Timothy Bradley is hungry!!! Calling out everybody from 140-154lbs

[merce77]

Tim Bradley Calls Out Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Others

Unbeaten WBO junior welterweight (140 pounds) champion, Timothy Bradley, wants "a big fight," whether it be against welterweight (147 pounds) titlists, Manny Pacquiao, or, Andre Berto, of the WBO and WBC, respectively, or WBA junior middleweight (154 pounds) king, Miguel Cotto.

Bradley would even like to face former three-time world champion, Paul Williams, a nearly 6-foot-3 fighter who has campaigned as a welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight (160 pounds).

"I'm coming down right now in weight. I went up to about 165 pounds, and now I'm tearing it down to 147 pounds. Right now, I'm about 155. I've been training for about four weeks now. I'm feeling great," said Bradley, who is sparring with middleweights and above.

"I'm just going to maintain it," said Bradley. "I'm going to maintain it at about 155 pounds and then I'm going to slowly start tapering it down, you know, closer to the fight. I don't want to come in too light."

The 26-year-old Bradley (25-0, 11 knockouts), of Palm Springs, Calif., isn't prepping for a 140-pound defense, but instead for a July 17, nontitle, over-the-weight-limit welterweight bout opposite Carlos Luis Abregu (29-0, 23 KOs), of Salta Salta, Argentina.

"I'm back in Agua, and it's not about the total number of fans. The arena only fits 2,000, but I'll have 2,000 of the best fans," said Bradley. "It's about how the fans act, and I'll have 2,000 of the best fans in the world at Agua. They're going to see another great victory."

Nicknamed "The Desert Storm," Bradley will meet Abregu in an HBO-televised bout slated for the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Bradley is coming off December's 12-round, unanimous decision victory over 26-year-old Lamont Peterson (28-1, 14 KOs), of Washington, D.C., against whom Bradley won virtually every round and whom Bradley dropped for the first time in Peterson's career.

"It's not really hard to make 140. It's not that hard. I just have to be on a diet a lot longer. But it's a lot easier to make 147 because I don't have to squeeze down and take a little bit of my water out of my system," said Bradley.

"But "I'll fight any weight. [Manager] Cameron Dunkin and [Promoter] Gary Shaw have been doing a great job. They're picking my fights, and whatever these guys want me to do, I'm willing to do it. If I need to fight at 147 pounds, that's what I'm going to do," said Bradley. "If they want me to go back down to 140 and face anybody at 140, we'll do that too. So it really doesn't matter to me, man. It really doesn't matter."

Bradley has been angling for a bout against one of the other top 140 pounders such as southpaw, WBC and IBF king Devon Alexander (20-0, 13 KOs), and, WBA champ, Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KOs).

"This gives us another opportunity. If he beats Carlos Abregu, we move up to 147 if there's a fight there with [Manny] Pacquiao or [Floyd] Mayweather," said Shaw. "And if not, there is Devon Alexander, who does nothing but talk about Timmy Bradley from morning until when he goes to sleep with his trainer [Kevin Cunningham.]"

Nicknamed "The Great," Alexander will make the second defense of his WBC title, and the first of his IBF crown, against Ukrainian-born 32-year-old former titlist Andriy Kotelnik (31-3-1, 13 KOs) of Germany before his hometown fans in St. Louis on Aug. 7.

Alexander is coming off of March's eighth-round knockout of then-IBF champion, Juan Urango (22-3-1, 17 KOs), who was stopped for the first time in his career.

"I want all of those fights. I want every last one of those guys. It just has to be right. People think I'm ducking Devon Alexander, I'm not ducking anybody. We've been trying to get at Khan for while. My promoter was in negotiations with Golden Boy and then phone went dead," said Bradley.

"You know, these fights should mature a little bit longer – maybe a year from now, maybe at the beginning of next year," said Bradley. "I get a couple of good wins. Devon gets a couple of wins. Maybe HBO can put us both on the same card, build the fight up so it can be worth some megabucks, man."

Bradley has had a matchup with interim WBA titlist, Marcos Rene Maidana (28-1, 27 KOs) be postponed twice and eventually canceled.

"All those guys, I want to fight all of them, all of them. I want to fight Devon. I want to fight Maidana because we definitely need to see who's the best at 140. Even though they've got me number one at 140, I'll be only the best at 140 by fighting those guys. So until that happens, then we can't say that I am absolutely the champion at 140," said Bradley.

"So we've been trying to get a fight with Khan. [Trainer] Freddie Roach knows we want that fight. Maidana, and Alexander too. But it's like I said, it's just have to make sense dollarwise. And I know people don't like to hear that, but it's the business," said Bradley. "It is a business, and I do want to fight these guys. I'm not afraid of these guys, and I am willing to go to [Alexander's hometown] St. Louis or wherever Devon Alexander is, and I will fight him in his hometown. That's an option too."

Bradley was originally scheduled to face the 27-year-old Abregu on June 19 until being replaced in February by the 26-year-old Maidana. Bradley-Maidana was subsequently postponed to July 17 and then canceled on May 3 due to back injuries reportedly suffered by Maidana.

As it turned out, however, those postponements by Maidana may have stemmed from some serious managerial problems, according to Bradley's promoter, Gary Shaw.

"I was very angry that he made Timothy Bradley sit on the sidelines and that he lied and said that he was injured two times. He lied and he should be punished for it. But it was great for Abregu. It opened up some doors for him," said Shaw.

"If there's enough money at 147 and he shows he can handle the weight and he's comfortable and [Shane] Mosley is there, Andre Berto is there, or [Manny] Pacquiao or [Floyd] Mayweather, then he'll fight them," said Shaw. "If not, we know Devon Alexander is sitting there by his dog bone, panting."

