The Neutral Corner

With few options available for Shane Mosely, Kermit Cintron believes now is the perfect time for the two to mix it up.

Cintron (31-2-1, 27 KOs) said as much in an attempt to call out Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs).

“I feel like right now it makes sense,” said Cintron, who scored a unanimous decision victory over Alfredo Anguno in May. “With Cotto fighting Pacquiao and Mayweather fighting Marquez, I don’t see why he wouldn’t take a fight with me.”

With Antonio Margarito, who Mosley took care of with a 9th-round knockout last January, stripped of his license, Cintron could be an option for Mosley.

“It would be a great fight between us. A tough fight between great fighters,” said Cintron. “It’s a big risk, I understand that. But it’s the one fight out there that is easily available for both of us.”

Cintron's promoter, Lou DiBella, concurred.

“Kermit is willing to fight anywhere from 147 to 154 pounds," DiBella said. "I don’t think we would have to spend significant time negotiating to make a fight between these two great warriors.”

Although some would argue fighing Cintron would be a step back for Mosley, it could be his only option. Speculation is rampant that the winners of Pacquiao-Cotto and Mayweather-Marquez would fight each other.

If that is indeed the case, Mosley would have to wait anywhere from 12 to 15 months for his turn. He could take on the loser of either fight, but its unlikely the loser would want to take a fighter of Mosley's caliber so quickly.

- MARCUS HENRY

FUTURE STARS LUIS RAMOS JR., CARLOS MOLINA & RONNY RIOS LATEST TO JOIN GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS' ALL-STAR ROSTER

Here's a press release from Golden Boy Promotions

Hailing from the same Southern California fight scene that launched the career of boxing superstar Oscar de la Hoya, former amateur standouts Luis Ramos Jr., Carlos Molina and Ronny Rios have started on their own roads to glory, already combining for a 23-0 professional record. Now they're teaming up with De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions to take on the world, as this standout trio has signed exclusive promotional agreements with Golden Boy Promotions.

"I followed Luis, Carlos and Ronny as they went through the amateur ranks, immediately recognized their talent and watched how they have gotten better and better with each fight," said De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "I see a great future in this game for all three of them, both in and out of the ring. While Los Angeles area fans already know this, the rest of the world is going to find out about them very soon."

Frank Espinoza, manager of the Los Angeles area trio added, "I've been privileged to work with these fine young men for a while now and given their potential, Golden Boy Promotions was the only firm we considered teaming up with on our way to world championships. Oscar and his team are the gold standard when it comes to boxing promotion and we couldn't be in better hands."

Ramos Jr., Molina and Rios will make their debuts under the Golden Boy Promotions banner when they each see action on the July 30 "Fight Night Club" event at Club Nokia at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Continue reading "Golden Boy Inks three new fighters from Los Angeles" »

The dates for the Group 1 Stage of Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic were announced Tuesday by Showtime Sports Senior Vice President and General Manager Ken Hershman. According to a release, venues will be announced soon. The classic will take place in America and Europe.

On Oct. 17, Carl “The Cobra” Froch (25-0, 20 KOs) of Nottingham, England, will defend his WBC title against 2004 Olympic Games medalist Andre “The Matrix’’ Dirrell (18-0, 13 KOs) of Flint, Mich. On the same night, undefeated former middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KOs) of Berlin, Germany, will face former undisputed middleweight titleholder Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KOs) of Little Rock, Ark.

The third fight in Group Stage 1 will be Nov. 21 when Mikkel “Viking Warrior” Kessler (41-1, 31 KOs) of Copenhagen, Denmark, defends his WBA title against unbeaten 2004 Olympic Games gold medalist Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (19-0, 12 KOs) of Oakland, Calif.

The tournament will continue in 2010 with Group Stages 2 and 3 with Semi-Finals and Finals in spring 2011. -- CASSIDY

It's the fight Bob Arum hoped for, the fight he had been preaching since Miguel Cotto beat Joshua Clottey. It looks like he's finally made it.

Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 27 KOs) and Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) will square off against each other on November 14 at the MGM Grand, according to ESPN.com.

"It's done," Top Rank's Bob Arum told ESPN.com. "While I was away [on vacation] I reached a verbal agreement with each side. Pacquiao committed to the fight this weekend and Cotto the week before while I was in Israel."

