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Today's Headlines
- WBN Photo: Pacquiao v Bradley - Face-off/Press tour pictures
- WBN Video: Pacquiao v Bradley - New York press conference
- McCloskey v Diaz and Prizefighter on May 5th in Belfast
- ‘Twitter King’ Malignaggi rules out Tweeting during world title fight
- Martinez v Macklin: Undercard news
- Arum: We can sign for Mayweather this week, its just gotta be 50-50
- Crolla's home advantage for Mathews, Askin meets Dickinson on April 21
- Jones v Bailey and Jorge Arce touted for Pacquiao v Bradley
- Juan Manuel Marquez to fight Cuena, 42-0 with one KO!
- Team Blackledge: We’re prepared to risk a Rocky fight, is Frank Warren?
- Adil Anwar set to continue breakout year
- Pawel Wolak considers return, possibly in MMA
- Cayo v Campbell: Jones Jr. attends Dominican presser
- WBN Photo: Hopkins v Dawson II 'Once and for all' presser pictures
- Mayweather v Cotto tickets on sale February 28
- Hopkins v Dawson II 'Once and for all' presser quotes
- WBN Video: James Toney v Bobby Gunn announced, fighters clash at presser
- Matthew Macklin gives up fighting in Britain
- Amonsot out on March 3, eyes Katsidis rematch
- Cleverly all but rules out Bellew rematch, talks Froch as Karpency test looms
- Spaniard Pozo steps up for McDonnell in late switch
- MACCARINELLI WARMS-UP AGAINST HEALY ON SATURDAY
- Full News List
31 January 2012
Boxing Writer's hail Andre Ward as 'Fighter of the Year'
At the end of the year, when several highly respected publications, including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Yahoo! Sports named Andre Ward their Fighter of the Year, it seemed that the people around the 2004 Olympic gold medalist were even more thrilled than he was. Though grateful for the awards he had earned, the WBA and WBC super middleweight World Champion was waiting for "the big one."
That wait came to an end yesterday, when the Boxing Writers Association of America announced that the 27-year-old Ward was to receive the 2011 BWAA Fighter of the Year award named after one of the greatest of all-time, Sugar Ray Robinson. The BWAA stated "Ward was chosen by an overwhelming margin over nominees Nonito Donaire, Wladimir Klitschko, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao."
Not a bad list of pugilists to be associated with.
In 2011, en route to capturing the inaugural SHOWTIME Super Six World Boxing Classic, Andre showcased a dominant victory over Arthur Abraham in the semi-finals in May, and followed it up with a masterful performance over Carl Froch in the tournament finale on Dec. 17. An MRI after the fight revealed that he had entered the bout with a double fracture in his left hand, making his victory all the more special.
"I want to thank God for giving me the strength to put in the work year after year to get to this point," said the humble champion. "I also want to thank my manager, James Prince, my promoters Antonio Leonard and Dan Goossen, everyone who is a part of Team Ward, including all of my family, friends, and loyal fans who have been behind me all these years. This award is just as much for them as it is for me.
"Even in the midst of receiving this tremendous award, Team Ward is not going to let up. In 2012 and beyond we're going to push forward, and God-willing we can be considered for these awards every year. Its easy to get comfortable at a time like this, but I can assure everybody that I'm going to continue to put in the work to be the best that I can be. I'm going to stay humble, keep God first, and with that: the best is yet to come."
"Since the day we signed Andre from his Olympic gold medal performance, to this past December beating Froch, he has been a complete joy to work with, as well as his whole team," said Goossen. "The crazy thing is I don't believe Andre has scratched the surface of where he's headed. Inside the ring he's vicious; outside the ring he's classy and humble. Simply said, he's the future."
The accolades for Team Ward continued when the BWAA also acknowledged the man who has trained Andre since the first day he stepped into a boxing gym, voting Virgil Hunter winner of the Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award.