Among the bouts Bradley would look for beyond 140 would be those against the 26-year-old Berto (26-0, 20 KOs), and, the newly-crowned WBA junior middleweight king, Cotto (35-2, 28 KOs).

In April, Berto scored an eighth-round stoppage over southpaw, former world champion, Carlos Quintana (27-3, 21 KOs). Quintana is 1-1 against Paul Williams (39-1, 27 KOs), winning a decision and having lost a first-round knockout.

Bradley actually faced Berto in the national golden gloves as amateurs and lost in a slugfest.

"It was a toe to toe fight. It was a high octane, it was fast-paced. It was a great, exciting fight but I didn't think that I won the fight when I fought Berto. I thought it was a really good, exciting fight. It could have gone either way," said Bradley.

"But like I said, I think he had the upper hand," said Bradley. "I was sick when I fought him. I don't really like to make excuses, but I was sick when I fought him, believe it or not, and I did pretty well against him."

Bradley sees things going differently if he were to meet Berto again.

"I think that I'm going to be a lot stronger and a lot quicker at this weight [147 pounds.] Hey, we can go there [154 pounds] too. Let's go up 154 and fight Cotto, right?" said Bradley. "Let's go fight Paul Williams. Spiderman. We call him 'The Spiderman,' with his freaking monkey arms, longer arms, man."

Cotto recently teamed with Hall of Fame trainer, Manny Steward, for a June 5, ninth-round knockout that dethroned WBA junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman (28-1, eight KOs) at the new Yankee Stadium.

Fighting in his highest weight class ever, the 29-year-old Cotto earned $2 million to Foreman's $750,000, after delivering a left to the body 42 seconds into the ninth round that crumpled Foreman to the canvas.

In victory, Cotto earned the WBA junior middleweight crown to become the sixth Puerto Rican fighter to win a fourth title over the course of three weight classes.

Cotto rebounded from a November, 12th-round knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs).

"Oh, I will do that [Cotto] in a heartbeat, maybe we'll go to 154 next," said Shaw. "We would go up and beat Miguel Cotto by a knockout."

In the end, Bradley simply said that he hopes that a victory over Abregu opens up even more praise than he already has being considered the No. 1 fighter at 140 pounds.

"I hope it'll move me into the top 10 pound-for-pound. I just hope this launches another big fight. I want to fight the big names in the game and I feel that I should get my just due sooner or later," said Bradley.

"But if that doesn't happen, I'm just going to continue on fighting, continue on winning, and that is what's important right now," said Bradley. "As long as I can continue on winning, the fight has to happen sooner or later. A big fight. No doubt that those fights, they have to happen. They have to happen, you know, and they will happen."




Personally, this is the fight I want to see....

 

[Bxlegend]

Personally, this is the fight I want to see....

I don't know... That Cotto match-up sounds very interesting, and make able.

 

[merce77]

I don't know... That Cotto match-up sounds very interesting, and make able.

All those matchups are intriguing. I'm really high on Bradley, great fundamental skills and still improving with every fight, fierce warrior, adaptability and poise, lots of heart, not a big puncher but he has stinging power and he actually wants to fight the best fighters in and around his weight class at their own respective weights, unlike some other, ahem, excuse me, "champs" that will go unmentioned. But you're right BX, it is a very interesting matchup. If Bradley could move up comfortably to 154 from 140 and whip Cotto, we might have our own Pacman in the making. I'm predicting Bradley as a future p4p king or #2 or 3.

*waits for Dave's retort*

 

[Bxlegend]

All those matchups are intriguing. I'm really high on Bradley, great fundamental skills and still improving with every fight, fierce warrior, adaptability and poise, lots of heart, not a big puncher but he has stinging power and he actually wants to fight the best fighters in and around his weight class at their own respective weights, unlike some other, ahem, excuse me, "champs" that will go unmentioned. But you're right BX, it is a very interesting matchup. If Bradley could move up comfortably to 154 from 140 and whip Cotto, we might have our own Pacman in the making. I'm predicting Bradley as a future p4p king or #2 or 3.

*waits for Dave's retort*

Well said, I'm a bradley fan for basically everything you mentioned. I know you were talking about PBF when mentioning avoiding fights(which is true), but I think this should've been the fight in Dallas instead of Clotty. There'd be alot more doubters(myself included) of manny if he would've taken on a young, hungry, undefeated champion in stead of the man who lost to the man he just ko'd. Win or lose(as long as it wasn't a blow out) Manny would've cemented the image of a fighter who'll fight anyone. Just my two cents.

 

[Upgrade Dave]

All those matchups are intriguing. I'm really high on Bradley, great fundamental skills and still improving with every fight, fierce warrior, adaptability and poise, lots of heart, not a big puncher but he has stinging power and he actually wants to fight the best fighters in and around his weight class at their own respective weights, unlike some other, ahem, excuse me, "champs" that will go unmentioned. But you're right BX, it is a very interesting matchup. If Bradley could move up comfortably to 154 from 140 and whip Cotto, we might have our own Pacman in the making. I'm predicting Bradley as a future p4p king or #2 or 3.

*waits for Dave's retort*

Bradley's great but I'm suspicious of anyone that goes up to 165 but wants to campaign at 140. He's 26 now but that shit will catch up to him quick. He has the best shot of being the next p4p king but little shit like this will sabotage him as he fights guys who are closer to their natural weight and have a comparable skill level (possibly Alexander).
If he wants on that Pacquiao/Mayweather waiting list, he should make that Berto (and/or Mosley) fight by the end of the year. I don't see Pac and May not fighting and the winner's going to retire but Bradley can be there to get the loser, who will not want to go out with a "L". As of right now, he hasn't made one dollar in ppv revenue and, since he mentioned the business, he knows the importance of being a legit draw when it comes to the marquee guys.
Junior welter is loaded and I'm really excited with that division.

