World Boxing News 2010-2013

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Desert Storm’ rematch hopes fading Timothy Bradley was once the frontrunner to meet former pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao in a rematch later this year, but unfortunately for the American, a second bite of the ‘Pacman’ cherry seems unlikely to happen. The WBO welterweight champion, who defeated the Filipino in a highly-contentious split decision in Las Vegas last June, may now have to line up his next opponent after apparently being given the cold shoulder by Pacquiao for a return. Pacquiao, 33, is instead reportedly focusing his attention on another fight with nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, possibly in Mexico, with November and December dates on the table. That leaves Bradley contemplating the likes of Shawn Porter, Ed Parades and Brad Solomon for a maiden defence of his WBO belt, with no future guarantees of fulfilling his promise to gain a rematch with the eight-time title holder.

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor New WBO champion ready to defend his title Undefeatd Frenchman Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam has told WBN that contrary to reports, a deal to fight Amercian Peter Quillin is yet to formally agreed for October 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Former WBO interim middleweight champion N’Dam was given the full version of the belt this week as former title holder Dmitry Pirog was relieved of the title and has been strongly linked to Quillin, although a first defence in the US is still only a possibility at this stage. “I'm glad to announce that I have been designated as WBO world champion, which I find fair and logical and I thank the WBO for taking that responsibility,” N’Dam told World Boxing News. “Regarding my next first defence, my promoter Sebastien Acaries is negotiating with Golden Boy for me to fight against Peter Quillin and I hope that common ground will be found so that the bout can be finallized. “Whether it be him or

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor IBO champion to scout next opponent Welterweight world title holder Chris Van Heerden will be keeping an eye on February opponent Matthew Hatton’s October bout with Michael Lomax as the South African prepares for second defence of his IBO belt. The 25 year-old is stepping up his preparation for a November warm-up himself, and will be an interested onlooker from afar as the ‘Magic Man’ attempts to get back to winning ways following his disappointing loss to Kell Brook in March. “I just want to take the time to wish Hatton good luck with his next fight, before he faces off with the champ,” Van Heerden told World Boxing News. “I am happy to say that I'm hard in training and mentally strong and fit. Thanks to Jesus for lifting me up and blessing me with the best coach out there in former heavyweight world challenger Peter Smith. “I have sparing partners lining up to help me out, with former world champions in the ilk of Kaizer Mabuza (wh

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Real Deal’ won’t give up world title pursuit Two-weight world champion Evander Holyfield has told WBN that recent comments made by WBC title holder Vitali Klitschko would not stop the American pursuing his dream of regaining a version of the world crown. The 49 year-old, who has not held recognised title for twelve years, had actively been seeking a shot at either of the belt-hoarding Ukrainian brothers since scoring back-to-back victories over Frans Botha and Brian Nielsen - without any success. Both Klitschko and younger brother Wladimir, who possesses four of the six main belts, have stated on more than one occasion that they respect Holyfield too much to face him in the ring as he approaches his 50th birthday, which seems to have made the ‘The Real Deal’ more determined as Vitali repeated their stance this week. “If that's what they choose to do then that's what they choose to do, everyone has their own opinion as to what is

Frank Stea Trainer responds to the Bundrage split Hall of Fame trainer and manager Emanuel Steward has a reputation that is well respective throughout the boxing world. Steward has worked with some of the biggest names the sport has ever known in Julio Cesar Chavez Sr, Oscar De La Hoya, Tommy Hearns, and Lennox Lewis are just a few names that have been under his guidance in the past. Currently, he is the trainer of the undisputed world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.  Last week, IBF junior middleweight champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage made it public to the boxing world that he no longer needed the services of Steward.  He announced his free agency. Monday evening on ATG Radio, Steward joined us and was asked his side of the story. “Well it’s very clearly. We made a deal. I talked to Golden Boy to win the purse bid to get him a situation where he can fight with his mandatory Cory Spinks. When the highest purse bid with Don King was I think $51,000.00 fo

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Promoter sends Proksa into world title battle Gzegorz Proksa makes his first world title challenge on Saturday night against WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn fancies his fighter’s chances of causing an upset. The 27 year-old, who currently holds the European title at 160lbs, was drafted in when a unification with WBO champion Dmitry Pirog fell through and a host of possible potential opponents knocked the fight back. Golovkin, 30, has a formidable record of 20 stoppages in 23 bouts to his name, although Hearn believes that the Kazakhstani will come up against his toughest challenger yet at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in New York. “Golovkin is certainly the most feared middleweight in the division,” Hearn told World Boxing News. “Most top contenders have been offered a shot against him but none, except Proksa, have accepted the challenge. “He is strong and carries a lot of