"I'm very happy for my trainer and Godfather, Virgil, for winning this prestigious award," said Ward of the man who has taught him his craft. "I'm probably more excited for him than I am for myself. I've always wanted him to win this award because he is one of the hardest working trainers in the game."
"I'm thrilled for Virgil," Goossen further stated. "He deserves to be mentioned with the top trainers in the sport today, and like Andre, I believe the best is yet to come."
Andre, who is expecting his fourth child with his wife Tiffiney, was certain not to forget the media, stating: "Last but not least, I want to thank the boxing writers, because without them, this would not be possible."
by Dan Rafael
"Selecting Ward as the 2011 ESPN.com fighter of the year was an easy call. And it could be just the first of multiple such awards for Ward, 27, whose speed, skills, defense, smarts and fierce competitive spirit should make him a force for years to come."
Yahoo!
by Kevin Iole
"Ward is on the verge of reaching the same level as a boxer that Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao have hit and it wouldn't be a shock if in 2012, Ward became recognized as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world."
Sports Illustrated
by Chris Mannix
"It has been a banner year for Ward, one that has seen the Oakland-based boxer emerge as an heir apparent to the aging greats in the sport."
USA Today
by Bob Velin
"The pain with every punch had to be excruciating, but 27-year-old Ward never winced. That kind of stuff makes legends."
Boxing Scene
by Jake Donovan
"Ward is now regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. The pair of wins he racked up in 2011 led to a number of honors earned, including near unanimous recognition as the Fighter of the Year."
Bleacher Report
by Ja Dawson
"Not only did Ward win, he made it look easy. And he made my fighter of the year selection very easy as well."
The Sweet Science
by Michael Woods
"The 27 year-old Oakland resident got Ws over Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch while snagging top honors in the Super Six tournament, and elevated himself to a place where he can lay legitimate claim that he could well be No. 2 on the pound for pound list, behind Floyd Mayweather."
Ring Magazine
by Doug Fischer
"With his victory over Carl Froch in the 168-pound tournament final on Dec. 17, fans witnessed his evolution from titleholder to bona-fide champion."
Matt Skelton returns, faces Tom Dallas on Jamie McDonnell bill
Saturday 3rd March Jamie McDonnell defends his European Bantamweight title against Malik Bouziane and chief support on the night sees the comeback of former world title challenger Matt Skelton vs Tom Dallas of Kent over 8 rounds.
Skelton (25-6) has been out of the ring since the final of the prize fighter tournament back in October 2010 but has been in the gym on regular basis.
"Britain has the best crop of young heavyweights in the world at the moment and I can't wait to get back in the mix and start taking on the likes of Price and Fury." said Skelton
Tom Dallas (12-1) is looking forward to getting back in the ring and back to winning ways and sees Skelton as a great opponent and an even better name to have on his record.
Dallas said; " I am not making any excuses, David beat me fair and square but I took the fight at short notice. This time I will have time to train to beat Skelton and hopefully get another crack at Pricey later on down the line.
"Many heavyweights have a loss on their record, it's how you come back.
"I wanted to fight a real opponent and not a Latvian lemon, so it is great to be taking on such a high profile fighter."
Matt Skelton vs. Tom Dallas is chief support to Jamie McDonnell European title defence at Hillsborough Leisure Centre on March 3rd and will be available to watch on Sky Sports HD1 and tickets are available to buy online via www.frankmaloney.com prices VIP £100, ringside £80 and unreserved £35.
Statement released on Ortiz v Berto II, new date sought
POSSIBLE POSTPONEMENT DATE BEING DISCUSSED
Due to a left biceps injury sustained while training on Monday, January 30, Andre Berto will be unable to compete in his scheduled February 11 SHOWTIME televised bout against Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., forcing a cancellation of the event on that date. All parties involved are actively seeking a possible postponement date for Ortiz vs. Berto II.
