tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196 2009-07-22T15:42:08Z Join Robert Cassidy with front row seats into the world of Boxing. Movable Type 3.36 tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.205865 2009-07-22T15:24:16Z 2009-07-22T15:42:08Z

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...

Marcus Henry - MARCUS HENRY ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.205780 2009-07-21T23:38:59Z 2009-07-21T23:43:22Z

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...

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. MEET THE FIGHTERS... Luis Ramos Jr. A talented southpaw who has garnered rave reviews thus far in his professional career, Santa Ana, California lightweight Luis Ramos Jr. (11-0, 6 KO's) is seen by many fight game insiders as a young fighter with true championship potential and crossover appeal. A boxer since the age of seven, Ramos Jr. went on to ring up an impressive 120-16 amateur slate. After falling short of a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, Ramos Jr. decided to turn pro and in October of 2007 he debuted with a first round knockout of Christian Jose Reyes. Since then, the 20-year-old has been perfect as a professional and in his last bout on June 11, he knocked out 36-fight veteran Baudel Cardenas in five rounds. "This is a dream come true, said Ramos Jr. "I'm looking forward to a long career and to making things better for my family through boxing," "I'm really excited and never expected that one day I would be signed with Oscar who I always watched growing up. This proves that dreams can come true if you work hard enough." Carlos Molina A former National Amateur Champion, 20-year-old Carlos Molina has begun his assault on the professional ranks in impressive fashion, compiling a perfect 7-0 record with 3 KO's in the lightweight division. That includes a shutout six round win over 53-fight veteran Anthony Martinez in his last bout on May 21st. Known for a fan-friendly style based on blazing speed and pinpoint accuracy, the native of Commerce, California guarantees excitement whenever he steps into the ring. "I'm happy to be a part of Golden Boy Promotions, who is the best promoter out there," said Molina. "I feel really blessed to be where I am and I'm looking forward to making a name for myself through this company." Ronny Rios One of the most decorated amateurs to hit the boxing scene in recent years, National Golden Gloves and two-time U.S. Amateur Champion Ronny Rios (5-0, 2 KO's) is well on his way to duplicating his amateur success as a professional. Just 19 years old, the Santa Ana, California featherweight is coming off a 2nd round knockout of 20-fight veteran Alvaro Muro in May and is drawing more and more comparisons to a young Oscar de la Hoya with each passing victory for his style and speed in the ring. "I'm very flattered to be here and excited to perform for Golden Boy Promotions as they are the biggest promoter in the sport today," said Rios. "I feel that there is a lot expected of me right now and I'm ready to meet those expectations." tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.205710 2009-07-21T19:28:21Z 2009-07-21T19:33:49Z

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...

Bobby Cassidy 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 tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.205498 2009-07-20T21:07:18Z 2009-07-21T19:23:45Z

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...

Marcus Henry Click here for more coverage of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight.]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.205125 2009-07-17T19:22:53Z 2009-07-17T19:30:40Z

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...

Bobby Cassidy 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 tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204862 2009-07-16T18:17:34Z 2009-07-16T18:58:57Z

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...

Marcus Henry 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]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204643 2009-07-15T20:18:45Z 2009-07-15T21:41:53Z

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...

Marcus Henry 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. tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204576 2009-07-15T16:24:31Z 2009-07-15T17:10:03Z

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,...

Marcus Henry 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.” ASSAULT IN THE RING revisits a boxing scandal considered one of the sport’s darkest hours, and traces a man’s despairing journey following his alleged involvement in a criminal plot. The documentary examines new evidence about this boxing match turned 30-minute assault, and reveals much more about the pre-fight activities of Luis Resto, his trainer Panama Lewis and the athletic commission representatives. On June 16, 1983, undefeated prizefighter Billy Collins Jr. set out to fulfill every boxer’s dream of fighting in the world’s most famous arena – Madison Square Garden. Collins’ opponent, Luis Resto of the Bronx, moving up from welterweight, had his own dream of rising to the occasion in front of hometown fans. But what began as a match that Nashville native Collins was favored to win changed both athletes’ lives – ending Collins’ career dreams and landing Resto in prison. Resto seemingly reached a fighter’s ultimate goal by upsetting Collins, but his post-fight victory celebration was short-lived when it was discovered that the padding had been illegally removed from Resto’s gloves by his trainer, Panama Lewis, before the fight. Resto was subsequently incarcerated and banned from the sport, while the brutally beaten Collins went into a tragic downward spiral. Resto gives his account of the story in the documentary. Lewis, whose official career as a trainer came to an end that night, was also subsequently banned, and speaks for the first time in ASSAULT IN THE RING about the events of the fight and their impact. Others interviewed include: former New York State Athletic Commission chairmen Jack Prenderville, Randy Gordon and Ron Scott Stevens; members of the prosecution, defense and jury from the 1985 trial in New York, including former New York prosecutors John Bicks and Thomas Moore; attorneys Robert Beecher and Mickey Joseph; referee Tony Perez; New York State forensic scientist Charles Pampa; boxing promoter Johnny Boz; former New York City police detective James Rodriguez; Luis Resto’s sisters, Marta Resto and Susan Lopez; Luis Resto’s sons, Brian and Luis Jr.; and Billy Collins Jr.’s former wife, Andrea. HBO Sports presents a Live Star Entertainment Production; director and producer, Eric Drath; for HBO: executive producers, Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; executive producer, Barry Murphy; supervising producer for HBO, Joe Lavine; writers, Aaron Cohen and Eric Drath. tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204541 2009-07-15T15:07:12Z 2009-07-15T15:08:20Z

