by James Slater - Last night in Belfast, 25-year-old Sam Sexton once again had too much for gutsy 38-year-old Martin Rogan. Another great all-action fight ensued, as it had done when the two men first met back in May, and once again the younger man won.

Rogan, who had picked up a small cut above his right eye in the 5th-round, was unable to come out for the 7th-round. The official reason was a damaged left arm, but it looked as though the local man had taken too much punishment in the 6th-round, a session Norwich's Sexton won big. Sexton, who retained the Commonwealth heavyweight title he'd won by TKO'ing Rogan in 8-rounds in their previous meeting, improved to 13-1(6). The always-exciting Rogan fell to 12-2(6). continue

by James Slater - All boxers are courageous. The very fact that they have the stuff needed to climb into the ring and fight proves as much, but sometimes a boxer has to show the kind of courage that is astonishing even for a prize fighter.

I'm talking about when a fighter has been in a tough fight, a helluva tough fight, and has picked up a serious injury of some sort, the kind that would make it perfectly acceptable for him to quit, simply because nobody in their right mind would be justified in criticising him for doing so - but has instead somehow gone on to win the fight.

During the sport's rich history we have seen incredible acts of bravery from men like Muhammad Ali, who suffered a broken jaw, no less, yet still boxed on, refusing to quit. We have seen other legends, like Pernell Whitaker, fight on with a broken jaw as well. We have also witnessed fighters, like Joe Frazier, carry on fighting even though they were all but blind during a fight. continue

by Geoffrey Ciani - On December 11 Grady Brewer is slated to square off against Winky Wright. The 38 year old Brewer is currently in the midst of an eight fight winning streak, having not lost a fight in over four years. I was recently afforded the opportunity to have a nice chat with Grady and here is what he had to say:

Q: Grady, how are your preparations going for your December 11 fight with Winky Wright?

A: I think they’re going great. I think that I planned out the schedule of things I need to do and I think everything is falling in place and it’s a matter of time before everything is taking place, I guess now.

Q: When Winky lost his last fight against Paul Williams, did you see any weaknesses in his game that you think you can exploit?

A: Well, I’ve always seen a weakness in Winky Wright as far as when—I’ve never think that it could be done—but I’ve definitely seen a weakness when he fought Paul Williams and I always thought it was a weakness when he fought Paul Williams, and Paul Williams just utilized the weakness to what I knew that could happen, and that’s just throwing a lot of punches, keeping him on defense, staying real busy, and just keeping him where he can’t fire back. I want him to stay on defense the whole time, because Winky is the type of fighter that he loves to stay on defense than be on offense. That’s good and bad. continue

Tampa, FL: Undefeated welterweight knockout artist Keith “One Time” Thurman was taken the distance for the first time, winning an 8 round UD over Edvan Barros on One Punch Productions final “Ballroom Brawl” of 2009. Thurman dropped Barros with a body shot in the 7th, however Barros showed his experience in tying Thurman up and making it to the final bell. Scores were 80-71, and 79-72 twice. With the win Thurman goes to 11-0, 10 KO’s. continue

By Ziggy Shah - Being a boxing fan can sometimes be a difficult past-time, especially in the run up to big fights. The previews, hype and press conferences adjoined by your own anticipation of how things will conclude make it an amazing, yet testing sport to be a part of.

As always the commentators and the pundits are always at the forefront, constantly pen pushing and force feeding you with their opinions as to who shall overcome. However, many argue that they are experts and their views coupled by their knowledge are paramount to the sport. continue

Weights by Trish Kilcullen, Photos by Peter Mark Heintzelman - The long-anticipated night of fantastic boxing takes place at the from the XL Center, at OneCivic Center Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut. First bell rings at 6pm. HBO live coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, and $35, (plus any applicable fees and surcharges), can be purchased at the XL Center box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, through Ticketmaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at www.xlcenter.com.

Stay tuned to EastSideBoxing for fight night photo gallery coverage. Friday afternoon, at Hartford, Connecticut’s XL Center, and with Gary Shaw Productions and world title belts at stake, the boxers tipped the scales, for the final weights for tomorrow’s world championship bout and undercards at stake, and the weights were as follows:

“Bad” Chad Dawson- 175 lbs 28-0-0- 17 KO’s New Haven, CT 27 year old southpaw v. Glenn “Gentleman” Johnson – 173 ½ lbs 49-12-2, 33 KO’s Miami, FLA via Jamaica 40 years old – orthodox. continue

LAS VEGAS (November 6, 2009)—The late great boxing trainer Eddie Futch, who counted six world heavyweight champions as his pupils, always said a fighter’s corner played an essential role in a competitive fight’s outcome. With stakes high for the Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto fight on Saturday, November 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena live on HBO Pay-Per-View®, today’s most decorated trainers give their insight into the match-up and whether or not the experienced corner of Manny Pacquiao, with esteemed trainer Freddie Roach, will out-perform the lesser known Cotto corner lead by Joe Santiago. Here from the experts themselves as they breakdown and predict the outcome of this tremendous fight. continue

NEW YORK, N.Y. (November 6, 2009)-VERSUS, the fastest growing sports cable network in the country, will air an action-packed night of boxing on December 2 headlined by the "Broad Street Brawl" featuring a light heavyweight battle between Bernard Hopkins and Enrique Ornelas, live from the Liacouras Center at Temple University in Philadelphia. VERSUS will also air the highly anticipated title bout between eight-time world champion Roy Jones Jr. and IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green. VERSUS' coverage on December 2 begins at 8 p.m. ET. continue

Weights from Germany - Nicolai Valuev 314.6 David Haye 216.7 l John Ruiz 226 Adnan Serin 214.5 l Sergei Liakhovich 232.8 Jeremy Bates 231.4 l Robert Helenius 248.8 Taras Bidenko 215.4 l Alexander Frenkel 193.4 Kelvin Davis 196.2

By Erik Shaffer - This Saturday David Haye will finally step into the ring against one of the current heavyweight champions as he takes on Nikolay Valuev for the WBA title. David Haye is sitting right now at around a -160 favorite with a total of 10.5 rounds -170 over to beat the Russian giant, who is coming off one of the worst fights of his career. It was last December when I watched Evander Holyfield circle around against Valuev, win 8 rounds in the process only to be given a majority decision loss.