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Black Panther’ would give away entire purse Two-time world champion Lovemore Ndou remains focused on gaining one more big pay day against the likes of Ricky Hatton in future, not for his own gain, but to give away the entire purse to charitable causes. Ndou is still active in boxing at 41 after getting back to winning ways earlier this month with a unanimous decision victory over Gairy St. Clair and recently called out Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi for one last headlining fight. The unselfish Australian handed over his cheque for the win in Queensland to help under privileged children and told WBN that every match-up he is now involved in will go a similar way to helping others. “My last fight was on the 10th of August where I beat Gairy St. Clair and won the WBF world welterweight title and the IBF Pan Pacific title,” Ndou told World Boxing News. “I gave my entire purse from that fight to the Dulwich Hill Youth Centre. I will

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘White Tyson’ in eight rounder Former WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev will attempt to set up possible match-up with unbeaten Tyson Fury on Saturday night when the Uzbek fights an eight-rounder in Oberhausen, Germany. The 33 year-old, who defeated Nikolai Valuev, Matt Skelton and Carl Drumond in his only reign as world title holder between 2007 and 2009, is currently being pursued by Fury for a November date and must beat his as yet unnamed opponent this weekend. Chagaev aims to secure his third straight victory since losing a closely fought world title test against current belt holder Alexander Povetkin in August 2011 and will no doubt be the step-up Fury needs if they can reach an agreement. Fury, 24, is looking to raise his opposition to the highest level following a 19-fight undefeated winning streak and can boast a twelve round decision win over an out-of-shape Dereck Chisora in 2011 as his biggest career win to date. The for

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Still shot from iFilmLondon Former champion warns title challenger Manuel Charr’s recent interview with WBN has not bypassed the attention of the Klitschko’s biggest rival David Haye as the undefeated German plans to seek out the Briton if he can overcome the odds and defeat Vitali on September 8. Charr, who has 21 straight victories since his debut in 2005, gatecrashed Haye’s post-fight press conference after his impressive win over Derek Chisora at Upton Park recently, only for the ‘Hayemaker’ to be unsure of who the Lebanon-born contender was. The 31 year-old former WBA heavyweight title holder is himself intent on gaining a shot against Vitali, 41, in 2013 and has yet to acknowledge whether Charr would come into his thinking if the underdog can become the first man since Lennox Lewis to beat the Ukrainian. The Londoner is of the belief that if the ‘Diamond Boy’ shocks Klitschko in Moscow, then he may well be obliged to give Vitali a se

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor WBC Challenger ready to rule Undefeated German Manuel Charr is certain he has everything in place to relieve Vitali Klitschko of his WBC heavyweight title on September 8 and will then hope to defend the belt against former WBA champion David Haye. The 27 year-old (21-0, 11 KO's) faces his toughest challenge since turning professional in 2005 next month against the formidable ‘Dr. Ironfist’ and is currently putting the finishing touches to a gruelling training camp. “I am well prepared and looking forward to the fight of my life. I can hardly wait!” Charr told World Boxing News. "I am sure I have the tools to hurt Vitali. I have been keeping an eye on him for ten years now and I am looking forward to finally get in the ring with him. “I studied his fight against Dereck Chisora (which Klitschko won over twelve rounds in February) and have drawn my conclusions, but for the time being I like to keep it to myself.” The ‘Diamond B

Polish heavyweight Mariusz Wach is happy to have finally sealed his world title shot at WBA, WBO, IBF annd IBO champion Wladimir Klitscho on November 10 and plans to pull of a shock victory in Hamburg, Germany. The 32 year-old New Jersey-based fighter, who is unbeaten in 27 contests, stand 6ft 7ins tall and believes he has all the attributes to cause 'Dr. Steelhammer' problems he hasn't had to deal with from his most recent challengers. "I'd like to thank Wladimir, his manager Bernd Boente and the entire Klitschko team for giving me this opportunity," said Wach. "I can't wait to prove to the world what I'm worth. I will prove the critics wrong.  Klitschko hasn't faced an opponent like myself in over several years.  "Poland deserves a true heavyweight champion. My friend Tomasz Adamek had a shot but because he was smaller and had shorter reach he didn't really have a chance. This time you will witness the real super

