Per Ake Persson: European Boxing News

Posted on | October 19, 2008 | No Comments

Wladimir Klitschko vs Alexander Povetkin go as previously announced ahead December 13. Site will be Mannheim. Klitschko is defending the IBF; WBO and IBO heavyweight titles. Povetkin, the White Lion, is with his speed, punch and agressive style in with a good chance of beating Wladimir

Colombian, based in Spain, bantam Franklin “Destroyer” Theran face Mexican Oscar Ibarra in Gaia, Portugal, November 9. At jr middle Amaro “El Diablo” Amaro take on Hungarian veteran Laszlo Komjathi. On the undercard cruiser Roberto Dominguez returns after six year out. Dominguez´ last fight was in 02 when he lost to Pietro Aurino but shortly thereafter he got a five (5) year suspension from the Spanish Federation. The reason for the suspension was never announced.

Former WBC supermiddle champ Markus Beyer´s comeback is on hold due to a back injury. He might be back early 2009.

Multiple (seven belts) female supermiddle champ Natascha Ragosina headlines a SES promotion in Magdeburg November 28. Co-headlining is WIBF lightweight champ Ramona Kuehne.

The next Arena promotion will most likely go ahead November 18 in Istanbul. No word on mainevents.

K 2 East´s “Golden Boxing” in Cherkasy October 25 is headlined by feather Sergey Fedchenko taking on Argentinian Juan Alberto Godoy in an IBF I/C titlefight. In the co-feature cruiser Vitaly Rusal is in against Hungarian Mihaly Nemeth.

Ex-world heavy champ Riddick Bowe was in Berlin last weekend and was ringside for Klitscko vs Peter. Also in town was designated opponent for Bowe´s comeback in Hungary Zoltan Petranyi. Bowe never arrived and never gave any notice he would pull out. Zoltan says Bowe got lucky they didn´t meet during their weekend in Berlin.

Hamlet Petrosian, IBF I/C champ at jr middle, defends against Frenchman Christophe Canclaux on the undercard to WBA ruler Nikolay Valuev´s defence in December. Exact date is to be announced.

With eight days to go contracts for WBA supermiddle king Mikkel Kessler´s defence against Danilo Haussler in Oldenburg October 25 are not yet signed. Still, few believe it won´t happen as there is too much to lose for both parties should they not come to an agreement.

WBF cruiser champ Joszef Nagy will give South African Zack Mwekassa a rematch and it takes place December 12. Nagy was floored five times in their first fight before stopping his opponent in the sixth round.

COOL COMBAT SPORTS LINKS

Posted on | October 18, 2008 | No Comments

GLOBAL CASH ACCESS (the company tied into the Xyience bankruptcy) FACES ANGRY CUSTOMERS OVER MAJOR ERRORS IN CASINO MACHINES AND ATMs RESULTING IN NO MONEY TENDERED BUT MONEY STILL TAKEN OUT OF CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS

HOMETOWN HERO WAYNE JOHNSEN FIGHTS NEXT ON OCTOBER 29th

BOXING COP MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF IN NYC

MANCHESTER, UK WELTERWEIGHT MARK THOMPSON EYES TITLE SHOT

CARINA MORENO COMING TO THE END OF TRAINING CAMP FOR ESQUIBEL

AFFLICTION, TRUMP, AND OSCAR WORKING TOGETHER ON “FIGHT FEDOR” REALITY TV PROGRAM

HOLLI MARTIN’S UFC 89 PREVIEW

Posted on | October 18, 2008 | No Comments

Birmingham, England hosts UFC 89 this Saturday. That’s great news for U.S. fans since events across the pond are shown free on Spike TV. While 89 doesn’t feature the most stacked card the world’s biggest combat sports promotion has ever offered, it still promises to be a worthwhile watch. Headlining the event are Michael “The Count” Bisping vs. Chris “The Crippler” Leben. Both are alumni of the reality TV series The Ultimate Fighter.