Well said, I'm a bradley fan for basically everything you mentioned. I know you were talking about PBF when mentioning avoiding fights(which is true), but I think this should've been the fight in Dallas instead of Clotty. There'd be alot more doubters(myself included) of manny if he would've taken on a young, hungry, undefeated champion in stead of the man who lost to the man he just ko'd. Win or lose(as long as it wasn't a blow out) Manny would've cemented the image of a fighter who'll fight anyone. Just my two cents.

It seemed more like he was talking about Floyd and Manny's penchant for fighting guys outside their weight classes than avoiding fights.

 

[Upgrade Dave]

Waiting for merce to bring his drunk ass back

 

[merce77]

Well said, I'm a bradley fan for basically everything you mentioned. I know you were talking about PBF when mentioning avoiding fights(which is true), but I think this should've been the fight in Dallas instead of Clotty. There'd be alot more doubters(myself included) of manny if he would've taken on a young, hungry, undefeated champion in stead of the man who lost to the man he just ko'd. Win or lose(as long as it wasn't a blow out) Manny would've cemented the image of a fighter who'll fight anyone. Just my two cents.

I actually was talking about Manny and Floyd. I don't know if Tim was ready yet for that type of fight with a Pacquiao yet. Plus I don't think Manny and Roach wanted to take that kind of risk with a huge money fight against Floyd on the horizon. I'd actually like to see him take on Mosley first. It would be a big name on his resume and it's a fight that with his skills, he could win big. It's a bit risky but not enough to make you think Tim can't win that fight, it would be a good measuring stick for Bradley, either Shane or Zab since they've been relegated to gatekeeper status at this point in their careers. It could cement Bradley as a definite future star and for the laymen it would make him someone to keep their eye on, especially if he whups them in exciting fashion. There's no promotion like good ole fashion word of mouth.

Bradley's great but I'm suspicious of anyone that goes up to 165 but wants to campaign at 140. He's 26 now but that shit will catch up to him quick. He has the best shot of being the next p4p king but little shit like this will sabotage him as he fights guys who are closer to their natural weight and have a comparable skill level (possibly Alexander).
If he wants on that Pacquiao/Mayweather waiting list, he should make that Berto (and/or Mosley) fight by the end of the year. I don't see Pac and May not fighting and the winner's going to retire but Bradley can be there to get the loser, who will not want to go out with a "L". As of right now, he hasn't made one dollar in ppv revenue and, since he mentioned the business, he knows the importance of being a legit draw when it comes to the marquee guys.
Junior welter is loaded and I'm really excited with that division.


It seemed more like he was talking about Floyd and Manny's penchant for fighting guys outside their weight classes than avoiding fights.

Yeah, that was something that gave me some pause as well, but he seems like a pretty built dude for his size. I hope what he's burning off isn't muscle though, we saw what that did to Cotto in his days at 140 and Bradley seems to have a Cotto-type of body. But 165 sounds like a pretty good walking around weight for a guy his height imho. I think him and his management know that if he wants to make a ppv type of name for himself, he has the best chance of doing that at 140. Khan is mad talented but he's still too much of a work in progress, Bradley would take him right now. The best matchup at 140 would be him and Alexander or him and Berto. It would be exciting and if HBO markets it right as a Boxing After Dark special, coupling it with another good fight, it could do wonders for Bradley or Alexander's career. Or, try to get on the undercard of one of these big PPV fights and make sure Bradley puts on a great show.

Waiting for merce to bring his drunk ass back

 

[Upgrade Dave]

I actually was talking about Manny and Floyd. I don't know if Tim was ready yet for that type of fight with a Pacquiao yet. Plus I don't think Manny and Roach wanted to take that kind of risk with a huge money fight against Floyd on the horizon. I'd actually like to see him take on Mosley first. It would be a big name on his resume and it's a fight that with his skills, he could win big. It's a bit risky but not enough to make you think Tim can't win that fight, it would be a good measuring stick for Bradley, either Shane or Zab since they've been relegated to gatekeeper status at this point in their careers. It could cement Bradley as a definite future star and for the laymen it would make him someone to keep their eye on, especially if he whups them in exciting fashion. There's no promotion like good ole fashion word of mouth.

Yep.

Yeah, that was something that gave me some pause as well, but he seems like a pretty built dude for his size. I hope what he's burning off isn't muscle though, we saw what that did to Cotto in his days at 140 and Bradley seems to have a Cotto-type of body. But 165 sounds like a pretty good walking around weight for a guy his height imho. I think him and his management know that if he wants to make a ppv type of name for himself, he has the best chance of doing that at 140. Khan is mad talented but he's still too much of a work in progress, Bradley would take him right now. The best matchup at 140 would be him and Alexander or him and Berto. It would be exciting and if HBO markets it right as a Boxing After Dark special, coupling it with another good fight, it could do wonders for Bradley or Alexander's career. Or, try to get on the undercard of one of these big PPV fights and make sure Bradley puts on a great show.

Khan's people will keep him away from Bradley (and Alexander) for as long as they can. I was looking forward to the Maidana fight, with Maidana's raised profile that would have been a great win over a hot, dangerous guy.
That last line is something that boxing continually gets wrong but mma/UFC gets right every time. Instead of making boxing a one fight card, they should have other noteworthy fights, particularly with guys who could fight the winner of the main event. However one feels about UFC, they're cards are usually filled out in a very fan-friendly way.

