merce77's Classic Boxing Thread, tape them hands up before you enter!!!!

[Ready2Rumble82]

Robert Guerrero Ready To Return, Under Golden Boy


Former featherweight champion Robert Guerrero (22-1-1, 15 KOs) is ready to return to the ring in the super featherweight division after he won a lengthy arbitration case against former promoter Dan Goossen on Tuesday. Guerrero has been inactive since a February knockout of Jason Litzau. Guerrero would like to return to the ring by January.

"I didn't think it was going to take this long. It was a bumpy ride, but it's good to be at the end and get back in the ring. I'm just happy now that I'm getting that chance," Guerrero told The Associated Press. "At this point, I just want to get back in the ring. But if there's a title fight available, I've been staying sharp and ready to go. That's what every fighter wants, the championship fights. That's how you get somewhere in boxing, getting the championship fights. I'm just happy now that I'm getting that chance."

Guerrero likely going to sign with Golden Boy Promotions through co-manager Shelly Finkel, who already has several fighters under the Golden Boy banner.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Evander Holyfield is Confident of Beating Nikolai Valuev


Evander Holyfield is convinced that neither size nor age will matter in Saturday´s showdown with Nikolai Valuev. The 46-year-old challenger is determined to become the oldest heavyweight champion in the history of boxing when he takes on the Russian Giant in front of a sell-out crowd of 12.500 fans in Zurich. In order to put his name in the record books, though, he needs to defeat the biggest and tallest champion of all time. “I will display a performance that will surprise many people,” Holyfield said at today´s official press conference. “I have been asked about my age so many times but that is fine. It is not about how old you are. It is about how old you feel and what you can do inside the ring. I am very experienced and I know what I have to do against Valuev. I am in great shape and I really look forward to Saturday night.”

Valuev will make his second appearance in Switzerland after stopping Jameel McCline in the third round of their meeting in January 2007. “It is great to be back in Switzerland,” Valuev said. “It is a great country and the people are very nice. It is something very special to fight an accomplished champion such as Evander Holyfield. He is a living legend and I am full of respect for him. However, once you are inside the ring, neither names nor titles matter any more. I have trained very well and I will put on a good performance on Saturday night.”

Manager Wilfried Sauerland admitted the showdown will be one of the biggest fights he has ever staged. “This is a very special bout,” he said. “Holyfield has been heavyweight champion four times. He faces the biggest champion of all time. It is a clash of the superlatives.” Philippe Huber, CEO of co-organisers Kentaro, believes that Saturday´s clash will help to put Switzerland on the world boxing map. “We are keen to establish Switzerland as a top venue for great boxing fights,” he said. “This is truly an outstanding event.”

A relaxed Holyfield also happily answered questions that were not related to boxing. A curious reporter wanted to know whether he really lived in a house with more than 100 rooms. “Yes, that is true,” Holyfield said. “I have been blessed and I am very thankful for my lifestyle. I have worked very hard for it. And that is what I will do on Saturday night: Work hard to win the title.”

Asked about how many rooms his house in Russia has, Valuev smiled. “My new house is not finished yet. These kind of things take a little longer in Russia.”

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Pacquiao vs. Hatton Tentative For May 2 in Las Vegas


Top Rank’s Bob Arum, undoubtedly the most astute promoter in the business, has a May 2 date in Las Vegas for a megabuck fight between the Philippines national treasure Manny Pacquiao and Britain ’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.

Arum who arrived in Manila on Tuesday morning told insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports “right now I want to lay everything out to Manny, where in negotiations with the Hatton people and I’ll leave it at that” indicating as he always does, that the choice would be up to Pacquiao.

However, Arum disclosed the Hatton fight will be on May 2 in Las Vegas saying “it will not be in Wembley, not because Manny would be afraid to fight in England but Wembley makes no sense because we’ll have to do it at five in the morning, outdoors, where there is a ninety percent chance of rain.”

It was clear that the pay-per-view potential was a major consideration in staging the fight in Las Vegas especially after the incredible numbers generated by the Pacquiao-Oscar De La Hoya “Dream Match” last December 6.

Arum revealed that the PPV numbers “are even better than they reported” and would be “a little over 1.4 million buys.”

The Top Rank promoter said the drawing power of Pacquiao was now evident and said he believes it will “go up appreciably when he fights Hatton or Mayweather or guys like that.”

Arum also indicated he would like Pacquiao to get through the Hatton fight before going up against Mayweather saying “I want Mayweather to stay there (in retirement) until September . The longer he’s out the more rusty he’ll be.”

Arum said that Mayweather “is pretty fast” but that Pacquiao throws numerous punches but in an unorthodox way and “while Mayweather is a master boxer it will be very difficult for him to handle somebody as unorthodox as Manny is.”

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

DIBELLA SPEAKS ON TAYLOR OPTIONS

Jermain Taylor's promoter Lou DiBella stated, ":HBO hasn't rejected Froch yet, but obviously economics have a lot to do with what you can and can't do. It's going to be the license fee that determines what we can do, and what we'll do. We're talking about different possibilities with HBO, to see what fights can be made." When asked if the potential Wright rematch could be HBO's remedty to solidifying dates for both former champions, DiBella stated, "They certainly would prefer us to fight a Kessler or a Winky Wright. I spoke with Jim Wilkes, there is some kind of obligation that exists to Winky Wright. To be honest, that's not going to determine what Jermain does next. We're willing to consider a Winky Wright fight, Jermain is willing to consider any big fight that the television networks want, and are willing to pay top dollar for. If HBO really wants a Winky Wright fight, enough to make it economically make sense, then it's something we'll pursue. Right now, there are other fights that we're looking at, and we're discussing license fees."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Holyfield was robbed.

