Woolcombe Meets Rhodes In Dangerous Title Defense
Posted on | March 18, 2008 | No Comments
The 18th of April sees South London golden boy Gary Woolcombe make the first defense of his newly minted British light middleweight title when he faces the one-time star of the division, Ryan Rhodes, formerly known as “Spice Boy”, at Bethnal Green’s historic hotspot of boxing, York Hall, in London, England.
This is an intriguing fight which sees Rhodes, 38-4 (26), in a role reversal as he was the up and coming star in the late 1990’s, taking on the more established senior fighters. The youngest British champion in 57 years at age 20 in 1996, the Sheffield southpaw now finds himself taking on Woolcombe in an attempt to regain past glories.
While Rhodes never lived up to his true potential, failing twice to win the WBO middleweight crown, the big punching 31 year old has since come back a more seasoned operator. 11 years after giving up the British title, Rhodes will be looking to take young Gary Woolcombe to school.
Just 25 years of age, Woolcombe, 25-1 (10), is already a solid professional and isn’t the least bit unsettled about facing Rhodes. “People tell me that this is going to be my hardest fight to date, but every fight is hard,” said Woolcombe.
“There’s no such thing as an easy fight. It’s far easier to win a title than to keep it, as many champions have found out. I don’t intend to lose it at my first first defense as it’s always been my dream and ambition to be a champion. Now that I have the British belt, I want to go onto getting more titles, but the fight I’m looking for is a match with former undefeated British light middleweight champion Jamie Moore.
“If Rhodes thinks he just has to turn up in order to take my title, he has another thing coming.”
Woolcombe’s clash with Rhodes is a unique bout that could either be a classic matchup or a clash of styles, but it just may be the fitter fighter that comes through as the winner.
Chief support for the bill sees an interesting fight between former title challenger John McDermott, 24-3 (15), in a final eliminator for the British heavyweight crown against another ex-title challenger, the heavy-handed Pele Reid, 19-4-2 (17).
Only one of these heavies can go forward to fight for the British title while the loser may find himself on the journeyman circuit. Since losing a title challenge to Matt Skelton and joining Frank Maloney Promotions, McDermott has developed a nice and steady winning run and has improved greatly with a new training team.
British Light Middleweight Champion Gary Woolcombe’s maiden title defense, billed as “Divine Retribution”, takes place against challenger Ryan Rhodes on Friday, April 18, 2008 at York Hall in London, England.
The bill also features John McDermott vs. Pele Reid in an eliminator for the British Heavyweight title along with full undercard support. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 0871 2261508. Sky Sports will televise live on SS1 starting at 10:00PM.
Frank Maloney Promotions also presents “Northern Rock”, featuring Chris Edwards vs. Andy Bell for the Super Flyweight Championship of Britain along with full undercard support at the Metrodome in Barnsley, England on Friday, March 28, 2008. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 0871 2261508. Sky Sports will televise live on SS1 starting at 9:30PM.
www.frankmaloney.com
Top X-soviet heavyweight boxing prospects
Posted on | March 18, 2008 | No Comments
Boxing Press Contributing Writer Adam Zee has submitted the following
article for your review:
Top X-soviet heavyweight prospects
March 2008
My new quarterly Eastern European heavyweight prospects list is out. Change in sports is a constant, yet I can think of no other sport that has changed as much demographically as boxing has during the past few years. The face of professional boxing has been re-shaped since the fall of communism in Europe. Not only do fighters of European origin control the heavyweight division, they also control amateur heavyweight boxing and have the best up and coming prospects.
Two major promoters have emerged in Europe. They are Universum and Sauerland. Each German based promoter is building its own stable of champions and prospects that have left their mark in many of boxing’s weight classes. A few other Russian based promoters are on the horizon as well. Significant heavyweight fights are taking place in Europe. Opportunity in the form of professional contracts is knocking on the doors of many accomplished amateur boxing stars from Europe. Who will go pro and with whom? Stay tuned!
If this is not enough, former WBC / WBO / Ring Magazine heavyweight champion is set to return to the ring. If Vitali Klitschko can come back and win a belt after a 3+ year layoff at age 36+, he will join an exclusive club of champions who have accomplished the same feat.
Currently 8 of the 10 top heavyweights rated by Ring Magazine are X-Soviet fighters. This list has less talent on it then previous lists, but that is only because names like Ibragimov, Chagaev, Valuev, Lyakhovich, and others have graduated by winning world title belts. The Olympics is around the corner. There are several good X-soviet fighters in it.