[/QUOTE]

Stop it! That picture makes me want a beer.

 

[TJervey]

Bradley is very skilled fundamentally and is multi-faceted, but I believe his biggest draw back will be the lack of real good punching power. While he is fundamentally sound, he doesn't possess any intangible which makes me believe he will rule anything from 140-147. PFP King is definitely a stretch but I do see him eventually cracking the top 5 IF he gets and wins the best fights. I don't see Pac, Mayweather being good or feasible fights for him. I truly believe he will have to beat someone seriously name brand in his HOME division first. That is what makes a Pac/PBF bout so intriguing, they both, careful match making or not, have beaten some BIG names in and around their division PRIOR to calling out the elite.

I believe a fight between Bradley and Alexander would definitely be a hell of a fight, sort of like a right of passage to taking on the bigger names.

A Cotto fight would be interesting as well, but I believe Cotto to be a little too big for Bradley, and with Cotto, if you can't hurt him you are in trouble (see the Foreman fight).

He needs to really clean out his division, which is deep as hell now, build his resume and influence, then go after the big boys with something to offer outside of a tough fight...

 

[merce77]

Bradley is very skilled fundamentally and is multi-faceted, but I believe his biggest draw back will be the lack of real good punching power. While he is fundamentally sound, he doesn't possess any intangible which makes me believe he will rule anything from 140-147. PFP King is definitely a stretch but I do see him eventually cracking the top 5 IF he gets and wins the best fights. I don't see Pac, Mayweather being good or feasible fights for him. I truly believe he will have to beat someone seriously name brand in his HOME division first. That is what makes a Pac/PBF bout so intriguing, they both, careful match making or not, have beaten some BIG names in and around their division PRIOR to calling out the elite.

I believe a fight between Bradley and Alexander would definitely be a hell of a fight, sort of like a right of passage to taking on the bigger names.

A Cotto fight would be interesting as well, but I believe Cotto to be a little too big for Bradley, and with Cotto, if you can't hurt him you are in trouble (see the Foreman fight).

He needs to really clean out his division, which is deep as hell now, build his resume and influence, then go after the big boys with something to offer outside of a tough fight...

I agree with everything you said except his punching power, I think he has stinging, cumulative power of the type Floyd Mayweather possesses, I mean how many ko's against elite fighters does Floyd have? Tim's a guy who's constantly moving so he doesn't really sit down on his punches. You might be right about the Cotto fight, but I see Bradley, even at 154 as a serious threat to Cotto because of his skills and speed. Here's a pretty good article about the 140lb division and guess who we have to blame for these fights not being made, one of Dave's favorite all time boxers.....



Tied up: A stacked junior welterweight division is stuck in neutral.

There’s a party at 168 pounds with six of the division’s best currently involved in a hotly-contested tournament.

In a true win-win, these six are getting the exposure they deserve, making the money they want while giving the fans the quality matchups they crave. The World Classic Super Six Tournament really should serve as the template for the sport.


Dropping four divisions to the south, we find a junior welterweight division which is arguably even richer in depth than the aforementioned super middleweight class. But, while the 168-pound crew hammered out their differences, the 140-pound division seems to be spinning its wheels and providing more excuses than quality encounters.

So, what’s the deal?

Aside from the obvious weight difference, the only real distinction between the two divisions is that the super middleweights are free from Golden Boy and Top Rank fighters and that fact alone may be the difference between getting something done and just pushing around reams of hype.

Golden Boy has its grip on three of the top 10 junior welterweights in the world and we’re already seeing the customary foot dragging of a promotional giant looking to protect its investment to the detriment of fans.

With Amir Khan and Victor Ortiz in its pocket, Golden Boy opened its checkbook and purchased the one fly in the ointment: Marcos Maidana. The Argentine slugger, who had beaten Ortiz into submission and had become the mandatory for Khan’s WBA title, was offered a one-year, three-fight promotional contract by Oscar De la Hoya’s promotional outfit in what many are saying is more “step aside” deal than real acquisition.

So, instead of Maidana-Khan, which was mandated and a legal necessity, we got Maidana-Victor Cayo. But wait, there’s more ...

After crushing Cayo, Maidana was lined up to fight current division top dog, Timothy Bradley. Outstanding matchup and a real consolation prize for those wanting Khan-Maidana, right?


Well, hold your horses ... this is big-time boxing. Maidana pulled out of the Bradley fight just as the promotional hype was to begin. Citing a back injury, Maidana decided to not go ahead with the plan ... and why not? All he has to do is cool his heels for the next few months and he stands to make a mint of a payday with a still-mandated, more winnable shot at Khan.

Short-term problem solved for Golden Boy. Bye-bye Marcos Maidana for the fans. And, just like that, one of the division’s most exciting fighters has been muzzled and leashed.

Khan is now free to sit on Golden Boy’s pile of cash while fighting division retreads and smaller exports from the lightweight division. Rumor has it that Michael Katsidis is being talked about next.

Now, switch to Ortiz, who was routed by Maidana last year and is still being shoved down the throats of the boxing public.

No fights are being rumored for Ortiz, but you can bet that no real challenges are being batted about at Golden Boy headquarters.

With a division full of home run hitters, Khan and Ortiz, two of the division’s brightest talents, are looking for batting practice with the bat boy.

Here’s hoping that Golden Boy wakes up at some point and realizes the lesson learned from the super middleweight class: You can make more money by giving the fans what they want than by trying to manipulate them into buying your hype.

 

[merce77]

Yep.


