World Boxing News 2010-2013

Wednesday 31st August Daniel Geale  bt Eromosele Albert  (UD) ( 119-109, 117-111, 116-112 ) ( IBF middleweight title ) Koki Kameda  bt David De la Mora  (UD) ( 115-112, 115-113, 114-113 ) ( WBA bantamweight title ) Tomonobu Shimizu bt  Hugo Cazares  (SD) ( 115-113, 115-113, 114-115 ) ( WBA super-flyweight title ) Saturday 27th August Alexander Povetkin bt Ruslan Chagaev  ( UD ) ( 117-113, 117-113, 116-112 ) ( WBA heavyweight title ) Robert Helenius bt Sergei Liakhovich  ( TKO ) ( 9th round ) (heavyweight) Dominik Britsch bt Steve Bendall  ( UD ) ( 79-73, 78-73, 77-74 ) (middleweight) Ulises Solis bt Jether Oliva  ( UD ) ( 120-108, 119-109, 118-110 ) ( IBF light-flyweight title ) Moises Fuentes bt Raul Garcia  ( SD ) ( 114-112, 114-112, 112-114 ) ( WBO minimumweight title ) Alex Arthur bt Aleksander Vakhtangashvili  ( TKO ) ( 4th round ) (lightweight) Kenny Anderson bt Lee Duncan  ( KO ) ( 4th round ) (super-middleweight) Friday 26th August V

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor Former champ says belts mean nothing to him now Three-time world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has admitted that his days of being “the baddest man on the planet” are far behind him now as he is much more content on taking care of his family and racing his pigeons than using his alter-ego to intimidate people. The 45 year-old turned up at the premier of his new film – The Hangover II earlier this year looking a shadow of his former self as he had shed pounds in weight and looked his slimmest ever on the red carpet. The man who famously bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997, even explained that his title belts mean nothing to him anymore and doesn’t miss the sport that made him a star. "I have my wife and my kids," Tyson told TV network CBS. "I had all the pleasures you could ever give me and still it doesn't match up to my ankle compared to my wife and my children. And they like me and respect me, a little bit at l

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Rotherham’s Wale lives after knife attack Light-welterweight boxer Gwyn Wale survived a knife attack on Thursday after the Yorkeshire man was stabbed in his heart.  The 27 year-old, who has a record of 7-3-1 was due to fight Sid Razak on September 23 rd in his second fight since taking a five-year break from the ring but is now recovering in hospital. The Barnsley-born fighter, brother of former Prizefighter semi-finalist Josh Wale, 23, is expected to make a full recovery as South Yorkshire police try to piece together the events that happened at around 3.45pm two days ago. Brother Josh, who himself is due to fight on September 3 rd , posted a message on Facebook yesterday morning informing people of the incident and has since updated it as Gwyn recovers in intensive care. “Hi just to let everybody know, my brother Gwyn is in intensive care after being stabbed in the heart,” wrote Wale. “He is a fighter though.  Thanks for all your call

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Smith and Quillin insults getting personal Former Contender star Ishe Smith and 25-0 prospect Peter Quillin are embroiled in a war of words with each other that has turned ugly in recent days with both fighters regularly berating the other on radio shows, in articles and on their respective Twitter accounts. 33 year-old Smith is much-avoided in recent times and has some impressive performances against the likes of Daniel Jacobs (lost), Pawel Wolak (won) and Fernando Guerrero (lost), all three of which could have gone either way. Smith has never been stopped in his 27 bouts and has found it increasingly difficult to get regular fights, finding himself on the outside looking in as the top fighters in the division stay away from him and now ‘Sugar Shay’ has targeted the Grand Rapids-born fighter for a bout later in 2011. Quillin, 28, has expressed his disinterest in Smith’s advances though and what started out as friendly banter has quickly

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Money’ questions whether the ‘Pacman’ wants to fight Floyd Mayweather has been vocal once again as talk of a fight between him and WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquaio had simmered on the back burner in the run-up to his imminent WBC title challenge against Victor Ortiz in three weeks’ time. The 34 year-old long been linked with what would be the highest grossing fight of all time against the eight-time world champion and as mumblings have come out of Pacquiao’s camp that the Filipino Congressman, 32, is willing to agree to Floyd’s demands of Olympic-style blood tests, ‘Money’ has accused the ‘Pacman’ of the opposite. "You've got to ask yourself this. I don't have anything against Manny Pacquiao. But is it Manny Pacquiao or Bob Arum?" Mayweather told mlive.com. "It is what it is. I'm not here to say nothing negative about Bob Arum. I'm not here to say nothing negative about Manny Pacquiao. He do what he d

