FEDOR RETURNS ON HDNET
Posted on | January 1, 2008 | No Comments
HDNet Fights Presents: Fedor Returns
Fedor Emelianenko, considered the greatest fighter in any weight class, celebrates New Year’s Eve with a LIVE fight from Japan. This fight, including the entire Yarennoka event, is only available in the United States on HDNet. “HDNet Fights: Fedor Returns” is made possible by a partnership between M-1 Global and HDNet Fights.
Also on this eight-fight Yarennoka card are six of the top ten lightweights in the world as ranked by HDNet’s “Inside MMA.” They include Hayato Sakurai (#2), Gilbert Melendez (#3), Tatsuya Kawajiri (#6), Shinya Aoki (#9) and Gesias “JZ” Calvancante (#8).
The card will air on Monday, December 31 LIVE at 6:00 a.m. ET. Re-broadcast times are below.
December 31 at 3:00 p.m.ET
January 4 at 10:30 p.m. ET
January 5 at 3:00 a.m. ET
January 5 at 3:00 p.m. ET
HDNet Fights Presents: IFL 2007 World Grand Prix Finals
Five Championship bouts, believed to be unprecedented in North America,
will take place on Saturday, December 29, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in
Uncasville, Conn.
Headlining the card will be the much anticipated rematch between
undefeated (11-0) star Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (London,
Ontario) and former NYU wrestling standout Shad Lierley (Seattle).
The two met in June in Everett, Washington, with Horodecki pulling out a
thrilling split decision in what many considered the MMA fight of the year thus far.
The card will air Saturday, December 29 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Catch up on the week’s news from the hottest MMA show on TV!
“Inside MMA” airs tonight, December 28 at 9:30 ET, only on HDNet. This hour-long program brings you the most comprehensive MMA news.
This week, “Inside MMA” comes to you from Uncasville, Connecticut – site of the IFL Grand Prix.
Tune in this week for an interview with the world’s top heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko.
Tonight, your hosts Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten are joined by:
Ken Shamrock – MMA Legend
Kurt Otto – IFL Commissioner
ON TAP FOR TITLE FIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: AWAKENING
Posted on | January 1, 2008 | No Comments
Mixed martial arts was just picked as one of the hottest topics in Des Moines during 2007 by Juice newspaper. Your next opportunity to see live MMA action is January 26 at the Val Air Ballroom.
Fights confirmed include.
Main Event
Mike Van Meer (185) vs. Brian Green (185)
TJ O’Brien (155) vs. Jeff Carstens (155)
Cole Jennet (170) vs. Jason Purcell (170)
Josh Atwell (145) vs. Eric Hauser (145)
Chris Perez Van Dam (145) vs. Freddie Reshius (145)
Ronnie Britt (170) vs. Shane Mosby (170)
Jesse Lund (205) vs. Bryant Reynolds (205)
Josh Christensen (205) vs. Kris Mason (205)
Steve Young (145-155) vs TBA (145-155)
Mark Gearhart (185) vs TBA (185)
Be sure to join us at Mugs Pub (formerly Kriegers Restaurant) on Friday, January 25 for the weigh-in event, and at Drink immediately following the fights for the official after party.
MALIGNAGGI CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS LIKE A CHAMP
Posted on | January 1, 2008 | No Comments
No holiday blues for Malignaggi
NEW YORK (December 27, 2007) ? International Boxing Federation light welterweight champion Paulie ?The Magic Man? Malignaggi has shifted his training camp from sunny Vero Beach, Florida to back home in the Big Apple without missing a beat as he continues preparing for his first title defense January 5 on Showtime Championship Boxing against No. 1 mandatory contender Herman ?The Black Panther? Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KOs) at Bally?s Casino in Atlantic City.
The brash Brooklyn boxer, rated No. 2 by The Ring, is back working out at famed Gleason?s Gym during the holiday season, something that hasn?t fazed Malignaggi in the least.
?Training camp in Vero Beach was excellent and, as usual, I?m in tremendous shape,? Paulie said. ?At training camp you brainwash yourself into thinking everyday is the same, no weekends or holidays. It?s all the same?a work day. You develop a mental state to just work hard and get ready for the fight. I?m going to celebrate Christmas and New Year?s starting on January 5, beating that bum with the big mouth (Ngoudjo). I?ve lost all respect for this guy because he is so disrespectful. He?s fighting the best he?s ever fought; I?m going to ruin him. People are going to forget all about Herman Ngoudjo after our fight.
?This is the third fight with Buddy McGirt as my head trainer. The key for every fight is to continue improving and that?s what we?re doing. Buddy is the captain of the ship. He?s a great trainer, I?m a great fighter, and we have a great team.?