Despite a very impressive professional record of 18 wins and 4 losses, Leben is almost considered the underdog in this bout. Since Michael Bisping is one of England’s own, it would be wise for the American to finish this fight decisively as his opponent will have the home court advantage if it goes to the judges’ scorecards. He’ll also need to bring his A-game and a clear head facing a bigger opponent with sharp stand-up.

To say Leben is controversial is nearly an understatement. It might be more appropriate to describe the Oregon native as byzantine. As the loose cannon on TUF season 1, the middleweight displayed a laberynth of bravado, chaos, and raw emotion. Despite not winning any of his matches on the show, Leben still gained notoriety for pranks such as whizzing on Canadian Jason Thacker’s bed (Thacker should take some satisfaction in three of Leben’s losses being at the hands of Canadians) and self-destructive behavior like punching a glass window, shearing away the skin over a knuckle on southpaw’s left hand.

However, his heart and determination won the respect of coach Randy Couture and fellow castmates Kenny Florian and Nate Quarry. After Josh Koscheck handed Leben his first defeat by lay and pray point scoring, Nate Quarry, who had been injured and couldn’t continue participating as a contestent, chose to bring Leben back to take his place.

Leben describes his favorite technique as “putting the stamp on kids.” That’s exactly how most of his fights end: the stamp of Leben’s bolos putting opponents to sleep. Now that he’s living and training in Oahu, Hawaii as a full time coach for IKON, The Crippler seems to have a new and more zen approach to life. Nevertheless, Bisping shouldn’t let the chill attitude and 90 days of sobriety fool him. Leben still has every intention of putting the stamp on his UK counterpart.

Michael Bisping, while not nearly as conttroversial, left an indelible impression on the UFC when he won the title of The Ultimate Fighter: Season Three against light heavyweight Josh Haynes. Though he enjoyed great success as a light heavyweight, losing only to undefeated Rashad Evans by decision, Bisping made his middleweight debut in Canada at UFC 83 against Charles McCarthy with equal accomplishment. Saturday will be his third time in the new weight class and he’s hoping for his third win in a row.

Because of Bisping’s Manchester origins and tremendous winability, it was only natural for the UFC to go to England. The Count took on Australian Elvis Sinosic in Manchester at UFC 70, taking away a TKO as the winner. At UFC 75, UFC took it to London where Bisping stole another victory with a questionable decision win against Matt Hamill. Back to London for UFC 85, the Englishman gained another TKO win against Canadian Jason Day, this time as a middleweight. Pitting him against Leben will prove his toughest middleweight contest yet and possibly a title shot.

While both of these warriors are mostly known for their stand-up and vicious ground and pound, the differences in their fighting styles are staggering. Bisping has a background of years of boxing and kickboxing. Leben, who has seen his fair share of the inside of jail cells, claims he’s never been in a street fight and that his only true training was when he walked into Team Quest in Oregon after his Army career ended prematurely.

Bisping is nearly orthodox in his stance and is careful to protect himself. His punches are clean and his kicks are devastating. Leben, on the other hand, is a brawler who tends to keep an almost too open stance, pushing the pace of the fight and swinging for the fences with a mad flurry of haymakers.

Michael Bisping is tall and his body screams athlete in sharp contrast to Leben’s awkward figure that harkens more to dockworker than cage fighter.

It is important for both fighters to not take the other lightly. Bisping can’t depend on the mistakes Leben made during his bout with Anderson Silva to help him win this match. After all, no one in the UFC has beaten the Brazilian. Nor can Bisping hope to win on fan appeal as Leben will not be walking into the Octagon with any intentions of letting the contest go to decision. On that same note, Leben should respect Bisping for being the technical striker that he is and should be prepared for an improved ground game.

No, UFC 89 does not offer a mind-blowing card but what it does promise is a war of attrition between two of the best fighters under contract. People, this is going to be a war.