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor WBA champion clarifies ‘Hitman’ position A report in a UK national newspaper was way off the mark in stating that a November match-up between Paulie Malignaggi and Ricky Hatton was ‘almost certain’ and the 'Magic Man' has spoken to WBN to reiterate his position on the matter. Malignaggi has branded the information printed in yesterday’s Daily Star article untrue as ironically, his first defence of the WBA welterweight belt he won in Ukraine last April was announced the same day by promoters Golden Boy. “Everyone knows you can't fight back to back fights,” Malignaggi told World Boxing News. “I am fighting October 20th, so how can I fight in November?  It wouldn't work out - but I hope the rumours are true for Hatton coming back.” The 31 year-old also denied that a potential offer to fight Hatton later this year would have any bearing on him facing challenger Pablo Cesar Cano at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York as sc

The wife of the late Johnny Tapia says the six-time world boxing champion's death was related to heart problems and not because of a drug overdose. Teresa Tapia said Wednesday that an autopsy report showed that Tapia died from heart disease and hypertension, and that no traces of illegal drugs were found in his system. Tapia shared the newly released autopsy report with reporters at a press conference at the later boxer's Albuquerque gym. Investigators found one Hydrocodone tablet, a painkiller, on the floor beside his body. They said there were no indicators of an overdose or alcohol use, but that he likely developed medical complications from past illegal drug use. Tapia says her husband was taking medication for his bipolar disorder.

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Five-time champion given hearing date IBO cruiserweight champion Antonio Tarver will get the chance to put his side across when he attends an appeal hearing scheduled by the California State Athletic Commission for October 8. The ‘Magic Man’ submitted a positive test for a banned substance in the wake of his draw with Lateef Kayode in June and interim executive officer Kathi Burns confirmed to RingTV.com that his side of events will be heard. "Tarver is appealing his decision at this time," said Burns. "So he will be heard at the Oct. 8 commission meeting in Los Angeles." Tarver, 43, has denied any wrongdoing on his part after the initial reports came out, but could face a lengthy ban and the relinquishing of his title if the CSAC rule against him, which would effectively end his career.

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Boxing champion brushes off pro career talk Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams has suggested that a career in the professional ranks is of no interest to her and seems set to focus her efforts on becoming a double champion in four years time. The 29 year-old from Leeds, who took the flyweight title at the recent London games, was greeted by hundreds of fans as she took her medal on a tour of her hometown and revealed her initial plans to the attending media. “I haven’t had a chance to think about that but I am definitely looking for 2016 - why not, double Olympic champion?” She told the Yorkshire Post. On returning to Leeds, Adams added: “It feels really good to be back. The amount of support I have had from Leeds and Yorkshire has been amazing.”

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor British fighter set to head back into the 147lb mix Former light-welter and welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton is reportedly ready to add another big name to an already stacked 147lb division and will certainly be in the hunt for big challenges upon his return to the ring. Hatton, 33, according to The Daily Star , is expected to imminently announce his long-awaited return to activity following a three-year absence and has already been linked to fights with WBA champion Paulie Malignaggi and former pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao. There are also plenty of options for the ‘Hitman’ if he requires a warm-up fight as Lovemore Ndou, who fought out a draw with Ricky’s younger brother Matthew in 2009, is the first of what promises to be many, to put his name forward to face Hatton. What chance also of a long-delayed grudge match between Hatton and current British champion Junior Witter if the boxer-turned promoter and trainer was intent on

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Pacman’ fight pushed back three weeks Multi-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao will now take to the ring on December 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after the Filipino’s next outing was switched from the original date of November 10. Pacquiao’s advisor Michael Koncz informed of the change as speculation continues to grow over whom the former WBO welterweight title holder will face from a shortlist of three candidates. "Bob Arum has moved the date now to December 1, and he's done that at our request due to conflicting schedules with the boxing and Manny's personal affairs," Koncz told RingTV.com. Former opponents Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley and Miguel Cotto remain in the frame, although the latter being scheduled to fight on the same date in New York is not thought to have any bearing on the decision.

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor ‘Hitman’ ready for November return Two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton will fight again and is expected to rubberstamp a November return to the ring in the next two weeks, according to Duncan Wright of The Daily Star. The 33 year-old has long been linked with a 48th professional fight after shedding a significant amount of poundage in recent months and is now ready to erase the memory of his crushing defeat to Manny Pacquiao. The ‘Hitman’ was flattened in two punishing rounds against the Filipino in 2009 amidst rumours of unrest in camp and could look to avenge the loss after a warm-up fight before Christmas. The likeable Mancunian has an army of fans, home and abroad and the news will certainly have the British boxing world buzzing as the fight favourite dons the gloves again after his self-imposed absence. Editors note (19:15pm BST) : Ricky Hatton's agent Paul Speak has since denied The Daily Star's report of a November fight.

