March 8, 2006 - In one of two world title fights promoted by Don King Productions, hard-hitting Alejandro "Terra" Garcia (25-1, 23 KOs) will make his first defense as WBA super welterweight champion when he faces enormously popular local favorite and former WBA welterweight titleholder Jose Antonio "El Gallo" Rivera (37-4-1, 24 KOs). In the co-feature, O'Neil "Supernova" Bell (26-1-1, 24 KOs) makes the first defense of his undisputed cruiserweight crown when he takes on undefeated Steve "USS" Cunningham (19-0, 10 KOs). continue l
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08.03.06 - Saturday 20 May is the new date for the re-scheduled WBO World Featherweight clash between Scott Harrison and Joan Guzman. The explosive showdown will now take place at Belfast's legendary Kings Hall as Glasgow's Braehead Arena is unavailable for that date. continue l
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LAS VEGAS (March 8, 2006) – Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (41-6-1, 28 KOs) plans on returning soon to the ring, hopefully, against World Boxing Association champion Nicolay Valuev.
Ruiz lost a controversial decision to Valuev in Berlin last December and he petitioned the WBA for an immediate rematch based on the WBA’s rule 7.3 that allows for a rematch based on a controversial decision in a championship match. Valuev won by 12-round decision by scores of 114-114, 116-114, 116-113. “I will return,” Ruiz vowed. “I’ll definitely keep fighting. I expect to hear this month that the WBA has ordered an immediate rematch and I look forward to fighting Valuev again for my title belt.” continue l
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08.03.06 - ITV Sport will tomorrow (Thursday March 9) give boxing fans another chance to see Joe Calzaghe's remarkable victory against America's Jeff Lacy when it broadcasts a special one-hour programme on ITV4 - Joe Calzaghe - On Top Of The World - 10pm-11pm. The programme will include a re-run of Calzaghe's demolition of Jeff Lacy, which made the undefeated Welsh fighter the unified IBF and WBO super-middleweight champion of the world. There will also be an interview between ITV's Jim Rosenthal and Joe Calzaghe looking back to perhaps the greatest victory of his long career. continue l
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08.03.06 - Joe Calzaghe's sensational win last weekend against Jeff Lacy has inspired fellow Welshman Gary Lockett to win the WBU World Middleweight title this Saturday (11 March) at the Newport Sports Centre. Lockett was due to face Ryan Rhodes but the Sheffield switch-hitter withdrew from the fight citing a back injury sustained in training. Instead, Lockett will take on Battersea's Gilbert Eastman. continue l
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Queensbury, NY – TheDailySports.com Boxing Promotions has signed Former Three-Time Champion DownTown Leona Brown to a promotional contract. Brown, who resides in Wappingers Falls, New York currently, holds a 13-17 (5 KOs) record. Her last fight was a controversial decision loss to Danielle Bouchard in Canada. continue l
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08.03.06 - By Craig Parrish: He once won a fight with two broken hands, a cut over his eye, and a broken jaw. He beat the legendary George Foreman. He was the victim of one of the most brutal knockouts the sport has even seen when he fought Ray Mercer. If nothing else, watching a Tommy Morrison fight was always exciting, because anything could happen. After appearing as Rocky’s protégé, Tommy Gunn, in Rocky V, Morrison’s real life boxing career took off and he became one of the marquee Heavyweights of the ‘90’s. He had won 46 of 50 fights and was slated to fight Mike Tyson upon his release from prison, when a physical examination revealed that Morrison was HIV positive. He was immediately banned from competition, and his life fell apart. Morrison fought one more time in Japan, for a fund raising effort. Then, he was gone. He was 27 years old.
Occasionally you would read in the back pages of sports sections about his antics. Booze, bigamy, drugs,and prison. It looked like Morrison was following in the self-destructive path of so many former fighters and it would just be a matter of time before you read of his early demise. continue l
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08.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: WBO lightheavy champ Zsolt Erdei could be defending the title May 6 on a Universum promotion along with female star Regina Halmich. The unification fight with WBA ruler Fabrice Tiozzo is still being talked about and might happen in late July. Seems like ex-IBO and WBF jr middle ruler Mihaly Kotai will have a long rest while contemplating the future after back to back loses against Brit Steve Conway. continue l
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SAN FRANCISCO (March 8, 2006) – Bay Area boxing fans who are anxious for the return of this year’s celebrated Golden Gloves, can relive the magic from last year’s Golden Gloves finale by tuning in to Comcast’s On Demand. February 22 through March 21, viewers can watch Welterweight Champion Santos Soto, defeat xx and Cynthia Talmadge, female open division boxer, defeat xx in a grueling and demanding match which left spectators on their feet. continue l
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EVANSVILLE, IN- Jack “Kid” Callahan of Octavius James/One In A Million, Inc., The Midwest's premiere pro boxing team, in association with Whirlpool Evansville, today announced they will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Mar. 18 “Evansville Explosion,” to be held at The Centre, 715 Locust St., in Evansville, In to the award-winning Evansville Boxing Club for its next amateur boxing show. continue l
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MANAGUA, Nicaragua—One could dismiss as idle chatter the non-stop tirades made by World Boxing Council 154-pound champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga against “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya at media tour stops in Beverly Hills, Houston, Chicago and New York last week promoting their May 6 meeting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, but a check of the record indicates Mayorga often backs up his trash talk with wins.
In his last eight appearances the Nicaraguan bomber faced five reigning world champions, two former world champions and a world-ranked fighter. His opponents had a combined record of 244-9-3 going into those contests, and Mayorga emerged with five wins, two losses and one match that was ruled no contest. continue l
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07.03.06 - By Izyaslav “Slava” Koza: The trend of ex-Soviet fighters continuing to make their mark on the world of professional boxing has as mentioned many times before, been rather significant. Just this past year three separate CIS fighters attained the status of “World Champion.” Even more like Klitschko, Dzindziruk, and Dimitri Kirilov are on the verge of getting their shot at attempting to grab a major world title. continue l
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07.03.06 - By Beau Bassett: Two undefeated champions fought last weekend to the great joy of boxing fans around the world. Here at eastside, we passionate fans deliberated, argued, enjoyed, and are now analyzing, explaining and recommending. We have treated this fight with the intellectual energy it deserved. On September 19, 1999, September 16 1981, and on June 15, 1996 boxing fans did the same, but there was a difference: We were accompanied by all sports fans. continue l
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07.03.06 - Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Danny Williams heads to Glasgow to replace Scott Harrison on the March 25 show at the Braehead Arena. Harrison, the WBO World Featherweight Champion, was ruled out of his title defence against Joan Guzman yesterday by doctors following a gum infection after a wisdom tooth was removed. Instead, Williams will defend his title in Scotland - the first time he has fought there since a first round knockout of Craig Bowen-Price on the Mike= Tyson-Lou Savarese undercard in June 2000 - against a challenger to be confirmed. continue l
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07.03.06 - By Vanessa McConnell, photos by CJ Cansler-- large photo gallery -- The UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championship, is growing to intimidating numbers and viewers. So fast, it has boxing fans shaking in their boots that the UFC will someday become even more popular than boxing. In the wide world of sports, that will never happen. Every sport sets its own precedence and respects the next for it’s hard work and champions. UFC is fairly new, compared to how long boxing has been around, and some boxing fans will never accept the sport for reasons they would never admit.