Haye also had his last fight a year ago as he scored a TKO over Monte Barrett during the 5th round. David Haye comes into this fight on fire. Before the Barrett fight he ko'd Enzo Maccarinelli in 2 rounds and he also ko'd Jean Marc Mormeck in 7. As for Valuev, well even before the Holyfield fight he had a split decision win over John Ruiz. And that also was considered as a bad performance. I do know that when it comes to sporting events there is a big difference between coming in as a favorite and coming in as a home dog. And I think on Saturday we have a sleeping home dog ready to wake up and take a bite. continue

LAS VEGAS (November 5, 2009) – Jennifer Lopez …Carlos Beltran … Roberto Clemente. . .it takes longer to escape a New York City traffic jam than to drive the length of Puerto Rico, which measures only 100 miles by 35 miles. . . Benicio Del Toro… Reggie Jackson…Chi Chi Rodriguez. . .the population of Puerto Rico is about 3.9-million. That means the entire Commonwealth has fewer residents than at least a dozen metropolitan areas in the USA. . .Marc Antony… Carmelo Anthony … Freddie Prinze Sr. . .yet the number of sports and entertainment stars and superstars produced by this island is overwhelming. continue

by James Slater - 40-year-old Oleg Maskaev, the former WBC heavyweight champion, is just two wins away from a shot at regaining his old title. Currently 2-0(1) in a return to the ring that followed his title-losing stoppage loss to Sam Peter, the Russian puncher faces the much younger Nagy Aguilera in his next fight, on December 11th in Sacrament where he now resides. Should "The Big O" win that fight, he will then square off with Ray Austin in a final eliminator for the WBC crown now held by Vitali Klitschko.

Yesterday, whilst being at a press conference to publicise the Aguilera fight, Maskaev, 36-6(27) very kindly took time out to speak with me. Here are the easygoing big man's answers to my questions:

James Slater: It's great to speak with you, Oleg. I appreciate your time. You must be looking forward to your fight on December 11th in Sacramento against Nagy Aguilera?

Oleg Maskaev: Yes. This is a very important fight for me. All fights are very important for me now, and this one especially. Aguilera is young, he's a good fighter with a great amateur background and this fight is a big challenge for me. I'm looking forward to it. continue

06.11.09- By Brendan Galbraith - Tonight, Irish Super Bantamweight Carl Frampton will make his home debut as a professional, facing Hungarian Ignac Kassai (1-5-2), in a four-rounder on the under card of the McCloskey-Rasilla bill in Magherafelt, Derry. Fighting in front of a passionate Irish crowd could become a more regular occurrence for Frampton when his manager, Barry McGuigan secures his promoters licence next year. For now, Frampton is getting ready to deliver another impressive performance, having already clinically disposed of his first two professional opponents; one by a 2nd round KO and the other with a comprehensive points victory.

In our interview with Carl, we learn more about his transition to the pro ranks, his training camp with the top Irish trainers - Gerry Storey (Senior and Junior) and the nervous excitement of making his home debut. continue

By Robert Cookson – THIS Saturday (November 7) Nikolay Valuev defends his WBA Heavyweight Championship against Britain’s David Haye in Germany.

Haye has bad-mouthed his way to a title shot. First taunting the brothers’ Klitschko mercilessly, including wearing a tee-shirt adorned with a picture of him holding up their severed heads. Fights with both the Kiltschko’s fell through, Haye being the factor on each occasion. First against Wladimir, through a back injury Haye sustained in training and secondly, against Vitali, as Haye pulled out of negotiations at the last minute to take on ‘The Beast From The East.’

The Brit has continued his name-calling, bad-taste, tirades in the build up to this fight moving his attention to the seven-footer from Saint Petersburg, Russia. He decapitated a life-size cardboard Valuev in one press conference and called the Russian everything from a ‘freak show’ to just plain ‘smelly.. continue

By Coach Tim Walker - The current heavyweight landscape is viewed by many as thin. I am in the minority who feel that the division isn't necessarily thin, just not packed with personalities that fans gravitate towards. Case and point, Vitali Klitschko is as effective a champion as a heavyweight can be typically winning by some mode of stoppage (37 knockouts in 38 wins is not a fluke). In addition to that he has only two recorded losses and was winning both of those fights before a shoulder injury in the ninth round stopped him against Chris Byrd and an awesomely bad cut above his eye ended his fight with Lennox Lewis. Neither fighter re-matched Vitali. Byrd lost the WBO in his first defense against Wladimir Klitschko and Lewis retired. Thus, the problem isn't there not being a dominant heavyweight rather a lack of a magnetizing personality within the division.

Recently Lewis suggested that the next great heavyweight might be as much as 30 years from discovery. If that number is accurate then the next great heavyweight hasn’t been born. I can’t argue what I can’t prove, referring to Lewis’ timeline, but I can introduce you to a boxing stud that can potentially fill the character cavity within the heavyweight division. This week's Weekly Stud, heavyweight Tor Hamer. continue

WBC World Super Middleweight Champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch will be on FA Cup duty this Sunday when he makes the draw for the second round of British football’s most treasured competition live on ITV1 (and ITV.com) from 3:35pm. The Nottingham hero is fresh from a second successful defence of his title last month when he ended the unbeaten run of U.S. Olympic medallist Andre Dirrell in a bout that also saw Froch open his Super Six World Boxing Classic campaign. Froch will be back in Super Six action early in the New Year when he takes on reigning WBA Super Middleweight Champ, Mikkel Kessler in what is shaping up to be a mega fight but first he will do the honours in Sunday’s second round FA Cup draw. continue

By Vivek Wallace - Approximately 8 days remain until fight fans around the globe can officially sink their teeth into a showdown that has given us all quite a bit to chew on in recent months. From stalled negotiations, to the title-vs-non-title debate, to the official weight; Every step of the way, this epic showdown has been as contested outside of the ring as many believe it will be inside of it. With negotiations completed and a huge showdown ensuing, today, we flip the page back to the fighters themselves, who have vowed to do their talking in the ring, as we in the media address the deep intricacies away from it. In last weeks 'Call Em Out Fridays' segment, we took a close look at Filipino phenom, Manny Pacquiao, and the road he took to land on this grand stage. This week, we hone in on his opponent, a man who took a similar path to stardom, yet somehow hasn't received the same attention. When you look at the island of Puerto Rico, one can make the argument that per capita, it has produced more superior talent (in the sport of boxing) than any other location in the world. With Benitez, Camacho, Trinidad, and others officially cast in the past, perhaps the search for today's carrier of the torch can be halted, as it appears the greatest of the latest to come from the island is in fact on the brink of cementing that very legacy. A victory for Cotto isn't a sure shot, but with a scarred past and a level of determination that remains unblemished, it will be quite intriguing to see if he can truly be denied. continue