Manfredo training in comfort zone for IBO world title fight vs. Bika

Posted on | October 18, 2008 | No Comments

Nov. 13 at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, live on Versus, headlining “Tough & Tested”

PROVIDENCE (October 17, 2008) – Two-time world title challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, finds himself training at home in a comfort zone as he prepares for his IBO super middleweight title fight November 13 against Sakio “The Scorpian” Bika, winner of Season Three of The Contender, at the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Tough & Tested,” co-promoted by the Tournament of Contenders and Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. The co-promoters have called for a ‘Pink Out’ (everybody wearing something colored pink) to show support for the Gloria Gemma Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation for research into early breast cancer detection.

Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), the reigning NABF Interim champion, is the WBC No. 13 rated super middleweight. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, “The Pride of Providence” sports a perfect 16-0 (10 KOs) record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) in the same Providence building as his Nov. 13th showdown against Bika. Manfredo’s five pro career losses have all come at the hands of world champions.

“I’m a family man, blue collar guy who goes to the gym (Manfredo’s Gym in nearby Pawtucket) and takes care of business. I’m a fighter, not a reality star, who is going to become world champion November 13th fighting in front of his family and friends in Providence. All of my best fights have been in Rhode Island, especially at The Dunk, and being in a comfort zone is the main reason. I never really loved boxing or training until now. You know I hated going to the gym in California. Freddie Roach is a great trainer, but I missed being home with my family. I made amends with my father and now live in the gym, do my work, and go home everyday to my family. You may not have your fans in the ring with you, but you know that there in the arena. It’s much better sleeping in my own bed, eating food I like, and being with my family and friends. I’m in a comfort zone!

“Bika’s a guy ranked higher than me who has fought two world champions. He may have lost but he’s game. His style is made for me. I wanted him and got him for a world title fight. Bika reminds me of (Joey) Spina, but he’s more disciplined and stronger in the mind than Joey. They’re both big, strong and wide shots. They have similar styles and I’m very confident. I’m not a trash talker, but I took out Spina in 2 1/2 rounds, so, I guess, it’ll take me 4 ½ or 5 rounds to stop Bika.”

IBF Pan Pacific super middleweight title-holder Bika (26-3-2. 16 KOs), a 2000 Cameroon Olympian now fighting out of Australia, won The Contender III with a dramatic eighth round stoppage of Bridgeport, Connecticut native Jaidon Codrington in the finale in Boston. Bika, rated No. 5 by the IBF and No. 8 by The Ring magazine, hasn’t been stopped in 31 pro fights.

“I like this style of match-ups,” explained Peter’s father and head trainer, Peter Manfredo, Sr. “Bika is strong and durable but wide. If you just stand in front of him, he can punch you out. You either stay on the outside controlling the fight with jabs or go inside and use uppercuts. I know that I’m in for a fight. He’s a legitimate fighter, ranked in the top 10 by Ring. He fought two world champions, (Joe) Calzaghe and (Markus) Beyer. Bika almost had Calzaghe out at the end of the 12th round with a hook. He can punch, but I like Peter’s odds because of his speed. It’s going to be exciting; good action with both guys going for it.”

In the 10-round co-feature, Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer (23-11, 13 KOs), winner of Season Two of The Contender, meets fan favorite in Season Two of The Contender, IBF No. 13 rated Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (28-3, 16 KOs), in an IBO light middleweight title eliminator. Codrington (18-2, 14 KOs), runner-up in Season Three of The Contender, also is fighting on the card in a super middleweight Special Attraction against an opponent to be determined.

Some of New England’s most talented and popular fighters are scheduled to fight on the undercard including WBC World Youth and USNBC featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (15-0, 8 KOs), super flyweight Isander “Peachy” Beauchamp (5-0, 2 KOs), Providence light welterweight Jesus Caro (2-0, 2 KOs), and Pawtucket light welterweight Diego Periera (1-0, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com. Tickets will also be on sale through www.Ticketmaster.com, at all local Ticketmaster outlets by calling Ticketmaster direct at 401.331.2211 or 617.931.2000, as well as Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (401.723.1359), 401 Gym in Cranston (401.261.9800), Balletto’s Gym in Providence (401.641.9994), Elite Mixed Martial Arts (401.728.1356) and Ultimate Fitness in Bristol (401.253.3539). Each paid ticket holder will receive a complimentary Dave & Buster’s $10.00 Power Card ($12 value) upon entry.