Khan's people will keep him away from Bradley (and Alexander) for as long as they can. I was looking forward to the Maidana fight, with Maidana's raised profile that would have been a great win over a hot, dangerous guy.
That last line is something that boxing continually gets wrong but mma/UFC gets right every time. Instead of making boxing a one fight card, they should have other noteworthy fights, particularly with guys who could fight the winner of the main event. However one feels about UFC, they're cards are usually filled out in a very fan-friendly way.

Stop it! That picture makes me want a beer.[/QUOTE]



On the real, you hit the nail on the head with your comment about the UFC. I happened to have a change of heart a few months ago about MMA when I started to get into a bit of Judo/Jiu Jitsu myself. These dudes are no joke. But it makes me ache for the days when Don King was throwing out some now classic cards. I still have the Chavez/Randall II card in it's entirety on VHS and WOW! What a card. Azumah Nelson vs James Leija 2 , Simon Brown vs Terry Norris 2, Gerald McClellan vs Julian Jackson 2, Ricardo Lopez vs Kermin Guardia. What a fuckin card!!! Any of those fights could have headlined an HBO Boxing After Dark show with the exception of the Lopez fight. Hell even Christy Martin fought that night on the undercard. Don King's cards were special EVENTS.

 

[Upgrade Dave]

I agree with everything you said except his punching power, I think he has stinging, cumulative power of the type Floyd Mayweather possesses, I mean how many ko's against elite fighters does Floyd have? Tim's a guy who's constantly moving so he doesn't really sit down on his punches. You might be right about the Cotto fight, but I see Bradley, even at 154 as a serious threat to Cotto because of his skills and speed. Here's a pretty good article about the 140lb division and guess who we have to blame for these fights not being made, one of Dave's favorite all time boxers.....



Tied up: A stacked junior welterweight division is stuck in neutral.

There’s a party at 168 pounds with six of the division’s best currently involved in a hotly-contested tournament.

In a true win-win, these six are getting the exposure they deserve, making the money they want while giving the fans the quality matchups they crave. The World Classic Super Six Tournament really should serve as the template for the sport.


Dropping four divisions to the south, we find a junior welterweight division which is arguably even richer in depth than the aforementioned super middleweight class. But, while the 168-pound crew hammered out their differences, the 140-pound division seems to be spinning its wheels and providing more excuses than quality encounters.

So, what’s the deal?

Aside from the obvious weight difference, the only real distinction between the two divisions is that the super middleweights are free from Golden Boy and Top Rank fighters and that fact alone may be the difference between getting something done and just pushing around reams of hype.

Golden Boy has its grip on three of the top 10 junior welterweights in the world and we’re already seeing the customary foot dragging of a promotional giant looking to protect its investment to the detriment of fans.

With Amir Khan and Victor Ortiz in its pocket, Golden Boy opened its checkbook and purchased the one fly in the ointment: Marcos Maidana. The Argentine slugger, who had beaten Ortiz into submission and had become the mandatory for Khan’s WBA title, was offered a one-year, three-fight promotional contract by Oscar De la Hoya’s promotional outfit in what many are saying is more “step aside” deal than real acquisition.

So, instead of Maidana-Khan, which was mandated and a legal necessity, we got Maidana-Victor Cayo. But wait, there’s more ...

After crushing Cayo, Maidana was lined up to fight current division top dog, Timothy Bradley. Outstanding matchup and a real consolation prize for those wanting Khan-Maidana, right?


Well, hold your horses ... this is big-time boxing. Maidana pulled out of the Bradley fight just as the promotional hype was to begin. Citing a back injury, Maidana decided to not go ahead with the plan ... and why not? All he has to do is cool his heels for the next few months and he stands to make a mint of a payday with a still-mandated, more winnable shot at Khan.

Short-term problem solved for Golden Boy. Bye-bye Marcos Maidana for the fans. And, just like that, one of the division’s most exciting fighters has been muzzled and leashed.

Khan is now free to sit on Golden Boy’s pile of cash while fighting division retreads and smaller exports from the lightweight division. Rumor has it that Michael Katsidis is being talked about next.

Now, switch to Ortiz, who was routed by Maidana last year and is still being shoved down the throats of the boxing public.

No fights are being rumored for Ortiz, but you can bet that no real challenges are being batted about at Golden Boy headquarters.

With a division full of home run hitters, Khan and Ortiz, two of the division’s brightest talents, are looking for batting practice with the bat boy.

Here’s hoping that Golden Boy wakes up at some point and realizes the lesson learned from the super middleweight class: You can make more money by giving the fans what they want than by trying to manipulate them into buying your hype.

Stop it! That picture makes me want a beer.

On the real, you hit the nail on the head with your comment about the UFC. I happened to have a change of heart a few months ago about MMA when I started to get into a bit of Judo/Jiu Jitsu myself. These dudes are no joke. But it makes me ache for the days when Don King was throwing out some now classic cards. I still have the Chavez/Randall II card in it's entirety on VHS and WOW! What a card. Azumah Nelson vs James Leija 2 , Simon Brown vs Terry Norris 2, Gerald McClellan vs Julian Jackson 2, Ricardo Lopez vs Kermin Guardia. What a fuckin card!!! Any of those fights could have headlined an HBO Boxing After Dark show with the exception of the Lopez fight. Hell even Christy Martin fought that night on the undercard. Don King's cards were special EVENTS.[/QUOTE]


Great. Now Oscar's spreading his bitchassness to promoting. Never liked that dude or his momma.

King card is awesome looking on paper so I know that was a good one.

 

[Alaskanredman]

Paul Williams Wants Shane Mosley for Welterweight Return

Paul Williams has not competed at welterweight in 2 years. But the avoided contender wants to make a big return to the division at the expense of former champion Shane Mosley.