Information regarding previously purchased tickets being honored for a possible postponement date will be released as it becomes available or, alternatively, ticketholders can contact their place of purchase for refunds.
More information will be announced as it becomes available.
.
Ishe Smith talks Kassim Ouma test on March 29
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
 |
| (Picture by Hogan Photos) |
‘Sugar Shay’ heads to Southaven in the spring
American Middleweight Ishe Smith had not long announced his
three-fight deal with Prizefight Promotions, when the date of his first contest,
along with a bona fide opponent was quick to follow.
The 33 year-old, who has 22 wins in 27 contests, will face
former IBF light-middleweight champion and two-time world middleweight title
challenger Kassim Ouma on March 29th at the Landers Arena in
Southaven and is looking forward to a challenge that Smith says could have
happened years previously.
“I think Ouma has still got a lot left and I am not going to
take him lightly,” Smith told World Boxing News.
“This fight should have been made about five years ago when
we were both with Golden Boy. It is a fight that I have always wanted and I am
training extremely hard for the fight.
“I will be in tremendous shape for the fight and I hope he
does the same so we can give the fans one hell of a show.
“Prizefight Promotions has done a terrific job in putting
this card together and I am fortunate to be working with them. I thank God and
appreciate everything they are doing. This is going to be a big year for Team
Smith and Prizefight Promotions.”
33 year-old Ugandan Ouma has great pedigree in the past but
has suffered six of his eight defeats in his last eight fights and after losing
a second world title challenge against Gennady Golovkin in June, will be
itching to get back to winning ways against the American.
Vanes Martirosyan offers to drop down for Victor Ortiz
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
Light-middleweight would accept bout ‘In a heartbeat’
31-0 light-middleweight contender Vanes Martirosyan has
thrown his hat into the ring to replace the injured Andre Berto on February 11th
after the former WBC welterweight champion was forced to withdraw from his rematch with Victor Ortiz with an injured bicep.
The current WBC silver champion at 154lbs, Martirosyan, 25, is ticking over with a contest against
veteran Troy Lowry on February 4th in San Antonio, Texas as he awaits a shot at
Saul Alvarez - but has been vocal in his desire to oppose Ortiz at the MGM
Grand in Las Vegas a week later instead.
“I would step in right now if they asked me for Berto in a
heartbeat,” stated Martirosyan.
“Victor knows what
happens when I hit him and I'll even go down to 147.”
Ortiz, also 25, has now been left in limbo with just eleven
days to go until he was due to rematch Berto live on Showtime and has already
reiterated his desire to find a replacement for the bout, which looks
increasingly like it could now be scrapped altogether.
Felix Lora steps in to face Kevin Mitchell next month
East End favourite Kevin Mitchell is relishing his London return on Friday 10th February at a sold-out York Hall.
The Dagenham Destroyer will face Barcelona based Dominican Republican Felix Lora over ten rounds at lightweight in his first fight since his thrilling win over John Murray last July.
Mitchell's fight against Lora will be shown live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).
With a potential showdown with Scottish rival and WBO World Champion Ricky Burns in the pipeline, WBO Intercontinental champion Mitchell is looking to put on a sparkling performance.
"It's going to be a massive East End crowd at the York Hall and I can't wait to put on a knockout show in front of my fans against Lora," said Mitchell.
"This is the first time since the Michael Katsidis fight in 2010 that I've fought in London and I've had a cracking win against Murray in Manchester so this will be a nice homecoming for me,"
"A fight with Burns is a massive incentive to make sure I'm looking at my best on the night and it's a fight I'd love to have next."
Mitchell will also be raising money on the night for his cousin's son Mitchell Huth who suffers from a rare cancer called neuroblastoma.
He hopes that the money raised will help towards sending the youngster to America for vital treatment.
Mitchell added, "This young lad is the real hero, forget what I've done in the ring, to see Mitchell, who's only six years old, fight his illness is a real inspiration to me and I hope everyone will contribute on the night."