That is all.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Fres Oquendo To Protest Loss To James Toney With CSAC


Heavyweight contender Fres Oquendo will file a formal protest with the California State Athletic Commission to review the split decision rendered by the judges in last Saturday's fight with former three division champion James Toney. Oquendo hopes the commission will order an immediate rematch or change the result to a no-contest.

Most people sitting ringside at the Morongo Casino and watching on television via the Versus network - scored the fight for Oquendo. The scores were 116-111 for Oquendo, 115-112 and 114-113 for Toney. Oquendo also lost a point in the eight round of fight for hitting Toney behind the head. The foul was not intentional and cost Oquendo a draw in the fight.

"I am going to protest the result. Everyone that saw the fight that night have told me that I should protest, that I won the majority of the rounds and there has been an injustice. It could not believe it when I listened to the decision. I did everything but score a knockout, but I am hopeful that the commission of California will rule it as a no-contest or at least order a rematch. It would be the perfect gift for Christmas," Oquendo told Primera Hora.

"I am not going to retire. At the age of 35, I feel that I am in the best point of my career. Once I return to Chicago, I will take a rest and I will return to the gym as soon as possible. My goal is to fight again in February of 2009."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Ricardo Williams-Josesito Lopez in The Works For ShoBox


Boxing trainer Henry Ramirez said that Josesito Lopez (23-3, 14KOs) has been offered a fight with 2000 Olympic Silver medalist Ricardo Williams Jr. on a Sho-Box card tentatively scheduled to take place in late January. Ramirez stated that “they offered us the fight at 141 pounds and we agreed to it.”

Josesito recently came back from a seven month layoff to score a knockout on the Paul Williams-Verno Phillips undercard on November 29. In his previous fight he lost a close majority decision to Edgar Santana on a ShoBox card where the 24-year old Southern California native had Santana down late in the fight.

Williams (13-2, 7KOs) has won three straight since being released from incarceration and seems to be committed to resurrecting his career, but has always had trouble making the Junior-Welterweight limit of 140 pounds and has not fought below 144 pounds since 2002. In fact there were numerous times early in his career when his promoter, Lou DiBella, had to increase the compensation of various opponents because Ricardo did not make the contractual weight. As a result of this history, a number of insiders are skeptical about Ricardo’s ability to make 141 pounds.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Tomasz Adamek vs. BJ Flores in The Works For March 21?

According to a surce close to the camp of Tomasz Adamek, newly crowned cruiserweight king will make the first title defense of his IBF title against undefeated contender BJ Flores (21-0-1, 13 KO).

According to the source, the fight will take place on March 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ - the site of Adamak's recent title winning effort over Steve Cunningham.

Adamek, 32-years-old, is from Gilowice (Poland) but is now based in New Jersey. He captured the title from Cunningham with a split-decision win in a fight-of-the-year candidate.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Alex Ariza: "Pacquiao Would Beat Mayweather Jr, Hatton"

Conditioning guru Alex Ariza who worked with trainer Freddie Roach in getting Manny Pacquiao into the best shape of his life in the fights against WBC lightweight champion David Diaz and “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya is confident Pacquiao will whip both Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Both Hatton and Mayweather are being lined up for Pacquiao next year with the only question to be decided being who goes first, Hatton or Mayweather. Hatton's father Ray Hatton told insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that a Pacquiao-Hatton fight would be by far the more attractive proposition even as he said he was not sure whether a Mayweather fight would be good for Pacquiao.

Ariza said “clearly Hatton would be a better fight and Hatton would fare a little bit better (than De La Hoya) but the result will be the same.”

Ariza said Pacquiao wouldn’t have a problem going down to 140 pounds to fight Hatton adding “I think he will be more lethal at 140. He will be quicker and stronger and simply too much for Ricky (Hatton.)” Ariza said he “wouldn’t be surprised if that fight ended faster than De La Hoya.”

Referring to a possible fight with Mayweather who hasn’t officially indicated he is coming out of retirement for a Pacquiao fight, Ariza said “I see Mayweather getting hit more than he’s ever been hit in his career and I see a very, very defensive Mayweather.”

Judging by the way Pacquiao has come up in his last two fights the conditioning expert said he doesn’t see anything different in terms of the result.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Glen Johnson: "Dawson-Tarver 2, A Disgrace To Boxing"

It takes a lot to get Glen Johnson angry, but when he heard that a March 14th rematch between Chad Dawson and Antonio Tarver had been finalized, he couldn’t hold back his feelings.

“This is a disgrace to the sport,” said Johnson, the former light heavyweight champ who is currently the most avoided man in boxing. “Didn’t anyone watch the first fight? Do they think anything different will happen the second time around? HBO should have put this fight on a month earlier, so it could have been the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Part Two.”