Canada was in the United Stated with a point to prove at UFC 58 sponsored by Mandalay Bay, Xyience and Toyo Tires. Chris Tucker, Antonio Fargas, Chris Angel, UFC Champions Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes and Tito Ortiz, and Michael Clark Duncan were among the few celebrities and fighters watching one of the most anticipated battles in the UFC where Canada and the United States come face to face in the Octagon. continue l
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TOTOWA, NJ (March 7, 2006) – Promoter Gary Shaw announced today the signing of undefeated jr. middleweight sensation JAMES KIRKLAND to an exclusive promotional agreement with Gary Shaw Productions, LLC. (www.garyshawproductions.com)The 21-year-old southpaw, 11-0 (9 KOs), from Austin, TX., carries dynamite in both hands. continue l
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NEW YORK, March 7- For Nate Campbell, there's only one reason to fight - to become a world champion. On Friday, April 7th, in a bout to be held at the Florida State Farigrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa, Florida, "The Galaxxy Warrior" moves one step closer to fulfilling that dream when he faces unbeaten and highly regarded Isaac Hlatshwayo in a 12 round IBF lightweight title elimination bout. This exciting matchup, part of a night of world-class boxing action presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and One Punch Productions, will be televised live by ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT. continue l
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07.03.06 - Joe De Guardia’s Star Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions announced today that they have finalized terms under which middleweight legend Bernard Hopkins will challenge light heavyweight king Antonio Tarver in a 12-round light heavyweight championship bout to take place on Saturday, June 10th from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City live on HBO Pay-Per-View. The fight will be formally announced at a 4-city press tour to be kicked off Tuesday, March 21 in New York City followed by stops on Wednesday, March 22 in Philadelphia and Tampa/St. Petersburg and concluding on Thursday, March 24 in Los Angeles. continue l
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07.03.06 - By Izyaslav “Slava” Koza: In the money world of fighting, one would think, a title shot, some sweet cash, and probable TV exposure would be enough to make opponents walk through fire to fight you. However, apparently when it comes to Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin, you can’t pay fighters enough to even consider the deal. Today, Ike “Bazooka” Quartey declined to fight the IBF champ, running the total of fighters who have done so, well above the limit for a new champ.
Are these guys serious?
For months, all I read from fans about the nature of Karmazin’s victory over Ouma, was that it was just a good performance. continue l
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07.03.06 - Chicagoland’s most popular boxer, 1996 Olympian David Diaz, (29-1-1, 16 KO’s) will face Silverio Ortiz, (16-8, 7 KO’s) of Merida, Mexico in a ten round lightweight bout which headlines MARCH MADNESS on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th at the Aragon Ballroom, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING. continue l
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07.03.06 - Former two-time world lightweight champion Stevie “Lil’ But Bad” Johnson (38-3-1, 17 kos) headlines the Ringsports/Silverhawk co-promotion as he fights Gavin “The Dominator” Down (29-7, 14 kos) for the NBA World Super Lightweight Championship in Ybor City on Mar. 31st at 8pm. Heavyweight Sherman Williams (28-10-2, 15 kos) takes on Adenilson Rodrigues (18-3-0, 14 kos) for the NBA’s Continental America’s Heavyweight Championship in the nights co-feature. continue l
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New York, March 6-ESPN Classic will feature the memorable fight between Emanuel Augustus and "Irish" Micky Ward tonight (Monday, March 6). This classic battle was between a presently promoted DiBella Entertainment fighter (Augustus) and a since retired DBE fighter (Ward), and is regarded as one of the greatest fights of recent years. continue l
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06.03.06 - By Craig Parrish: With the recent, and justified, early retirement of Vitali Klitschko, things were looking rather bleak for Boxing’s “Big Boy” Division, the Heavyweights. However, there have been some recent developments in the Division that gives hope to the Boxing fan that the Heavy’s are on an upswing. While the current groupof Contenders are certainly not the greatest the sport has ever seen, there is a good smattering of talent, guts, charisma, and personality that hopefully will draw fans back to what was once Boxing’s “Glamour” Division.
Lamon Brewster has been a great shot in the arm for the Heavyweights. While he is not the most accomplished Boxer, he possesses great heart and a great chin. His unlikely upset of Wladimir Klitschko could have been taken right out of a draft for the next “Rocky” movie. He funneled the energy from thatwin into a demolition of the unlucky Andrew Golota in one round, and then took on tough Luan Krasniqi in his own back yard for another victory. continue l
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06.03.06 - By Troy Ondrizek: In just five days a mega-fight between Ruslan Chagaev of Uzbekistan and Vladimir Virchis of Ukraine; will square off in what quite possibly be the best heavyweight fight this year. I am almost insulted to see so little press in regards to this fight. However, why should I be surprised? Chagaev and Virchis are ranked 6th and 9th respectively by the WBO. One or another is also ranked by the IBF and WBA. This fight has the same meaning as if Calvin Brock and Samuel Peter would face off against one another. The fight might play out look more like Vitali Klitschko and Mike Tyson slugging away. The winner will be set up quite nicely for a title shot in the near future, and definite fame everywhere but the English speaking world. Both fighters are undefeated and carry dynamite in their hands. continue l
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06.03.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Turkish heavy Sinan Samil Sam have replaced stablemate Luan Krasnigi as mandatory challenger for EBU heavy champ Paolo Vidoz. The deadline for purse offers or agreement is March 21 at noon. Sam, now back with Universum, takes on Brazilian George Arias April 8 in Kiel. continue l
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06.03.06 - By Bill Calogero: Joe Calzaghe won a unanimous 12-Round decision over former unbeaten Jeff Lacy in Manchester, England, broadcast live on ShowTime last night, to become the new IBF & WBO Super Middleweight Champion. Calzaghe basically took Lacy behind the woodshed and beat the hell out of him for twelve rounds. There is no better way to describe it. From the opening bell, until the final bell, Joe Calzaghe threw punches from all angles, including the utilization of beautifully timed uppercuts that battered Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy and made him look totally out classed, which was a complete shock to me. continue l
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06.03.06 - By James Slater: In my previous East Side Boxing article, entitled - As Sugar Ray Approaches His Fiftieth, A Look Back At His Greatest Fight…. - I included in the text the following words regarding the number of unsuccessful comeback attempts Sugar Ray made: and though Ray tried to fight off the advances of father time on (at least) two occasions, he met only defeat. So what, you may ask?
Well, as soon as this piece was posted I fully expected a comment or two from the always astute readers of ESB on the fact that Sugar Ray only had TWO failed comeback fights - vs. Terry Norris and then Hector Camacho. The way my words read, they led one to believe that Ray had at least three attempts at defeating father time. And as we know he only lost two such fights, to the two aforementioned boxers, therefore (according to my words) he must have lost one more bout. Is this the case? continue l
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06.03.06 - By Andy Watts, Ringside report. On March 4th, early hours of the morning Joe Calzaghe is squaring off against Jeff ‘Left Hook’ Lacy, without doubt everyone thought, this is Calzaghe’s biggest fight, he’s underdog for the first time since fighting Chris Eubank back in October 1997 for the then vacant WBO title. Of course this was also going to be Lacy’s biggest fight, and toughest opponent. But most felt Lacy was the ‘man’ at 12 stone and that he would be able to cope and do the dishing out on the night. Oh how wrong the experts can be sometimes. But this is boxing and it’s why we love it, right!? continue l
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06.03.06 - By Chris Acosta: When I became a boxing fan, Larry Holmes was the heavyweight champion and every world title fight was on network TV. I looked forward to every new issue of The Ring so I could catch up with all the news I missed and to see who the up and coming talent was.
