Boxing Asylum - Boxing Forums & Boxing News

Bombs away

KesslerGunn — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:49:12 GMT

Sergio Thompson to challenge Takashi Miura for the WBC 130lb title.

44 KO's in their combined 52 fights.

Big fan of Sergio. This guy cracks :punch:

The Return of the Bad Guy

Elephant Man — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:50:19 GMT

Eleven months ago Antonio Margarito, known by many as �The Tijuana Tornado� for his relentless pressure style, announced his retirement after losing via 10th-round knockout in a grudge rematch against Miguel Cotto and previously suffered a broken orbital bone and a severe cataract in his right eye thanks to the hands of Manny Pacquiao. Margarito felt he could no longer compete in the level he wanted to.

But� just like every fighter who retires, word is Antonio Margarito is planning a comeback.

The majority of fighters who come out of retirement do to financial issues and Margarito is no exception.

Rumor is that his divorce with Michelle, who is currently pregnant by a family friend, has become a nightmare, granting Michelle a multi-million settlement forcing the �Tijuana Tornado� to sell several of his assets.

With Margarito�s new baby with his new girl, Lorena Vidales, he wants to take on a big-money fight to help him financially. The only opponents that are able to give him big paychecks are a possible fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at 160. Chavez�s promoter, Bob Arum, did consider this fight before Margarito lost to Cotto.

http://www.myboxingfans.com/2013/05/...o-margarito-2/

Froch Vs Kessler II - The Preview

Adam Smith — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:01:24 GMT

Froch Vs Kessler II is simply a massive fight. Easily the biggest event on British soil since Ricky Hatton fought Kostya Tszyu in 2005. Some will point out that Froch and Kessler aren�t even the top two in the division but ticket sales and viewing figures make this a super fight. Andre Ward will only ever top a bill in front of 19,000 fans if he fights overseas, Froch Vs Kessler II could effortlessly have shifted 30,000 tickets.

Before we go on it must be pointed out that this is not a unification bout as the governing bodies and promoters would like you to think. Kessler has just borrowed the WBA title while Ward recovers from a longstanding injury. Froch�s IBF super middleweight title is the only genuine belt on the line in my eyes.

Since the first fight Froch (30-2) has put on a boxing clinic Vs Arthur Abraham, soundly outpointed old warhorse Glen Johnson, been outclassed by the division's best Andre Ward, performed a career best when knocking out Lucian Bute and dispatched of the distinctly average Yusaf Mack with ease.

Kessler on the other hand has completed less than 13 rounds since that famous night in Herning, Denmark three years ago. The Dane has scored three straight KOs against lesser opponents than Froch has encountered. The best of those three performances was against Brian Magee last December where Kessler looked back to his best, scoring multiple knockdowns before a third round stoppage of the Irish veteran. Last May Kessler faced Allen Green up at light heavyweight where he was put on his backside in the first round from a straight right before recovering well (more later).

Both men have serious power, Kessler possibly the more one punch devastating clout as shown against Green. Conversely, Froch possesses the skills to pepper his opponents with heavy handed bursts. The Cobra is well aware that Kessler often throws a lead straight right to the body but he�s too clever to let the Dane cause damage with this as he did against Brian Magee last December. Froch has fine tuned his style since his trip to Herning and is well versed in applying intelligent pressure, last year�s outstanding destruction of Lucian Bute provides ample evidence.

In short, Froch has improved since the first fight and Kessler hasn't. As such I think the bookies have got it about right with Froch 1/2 and Kessler 2/1. I don't normally quote the odds for a draw but it's not out the question here at 28/1 with both so evenly matched.

I see a cagey start from both combatants and Froch is on record outlining his desire to box Kessler with his superior range. That is until the inevitable happens; one warrior lands a big shot and the other fights fire with fire. Both men are fairly easy to hit and by the middle rounds the O2 will be a war zone and a replica of the first fight as the bombs detonate. Kessler showed his age and vulnerability to straight shots against Green last year and, as a result, I think the 11/4 on offer for a Froch KO win is the best value on offer here. Safety first punters could opt for the 6/4 on offer for either man to win via stoppage.