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...

Bobby Cassidy 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. Police spokeswoman Milena Saraiva told the AP the death may have even been premeditated and Rodrigues may have encouraged Gatti to drink excessively so she would be able to overpower him later. "He was very drunk and that made it easier for her," Saraiva said. "He was sleeping when she did this. She waited for the moment when he was drunk enough for her to do it." Saraiva stressed this was just one theory police were considering. She also said Gatti's body was released to his brother and it was her understanding the body would be flown to Canada on Wednesday. Rodrigues told police she had a fight with Gatti after dinner on Friday and he pushed her to the ground, resulting in minor injuries to her elbow and chin. Witnesses also reported to police the couple fought and Gatti was drunk.Police said Gatti had marks on his throat, indicating he was strangled, and a knife wound to the back of his head. They displayed a bloodied, white purse strap that was found near Gatti's body, along with a small steak knife. Saraiva said she could not confirm if Gatti was first strangled and then cut with the knife, or the opposite. tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204382 2009-07-14T20:19:34Z 2009-07-21T04:31:49Z

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...

Bobby Cassidy 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 tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204376 2009-07-14T20:06:34Z 2009-07-14T20:37:34Z

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...

Bobby 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. 4:11 -- Floyd said he is waking up at 4:00 a.m. for training. "I know all these young fighters are trying to gun for me. I'm an old cat in the sport of boxing ... Only the strong can survive." 4:12 -- "I didn't want to go into this fight like I have gone into other fights in the past," meaning he didn't want to fight at less than 100 percent. 4:13 -- "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." 4:14 -- Blessings to the Gatti family, he was one helluva a warrior, that was a true champion who will be truly missed. 4:15 -- Floyd does a nice tap dance around Dan Rafael's question regarding his injury. He calls it a freak accident. 4:16 -- Now he clarifies that he had a rib injury but despite Dan's best efforts, he won't say how it happened. 4:20 -- Floyd says he began training last week. He also says he has taken his kids to he NBA summer league games at Thomas and Mack. 4:24 -- Of his Dad, Floyd says that he is coming around and getting to know his grandchildren. And Floyd suggests that's more important than he and his father working together. He also says that his children are the future of the "Mayweather brand." 4:27 -- He says if he fought Oscar at 147, it would have ended in a knockout, with Oscar on his face or his back. 4:30 -- Floyd, talking about his retirement, said he never had a break. He had his first fight in 1987 and needed a break, a vacation. He assures that this comeback has to do with his love of boxing and it's not because he needs the money. He reminds us that he is doing the interview from his 22,000 square foot home. 4:33 -- Floyd says right now he weighs 149, 150. 4:34 -- He rates Marquez over Manny. He also believes Marquez won both fights against Pacquiao. We all know Bob Arum has a trick up his sleeve. Marquez is a Mexican warrior. My apologies to Floyd, JMM and the rest of the parties... and to you the fans.. breaking news beckons. I must bail on the conference call. I will get back to all of this later in the day. -- CASSIDY tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204334 2009-07-14T18:28:35Z 2009-07-14T18:31:28Z

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...

Bobby Cassidy 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 tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204156 2009-07-13T21:50:57Z 2009-07-14T00:49:55Z

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...

Marcus Henry 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."]]> - MARCUS HENRY Photo credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204154 2009-07-13T21:46:47Z 2009-07-13T21:54:05Z

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...

Marcus Henry 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. tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/sports/boxing/blog//196.204076 2009-07-13T17:26:21Z 2009-07-14T00:44:07Z

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,...

Marcus Henry 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." ]]> - MARCUS HENRY Photo Credit:Tom Casino/ SHOWTIME ]]>