Williams originally wanted to land a Mayweather or Pacquiao bout following his 4 round technical decision over Kermit Cintron last month. But neither fighter has shown any interest in facing the Punisher.

“Paul can still fight at 154 and he can fight at 160. But his natural weight is 147 and if we had our druthers, we would like to get him a fight at 147,” said Williams’s promoter Dan Goossen to BoxingScene.com. “We will find out soon if that fight is available. We would like to fight one of the 147 pound champions. We’d love to fight Mosley. That, I would say, is our number one priority.”

Shane Mosley hasn’t shown the same interest. Prior to his lopsided decision loss to rival Floyd Mayweather in May, Mosley had told the press he had no desire to face Williams, but would take on other fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, or Joshua Clottey.

With Pacquiao and Mayweather now out of reach due to his bad loss, Mosley’s new potential opponent list features Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Timothy Bradley, Sergio Martinez and Andre Berto.

“Some of the names we discussed are Andre Berto for Berto’s title,” stated Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer. “Shane mentioned to me a rematch with Miguel Cotto, or a rematch with Antonio Margarito, so there are some interesting names out there. So we are basically going to see what can be put together.”

If Williams cannot secure a Mosley bout at 147, Goossen verified that a rematch with middleweight champ Sergio Martinez remains an option.



At 39 years old, it’s understandable why Mosley is becoming very selective with the opponents his chooses. But the Paul Williams bout deserves a second look.

On the surface, this looks to be a bad matchup for Shane. Young volume punchers usually wear out older fighters no matter how defensively sound they are (see Williams’ 2009 domination of Winky Wright). Additionally, Mosley has had pronounced issues with taller fighters who possess significant reach advantages.

But there are several factors that work to Shane’s advantage. First, I am not convinced that Paul Williams can make 147 again without any adverse effects. He hasn’t been a welterweight since 2008, and his weight since has ranged from 154 to 159. A weight drop like that could leave him sluggish and vulnerable like Oscar De La Hoya in 2008 against Manny Pacquiao.

Second, the Punisher still has glaring defensive lapses and compromises his height, which will give Mosley opportunities to land. In his last fight against Kermit Cintron, Williams was repeatedly countered hard with right hands when he attempted to “fight tall” and work behind the jab. It was only when he pressed the fight inside that he had some success. Mosley would have a distinct advantage with the inside war with his shorter arms, which he showed in the Margarito fight.

It wouldn’t be an easy night, but it’s definitely a winnable fight for Mosley and one that instantly puts him back in the forefront if he pulls it off.

Off his opponent list, Shane will likely select Andre Berto. This was the fight that was going to happen before the Haiti earthquake forced Berto to pull out, and still offers an intriguing matchup. Timothy Bradley is too small and Shane would get criticism for it after the way he dogged Mayweather for fighting Juan Manuel Marquez. Margarito will not go for another beating, and Cotto would be a good rematch at either 147 or 154.

According to Golden Boy, Mosley is eyeing a September return. Paul Williams hasn’t disclosed when he will be back in the ring.

http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/lifestylefashion/archive/2010/06/18/22271620.aspx

 

[merce77]

Paul Williams Wants Shane Mosley for Welterweight Return

Paul Williams has not competed at welterweight in 2 years. But the avoided contender wants to make a big return to the division at the expense of former champion Shane Mosley.

Williams originally wanted to land a Mayweather or Pacquiao bout following his 4 round technical decision over Kermit Cintron last month. But neither fighter has shown any interest in facing the Punisher.

“Paul can still fight at 154 and he can fight at 160. But his natural weight is 147 and if we had our druthers, we would like to get him a fight at 147,” said Williams’s promoter Dan Goossen to BoxingScene.com. “We will find out soon if that fight is available. We would like to fight one of the 147 pound champions. We’d love to fight Mosley. That, I would say, is our number one priority.”

Shane Mosley hasn’t shown the same interest. Prior to his lopsided decision loss to rival Floyd Mayweather in May, Mosley had told the press he had no desire to face Williams, but would take on other fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, or Joshua Clottey.

With Pacquiao and Mayweather now out of reach due to his bad loss, Mosley’s new potential opponent list features Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Timothy Bradley, Sergio Martinez and Andre Berto.

“Some of the names we discussed are Andre Berto for Berto’s title,” stated Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer. “Shane mentioned to me a rematch with Miguel Cotto, or a rematch with Antonio Margarito, so there are some interesting names out there. So we are basically going to see what can be put together.”

If Williams cannot secure a Mosley bout at 147, Goossen verified that a rematch with middleweight champ Sergio Martinez remains an option.



At 39 years old, it’s understandable why Mosley is becoming very selective with the opponents his chooses. But the Paul Williams bout deserves a second look.

On the surface, this looks to be a bad matchup for Shane. Young volume punchers usually wear out older fighters no matter how defensively sound they are (see Williams’ 2009 domination of Winky Wright). Additionally, Mosley has had pronounced issues with taller fighters who possess significant reach advantages.

But there are several factors that work to Shane’s advantage. First, I am not convinced that Paul Williams can make 147 again without any adverse effects. He hasn’t been a welterweight since 2008, and his weight since has ranged from 154 to 159. A weight drop like that could leave him sluggish and vulnerable like Oscar De La Hoya in 2008 against Manny Pacquiao.

Second, the Punisher still has glaring defensive lapses and compromises his height, which will give Mosley opportunities to land. In his last fight against Kermit Cintron, Williams was repeatedly countered hard with right hands when he attempted to “fight tall” and work behind the jab. It was only when he pressed the fight inside that he had some success. Mosley would have a distinct advantage with the inside war with his shorter arms, which he showed in the Margarito fight.