In the latest edition of Boxing Monthly all 15 of the experts asked for a prediction selected Froch and all but one of my friends (@dalethegreatx) are siding with the Nottingham man. I fully expect to see the best Mikkel Kessler possible and he has the form in the book � a fair and square win over Froch - and arrives on the back of a visually impressive win over Brain Magee.

Both men are the wrong side of 34 and we could see the ageing of a warrior on Saturday evening. Froch has had an incredibly difficult run of fights and Kessler has suffered with injuries. I think Froch has more gas in the tank and significantly has the maturity and astuteness to gain revenge. Kessler�s record suggests he doesn�t travel well and the home crowd can roar Froch on to a KO win, and I wouldn�t write off the stoppage coming early.

One thing is for certain � the name Andre Ward will be mentioned by whoever wins. Deep down I think both know they can�t beat Ward but that is the most natural fight for the victor of this rematch.

So there it is, I�m going for a Froch KO win. But you don�t have to take just my word for it. We�ve got an expert view from undefeated featherweight prospect and former Froch gym mate �Leigh-thal� Leigh Wood (8-0).

�I�m going to put it straight out there with a �Leigh-thal� prediction, I see Carl Froch winning and winning in style with a late stoppage! And there are a few reasons why. Mainly Carl�s confidence is back and bigger than ever, he also knows exactly what to expect from the Kessler. Whereas before it was unknown territory away from home where nothing seemed to be going right including flying out late because of the Icelandic ash cloud.

Everybody knows Carl performs better at home, the crowd lifts him and it really does affect his performance. Kessler on the other hand hasn�t impressed me in his last two fights although getting great results. He's looking more bambi legged with his footwork and seems to be getting caught easier. Furthermore, all his defeats are away from home which I think will be a big advantage for Carl this time out. My money will be on a Froch KO at 11/4.�

Let's get ready to rumble!

Bute reveals why he lost to Froch

Elephant Man — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:24:55 GMT

I suffered a fracture in the fight against Glen Johnson. I fought against Grachev with an injured hand, with pills, with ice, I was making the pain go away.
I'm not looking for excuses, but 2 hours before the (Froch) fight I had local anaesthetic injected into my hand, I wasn't 100% at least Psychologically speaking.(Personal note - mentally was really affected because he didn't managed to get a lot of sleep the night before the fight)

I was hitting 60-70 punches per round, because of the injury I have come to 15 punches per round.

I tried to make some efforts to continue and do not cancel the fight, but unfortunately, after several consultations with the doctor and my team, I made that decision. Had to get surgery, I had unbearable pain. I decided this for my career. was very risky to get in the ring injured, I had a very strong opponent. injury happened during the preparation of the third sparring. on May 1st we decided to operate me. Surgery lasted about an hour, hour and a half, and the words of the doctor, all is well, the recovery will go very well. I hopes to return to the ring soon. was a lot of stress and psychologically I was finished. I could not train , I could not hit with the left.The pain had reached the elbow and shoulder and so we decided to get surgery, said Bute.

Faster than January, the fight can't happen. 25 of January, on agreement with HBO that will be the date for the fight against Pascal

So that was why Froch won :sad: We all must now look at that 'win' as a tainted win.

Hopkins - we have a new superstar in boxing

El Cholo — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:12:54 GMT

anyone think Matthysse is going to end up struggling to get a career defining fight?

When did quitting become acceptable in boxing?

KesslerGunn — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:46:58 GMT

It's the ultimate sin. Back in the day it was never tolerated. Look at what happened to Duran. Now people say stuff like "aw well he took a beating" and "he gave it his best". Bullshit. You can always give a little more. Quitting is not acceptable.