Johnson, who is currently awaiting a fight against the winner of the WBC light heavyweight title bout between Adrian Diaconu and Silvio Branco, has good reason to be angry, considering that he has already beaten Tarver and that most objective observers believe he beat Dawson as well in their controversial April 2008 match. But neither will fight him again, opting instead to rehash a non-competitive October bout that saw Dawson knock Tarver down on the way to a 118-109, 117-110, 117-110 unanimous decision win. Now they want to do it again, and on HBO no less?

“I thought HBO really meant business when they put together great, competitive fights like Margarito-Mosley Berto-Collazo and Marquez-Diaz for the early part of 2009, but then they agree to put on a rematch of a fight that wasn’t even competitive the first time,” said an incredulous Johnson. “It boggles my mind, especially when the only true rematch at 175 pounds is between Dawson and myself.” This type of worthless rematch robs the fans, and are bad for the sport. Whoever at HBO decided to purchase this fight, should be embarrassed” .

Needless to say, a championship reign that started off with bold words and so much promise for Chad Dawson has denigrated into a money grab that will see him continuing to fight easy fights while avoiding the true contenders of the division.

“I thought Chad Dawson was going to live up to his boasts, and be a true fighting champion,” said Johnson. “But it looks like I beat the fight out of him in April. Just a word of advice to Chad – you may make money now, but people will remember you later for ducking me. As for you Antonio, you’re a better actor than we all thought – you actually convinced HBO and Dawson to give you a rematch.”

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Berto-Collazo, Martinez-Greene Lands in Biloxi on 1/17


**WBC 147 Andre Berto-Luis Collazo & Interim WBC 154 Sergio Martinez-Joe Greene on HBO’s B.A.D, Plus World-Rated 154 Contender Ronald Hearns**

DiBella Entertainment is starting 2009 in style with two great world championship matchups, featuring hard-charging WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto making his second title defense versus number-one rated challenger and former WBA world champion Luis Collazo, and budding 154 pound superstar Sergio Martinez taking on undefeated, world-rated contender Joe Greene, for the interim WBC belt, to be seen on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, on Saturday, January 17, from the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, MS.

With his dominant TKO victory over Miguel Angel Rodriguez this past June to claim the vacant WBC welterweight crown, Andre Berto (23-0, 19 KOs) established himself as one of boxing most feared champions. Just 25 years old, Winter Haven, Florida’s Berto has already defeated proven veterans such as Cosme Rivera, Michael Trabant and Steve Forbes. Berto will need to draw on all of this valuable experience when he takes on mandatory challenger Luis Collazo (29-3, 14 KOs). Crafty southpaw Collazo, from New York City, is poised to win his second world championship – having already reigned as WBA welterweight king.

“Berto-Collazo has all the makings of a spectacular match up. Andre’s punch volume and non-stop pressure combined with Collazo’s poise and big-fight pedigree, make this the first ‘can’t miss” fight of 2009. Let’s not forget Luis has already gone 24 competitive rounds with Ricky Hatton and Shane Mosley. This is a great opportunity for Andre to show the world the champion that he is,” said DBE president Lou DiBella.

Madrid, Spain’s Martinez (44-1-1, 24 KOs) by way of Buenos Aires, is a former IBO 154 pound titlist, who put the American boxing audience on notice in October, as “Maravilla” produced a dazzling TKO victory over then WBA # 1 rated contender Alex Bunema to earn the interim WBC 154 pound title. Martinez faces a serious challenge in the form WBA # 3 rated Joe Greene (20-0, 14 KOs). New York southpaw Greene has already captured regional titles at 154 to 160 pounds, and is prepared to make his own sensational showing on HBO’s big stage.

“We all saw what Sergio Martinez can do in his last fight when he dismantled Alex Bunema, one of the top contenders in the junior middleweight division, who was rated by every major sanctioning body. Sergio will need to perform equally well against Greene because Joe is ready for his own statement,” said DiBella.

In addition, fans in the live audience on January 17 at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino will get the opportunity to see undefeated and WBC # 9 rated junior middleweight contender Ronald Hearns (21-0, 17 KOs) in ten round action as well as local heavyweight favorite Will McIntyre in an eight round bout.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Clinton Woods vs. Elvir Muriqi on Feb. 14 in The UK


On February 14th, Star Boxing's world rated light heavyweight contender Elvir "Kosovo Kid" Muriqi (35-4, 22KO), will travel across the Atlantic to take on former IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods (41-4-1, 24KO). The bout will be held in Woods native United Kingdom at the exclusive and legendary Hotel De France, Jersey, Channel Islands and will be an official IBF eliminator for the #2 ranking in the Light Heavyweight division. The card will be promoted by Dennis Hobson's Promotions in association with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Michael Katsidis vs. Angel Hugo Ramirez Set For Jan. 31


Lightweight contender Michael Katsidis (23-2, 20KOs) will return on January 31 against Angel Hugo Ramirez (19-4-2, 8KOs) in Cebu City of the Philippines. Katsidis returns for the first time since the September split-decision loss to Juan Diaz. Like most fighters from 130 to 147-pounds - he wants a crack at Manny Pacquiao.

Katsidis’ manager/trainer Brendon Smith tells Aussie website SportsNut that Ricky Hatton will beat Pacquiao when the two fighters come together, and the loss will send Pacquiao back to the lightweight division. He says Katsidis would have beaten De La Hoya in the same fashion as Pacquiao, and believes Pacquiao is very beatable for a fighter with the style of Katsidis.