(Which we now take for granted with the internet providing so much info at our fingertips) In those days, you could count on boxing routinely occupying a nice portion of the daily sports page and see Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran doing 7-Up commercials. continue l
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06.03.06 - By Peter Cameron, Sunday 5th March: Joe Calzaghe's boxing masterclass on Saturday night has reinforced the idea of a current resurgence in British boxing. Where once there stood Benn, Eubank, Hamed and Lewis, now Calzaghe and Hatton are terrorizing the pound-for-pound elite. With the likes of Kevin Mitchell and Amir Khan heading up a new generation of emerging talent, the future could hardly be brighter. Heavyweights Danny Williams and Matt Skelton, whilst not as skilful as their compatriots, displayed extraordinary levels of courage and determination in their highly entertaining bloodbath last weekend. Williams is now in line for a crack at the gargantuan Nikolay Valuev for the WBA World Heavyweight Title. continue l
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06.03.06 - By Wray Edwards: That depends on who’s fighting and their respective styles. In a fight where two boxers pretty much stand off and blaze away (Trinidad/Mayorga), the Ref’s job is reduced to watching for low blows, stepping in at the bell, and safety concerns should one of the fighters begin to fade. Injury assessment in conference with the ring physician, Vaseline patrol, and eight counts pretty much define the job.
In a fight where there is a great difference of styles, say between a slug and hug fighter and classical boxer, or two jab and grab guys (God forbid!), the Ref needs serious triceps to enforce endless separations as he pries them apart. IMO JEFF LACY WAS VERY LUCKY THAT JOE CORTEZ WAS NOT THE REFEREE LAST NIGHT. Here’s why. continue l
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06.03.06 - By Justin Hackman: Usually it is the younger fighter, the prospect, which has yet to prove himself to fans, and can only do so upon challenging a fighter with an already established reputation. However this past Saturday, we as boxing fans were treated to a match-up in which the well known fighter was the younger challenger in Jeff Lacy, as he took his undefeated record to England to face the reigning Super Middleweight champion in Joe Calzaghe whom although without a loss as well, had yet to prove to the fans in the United States that this unblemished record was not fragile or untested. continue l
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05.03.06 – By Joseph Carlo Russo: During the week counting down to the super middleweight showdown between Jeff Lacy and Joe Calzaghe all the way up to point when Jeff Lacy appeared for the ring walk, I was never quite sure who would take the fight and how. Part of me thought Lacy would pull out a knockout, while part of me though Calzaghe would pull out a boxout, and vice versa. But as soon as Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy appeared to make his ring walk, something was telling me that Lacy was going to lose brutally and severely. It wasn't the look in his eyes, or the language of his body. It was his trunks. continue l
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05.03.06 - By Michael Klimes: The God of the 168 Pounders: My journey up to Manchester reminded me of how brutal the winter has been by British standards in the United Kingdom. Frost wafted through the air and after the fight the pavements were shrouded in ice. For all the coldness I felt though, it couldn’t have compared to the coldness in the ring where Jeff Lacy experienced a blizzard blown in by Joe Calzaghe’s fists. Seldom have I seen such destruction of a fighter that was meant to be an equal of his opponent and seldom was it so chilling. I won’t go into a round by round synopsis as it has been extensively covered by other Eastsideboxing writers but I cannot help but make the odd passing comments. continue l
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05.03.06 – By Chris Acosta: We boxing fans love nothing more than two of a divisions’ best clashing because there’s a strong possibility of evenly matched fireworks. The checks and balances offer so much intrigue that we often forget one thing: just because we’re dealing with world-class fighters doesn’t mean those very checks and balances stack up on each side nice and evenly.
Joe Calzaghe has always been a wonderful fighter. His class is apparent in those fast hands and ability to control the flow of a fight (probably the most important yet overlooked aspect of a boxer’s repertoire). Sure he suffers from the Evander Holyfield syndrome of fighting down to the level of his opposition and his brittle hands seem to be hanging on borrowed time but sometimes you can tell a guy has the goods simply by the fact that he wins. continue l
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LOS ANGELES, March 5 – For over 20 years, Manuel Medina has thrilled fight fans with his undeniable skills and warrior spirit. And on Friday, March 24th, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, ‘Mantecas’ will kick off his third decade in the fight game with a bout against Javier Alvarez which will determine who becomes the number one contender to IBF junior lightweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera. continue l
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05.03.06 - For professional fighters it is a dream come true to fight in their hometowns in front of hometown family and friends. When you live in Rocky Ford, Colorado, population just under 5,000, a hometown fight is just a fantasy. But Zeferino Ramirez and JewBoy Promotions are doing just that in bringing Marvin “Much-2-Much” Cordova, his sister Chantell and his cousin David Medina home to Rocky Ford for a six bout professional fight card. continue l
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05.03.06 – By Jeff Bastasini: WBO Super lightweight champion Miguel Cotto brutally destroyed a badly overmatched European challenger Gianluca Branco (36-2, 19 KOs) over eight rounds before the fight was stopped in the 8th round when Branco suffered a shoulder injury on Saturday night in Bayomon, Puerto Rico. Cotto (26-0, 22 KOs), looking like a swelled up middleweight, simply had too much power, size and skill for the feather-fisted Branco, who looked considerably smaller than Cotto as the fight started. continue l
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05.03.06 - By Karl E. H. Seigfried: Almost a year ago, southpaw boxer Winky Wright gave big puncher Felix Trinidad a boxing lesson in a middleweight fight that most witnesses saw as a complete shutout. Tonight, England played host to a repeat performance, but with Joe Calzaghe and Jeff Lacy playing the lead roles in a super middleweight update of the story.
This match was a long time coming. Lacy fought in Cardiff on the undercard of a Calzaghe defense back in 2002, and the idea of the two undefeated fighters facing each other was rolling around promoters' heads even then. Lacy began publicly challenging Calzaghe as far back as October 2004, when "Left Hook" was coming off of an eighth round KO of Syd Vanderpool to win the vacant IBF super middleweight belt. At the time, the Welshman was searching farther afield. Following his decision win over Kabary Salem the same month, he said, "I'm still looking to move up and land a big fight at light heavyweight in 2005." After his December 2005 decision win over Omar Sheika, Lacy baldly stated "I need Joe Calzaghe," and Gary Shaw, his promoter, said that he had already made an offer to Frank Warren, Calzaghe's promoter, but had been turned own. Almost a year ago today, after his seventh-round KO of Rubin Williams, Lacy said, "Of course, I want Joe Calzaghe by the end of this year." continue l
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05.03.06 - Chris John kept his WBA featherweight title Saturday with a unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez. Marquez was warned four times by the referee and was deducted points in the 10th and 11th rounds. The judges scored the bout 116-110, 117-111, 116-112in favor of John. The victory extended John's record to 37-0-1 with 20 knockouts. Marquez fell to 44-3-1 with 33 knockouts. l
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MANCHESTER, England (March 5, 2006) - In the defining fight of an extraordinary career, the longest reigning world champion in boxing, undefeated WBO champion Joe Calzaghe (41-0), produced a masterful, magnificent performance while winning a lopsided, dominant 12-round decision over previously unbeaten IBF kingpin Jeff Lacy (21-1) in a highly anticipated super middleweight world title unification bout Saturday on SHOWTIME from Manchester, England. continue l
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04.03.06 - By Tim Neilson: WBO middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe had an easy time befuddling and ultimately winning an easy 12 round unanimous decision over the much hyped power punching challenger Jeff Lacy at the MEN arena in Manchester, England on Saturday night. The fight was never close from the start, as Calzaghe came out giving a virtual boxing clinic, making the hard punching Lacy miss again and again, while getting tagged by Calzaghe’s piercing jabs and lightening-like right hands. continue l
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05.03.06 – By Wray Edwards: Photo - TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME - Shades of Mayweather – Gatti. There is very little one can say about the course of this fight. In front of thousands of cheering local fans Joe Calzaghe established his super middleweight legacy. Prior to the start of Branco – Cotto from Puerto Rico, we erased all but one round of the Lacy-Calzaghe encounter. Why?...because from first to last each and every round was virtually identical.