Team Malignaggi also includes Paulie?s promoter, Lou DiBella, cornermen Orlando Carrasquillo and Pete Sferrazza, cutman Danny Milano and attorney John Hornewer, as well as Paulie?s brother, Umberto, and advisor, Anthony Catanzo.
-PM-
SEPARATED AT BIRTH: A NEW COLUMN
Posted on | December 26, 2007 | No Comments
On the left is none other than the infamous blogger turned taggradio.com host GOZE, who I think bears a brotherly resemblance to Sanjay Gupta from CNN.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Posted on | December 24, 2007 | No Comments
MATT YANOFSKY’S HOT PROSPECTS
Posted on | December 24, 2007 | No Comments
The Top Ten Prospects In The World
By Matt Yanofsky
Boxing universally has quite a few blue chip prospects. I have decided to make a list of the top ten in the world. Many of the fighters will be names you recognize, while some may not yet be familiar due to a lack of publicity. The man who many have number one, Alexander Povetkin is now off my list because he recently stopped long time Heavyweight title holder Chris Byrd, and is one victory away from a showdown with the Wladimir Klitchko/Sultan Ibragimov winner, putting him above a prospect. I have also added an honorable mention of prospects that fell just short of the top 10.
1. Amir Khan 15-0 (12 KO?s) (Lightweight)
This 2004 Olympic silver medalist captured the British Lightweight title by earning a hard fought TKO over the 28-1 Willie Limond in July. Following the Limond win, he stopped veteran Scott Lawton to set up what would be the best victory of his young career. On December 8th, Khan impressively annihilated Graham Earl in 72 seconds, the same Graham Earl who went 5 rounds in a world title fight in his previous bout.
Khan is easily the most publicized prospect in the world, and he has loads of talent. Khan?s only problem may be his chin. Limond, who only has 8 knockouts in his 28 victories, was able to drop Khan. I believe it is no coincidence that Khan has never faced a big puncher or rough fighter. Khan appears to have what it takes to become a great fighter but he needs to keep stepping up. A rough and tough fighter like Edner Cherry would be a great test for Khan.
2. Yuriorkis Gamboa 7-0 (6 KO?s) (Super Featherweight)
Gamboa was a Gold Medalist in the 2004 Olympics and a great amateur fighting in the famed Cuban system. As a pro, Gamboa has shown incredible hand speed and good punching power, as 6 of his 7 opponents have not made it to the final bell. Gamboa?s opposition level is incredible for a fighter at such an early stage. Gamboa has already sent home the 40-11 Joel Mayo, World title challenger Samuel Kebede, and former world ranked Adailton De Jesus early.
On January 5th, Gamboa will be taking another incredible step up in class by facing former WBA Featherweight champion Freddie Norwood who had 6 successful title defenses and has a record of 42-2. In addition, Norwood beat current top 5 pound for pound fighter Juan Manuel Marquez. Gamboa has a very bright future but could use some work on calming down his punches. De Jesus scored a flash knockdown of Gamboa because he was off balance from throwing a wild punch. Gamboa is one of the most phenomenal fighters I?ve ever seen this early in a career. If he keeps up his current pace, I expect him to be a top fighter and a world champion for many years.
3. Andre Berto 20-0 (17 KO?s) (Welterweight)
Berto was yet another member of the 2004 Olympic class, but was defeated in the very first round of the tournament. Initially, this somewhat limited what was expected of him as a professional. Berto showed that his early exit in Athens was a fluke and has steamrolled through all of his opponents as a pro. In Berto?s last fight, he defeated tough gate keeper David Estrada by 11th round TKO and landed some big shots.
Berto has shown both speed and power which has drawn him comparisons to Shane Mosley. He could use some work on his defense and much like Khan, his chin has been questioned. Cosme Rivera was able to drop Berto, when he got careless and was caught with a short left uppercut. If Berto continues to progress and fix his defensive liabilities, he will be a top welterweight for a long time.
4. Odlanier Solis 6-0 (4 KO?s) (Heavyweight)
Solis, the 2004 gold medal winner at Heavyweight has picked up a fast pace as a pro. Solis stopped his first three opponents, who had a combined record of 54-9. Solis was scheduled to face Wladimir Klitchko conqueror Ross Puritty and long time contender Francois Botha before both pulled out for undisclosed reasons. On December 23rd, Solis captured the WBC Latino Heavyweight crown by defeating Julius Long, winning every round on all three cards.
The man I call ?Solis the Beast? is easily the best heavyweight prospect in the world. Solis? only problem is his weight. Solis turned pro at 258 lbs, which is 58 lbs higher then his amateur weight. Solis has been slowly trimming down and weighed a career low 247 vs Julius Long. He would most definitely be at his best at around 230-235, and I expect him to get there in the next 3-4 fights. If Solis continues to dominate, there is a chance he can win a world title within 15 fights!