Enclosed are the updated April 2008 Rankings. My rankings are a mix of professional accomplishments to date, and potential to become a contender based on what each fighter has shown in the ring. A strong and successful amateur background is also taken into consideration. This means a highly accomplished amateur who just turned professional can rate over another prospect that has more fights, but has failed to impress as much as an amateur or professional.
The rules of the prospect list are simple. If a fighter has been a champion, is a currently world belt holder or is 35 years of age or older, I no longer consider him a prospect. With each passing month, it is beginning to look like the Euro prospects are going to have to beat each to advance up the rankings, and fight each other for World title belts. The amount Euro prospects has grown at a rapid pace where there just are not enough trial horses or journeyman around to feed up and coming prospects. The result is many prospects have been matched or will be matched vs each other earlier in their careers.
**The list of Eastern Euro fighters can extend into parts of Asia if the country was ethnic Eastern European or in the old Soviet Block. I also included fighters born in Eastern Europe that are now based elsewhere.**
For a new spin, I will predict which what their careers are headed.
Here are my updated current rankings: Let the debate begin.
1. Alexander Povetkin. 15-0. 11 KO’s. 28 years old. Career path = rapidly ascending.
Amateur background and Scouting Report: Povetkin’s amateur credentials are as good as they get. He was the winner of 13 of the last 14 tournaments which include the super heavyweight champion in the World Amateur and Olympics. His style is best described as a forward moving boxer – puncher. Povetkin has fast hands, rare ability to counter and a high guard slip and duck type of defense. His power is good enough to be classified as a attrition puncher. Povetkin has been moved at a rapid pace as a professional. He really opened his eyes with his sensational 2nd round KO over Richard Bango. Then he impressed again by totally outclassing Friday Ahuyanyna, and stopped former contender Ed Mahone. Povetkin recently took out both Mayfield and Bostice in style. After that, he defeated Donald, Byrd and an undefeated Chambers. While Povetkin still needs to work on things, such as a jab and clinching for the future, I am most impressed with his intangibles. The man is a winner. Povetkin is a real fighter who is not afraid to get hit if that is what it takes for him to out score or out slug the his opponents. I rate Povetkin high based on his track record, what he has shown in the ring as a professional, and potential. Winning a world championship belt for Povetkin can be done in less than 18 fights, though it is unlikely he will defeat Wladimir Klitschko. Povetkin should not only be viewed as one of the best up and coming heavyweights, he should be viewed as one of the best up and coming prospects regardless of weight class.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp…_id=042016
2. Vladimir Virchis. 24-1. 20 KO’s. 34 years old. Carrer path = At the crossroads.
Amateur background and scouting report. Information of Virchis amateur background is sketchy. Vitali Klitschko defeated Virchis as an amateur and called him a devastating puncher.
As a professional, Virchis has some things going for him. There is not doubt that Virchis is a devastating puncher, especially with the right hand. His uppercut is very dangerous as well. Virchis once knocked a guy out with his jab…shades of Sonny Liston. Virchis is a very strong super heavyweight. His chin looks to be solid. On the down side Virchis is a bit slow, and can be out boxed. As far as prospects go, Virchis is already tested as he nearly defeated Chagaev in a close fight. Since the Chagaev loss, Virchis has re-bounded with 4 wins in a row. Virchis might be in line for a world title shot. Virchis is the type of fighter who will always have a punchers chance. I tend to think he’s better than Valuev. If you haven’t seen Virchis before he’s got a real presence in the ring and isn’t afraid to get hit. He’ll keep coming at you like a horror movie monster, and if he lands his best, he’s going to win.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
3. Alexander Dimitrenko 27-0. 17 KO’s. 25 years old. Career path = Slowly moving upwards.
Amateur background and scouting report. Dimitrenko won the world jr championships at super heavyweight. He was instantly offered a contract and compared to the Klitschko brothers due to his Ukrainian background and similar size. Dimitrenko is a true super heavyweight who stands 6’7” tall, and owns an impressive 83” reach.
As a professional Dimitrenko has disappointed a tad. He is not a big puncher, but he remains a very big athletic man with decent movement skills and stamina. Dimitrenko looks to have some issues with pressure oriented fighters. Although Dimtirenko was knocked down in a recent fight, it was a hard punch, and Dimitrenko took it well and recovered from it instantly. It is possible that Dimitrenko could evolve into a Henry Akinwande type of heavyweight. He has proven he can deal with adversity in the Hoffman fight. At age 25, Dimitrenko is still in the improvement phase. His coach Fritz Sdunek says he is ready to be the next Klitschko. While this is a reach, Dimitrenko has improved his power, and fluidity in the ring in terms of changing offense to defense and vice versa. Perhaps Dimitrenko will be ready for a top 30 level opponent in 2008.