The show will also feature hot unbeaten super-middleweight prospect Frank Buglioni against Ryan Clark over four rounds. The Enfield puncher will be looking to make Clark his third first round win after blasting out Sabie Montieth and Paul Morby.
2008 Olympian Bradley Saunders makes his glittering professional debut and goes straight into a six-rounder at light-welterweight against the experienced Jason Nesbitt.
The card also features rising unbeaten talents Ediz Hussein, Billy Morgan and Gary Corcoran.
John Ryder joins up with Lonsdale
Hotly tipped Middleweight joins boxing brand after extending unbeaten record
John Ryder has signed a sponsorship deal with Lonsdale as he continues to take the British Middleweight scene by storm.
The deal will see the unbeaten Islington man wearing the apparel of the boxing clothing giant as well as donning their gloves in future contests.
The 23 year-old continued his impressive start to his professional career with a second round stoppage of Mariusz Biskupski at York Hall on Saturday night (January 28) taking his record to 9-0 with six wins inside the distance.
Ryder’s first outing in his new gear will be on the undercard of the Kell Brook’s Welterweight showdown with Matthew Hatton at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on March 17, live on Sky Sports.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Ryder. “I have always enjoyed wearing their gear in the gym and to be able to sign with such a great boxing brand is a dream for me. I hope I can keep my record going and as always will be taking it one fight at the time.”
“John Ryder is without doubt one of Britain's most exciting young prospects and I'm pleased that Lonsdale have seen our vision and signed him to their team,” said Ryder’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “It's important for any young fighter to feel and look the part and I know John is delighted to be associated with the brand.”
“I'm delighted to welcome John to the Lonsdale team,” said Sunny Singh, Lonsdale’s Head of Sports Marketing. “He has shown tremendous potential in the early part of his career and we look forward to growing with him and working alongside Matchroom Sport to help fulfil his potential and become a champion.”
“I'm delighted to welcome John to the Lonsdale team,” said Sunny Singh, Lonsdale’s Head of Sports Marketing. “He has shown tremendous potential in the early part of his career and we look forward to growing with him and working alongside Matchroom Sport to help fulfil his potential and become a champion.”
Haskins: Arthur in shape for Quigg
British Super Flyweight Champion Lee Haskins is backing Jamie Arthur to cause a shock against Scott Quigg on Saturday.
Haskins has been sparring with the Welshman recently and says he has never seen him in better shape.
Haskins is also hoping to clinch a world title shot for himself against Thailand's WBC champion Suriyan Sor Rungvisai.
Four fighters in the frame for Mayweather, Pacquiao and Marquez
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
Shortlist for Trio looks down to just a handful
Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao looks certain to be OFF
for May 5th according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who wants to
negotiate the fight for November this year instead.
Arum, 80, is now set to pit his main fighter and WBO
welterweight title holder Pacquiao, 33, unsurprisingly against new signing and Top Rank
stablemate Timothy Bradley in a bout that is likely to go ahead in Las Vegas on
June 9th.
That leaves 34 year-old Mayweather with two options left for
his May date as Miguel Cotto currently edges out Saul Alvarez as the
favourite to oppose the WBC belt holder at the MGM Grand in late spring.
The news that Pacquiao is leaning towards signing to fight
Timothy Bradley and has narrowed down his shortlist to one, leaves Juan Manuel Marquez
and Lamont Peterson eyeing up a possible clash between themselves in July after
being overlooked by Pacquiao.
The one stumbling block is that Marquez, 38, would like an
assurance that an IBF and WBA light-welterweight challenge against Peterson would
immediately lead him into a fourth instalment with Pacquiao after finding
himself on the wrong end of a split decision to the Filipino in November.
If he gets that assurance from Bob Arum, that could block
Mayweather v Pacquiao from even happening in November as that would be the date
earmarked for any return bout between the Mexican and the Congressman.