"A fight between Michael and Manny has been mooted for a long time and it probably would have happened if Michael had not lost a close decision to Juan Diaz in his last fight,’’ Smith said. "The Philippines is a boxing capital on the world scene and Michael is already very popular there following his win over Czar Amonsot."

"We would love the fight with Pacquiao. He scored a good win over Oscar De La Hoya but if Oscar had fought Michael it would have been the same result. Michael would have stopped him as well. Our opinion on Manny has not changed following that win. He is a great fighter but very beatable for a strong aggressive walk-up puncher like Ricky Hatton and Michael Katsidis.’’

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Hector Camacho Jr. Suspended For Campas Mishap

The word coming out of Mexico has the Association of Boxing Commissions placing Hector Camacho Jr. on suspension for backing out of a fight with Yory Boy Campas back on November 8 at Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana, Mexico. Camacho was replaced late by Saul Roman, who upset Campas after the veteran injured his right hand and was unable to continue in nine rounds of action.

Camacho was also said to have been fined an unknown amount. Camacho denied that backed out of the event. He claimed the event promoter never sent him a contract for the fight. The suspension, according to reports in Mexico, prevents Camacho from fighting in America, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Marquez To Target Campbell After Diaz, Says Nacho


Trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristáin revealed that Juan Manuel Marquez will indeed fight Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz in Houston, Texas, and not in Las Vegas as many previously thought. Nacho advised ESTO that Golden Boy Promotions, who promote both fighters, wanted the event to land in Houston where Diaz is a major draw. The fight takes place on February 28 on HBO.

Nacho says that after Marquez tames Diaz, they are going to target WBA/WBO/IBF lightweight champion Nate Campbell. Campbell defends his titles against IBF mandatory Ali Funeka on February 14, also on HBO. If Campbell gets past Funeka, he may face whoever offers the most money because Marco Antonio Barrera, ranked number-one by the WBO, is waiting in the wings.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Miguel Cotto: "First I Handle Jennings, Then Margarito"


The training camp of former two-division champion Miguel Cotto has kicked into gear for his February 21 bout with British fighter Michael Jennings for the vacant WBO welterweight title. The fight will be featured as part of a split-feed pay-per-view being put together by Top Rank. The other co-main event will feature Kelly Pavlik defending his middleweight titles against Marco Antonio Rubio in Ohio.

Most of the focus by the media in Puerto Rico and beyond is not on Cotto's upcoming fight with Jennings, but Miguel's already booked rematch against Antonio Margarito in June. Cotto was knocked out by Margarito in the eleventh-round of their July war in Las Vegas. Margarito faces Shane Mosley on January 24. Cotto wants to avenge his only loss by beating Margarito, but says that his entire focus at the moment is on Jennings. He plans to take out Jennings, work out the Margarito rematch details with Top Rank [who also have Margarito] and then place his focus on getting revenge.

"This is my first official week back in the gymnasium. I feel very good. I've missed that feeling of exhaustion in my body and to down-pour of sweat going down my face. It's been a few weeks that I wanted to return and I'm going to pick up where I left off. The time now is to work until February 20, the day of the weigh-in, and then do my work in the fight," Cotto told Primera Hora.

"I know that there are a lot of things left for me to do in boxing. My career hit a wall, but you can't just fall down, you have to get back up and continue walking. I am very positive and I know that I am going to be position myself in the same or an even higher place in the sport."

Still, he is fully aware that a Margarito rematch is waiting around the corner. Win or lose against Mosley, Top Rank will match him with Cotto in July.

"I expect the Jennings fight to take place in New York so more Puerto Rican fans can go. It's easier for them to get to New York than to Atlantic City," Cotto said. "I have to take things step by step. First I have to fight in February with Jennings, and from there I will listen to what Top Rank has planned and then I will make a decision."

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Jorge Arce Already Training Hard For Vic Darchinyan


Mexican star Jorge Arce is training hard and plans to continue through the holidays in preparation for his upcoming fight with WBC/WBA/IBF super flyeweight champ Vic Darchinyan on February 7 at The Pond in Anaheimin, California with Showtime televising.

"It's going to be a hard fight for me. Darchinyan is strong. I watched video of his fights with Cristian Mijares and against Maldonado. He really hits hard, but he also has a lot of technical deficiencies and I have to take advantage of that," Arce said to ESTO.

Arce believes that Darchinyan is most dangerous in the early rounds, and then tires down the stretch. He feels that if he can weather the storm in the early going - he put Darchinyan away in the late rounds.

"I'm going to do some great work to beat him. One has to slip his punches and not take punishment, but if I connect he may go away quickly. His power seems to drop down after the fourth round. The real danger is in the first few rounds. I have to tire him out," Arce said.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

HBO Shafts Taylor vs. Froch, Want Taylor vs. Wright


HBO is not willing to approve a super middleweight bout between WBC champion Carl Froch and mandatory Jermain Taylor. Instead, HBO is trying to make a rematch between Taylor and Winky Wright. Wright, as you may remember, was due a date on HBO last September. The network would eventually renege on Winky, and handed the date to Golden Boy Promotions for Mosley-Mayorga.

After Wright's attorney contacted HBO with a legal threat, the network promised him a date in 2009. Wright was scheduled to appear in January, then February and then March 14, which is now confirmed for Dawson-Tarver II. Some have said that Winky could face "someone" in the opener of that Dawson-Tarver, but others say the network is pushing to see him face Taylor in April.