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Money’ still top dog in the boxing world With my own pound for pound rankings showing Filipino’s Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire at number one and number two respectively, it makes me wonder whether Floyd Mayweather really does deserve to be pushed down to number three as a result of his inactivity. The 34 year-old has proven time and time again to be one of the most elusive fighters of all time, slick and hard to hit, with one of the fastest right hands in the fight game ever. With seven fights in the last seven years though since the ‘Pretty Boy’ demolished Arturo Gatti in six painful rounds, should the fact that an obviously super-gifted fighter has outside the ring distractions hamper his rating even if he has never lost or officially retired. For my ‘Money,’ Floyd is without question the best fighter in the world but as he has developed more and more outside factors dragging him away from boxing, Manny Pacquiao has continued to figh

WBN Top 10 The Ring Top 10 1. Manny Pacquiao 2. Sergio Martinez 3. Nonito Donaire 4. Juan Manuel Marquez 5. Wladimir Klitschko 6. Timothy Bradley 7. Ponsaklek Wonjongkam 8. Giovani Segura 9. Andre Ward 10. Bernard Hopkins

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Raging Bull’ vows to ‘end’ IBF champion’s reign Pawel Wolak has fired back at Cornelius Bundrage after the IBF light-middleweight champion branded the US-based Pole ‘a good stay-busy fight’ to keep him ticking over. The 29 year-old is hoping to gain a shot at ‘K9’ and has given him the nickname ‘Feline’ as he bids to goad the champion into a meeting on December 3 rd . “Feline has fought 20 rounds in 2 years,” Wolak explained to World Boxing News. I am a little worried he will go into cardiac arrest trying to keep up with me. “I assume his trainer is telling him to take the fight only because he will already be there to be in Cotto’s corner that night, otherwise he wouldn’t want to make the trip to watch his Feline call for his wheelchair in the mid-rounds. “He knows I will end him and is playing games and will blame everybody else instead of admitting he ducked me when this doesn’t happen. That’s ok because if I have to become his ma

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor 59th bout for former champion A 41 year-old Montell Griffin hopes to pick up the 50 th win of his 18-year professional career tonight as he fights in what could possibly be his last match-up. The former WBC light-heavyweight champion, who boasts victories over James Toney (Twice) and Roy Jones Jr. on his 58-fight record, steps into the ring with Youngstown’s DeAndrey Abron (15-9), who after a good start to his career is on a run of eight straight defeats, five of which have ended early. The bout takes place as part of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights to be broadcast in the US on ESPN2 and features former world title holder David Diaz and former Contender champion Grady Brewer in headlining bouts. Also scheduled is a six-round lightweight bout between Los Angeles via Ghana's Yakubu "Black Mamba" Amidu, (19-2-1, 17 KOs) and Toledo, Ohio's Martin Tucker, (7-9, 3 KOs); a four-round light welterweight bout between George Esho (1-1

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor (Picture by donking.com) IBF champ Bundrage expresses interest in ‘Raging Bull’ defence After making the first successful defence of his title, Cornelius Bundrage is open to a voluntary bout with US-based Pole Pawel Wolak, who’s popularity is on the rise following a brave performance against Delvin Rodriguez on ESPN Friday Night Fights last month. The 38 year-old seems eager to get back in the ring after waiting almost a year to make his first defence of the title he took from Cory Spinks in August 2010. 'K9' retained his IBF 154lb belt by overturning a first round defeat to Sechew Powell in 2005 by out-pointing the ‘Iron Horse’ in June this year. “Anything is possible,“ Bundrage told World Boxing News. "But he's not in my league but it’s a good stay busy fight at best. “I’m waiting on god, whose laying the plan out for me. He's using Don King and Emanuel Steward to put it together. Nothing's signed yet. But

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor (Smith (left) with Katsidis, pic by Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun) Manager says ‘The Great’ will fight anytime, anywhere Brendon Smith, the trainer and manager of top-ranked light-welterweight contender Michael Katsidis (28-4, 23 KO’s) has hit back at claims by Frank Warren linking his fighter Kevin Mitchell (32-1, 24 KO’s) with a rematch against his man in the near future. Mitchell, 26, who lost in three rounds to Katsidis in May 2010 at his beloved Upton Park, has constantly been touted for a return bout with the Toowoomba fighter and even more so since he got back to winning ways against John Murray last month, who himself has also been linked with Katsidis in the past. The Ring Star Promotions chief believes that English fighters are constantly linking themselves with fights against Katsidis to enhance their reputations on the world stage and help move them on their way to getting a shot at the world title. “I can say as Michael's mana