5. Andy Lee 14-0 (11 KO?s) (Middleweight)
Like Berto, Lee had an early exit in Athens in 2004. Lee was immediately picked up by world renowned trainer Emanuel Steward and brought to Kronk Gym in Detroit. This southpaw boxer/puncher convincingly stopped former world champion Carl Daniels and 18-1 Jason McKay in 2007. Steward claims Lee would presently be able to beat Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.
Lee will continue to work his way up to a title shot and has a fight tentatively on February 23rd with long time contender Howard Eastman. Lee has shown few weaknesses, but does not appear ready to challenge a current top 5 fighter. The durable Eastman should be a good test for Lee, as he went the distance with world champions Bernard Hopkins, William Joppy, and Arthur Abraham. If Lee impresses vs Eastman, expect him to step up again and be featured possibly on HBO in the near future.
6. Juan Manuel Lopez 20-0 (18 KO?s) (Super Bantamweight)
The astonishing Lopez has been a fixture on Top Rank pay per view undercards. The southpaw banger broke down veterans Giovanni Andrade and Hugo Dianzo recently. Lopez has a February 9th fight tentatively scheduled with once beaten Pilipino prospect Bernabe Concepcion. If Lopez wins, expect him to get a world title shot as he has already called out everyone in his division.
7. James Kirkland (Junior Middleweight)
This southpaw powerhouse has been spectacular in continued his career following a 2 ? year jail stint in 2003 by terminating 9 of his last 10 opponents. In Kirkland?s last two fights, he destroyed Mohammad Said and Allen Conyers within two rounds. Kirkland also showed he is improving as a boxer by winning a unanimous decision over iron chinned veteran Ossie Duran.
Kirkland came off the canvas in the Conyers fight and his chin may be questioned as he was dropped by a much smaller man. Kirkland also needs work on his defense, as Duran landed his jab way too frequently in their fight. Kirkland is tentatively scheduled for a February or March HBO date. I would love to see him face volume punching contender Eromosele Albert in what would make an incredible fight. Hopefully I am not the only one thinking of this potential match up!
8. Abner Mares 15-0 (9 KO?s) (Bantamweight)
Golden Boy Promotions? prized prospect has continued to impress boxing fans world wide with his victories over former world champion Isidro Garcia and hard nosed Damian Marchiano. Prior to turning pro, Mares had an excellent amateur career and so far has shown his skillful boxing ability as a professional. Golden Boy will continue to step Mares until he is ready for a title shot, which I expect to be in 2009. A mega fight down the line for Mares may be up one weight class at 122 lbs for against fellow prospect Juan Manuel Lopez.
9. Jean Pascal 20-0 (14 KO?s) (Super Middleweight)
Pascal, a Canadian based Haitian has exhibited hand speed, a boxing style, and physical tools that are comparable to a young Roy Jones Jr. This past August; Pascal scored a unanimous decision victory over world title challenger Kingsley Ikeke to retain his NABF strap.
Pascal like many other promising young fighters winds up to much on his punches and has a tendency to throw wildly. Pascal has a January 11th ESPN fight against Omar Pittman of Philadelphia. Pascal?s new rival Edison Miranda will be the co feature and if both win as expected, they will fight each other later in 2008. Miranda would be a huge step up for Pascal, who will have his chin tested for the first time by the cement fisted Miranda
10. Victor Ortiz 20-1-1 (14 KO?s) (Junior Welterweight)
This aggressive southpaw took another step toward becoming a world class fighter by knocking out former WBA Junior Welterweight champion Carlos Maussa in the first round of his last fight. Ortiz also broke down durable veteran Emmanuel Clottey. Ortiz suffered an early controversial loss as he knocked his opponent out in a clinch the second the referee called for a break. He also has a technical draw in a bout he appeared to be on the way to winning against undefeated prospect Marvin Cordova.
Ortiz was rumored to be facing WBO champion Ricardo Torres but Torres ended up with another opponent. Ortiz could use another fight or two against a gate keeper in the division like Juan Luzcano, Randall Bailey, or Lovemore N?dou to prove that his promoter Top Rank will not be making a mistake by putting him into a title fight at the ripe age 20.
Honorable Mention: Gennadiy Golovkin, Chris Arreola, Kevin Johnson, Lamont Peterson, Anthony Peterson, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Andre Ward, Peter ?Kid Chocolate? Quillan, Joe Greene, AJ Banal
VAN MEER VS. GREEN VIDEO
Posted on | December 23, 2007 | No Comments
MATT YANOFSKY’S END OF THE YEAR POUND FOR POUND LIST
Posted on | December 23, 2007 | No Comments
Final 2007 Pound for Pound List
By Matt Yanofsky
Floyd Mayweather {Welterweight}
Floyd Mayweather’s impressive tenth round knockout of previously undefeated Ricky Hatton makes him the clear cut number one fighter in the world. Following his knockout of Hatton, Mayweather said that he is going to take “at least” two years off and shook off questions about fighting Miguel Cotto or anyone for that matter. Will this finally be it for Mayweather or is he pulling another short retirement on us?