Taylor would probably fight Wright, but considering the amount of time that Wright has been away, and winless since 2006, the negotiations for the fight are going to be hell. Wright is going to demand at least a 50-50 split, if not more, and that will not happen. HBO is also said to be open for a Taylor fight with WBA champion Mikkel Kessler. Again, HBO would have to make the money right for both sides to make Taylor take the risk, and to make Kessler travel to America.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Montiel Continues To Call For Vic Darchinyan, Doniare


Before a crowd of many in Los Mochis, Mexico, WBO super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel continued to call for fights with IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire, and WBC/WBA/IBF super flyweight champ Vic Darchinyan. Last we heard, Top Rank was trying to put together a Montiel-Donaire clash for March. Darchinyan faces Jorge Arce on February 7 on Showtime.

More so than Donaire, Montiel appears to have a real desire to fight Darchinyan. He felt insulted when Darchinyan agreed to fight Arce. They may be countrymen, but Montiel despises Arce and the two have traded verbal blows several times in the Mexican press.

Montiel says that he is "not intimidated by Darchinyan's record that is filled with knockouts, including one that almost cost Victor Burgos his life, and the one that knocked out [Cristian] Mijares."

He spoke out and asked "for the chance" to show that he can overcome Darchinyan's power and beat him.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Floyd Mayweather Jr. "I'll Beat Manny Pacquiao's Ass"


Leonard Ellerbe appears to be making the rounds with news of a possible return by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2009. Ellerbe, close friend and adviser to Mayweather, first broke the news to boxing scribe David Mayo - revealing that Floyd is now willing evaluate any and all "big fight offers" that were presented to his team, and then make a decision on a possible return.

Ellerbe has since provided more details on Floyd's comeback. Mayweather wants to go straight into a megafight. There will be no tune-up. Mayweather has been inactive since a last December's knockout of Ricky Hatton.

"Hell no [to a tuneup]. If Floyd considers something, it would be the biggest thing," Ellerbe said.

The biggest fight for Floyd in terms of money would be against the winner of Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton, who are close to deal for a May 2 showdown in Las Vegas.

Ellerbe stated that Mayweather did watch Hatton's win over Paulie Malignaggi in November and watched Pacquiao's knockout of Oscar De La Hoya on December. He was impressed with both wins and praised both fighters. According to Ellerbe, Floyd thought his father [trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr] had improved the skills of Hatton. But, when it came to the subject of fighting Pacquiao, now considered the best pound for pound fighter in the sport, there was a mix of praise and trash talking. Floyd thought the De La Hoya win was tremendous, but also told Ellerbe that he would "beat Pacquiao's ass."

"He did see Hatton's fight and said it was the best Ricky had looked in a long time with his dad [Floyd Mayweather Sr.] training him. He said Ricky looked sharp with his father in the corner. [Floyd said Pacquiao] an excellent fighter and it was a tremendous win," Ellerbe said. "But, Floyd said, 'He's a good fighter, but I'll beat his ass.' "

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Mundine vs. Green Rematch: Danny Considering Offer


A rematch between Anthony Mundine and Danny Green is the biggest fight that anyone can make in Australia. Mundine won a decision over Green in 2006, a fight many view as the biggest in Australian boxing history. The rematch would be even bigger. Big enough that Mundine has chased a rematch for the last year. After Green moved up to light heavyweight and won the WBA title, the rematch was not logical step, but Green retired a few months later and Mundine has continued the hunt ever since.

The rematch is big enough that Mundine’s manager Khoder Nasser has offered Green up to $5 million dollars to return. Green says the money is not the motivation about a possible return for Mundine in 2009.

“I want to put myself through some hard tests physically and mentally before I make a decision,” Green said to The West Australian. “My heart’s always saying let’s do it but I’ve got to push myself and go and get hurt again on a daily basis before I decide if I really want to do this. It’s an intense sport and I don’t want to cut any corners.”

“If I ever do step back into the boxing ring it will be purely to square up with Anthony Mundine. I’d definitely have a warm-up fight because if I do this fight, money won’t be the motivating factor. If it was, I would’ve signed on for the fight eight months ago when the offer was made.”

Mundine has since been inching down to the middleweight division and faces Shannan Taylor at the WIN Entertainment Centre on February 11. A Green rematch would probably happen at super middleweight - if Green can still get down there

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito, Arum Says Never


Manny Pacquiao shocked the world when he moved up from lightweight to welterweight and stopped the much bigger Oscar De La Hoya in a dominating eight round performance. The fighter viewed as the top guy at the weight is WBA champ Antonio Margarito. Boxing fans began to chatter and debate on how Pacquiao would do against a welterweight like Margarito, who has a body and the strenght of a middleweight.

The question was presented to Margarito a few weeks, and he said that he would gladly fight Pacquiao if the Filipino fighter challenged him.

"Pacquiao looked very good and showed that he can fight against the better welterweights. If he and the promoters agree, and want to do it [a fight with me] - I will gladly do it," Margarito told El Nuevo Dia.

They say never say never in boxing - but not in this case. Bob Arum of Top Rank, who promotes both Margarito and Pacquiao, says the fight will never happen. He feels Margarito is too big, too strong and has one of the best chins in the sport. He even shared his thoughts with Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach.