I think Dimitrenko is good enough to be considered a top 15 heavyweight right now. Indeed Ring Magazine has him in their top ten. The extremely big heavies tend to peak a bit later.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
4. Denis Boytsov. 20-0. 18 KO’s 22 years old. Caerer path = Slowly on the way up.
Amateur background and scouting report. Boytsov was an absolute terror in the amateurs. He won the world jr championships at heavyweight with all KO’s. In fact, some were AB’s, which means the fighter abandoned the match out of fear of injury.
As a professional Boytsov has excited boxing fans around the world with a sting of sensational knockouts. Boytsov is the closest thing to Mike Tyson since….. Mike Tyson. He has extremely fast hands, and power in both mits. Boytsov has a jab, a quick one two and a killer hook to the body or the head. He has quick feet, and lots of confidence. The 22 year old Boytsov rates extremely high on potential. He has the eye of the tiger. It is unlikely that Boytsov can move up in the ranks anytime soon do to his young age, and relatively easy match making. Boystov passed some test recently by going 8 rounds, and scoring a TKO cuts win over a solid 11-1 fighter. Boytsov still has a lot to learn. For whatever reason he has been acting more defensive in the ring as of late. It appears Boystov is ready for his first good journeyman. He will be fighting Robert Hawkins, a man who went 10 rounds with David Tua and Sam Peter. If Boystov blows Hawkins away, he will have passed a test. At age 22, Boystov has more than a decade of boxing ahead of him.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
5. Oleg Platov. 26-1. 22 KO’s. 24 years old. Career path = On the rise!
Amateur background and scouting report. I do not know much about Platov’s amateur back ground . As a professional. Platov has a crowd pleasing wild style of a slugger. Platov can punch, and should have some appeal due to his well muscled build and style. Platov has already avenged his lone loss on points via KO. Platov could be a real dark horse amongst prospects. At 24 years of age, he should be able to smooth off the rough edges on his game. Platov beat Akienwande on points, won a few more fights, then had a wild NC 4 round match with Danny Williams. Platov is managed by Alain Vanckere. Vanckere is a new promoter / manager. Vanckere might decide to roll the dice again. Platov is 1-2 fights wins away from a top 30 ranking. He might never be a champion, but he will be entertaining fringe contender. The type you need to beat to get a top ten ranking.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
6. Aleksander Alekseev. 14-0. 13 Ko’s. 26 years old. Career path = On the way up.
Amateur background and scouting report. Alekseev’s amateur credentials are outstanding. He was European champ, World Military champ and World Amateur champion at heavyweight. In the ring Alekseev is very fast, very skilled, and can punch. He prefers to set up his offense behind a stinging jab, and then can fire the straight right or the hook. The hook in particular has a lot of power in it. Alekseev’s footwork is pretty good as well. The only question on Alekseev is which division he will fight in? Alekseev might opt to stay at cruiserweight. If he does, he will be the best cruiser weight prospect since Evander Holyfield. Alekseev has been weighting in at or a half a pound below the cruiser weight limit, and some of his opponents have been over 200 pounds and fought at heavyweight. So I’m still listing him as a heavyweight prospect. If Alekseev opts to fight at heavyweight, he will need to add about ten pounds.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
7. Taras Bidenko. 25-2. 12 KO’s. 28 years old. Carerr path = On the comeback trail.
Amateur background and scouting report.