Each frame consisted of Joe unleashing furious combinations with moderate but effective power as Jeff attempted to move into his best range. When Jeff did manage to get inside Joe would either tie Jeff up to neutralize Lacy’s attack, or roll out, which very effectively avoided any substantial counter. Lacy was completely unable to establish an inside game as ninety per cent of the time Joe would trap Jeff’s left arm just above the elbow. This usually involved Calzaghe getting his right forearm and the inside of his elbow over Jeff’s left tricep, then rotating his glove in front of Jeff’s chest which caused a locking effect.
This made it almost impossible for Jeff to extricate his arm without expending major energy to get free. This and other tactics demonstrated Calzaghe’s superior knowledge of the game and its limitations. There is a fine line between holding and a classical tie-up. continue l
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03.03.06 - In an exciting slugfest, WBU cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli won a 12 round unanimous decision against Mark Hobson, the British Commonwealth at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Much of the action was fought at close quarters with neither fighter giving an inch of ground. Hobson was knocked down in the 3rd round after getting caught by a blistering right hand by Maccarinelli (23-1, 17 KOs). continue l
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Per Ake Persson: March 4, Oldenburg, Germany: IBF middlweight champ Arthur Abraham clearly beat Australian Shannon Taylor and won on scores of 120-106, 120-107 and 120-107. There were no knockdowns but Taylor had a point deducted in the sixth for a low blow. Abraham had his opponent under pressure in the fourth but let him off the hook. Taylor seemed to have his mind set more on survival than winning and that made it difficult for Abraham. continue l
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04.03.06 - By Kent Appel @Ringside- "King" Sam Soliman of Melbourne, Australia stepped in on Friday March 3, 2006 to headline a seven bout card at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California as a replacement for former welterweight champion Vernon Forrest who was injured during training and who had to cancel fighting Raul Munoz of Leon, Mexico. The program was promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and part of it was broadcast live on Fox Sports Network's Best Damn Fight Night Period. continue l
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March 4th, 2006: By Frank Gonzalez Jr., photo by Tom Casino / Showtime: Saturday night at the MEN Arena in Manchester England, adventuring American IBF Super Middleweight Champion, Jeff Lacy (20-1-1NC-17 KO’s) had crossed the pond to face the best opposition of his career in unbeaten, WBO Champion, Joe Calzaghe (41-0, 31 KO’s).
Careful management, relatively soft opposition, friendly referees and the gushing adoration of the folks at Showtime have propelled Jeff Lacy to stardom. In his climb over the fairly weak Super Middleweight division here in the States, Lacy has demonstrated good power, but power alone does not win fights.It has been obvious for some time that Lacy lacks the technical boxing skills to go with his power, tenacity and promotional influence. continue l
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04.03.06 - By Tony Nobbs: In a battle of lefties, IBF & IBO flyweight champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (25-0, 20 KO's) retained his titles scoring an eight round knockout of US based Filipino Diosdado Gabi (26-3-1, 18 KO's) at Santa Ynez, California on Friday night. After dropping a couple of early rounds the former Armenian Olympic rep wore down his nippy challenger finishing the fight in style landing a crushing left to the chin. continue l
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04.03.06 - In the second world title fight in "ShoBox" history, Vic Darchinyan successfully defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title for the third time by scoring an eighth-round TKO over IBF No. 3 contender Diosdado Gabi Friday on "ShoBox." In the junior welterweight co-feature from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif., Rustam Nugaev dealt Anthony Mora his first defeat by recording a fifth-round TKO. continue l
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04.03.06 – By Izyaslav “Slava” Koza: Tonight, as I watched Welshman Joe Calzaghe take the pain to American Jeff Lacy, one picture kept reappearing in my head and it was surprisingly of the great Jack Johnson. Yes, Calzaghe won every round, yes, he had the far superior handspeed, but the main reason why I think he won the fight was his willingness to clinch, hold, grab, and claw to keep Lacy’s offense at bay. continue l
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04.03.06 - by Chris Ireland: Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns launched comebacks in other divisions. Roberto Duran was too old and too small. James Toney was getting too fat, and Iran Barkley had nothing left to give. By the time Roy Jones got bored in 1996, the super middleweight division had been stripped of everything. Over the next decade the middleweights and light heavyweights were thrust into the mainstream spotlight, featuring superstars like Jones, Bernard Hopkins, Felix Trinidad, and Oscar De La Hoya, while the super middleweights toiled on the scales of obscurity - a gray area stuck in-between two colorful divisions, the forgotten middle child of the boxing world. The division searched for the fighter, the fight, for anything to make it relevant once more. Finally the division's savior has arrived - a scheduled 12 round slugfest between unbeaten champions Jeff Lacy and Joe Calzaghe tonight in England.
But what happened to the super middleweight division in the ten years in between Jones' exit and tonight's fight? How could a division that once featured such prominent names become so obscure? And how does Lacy-Calzaghe end a decade of decay? continue l
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04.03.06 - Thompson Boxing Promotions is proud to announce the signing of super featherweight Dominic Salcido to an exclusive promotional agreement. Salcido, (7-0, 4 KOs) from Rialto, is considered as one of the best California prospects in his division. The talented Salcido started boxing at the age of 10 when his father took him to a gym out of curiosity. He laced the gloves and was fascinated by the sport. continue l
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04.03.06 - By Tony Nobbs: Australia's Michael “Rocky” Katsidis racked up his twentieth win and eighteenth knockout by stopping game Filipino Nonoy Gonzales in five rounds at the Gold Coasts five star Royal Pines Resort on Friday night. Topping a quality seven fight Jamie Myer bill, Katsidis,25, had things pretty much his own way through out and it is a credit to the 29 year old Gonzales' toughness that the fight lasted as long as it did. continue l
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03.03.06 - A heavyweight world championship will be decided for the first time in the greater Cleveland area since 1983, when World Boxing Organization heavyweight champion “Relentless” Lamon Brewster makes the fourth defense of his crown opposing once-beaten Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich at Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University on April 1. continue l
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03.03.06 - The 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues with a HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP fight on Saturday, April 1, when "Relentless" Lamon Brewster defends his WBO heavyweight title against Sergei "The White Wolf'' Liakhovich. The 12-round world title fight, promoted by Don King Productions, will air LIVE on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio.
The crowd-pleasing Brewster (33-2, 29 KOs), of Los Angeles, by way of Indianapolis, Ind., is making the fourth defense of the WBO crown he won when he rallied to register a dramatic fifth-round TKO over Wladimir Klitschko on April 10, 2003. Undefeated since June 2002, Brewster has won 14 straight, 11 of them by knockout. continue l
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New York, March 3-DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions and Prize Fight Promotions announced today that the much anticipated Jermain Taylor vs. Winky Wright Undisputed World Middleweight Championship, slated for Saturday, June 17th, will take place at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. "Memphis has illustrated clearly that it is a boxing town and the FedEx Forum is one of the finest arenas in the country," said Taylor Promoter Lou DiBella, president of DBE. "We look forward to the southern hospitality in June." continue l
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(Tucson, Arizona) --- Forget brackets and seedings. The real March Madness takes place on Friday, March 10, 2006, as Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions will put on a world-class showing of top boxers colliding at Desert Diamond Casino’s Diamond Center. This will not be a televised event and the seven bout fight card features the WBO Intercontinental title fight for the jr. welterweight division. Planning to attend the fight week events is Sugar Shane Mosley, fresh off his epic victory over Fernando Vargas. continue l
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03.03.06 - Photos: TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME: The Countdown Is One! Both IBF champion Jeff Lacy and his WBO counterpart, Joe Calzaghe, made the weight for their eagerly awaited super middleweight unification showdown Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) at Manchester, England. Lacy weighed 167 pounds at Friday's weigh-in while Calzaghe tipped scales at the division-limit 168 pounds.