"Freddie knows this. No way Manny’s going to fight him. Margarito takes a hell of a punch," Arum told Filipino outlet Tempo.

Margarito is scheduled to fight Shane Mosley on January 24 and Pacquiao is almost set to fight Ricky Hatton on May 2.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Gonzalez To Face Nishioka-Garcia Winner For WBC Title


Recently the WBC announced that super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez would be stripped of the title and elevated to the status of "champion emeritus." Vazquez has been recovering from surgical procedures to repair a detached retina. There is no set time line as to when he will be cleared by doctors to return, but his new status will give him an immediate title shot at whoever is the champion.

Former champions Jhonny Gonzalez and Rafael Marquez were both named by the WBC as being in the running to fight the winner of the January 3 bout between interim champion Toshiaki Nishioka and Genaro Garcia. Gonzalez's attorney, Reginaldo Kuchle, told ESTO that his fighter is expected to receive the opportunity. Marquez is looking for major fights and he was recently linked to a possible fight with WBA/IBF super bantamweight champ Celestino Caballero.

If Nishioka wins, a fight with Gonzalez will likely take place in Japan, but if Garcia pulls it out, the Gonzalez bout will head off to Mexico.

 

[Ready2Rumble82]

Hatton-Pacquiao Eyed For MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay


More details are coming out for the first mega-fight of 2009, Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) vs. Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs). There are two Las Vegas venues in the running to host the event, the MGM Grand and the Mandalay Bay. The May 2 bout will take place on HBO pay-per-view at the junior welterweight limit of 140-pounds. Arum [Top Rank head] said that a few minor details are being worked on, but Pacquiao is on board and Richard Schaefer [CEO for Golden Boy] had revealed a few days ago that Hatton was also on board.

"I think we're there. We're just mopping up little details. My guy is on board. I think everybody is on board. I am very upbeat. But there are competing interests in Vegas. We can make a deal with different entities to have it at the Thomas & Mack Center or the MGM Grand. We will explore what the best deal is," Arum said.

Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank expect to finalize the fight before the end of the year.

 

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BJ Flores Eyes Tomasz Adamek, Wayne Braithwaite Next

LAS VEGAS, NV - World ranked cruiserweight BJ Flores is preparing for a busy 2009 as he looks towards battles against either world champion Tomasz Adamek or former champion Wayne Braithwaite.

“Right now we’re in the negotiating stage for two possible fights. Either I go straight to fighting the newly crowned champion Tomasz Adamek for an optional defense or I fight Wayne Braithwaite as part of an elimination process for the IBF title which Adamek just won from Steve Cunningham.

Both are terrific fighters, but I believe I can beat either one and look forward to challenging myself against the very best in the division. At this point I’m starving for a fight. My preference is to face Adamek for the world title, but I’ll face whomever my team puts in front of me.”

With his last fight coming almost a year ago, Flores will be taking a much needed tune up bout on January 23rd in Las Vegas. “This will give me a great opportunity to shake off a little ring rust and fully prepare for a battle against either Adamek or Braithwaite.”

In regards to this past year, Flores said, “No question it’s been frustrating not having fought since beating Darnell Wilson back in February, but I’ve been training like a beast here in Las Vegas and truly feel like a well oiled machine. Between the boxing workouts and sparring along with the Cross Fit training I’ve been doing for the last six months, I’m probably in the best shape of my career.

About the proposed bout which was offered to him on three days notice earlier this month against Enzo Maccarinelli, Flores said, “Big deal, he beat a small heavyweight journeyman. It proved nothing. Against Adamek or Braithwaite, we’ll do things professionally and I’ll be well prepared, at this point I could go to training camp to face Godzilla and be okay with it.”

BJ Flores wanted to thank his loyal team; managers Jerry Giuliano and Megan DeAndrea, trainer Jacob Chavez, adviser Lou Mesorano and his father Frank and the entire Flores family for all of their support.

Flores, 21-0-1 (13KO’s) is currently world ranked #2 by the IBF. # 5 by the WBO, #8 by the WBA and #13 by the WBC.

 

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Juan Manuel Marquez, Juan Diaz Vow To Win on 2/28

LOS ANGELES - Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez solidified his place among boxing's elite and became Mexico's number one fighter by knocking out Joel Casamayor and winning a championship in a third weight class. As 2009 opens, Marquez will not be resting on his laurels, as he accepted the challenge to face former three-time lightweight champion Juan "The Baby Bull" Diaz on Saturday, February 28th in what promises to be an early Fight of The Year candidate.

"This fight between Marquez and Diaz will shake the lightweight division to its core and truly determine the best 135-pounder in the world," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "As a fan, I can't wait to see this fight."

Marquez vs. Diaz, a 12 round bout for the Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and will be televised live on HBO's World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.

Mexico's premier fighter and a future Hall of Famer, Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez (49-4-1, 36 KO's) has signified excellence for over 15 years and in three weight classes. A world champion at featherweight and junior lightweight, the 35-year-old Mexico City native made an immediate impact at 135 pounds when he won the Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship by becoming the first man to stop Cuban great Joel Casamayor on September 13, 2008.

"Juan Diaz is a talented young fighter with a bright future," said Marquez. "But this is still my time and I am not about to let Diaz take my belt away from me."