The two will meet at a catch weight of 145 pounds.

Cotto is fresh off a split decision win over Joshua Clotty at Madison Square Garden on June 13. Pacquiao scored an easy knockout over Ricky Hatton on May 2 at the MGM Grand.

Click here for more coverage of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight.

Freddie Roach, one of the more appealing characters to appear on HBO's "24/7" series, gets the spotlight to himself when he is featured on 'Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel' on July 21 on HBO.

Roach, the man who currently trains Manny Pacquiao, has also worked with the likes of Virgil Hill, Oscar De La Hoya, Michael Moorer and Mike Tyson. He is currently battling Parkinson's disease.

The segment on Roach, called, All the Right Moves, was produced by Lisa Bennett and reported by HBO correspondent and former tennis pro Mary Carillo. Here are some quotes from the show that were sent out by HBO:

Mary Carillo: "When he’s busy, which these days is most of the time, the 49-year-old Roach trains fighters 12 hours a day – six days a week. He says it’s all he’s ever known and the only thing he knows how to do. But training’s also become his lifeline…because Roach uses it to combat a debilitating, incurable disease from taking over his body."

She then asks, “This is keeping you healthy? You’re willing to say that?”

Freddie Roach: “100%”

Mary Carillo: “100%?”

Freddie Roach: “Yep. The day I quit this I’ll probably die.”

For more, tune in on July 21. -- CASSIDY

Roy Jones Jr. (left) and Jeff Lacy

Roy Jones Jr. was in full entertainment mode as he and Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy took part in a press conference to promote their bout "Hook City" set for August 15 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

"What can I say? I was chosen for the challenge," said Jones. "When you’re challenged, it’s simple. A lot of guys in boxing do a lot of talking...Jeff Lacy said he wants to fight Roy Jones and we’ll get it on."

Jones (53-5, 39 KOs) scored a fifth-round TKO against Omar Sheika in his last bout on March 21.

Jones tried his best not to look past Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs), but when pressed he admitted taking on Danny "Green Machine" Green, who is also on the card, and possibly stepping back into the heavyweight division, could be in his immediate future.

In the 12-round co-feature for the vacant IBO cruiserweight crown, the Australian Green (26-3, 23 KOs) fights in the United States for only the second time, taking on South American light heavyweight king Julio Cesar “La Furia” Dominguez (20-4-1, 14 KOs).

"Four me, I just do whatever is next," said Jones. "[But] it's definitely sounds intriguing to me to go to Australia. After [Green wins] it, then we'll cross that bridge."

As for his hint at making another appearance in the heavyweight division, Jones said he was disturbed at what's been going on. "I might just find myself back up there one more time," said Jones.

As for Lacy, who called out Jones, he thinks there is still plenty of time left for him to rebuild his career. "It's not a crossroads for me. This is just one of those challenges," said the 32-year-old, who one a majority decision over Otis Griffin last April. "I'm still young."

Lightweight contender Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough (21-1-2, 7 KOs) is also scheduled to fight on the PPV card in a 10-round bout

- MARCUS HENRY

Photo Credit: Tom Casino/Square Ring Promotions

The Long Island Amateur Boxing Championships and Charities, Inc., in association with Hempstead Boxing Club, will host a club show at Kennedy Memorial Park in Hempstead on Saturday July 18.

A team of 10 Irish fighters will compete against Long Island fighters. The Irish roster of fighters includes Michael Conlan, Tyrone McKenna, Stephen Donnelly, Patrick Gallagher, Mark Ginley, Niall McGinley, Michael Bustard, Connor Coyle, David Walsh and James Fryers.

In addition to the bouts, the Long Island Amateur Boxing Championship and Charities, Inc. will also announced the winner of its $1,000 scholarship. Eligible boxers who participated had to answer three questions in a 500-word essay format.

1. How can the sport of boxing help the communities that produce its athletes?
2. What can the applicant do to help boxing regain its popularity and acceptance among mainstream Americans?
3. How can the skills learned in your studies be used to make a difference in your
community?

Weigh-ins are at 4:00 PM, boxing begins at 5:30 PM. For information contact Michael Carryl at 917-945-3480, Ewart Chance at 347-661-6911, or Robin Taylor at 917-359-9446. Most bouts will be pre-matched so you may walk in and try to get a bout, but it is recommended that you contact the organizers in advance in order to secure a pre-matched bout.