At its 47th Annual World Convention in Jeju (Korea) this week the WBC announced the new world ratings. After his impressive 2nd round tko victory over former world title challenger Monte Barrett on October 10th in New York heavyweight sensation Odlanier Solis advances to rank #3 after only 15 pro-fights (15 wins, 11 kos). “I am very grateful that my merits are appreciated the way they are”, states Solis. “Still being recognized as the #3 heavyweight in the world is not what I turned pro for. I will continue to work hard to prove that I am the no. 1. Actually I am convinced that I could beat the two guys ahead of me (Ray Austin and Oleg Maskaev) on one night. I will be heavyweight champion of the world – no matter who I have to fight and beat to get there!. continue

Monday’s special two hour edition of On the Ropes featured three live exclusive interviews: Bernard Hopkins, Al Bernstein, and Zab Judah.

Highlighting this episode was the very interesting interview with future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins. In the interview (which lasted approximately 45 minutes), Hopkins talked about anything and everything. He spoke about his upcoming December fight with Enrique Ornelas, talked about the long awaited rematch with Roy Jones that is tentatively slated for March, and touched on previous contests with Felix Trinidad, Joe Calzaghe, Roy Jones, and Jermain Taylor, just to name a few. continue

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Promoter Gary Shaw opened Thursday’s final Chad Dawson-Glen Johnson press conference asking for a moment of silence for Jasper Howard, the University of Connecticut football player who was stabbed to death on campus on Oct. 18. Dawson will honor Howard’s memory on Saturday night by wearing his number 6 on his trunks and on the back of his warm-up robe. Shaw then praised all four fighters – Dawson, Johnson, Alfredo Angulo and Harry Joe Yorgey – taking part in Title Night at the XL Center on Saturday as “true gentleman.” He added: “You don’t see a lot of smack talking and swearing going on with these guys. It’s all about the fight.”

In an otherwise lively and festive event, Dawson and his crew donned new Yankee hats and “El Perro” Angulo passed out doggie treats to his opponent Yorgey before addressing the media.

“I’ve always been a Yankee fan. I’ve from the East Coast,” Dawson said of the newly crowned World Series champions. “I think they threw that last game just to bring it back and win it in Yankee Stadium.. continue

By Per Ake Persson: The Klitschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir, and Universum have for five years fought in courts over when their respective contracts with Universum expired. It´s now been decided by a higher court in Germany that the Klitschkos were right. Universum had argued that the contracts should be extended with the time the two champs were injured and not available to fight. Not so, says the court. According to Bild WBA middleweight king Felix Sturm has hired the same attorney as the Klitschkos had for their contractual dispute with Universum. continue

By Paul Strauss: The American Boy beat the US Marine. How does that work? Well, tonight it was Jason "The American Boy" Litzau who scored a unanimous decision over Johnnie "The Lumberjack" Edwards. Edwards was less the lumberjack than a "botheration", Early on he caused trouble, and was a source of unhappiness for Litzau. The American Boy had to feel he would be the hometown favorite at such a place as the Marine Corps Air Station, Jacksonville, North Carolina, but the lumberjack is an ex-marine, so closer to their heart was he. Evident from the start, Litzau didn't appear to be his usual energetic self, as pointed out by ESPN2 announcers Brian Kenny and Teddy Atlas. He didn't bother to establish any kind of effective jab.

Litzau was probably remembering the easy time he had of it in his last fight with the similarly short fighter named Verquan Kimbrough, who he stopped in three. continue

Los Angeles, CA (November 5, 2009) – What do a pair of fearless world champions do - one who is the most feared fighter and the other most avoided - when no other fighter is willing to get into the ring with them? They fight each other.

On Saturday night, December 5th, Paul “The Punisher” Williams (37-1, 27 KO), the “Most Feared Fighter in the World” will step into the ring at the Boardwalk Hall Ballroom in Atlantic City in a scheduled 12-round middleweight Bout against Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KO).

Goossen Tutor Promotions and Caesars Atlantic City in association with DiBella Entertainment are presenting this main event bout of an HBO World Championship Boxing telecast. Heavyweight contender Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola will open HBO’s broadcast at 10pm ET/7pm PT, as he will see his first action since his courageous losing effort at the hands of WBC heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko back in late September at a sold-out Staples Center in Los Angeles. continue

NUREMBERG, Germany (Nov. 5, 2009) – The most interested spectator Saturday in Versicherung Arena for the WBA heavyweight title fight between defending Nikolai “The Russian Giant” Valuev and challenger David “The Haymaker” Haye will be former 2-time WBA title-holder John “The Quietman” Ruiz. Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs), the WBA top contender, agreed with the promoters for Valuev and Haye to “step aside” as the WBA “Official Challenger." By defeating ex-IBU champion Adnan “Aachen Assassin” Serin (19-10-1, 7 KOs) in Saturday’s 10-round co-feature on the “David vs. Goliath” Pay-Per-View event, he is guaranteed a title bout against the Valuev-Haye winner by the end of May, 2010. continue

By Brendan Galbraith - There are three major boxing events all taking place in Northern Ireland tomorrow night - Rogan-Sexton rematch at the Odyssey in Belfast, The Mike Tyson show is happening less than a mile away and the McCloskey-Rasilla bill is taking place about 35 miles away in Magherafelt in Derry. Therefore, you could be forgiven for overlooking some of the emerging talent that features on the under cards of both bills.

Tomorrow night the highly rated Irish Flyweight, Jamie Conlan will be making his pro debut on the under card of the Rogan-Sexton bill. continue

by James Slater - The rematch Paulie Malignaggi all but demanded after losing a very controversial to Juan Diaz back in August is on. Scheduled to take place in Chicago on December 12th, with HBO televising, the rematch will hopefully settle things between the two fighters once and for all. Most observers, aside from fans of Diaz, had "The Magic Man" winning and felt he was more than worthy of being awarded the points win that went in the Texan's favour just over two months ago, and now the 28-year-old will get his chance to right a wrong.