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor American fighter approves UK venue Five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather seems certain to box in the United Kingdom before retiring from the sport after admitting to Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer that a fight at Wembley Stadium in London is something that the WBC welterweight title challenger wants in the near future. The 34 year-old meets belt holder Victor Ortiz next month in his first fight for sixteen months in Las Vegas and has been linked to a fight with WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, 24, when the British fighter moves up to 147lbs next year. Mayweather’s co-promoter Richard Schaefer, who also promotes Khan, outlined the WBN pound for pound number three fighter’s plans at the London press conference to promote the Las Vegans upcoming bout ‘Star Power’ and believes a fight with Khan could be possible for November 2012 at the venue. "We are trying to locate a March date for Amir [when he moves up to 14

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Trainer predicts ‘Golden Boy’ comeback Floyd Mayweather Sr. believes that six-weight world champion Oscar De La Hoya will lace on the gloves once more and embark on a comeback in the near future in an announcement made by the fighter’s former trainer to fighthype.com over the weekend. Mayweather, 61, who trained De La Hoya from 2001 to 2006, is adamant that fight fans have not seen the end of the 38 year-old fight legend-turned promoter and wants to return to the Californian’s corner when he does return to boxing. “I hear Oscar’s talking about fighting again,” explained Mayweather to Fighthype’s Ben Thompson. “If Oscar plans on fighting again, he better come see me. I’m going to be honest with you, I think Oscar will fight again. “I think he will go one more time, if not more,” he added. De La Hoya has been out of the ring since his painful eight-round loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2008 and has been linked with a bout against Ricky Ha

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Street fighting legend scores 1 st round KO on pro boxing debut Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson exploded into the professional boxing ranks last night with a devastating first round KO victory over novice James Wade at the Buffalo Run Casino in Oklahoma. The 37 year-old, who became famous for his internet street fights before moving into Mixed Martial Arts, walked his opponent down in the opening seconds before unleashing a huge uppercut to knock Wade, 39, out cold through the ropes. It took officials at ringside several minutes to clear the stricken boxer from the edge of the ring as Slice announced himself into pugilism with stunning intent. Given his age, the US-based Bahamian cannot afford to hang around and will have to step up his class of opponent pretty quickly but may yet bring some much-needed excitement to what is a dull heavyweight division. Click the link to view the ringside video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPpH_iqI5i8

Kimbo Slice Undercard Announced The undercard has been announced for this Saturday's (August 13) boxing event at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma, featuring the long-awaited professional boxing debut of legendary street brawler Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson. The four-round heavyweight battle between Slice and Saint Charles, Missouri's James Wade (0-1) will be supported by the return of former super middleweight contender Allan "Sweetness" Green (29-3, 20 KO's) against Harrisburg, Arkansas' Craig Gandy (7-4-1, 6 KOs) in a cruiserweight eight rounder. Also scheduled for action are Colorado Springs, Colorado's Abel Perry (14-5, 6 KO's) taking on capable veteran Marteze Logan (26-47, 6 KOs) of Memphis in a middleweight six rounder; Oklahoma City's Racquel Bailey (1-1) facing Kerri Hill of Russellville, Arkansas in a women's lightweight six rounder; red-hot heavyweight prospect Franklin Lawrence (15-2, 10 K

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Raging Bull’ on the warpath for Bundrage shot Light-middleweight contender Pawel Wolak is hoping to capitalise of newly-increased reputation by gaining a shot at IBF champion Cornelius ‘K9’ Bundrage on December 3 rd . The 29 year-old fought out a ten-round war with Delvin Rodriguez last month, fighting most of the fight with a serious hematoma which hampered his sight from the sixth round onwards and eventually ended in a draw. Opponent Rodriguez has been vocal in calling for a rematch with Wolak, although the US-based Pole has become embroiled in a verbal war with Bundrage and continued that when stating his intentions to World Boxing News. “K9 is just another dog with fleas who's tail will be between his legs on December 3," Wolak told WBN. “He can enjoy the belt for four more months." It has been thought that Bundrage, 38, is holding out for a unification with WBC belt holder Saul Alvarez or a catchweight contest w