Here's a release from HBO:

HBO SPORTS DOCUMENTARY ASSAULT IN THE RING REVISITS THE

ILL-FATED 1983 JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT BETWEEN

BILLY COLLINS JR. AND LUIS RESTO WHEN IT DEBUTS AUG. 1 ON HBO

HBO Sports presents ASSAULT IN THE RING, a documentary about the ill-fated junior middleweight bout between Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto and its subsequent effect on both boxers. Debuting SATURDAY, AUG. 1 (10:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO, the special explores the events that profoundly impacted the New York sports landscape and the world of boxing, and changed the lives of two athletes.

Other HBO playdates: Aug. 1 (3:00 a.m.), 3 (11:00 a.m., 11:00 p.m.), 6 (12:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.), 9 (10:00 a.m.), 12 (5:20 a.m.), 14 (6:30 p.m.), 18 (4:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 22 (9:30 a.m.) and 29 (6:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Aug. 2 (10:00 p.m.), 7 (5:30 p.m.), 11 (2:10 a.m.), 15 (3:30 p.m.), 27 (6:30 p.m.) and 31 (11:00 a.m., 11:00 p.m.)

HBO On Demand availability: Aug. 3-31

“This film will revisit one of boxing’s saddest days,” says Rick Bernstein, executive producer, HBO Sports. “But it’s a compelling story that we feel needs to be told, because so many lives were changed forever on that night at Madison Square Garden. This is an in-depth, comprehensive examination of that tragic event.”

“There were so many unanswered questions surrounding what really happened and who, if anybody, was responsible. What we discovered was much worse than had ever been imagined,” says director and producer Eric Drath. “However, what we ultimately found was a story that went far beyond fact-finding; what unfolded before our cameras is a story of redemption.”

Continue reading "HBO to broadcast 'Assault in the Ring' documentary" »

Here's the latest on the Arturo Gatti story from the AP:

RIO DE JANEIRO — The Brazilian wife of Arturo Gatti asked to be released from jail, where she is held on accusations she strangled the former boxing champion with her purse strap as he drunkenly slept.

Her lawyer told The Associated Press on Tuesday he petitioned a court to release Amanda Rodrigues while the investigation continues. Celio Avelino expects the court in Recife to rule on Wednesday at the earliest.Rodrigues told investigators she awoke Saturday about 6 a.m. to find her husband's body in the apartment they rented in Porto de Galinhas, a seaside resort in Pernambuco state. She then called police, which Avelino said indicates her willingness to help authorities.But police said she was the only suspect and they are certain she killed Gatti in their apartment where they and their 10-month-old son arrived for a second honeymoon last week. The boy was unhurt and was in the care of Rodrigues' family.

Continue reading "Arturo Gatti's wife seeks release from prison" »

On a conference call to hype his Sept. 19 fight with Juan Manual Marquez, Floyd Mayweather Jr. says that Bob Arum is being greedy by suggesting that he and Manny Pacquiao split their purse 50-50 and he says that fight will never happen if it's a 50-50 split.

He also says this about Pac Man: "I feel Manny Pacquiao is a good fighter, he does his job to the best of his ability. Many people forget that Manny Pacquiao got beat by Erik Morales. I am still at the top of my game and I have never been beat. He hasn't done anything that I haven't done."

"I don't really have anything bad to say about Pacquaio. He never called me out. Everyone knows it's not hard to find me."

Floyd also rates Juan Manual Marquez over Manny. He believes Marquez won both fights against Pacquiao and says we all know Bob Arum has a trick up his sleeve.

And more time, Floyd repeats that Pacquiao will never get 50-50 in a fight with Floyd Mayweather. - CASSIDY

Here we go. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez are having a conference call today to hype their fight on September 19.

At 4:05 p.m., EST -- Richard Schaefer says Floyd Mayweather Jr. is healthy and they expect the fight to sell out. By the way, prices range from $100 to $1,000.

4:09 -- Floyd is introduced by Leonard Ellerbee as the biggest star in the sport.

Continue reading "Live blog: Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez conference call" »

HOLLYWOOD, FL, July 13 – With Chazz Witherspoon forced to withdraw from his July 31st battle with Carl Davis Drumond due to undisclosed reasons, New York bomber Derric Rossy has stepped to the plate to face his fellow knockout artist in a sure to be explosive heavyweight bout at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.