For more information call 401.724.2253/2254 or go online to www.cesboxing.com, www.tournamentofcontenders.com or www.dunkindonutscenter.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout 6:30 PM/ET.

-30-

Pavlik vs Hopkins – Steve Cunningham gives his verdict.

Posted on | October 18, 2008 | No Comments

For Immediate Release.

Philadelphia, PA – 15th October 2008

Philadelphia’s only current boxing world champion, cruiserweight ring king, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, took a little time out from preparing for his December 11th, International Boxing Federation title defense against Tomasz ‘Road Warrior’ Adamek and gives his verdict on this weekends big
fight between young gun, Kelly Pavlik and fellow Philly star Bernard ‘The Executioner’ Hopkins.

“It’s going to be a good fight. No, a great fight. It’s an interesting match up. You’ve got the legendary Bernard Hopkins. Bernard’s done it all. This guy’s won so many championships over the years. He’s mixed it up with the biggest names in the business, Trinidad, Johnson, De la Hoya, Winky, Tarver, and beat them all. You know, in recent years the only guys to beat him are Jermain Taylor and Joe Calzaghe. You have to go all the way back to ‘93 for his previous loss to Roy (Jones Jnr). Now he’s taking on this young guy, Pavlik, who’s been so dominant all his career. He’s undefeated. He’s good for sure after all he beat Taylor twice and already has two major belts.

As for who’s going to win. This is one of those fights I can’t really pick a clear winner. I think it depends on which Hopkins turns up. Bernard’s a great fighter, highly skilled. He’s got all sorts of tricks. You see all types of Bernard turning up for fights. If the Bernard that fought and beat Tarver turns up then I would say that it’s going to be Hopkins fight.

If the laid back Bernard turns up, you know like the one that fought Calzaghe, well I don’t think it will be enough. Don’t get me wrong it was a good fight. I just felt Bernard needed to do more.

Pavlik’s got all the tools, he’s got the combinations, you know, the one, two, three and then the uppercuts. He’s a good fighter. He doesn’t let his opponents get comfortable. he pushes all the time, you have to be prepared for a hard fight when he’s in the ring.

As I said it all depends on which Bernard turns up. I can’t call this fight for certain, so I’m going to stay neutral and just enjoy watching a great fight.”

Kelly Pavlik vs Bernard Hopkins takes place this coming Saturday at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.

The International Boxing Federation World Cruiserweight Championship Title Fight between Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and challenger, Tomasz ‘Polish Warrior’ Adamek is co-promoted by Main Events and Don King Productions, will take place at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Thursday December 11th 2008.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at The Prudential Center box office or by calling TicketMaster on 201-507-8900.

Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing returns with powerhouse “The Grande Event” show

Posted on | October 18, 2008 | 1 Comment

Duddy, Quillin, Wolak & Teron in action Nov. 21 at Roseland Ballroom in NYC

NEW YORK (October 15, 2008) – Nearly a full decade ago, Cedric Kushner promoted his first show at New York City’s famed Roseland Ballroom and on November 21, Kushner’s Gotham Boxing returns to the iconic Manhattan venue with “The Grande Event,” featuring a quartet of young, explosive talent sporting a combined pro record of 89-1-1 (65 KOs) — “Ireland’s” John Duddy, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak and Jorge Luis “The Truth” Teron.

Kushner promoted a “Heavyweight Explosion” card on pay-per-view on December 8, 1998, headlined by Jessie Ferguson versus Obed Sullivan and showcasing future world champions Shannon Briggs, Al “Ice” Cole and Oleg Maskaev.

Promoting the Big Apple’s “Fab Four” on Nov. 21, however, is even more special to the Kushner, the former rock ‘n roll promoter who turned to boxing nearly a quarter century ago and has promoted more than 30 world champions and 300 title fights worldwide.