The action on August 22nd, aside from resulting in one of the year's most debatable decisions, also entertained the fans, and the sequel figures to do the same. On neutral ground in Chicago - a site in which neither guy has fought before - the return, it is hoped, will see none of the crazy scoring the first fight did. Held, of course, in Texas, Diaz was somehow deemed a winner by a margin of 118-110 on one judge's card. It's not yet known who the three scoring officials will be on December 12th, but we will be hoping to see fair and unbiased scoring. continue

By Brendan Galbraith- The setting for today’s weigh-in was a first floor function room in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast. In one corner of the room stood a confident Sam Sexton with his trainer, Graham Everett; in the opposite corner was a fired-up Martin Rogan and his new trainer Paul McCullagh. In between both men, was MC Mike Woodhall and former British Flyweight Champion, Hugh Russell, now performing with aplomb the officiator role.

First onto the scales was a trim and well-conditioned Martin Rogan, who weighted-in at 234 Ilbs. Rogan, relishing the role of home favourite, let out a ferocious roar and then a second battle cry of “C’mon Belfast” to his cheering fans. continue

HARTFORD, Conn., (Nov. 4, 2009) – Selected quotes from Wednesday’s media workout held at the Next Level Athletic Conditioning Center in nearby Bloomfield.

CHAD DAWSON - “I’m feeling some buzz around the city about the fight. I’ve really just been sitting in my hotel room and spending time with my kids. I’m sure come Saturday night there will be a lot of buzz.

“I can’t wait to get in the ring and shut him up. It’s been almost two years now. After I’m done with him he won’t be able to say nothing except I lost to Chad Dawson twice. continue

Click here to watch an exclusive behind-the-scenes video look at how WBA Heavyweight Champion Nikolai Valuev has prepared for Saturday´s clash against David Haye.

by James Slater - Nikolai Valuev and David Haye have just one common opponent: New York's Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett. Stopped by both men - in 11-rounds by the current WBA champion back in 2006, and in 5-rounds by Haye last November - Barrett knows all about the strengths and possible weaknesses of both fighters.

In an interview with Tris Dixon of British Boxing News magazine, "Two Gunz" gave his take on the fight that will take place in two days time.

Picking Valuev to win, Barrett isn't sure whether or not "The Russian Giant" can stop "The Hayemaker. continue

CHICAGO (November 5) - The fans demanded it and so did the fighters, so on Saturday, December 12, one of 2009's most exciting fights gets an encore, as Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz meets up with Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi once again, this time on neutral territory at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in a 12 round rematch of their August 22, 2009 battle. HBO Boxing After Dark will televise the bout along with a co-main event featuring the return of top junior welterweight contender "Vicious" Victor Ortiz in a pivotal 10 round matchup against the always dangerous contender Antonio Diaz. continue

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (November 4, 2009) – On Wednesday, November 4, boxing’s No. 1 pound-for-pound king of the ring and the box office and the reigning Fighter of the Year, MANNY “PacMan” PACQUIAO, along with Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, will hosted a Media Day Workout at Wild Card Boxing Club as he continues training for "FIRE POWER" -- the world welterweight championship. The following are Manny Pacquiao's quotes from today's workout. continue

Los Angeles, CA (November 5)—On the heels of his first primetime television appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live and his recognition as a 2009 Gusi Peace Prize laureate, boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao now finds himself on the cover of TIME Magazine Asia edition (see below) as part of a five page feature story on the boxing Champion that will be included in all editions (global and US market) of the magazine hitting newsstands this weekend.

With the population of Asia being the largest in the world, Pacquiao is overwhelmed with the idea of so many people seeing his face on the cover of such a prestigious magazine.

“I absolutely had no idea that when I started my career in boxing, to provide a better life for myself and my family, that I would now be where I am today and on the cover of TIME Magazine,” said Pacquiao. “A fighter’s dream is to win a world title and gain financial stability. But what is happening to me now is the most humbling experience of my life. It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country. continue

"Bad blood" is defined since the first modern use of the phrase in 1832 as "anger or hostility between persons or groups; this term is based on the old association with blood and emotion, particularly anger." Now, fast forward 177 years to December 4, 2009 when reigning female Welterweight Champion of the World Holly Holm (26-1) faces Melissa "Huracan" Hernandez (11-1) for Holm’s WIBA title at a 140 pound catch weight. continue

Episode #3 Debut: SATURDAY, NOV. 7 (9:00-9:30 p.m. ET/6:00-6:30 p.m. PT) Other HBO playdates: Nov. 7 (11:45 p.m. ET/8:45 p.m. PT), 8 (11:15 a.m., 8:15 p.m.), 9 (7:30 p.m.), 10 (2:0 p.m., 11:30 p.m.), 12 (11:30 a.m., 10:30 p.m.), 13 (9:00 p.m.) and 14 (10:30 a.m.)- HBO2 playdates: Nov. 8 (11:10 p.m.), 11 (12:50 a.m.), 13 (1:40 a.m.) and 14 (5:00 p.m.) HBO On Demand availability begins: Nov. 9 -- Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) focuses on his training regime amidst personality clashes in the camp, while Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) and his team prepare to move training camp to Las Vegas a week early to further prepare him for the Nov. 14 megafight. continue

Martin Rogan has promised that he will be a "new" fighter in Belfast tomorrow night. The Irishman will challenge Sam Sexton for the Commonwealth heavyweight title at the Odyssey Arena. In May this year Rogan lost the belt to Sexton on a controversial eighth round stoppage. But the 38-year-old insists that he has learned vital lessons from the defeat. In the aftermath, Rogan split with trainer John Breen, teaming up instead with Paul McCullagh.

And Rogan says he has made a number of improvements in the gym. "I'm stronger and faster than I have ever been," said the man who beat Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton.

"I have to thank Sam for bringing the belt back over, because that is where it is staying.

"I'm going to do it - I have trained very hard and I have a lot more to offer. continue

by James Slater - As has been reported by the WBC, at their recent convention, Andre Dirrell has asked them for a rematch with current WBC 168-pound ruler Carl Froch; the man who controversially out-pointed him via close split decision back on October 17th in Nottingham, UK. According to a statement put out by the WBC, who are in support of the exciting "Super Six" tournament both Froch and Dirrell are competing in: "if a rematch could be scheduled without interfering with the tournament it will be approved. If it cannot then Dirrell will become the mandatory challenger after the tournament has finished.. continue

by James Slater - Colombian banger Breidis Prescott's main claim to boxing fame remains his stunning 1st-round KO of current WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan. So much so that on BoxRec's listing of the 26-year-old, the nickname section has the moniker of "Khanqueror" next to Prescott.

