http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/ Join Robert Cassidy with front row seats into the world of Boxing. en Copyright 2009 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:24:16 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss - MARCUS HENRY ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/kermit_cintron_calls_out_shane.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/kermit_cintron_calls_out_shane.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:24:16 -0500 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. http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/golden_boy_inks_three_new_figh.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/golden_boy_inks_three_new_figh.html Oscar de la Hoya Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:38:59 -0500 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 http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/showtime_announces_dates_for_s.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/showtime_announces_dates_for_s.html Andre Dirrell Andre Ward Arthur Abraham Carl Froch Jermaine Taylor Mikkel Kessler Showtime Super Six Boxing Classic Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:28:21 -0500 Click here for more coverage of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight.]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/report_manny_pacquiao_vs_migue.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/report_manny_pacquiao_vs_migue.html Bob Arum Manny Pacquiao Miguel Cotto Pacquiao-Cotto Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:07:18 -0500 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 http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/freddie_roach_to_be_featured_o.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/freddie_roach_to_be_featured_o.html Freddie Roach HBO Mary Carillo Real Sports Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:22:53 -0500 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]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/roy_jones_and_jeff_lacy_set_to.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/roy_jones_and_jeff_lacy_set_to.html Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:17:34 -0500 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. http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/long_island_amateur_boxing_cha_1.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/long_island_amateur_boxing_cha_1.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:18:45 -0500 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.” http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/hbo_to_broadcast_assault_in_th.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/hbo_to_broadcast_assault_in_th.html Billy Collins Billy Collins Jr. documentary HBO Luis Resto Panama Lewis Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:24:31 -0500 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. http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/arturo_gattis_wife_seeks_relea.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/arturo_gattis_wife_seeks_relea.html Arturo Gatti Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:07:12 -0500 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 http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/floyd_mayweather_jr_says_manny.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/floyd_mayweather_jr_says_manny.html Floyd Mayweather Jr. Juan Manuel Marquez Manny Pacquiao Pacquiao-Cotto Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:19:34 -0500 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. http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/live_blog_mayweathermarquez_co.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/live_blog_mayweathermarquez_co.html Floyd Mayweather Jr. Juan Manuel Marquez Manny Pacquiao Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:06:34 -0500 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 http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/rossy_steps_in_to_fight_drumon.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/rossy_steps_in_to_fight_drumon.html Carl Davis Drumond Chazz Witherspoon Derrick Rossy ESPN Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:28:35 -0500 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."]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/fighters_and_promoters_agree_s.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/fighters_and_promoters_agree_s.html Andre Dirrell Andre Ward Arthur Abraham Carl Froch Jermain Taylor Jermaine Taylor Lou DiBella Mikkel Kessler Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:50:57 -0500 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. http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/hbo_to_honor_arturo_gatti.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/hbo_to_honor_arturo_gatti.html Arturo Gatti HBO Micky Ward Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:46:47 -0500 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." ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/showtime_announces_matchups_fo_1.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/boxing/blog/2009/07/showtime_announces_matchups_fo_1.html Andre Dirrell Andre Ward Arthur Abraham Carl Froch Jermaine Taylor Mikkel Kessler Showtime Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:26:21 -0500