“I have lived in New York for more than half of my life,” Kushner explained. “I consider myself a New Yorker and enjoy the energy and all he amenities of this great city. I like to think, if you can’t get it here, it doesn’t exist. In my mind this is the media capital of the world and for that reason I believe it’s in everyone’s best interest to promote in New York, particularly when you’re promoting new or relatively new fighters.

“I can’t think of a better show at this level that’s ever been promoted in New York City with four fighters on the same show, each deserved of being in a main event themselves, is rather special.”

“The Grande Event” is headlined by unbeaten middleweight Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), fighting out Queens (NY) by way of Derry, Northern Ireland. Rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization, as well as No. 4 by the World Boxing Council and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation, Duddy takes on veteran Sam “The Punching Policeman” Hill (17-9-1, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Hill has beaten former world champion and Olympic gold medalist David Reid (TKO9) and been in with world champions Jermain Taylor and Maselino Masoe,

Brooklyn’s undefeated middleweight “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (20-0, 15 KOs) could very well be the next Kushner-promoted fighter to capture a world title. Quillin faces an opponent to be determined in the 10-round co-feature.

New York State middleweight and Polish National junior middleweight champion Wolak (22-1, 15 KOs), now living in Brooklyn, is a powerful puncher who has stopped 15 of his 22 victims to date. He faces Christian Lloyd Joseph (12-7-3, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

Bronx lightweight Teron (22-0-1, 15 KOs), trained by former world and Olympic champion Mark Breland, is the reigning NABO champion. Jorge is knocking on the door for a world title shot next year, rated No. 4 by the WBO, in addition to No. 12 by the World Boxing Association and No. 19 by the WBC. He meets TBA in another 10-rounder.

Also scheduled to fight in separate four-round bouts are Queens light middleweight Lambrose “Lionheart” Karaolides (1-0), Bronx super middleweight Hajro Sujak (2-0, 2 KOs), Brooklyn welterweight Luis “El Mero Mero” Ruiz (3-0, 1 KO), Brooklyn light middleweight Romain Oliveri (1-0, 0 KOs), and light welterweight Jonathan Gonzalez, a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian making his pro debut.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $80.00, $100.00, $150.00 and $200.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Gotham Boxing (212.755.1944), any TicketMaster outlet, or at the Roseland Ballroom box office. Doors will open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

For more information call Gotham Boxing or go on line to www.gothamboxing.com.

-GB-

INSIDE MMA WILL FEATURE DISCUSSION ON CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE PETRUZELLI WIN OVER KIMBO

Posted on | October 18, 2008 | No Comments

“INSIDE MMA” TO FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESS SECRETARY SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE FLORIDA BOXING COMMISSION

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 AT 9:00 PM ET

Ron Kruck speaks with Alexis Antonacci regarding the ongoing investigation into the Kimbo Slice v.Seth Petruzelli fight

DALLAS (October 16) Tomorrow’s INSIDE MMA will feature a special interview with Alexis Antonacci, the press secretary for Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In the interview, Ron Kruck speaks with Ms. Antonacci about why theFlorida Boxing Commission chose to move forward with their investigation into the bout between Kimbo Slice and Seth Petruzelli – and the controversial remarks that Petruzelli made after the fight.

In an interview last week with an Orlando talk radio show, Petruzelli made comments that suggested that EliteXC tried to influence the outcome of his fight with Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson at last Saturday’s “Heat” event.

Petruzellistated in the interview that, “the promoters kind of hinted to me and they gave me money to stand and trade with him (Ferguson). They didn’t want me to take him down-let’s put it that way. It was worth my while to try and stand up and punch with him.”

While no formal complaint has been filed, the Florida Boxing Commission is currently investigating the situation and interviewing EliteXC officials.

On this Friday’s program, Kruck also has an exclusive interview with Ken Shamrock who, for the first time since the controversial evening discusses the circumstances that knocked him out of the fight with Kimbo Slice.