However, as impressive and as important as that September 2008 win was for the long-armed slugger, he has not yet built on it. continue

WBA Heavyweight Champion Nikolai Valuev has promised “something special” for David Haye when they clash in the ring on Saturday night. The Russian Giant cannot wait to let his fists do the talking after the challenger has wasted no chance to hurl insults at the biggest and tallest champion of all time. “His comments have been very motivating,” Valuev said. “But let´s see what Haye has to offer inside the ring. I don´t think he will be able to follow it up. But I will not under-estimate him.”

Haye was brimming with confidence when he spoke in front of a packed press conference today. "He hasn't fought anyone of my calibre; he's never fought anyone in their prime or someone so fired up,” the challenger said. “I'm not one of these guys he's used to fighting. I'm not over-the-hill, I'm not tainted, I'm not past my sell-by-date. I am fresh, I am ready.”

And he added: "Training has gone great and I am going to make him look silly on Saturday night. I am going to embarrass him, knock him out. He's never fought anyone as fast or who punches as hard as me, or as accurate. I know he feels I'm a little mouthy man from England, but he's gonna be in for a rude awakening when that bell goes.. continue

Reigning European Middleweight Champion Matthew Macklin believes he can round out a sensational 2009 in style when he faces Uruguayan Champion Rafa Sosa Pintos on the Sierra Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on Saturday, December 5th. The Birmingham based Irishman has had less than 10 minutes of competitive action this year but what an explosive ten minutes they’ve been. In March he ended Birmingham rival Wayne Elcock’s British title reign with a third round KO and then in September he followed that up with a sensational first round destruction of former European champ Amin Asikainen to claim the continental crown. continue

Jonny Stapleton - Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym will put the WBA super bantamweight world title that once sat proudly around the waist of Bernard Dunne on the line against a Japanese opponent on January 11. However camp Poonsawat have reconfirmed they are still interested in a rematch with the Dubliner. The Thai powerhouse will receive €150,000 to make his first defense against OPBF Featherweight champion Satoshi Hosono in early 2010 but camp Poonsawat claimed they would “welcome” the chance to take on Dunne again. The “Little Tank’s” manager Terry Laosuwanwat revealed there was no contact with Brian Peters but did stress they would love to fight in Ireland again. continue

CHICAGO, IL (November 5, 2009) Finishing up a lengthy training camp over the last couple of months, Chicago’s Donovan “DA BOMB” George is “primed and ready” to take on Canada’s Jason Naugler this Friday night, November 6th, in the ten round super middleweight main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 7” at the UIC Pavilion. Presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, the George/Naugler showdown headlines a terrific evening of action packed professional boxing. Advance tickets for "WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 7”, starting at $31 are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions’ Office (312-226-5800).

The 24 year old George spoke about his upcoming bout after finishing one of this final workout sessions leading up to Friday night.

“This is the best I’ve felt going into a fight, I’ve been on weight for a few days now and just feel very strong. These last couple of weeks we’ve been pushing harder every day in the gym” said the lifelong Chicagoland resident. continue

Next year’s most sensational boxing event was announced during the Wednesday morning general assembly meeting at the World Boxing Council’s 47th annual convention – “Night of Champions” is scheduled to be held in Cardiff, Wales, in November, 2010. The first Night of Champions – Noche de Campeones - was held in December, 2006, in Cancun three months after Hurricane Wilma had destroyed much of the Mexican resort. The incredible event, which brought together 97 current and former world champions – the largest gathering of world champions in history - played a big part in revitalizing Cancun. continue

by James Slater - Jamie Moore was on a roll. The hard working 31-year-old southpaw from Salford had recaptured the British title, had won the European belt at 154-pounds and, finally, after months and months of waiting, he was on the verge of a shot at a recognised world title. But then he met British rival Ryan Rhodes, and his excellent run came to and end. With it, reportedly, came an end to Moore's days as a light-middleweight. continue

by James Slater - An amazing development has come up with regards to the career of heavyweight contender Chris Arreola - he has been banned from the ring for six months for swearing! As has been reported by a number of sources on the internet, the 28-year-old's emotional post-fight interview that followed his brave but losing effort against WBC king Vitali Klitschko back in September angered chiefs at the WBC. And, at their recent convention in South Korea, the WBC took it upon themselves to approve the six month ban.

The ban will be back dated to the September 26th fight, meaning "The Nightmare" will be able to fight again in march of next year. This news obviously means Arreola's planned December 5th return to the ring (no opponent had actually been officially named yet) will not go ahead. It remains to be seen if Arreola and his team will appeal the WBC's ruling, and if an appeal would be successful anyway.

But enough about the WBC, what do you, the paying fans think? Has the organisation led by Jose Sulaiman overreacted by banning the Mexican/American for using foul language? continue

Jonny Stapleton - Freddie Roach has backed Bernard Dunne to bounce back from the loss of his WBA boxing super bantamweight World Title claiming “Dunne is not done.” The man regarded as the greatest boxing trainer in world is adamant the Irish people should not be looking for a new boxing superstar just yet and added his support to the campaign to get the Dubliner to move up a weight. However while he states Dunne should not be replaced as Ireland’s number one boxing superstar, Roach does claims he is working with an Irish talent that become known world wide. continue

HARTFORD, Conn., (Nov. 4, 2009) – Title Night in Hartford just got that much better with the announcement that Saturday night’s HBO televised co-feature between “Lightning” Harry Joe Yorgey and Alfredo “Perro” Angulo has been approved for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) interim junior middleweight world title. "It's been 20 years since Hartford has hosted a world championship fight and now it will be hosting two on the same night," said Gary Shaw, who is co-promoting the Yorgey-Angulo fight along with Banner Promotions. "It's a testament to the quality of this matchup that the WBO is sanctioning Angulo vs. Yorgey for its interim world title. Fans attending and viewers watching on HBO are in for an exciting night of fistic fireworks.. continue

By Brendan Galbraith - Today, at the Victoria Square Mall in Belfast Martin Rogan and Sam Sexton were present for an open media work out. First up was the Belfast man, who spent the late morning facilitating the media with non-stop interviews and in between taking time to pose for pictures with fans. Sam Sexton and his trainer, Graham Everett, who flew into Belfast this morning, arrived shortly after Rogan had departed. Sexton quickly got down to business by attending to his own hand wraps. As Sexton stepped into the ring to do some pad work with his trainer Graham Everett; MC Harry McGavock, announced the Commonwealth Champion to the waiting crowd. Unlike, the last time Sexton was introduced to a Belfast crowd, the several hundred shoppers and lunchtime workers who had lined the balconies of the four floors surrounding the ring in the impressive Victoria Square setting, gave Sexton a warm round of applause.