The bout is the co-main event of ESPN2 Friday Night Fights. In the main event, it will be a war to remember when unbeaten Victor Manuel Cayo battles former world champion Julio Diaz.
Rossy (21-2, 12 KOs) is currently riding a three-fight winning streak. Costa Rica native Drumond (26-1, 20 KOs) has previously challenged WBA heavyweight champ Ruslan Chagaev.

Courtesy -- Warriors Boxing

SHOWTIME senior vp of sports Ken Hershman at the podium

Everyone involved in SHOWTIME's World Boxing Classic agrees the event has the potential to be great.

"This is a sign of change in boxing," said Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KOs), the WBC super middleweight champ who will take on upstart Andre Dirrell (18-0, 13 KOs) in a Group Stage 1 bout in October. "The good thing is I'm fullfilling my mandatory obligations in a wonderful tournament."

Of the six fighters involved, Froch, Dirrell, Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KOs), Jermain Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KOs), Mikkel Kessler (41-1, 31 KOs) and Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KOs), Abraham probably has the most to lose.

In addition to having to relinquish his IBF middleweight championship belt, he is moving up in weight from 160 to 168 for the tournament. Abraham is confident he won't have any issues.

"It won't be difficult," Abraham told Newsday through an interpreter. "It's better for me. I've lost too much weight."

Abraham will face Jermain Taylor in a Group Stage 1 matchup.

Aside from the exposure the tournament could bring to the fighters and the sport, each fighter agreed knowing that they are guaranteed three quality bouts will help them focus.

"One great thing is you get to avoid the usual nightmare of not knowing who you will fight next," said Froch. "In this tournament we get several fights against the best in the world."

Continue reading "Fighters and promoters agree: SHOWTIME World Boxing Classic is great for boxing " »

Here's a release from HBO:

After televising 21 of Arturo Gatti’s riveting portfolio of professional prizefights from 1995 to 2007, HBO Sports will commemorate the career of former two-time world champion Arturo Gatti, with a special presentation of his classic trilogy when ARTURO GATTI VS. MICKY WARD I, II & III is seen FRIDAY, JULY 17 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO2 and Saturday, July 18 (10:15 a.m. ET/PT) on the main HBO service. The three fights will air consecutively on both days.

HBO On Demand availability: July 20 – Aug. 16.

Regarded by boxing historians as one of the great trilogies in boxing history, the three-fight series between the two junior welterweights featured no belts or championships on the line, but included 30 total rounds of non-stop action, remarkable displays of will and fortitude and unparalleled sportsmanship. The series began on May 18, 2002 in Uncasville, Conn. as an HBO “Boxing After Dark®” presentation with Ward staging a surprising upset victory in an all-out battle. USA Today praised the fight, saying “the ninth round is one of the greatest action-filled [moments] in history.” The two met again on Nov. 23, 2002 in Atlantic City on HBO’s “World Championship Boxing” and Gatti bounced back with a unanimous decision victory. The epic series concluded with another brilliant effort by both fighters on HBO on June 7, 2003 in Atlantic City, with Gatti scoring a unanimous decision victory.

A Montreal native, Gatti (40-9, 31 KOs) fought out of Jersey City, NJ and was one of boxing’s brightest stars during his exciting career. Ward, now 43, long known for his dogged determination and ring workmanship, hails from Lowell, MA and retired as an active fighter after the three showdowns with Gatti. Ward later trained his former opponent in the closing chapter of Gatti’s professional career.

Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, Andre Dirrell, Jermain Taylor

It's official. SHOWTIME announced the formation of its Super Six World Boxing Classic at a press conference at Madison Square Garden today.

Six of the world's best super middleweights, including WBA champ Mikkel Kessler and WBC champion Carl Froch. IBF middleweight champ Arthur Abraham, Andre Dirrell, former middleweight champ Jermain Taylor and Andre Ward round out the rest of the field.

The first three bouts, called Group Stage 1, featrue Froch vs. Dirrell, Taylor against Abraham and Kessler against Ward. The tournament begins in October and runs through November 2011. Dates and venues will be announced in the coming weeks.

The bouts are scheduled to be broadcast on SHOWTIME, not pay-per-view, according to SHOWTIME officials.