by Stuart Cornwell: This may come as a surprise to boxing fans worldwide, but Joe Calzaghe is not actually particularly famous in the United Kingdom. The mention of his name would actually draw a blank from the vast majority (those “people in the street”), who would have no trouble telling you who Amir Khan and Audley Harrison are, and who can still tell you whether they preferred Chris Eubank or Nigel Benn. continue l
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New York, March 3--The John Duddy vs. Shelby Pudwill pre-St. Patricks Day fight card extravaganza at the Theater at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, March 16, will now be billed as "Irish Express" instead of the original billing of Shamrock Express, with respect to Chris Reid, the late, super middleweight standout who fought under the nickname of "Shamrock Express" from 1984-88. continue l
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March 3, Oldenburg, Germany - By Per Ake Persson: Both reigning IBF 160 lb champ Arthur Abraham and Australian challenger Shannon Taylor weighed in at 159,5 lbs for tomorrow´s fight at the Ewe Arena in Oldenburg. Abraham, looking very muscular and fit, smiled and posed for photographs and signed every autograph asked for. Taylor, wearing toned glasses, had a tense look about him. IBF I/C champ Henry Akinwande came in at 240,5 lbs while challenge Cisse Salife weighed a too heavy 264,5 lbs. continue l
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03.03.06 - BY MIKE CASEY: Part of the fun of being youthful is that we know so little. Cold logic and cynicism has yet to be poured on our innocent picture book of life as we wander through each newly discovered wonderland and believe everything we see and hear.
Like so many other young boys getting interested in boxing for the first time, my simple and thrilling yardsticks of new and exciting fighter were the vivid pictures and purple prose that came with them. Plenty of both came with Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter.
To most people at that time, Sonny Liston was the most frightening fist fighter on earth. Liston seemed huge in that more gentle era, a giant among pygmies whose great bulk and brooding features spilled across the pages of every popular boxing magazine. No man could beat Sonny. Everyone said he was invincible. continue l
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New York, March 3-Fight standout "Irish" Micky Ward and Pat Lynch, manager of boxing champion Arturo Gatti, forever connected through the memorable Ward-Gatti trilogy, will be joined by former football Giants great and present broadcaster Dick Lynch, FOX & FRIENDS anchor Brian Kilmeade, New York Post columnist Steve Dunleavy, and Sean Finlay, publisher of the Irish Echo, when they each receive Distinguished Irish American Hero Awards from the Irish Arts Center at a benefit luncheon on Monday, March 13, at Gallagher's Steak House. continue l
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03.03.06 - By Michael Montero: This Saturday night in Manchester, the undefeated Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (21-0, 17 KOs) and Joe Calzaghe (40-0, 31 KOs) will fight to unify the IBF, WBO and IBO world titles in the Super Middleweight division. Although this fight may not be a “mainstream” PPV hit such as the Mosley-Vargas fight last weekend and the Morales-Pacquiao rematch earlier this year, it is without a doubt the biggest match-up of 2006 amongst hard-core boxing enthusiasts. This is a tough one to call, but after reviewing both fighters inside and out, it is my opinion that Jeff Lacy has to be favored to return to the USA victorious. Here’s how I break down the comparison... continue l
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03.03.06 - Interview by Travis Marks: In late 2000, Oscar De La Hoya made a big change his career. He left his long time trainer, Roberto Alcazar and hired Floyd Mayweather Sr. as his new trainer. Mayweather, once a solid prize fighter who fought the great Sugar Ray Leonard for ten tough rounds was chosen over the more recognizable Emmanuel Steward as the top man in Oscar’s corner.
Mayweather abilities as a trainer came to the forefront as his first pupil; his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr. began dominating the junior lightweight division. The defensive wizardry that “Lil Floyd” demonstrated was taught to him from the time he was a little boy by his father. The classic shoulder roll and movement around the ring became staples in the Lil Floyd’s arsenal.
The dream scenario of father and son lasting a career together came to a halt when in 1999 the younger Mayweather unceremoniously fired his father as trainer and manager. Lil Floyd even went as far as evicting his father from the house that he purchased for him and repossessed the van he gave to him. continue l
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03.03.06 - By Aaron King: February 24 was supposed to be a showcase for the Duva family’s utterly coddled egg. The plan was for a few layers of protection to be peeled away as heavyweight prospect Mike Marrone commemorated his coming out party on ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights. The event was supposed to be a showcase for his skills, but it revealed so much more – or less, depending on your point of view. continue l
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02.03.06 - One night before SHOWTIME will offer the eagerly anticipated Jeff Lacy-Joe Calzaghe showdown for the undisputed super middleweight championship, America's No. 1 Boxing Network will continue to commemorate its 20th anniversary of televising world-class match-ups with an excellent world title fight Friday, March 3, on "ShoBox: The New Generation." continue l
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02.03.06 - By James Slater: Although he has the looks of a man at least ten years his junior, Ray Leonard reaches his half century this coming May. Also, as amazing as it may seem, Leonard's finest fight, against his finest opponent, hit's the twenty five year old mark a few months after Sugar's birthday. It really was back in 1981 when Ray and Tommy Hearns first clashed. I wonder if Ray feels his age if and when he views or reminisces on his finest hour in boxing. Tommy, as we all know, is trying his best to fight off the advances of father time with his current comeback. And though Ray tried the same thing on (at least) two occasions, he met only defeat and as a result is firmly retired nowadays - he has no desire to follow Tommy's lead of boxing in the twenty first century.
Ray and Tommy will always be compared with one another, such was the intensity of their rivalry and, athough to many minds they are "one and one", officially, Leonard was never defeated by "The Hitman". And despite losing a good deal of his popularity in recent years, Sugar Ray's greatness is beyond doubt. To me, the fight that cements this greatness is his come from behind win over Hearns. This was a great fighter at the very peak of his powers. continue l
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02.03.06- By Per Ake Persson: WBC # 3 cruiser Krzysztof Wlodarczyk takes on American Imamu Mayfield March 25 in the small town of Siedlce in Poland with Hammer Knockout promoting. There are two vacant titles as stake: the WBC Fecarbox and the IBC. Heavyweight Tomasz Bonin and welter Rafael Jackiewicz are also on the bill. continue l
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JEFF “LEFT HOOK’’ LACY (21-0, 17 KOs): “I’ve had two months of very serious training and dedication. I have had much more intensity in my training for this fight. Every aspect has gone up a level. I am treating this very seriously.’’
When asked why he has abandoned his normally cheerful attitude and adopted one of more disconcert, Lacy replied: “I am a happy guy, still. I am just focused. I am just ready to fight. I am through with all the talk.” continue l
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02.03.06 - By Troy Ondrizek, photo by Tom Casino / Showtime: We are just but two days away from kicking off the most exciting boxing month in a long time. The first title fight is between Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy and the “Pride of Wales” Joe Calzaghe; for the IBF and WBO super-middleweight title of the world. Now, this is one of the most anticipated fights at this weight class in as long as I care to remember. Joe Calzaghe had us in suspense leading up to this fight, regarding whether or not a sudden mysterious injury would derail his plans to actually fight another great fighter. Now I’m not calling Calzaghe a dodger; but there are some who would go as far to say that Calzaghe dodged opponents outside the ring just as well as he evaded blows from his hand-picked opponents inside the ring. Joe is making his unfathomable 18th title defense of his WBO crown. That is impressive; especially the fact that Calzaghe has beaten a who’s who of who cares in the super-middleweight division. Calzaghe has always had the tools to be the best in his weight class. Joe has great hand-speed, more than adequate power, and solid defense. continue l
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02.03.06 – Video-Interview with Luan Krasniqi on Boxing.de - He is back – on the peak of his career: Luan Krasniqi will return to the boxing ring n April 29, seven months after losing a WBO heavyweight world title fight to Lamon Brewster. He lost the fight for the title but he won the hearts of millions of German boxing fans who were stunned watching on ZDF as they had never seen Krasniqi fighting more concentrated and with more fighting spirit. He opened the eyes of many fans on the heavyweight boxing power made in Germany. continue l
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MA02.03.06 - By Marlon Bernardino: THE much-awaited encounter between Filipino-American Brian "Hawaiian Pinoy Punch" Viloria and Jorge "El Traviseo" Arce of Los Mocis, Sinaloa, Mexico is expected to be one of the "fight of the Year" aside from Pacquiao versus Morales part III. "I believe this will be one of Fight of the Year encounter aside from the Pacquiao versus Morales part III encounter," quoted Viloria continue l
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (March 2, 2006 ) -- Photo: Wray Edwards / ESB - There's a new monarch in town and his name is JEFF "LEFT HOOK" LACY, the undefeated IBF/IBO super middleweight champion. Lacy, who arrived in Manchester last Saturday, is ready to teach undefeated WBO super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe the first rule in U.S. Civics -- TERM LIMITS.