In attendance at today’s open media work-out was former British Flyweight Champion Hugh Russell, and current Irish Cruiserweight Champion, Darren Corbett. continue

Los Angeles, CA (November 3, 2009) – At the midway point of training camp preparation for his first shot at a world title and his first bout in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, undefeated American boxer Andre “S.O.G.” Ward and his trainer Virgil Hunter have declared they are on schedule and building momentum toward the November 21st meeting with WBA Super Middleweight Champion Mikkel Kessler at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA.

The 25-year old Ward (20-0, 13 KO) who, in Athens in 2004, was the lone – and most recent -- American to claim Olympic gold, will attempt to wrest the WBA title away from Denmark native Kessler (42-1, 32 KO) in Ward’s own hometown while also preventing the Europeans from shutting out American fighters in the first round of this unique tournament being televised by SHOWTIME. continue

By Bryan Brennan - At this point I think most know that Manny Pacquiao is one of the most exciting fighters in combat sports. That's right, not just boxing, but in all of the sports where two people square off to prove who's best. If you don't see it this way, you are 1 of 3 types of people:

1. In denial: You are so for Miguel Cotto on November 14th that you refuse to admit that Manny Pacquiao is not only a formidable opponent, but also an exciting customer at the Cotto counter. continue

By Coach Tim Walker – We are only a little over a week away from the mega-fight between super-charged Manny Pacquiao and heavy-duty Miguel Cotto and the anticipation is building. Threads about the fight are everywhere. I actually overheard a couple of 40-50 year age women talking about this fight and they knew what they were talking about. You got to love that.

With all the talk what can be said that hasn’t been said? Manny’s speed is well documented. Cotto’s ability to absorb punishment is known. Both fighters tenaciously represent their countries: Philippines and Puerto Rico. I heard an analogy of the fight as a Ferrari running head on into a Hummer and I am inclined to agree with that.

This fight will be potentially as dynamic as it will be volatile and explosive. Still, at the end of the day someone has to win and someone has to lose. This fight represents a career intersection where the winner will lay claim to being one of the greatest boxers of all time. The other, though his career won’t end at the final bell of this fight, will definitely be viewed differently. continue

HARTFORD, Conn., (Nov. 3, 2009) – One day before the start of their 2009-2010 basketball campaign, Coach Jim Calhoun and the Connecticut men’s basketball team met with local resident Chad Dawson on Tuesday at the XL Center, site of the undefeated Dawson’s rematch with Glen Johnson for the WBC interim light heavyweight world title on Saturday night.

Calhoun and Dawson spent some time talking boxing and basketball before the Huskies hit the practice floor. UConn plays American International College in an exhibition Wednesday at the XL Center and Dawson said he’d be there. AIC is Calhoun’s alma mater. continue

LOS ANGELES, November 3 – It was an instant classic last Saturday night at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, as the two best bantamweights in the world traded punches for 12 torridly-paced rounds. When it was over, Cartegena, Colombia’s Yonnhy Perez had his hand raised over Joseph ‘King Kong’ Agbeko via unanimous decision, crowning him the new IBF 118-pound world champion. "Coming into the fight I had a calmness and confidence about me,” said Perez. “I would think and say to my team, ‘I got this one.’ I knew Agbeko wasn't as strong as me and couldn't box like me. I knew that I could counter and that Agbeko would leave himself open and I would need to capitalize on that... And it played out just like I knew it would.. continue

It did not take David Haye long to make his presence known in Germany. Shortly after arriving at the renowned Hilton Hotel in Nuremberg on Monday, he caused a stir, insisting he could not sleep well in his bed. He wrote in his online diary at www.thesun.co.uk: “When I reached German soil I was guided towards a disgusting hotel, with a dingy room. After a quick call or two, we managed to depart the rancid lair with our legs and arms still intact. We actually ended up at a lovely five-star hotel, though we had to pay for the five-star privilege. Still, if it saves us from the guaranteed Black Death of the first place, it will be well worth the price.”

And he added: “These are the sort of mind games and tactics you have to put up with when fighting abroad. They rattle some fighters, while others refuse to ever box on foreign territory. The foreign promoters are always looking to give their guy any possible advantage and they'll look to screw you around left, right and centre if they think it's going to unsettle you.. continue

by James Slater - We all know how much trainer Freddie Roach knows about the sport he makes a living participating in. One of the most knowledgeable trainers in the world today, the former pro fighter has also proven how good he is at picking the outcome of fights. Few believed him when he said his fighter Manny Pacquiao would stop the much bigger Oscar De La Hoya inside 9-rounds. But it happened. Few people, Roach aside, really felt "Pac-Man" would KO Ricky Hatton as quickly as inside three rounds. That happened also. continue

Minto: "I'll fight Arreola Dec. 5th!"- WBO#7, WBA#14 heavyweight contender, Brian "The Beast" Minto (34-2 21kos) wants a shot at WBC#4, WBO#10 Chris Arreola (27-1 24kos) on Dec. 5th on HBO. Minto states, "We both have a great deal of heart and skill, and our styles would make for an exciting and fan-friendly type fight. In addition, Arreola can put up his NABF belt, and I'll put my WBO NABO heavyweight title on the line." Interestingly, a size difference could play a factor in an Arreola/Minto matchup. Arreola, standing 6'4, weighed 251 pounds in his September match with WBC Heavyweight Champ, Vitali Klitschko (38-2 37kos), while Minto, 5'11, always hovers around 215 pounds. Minto's agent, Pat Nelson, states, "Minto is undefeated on HBO PPV, RTL and ESPN, and he greatly is looking forward to returning to a major, premium network such as HBO.. continue

-- Click here to listen to the show -- by Jenna J - As always, this week's special two hour edition of On the Ropes will start at its regularly scheduled time, 6pm Eastern Time. You can listen live by clicking “play” on the player or click here to enter our chat on the blogtalk message board; you can also call into the show at (646)716-5404.