A lot of things would have to happen before that scenario came
into effect though as Peterson’s trainer and manager Barry Hunter has already
stated in a recent interview with BoxingScene.com that his fighter’s preference
is a rematch with Amir Khan.
Peterson would have to come through the Briton again and
Marquez would probably need a fight in the interim before a clash, which has
been initially eyed for July 14th at The Cowboys Stadium in Texas by
Arum, can take place.
Frank Maloney wants Price v Fury deal settled before purse bid date
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
 |
| (Picture by Leigh Dawney) |
Promoter aiming for April date
Mandatory British heavyweight title challenger David Price’s
promoter Frank Maloney is hoping that Mick Hennessy will accept his bid to
stage a potential challenge for his fighter against current Lonsdale belt
holder Tyson Fury.
Maloney, who has guided Price, 28, to the verge of domestic
dominance with 12 wins and 10 stoppages since he turned pro in 2009, is hopeful
that a deal to promote the fight in April can be agreed before next Wednesday’s
purse bid deadline.
“We have made a formal offer to Fury and they have until Thursday
to agree terms,” Maloney told Sky Sports.
“We want that fight as quick as possible. He (Fury) has got
to defend it by the end of May, but we’re looking at April.”
Fury, 23, has been tipped to vacate the British and
Commonwealth belts he currently possesses as he looks for a European or world
title in 2012. UK fans are still hoping that the bout happens this year though
to crown the best British heavyweight out of the current crop of contenders.
Although he lost to Fury in the summer, Dereck Chisora remains on par with the giant traveller as the top recognised heavyweights in
the UK and the Londoner’s upcoming world title challenge against Vitali
Klitschko seems confirmation of that statement.
Unbeaten Fury may now want to break away from the domestic
scene after watching Chisora put in a career-best performance against Robert
Helenius in his EBU title challenge that looked for all the world like ‘Del Boy’
did enough to take.
Olympic bronze medallist Price is currently the third best
recognised heavyweight after Fury and Chisora but looks to have all the tools to become a
world champion and hopes that Hennessey and Fury give him the chance to prove it
in the spring.
Undefeated battle this Friday night on ESPN
|
Ortiz v Berto II to be ‘postponed or cancelled’
‘Repeat or revenge’ under threat
Former WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz has learned
that his upcoming rematch with Andre Berto will not take place as planned on
February 11th on the morning of his 25th birthday.
Former two-time world 147lb title holder Berto, 28, has
ruptured his left bicep in a sparring session with Tureano Johnson and will now
require surgery that could put the bout off for at least several weeks.
"Disappointed isn't even the best word to describe how
I feel right now,” Ortiz told RingTV.com.
“I got home, and my manager is like, 'guess what? I don't
know how to tell you this, so I'm just going to to ahead and tell you that your
fight has been postponed or cancelled.”
The pair shared a twelve round war last April when ‘Vicious’
Ortiz came through on points to take Berto’s WBC belt, which he eventually lost
to Floyd Mayweather and Showtime were keen to secure the rematch.
It is now unclear whether Ortiz will fight another opponent
as Berto recovers from the upcoming surgery and further announcements are
expected from both camps in the near future.
BoxNation add Chavez and Donaire to stacked live weekend bill
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
World title double header at 2am
BoxNation will show the world title double-header featuring WBC
middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. squaring off against mandatory
challenger Marco Antonio Rubio and the vacant WBO super-bantamweight title
clash between Nonito Donaire and former belt holder Wilfredo Vasquez Jr this
Saturday night.
The channel had asked subscribers to be patient following a
quiet January recently and has now pulled out a treat for fight fans this weekend
with Ovill McKenzie v Tony Dodson on Friday night the appetizer for three world
title fights and two European title battles on Saturday from Germany and the
USA.
Coverage starts from 6pm from Manchester and Germany on
Friday and Saturday, with transmission starting at 2am from Texas in the early
hours of Sunday morning on Sky Channel 456.