Senior vice president and general manager of SHOWTIME sports Ken Hershman explained how difficult it was to get everyone on the same page.

"It was quite complicated. We needed to do this quickly and quietly," Hershman said. "We started with the European pieces first, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler and Arthur Abraham."

"After we finished up the American side, we went to work on the structure," Hershman added. "It took two and a half months from start to finish."

Continue reading "SHOWTIME announces matchups for Super Six World Boxing Classic" »

Felix Sturm defended his WBA middleweight title, scoring a unanimous decision over Khoren Gevor in Nuerburg, Germany on Saturday.

The judges scored the bout 115-113 (twice) and 117-111 in favor of Sturm (33-2-1). Sturm, who is determined to rise into elite status in the middleweight class, has won nine straight fights.

Sturm is best known for a losing close unanimous decision in a WBO middleweight title fight to Oscar de la Hoya in 2004. All three judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of de la Hoya.

- MARCUS HENRY

Here is the latest, this time a report from Reuters, which is saying that Amada Rodrigues, 23, the Brazilian wife of Arturo Gatti has been charged with his murder. Reuters sites local police as providing the information.

It also states that Rodrigues was being held in custody in the Atlantic port city of Recife, capital of Pernambuco state and that, "She is the only suspect," a spokesman for Pernambuco police told Reuters by telephone.

Here's the latest from Brazil courtesy of the AP - The wife of former boxing champion Arturo Gatti was detained as a suspect by Brazilian authorities Sunday following his death at a posh seaside resort.

Police said 23-year-old Amanda Rodrigues was taken into custody after contradictions in her interrogation. Gatti's body was found early Saturday in a hotel room at the Porto de Galinhas resort in northeastern Brazil. The former junior welterweight champion was apparently strangled with the strap of a purse, which was found at the scene with blood stains, said Milena Saraiva, a spokeswoman for the Pernambuco state civil police. She told The Associated Press that the Canadian also had a head injury.

The investigation was not complete, but Saraiva said authorities were preparing to present a formal accusation against Rodrigues, who denied being involved in her husband's death.

Police said Rodrigues, a Brazilian, could not explain how she spent nearly 10 hours in the room without noticing that Gatti was already dead. Police were investigating witness reports that the couple fought and Gatti was drunk when he returned to his room Friday night, Saraiva said, adding that police were told the pair were extremely jealous of each other and that he constantly complained of her clothing when she traveled to Brazil.

Jospeh Agbeko, from the Bronx, via Ghana, decisioned Vic Darchinyan on Showtime tonight to retain the IBF bantamweight title. Darchinyan was making a bid to win a third world title in a third weight class.

The fight was awkward and ugly, which can describe many Darchinyan fights, but this one lacked the sustained action and drama of a really good fight. Instead of a Budweiser logo in center ring, there was an image of Michael Jackson, a tribute from promoter Don King. Oh yeah, Agbeko entered the ring with a white, sequined glove over his left boxing glove, another nod to the pop icon.

Continue reading "Jospeh Agbeko decisions Vic Darchinyan to retain title" »

Ross Greenburg, President, HBO Sports: "HBO Sports is tremendously saddened by the passing of Arturo Gatti. He was one of the legendary warriors in boxing, and his three epic battles with Micky Ward will live on in the sport's rich history. All of us at HBO Sports will miss his warm and friendly presence, and our deepest sympathy goes out to his manager Pat Lynch, promoter Main Events led by Kathy Duva, and the entire Arturo Gatti family. Boxing has lost a great and humble man."

Kathy Duva, president of Main Events: "His entire boxing career he fought with us, we've known him since he was 17. It's just an unspeakable tragedy. I can't even find words. It's a horror."

Here's a report from the cbssports.com website:

SAO PAULO -- Officials say former world boxing champion Arturo Gatti has been found dead in a hotel room in northeastern Brazil.

A spokeswoman for the public safety department of Pernambuco state says the body of the former junior welterweight champ was discovered on Saturday morning in the posh seaside resort of Porto de Galinhas, where he arrived on Friday with his wife and 1-year-old son.

The spokeswoman said it was unclear how the 37-year-old Canadian died.

"There were no bullet or stab wounds on his body, but police did find blood stains on the floor," she said, adding that his wife and son were unhurt.