Bidenko was a solid amateur for the Ukraine. He is a horse of a different color amongst Eastern Euro fighters. Most Eastern Euro fighters are Punchers, Stand up Boxers or Swarmers. Bidenko is a deluxe boxer with footwork, hand speed, and reflexes. A pure joy to watch, Bidenko loves to throw punches, but doesn’t always fight smart. Bidenko lost to Valuev on points in his 4th professional fight that went 12 rounds! I hear it was close. Bidenko was comfortably ahead on points vs Virchis, until the last round where Virchis big right hand found its mark. Since losing to Virchis, Bidenko has won 11 fights in a row vs some solid joruneyman / fringe contender types. With more seasoning and less of a flashy attitude, Bidenko could very well be undefeated. Tarus is still young enough to come all the way back. Bidenko’s main draw back is lack of power, however youth and experience will be on his side for his next big fight. Bidenko is good enough to get a title fight. Will Valuev or Virchis ever give him a re-match? Will Chagaev fight him? Stay tuned.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
8. Sebastian Koeber. 13-0, 11 Ko’s. 28 years old. Career path = Un the way up
Amateur background and scouting report. Koeber won a few tournaments, and was good enough to win Bronze in major events, such as the World amateur championships and the Olympics. In the ring, the 6’3” 225 pound Kober looks a lot like a smaller version of Wladimir Klitshcko. This man can fight or punch. Some wonder if he has a top level chin. Kober was stopped in two big amateur fights by Povektin and Cammarelle, but he did go the distance on points vs other punchers. It should be noted that Koeber also beat a young Pvoetkin and seasoned Cammarelle on points in the amateurs as well, and both men were world amateur champions. Koeber is read to step up his competition level.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
9. Steffan Kretschmann. 10-0, 9 Ko’s. 27 years old. Career path= On the way up.
Amateur background and scouting report. Much like Kober, Kretschmann won bronze twice in the world Amatuer championships. In the ring the 6’5’ 235 pound southpaw looks imposing. He’s solidly built, and very strong. I think he has a bright future and can at the very least win a regional belt. Kretschmann has some un-tapped potential. If Kretschmann fine tunes his skills a bit, watch out.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
10. Alexander Ustinov 8-0, 8 Ko’s, 31 years of age.
Amatuer background and scouting report. Ustinov is a former K1 heavyweight, with a 19-1 record. Most of his wins were via KO, the loss was on points. As a pro heavyweight, the 6’7” ½ Ustinov has shown heavy hands, some skills, and little fear in the ring. Ustinov debuted at 269 pounds, but ballooned up to 300 pounds. He looks like an american football offensive tackle, but in the ring, he needs to lose 30 pound if he wants to regain some quickness, and later round stamina. I rate Ustinov high based on his K-1 career, and potential. Don’t expect him to jump up in the rating any time soon. Expect him to keep knocking guys out until his management feels he’s ready to move up.
www.boxrec.com/list_bouts…&cat=boxer
Top amateur talent who have medaled in major amateur tournaments that would rate quickly if they turned professional:
Timurziev – Russia…A huge puncher with rare technical skills on offense and defense. Has a jab, punch, moves his head, and can counter punch. Favorite to win gold in the Olympics. Needs to work on his stamina a bit.
Romanchuk- Russia… A tall southpaw who attack his man. Good speed. Good skills. Good power. Good punch out put. How good is he? He holds a 2-1 edge over Solis. Romachuk needs to learn when to box or slug, as he can do both well. Romanchuk is rumored to go pro soon, as he is not going to the Olympics.
Pulev – Bulgaira…A technical boxer with good speed and smarts. Holds a win over Solis, Timurziev and Cammarelle. Average puncher.
Chakhiyev –Russia…Fights angry! Decent skills. Strong, and improving. Won silver at 91k in the last world amateurs.
Glazkov – Ukraine..The 24 year old recently took silver in the world amateurs. The power and size are there. He is the dark horse in the Olympics.
Per Ake Persson: Euro News
Posted on | March 18, 2008 | No Comments
Universum won today´s purse bids for WBA heavyweight champ Ruslan Chagaev´s mandatory defence against Nikolai Valuev with an offer for 4.354.840 USD. Sauerland Event bid 3.541.021 USD and Don King Productions 3.000 000 USD. Chagaev vs Valuev II is likely to go ahead in Germany May 31.
The undercard to Diaconu vs Henry April 19 in Bucharest is likely to feature Italian lightheavy veteran and multiple ex-champ Silvio Branco. There will also be a NABA jr welter title defence by Jo Jo Dan against Argentinian Raul Balbi, who a few years back gave Leonard Dorin a very tough fight in Bucharest for the WBA lightweight title. Featherweight Viorel Simion face Rudy Encarnacion for the WBC Mediterranean title and Bogdan Dinu, a talented amateur heavyweight, turns pro.
Estonian Sergey Melis and Latvian Oleg Fedotovs clash for the vacant BBU middleweight title March 22 in Tallinn, Estonia.
When Italian welter Cristian De Martinis was badly knocked out in June of last year against EBU champ Jackson Osei Bonsu it looked like the career was over. De Martinis spent days in hospital and a got a six month suspension with a recommendation to quit boxing. Cristian is however back and will fight March 25 in Budapest, reportedly with a Romanian license, against Janos Petrovics. The show also feature the comeback of Danish heavy Ingvardt Jorgensen, who returns after eight years out.