INSIDE MMA airs every Friday on HDNet at 9:00 p.m. ET and is hosted by Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten and features all the latest news and highlights, along with in-depth features, analysis, and rankings. In studio this week with Kenny and Bas is an all-star panel that includes Rashad Evans, Bobby Lashley and Dave Meltzer.
About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net) provides viewers with the best in original comedy, drama, news, sports and music programming.

HDNet is your exclusive, high definition home for popular, critically acclaimed original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather and “NASA on HDNet” (presenting live shuttle launches through 2010). HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, the NASCAR Camping World Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup re-broadcasts, boxing and premiere Mixed Martial Arts from “HDNet Fights;” behind-the-scenes sports news with “Inside the NHL” and “Inside MMA;” groundbreaking music programming with the HDNet Concert Series featuring leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, Black Eyed Peas and more; and entertaining and irreverent lifestyle programming including “Deadline!,” “Art Mann Presents,” and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning programs such as the Emmy Award winning “Arrested Development,” “The Black Donnellys,” “Dead Like Me,” “Smallville” and the hit series “Torchwood.”

HDNet Movies features a wide selection of major studio theatrical releases – all uncut, unedited, and appearing in their original aspect ratio so that HDNet Movies viewers get the best possible home theater experience.

Only HDNet Movies’ exclusive Sneak Previews bring feature films to viewers before they premiere in theaters! Some of the HDNet Movies Sneak Previews have included the Academy Award nominated “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” Toronto Film Festival nominee “The War Within,” and “Bubble,” the first of six movies by acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh and produced exclusively for HDNet Films. Other featured films include “Cashback,” written and produced by Sean Ellis, “Broken English,” from Zoe Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Parker Posey, Drea de Matteo and Griffin Dunne, the critically acclaimed “Redacted” directed by Brian De Palma, “Flawless,” starring Michael Caine and Demi Moore, “Quid Pro Quo,” starring Nick Stahl and Vera Farmiga, “Finding Amanda,”starring Matthew Broderick and Brittany Snow, “Red,”starring Brian Cox and most recently “Humboldt County,” starring Fairuza Balk, Peter Bogdanovich and Frances Conroy. Upcoming Sneak Previews include “Special,”starring Michael Rapaport, “Great Buck Howard,”starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich and Tom Hanks, “HarlemAria,” starring Damon Wayans.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net.

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Kelly Pavlik vs. Bernard Hopkins-Fight Predictions

Posted on | October 16, 2008 | No Comments

With Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik and Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins set to face off this Saturday October 18, some of the best fighters in the sport and a sampling of the top boxing writers across the country lend their analysis and predictions on the highly anticipated match-up.

Promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Pavlik vs. Hopkins “UNSTOPPABLE” is a light heavyweight battle taking place at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. The fight will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. For Pavlik vs. Hopkins fight week updates, log onto www.hbo.com.

FIGHTERS:

Jermain Taylor

“I like Bernard Hopkins chances in this fight because of his experience and preparation for a fight. He’s always in shape, but he has to fight the perfect fight. If Kelly can keep Bernard from fighting in close and pick his punches, he could easily come away with the victory

Joe Calzaghe

“Pavlik, who is he? He might get his ass kicked by Hopkins. But I think he will win the fight, mainly due to his youth. Hopkins still has the ability to make it very messy. Regardless, he is definitely over hyped.”

Oscar De La Hoya

“I think that Bernard will beat Kelly by a decision. It will be a tough fight, but Bernard will expose Kelly’s weaknesses and win the fight.”

Shane Mosley

“I think it’s going to be a close fight but honestly I think that Hopkins is more experienced and will be able to do some things to steal the fight away from Pavlik. Pavlik is younger but I think that Bernard is going to catch him with something and knock him out. Pavlik is going to underestimate Bernard’s power and experience and around the sixth round, Bernard will dodge his jab and catch him with a counter right.”

Ricky Hatton

“That’s a tough call, Kelly is an exciting fighter on the way up, but Bernard is a superb technician. If I have to choose one, I lean towards Pavlik.”