Just nine years old when Marquez made his pro debut, 25-year old Juan Diaz (34-1, 17 KO's) has roared through the pro ranks during his eight-year career and built a stellar reputation as one of the fight game's most exciting young stars. The Former Three-Time World Lightweight Champion defended his crown seven times, beating the likes of fellow World Champions Acelino Freitas and Julio Diaz along the way. In his last bout in September of 2008, "The Baby Bull" thrilled his hometown fans at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas with a dominant 12 round decision win over Australian warrior Michael Katsidis.

"Juan Manuel is one of the greats in the game and it's an honor to fight him, but I will be victorious on February 28th," said Diaz.

 

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Luis Yanez, 2008 Olympian Turns Pro on February 20

The Dallas Observer reports that junior flyweight Luis Yanez, a 2008 United States Olympian, will make his pro debut on February 20 as part of a six-fight card at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Many remember Yanez, 20, for the controversy leading up to the Beijing games. USA Boxing kicked Yanez off the team roster on July 1 for skipping more than three weeks of workouts in June at the team's residency training program in Colorado Springs. Yanez was reinstated on July 16. Yanez hasn't lost a fight in the United States (to a compatriot) in more than five years, compiling a record of 89-0. In the past three years, he's 26-3 in international competition.

On August 13, 2008 Yanez won his first bout in the Olympic games against Kelvin de la Nieve of Spain with a score of 12:9. Then he lost to eventual Mongolian runner-up Pürevdorjiin Serdamba 7:8.

 

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Rafael Marquez Looking To Return in February

According to Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, talks are taking place for the return of former super bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez, tentative to take place at the end of February. Two weeks ago, Beristain told reporters that Marquez was targeting a fight with WBA/IBF champion Celestino Caballero.

After going through three wars with Israel Vazquez, Beristain says that his fighter was examined by several doctors and was given a clean bill of health to return to the ring.

"There are no physical problems with Rafael. After his last fight with Israel Vazquez, he was submitted to go through a series of medical exams in the United States, and left the country in perfect condition. Rafael was examined in the United States and has everything in order. We have already we begun negotiations to fight at the end of February in the United States," Beristain told ESTO.

 

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Lennox Lewis: "Haye Beats Vitali, But Wladimir is Easier"

How dedicated is Lennox Lewis to David Haye's cause? He plans to advise, spar and map out a gameplan - combining every effort to ensure a Haye victory in the planned June fight with WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. Lewis stopped Vitali in 2003 after six rounds of action. The ringside doctor felt Vitali's facial cuts were too severe to all him to continue in the fight. Lewis retired soon after and Vitali has been calling him out for a rematch for the last few years. Lewis recently blasted Vitali in the press for continuously pushing rumors of his return.

Lewis agrees with Haye's viewpoint that Manny Pacquiao's recent win over Oscar De La Hoya proves that a good big man will, sometimes, lose to a good little man.

"We are both athletes, and if I can help David's challenge for a world championship belt I once held with pride, I would spar a couple of rounds with him, no problem. Everyone has aspirations, and Haye clearly has both talent and ambition. But the reality is that he needs to progress step by step. You can't jump straight on to the 36th rung on the heavyweight ladder," Lewis told The Guardian . "If I can help him accelerate up the ladder, I will be happy to support him, but he also has to overcome the potential disadvantage of his size.

"Although it has not always been the case, historically a big heavyweight usually beats a 'small' heavyweight, and if Haye goes on to fight Vitali, he will be taking on a guy who stands 6ft 8in tall and who weighs around two stones heavier. There are ways and means around that, and Manny Pacquiao showed the other week it can be done by beating Oscar De La Hoya, even though he was much smaller and lighter."

Lewis thinks Haye is showing his worth by taking on Vitali. He believes Haye can beat him, but he feels younger brother Wladimir would have been an easier fight.

"Definitely, I think David can beat Vitali," Lewis told The Mirror , "but I think he would have a better chance against Wladimir."

 

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Ricky Hatton To Begin Pacquiao Training Camp on Feb. 1

Ricky Hatton is already mapping out his schedule for the megafight with Manny Pacquiao on May 2 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. Once the fight details are finalized, Hatton plans to go on a tradional cruise with his family at the start of the new year. Hatton has already locked in the date of February 1 for the start of his training camp, with trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Pacquiao became the main target of Hatton after the Filipino fighter dominated Oscar De La Hoya over eight rounds on December 6.

"Manny has been at the top of my radar since he beat Oscar De La Hoya. I went in with the best fighter in the world in 2007 when I lost to Floyd Mayweather and I will do the same when I get in the ring with Manny. Every boxer wants to prove himself against the very best and that is what I have done again and again," Hatton told The Sunday Mirror.

 

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Bradley Sees Holt as The First Step To One Champ

WBC junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley believes what many believe - that boxing should only have one champion in each respective weight division. On the tentative date of April 4, on Showtime, Bradley will take the first step in unifying the 140-pound division when he meets WBO champion Kendall Holt.

On December 13, Bradley sat ringside in Atlantic City and watched Holt make the first defense of his title by winning a decision over previously unbeaten Demetrius Hopkins. Bradley said that he was very impressed with the performance of Holt.