It wouldn’t be an easy night, but it’s definitely a winnable fight for Mosley and one that instantly puts him back in the forefront if he pulls it off.

Off his opponent list, Shane will likely select Andre Berto. This was the fight that was going to happen before the Haiti earthquake forced Berto to pull out, and still offers an intriguing matchup. Timothy Bradley is too small and Shane would get criticism for it after the way he dogged Mayweather for fighting Juan Manuel Marquez. Margarito will not go for another beating, and Cotto would be a good rematch at either 147 or 154.

According to Golden Boy, Mosley is eyeing a September return. Paul Williams hasn’t disclosed when he will be back in the ring.

http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/lifestylefashion/archive/2010/06/18/22271620.aspx

Even at 39 and looking rusty, I still say Shane can win this fight, and if he did then what I'd been saying about Shane being too old for Floyd would be instantly

Shane won't take that fight though.

 

[Spectrum]

Even at 39 and looking rusty, I still say Shane can win this fight, and if he did then what I'd been saying about Shane being too old for Floyd would be instantly

Shane won't take that fight though.

Would be a very interesting fight...

 

[Alaskanredman]

Even at 39 and looking rusty, I still say Shane can win this fight, and if he did then what I'd been saying about Shane being too old for Floyd would be instantly

Shane won't take that fight though.

I honestly think Shane should take it. Who else could he fight and have the same impact if he wins. Berto losing to Shane can be chopped up to Berto still being green. I don't think Pac will take a fight with Shane because... I think Pac is tired of getting Floyd's sloppy seconds.

From another angle on this hat is going on with Williams? Why does this cat keep trying to go back to Welter? None of the money fights want any parts of Williams and he knows this. Plus Welter is dying out right now and in a few year those big money fighters are going to retire.

He is better off getting used to 154.... but do you guys think it might be more than the money fights. I am starting to think that the extra weight is fucking with him and he's feeling the power of the bigger fighters too.

 

[HisFlyness]

From another angle on this hat is going on with Williams? Why does this cat keep trying to go back to Welter? None of the money fights want any parts of Williams and he knows this. Plus Welter is dying out right now and in a few year those big money fighters are going to retire.

He is better off getting used to 154.... but do you guys think it might be more than the money fights. I am starting to think that the extra weight is fucking with him and he's feeling the power of the bigger fighters too.

That's what I'm starting to believe, and I think his team feels that way and that's why they've constantly mentioned him going back down to 147, because welterweight really is his best weight class.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Props to the guy on aiming big. He ain't neva scared.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viJ5W-E3EJc

 

[merce77]

I honestly think Shane should take it. Who else could he fight and have the same impact if he wins. Berto losing to Shane can be chopped up to Berto still being green. I don't think Pac will take a fight with Shane because... I think Pac is tired of getting Floyd's sloppy seconds.

From another angle on this hat is going on with Williams? Why does this cat keep trying to go back to Welter? None of the money fights want any parts of Williams and he knows this. Plus Welter is dying out right now and in a few year those big money fighters are going to retire.

He is better off getting used to 154.... but do you guys think it might be more than the money fights. I am starting to think that the extra weight is fucking with him and he's feeling the power of the bigger fighters too.

PW won me over with a couple of his performances but I always said, dude's team wanted him to be the big fish in a small pond. His numerous flaws were exposed by Quintana and Martinez, I really don't think he's an elite fighter as far as skills go, he's just dauntingly huge and puts alot of pressure on dudes by throwing so many punches, but skill-wise to me, he's a lil above average. I never really saw anything special in dude, even though I like him as a fighter, he has heart.

 

[merce77]

Props to the guy on aiming big. He ain't neva scared.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viJ5W-E3EJc

Yup, there are a few fighters making the big bucks who could stand to be more like him.

 

[Spectrum]

PW won me over with a couple of his performances but I always said, dude's team wanted him to be the big fish in a small pond. His numerous flaws were exposed by Quintana and Martinez, I really don't think he's an elite fighter as far as skills go, he's just dauntingly huge and puts alot of pressure on dudes by throwing so many punches, but skill-wise to me, he's a lil above average. I never really saw anything special in dude, even though I like him as a fighter, he has heart.

His length and volume just causes mad problems for most smaller fighters...as they will most likely never had to fight anyone remotely similar to him. But you are right..im a fan of PW, but he hasnt shown me that you can adjust during fight and actually outbox someone..... i dont mean outpunch them..actually outbox them...and with this defense (not enough movement with his head), it would be LIGHTS OUT against any puncher at the higher weights with any power... He gets hit entirely too much in the head. Most welterweights dont have the power to put him out but a heavy handed middleweight or super middleweight could catch him.

 

[merce77]

His length and volume just causes mad problems for most smaller fighters...as they will most likely never had to fight anyone remotely similar to him. But you are right..im a fan of PW, but he hasnt shown me that you can adjust during fight and actually outbox someone..... i dont mean outpunch them..actually outbox them...and with this defense (not enough movement with his head), it would be LIGHTS OUT against any puncher at the higher weights with any power... He gets hit entirely too much in the head. Most welterweights dont have the power to put him out but a heavy handed middleweight or super middleweight could catch him.

Exactly, I actually think he should reduce his punch output a bit and concentrate more on sitting down on his punches and punch strategically (like floyd or JMM). He tends to get caught flush alot and it's usually in the middle of throwing a 20 punch combination. And since he's throwing himself, he usually doesn't see the punch coming. I was waiting for Cintron to catch him with a big right until that incident happened. The bright side is that he seems to have a solid chin.