Andre Berto has been licensed by the California State Athletic Commission after completing all necessary pre-licensing requirements.   “As someone who truly believes in clean sport, I have never used any type of performing enhancing drugs. Everything I’ve achieved was the result of hard work and determination,” Berto said.  “I am excited that this whole situation is behind me, and I look forward to returning to the ring soon with another exciting performance so stay tuned.”   Berto’s positive test in May revealed extremely small amounts of a banned substance, that were inconsistent with any performance-enhancing effect and were much more consistent with contamination of an otherwise acceptable food or supplement.

The incredible boxing journey for undefeated featherweight prospect Patrick "The Punisher" Hyland (27-0, 12 KOs)continues after his recent victory by eight-round unanimous decision (79-70, 79-71, 79-71) overdangerous Dominican Carlos "El Flaco" Fulgencio (19-8-1, 12 KOs)at Sahlen Stadium in Rochester, New York. "I enjoyed the fight and was sharp," Dublin-native Hyland said about his fight with Fulgencio. "I dropped him at the end of the first and caught him again in the second. I didn't want to punch myself out, so I eased up and boxed the rest of the fight. My previous fight only lasted four rounds and I needed the rounds. He came to beat me and kept coming forward. We went toe-to-toe and he caught me with a few shots. He tested my chin. I'll be back in the gym later this week and want to be fighting again by the beginning of November, hopefully, in a 10 or 12 round fight." Hyland has been following his dream to become world

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor A look at how the Pacman has lost four times Defeat Number 1 - Rustico Torrecampo It was 1996 and an 18 year-old Manny (11-0, 4 KO's) took on the 24 year-old Torrecampo at flyweight after fighting the previous 13 months at light-flyweight. The bout was organised at a catch-weight of 111lbs, although Pacquiao came in a pound over and was subsequently penalised by being made to wear heavier gloves during the fight. Strong favourite Pacquiao was stunned by Torrecampo with a devastating shot and knocked out - almost cold, thirty seconds into the third round by a man had only five knockouts on his 11-4-4 record. Compatriot Torrecampo, would only win two more fights in his career and lost four, before retiring in 1997 at the age of 25 without any significant titles to his credit. The flyweight has since made an unexpected comeback after almost 14 years out of the ring at 38 in Februay 2011, knocking out Jovanie Bualan in three rounds and

Steve Tannenbaum, who is currently representing three-weight world champion James Toney, has laid down his case for a possible match-up between his fighter and Tyson Fury in the wake of some recent banter between the two. Toney, 43, has shown his interest in facing the 6ft 9ins former British and Irish title holder and Tannenbaum has scoffed at some of the opponents being linked with Fury for his next fight in November. "I have all the respect in the world for Mick Hennessy, Fury's promoter, as he's matched his guy carefully," Tannenbaum told World Boxing News. "But let's be candid here, Fury has beat nothing but schmear cases. Derek Chisora is probably his best win but who is Chisora? - just an ordinary guy.   "His last fight against Vinny Maddalone - give me a break!  Maddalone's a useful guy but can't fight a lick.   "I've read that Fury is considering fighting Siarhei Liakhovich, Rusian Chagaev or Jean-Marc Mo

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Ex-champ continues to goad unbeaten rival Five-weight title holder James ‘Lights Out’ Toney remains fixed on his target of securing a heavyweight tussle with highly-ranked Tyson Fury as the former Irish champion nears the announcement of his next opponent. Toney, 43, had called out Fury last week to a receptive response from the 19-fight undefeated prospect, although all the signs are now pointing at the Hennessy-promoted fighter choosing another former world beater instead. Ruslan Chagaev, Siarhei Liakhovich and Jean Marc Mormeck have seemingly overtaken Toney in the stakes to oppose 6ft 9ins Fury and the American could now be set to miss out his fulfilling an ambition to fight on English shores. “I love England. It would be exciting to fight there,” Toney told World Boxing News. “I was scheduled to fight there 20 years ago, but the fight was cancelled after I arrived. “I still didn’t get to sight see, so I’d love to go back as