Rant over :huff:

Ward vacates Emeritus Title; not happy

El Cholo — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:11:40 GMT

By Andre Ward

After careful thought and consideration with my family and team, I have decided to relinquish my WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Emeritus Title. As has been recently reported, the WBC elected to strip me of my world title belt, making the upcoming bout between Sakio Bika and Marco Antonio Periban for the vacant super middleweight title. After consultation with my manager James Prince and attorney Josh Dubin, it is my belief that the WBC did not have the right to strip me of my world title and name me champion emeritus. We voiced our position to the WBC, and after several discussions, have agreed to disagree with their interpretation of the facts and rules. In our opinion, we feel strongly that I did not violate the rules in any manner whatsoever.

When I fought Chad Dawson, there was no mandatory contender. Subsequent to my victory, I injured my shoulder but have remained ready, willing and able to defend my title within the period specified by the WBC�s rules. Nonetheless, without what we feel was appropriate due process, the WBC elected to strip me of my world title. I think my track record in fighting the best opponents available speaks for itself. I worked extremely hard and dedicated my entire career to win and defend my WBC belt. As a matter of principle, I have chosen to stand up for what I believe is right. I think the fans know and appreciate that I am the super middleweight champion of the world, and I trust that I will continue to be recognized assuch. I am back in training again, feeling great, and excited about my return to the ring.

Big Enzo to get a shot at Euro LHW title

Elephant Man — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:14:50 GMT

Polish light heavyweight Dariusz Sek, 19-0-1, has been the mandatory challenger for the EU title for some time now. First then champ Orial Kulaj vacated the title, then Brit Ovill McKenzie pulled out to go for greener pastures and now former WBO champ Enzo Maccarinelli, 36-6, is co-challenger and the EBU have set June 6th as the deadline for purse bids.

Bscene

Wins this and then its the big Welsh showdown with Nathan :jord:

British Success: 2007 - 2013

KrisDotOrg — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:57:01 GMT

Think of all the time, money and energy that has been invested in the names below.

Lee Purdy vs Devon Alexander RTD7 (18/5/13)
Martin Murray vs Sergio Martinez UD12 (27/4/13)
Gavin Rees vs Adrien Broner RTD5 (16/2/13)
Amir Khan vs Danny Garcia TKO4 (14/7/12)
Matthew Macklin vs Sergio Martinez RTD11 (17/3/12)
Carl Froch vs Andre Ward UD12 17/12/11
Amir Khan vs Lamont Peterson SD12 (10/12/11)
Darren Barker vs Sergio Martinez KO11 (1/10/11)
David Haye vs Wladimir Klitschko UD12 (2/7/11)
Matthew Macklin vs Felix Sturm SD12 (25/6/11)
Matthew Hatton vs Saul Alvarez UD12 (5/3/11)
Rendall Munroe vs Toshiaki Nishioka UD12 (24/10/10)
Kevin Mitchell vs Michael Katsidis TKO3 (15/5/10)
Carl Froch vs Mikkel Kessler UD12 24/4/10
Junior Witter vs Devon Alexander RTD8 (1/8/09)
Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao KO2 (2/5/09)
Junior Witter vs Timothy Bradley SD12 (10/5/08)
Ricky Hatton vs Floyd Mayweather TKO10 (8/12/07)

Are British Fans the most deluded fans on the world scene or what?

The Libertines - Babyshambles - Dirty Pretty Things

KesslerGunn — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:30:03 GMT

:hail: Doherty & Barat

Must See for Pantera Fans and Acoustic Music Lovers

Matty — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:18:07 GMT

Alexander: "I beat Matthysse at 60%"

El Cholo — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:58:47 GMT

My thoughts on Gatti being in the Hall of Fame

El Cholo — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:30:59 GMT

a thought on Mosley's win

El Cholo — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:37:56 GMT

I think we can all agree that Mosley hasn't looked the same fighter since beating Margarito...drug testing for the Floyd fight means IF he was taking anything previously, and has been caught in the past, then he had to stop.

His recent fights in America after the Floyd fight were painful to watch...but he goes to Mexico where drug testing is lax and the meat is contaminated with steriods...I'nm told Mosley looked semi decent against Cano and stepped up the pace slightly in the fight, something he couldn't do against Pacquiao and Canelo!

You see what I'm getting at?

James Kirkland looks like a monster in Mexico.