On the Ropes is back! Join me Jenna J, the Hostess, along with my impeccable Co-Host/Producer, the spectacular Geoffrey Ciani (aka-Rummy).

Topics for Discussion
Yohnny Perez UD Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko recap and analysis
• Antonio DeMarco TKO10 Jose Alfaro recap and analysis
• Fernando Vargas challenging Hector Camacho Jr after Camacho's SD win
• Pacquiao-Cotto 24/7 recap
• Rumors of a possible fourth contest between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez
• The possibility of a comeback by “Iron” Mike Tyson continue

by James Slater - Despite admitting he'd given the idea much serious thought, British heavyweight Danny Williams is not about to retire just yet. The 36-year-old who was last seen doing not too well in the latest instalment of The "Prize Fighter" series - being hurt, knocked down and ultimately out-pointed by Carl Baker back on October 2nd - is scheduled to return to action on the 29th of this month. continue

The World Boxing Council’s 47th annual convention opened today at the Ramada Plaza Hotel on Jeju Island, an autonomous province and popular vacation resort off the southwest coast of Korea. In his annual report, WBC President Dr. José Sulaimán, pictured above with the Governor of Jeju Island, Mr. Tae Whan Kim, said, “Mr. Governor, dear representatives, members of the Board, beautiful ladies, and friends, when my plane was taking off into my friendly skies, thinking of our convention, my mind took me back to 1981 - 28 years ago - when we were holding only our 17th world convention in Seoul, Korea, and I was going through my fourth year as president of the WBC. continue

Former HOBOKEN, N.J. (Nov. 2, 2009) – Two-time and reigning World Boxing Association heavyweight champion Nikolai “The Russian Giant” Valuev isn’t letting constant trash- talking by 3-time world cruiserweight champion David “The Haymaker” Haye get into his head as he makes final preparations for Saturday’s “David vs. Goliath” world title fight being broadcast in North America live on Pay-Per-View from Nuremberg, Germany.

Valuev (50-1, 34 KOs), from St. Petersburg, Russia, is the tallest and heaviest champion in history at an unnerving 7 feet and 325 pounds, who has defeated a trio of heavyweight champions -- Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, John “The Quietman” Ruiz (twice), and Sergei Liakhovich. With his obvious physical advantages, coupled by invaluable ring experience, Valuev will not be intimidated by Haye’s “smack.. continue

Although boxing and betting experts are bestowing their beliefs and bank accounts on a Manny Pacquiao victory over Miguel Cotto on Saturday November 14, Miguel Cotto believes differently and boxing history books tell a different story as there have been many a Puerto Rican fighter—from an island rich in producing infamous boxing champions—who have come in the underdog and walked away with the upset victory. Cotto looks to keep the tradition of these former Puerto Rican fighters alive by doing the same to Pacquiao when they meet in one of the most exciting boxing battles of the year. continue

Atlantic City, NJ - With the stakes higher than ever, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis will face another tough challenge when he meets Baltimore, MD's Tim "The Pitbull" Coleman in a 12 round contest for the vacant USBA junior welterweight title. Joe Deguardia's Star Boxing will promote the event in the classy Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center in New York City, NY. Arnaoutis, 22-3-2 (10 KO), of Atlantic City, NJ by way of Sparta, Greece has faced the very elite of the division including champs Juan Urango, Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres. The heavy-handed southpaw slickster is back with trainer Ray McCline and says that he feels rejuvenated and ready to go. continue

LAS VEGAS (November 2, 2009) – A new-look Team Ruiz has arrived in Germany to make final preparations for Saturday night’s 10-round fight between 2-time World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz, the current WBA No. 1 rated contender, against former IBU champion Adnan “Aachen Assassin” Serin on the Nicolai Valuev-David Haye pay-per-view card live from Nuremberg, Germany. Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs) agreed with the promoters for Valuev and Haye to “step aside” as the WBA “Official Challenger." By defeating Serin (19-10-1, 7 KOs), he is guaranteed a title bout against the Valuev-Haye winner by the end of May, 2010.

Ruiz, the first and only world heavyweight champion of Latino heritage, has made significant changes to Team Ruiz, adding head trainer/cutman Miguel Diaz and former WBA bantamweight Richie Sandoval (1984-86) as an assistant trainer. They join Ruiz’ brother, Eddie, in the corner and Atty. Tony Cardinale remains as manager/legal advisor. continue

by James Slater - There is no doubt about it, the three fights super-bantamweight warriors Israel Vazqeuz and Rafael Marquez gave us are nothing short of great and unforgettable. Both men gave their all and, in fights two and three especially, the action was breathtaking. However, do we really want to see a fourth fight put on by the two greats - ageing and possibly even on the way towards being shot as they now are? continue

by James Slater - As we all know, most of the pre-fight talk that has surfaced ahead of this Saturday night's WBA heavyweight title fight between champ Nikolai Valuev and challenger David Haye has come from Haye. There have been plenty of "I'm going to do this..." articles dedicated to the boasting and predicting of the former world cruiserweight champion, and in truth we've heard more than enough from him.

However, in giving his take on the intriguing fight, Valuev's trainer, Alexander Zimin, has given something of a different view on the fight. Not boasting or trash-talking about Haye, the coach has instead simply given his reasons for why he feels his fighter will emerge triumphant on Saturday. continue

by Christine Maynard, photos by Gaby Vila - Victor Bonet performed brilliantly in his "neoprofesionales" four round match against Mariano San Jose, of Madrid. The "Victor" appeared much younger than his opponent, yet he fought with precision and tenacity. He has learned well both accuracy and timing, under the tutelage of his father, Bartula Bonet, who is the trainer for Ibiza Boxing Club. All three of Bartula's sons are boxers; Victor's elder brother achieved a very good measure of success, but is no longer fighting.