Quigg will edge towards Rigondeaux and Ndlovu with win over Arthur
Scott Quigg is being lined up for a world title eliminator if he successfully defends his British super-bantamweight title against Jamie Arthur this weekend.
The unbeaten Bury fighter is ranked third in the latest IBF and WBA ratings, far higher than any of his domestic rivals.
Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing Richard Poxon is in talks with various global contacts for a bout that could see Quigg become a mandatory challenger for a world title.
Quigg, 23, insists the chances of mixing it with some of the 122lb division's best will help him focus even more on his 12 round clash against Arthur at Bolton's Reebok Stadium on Saturday (Feb 4).
He said: "There is no danger of taking my eyes away from Arthur. If I cannot beat him it will be a struggle to reach the level I believe I can.
"Whoever has been in with Jamie knows they have been in a fight. There is no quit in him.
"I watched his fight against Martin Lindsay and after two rounds it looked like he wouldn't get to halfway, yet he was still in there fighting back for the full 12 rounds.
"I am very confident that I have got the tools to best him, but he has experience at championship level.
"I know how hungry I was to win the British title when the Jason Booth chance came and I am sure Jamie will have stepped up another gear in training.
"I have been in that position and I think it is harder keeping titles than winning them."
Cuban sensation Guillermo Rigondeaux currently holds the WBA crown while South African Takalani Ndlovu is wearing the IBF strap.
Hatton Promotions head Ricky Hatton added: "There is no shortage of options for Scott at the highest level, but first he has a tough assignment this weekend."
Also in action on Saturday's card is former Commonwealth and European super-bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe who boxes Argentinian Jose Saez in a non-title eight rounder.
The bill will also include Stephen Foster Jr v Yauheni Kruhlik, Joe Murray v Selected Opponent Matty Askin v Attila Palko, Craig Lyon v Yuri Voronin, Jazza Dickens v Barrington Brown, Feargal McCrory v Sid Razak and Tasif Khan v Delroy Spencer.
Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets priced at £35, £55 and £75 VIP ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991 or onlinewww.hattonboxing.com
This week on BoxNation: February 3/4
Ovill McKenzie v Tony Dodson
(Commonwealth light-heavyweight title)
Friday 3rd February (6pm start)
(Commonwealth light-heavyweight title)
Friday 3rd February (6pm start)
Tony Dodson will fight defending Ovill McKenzie on the 3rd
February for the Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Championship. Dodson will be
looking to beat McKenzie, who won the belt in November after just 15 seconds
against Jeff Evans.
McKenzie chose to fight Dodson, declining Tony Bellew and
Enzo Maccarinelli, after the Commonwealth Boxing Council gave him the choice.
Dodson's prepared for the challenge, labelling McKenzie a "glorified
journeyman" and playing down McKenzie's punching power by saying "I
will beat McKenzie in every way, shape and form".
Yoan Pablo Hernandez v Steve Cunningham
(IBF cruiserweight title)
Saturday 4th February (6pm start)
McKenzie chose to fight Dodson, declining Tony Bellew and
Enzo Maccarinelli, after the Commonwealth Boxing Council gave him the choice.
Dodson's prepared for the challenge, labelling McKenzie a "glorified
journeyman" and playing down McKenzie's punching power by saying "I
will beat McKenzie in every way, shape and form".
Needless to say the controversial nature of the result has
left a huge amount of unfinished business that needs to be resolved when the
two meet again on February 4th.
On February 4th, BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546), the
UK's only dedicated boxing channel, continues its commitment to bring
subscribers the very best in Championship boxing from all around the world, by
showcasing Yoan Pablo Hernandez's first defence of his newly won IBF
Cruiserweight championship against Steve Cunningham, live and exclusive from
the Fraport Arena in Germany.