Erik Morales is failing drug tests left, right and centre in Mexico.

Must be something in the water down there!!

The Journeyman

Ben O'Connor — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:04:02 GMT

Hello my fellow pugilist blogladites and welcome my all singing all dancing brand new boxing blog which floats like Nikolai Valuev and stings like Ivan Calderon. I will, of course, be as fair as I can (think German judges scorecards) and equally as honest (think Roger Tileman - see Ottke vs Reid referee) in dissecting my chosen "topic of the week" (that seriously needs a jingle). Feel free to add your own constructive criticism or better still unleash a barrage of unsavoury taunts suitable only for a Ricardo Mayorga press conference. So without further a do............

The journeyman - someone who has completed an apprenticeship and is fully educated in a trade or craft, but not yet a master (a brief description from wikipedia). One question always looms large when I find myself plonked in front of the TV or in the stalls (cant afford ringside, oh and I'm tight) of a spit a sawdust old hall watching these men ply the most brutal of trades - Why???? The money? The thrill? The notoriety? All valid questions when pondering their motives I will concede, but for me there has always been one reason why these unquestionably courageous men step inside the ropes to do battle - What if? "What if I cause an upset?" "What if I can shock the crowd?" "What if I can drag this guy down to my level, I will have one last shot at the big time, then after that, who knows." Of course - as anyone who is reading this already knows - boxing fairy-tales are rarer than a lawyer allergic to money.

This being said I have no real issue with partaking in a mental tug of war between watching the sport that I love and seeing a solid journeyman lose a lopsided decision to a young prospect. "good test," I say. "Nice workout," "he'll learn a lot from that," I summarise. But a human being that can barely defend himself has no business being in a professional boxing ring FULL STOP! This was something I was recently faced with when I shelled out 40 of my well earned sovs to attend a full show at London's iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green.

I will spare the dignity of the combatants by not sharing with you which particular show it was on (classy aren't I?) but I will genuinely say there were some excellent bouts on a evening of quality boxing. On my journey home amongst some jovial discussions on boxing nicknames and a quite frankly piss poor chicken burger, one bout on the bill was at the forefront of my mind and was , I do not mind admitting, deeply troubling me. It was a bout between a former ABA champion carrying a pretty hefty reputation, making his professional bow going up against a fighter that (and I pull no punches saying this) almost insults the word journeyman. A journeyman has ring savvy, takes shots on the arms, rides punches and has smarts that can get him out of some sticky situations, a man with more pride and teak toughness than boxing ability but certainly knows how to extend a learning kid. This particular fighter had very little, if any, of the above.

Now this is a tough subject for a few reasons. 1. No one forced the defensively, non existent treacle soled, feather fisted man to get in there and push out shots that made Homer Simpson look like Archie Moore in the first place, he climbed through the ropes of his own accord, and 2. This is professional boxing, anything could happen right? Wrong! It showcased nothing of the prospect, who I happen to think will make the transition successfully and become an excellent pro. It showed a well schooled boxer with good hand speed and an impressive range of movement pitted against a woeful novice who quite literally couldn't hold his hands up to protect himself (prompting my pal who was sitting next to me to literally hold his head in his hands and curse for the fight to finish) The punches rained down on the 'fighter' with alarming frequency as he goaded his younger, stronger, fitter, better opponent into an exchange of punches in a show of ludicrous bravado that was both painful and sad to witness. His aim was clearly to lure the inexperienced pro virgin into a false sense of security and land that one big shot......That big shot. sadly, did not exist and I doubt it ever had.

The fight ended in a bloody 3rd round stoppage (quite how the first two stanzas reached there conclusion is still beyond me). The fight was for me, neither a test or a worthwhile exercise for either participant, a fight I was happy to see the back of in a hurry. A journeyman in this sport can more than serve his purpose, and if they are very carefully selected can develop a young fighter without getting too busted up in the process. Some, however, are frighteningly deluded and will receive irreversible damage. For the Winner of this one, he will come again and for the loser, sadly, so will he.

Follow Ben @oganay