The spokeswoman, who did not provide further details, declined to be identified because she was not authorized to comment on the case.

Gatti retired in 2007.

Tomasz Adamek defends his IBF cruiserweight title against Bobby Gunn on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark. This is the third appearance for Adamek at the Rock. Here's what the parties had to say today at the final press conference:

Kathy Duva, Promoter, Main Events: “Tomasz Adamek is the reason the fans come out. They come out because every time he steps in the ring it’s exciting, it’s compelling. That crowd that comes to see him make it so exciting. He and the crowd feed off each other somehow. It is just electrifying to be in the room! And we’re all going to be there on Saturday because we want to experience that again.”

David Feldman, Bobby Gunn Promoter: “We are very pleased to be a part of this great historical card. There will be a knockout. I know a lot of you went out to see the fireworks last Saturday night, well we can promise you that come this Saturday you will see a lot of fireworks. We’ve got a lot of surprises. We’ve got a great game plan. We had a great training camp. And we just want to let everybody know to expect the unexpected this Saturday night. Bobby Gunn will walk out of that ring with the championship belt around his waist."

Bobby Gunn: “This fight is my dream. This is the modern-day Cinderella story. No one expects great things of me. A lot of the media has ripped me off. If I didn’t come to fight this fight at my best, to fight my heart out, I wouldn’t have respect for the sport and I love the game. I’m a warrior. You know, beware of a dangerous man. Because I am, I’ve got nothing to lose.”

Andrew Gmitruk, Tomasz Adamek trainer (in response to the Cinderella story comment from Gunn): “It’s really nice to hear fairy tales, but those stories are for children. We are grown men. We are going to teach reality on Saturday.”

Tomasz Adamek: I can make a guarantee now. Bobby Gunn and my fans around the world will see my winning effort and another knockout on Saturday night.”

In response to Adamek’s comment Bobby Gunn said with a smile “He’s not as nice as he was at the last press conference, he’s meaner now!” Kathy Duva said “yes, Tomasz Adamek has his game face on.”

On Monday at the WAMU Theater at Madison Square Garden, SHOWTIME is expecting to make a formal announcement about the formation of a six-man super middleweight round-robin tournament.

What makes this such an intriguing concept is that the proposed tournament features six of the sport's best super middleweights.

IBF Middleweight champ Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KOs), Andre Dirrell (18-0, 13 KOs), WBC super middleweight champ Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KOs), Mikkel Kessler (41-1, 31 KOs), Jermain Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KOs) and Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KOs) will make up the list of competitors.

It's not a slam dunk, however. There will be a lot of things that have to be worked out. Will these matchups play well in their respective venues? Can the numerous promoters all agree on things? Someone could come out of this with as many as three losses. Unfortunately, boxing is a sport where records often dictate who a boxer takes on as an opponent.

Here's to hoping that SHOWTIME, which has a history with these fighters, can pull this off.

More information will be forthcoming.

- MARCUS HENRY

Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko (26-1, 22 KOs), the IBF bantamweight champion, will defend his title against Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (32-1, 26 KOs) in the main event this Saturday, July 11, live on Showtime (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

Here are the picks:

Continue reading "Predictions: Agbeko vs. Darchinyan" »

Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi has announced that Glen Cove’s Howard Davis Jr., gold medalist at the 1976 Olympics, will be honored July 10, 2009 with a street-naming ceremony. Mayor Suozzi invites residents to join him at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Mason Drive and Burns Avenue for the festivities, which will include a mural presentation and street sign presentation.

Mason Drive at Burns Avenue will be renamed “Howard Davis Drive” in recognition of Howard Davis Jr. and his father, Howard Davis Sr., two Glen Covers who have left a lasting impact on our community.

“We are proud to have this opportunity to celebrate all that Howard Davis Jr. and Howard Davis Sr. have contributed to Glen Cove, the sport of boxing and the Olympics," said Suozzi. "Both of these men were proud of their hometown, and our community is equally as proud of them and all that they have accomplished.”

Howard Davis Jr. was born and raised on Mason Drive in Glen Cove, one of ten children in his family. In 1976, he won the Olympic gold medal in the Lightweight Division in Montreal, Canada. Davis Jr. was also named the Outstanding Boxer of the 1976 Olympics, receiving the Val Barker Trophy, in an Olympics year that included Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael Spinks and Leon Spinks. He turned pro after winning the Olympics and retired in 1994 with a professional record of 36-6-1 with 14 knockouts.