Bild Zeitung hinted recently that it will be Darnell Wilson that take on WBA cruiser champ Firat Arslan May 3 in Stuttgart.
EBU bantam champ Carmelo Ballone defends the title May 9 in La Louviere, Belgium, against Valery Yanchy from Belorus but fighting out of Spain. Yanchy is rather unknown but is a tall, awkward, quite capable fighter.
The undercard to Abraham vs Ayala March 29 in Kiel seems to be dedicated to the cruisers: Yoan Pablo Hernandez square off against Wayne Braithwaite and talented Bosnian Enad Licina fight Kenneth Releford.
Former EBU welter champ Christian Bladt returns to action after a brief suspension April 4 in Aarhus. The show, promoted by Anders Vester, is headlined by welter Allan Vester taking on Hassan Saku over six rounds.
Opponent for WBO lightheavy champ Zsolt Erdei April 26 in Dresden is American DeAndrey Abron.
FIGHTERS WANTED: MMA RECRUITER CLASSIFIEDS
Posted on | March 18, 2008 | No Comments
Ammy 185 & Heavy – Effingham, IL – May 3rd
Mercenary Promotions is looking for 2 Amateur Middleweights; one for a 2-0 and one for a 2-3 opponent and 2 Amateur Heavyweights; one for a 2-0 and one for a 0-0. This event will take place May 3rd at the Rosebub Theater in Effingham, IL.
Fuel, Hotel over 100 miles, and catered meal after weight ins. Special appearance by matt hughes and main event featuring KOTC champ clay french.
If interested you are interested in fight contact:
Todd Angel
618-780-5939.
www.mercenary-promotions.com
King of the Cage is looking for Amateur Fighters to fill spots on their upcoming fight cards in April and May.
4/12 Leelanau Sands Casino, Michigan need 170 and 205 Amateurs.
5/17 Harlows Casino, Greenville, MS. need 145 and Heavyweight Amateurs.
Contact:
Mike
f1management07@aol.com
Pro 145 & 170 – St. Clairsville, OH – May 17
Cage of Chaos is looking a Pro 145lb & 170lb Fighter to fill spots on their upcoming fight card May 17th in St. Clairsville, OH. This is a great opportunity to gain notoriety, opponents have both had televised fights.
If you are interested in fight on this card contact:
David Klick
Phone = 724-255-3223
E-mail = promotions@cageofchaos.com
Amateur Male Fighters Needed – Abingdon VA – May 31st
Caged Combat Productions is looking for Amateur Male Fighters to fill spots on their upcoming fight card in Abingdon VA on May 31st. This event is sanctioned by the ISCF and all fighter have to be registered with them before they will be allowed to fight.
If you are interested in fight on this card please contact:
Jason
Phone = 423-817-1760
E-mail = cagedcombat@yahoo.com
website = www.cagedcombatproductions.com
website = www.cageofchaos.com
Myspace = www.myspace.com/cageofchaos
Iron Warrior Fight League is looking for Amateur Male Fighters to fill spots on their upcoming fight card May 3rd in St. Muncie, IN. Special guest UFC Middleweight Evan Tanner.
If you are interested in fighting on this card please contact:
Matt Vaught
765-620-7061
http://www.mmarecruiter.com/showprofile.php?id=1224
www.ironwarriorfights.com
www.myspace.com/ironwarriorfightleague
WICKED FUNNY BOXING HUMOR
Posted on | March 17, 2008 | No Comments
Don King, on boxing’s rating system: “When we started, it was based on lies. It’s changing now. There are no secrets in the business. You’ve got to come with the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It’s becoming very confusing.”
Bob Arum, replying to a reporters question. “Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth.”
Muhammad Ali: “If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.”
Buddy McGirt, when he was asked by Gil Clancy who would win the up-coming fight between Maurice Blocker and Glenwood Brown he replied: “The black guy.”
Harry Carpenter: “This boxer is doing what is expected of him, bleeding from his nose.”
Jack Handy, Deep Thoughts: “To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there’s no music, no choreography and the dancers hit each other.”
Muhammad Ali, after failing an Army intelligence test, “I said I was the greatest, not the smartest.”
Brian London, answering if he would fight Ali again: “Sure, as long as he ties a 56 lb. weight to each leg.”
Willie Pep: “I’ve got it made. I’ve got a wife and a TV set — and they’re both working.”