"I believe in the Socratic method of teaching -- teaching by asking," said Lacy as he held up his fists which he proudly calls his Dukes of Hazard. "This Saturday, I will be asking Joe all night 'who's the world's best super middleweight?' Joe is going to learn the definition of Term Limits first-hand from me. His time has come and it is time for him to go!"
Two of the best professors from the school of the Marquis of Queensbury -- Freddie Roach and Jeff Fenech -- agree. continue l
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02.03.06 - Hyland has recently been talking up a potential Irish title fight with Griffin in what would prove a mouth-watering all Dublin clash. Griffin says he’s would be delighted to take Hyland up on his offer. "I’m surprised Paul wants the fight to be honest," said the 34 year old southpaw. "We’ve sparred before and I think Paul knows just what would happen if we met for real." continue l
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02.03.06 - By Frank Maloney: March sees one of the most exciting months in British Boxing. People talk about America being the heartland of boxing, but when you look at what has taken place in the UK over the last few years and what is going to take place this March, I think that Britain is on par with any country for producing big fights. We kick off "March Madness" on the fourth of the month when Joe Calzaghe meets Jeff Lacy in a super middleweight unification contest promoted by Sports Network. continue l
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02.03.06 - Photos by Tom Casino / Showtime - JOE CALZAGHE: “This fight is great for our division. Lacy is a good fighter, but he has not fought Joe Calzaghe. I have respect for Lacy, but if he’s underestimating me, he made a mistake coming here.
“I am a step up from what Jeff Lacy is used to.
“My training has gone well. I am really excited now that the fight is almost here. I’m ready to go 12 rounds if I need to.”
America’s No. 1 Boxing Network, SHOWTIME continues its 20th anniversary celebration of putting on world-class fights on Saturday, March 4, when talented, undefeated, hard-hitting super middleweight world champions Jeff “Left Hook’’ Lacy (International Boxing Federation) and Joe Calzaghe (World Boxing Organization) collide in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. continue l
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02.03.06 - On Friday, March 31, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing proudly presents a night of ESPN2-televised world-class boxing at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, featuring an exciting 12-round battle for the USBA Light Heavyweight Championship. In the night’s main event, former WBC champion Montell “Ice” Griffin, 47-6 (30 KOs), will attempt to further his quest for a world title by facing durable veteran “Stormin” Norman Jones, 28-14-3 (9 KOs). continue l
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01.03.06 - By Craig Parrish: It’s official. “Baby” Joe Mesi, the former WBC #1 contender, will begin his comeback with a match on April 1st when he takes on Ron Bellamy in Puerto Rico.This will be the first fight for Mesi since he sustained multiple brain bleeds following a victory over Vasilliy Jirov in March of 2004. Following that bout, the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Mesi indefinitely for fear that the brain bleeds may result in serious, or fatal injury if Mesi pursued his career in the ring. After many hearings and much legal wrangling, the suspension was lifted when a Judge ruled that it could not be held in place after Mesi’s Nevada Boxing License expired.
Mesi and his Neurologists have maintained that he is at no greater risk than any other fighter for injury and that the damage is completely healed. Apparently, the Puerto Rican Boxing Commission has agreed and granted Mesi a license. continue l
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01.03.06 - QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES--- By Marlon Bernardino: Brian Viloria considers his first title defense, a unanimous decision victory over Mexican Jose Antonio Aguirre, as a lesson he should learn from. “It made me realize that I can’t win them all by knockout,” he said, referring to his hard-labor last Feb. 18 at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. continue l
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01.03.06 - Photos: David Martin-Warr / Don King Productions - One of the most popular boxers in history, “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya, will return to the ring to challenge dangerous World Boxing Council super welterweight champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga on Saturday, May 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The fight appropriately titled “Danger Zone”, will be promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don King Productions and will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
“My goal is to always face the best,” said De La Hoya. “and Mayorga is a dangerous world champion who has no fear. I’m ready to step back into the ring for this great match-up.”
De La Hoya, the 1992 US Olympic gold medal winner, has been spending much of his time since his last ring appearance - a hard-fought loss at the hands of longtime middleweight king Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins at the MGM Grand on Sept. continue l
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01.03.06 - Today in Manchester, England WBO Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe began the symbolic countdown that will culminate in the downfall of IBF Champion Jeff Lacy. The Welshman confidently predicted that the American's brief title reign, lengthened by the consumption of such recycled Calzaghe victims such as Omar Sheika and Robin Reid, will come to an end shortly after 2AM early Sunday morning at the cavernous M.E.N Arena. continue l
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01.03.06 - By LOVEMORE NDOU: Ricky Hatton and his people should stop playing this TBA game because they are not fooling anybody. They are trying to make it like they can’t find a suitable opponent for Hatton whereas there are legitimate top contenders like myself who are willing to step in and fight him. These people speak of Hatton as the best thing at 140lbs at the moment but wanna mismatch him against the likes of Ben Rabah and Juan Diaz. These kinda fights won’t help make a legend out of him.
They wanna build him into a legend then maybe they should try doing what Mayweather’s camp is doing. Floyd Mayweather deserves his legacy because he fights legitimate contenders and champions to build his legacy. Ricky is never gonna become a legend by fighting micky-mouses like Ben Rabah. He made everybody believe that the reason he left Frank Warren was because Frank was giving him hand picked opponents and he wanted to step up. Now, after beating someone like Kostya Tsyzu, you would expect him to do just that. That is, step up. A Hatton/Rabah or Hatton/Diaz fight doesn’t make sense. continue l
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01.03.06 - Brother and sister team and Duva Boxing LLC co-owners, Dino Duva and Donna Brooks, have announced an end to their long-time partnership as boxing promoters and agreed to an amicable split. Dino Duva now becomes the sole owner of Duva Boxing, LLC and will continue to promote the likes of Samuel Peter, Kendall Holt, Brian Minto, Mike Marrone, Kirk Johnson, and Raymond Biggs, Jr. Donna Brooks will start her own new firm and continue to promote the likes of Oscar Diaz, Shaun George and Damian Fuller. continue l
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01.03.06 - photo by Tom Casino / Showtime: JEFF “LEFT HOOK’’ LACY: “I am tired of all this talk and questions. I am ready for this fight.
“Calzaghe has been a champion for a long, long time and you have to give him his respect. (But I am) from the United States. I was determined to come here to take what's mine. I prefer to fight southpaws because they think they have an advantage over me.
“The fight will not go the distance.’’