Former Cuban amateur star Hernandez (25-1) captured his
title by defeating former champion Cunningham (24-3) back in September with a
6th round technical decision. The decision came in controversial fashion, with
Hernandez being given the nod after he could not continue because of a cut he
received from a Cunningham head-butt. Many observers felt that the cut was not
serious enough to warrant a stoppage,
and that it came just as the American was begging to gain the ascendancy
after suffering a first round knockdown.
Needless to say the controversial nature of the result has
left a huge amount of unfinished business that needs to be resolved when the
two meet again on February 4th.
BoxNation will also be showing the action packed undercard
live from the Fraport Arena. Chief support sees Serbian, Enad Licina (21-3)
meet Russian Alexander Alexeev (22-2) for the vacant European Cruiserweight
Title, whilst up and coming German Light Heavyweight, Eduard Gutnecht (22-1)
defends his European Title against Vyacheslav Uzelkov (25-1).
Also from Texas, BoxNation will show the world title
double-header featuring WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. squaring
off against mandatory challenger Marco Antonio Rubio and the vacant WBO
super-bantamweight title clash between Nonito Donaire and former belt holder
Wilfredo Vasquez Jr.
Coverage starts from 2am on Sky Channel 456.
Karpency not surprised by Cleverly call, ready for Cardiff test
American challenges for first world title
WBO light-heavyweight title challenger Tommy Karpency has
told WBN that he is ready to prove the doubters wrong on February 25th after gaining a world title shot on the back of being out of the ring for almost a year.
Some eyebrows were raised when talk of unification’s for champion Nathan Cleverly with Beibut Shumenov and Bernard Hopkins ended with
the Welshman announcing a title defence against the
21-2-1 challenger.
Karpency, 26, has scrapped his way to a world title shot
following a disappointing points loss to former Cleverly opponent Karo Murat in
May 2010, which he followed up with two straight victories - the latest being a first round knockout.
The Pennsylvania-native is now ready to prove to the boxing world that he is
genuine contender for the Cefn Forest fighter’s title at the Motorpoint Arena
in Cardiff in just over three weeks’ time.
“Nathan Cleverly in an undefeated world champion, a solid
fighter and I'm excited to to fight one of the best,” Karpency told World
Boxing News.
“Training is going very well. Everything has gone according
to plan and I am ready for February 25th.”
Asked whether he was surprised to get the world title shot
after being out of the ring since February last year, Karpency added: “I am not
really surprised at all. I've been ranked in the top 15 for over a year now and
have shown that I'll travel to fight.”
24 year-old Cleverly is expected to move on to face one of
the other champions at 175lbs if he comes through the American but Karpency is
not thinking about any future opportunities that may arise if he pulls off a
shock win in Cardiff.
“I'm not looking ahead right now. I completely focused on
Nathan Cleverly and fighting in Wales,” he added.
Champion Cleverly makes the third defence of the belt he won after Jurgen Braehmer pulled of a scheduled meeting last May and goes into the bout a heavy favourite against Karpency, who fights outside the US for the second time.
Stephen Smith to return on Klitschko v Chisora
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
‘Swifty’ aims to bounce back in Germany
Former British and Commonwealth featherweight champion
Stephen Smith is set to fight in Germany on the undercard of Vitali Klitschko’s WBC
title defence against Briton Dereck Chisora on February 18th.
The 26 year-old fights over eight rounds in his first
contest since losing his belts via a devastating knockout to the unfancied Lee
Selby last September and has spent some of his time away working as a pundit
for BoxNation.
‘Swifty’ will take part in his fourteenth professional bout
on the night at the Olympiahalle in Munich, Germany in what will be the
Commonwealth Games gold medallist’s first fight away from British soil.
Meanwhile, younger brother Liam, 23, has been handed a fight
on the Nathan Cleverly v Tommy Karpency bill at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff
a week after his brother’s return in what will be his 10th professional
bout.