Here is a conversation between George Foreman and Bob Arum in 1995, Foreman: “Bob, I can’t chase these guys anymore.” Arum’s reply: “George, I cant put it in the contracts that they can’t run.”
Randall “Tex” Cobb: “If you screw things up in tennis, it’s 15-love. If you screw up in boxing, it’s your ass.”
Bob Hope: “I was called “Rembrandt” Hope in my boxing days, because I spent so much time on the canvas.”
Bob Arum, after his fighter, Iran Barkley, beat Darrian Van Horn: “If you think Barkley was mad before the fight, wait until he sees how many people are taking part of his purse.”
Marlene Bugner, wife of Joe Bugner: “I don’t know what impressive is, but Joe was impressive tonight.”
Muhammad Ali, on heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston: “He’s too ugly to be the champ!”
Jim Watt, former WBC lightweight champion, when asked about his “white complexion” by a reporter said: “I’m like a bottle of milk with gloves.”
Tony Galento, when asked about Shakespeare: “I ain’t never heard of him. I suppose he’s one of them foreign heavyweights. They’re all lousy. Sure as hell I’ll moider de bum.”
Tony Sibson, on being beaten in a match: “I figured I’d find him sooner or later but I never did. I asked myself “Where did he go?” I knew he was there because he kept hitting me.”
Muhammad Ali: “It’s hard to be humble, when you’re as great as I am.”
Mike Tyson, on fighting Lennox Lewis: “My main objective is to be professional, but to kill him.”
Harry Carpenter: “He looks up through blood smeared lips.”
Joe Frazier, talking to Ken Norton at a social gathering. Frazier: “Hey man, what you been doing?”; Norton: “My wife just had a baby.”; Frazier: “Congratulations! Whose baby is it?”
Muhammad Ali, on an upcoming fight with Floyd Patterson: “I’ll beat him so bad he’ll need a shoehorn to put his hat on.”
Willie Pep, talking to an old opponent years after each retired. “Do you recognize me?” the old opponent asked. Willie looked hard and considered before finally replying “Lie down so I can recognize you.”
Mark Kaylor: “I’m concentrating so much I don’t know what I’m doing half the time.”
Muhammad Ali: “At home I am a nice guy—but I don’t want the world to know. Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far.”
Willie Pastrano, when asked by the ring doctor if he knew where he was: “You’re damn right I do. I’m in Madison Square Garden getting the shit knocked out of me.”
Henry Cooper, replying to boxing abolitionist, Baroness Edith Summerskill, about the brutalities of his sport. Baroness: “Mr. Cooper, have you looked in the mirror lately and seen the state of your nose?”
Cooper: “Well madam, have you looked in the mirror and seen the state of your nose? Boxing is my excuse. What’s yours?”
Muhammad Ali: “It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.”
Eddie Shaw, referring to Herol “Bomber” Graham : “He has turned defensive boxing into a poetic art. Trouble is, nobody ever knocked anybody out with a poem.”
Alan Minter: “Sure there have been injuries and deaths in boxing – but none of them serious.”
Mike Tyson, on writer Wallace Matthews: “[He] called me a ‘rapist’ and a ‘recluse’. I’m not a recluse.”
Harry Carpenter: “It’s not one of Bruno’s fastest wins… but it’s one of them.”
Mark Kaylor: “I’ve only ever seen Errol Christie fight once before and that was the best I’ve ever seen him fight.”
Lou Duva, Veteran boxing trainer, on the spartan training regimen of heavyweight Andrew Golota: “He’s a guy who gets up at six o’clock in the morning regardless of what time it is.”
Randall “Tex” Cobb: “When I got up I stuck to my plan — stumbling forward and getting hit in the face.”
Muhammad Ali: “I ain’t got no quarrel with those Viet Cong.”
Blackie Sherrod, talking about a heavyweight contender: “He has everything a boxer needs except speed, stamina, a punch, and ability to take punishment. In other words, he owns a pair of shorts.”
Max Baer, on Joe Louis: “He hit me 18 times while I was in the act of falling.”
Harry Kabakoff, on Chango Cruz: “The bum was up and down so many times I thought he was an Otis elevator.”
Terry Lawless: “He’s standing there making a sitting target of himself.”
Muhammad Ali: “I’m so mean I make medicine sick.”
Mike Tyson, to the Nevada State Athletic Commission: “I’m not Mother Teresa. But I’m also not Charles Manson.”
Nick Wilshire: “I can only see it going one way, that’s my way. How it’s actually going to go I can’t really say.”