America’s No. 1 Boxing Network, SHOWTIME continues its 20th anniversary celebration of televising world-class fights on Saturday, March 4, when talented, undefeated, hard-hitting super middleweight world champions Jeff “Left Hook’’ Lacy (International Boxing Federation) and Joe Calzaghe (World Boxing Organization) collide in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. The most significant unification world title bout in years will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from the MEN Arena in Manchester, England. The highly anticipated, long-awaited match up is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Frank Warren’s Sport Network. l
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EVANSVILLE, IN - Legendary Midwest fighter and trainer Jack “Kid” Callahan today announced One In A Million Inc. in association with Whirlpool Corporation, Evansville will add Henderson's heavy hitting Daniel “The Sandman” Maldonado to the already action-packed “Evansville Explosion,” Mar. 18 at The Center, 715 Locust St., Evansville, IN the sports heart of the Tri-State region. continue l
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01.03.06 - Interview by Ike Ewereuzor: Ike: You were supposed to fight Lucian Bute in March but it seems like Bute is now fighting another opponent. What's going on?
Mock: As I told you before, Bute is a chicken and this kid is so scared that he keeps running from me. They called for me now I'm ready for him, he doesn't want to fight now. Let them keep looking for easy fights for him and I dont really need Bute. They know I would knock his ass out so they choose an easy opponent for him. Now, that Carl Froch pulled out his fight with Brian Magee, I'm willing to step in and fight Brian Magee in March. They should contact my people when he gets this message and I'm willing to go to UK to fight him in March since Bute has chickened out. Now, the fans must know who the real super middleweight contenders are, Bute is not one of them ...they keep giving him easy fights and now they try to make him step up his game.
They call me out now they are scared to fight me. Who knows that Argentina guy he's fighting? That guy is not even in the top 15 in the world. Let Bute fight me and beat me so we know that he deserves to be in the top 10. continue l
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01.03.06 - Quartey was scheduled to meet Vernon Forrest on an April 15th HBO date, but Forrest pulled out with an injury. Ouma, the former IBF junior-middleweight champion, quickly volunteered to sub for Forrest when the opportunity came up at Saturday’s Shane Mosely-Fernando Vargas fight. "Once I knew Vernon was out, I went right up to the HBO people and Lou DiBella (Quartey’s promoter) nd told them, please make the fight with me and Quartey," Ouma said. continue l
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01.03.06 - Photo by Tom Casino / Showtime: An excellent weekend of fisticuffs on America’s No. 1 Boxing Network begins with a sensational fight card Friday, March 3, when unbeaten IBF/IBO flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan (24-0, 19 KOs) defends against IBF No. 3 contender Diosdado Gabi (26-2-1, 19 KOs) in the main event on “ShoBox: The New Generation” on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). Darchinyan has won six consecutive bouts by knockout. Gabi, who has never been stopped, has won 12 in a row (eight inside of the distance).
In the “ShoBox’’ co-feature from Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif., undefeated Anthony Mora (15-0, 10 KOs) faces what could be his toughest test when he meets Rustam Nugaev (15-4, 7 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. The 20th anniversary of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues the next night, Saturday, March 4, when talented, undefeated, hard-hitting super middleweight world champions Jeff “Left Hook’’ Lacy (IBF) and Joe Calzaghe (WBO) collide in the most significant unification world title bout in years. Lacy-Calzaghe will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from Manchester, England. continue l
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28.02.06 - In the biggest fight of his life, the young up-and-comer had to summon the courage from within to continue. He had been knocked down, but his heart would not let him stay there. And so, with the bravery of a champion, he bit down hard on his mouthpiece and got up. Back and forth went the two proud warriors, the crowd on its feet, delirious from the thrilling war unfolding before them. When the final bell rang, The New Italian Stallion had survived the toughest test of his life, fought back hard, even when all seemed lost…and come out victorious. continue l
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HOLLYWOOD, FL, February 28 – IBF Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham has had his crown on his head for just a little over two months, and already, highly regarded contenders Edison Miranda and Howard Eastman want to knock it off. But only one of these Middleweight standouts will get a shot at the new champion, and on Friday, March 24th, Miranda and Eastman will clash in a 12 round elimination bout for the number one ranking in the IBF, with the winner set as the mandatory challenger for Abraham.
“THE ELIMINATOR”, which is being presented by Warriors Boxing Promotions, The Seminole Tribe of Florida in association with Hennessy Sports, will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, as the main event of ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights on March 24, 2006. continue l
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28.02.06 - By Per Ake Persson: Sauerland Event´s cruiser Marco Huck will face decent British southpaw Lee Swaby on the Abraham vs Taylor bill on Saturday (March 4) in Oldenburg. It´s official: ex-WBA and EBU bantam champ Johnny Bredahl will return to the ring. The now 37-year old Dane retired in 04 mainly due to constant problems with his hands but feels he has more to do in the ring and targets the current WBA ruler, Wladimir Sidorenko. continue l
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (February 28, 2006) -- Undefeated IBF/IBO super middleweight champion JEFF "LEFT HOOK" LACY (photo: Wray Edwards / ESB) has landed in Manchester, England and he is on a mission -- to defend and unify the world super middleweight crown against undefeated WBO champion Joe Calzaghe. Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Frank Warren's Sports Network, the Lacy-Calzaghe super middleweight title unification fight will be televised live to the United States on SHOWTIME, beginning at 9 P.M. ET/PT (Delayed on the west coast).
"March 4 is going to be my personal 'VJ Day' -- Victory over Joe," said Lacy after his 12:30 A.M. GMT workout. Lacy is sticking to his Florida training timetable, which is five hours behind, while he is in England. Lacy considers this fight a homecoming since he is of English descent, the great great grandson of Benjamin Disraeli Lacy, 1st Earl of Knuckle Sandwich.
"I know how the Welsh feel about my people in England and I will defend their honor and my crown against Joe Calzaghe," continued Lacy. "I was outraged when Joe first won his title and told the viewing audience he was rooting against England when they were playing Italy in a critical World Cup Qualifying match. That's my team! And for that he will pay....he will be eating a lot of English leather Saturday night." continue l
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New York, February 28 - Spanish Harlem standout Edgar "El Chamaco" Santana (16-2, 11 KO's) has signed a promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment, it was announced today by DBE president Lou DiBella. Santana, a fixture on the popular Broadway Boxing series, will be in the main event for the first time under the DBE banner when Broadway Boxing Presented by Turning Stone Resort and Casino returns to the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center on Thursday night, March 9th. continue l
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28.02.06 - Seven years after winning the WBO Super Middleweight title, Joe Calzaghe finally gets the opportunity to add another major world title belt to his collection with the advent of IBF Champion Jeff Lacy's sojourn to the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester to face "The Pride Of Wales" next Saturday, March 4th. The Lacy fight will mark an amazing 18th occasion that Calzaghe has placed his WBO crown at risk and the Welshman's resume is littered with such names as Charles Brewer, Byron Mitchell, Chris Eubank and Robin Reid.
It's this long experience that the busy, sharp punching southpaw will call upon to turn his American opponent's British excursion into a less than pleasurable trip away from home. "I've beaten the best of who was around at the time and would agreed to face me" remarked Calzaghe. "If you look at my record, I've beaten six or seven former world champions. I like to think that its better late than never to get my big fight, and I'm looking forward to this." continue l
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28.02.06 - Photos: TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME: With his serious preparation completed, Jeff Lacy held a light open media workout Tuesday in Manchester, England. In an eagerly-awaited battle of undefeated super middleweight champions, IBF titleholder Lacy will take on WBO kingpin Joe Calzaghe in a 12-round 168-pound world unification bout Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). continue l
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28.02.06 - By James Slater: There is a storm in his eyes when he is in the ring. He sweeps across the canvas like a typhoon and, more often than not, leaves his opponent looking like the victim of a natural disaster - bewildered, battered and broken. Yet there is also another side to this fighting master’s ring prowess. He is capable of solving any puzzle posed to him in the squared circle, no matter how confusing, with concealed glee on his handsome features and, as a result, he comes through triumphantly with as many flying colors as one could wish to see break forth from a sky sweetened by a rainbow.