2. Manny Pacquiao {Junior Lightweight}
Pacquaio easily defeated an old and faded Marco Antonio Barrera by unanimous decision on October 6th. Pacquiao will give the world the fight we all wanted to see as he will take on Juan Manuel Marquez for his WBC belt on a March 15th pay per view in a long awaited rematch of their 2003 draw.
3. Joe Calzaghe {Super Middleweight}
Calzaghe defined his greatness by cruising to a unanimous decision victory over WBA/WBC Super Middleweight Champion Mikkel Kessler on November 3rd. In reality, Calzaghe, who is the WBA/WBC/WBO and Ring Magazine champion, owns all of the Super Middleweight belts since he did vacate the IBF belt which is now held by Lucian Bute. There has been bad blood between Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins as both have thrown verbal jabs {and almost physical ones during a heated confrontation at the Mayweather Hatton weigh in}. There are some talks about going back to the old school and having the potential Calzaghe Hopkins fight at Yankee Stadium. If this is the case, hopefully it doesn?t rain that day!
4. Bernard Hopkins {Light Heavyweight}After retaining his Light Heavyweight World Title by defeating Winky Wright in a 12 round snooze fest, Hopkins showed that he is still an elite fighter even if he has slowed down a bit. Hopkins said he wants to fight Joe Calzaghe in Yankee Stadium. Calzaghe called out Hopkins as well following his victory over Mikkel Kessler. Hopefully a fight between Hopkins and Calzaghe will be signed shortly.
5. Juan Manuel Marquez {Junior Lightweight}
Marquez scored an easy but bloody decision over contender Rocky Juarez, who suffered a bad cut from a clash of heads in the first round. Marquez will get the rematch with Manny Pacquaio, which he campaigned for quite some time. The rematch should be a thriller just like their first fight was!
6. Kelly Pavlik {Middleweight}
Kelly Pavlik proved to the boxing world that he is a true warrior and a star that is here to stay following his dramatic 7th round knockout over World Middleweight Champion Jermain Taylor. Pavlik came off the canvas to stop the previously undefeated Taylor in the best middleweight fight in recent memory. A rematch is scheduled for February 16th on Pay Per View at a catch weight of 166 lbs where Pavlik will keep his Middleweight belts win or lose.
7. Miguel Cotto {Welterweight}
Cotto showed his versatility in defeating future hall of famer Shane Mosley. Cotto used a powerful jab along with his signature body punching to earn a close but deserved victory. Cotto may be somewhat stuck since Mayweather appeared to shake off a Cotto bout. Oscar De La Hoya does not appear to be a potential opponent either because he said he couldn?t face Cotto (because his wife is Puerto Rican and doesn’t want him facing a Puerto Rican). With Mayweather pushing aside Cotto, hopefully De La Hoya talks his wife into at least $25 million extra in the bank. If he can?t get De La Hoya, a unification fight with IBF champ Kermit Cintron would be very exciting.
8. Ricky Hatton {Junior Welterweight}
Hatton showed the heart of a champion and gave it his all against Floyd Mayweather before getting stopped in the tenth round of their welterweight title fight. Hatton mightily tried to cut the ring off and attack Floyd’s body and his strategy worked somewhat over six rounds. Unfortunately, the best fighter in the world was able to land many clean shots and in the end unloaded a monster left hook that would stop just about anyone in the welterweight division. Hatton will live to fight another day and that day may be May 3rd against Oscar De La Hoya for a ton of money.
9. Israel Vazquez {Super Bantamweight}
After being stopped by Rafael Marquez in their first fight, Vazquez returned with a vengeance. Vazquez dropped Marquez in the 6th round and stopped him shortly after in the second straight fight of the year candidate between the two. Vazquez, who regained the WBC and Ring Magazine Championship showed the warrior he is and shocked the fans in a fight many predicted him to lose. A third fight is tentatively scheduled for March, 2008 but contracts are not yet signed.
10.Winky Wright {Middleweight}
Wright fell just short against legend Bernard Hopkins this past July in a fight that has zero demand for a rematch. I scored the fight a draw {as did Harold Lederman of HBO} but the three judges came up with the ludicrous scores of 116-112 and 117-111 twice for Hopkins. With Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor set for a rematch, Winky will have to wait for something to develop or take a tune up with nothing significant scheduled for the time being.
Honorable Mention: Rafael Marquez, Chris John, Jermain Taylor, Cory Spinks, Wladimir Klitchko, Juan Diaz, Mikkel Kessler, David Haye, Ivan Calderon, Christian Mijares
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