Muhammad Ali: “Howard Cosell was gonna be a boxer when he was a kid—only they couldn’t find a mouthpiece big enough.”
Tommy Farr: “Every time I hear the name Joe Louis my nose starts to bleed.”
Muhammad Ali, when asked about his golf game: “I’m the best. I just haven’t played yet.”
Dan Duva, on Mike Tyson hooking up again with promoter Don King: ” Why would anyone expect him to come out smarter? He went to prison for three years, not Princeton.”
Alan Massengale, after Don Zimmer got knocked down by Pedro Martinez in the playoffs and Evander Holyfield lost to James Toney.: “I felt sorry for Zimmer this weekend. Next time, if he wants to rumble, maybe he should pick on someone a little closer to his age. Evander Holyfield might be available.”
Harry Carpenter: “Marvelous oriental pace he’s got, just like a Buddhist statue.”
Tex Cobb, responding to a reporter who said Cobb was a fat, cocaine snorting , drunk. Cobb replied: “I’m not fat.
Dan Duva, referring to whether or not he thought Mike Tyson would learn anything in prison: “He went to prison for three years, not Princeton.”
Max Baer, when asked for his definition of fear: “Standing across the ring from Joe Louis and knowing he wants to go home early.”
Muhammad Ali: “There’s nothing wrong with getting knocked down, as long as you get right back up.”
George Foreman: “The referee is the most important man in the ring besides the two fighters.”
INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE TO HONOR NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPION WRESTLERS AT FIRST 2008 EAST COAST EVENT APRIL 4 AT THE IZOD CENTER
Posted on | March 17, 2008 | No Comments
NJSIAA, NYSPHSAA Grapplers To Be Recognized At Professional Mixed Martial Arts Event
NEW YORK, March 17, 2008 – The connection between the sports of wrestling and mixed martial arts is a strong and growing one. In recognition of the achievement of New York and New Jersey high school wrestlers this season, the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) will honor the champions of both states and their coaches at the first major MMA competition on the East Coast in 2008, April 4 at the IZOD Center in E. Rutherford, N.J., beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The league will recognize champions recently crowned in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) for their athletic excellence
“More than two-thirds of our professional mixed martial arts athletes come from the high school and collegiate wrestling ranks,” said IFL CEO Jay Larkin. “We are proud to be able to highlight the success and hard work that these state champions have demonstrated and wish them success as they move forward in their academic and athletic careers.”
Last year, the IFL and USA Wrestling, the national governing body of the sport of wrestling, began a partnership to help promote the relationship between the sports. The IFL has held clinics with USA Wrestling around the country, using IFL elite athletes with a strong wrestling background to show younger athletes how to improve technique. Numerous IFL athletes, including current champions Jay Hieron, Roy Nelson, Vladimir Matyushenko, Ryan Schultz and Ryan McGivern, have an accomplished wrestling background. In addition, former middleweight champion Matt Horwich earned a silver medal at the World Grappling Games in the summer of 2007 and his coach Matt Lindland is an Olympic Silver Medalist.
Some of the elite wrestlers competing on the April 4 MMA card at the Meadowlands will include Hieron (Nassau C.C.), Matyushenko (Lassen J.C.), Shad Lierley (New York Univ.), L.C. Davis (Missouri Valley College) and Mike Ciesnolevicz (Lock Haven Univ.) The event will feature nine bouts, including the IFL featherweight, middleweight and light heavyweight belts, and will be seen live on HDNet and Fox Sports Canada, as well as on tape delay on FSN.
About the IFL
International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.
SUMO SUIT SMACKDOWN: THE FUNNIEST CAGE FIGHTING YOU’LL EVER SEE
Posted on | March 17, 2008 | No Comments
PART ONE
PART TWO
Tags: cage fighting > cool > crazy > Funny > funny stuff > hillarious > Mixed Martial Arts > sumo suit wrestling > sumo wrestling > vicious > wacky > wicked funny > wild
Hatton-Malignaggi on the horizon?
Posted on | March 17, 2008 | No Comments
NEW YORK (March 16, 2008) – IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi hopes to ink a pact early next week to confirm his dream deal: a two-fight arrangement culminating with a showdown against the world’s recognized No. 1 junior welterweight, Ricky Hatton, The Ring magazine and IBO title-holder.