Howard Davis Sr. will be honored for his contributions as a “Father of the Community.” He served as his son’s boxing trainer for nearly his entire career. He passed away earlier this year.

Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (20-2, 14 KO) will take on unbeaten Polish contender Piotr Wilczewski (22-0, 7KO) at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on July 11. The card is headlined by IBF cruiserweight champion, Tomasz Adamek defending his belt against Bobby Gunn.

Stevens, a 24-year-old native of Brownsville, Brooklyn, is hoping that a win will move him closer to a title shot in the super middlweight division.

A team of 10 Irish fighters will compete against Long Island fighters at Kennedy Memorial Park, in Hempstead, on July 18.

The rosters of fighters, drawn from all over Ireland, includes: Michael Conlan, Tyrone McKenna, Stephen Donnelly, Patrick Gallagher, Mark Ginley, Niall McGinley, Michael Bustard, Connor Coyle, David Walsh and James Fryers.

Rodriguez (left) and Hlatshwayo in their first fight in November

The IBF's #2 rated welterweight Delvin Rodriguez (24-2-2, 14KO) will take on IBF #3 Isaac Hlatshwayo (28-1-1, 10KO) for the vacant IBF welterweight championship on Saturday, August 1 at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Ct.

It's a rematch of their highly entertaining draw that took place in November in Hlatshwayo's home country of South Africa. Rodriguez actually dropped Hlatshwayo in the 9th, but that still wasn't enough to get the judges on his side.

Rodriguez promises to take the decision away from the judges on August 1.

"I know I am going to knock him out this time around so the scorecards won't matter," Rodriguez said in a statement. "I know that I can take his best punches and that he can not take mine. In the rematch I am going to go right at him from the opening bell until I knock him out."

Star Boxing's Joe DeGuardia, Rodriguez' promoter, also expects his fighter to put on a show.

"The first fight was a good fight, definitely worthy of a rematch," he said. "While I think its noteworthy that the press in South Africa thought Delvin won the fight, as did I, it is going to be a great rematch and I am looking forward to August 1st , not backward."

Photo credit: Star Boxing

- MARCUS HENRY

Yes, he's still fighting. No, we're not sure why. Roy Jones Jr., who has nothing to prove in the ring, will fight a man who ultimately did not prove too much.

Jones Jr. meets Jeff Lacy in "Hook City," on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, MS. “Hook City” will be presented by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. and broadcast live on pay-per-view.

Jones Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) is from Pensacola, Florida, while Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs) is from St. Petersburg, Florida. Not sure why the fight isn't in the Sunshine State.

Don King will announce plans for a special Michael Jackson tribute at his next scheduled event, a boxing card on July 11 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

According to a release sent out by the promoter's office, King promoted the historic Jackson’s Victory Tour in 1984 and brokered a colossal sponsorship deal between Michael Jackson and Pepsi. -- CASSIDY

According to a report in the Manila Standard, Manny Pacquiao will star in a movie with WWE wrestler, Batista. The name of the movie is Wapakman. It's also being reported that Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Szcheringer will be in the movie.

Oscar de la Hoya shared several fond memories of Alexis Arguello through a release from Golden Boy Promotions. Here they are:

"I felt sad receiving the news and still find it hard to believe," said Oscar. "Alexis [Arguello] was my idol. When I was young, I heard so much about him and his fights and loved his style in the ring. In my opinion he was of the biggest and most influential fighters boxing has ever produced."

"I remember he came to my fight against Steve Forbes and we shared some great moments together before and after the fight. Arguello was definitely a legend in the boxing world because of all the joy he brought to his fans with his unforgettable career and amazing personality."

Alexis Arguello, a three-division world champion and a boxing hall-of-famer, has died at the age of 57 in Managua, Nicaragua.

The Associated Press and La Prensa newspaper are reporting that he was found with a gunshot wound to his chest and that it appears to be a suicide. Aside from being an elegant ring technician, with a ferocity that belied his easy demeanor, Arguello was one of the most likeable ring personalities.

He was always approachable when it came to the media and he always seemed accomodating when it came to his fans -- of which there were many.

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