David Price Atlantic City bound on March 24
Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
|
| (Picture by Leigh Dawney) |
English champion makes US debut
Unbeaten heavyweight David Price is set to fight abroad for
the first time when he makes his American debut on March 24th on a
card topped by New Jersey-based Pole Mariusz Wach.
Price, 28, goes into his assault on the US market on the
back of a devastating win over John McDermott earlier this month and has been
pitted against French-born Josue Blocus, who now fights out of Atlanta, Georgia.
At 42, Blocus has plenty of miles on the clock, along with
long spells of inactivity and should be a routine victory for the Liverpudlian,
who will aim to show his credentials on an American TV network if the show gets picked up for TV in the coming weeks.
Former WBO NABO belt holder Blocus is currently 16-2 with 14 stoppages but has
fought just once in almost five years, whilst Price has never spent longer than
seven months out of the ring since turning professional following an Olympic
bronze medal at the 2008 games in Beijing.
Top of the bill Wach (26-0, 14 KO’s) defends his WBC
International crown for the second time against former Prizefighter finalist
Tye Fields, who lost out to Mike Perez in the International’s version of the UK
tournament last year.
Undefeated Polish southpaw Arthur Szpilka (9-0) meets 'Big Jim' Terrence Marbra (6-1) in what so far represents an all-heavyweight bill at a venue yet to be formally announced.
Undefeated Polish southpaw Arthur Szpilka (9-0) meets 'Big Jim' Terrence Marbra (6-1) in what so far represents an all-heavyweight bill at a venue yet to be formally announced.
30 January 2012
Prescott eyes Khan, Peterson and Bradley after KO win
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Grano eyeing Banks v Firtha winner after 3rd round KO
This Past Saturday night at The beautiful Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Tony “TNT” Grano (19-2-1, 15 KO’s) threw his name in the Heavyweight title mix with a thrilling third round stoppage over Brian Minto (35-5) in an NABF Elimination bout.
The bout headlined a card that was seen all over the world LIVE on www.gfl.tv
Boxing fans who missed the card can now watch the entire show for just $9.99 by clicking:
It was Minto who controlled the action over the first two rounds and he even landed a right over the top that sent Grano to the canvas but that punch was ruled a slip.
In rounds three, Grano landed a chopping right hand that sent Minto to the canvas. When Minto got to his feet he was clearly shaken up but he was clearly on rubbery legs. Minto showed tremendous heart as instead of holding he stood and fought Grano toe to toe. That proved to be his undoing as Grano landed another hard right that deposited Minto on the floor and the fight was stopped immediately.
With the win, Grano puts himself in position to take on winner of the Jonathon Banks – Nikolai Firtha bout for the NABF title and a high ranking by the WBC.
In the co-feature, once beaten cruiserweight contender Eric Fields (20-1) put on an impressive boxing display with an eight round unanimous decision over Derrick Brown (13-7-3)
Fields worked behind a good jab and mixed in lead right hands to to keep Brown off balance and cruised to his ninth consecutive victory since his only professional defeat.
With one shocking right hand, Ela Nunez (11-11-1, 3 KO’s) scored a knockout victory over Jackie Trivilino (8-4-2)in round two of their scheduled six round Woman’s bout.
Ryan McKenzie (10-0, 9 KO’s) kept his perfect streak alive as he went to 9-0 with an impressive American debut and a second round stoppage over Richard Starnino (9-7-2) in a Light Heavyweight bout.
Local favorites Brian Clookey (4-0-1) and Derrick Evans (3-0) remained undefeated with victories over Ariel Espina(8-20-3)l and Bakari (0-3) respectively.
In the Evans – Bakari bout, it was controversy from the beginning as the two fighters jawed, held and even got in some illegal punches before Bakari was disqualified in the third round.
Impressive prospect Travis Peterkin made it 4-0 with his first distance victory over the rough Steven Tyner (2-3-1) in a four round Light Heavyweight bout.
Marc Abrams, Stephanie Kula and Joe Antonacci called the action LIVE on gfl.tv
GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv
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