“I’ve got to admit that, after the Cotto fight,” Malignaggi said, “I never thought that I’d get the chance to fight another great champion again. I believed in myself, but it was almost like I proved too much to everyone, that I had skills, but most of all, that I’m as tough as anyone who ever laced on gloves. I’m really grateful that Team Hatton looks like they’ll give me the opportunity to fight on Ricky’s big card in Manchester in May and then against him in the Fall in the United States.
“Ricky and I have a lot in common. Both our fathers were soccer players – his in England and mine in Italy – and we’ve both paid our dues and earned the respect of the fans and other fighters. The only marks on our records came against two great fighters, Mayweather and Cotto. What makes it so exciting is the big difference in our fighting styles. Ricky is rough and tough; an all-action fighter who takes advantage of everything he can to get the win. You’re never going to see a Hatton fight that doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat. Most of my fights have been boxing matches. The excitement was dictated by how aggressive the other guy wanted to be. If they brought it, they got it back times 10. I know I’m at the top of my game right now and that’s what it takes to have a chance against a great champion like Ricky Hatton.”
Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs) captured the IBF title last June, defeating champion Lovemore N’dou (45-8-1) by 12-found decision, and Paulie successfully defended his belt in January with a 12-round decision against No. 1 contender Herman Ngoudjo (16-1).
“Everyone was blown away when they heard Ricky was going to fight at City of Manchester Stadium,” Paulie continued. “It’s going to be crazy over there! They’ve had a lot of quality fighters in Great Britain – Joe Calzaghe, David Haye, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank. They also had Lennox Lewis, but nothing like what Ricky means to them. Vegas was crazy last December and I know we can bring that atmosphere back when we go at it in the Fall. This won’t be a Friendly, more like a World Cup match, wherever we fight.
“My goal has always been to make the biggest and best fights, just like my great friend, Floyd Mayweather, has told me to do. A match-up between me and Ricky will be a Super Fight, one talked about for as long as there is boxing. No other fight at 140 matters. And before the fight, well, everyone knows that I talk a lot of smack, so Ricky’s not going to get any breaks there, either. Like with Floyd, me and Ricky can save seeing if we’re cool until once we’ve earned each other’s respect at the only place it counts – in the ring. There is no one, I repeat, no one I want to fight more than the No. 1 guy in the division – Ricky Hatton. Forget the money, forget the titles, this is about being the best. I know that if I get in the ring with Ricky Hatton, I’ll show him and everyone else what I’m made of, that I am the best 140-pound fighter in the world.
“I want to thank Ricky, his father, Ray, his lawyer, Gareth, who I met in Vegas, my team and everyone at Golden Boy and DBE for working so hard on this. I know I’m not always the easiest guy to deal with because I get so emotional over stupid stuff and open my mouth. I want to hype things up and get my chance to prove to everyone that I can walk the walk with the best. I’m ready to sign on the dotted line and prove to the Hattons and everyone else that Paulie Malignaggi is ready and up for the task of making this the biggest and best promotion that it can be. The best versus the best! If Ricky Hatton can beat me, then he can close the book on the 140-pound division. But no one’s beating the ‘Magic Man’ ever again. Me and Ricky are both professionals and know we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We both know that if we don’t win in May, our fight can never happen. Let everyone know that Paulie Malignaggi will do his part to make this happen and I’m counting on Ricky to do the same.”
-PM-
Tags: Chris Eubank > Cotto > David Haye > Dibella Entertainment > England > Fall > fans > fighters > Floyd > Floyd Mayweather > Football > Golden Boy Promotions > Great Britain > Hatton > Herman Ngoudjo > IBF > IBF Junior Welterweight champion > IBO title > Italy > Joe Calzaghe > Las Vegas > Lennox Lewis > Lou Dibella > Lovemore N'dou > Malignaggi > Manchester > May > Mayweather > Miguel Cotto > Nigel Benn > Paulie Malignaggi > Rick Hatton > Ring Magazine > smack talk > soccer > Super Fight > Team Hatton > The Hitman > The Magic Man > UK > United States > Vegas > World Cup
SEARCH OUR BLOGS
SEARCH THE WEB
Subscribe in a reader
US Money Reserve
Bodybuilding fitness software: Gain weight & build muscle fast.
Photographers - Boston, MA
PRO-SEBLOG.COM: EMPOWERING ORDINARY PEOPLE TO PRACTICE LAW ON THEIR OWN BEHALF
CLICK HERE TO ORDER AN AWESOME SELF-HELP LEGAL COURSE
MARKETINGBOSS.INFO: MARKETING TIPS FOR YOUR SITE & BUSINESS
Boxing Live
RING GIRLS
OUR SPONSORS