 

[P03t]

after the death of Velero I would love to see Bradley Vs. Pacman.....

I'm also will be excited to see Alexander or Berto fight him....

 

[Upgrade Dave]

Even at 39 and looking rusty, I still say Shane can win this fight, and if he did then what I'd been saying about Shane being too old for Floyd would be instantly

Shane won't take that fight though.

2 years ago I thought Williams could beat him because he was campaigning at welter but now for him to have to cut weight, he would give Shane an advantage and make himself vulnerable. Now, I think Shane could beat him at welter unless he was thoroughly shot.

From another angle on this hat is going on with Williams? Why does this cat keep trying to go back to Welter? None of the money fights want any parts of Williams and he knows this. Plus Welter is dying out right now and in a few year those big money fighters are going to retire.

He is better off getting used to 154.... but do you guys think it might be more than the money fights. I am starting to think that the extra weight is fucking with him and he's feeling the power of the bigger fighters too.

I think he's trying to get one of those million+ dollars paydays and he's trying to cash in if he can. I think it's a mistake and he needs to focus on jr. middleweight and middleweight. If he wants that big ppv date, he needs to get another, more satifying win under his belt and fight Martinez on ppv for the title. HBO can build that up to be an attraction.

Exactly, I actually think he should reduce his punch output a bit and concentrate more on sitting down on his punches and punch strategically (like floyd or JMM). He tends to get caught flush alot and it's usually in the middle of throwing a 20 punch combination. And since he's throwing himself, he usually doesn't see the punch coming. I was waiting for Cintron to catch him with a big right until that incident happened. The bright side is that he seems to have a solid chin.

Gotta disagree. Doing that will make him even more vulnerable to counterpunching. As long as he doesn't use his height to his fullest advantage and still has average head movement and defense, he needs to throw a lot of punches and overwhelm his opponents.

 

[Alaskanredman]

2 years ago I thought Williams could beat him because he was campaigning at welter but now for him to have to cut weight, he would give Shane an advantage and make himself vulnerable. Now, I think Shane could beat him at welter unless he was thoroughly shot.

I'm iffy on who will win in that match up.

I think he's trying to get one of those million+ dollars paydays and he's trying to cash in if he can. I think it's a mistake and he needs to focus on jr. middleweight and middleweight. If he wants that big ppv date, he needs to get another, more satifying win under his belt and fight Martinez on ppv for the title. HBO can build that up to be an attraction.

Yeah, I feel you but none of money fighters want any part of Williams. Floyd was running talking about "Who is Paul Williams?", and in reality... since then Williams has helped Floyd's stance with poor performances showing all of his weaknesses, but with that said William is still a threat. So why would any body jump out there unless there like Shane with limited options.

Gotta disagree. Doing that will make him even more vulnerable to counterpunching. As long as he doesn't use his height to his fullest advantage and still has average head movement and defense, he needs to throw a lot of punches and overwhelm his opponents.

I can't agree more. Williams doesn't know how to use his height, his jab isn't where it needs to be and his defense.... man that niggas defense is *Charles Barkley Voice* Turrible.

At this point his success is in his output, and he would need to overhaul his whole style to try that, which is why Cintron was getting in his ass.

 

[merce77]

2 years ago I thought Williams could beat him because he was campaigning at welter but now for him to have to cut weight, he would give Shane an advantage and make himself vulnerable. Now, I think Shane could beat him at welter unless he was thoroughly shot.




I think he's trying to get one of those million+ dollars paydays and he's trying to cash in if he can. I think it's a mistake and he needs to focus on jr. middleweight and middleweight. If he wants that big ppv date, he needs to get another, more satifying win under his belt and fight Martinez on ppv for the title. HBO can build that up to be an attraction.




Gotta disagree. Doing that will make him even more vulnerable to counterpunching. As long as he doesn't use his height to his fullest advantage and still has average head movement and defense, he needs to throw a lot of punches and overwhelm his opponents.

I'm iffy on who will win in that match up.



Yeah, I feel you but none of money fighters want any part of Williams. Floyd was running talking about "Who is Paul Williams?", and in reality... since then Williams has helped Floyd's stance with poor performances showing all of his weaknesses, but with that said William is still a threat. So why would any body jump out there unless there like Shane with limited options.



I can't agree more. Williams doesn't know how to use his height, his jab isn't where it needs to be and his defense.... man that niggas defense is *Charles Barkley Voice* Turrible.

At this point his success is in his output, and he would need to overhaul his whole style to try that, which is why Cintron was getting in his ass.

Well I was assuming that he would fight taller in his last few fights, you guys know that's always been one of my criticisms of PW. Assuming he learns to fight taller and keep his head back and weight on his backfoot, he needs to be more selective with his shots or PW is going to get ktfo one day.

 

[Upgrade Dave]

Yeah, I feel you but none of money fighters want any part of Williams. Floyd was running talking about "Who is Paul Williams?", and in reality... since then Williams has helped Floyd's stance with poor performances showing all of his weaknesses, but with that said William is still a threat. So why would any body jump out there unless there like Shane with limited options.

At this point his success is in his output, and he would need to overhaul his whole style to try that, which is why Cintron was getting in his ass.

I wouldn't mind seeing him fight Cintron again but I don't think Cintron was going to win.

Well I was assuming that he would fight taller in his last few fights, you guys know that's always been one of my criticisms of PW. Assuming he learns to fight taller and keep his head back and weight on his backfoot, he needs to be more selective with his shots or PW is going to get ktfo one day.

I used to be on the "PW can beat Floyd" bandwagon but the fights with Quintana and then Martinez got me off. Mayweather would decision him.