by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Mar 18, 2009 at 12:10 pm ET
A rumored welterweight bout between former top UFC welterweight contender Jon Fitch (18-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and Paulo Thiago (11-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has been signed for UFC 100.
The news comes from Tatame.
The fight could take place on the televised main card of UFC 100, which is set for July 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Fitch could very well be fighting to avenge his American Kickboxing Academy team. His teammate, Josh Koscheck, suffered a shocking TKO loss to the UFC newcomer Thiago last month at UFC 95.
Thiago entered the UFC with a stellar 10-0 record, but the Brazilian had little name recognition with mainstream fans. However, he made a splash in his octagon debut with a first-round TKO stoppage (though Koscheck protested the referee's decision to halt the fight).
Thiago will now go for his 12th consecutive victory when he meets Fitch, who recently rebounded from a title loss to Georges St. Pierre with a unanimous-decision win over Akihiro Gono at UFC 94. Fitch, who launched his UFC career with a record eight-straight wins, is now 16-1 in his past 17 fights.
In addition to Fitch vs. Thiago, UFC 100 features a title-unification bout between heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar and interim champ Frank Mir, and St. Pierre defends his welterweight title against top contender Thiago Alves.
Additionally, as MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) recently reported, Yoshihiro Akiyama is expected to make his highly anticipated UFC debut against veteran middleweight Alan Belcher, and "The Ultimate Fighter 9" coaches Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson are slotted to fight at the show.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Vinicius Magalhaes vs. Eliot Marshall set for UFC 97 prelims
by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Mar 18, 2009 at 10:10 am ET
"The Ultimate Fighter 8" light-heavyweight runner-up Vinicius Magalhaes (2-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will meet fellow cast member Eliot Marshall (6-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) next month at UFC 97.
The news comes from FiveOuncesofPain.com.
UFC 97 takes place April 18 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The Magalhaes vs. Marshall bout will be part of the unaired preliminary card of the pay-per-view broadcast.
Marshall was originally expected to fight Mike Ciesnolevicz at UFC 97. The reason for the change was not immediately known.
In his place steps Magalhaes, a stand-out jiu-jitsu fighter who fell short to eventual show winner Ryan Bader on the eighth season of the UFC's reality series.
Magalhaes entered "TUF" with a 2-2 record with two submission victories. He suffered his third career loss when Bader scored a first-round TKO at the show's live finale. Magalhaes hasn't fought since the December event.
He now meets Marshall, who lost an opening-round bout but earned a spot on the "TUF8" cast as an injury replacement. Marshall then submitted Shane Primm but was knocked out of the competition by Bader in the semifinals.
Marshall returned at the show's live finale and submitted Jules Bruchez for his first career UFC win.
For complete UFC 97 coverage, including the event's official fight card, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"The Ultimate Fighter 8" light-heavyweight runner-up Vinicius Magalhaes (2-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will meet fellow cast member Eliot Marshall (6-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) next month at UFC 97.
The news comes from FiveOuncesofPain.com.
UFC 97 takes place April 18 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The Magalhaes vs. Marshall bout will be part of the unaired preliminary card of the pay-per-view broadcast.
Marshall was originally expected to fight Mike Ciesnolevicz at UFC 97. The reason for the change was not immediately known.
In his place steps Magalhaes, a stand-out jiu-jitsu fighter who fell short to eventual show winner Ryan Bader on the eighth season of the UFC's reality series.
Magalhaes entered "TUF" with a 2-2 record with two submission victories. He suffered his third career loss when Bader scored a first-round TKO at the show's live finale. Magalhaes hasn't fought since the December event.
He now meets Marshall, who lost an opening-round bout but earned a spot on the "TUF8" cast as an injury replacement. Marshall then submitted Shane Primm but was knocked out of the competition by Bader in the semifinals.
Marshall returned at the show's live finale and submitted Jules Bruchez for his first career UFC win.
For complete UFC 97 coverage, including the event's official fight card, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
The Eccentric Gomez
By Ronan Keenan
In the fight game, publicity is not always directly proportionate to talent. Just ask Juan Carlos Gomez. Despite being one of the most dominant cruiserweight champions in history, tallying ten defenses of the WBC cruiserweight title, and owning a 44-1 (35 KOs) record, his name in the Stateside fight media is more allied with failure than success.