Neoprofesionales fight without any head gear, which made baby-faced Victor, fighting in camo, appear even more vulnerable against the lean and hungry, more seasoned Mariano.Yet Victor did much more than hold his own. He was totally focused throughout the match. He exhibited excellent control and well practiced footwork. His resounding "two rights in a row" hit their mark, repeatedly. Yet, Mariano hardly flinched. He has a long reach, and he responded to Victor's assaults with streaking jabs and combos. continue

By Bill Patrice Jones - It is less than a week now before David Haye finally gets a chance to win a world heavyweight title against Nikolai Valuev. As this fight nears it seems more and more interest is being generated for the contest. David was on the receiving end of a whole lot of criticism and negative press after his consecutive pull outs from fights with Wladimir Klitschko (citing injury) and then Vitali Klitschko (deciding not to sign after a verbal agreement), so the bigger the interest in this fight for him the better for more than the obvious reasons. continue

The Yanjing Fight Night at the University Arena in Limerick on Saturday, November 14th is shaping up to be a huge night of live sport for the sports mad city. Not only will fight fans get to see local hero Andy Lee taking on reigning European Union and French Champion Affif Belghecham but they will also get their sporting kicks when the crucial World Cup playoff match between Ireland and France is shown live in the big screens in the arena. continue

By Ted Sares - Let’s dispense with the niceties; let’s get right to it because the next few weeks will be marvelous for fans. The Super Six World Boxing Classic is underway and Cotto vs. Pacquiao will be a fight of monster proportions, but as I predicted, Williams-Pavlik will not be made. So sit back, light up a new Te Amo nub which amazingly is a great tasting cigar at an afordable price, and pour two fingers of Scotch, Glenfarclas 17 Year Single Highland Malt Scotch whisky—we are going expensive tonight. This one is rich, intense, and full-bodied. Oh my!

From my Rhapsody library, we are featuring (for starters) Archie Bell & the Drells doing the classic “The Tighten Up”-- “We don’t only sing but we dance just as good as we walk.” After this, we move to the great Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters! "...he is one of the most serious blues guitarists you can find today. He makes me proud!"...B.B. King, Chuck Berry then checks in with “Almost Grown,” and Houndog Taylor will strut his legendary stuff with the House Rockers. Anita Baker will be doing the vocals. Any requests? continue

Richard E. (Northridge, CA): I had a chance to see your recent Youtube video about the troubles in Team Pacquiao, and felt you made some exceptional points. What are your thoughts about his camp after seeing the latest HBO 24/7?

Vivek W. (ESB): In that video clip, I basically tried to analyze a lot of the not-so-positive things that have gained attention lately in the Pacquiao camp. After seeing the latest 24/7, I think each of those points I made grew in size, yet there's a side of me that's totally convinced that the plan of either HBO or Team Pacquiao (if not both collectively) is to get the fans and perhaps Team Cotto to buy into this notion that that Pacquiao is supposedly overly distracted and not up to par. At least I hope that's what's going on. continue

(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Following a three-duel event on United States soil, Team USA will travel across the ocean to face squads from Scotland, Wales and England in two international competitions on British soil. The opening event will be a fundraiser named the Atlantic Cup and will showcase a mixed Great Britain squad with athletes from Scotland, Wales and England on November 13 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. The second dual event will be a USA vs. England Dual on November 17 at York Hall in Bethnal Green. continue

Six days before his hotly-anticipated clash with David Haye, WBA Heavyweight Champion Nikolai Valuev arrived in Nuremberg on Sunday evening. “I am in great shape and I will take home my title,” the Russian Giant said. “I really look forward to the fight.”

Two big names have been added to the undercard. Former world champion John Ruiz (43-8, 29 KOs) will take on Germany´s Adnan Serin (19-10, 7 KOs), while fellow ex-champion Sergey Lyakhovich (23-3, 14 KOs) comes face-to-face with Jeremy Bates (22-16, 18 KOs). Team Sauerland´s cruiserweight sensation Alexander Frenkel (20-0, 16 KOs) will also display his rising talents against former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Kelvin Davis (24-10, 17 KOs).

Nordic Nightmare” Robert Helenius to face Bidenko on Valuev-Haye undercard: Heavyweight hopeful Robert Helenius (9-0, 5 KOs) will face the toughest test of his career on November 7 when he takes on Taras Bidenko (26-3, 12 KOs) on the Valuev-Haye undercard in Nuremberg. After impressively stopping Scott Gammer in Helsinki last May, the Nordic Nightmare is eager to prove his class against another top opponent in what will be just his ninth fight. continue

Two-time world champion Byron "Gator" Mitchell (28-5-1, 21 KOs) says he'd like to face the winner of tonight's Joe Spina vs. Lou Del Valle bout at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Still riding high from his two-round annihilation of former world title challenger David Telesco at the Hilton Rye Town Hotel in Rye Brook, New York, Mitchell says he'd like to continue that momentum by turning his guns on the winner of tonight's match. continue

Bill Patrice Jones - It now seems that an intriguing heavyweight fight looms between Alexander Povetkin the unbeaten Russian and former WBC champion Samuel Peter for the interim IBF title.

Both fighters could not be more different and are respectively coming from totally different backgrounds. Povetkin was an amateur star, is heralded for his boxing skills, is unbeaten and perhaps a little untested at heavyweight. He has only fought one legitimate top ten contender in Eddie Chambers and was having a bad spell for 5 rounds before Chambers seemed to tire. His other notable wins are against an ageing Larry Donald and a shot Chris Byrd. continue

by James Slater - Finally. After all the talking he's done and after a number of possible fights have fallen through for him for one reason or another, David Haye will at last fight for a version of the world heavyweight title this coming Saturday night when he challenges WBA ruler Nikolai Valuev. As such, it's time for the former world cruiserweight champion to back up at least some of his boasts.

Even before his "re-debut" fight at heavyweight against gatekeeper Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett, Haye had got the fans talking about him perhaps being the next big thing at heavyweight. Blessed with speed, power, athleticism and, perhaps most importantly, an exciting, all guns blazing fighting approach, Haye promised us he'd shake up the division and bring back respect and raw excitement to the heavyweights.

However, as fans know, one year on from the 5th-round TKO he scored over Barrett in London, we are still waiting. Despite talking up a fight with Ring magazine, IBF and WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko to great effect, the fight fell through at the eleventh hour due to the vocal would-be challenger suffering a back injury. continue

by James Slater - Ray "The Rain Man" Austin, as amazing as it may seem, could be just one win away from challenging WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. Last night in Las Vegas, on the under-card of the Perez-Agbeko bantamweight title fight, Austin stopped DaVarryl "Touch of Sleep" Williamson in the 4th-round.

Austin was hurt in the opening round by the 41-year-old, but he came back and decked Williamson in the 4th-round, getting the TKO (Williamson beat the count, but the ref decided to wave the fight off). "Touch of Sleep" is now 26-6(22). continue