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Real Deal’ won’t leave heavyweight scene quietly Evander Holyfield remains hopeful of enticing the world champion Klitschko brothers into a heavyweight tussle in the near future after calling out the brothers once again in a recent interview on UK TV. The 49 year-old, who turns 50 in October, is adamant that the Klitschko’s will be unable to generate the sort of cash that he can and will prolong his career until he is given one more shot at the championship of the world. "Age ain't nothing but a number," Holyfield told Sky Sports . "They (the Klitschkos) have got an opportunity to probably make the biggest payday of their lives fighting Evander Holyfield. They are telling everyone that they respect me, and that they don't want to beat me up. "But I fought George Foreman, I fought Larry Holmes, and I said the same thing. I said that I wouldn't get any credibility from beating someone older. They said 'but,

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Former champion set to miss out on UK bout American James Toney looks set to miss out on his proposed England trip as Tyson Fury is expected to announce his upcoming former world champion opponent, with ‘Lights Out’ not thought to be in consideration for the bout. The 43 year-old, who currently holds the lightly-regarded IBU heavyweight title, had called out Fury, 24, for a future fight in London and former Irish champion Fury seemed receptive to Toney’s advances at first. As Siarhei Liakhovich, Ruslan Chagaev and Jean-Marc Mormeck are listed as possibles for Fury, Toney’s adviser Steve Tannenbaum contacted WBN with his disproval as the 6ft 9ins fighter looks elsewhere for his 20th opponent. “I think we may have a situation of Chicken Fury II as it looks like he may be avoiding my guy, just as he did with Price.  Maybe Mick Hennessy has the willies too,” Tannenbaum told World Boxing News.

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Welterweight ready for South Africa trip after warm-up Former European welterweight champion Matthew Hatton is just one fight away from a third world title shot as the Mancunian faces Michael Lomax on October 12, before jetting off to South Africa to face Chris Van Heerden in February. The experienced 31 year-old, who has 50 fights behind him in a twelve-year career, suffered the sixth defeat in March when going down on points to Kell Brook in Sheffield and is ready to get back to winning ways on the Coldwell Boxing show at Bowlers in eight weeks’ time. ‘Magic’ Hatton has reunited with former trainer Lee Beard after amicably parting ways with Bob Shannon and hopes to enjoy more success with the coach in the coming months. “I am very pleased to back training with Lee. I had a good run of results under Lee and produced some of my best work,” Hatton told World Boxing News. “I know we will gel really quickly. I believe he can bring the bes

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Pittsburgh Kid’ returns with win Welterweight contender Paul Spadafora scored an eight round decision victory over Humberto Toledo in West Virginia as he returned from a 21-month absence from the ring to head to 46-0-1. The southpaw was never out of his comfort zone as he cruised through the fight without showing much sign of ring rust and could soon be in line for another crack at a world title after reigning at lightweight between 1999 and 2003. The 36 year-old will need to keep busier than he has in the last ten years though as twelve fights in that time is not ideal preparation for a proposed crack at Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the next twelve months. The scorecards read 80-72 (twice) and 79-73 to hand Spadafora a somewhat routine win, with some higher-ranked opponents to follow if the Pennsylvanian harbours any hopes of making his Mayweather dream a reality. The only incident of note came when the Ecuadorian aimed a frustrating kic

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Mexican seals third successful defence Super-featherweight king Juan Carlos Salgado scored a unanimous decision win over former 126lb WBA champion Jonathan Barros at the Miguel Hidalgo Gym in Puebla, Mexico last night to improve to 26-1-1. The 27 year-old two-time champion had too much in his arsenal for the Argentinian and kept a firm grip on his red belt with scores of 116-111 (twice) and 115-112 after twelve rounds. Barros, 28, from Mendoza, dropped his third career loss, all of which have come in world title bouts and was hampered by a cut in the later rounds that attributed to his downfall.

Frank Stea For two-time former light welterweight champion Devon Alexander 23-1 (13KOs), it has been a career goal for the 25 year old Saint Louis native to fight in the bright lights and big city of Las Vegas. With less than one month before fight night, the location was finally announced recently by Alexander’s promoter Golden Boy Promotions, that his IBF welterweight title fight against Randall Bailey is to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on September 8th in Sin City. “When you fight in Vegas, it’s like a boxer’s dream.  It’s the fight capital of the world. I think everyone wants to have their name on the big screen, in the big lights in Vegas. I’m excited to have my very first fight in Vegas. I’m excited to be fighting for world title in Vegas at that.” said Alexander when asked about fighting in Las Vegas. “The Great” has been known throughout the boxing community for his undying love and support from his hometown fans in St. Louis, MO. Alexander is