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Fighters face smaller pay days as charge removed from bouts Sky Box Office have dropped world championship boxing from their schedule after a year of controversial fights as reported by WBN on July 22 nd .  With the controversy of the last few bouts, including Haye v Harrison, Nathan Cleverly’s opponent withdrawals and Amir Khan’s undercard debacle, Sky have decided enough is enough and boxing will now be shown on the four main sports channels for free to Sky Sports subscribers. WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion Khan’s switch to Primetime seems to have been the last straw and fans with now be happy to know that all future bouts on Sky will not come with an additional charge. For current British world champions Carl Froch, Nathan Cleverly and Ricky Burns, who between have only headlined one Box Office event, the fighters face the prospect of smaller fees for their title defences as all three are currently signed with the satellite chan

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Minimumweight champion out-points Mexican Kazuto Ioka is still the WBC minimumweight title holder after a twelve round decision win over Juan Hernandez in Tokyo, Japan. The 22 year-old, fighting in only his eighth contest, took a 118-111, 117-111, 116-112 on the three judges’ card to retain his belt at the Korakeun Hall in his first defence. Ioka is the nephew of former two-weight world champion Hiroki Ioka, who retired in 1998 after claiming titles at minimumweight and light-flyweight. The youngster won the title in only his seventh fight in February stopping Oleydong Sithsamerchai in five rounds to break the Japanese record.

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Ricky Hatton hoping to bring fighters through        Former two-weight world champion Ricky ‘Hitman’ Hatton is ready to add another string to his bow after revealing plans to become a trainer in the near future.  The 32 year-old, who officially announced his retirement earlier this year, has already claimed world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight before becoming a successful promoter and now fancies himself to work the corner too. The Mancunian is ready to apply for a his trainers license for the new boxing season which starts next month and could be training fighters in his own gym if his application if accepted by the British Boxing Board of Control. I’d like to be a trainer,” Hatton told The Manchester Evening News. “I’ve got Hatton Promotions and a great staff working for me. “Where we’ve come from as a promotional company is a credit to me and the people who work for me. “I want to bring fighters through and champions

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor Youngster has home advantage over Mexican  WBC minimumweight champion Kazuto Ioka will make the maiden defence of the title he claimed from Oleydong Sithsamerchai in just his seventh pro fight later today.  The 22 year-old from Japan raised a few eyebrows in February when put forward to challenge the experienced 36-fight unbeaten champion and duly took out the Thai title holder in five rounds. He now meets Juan Hernandez (18-1, 13 KO’s) at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo as he looks to keep his perfect record in tact. ‘Juanito’ Hernandez, 24, is undefeated in five years since suffering his only career loss against Oscar Martinez and travels abroad to fight for the first time in his seven-year career.

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor An investigator hired by boxing legend Arturo Gatti’s manager Pat Lynch have given his verdict after a thorough investigation into the death of the two-weight world champion, who died in Brazil in 2009. Chicago-based P.I Paul Ciolino has put his findings into a detailed report, which will be released on August 30 th , but gave his opinion to New Jesery-based newspaper The Jersey Journal  after a ten-month operation. Gatti died aged 37 whilst on holiday with his wife Amanda Rodrigues and his young son in north east Brazil and after an investigation by the Brazilian authorities was deemed a suicide. Brazilian police had said that the exciting prize fighter was drunk and depressed and used his wife’s purse strap to hang himself whilst his wife and son slept upstairs, which Ciolino totally disagrees with. "I think that when we get done with the press conference it will be pretty clear it was not a suicide,"  Ciolino told The Journal.

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor Fans pleas go unheard as organisations add more titles With 90% of the fans, boxers and promoters that I speak to wanting just one world title for every weight division, the creation of the WBC “Diamond” belt, which Sergio Martinez and Bernard Hopkins have successfully claimed is another unwanted title to add to the majority of the rest. Although it is just a one-off belt that the winner gets to keep, it is an unwelcome manufactured belt that just confuses fans and even some commentators, who don't know which title is real and which title is to be defended. Add that to the WBC's original “Gold” belt and the "Silver" belt, along with the WBA’s new “super” title and “regular” titles, then we are looking at six or seven world champions in each division, which is not doing the fight game any favours in terms of credibility. You ask anyone in boxing what they would like to change about boxing and nine out of ten would say “less titles”