Vernon Forrest

“Hopkins by decision and if Pavlik gets too greedy Hopkins is going to stop him. They say he can’t pull the trigger any more but I don’t think Calzaghe even did enough to win. Pavlik is a power puncher and typically when Hopkins fights power puncher he stops them. ”

WRITERS:

Bert Sugar- Boxing Historian

“Pavlik is going to win by decision. He is not going to knock Bernard out. I don’t think Bernard fights like he once did. His best punch is a right jab followed by a right hit. Pavlik won’t pull the trigger. Remember, Bernard hasn’t been knocked out and has only been knocked down once. If Bernard won I wouldn’t be shocked but I would be surprised.”

Chris Mannix- Sports Illustrated

“While continuing to face elite competition, Hopkins has recently looked like a man trying to avoid a knockout loss than one seeking a significant victory. No question Pavlik will be looking for the early KO but his solid, 12-round decision over Jermain Taylor earlier this year proved to me that the power puncher can win when fights go the distance. Take Pavlik in a unanimous decision.”

Kevin Iole- Yahoo.com

“Pavlik by decision, Hopkins has been fighting to survive in his past couple of fights. In this fight Pavlik is younger and stronger, and he will out work Hopkins to get the win.”

Dan Rafael- ESPN.com

“Bernard is a great fighter, but Pavlik’s youth and activity level are going to be hard for him to overcome. It will be a tough fight, but Pavlik on a competitive decision.”

Gordon Marino- Wall Street Journal

“Pavlik in a decision over Bernard Hopkins. The ghost should be too busy and keep too much pressure on the great, but 43 year old Hopkins. Hopkins can be an octopus and Pavlik has to watch that Bernard does not tie him up or catch him with a sneaky right.”

John Falgoust- USA Today

“Pavlik by decision. Hopkins will exploit Pavlik’s heavy feet by turning him and walking him into counters. Hopkins will find it difficult staying on the inside with a guy like Pavlik who throws such good short punches, especially uppercuts. Still, Hopkins is more versatile, and even though he may do enough to earn the decision, today’s judges usually give the close rounds to the fighter who is more active regardless of accuracy or effectiveness of the punches.”

Tim Smith- New York Daily News

“I like Kelly Pavlik against Bernard Hopkins because I think Kelly is younger. I can’t see him knocking out Bernard. But I can see him outworking Hopkins for a decision.”

Franklin McNeil- Newark Star Ledger

“Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik is moving up in weight to former light heavyweight king Bernard Hopkins. But when they stand side-by-side, Pavlik appears to be the bigger man. He is younger and stronger than the 43-year-old Hopkins, who is beginning to show signs of slowing down as the results of his five most recent fights indicate – he is 2-3 during that span. Pavlik is a busy fighter and Hopkins doesn’t compete more than a minute per round. This is a dangerous fight for Hopkins. Pavlik, 26, wins by unanimous decision.”

Keith Idec- Herald News

“Pavlik by unanimous decision. The crafty, forceful Hopkins will, as usual, make this his kind of fight, ugly but close. At 43, he won’t be active enough to make it all that entertaining. But he is still smart enough and skilled enough to make it very competitive.”

Bobby Cassidy- Newsday

“Bernard says he’s not afraid of a ghost but he should be afraid of this one. I think Pavlik scores a fairly comfortable decision. I would have loved this fight with both men in their primes. But right now, Pavlik’s youth, energy and strength will carry the day. Bernard is crafty will survive the 12 rounds but he’ll absorb a lot of punches.”

Lyle Fitzsimmons- Pensacola News Journal

“Pavlik KO 9–Hopkins has thrived for years against guys he could trick into playing cagey games in the ring. Pavlik is too rough and tumble to go for that sort of sublime bait, and too strong for Bernard to evade all night. I think the end of a legend.”

Michael David Smith – FanHouse.com (AOL Sports)

“Hopkins has had a long and distinguished career, but at age 43 he’s not quick enough to do damage to a skilled fighter who’s just entering his prime like Pavlik. Pavlik will win a decision.”

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