Therefore, not only is this ring legend capable of reducing his opponent’s house to rubble, he is also more than sufficiently educated in his craft so as to be able to pass any examination of his skills in a manner that leaves the person who set such an assignment looking far more like the pupil, as opposed to the teacher. continue l
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28.02.06 - The injury that Carl Froch suffered whilst defeating Dale Westerman earlier this month has forced him to delay the highly anticipated mandatory defence of his British super middleweight title against Brian Magee, originally scheduled for March 31st in Belfast. During a second consultation yesterday with Orthopaedic specialist Dr. Nick Downing, the 28-year-old was instructed not to use his right arm for at least another three weeks given the diagnosis of a severe haematoma on his bicep (see attached picture) continue l
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02.28.06 – By Chris Acosta: Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward once likened his charge, heavyweight contender Wladmir Klitschko, as a “beautiful car." He then continued with the auto-analogy by explaining that Wlad had suffered a flat tire against Corrie Sanders and then a blow-out against Lamon Brewster, which by all accounts was a pretty bizarre finish.
Mr. Steward had a good point. From a physical standpoint, the younger Klitschko is indeed a luxury model that handles well and houses plenty of horsepower. But after his technical win (and a shaky one at that) against Davarryl Williamson, many suggested that this hot rod was more fiberglass than steel, terrible on gas and prone to overheating.What was once a promising heavyweight became the latest in a string of over-hyped big men who juggled the torch past on by Lennox Lewis. Brother Vitali was a reasonable substitute, fun to watch and consistent but when he recently retired due to repeated injury, the heavyweight landscape was suddenly without a dominant figure. continue l
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28.02.06 - By Michael Amakor: In a clear the deck showdown for supremacy in Britain, Former WBU International and British Heavyweight champion, Danny Williams, scored an impressive victory over previously undefeated Matt Skelton, to defend his Commonwealth Heavyweight Title at the Excel Arena in the UK, thereby improving his record to 35 wins, 4 losses with 28 knockouts. continue l
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31.03.06 - Photo by Tom Casino / SHOWTIME(c) - WBO Heavyweight Champion Lamon Brewster (232 pounds) and challenger Sergei Liakhovich (238.5 pounds) weighed-in for Saturday's world title fight LIVE on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT) and made their predictions on the NCAA Final Four. The SHOWTIME telecast will be presented at a special time to accommodate fans tuning into the NCAA's Men's Final Four on CBS. The Showtime Championship Boxing telecast will be part of a SHOWTIME Free Preview Weekend (March 31-April 3) when the network will open its signal to 45 million TV households nationwide. 
Photos: Tom Casino / Showtime - Wednesday, March 29, 2006, Hilton Garden Inn in Cleveland, Ohio. The most exciting and courageous heavyweight champion in the world will return to America's No. 1 Boxing Network on Saturday. Lamon Brewster (33-2, 29 KOs), of Los Angeles, by way of Indianapolis, Ind., will make the fourth defense of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) title when he takes on once-beaten Sergei "The White Wolf'' Liakhovich (22-1, 14 KOs) Saturday, April 1, 2006, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). The 12-round world title fight will be promoted by Don King Productions and take place at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. This will be the first heavyweight world championship bout to take place in the city since 1983.
Tuesday, March 29, 2006 - Photos: Tom Casino / Showtime - Old School Gym, Cleveland, Ohio. The 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues with a WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT on Saturday, April 1, when "Relentless" Lamon Brewster defends his WBO title against Sergei "The White Wolf'' Liakhovich. The 12-round world title fight at Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio is promoted by Don King Productions and will air on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). 
21.03.06 - "Sworn Enemies' on April 8 featuring Floyd Mayweather Jr and Zab Judah is loaded underneath with two world championship bouts and with the the Son of the Legend, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Here is how Top Rank's big fight card is shaping up at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas: 
18.03.06 - Photo ©Paul Speak: WBA/IBF Light Welter Champion Ricky Hatton took a break from his busy training schedule on Thursday to meet with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson. 
12.03.06 - By Mark de Mori: With Ricky Hatton still undecided about his next opponent, there is a lot of speculation going on. Juan Lazcano, Vivian Harris, Naoufel Ben Rabah --and recently added to the list-- the outspoken Lovemore Ndou, are all possible opponents.
10.03.06 - Photos: TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME - The 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues on Saturday, April 1, when “Relentless’’ Lamon Brewster defends his WBO heavyweight title against Sergei “The White Wolf’’ Liakhovich. The 12-round world title fight at Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio is promoted by Don King Productions and will air on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). 
07.03.06 - By Vanessa McConnell, photos by CJ Cansler 
March 4th, 2006: By Frank Gonzalez Jr., photo by Tom Casino / Showtime: Saturday night at the MEN Arena in Manchester England, adventuring American IBF Super Middleweight Champion, Jeff Lacy (20-1-1NC-17 KO’s) had crossed the pond to face the best opposition of his career in unbeaten, WBO Champion, Joe Calzaghe (41-0, 31 KO’s).
03.03.06 - Photos: TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME: The Countdown Is One! Both IBF champion Jeff Lacy and his WBO counterpart, Joe Calzaghe, made the weight for their eagerly awaited super middleweight unification showdown Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) at Manchester, England. Lacy weighed 167 pounds at Friday's weigh-in while Calzaghe tipped scales at the division-limit 168 pounds. 
02.03.06 - By Troy Ondrizek, photo by Tom Casino / Showtime: We are just but two days away from kicking off the most exciting boxing month in a long time. The first title fight is between Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy and the “Pride of Wales” Joe Calzaghe; for the IBF and WBO super-middleweight title of the world. Now, this is one of the most anticipated fights at this weight class in as long as I care to remember. Joe Calzaghe had us in suspense leading up to this fight, regarding whether or not a sudden mysterious injury would derail his plans to actually fight another great fighter. Now I’m not calling Calzaghe a dodger; but there are some who would go as far to say that Calzaghe dodged opponents outside the ring just as well as he evaded blows from his hand-picked opponents inside the ring. Joe is making his unfathomable 18th title defense of his WBO crown. That is impressive; especially the fact that Calzaghe has beaten a who’s who of who cares in the super-middleweight division. Calzaghe has always had the tools to be the best in his weight class. Joe has great hand-speed, more than adequate power, and solid defense. 
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (March 2, 2006 ) -- Photo: Wray Edwards / ESB - There's a new monarch in town and his name is JEFF "LEFT HOOK" LACY, the undefeated IBF/IBO super middleweight champion. Lacy, who arrived in Manchester last Saturday, is ready to teach undefeated WBO super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe the first rule in U.S. Civics -- TERM LIMITS. 
02.03.06 - Photos by Tom Casino / Showtime - JOE CALZAGHE: “This fight is great for our division. Lacy is a good fighter, but he has not fought Joe Calzaghe. I have respect for Lacy, but if he’s underestimating me, he made a mistake coming here.
01.03.06 - Photos: David Martin-Warr / Don King Productions - One of the most popular boxers in history, “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya, will return to the ring to challenge dangerous World Boxing Council super welterweight champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga on Saturday, May 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The fight appropriately titled “Danger Zone”, will be promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don King Productions and will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
01.03.06 - photo by Tom Casino / Showtime: JEFF “LEFT HOOK’’ LACY: “I am tired of all this talk and questions. I am ready for this fight.
01.03.06 - Photo by Tom Casino / Showtime: An excellent weekend of fisticuffs on America’s No. 1 Boxing Network begins with a sensational fight card Friday, March 3, when unbeaten IBF/IBO flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan (24-0, 19 KOs) defends against IBF No. 3 contender Diosdado Gabi (26-2-1, 19 KOs) in the main event on “ShoBox: The New Generation” on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). Darchinyan has won six consecutive bouts by knockout. Gabi, who has never been stopped, has won 12 in a row (eight inside of the distance).