“He impressed me by adapting. He changed his gameplan at the last minute. His timing was a little bit off because of the height of Hopkins, but he was aggressive. He threw some great bodyshots and slowed Hopkins down. He fought a great fight. He took the fight to Hopkins and that's what won the fight,” Bradley said.

Holt is the first step. After Holt, Bradley plans to target the other champions at the weight. He says the fight with Holt will be an exciting shootout between two young champions.

“I'm looking forward to fighting Kendall Holt next. He's going to put his title on the line, I'm going to put my title on the line. We are two exciting fighters. We're young. We are both hungry. We're ambitious to be great in boxing and it's going to be a great fight for the fans,” Bradley said.

“Unifying the titles, I believe boxing needs one champion in each weight class. A true champion. An undisputed champion. By doing this, I'm eliminating the belts one at a time. When I win the fight, I want to go after another belt holder or another big fight.”

 

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Margarito Not Thinking Williams, Focused on Mosley

WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito is training hard for his January 24 showdown with former three-division champion Shane Mosley. The Los Angeles battle takes place at the Staples Center. Margarito stated that he's been looking forward to this fight for a long time. He doesn't underestimate Mosley due to his age, and plans give it his all in the ring.

"I'm 100% in the gym getting ready for Shane Mosley. I’m very happy that I'm fighting in Los Angeles. Now all my fans can see me fight. I don’t underestimate anybody in the ring. I know he has a lot of experience in his career. I’m going to give 100% in the gym and in the ring to get through this fight," Margarito said.

"I asked for this fight two years ago. He didn’t want to do it. He's a good fighter and we are just getting ready. I've been doing this for a long time and I'm finally getting the recognition."

Margarito was asked about a rematch with Paul Williams, who is now an interim-champion at junior middleweight. The Mexican champion is not thinking about Williams, he only has "Sugar" Shane on his mind. Margarito has no fear of a rematch, he just wants to get Mosley out of the way. Whether or not Margarito beats Mosley, Top Rank has already scheduled him to face Miguel Cotto in a June rematch.

"I'm not thinking about Paul Williams right now. I'm 100% thinking about Shane. I'm not scared [of him], I'm just thinking about my next fight," Margarito said.

 

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Donaire Taps Gerry Penalosa To Train Him For Montiel

IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire has picked reigning WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa to train him for his planned March title fight against WBO super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel of Mexico.

Donaire told insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that he had discussed plans with Penalosa because he would like to train in the Philippines since the Montiel fight is going to be held at the Araneta Coliseum in a promotion handled by Top Rank’s Bob Arum in partnership with Solar Sports.

Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach had earlier expressed interest in training Donaire according to Arum and Donaire’s initial reaction was positive. He said “that’s a great idea. He is a legendary trainer.”

However, Donaire indicated that while he had “such respect for Freddie Roach” he felt that the choice of Roach may hurt his already soured relations with his father and former trainer, Nonito Donaire Sr, just when he said he is “trying to better our relationship” which was affected by stories in the media.

Donaire said that under the circumstances he believes the best person to train him would be Penalosa who himself is training for a mandatory title defense against former WBA flyweight and WBO super flyweight champion Eric Morel sometime in April.

Donaire added, “since I’ll be fighting here, I’d like to also train out here.”

Both Nonito and his wife Rachael were given the keys to the City of Manila by Mayor Alfredo Lim in a colorful ceremony on Monday morning. Rachael Donaire, the former Rachael Marcial, was a taekwondo champion.

Donaire said he enjoyed the affair which also had the customary brass band and a number of people. He said “it was really nice.”

The March blockbuster card will also feature an IBF light flyweight title fight between champion Ulises Solis of Mexico and former world champion Brian Viloria, the Hawaii-based Filipino who lost the title to Omar Nino Romero.

 

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Gerry Penalosa-Eric Morel Purse Bid Set For January 12

The WBO has set the purse bid date of January 12 for the fight between Filipino bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa and mandatory challenger Eric Morel of Mexico. The bid will start at $100,000 dollars and takes place at the WBO headquarters, 11am, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Over the last few weeks, the two sides have had trouble reaching a deal. Morel's promoters, Puerto Rico Best Boxing, reached out to the WBO to schedule a purse bid date.

 

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Israel Vazquez Would Love a Marco A. Barrera Showdown

WBC super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez is still relaxing with family and friends while recovering from multiple surgeries to correct a detached retina in his right eye. That hasn't stopped him from going over all of the possible big fights for 2009. In the last few months, multiple fighters have called him out - including WBO champion Juan Manuel Lopez, undisputed super flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan and Rafael Marquez.

Vazquez is looking over his options, but the dream fight for him would come against Marco Antonio Barrera, who is currently fighting 13-pounds above Vazquez's division. Vazquez considers Barrera his idol and he would be honored to meet him in the ring. When Barrera was still being promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and the company was planning a Marco comeback in the early part of 2008, Vazquez was on the list of potential opponents. But, Barerra was only a super featherweight back then, and is currently fighting as a lightweight.

"There is a whole pile of exciting and important fights that can be done. I still have a lot of goals that I want to accomplish, including my desire to become the undisputed champion at super bantamweight and featherweight," Vazquez told ESTO. "I want to return to the ring against the best, especially against someone like Barrera, who is my idol. If I could choose one fight, that is one that I desire. That would be the one great fight for me. I look to be better in 2009 than I was in the previous year."