The German-based Cuban will challenge Vitali Klitschko in Stuttgart on Saturday for the latter’s WBC heavyweight belt in a fight that has been derided by most sections of the US boxing media. Ron Borges advised potential viewers of Klitschko-Gomez that, “If it ends up on your television screen here in the States [it will be screened live on ESPN] remember this – the TV comes with a channel changer and an ON/OFF switch. Use them.” The downbeat air surrounding the matchup has been bolstered by a plethora of negative headlines that have constantly followed the 35-year-old Gomez. Most notably, his shocking 106 second knockout loss to club fighter Yanqui Diaz, in which Gomez was nailed with 17 consecutive right hands, is a Youtube favorite among boxing fans. In what was his third US appearance, Gomez sauntered into the ring in his characteristic laid-back manner with a glossy 37-0 résumé, but the subsequent bludgeoning brought glee to those that take pleasure in deriding foreign heavyweights.
Gomez then went under the radar, fighting exclusively in Europe before returning to the US for a stint at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in LA. But the venture did little to boost Gomez’ pitiable reputation after Roach told reporters earlier this year that MMA fighter Andrei Arlovski was competing “50-50” with the Cuban in sparring sessions. The comment generated significant exposure for Gomez in the MMA community, with many followers erroneously using it as evidence that top martial artists could beat boxers at their own game. Moreover, Gomez’ actions outside the ring have not helped endear him to an already skeptical media. Following a lopsided points win over a 40-year-old Oliver McCall in 2005, Gomez failed a postfight urinalysis, testing positive for cocaine.
The bout was subsequently declared a “no contest” and Gomez was let go by his then-promoter Universum. The Cuban vociferously denied taking such a substance and released a test several months later that showed no illegal drugs in his system. He claimed his postfight sample had been tampered and accused officials of trying to sabotage his career. The fighter maintains the ordeal left him disillusioned and in need of solace. “After they stole my victory over Oliver McCall because of doping in October 2005 I was totally devastated,” Gomez said in 2007. “I swear that I never doped in my life.
After the fight I went to the USA where I was built up by the Black Muslim community. That’s why I converted to Islam.” Yet things didn’t get much smoother for Gomez. After signing with Arena Box-Promotion, he attempted to terminate the deal in late 2007, and left Germany for the US without notifying the promoters. A war of words broke out between the fighter and head of the promotional outfit Ahmet Öner, with both sides using the media to ridicule each other. Gomez claimed Arena Box weren’t paying him sufficiently, while Öner provided the Cuban with some sage advice, stating: “Everybody knows that you’re better using your hands in the ring than using your brain and mouth outside”.
The two sides ultimately reconciled, but the incident only solidified Gomez’ reputation for eccentricity. It is perhaps not remarkable that his focus on boxing has been so unsteady given that he never had any intention of becoming a boxer. “I didn’t choose boxing, they chose it for me in Cuba,” Gomez alleged.Gomez originally had aspirations to be a baseball player, but in Cuba citizens can’t always make their own decisions and he was purportedly forced into boxing by the authorities. Annoyed with his homeland’s system, Gomez absconded while competing in a tournament in Germany and thereafter began his professional career in the cruiserweight division.
The 6’3” southpaw made light work of the weak contenders, claiming the WBC title in 1998 from the durable but limited Marcelo Dominguez in Argentina to become the first Cuban to win a professional boxing championship since Fidel Castro’s ascension to power some 39 years earlier. And despite prevailing over Dominguez in a rematch the following year, Gomez’ mental fragility was evidenced when he surprisingly admitted he felt like quitting after the eight round of his apparently undemanding points victory.
Despite not possessing one-punch knockout power, Gomez finished off most of his cruiserweight challengers by overwhelming them with speedy combinations from his languid, free-flowing style. After growing bored with turning back obscure opposition, Gomez made his heavyweight debut by stopping Al Cole in 2001 before making his US debut two years later in an HBO-televised encounter with the unbeaten Sinan Samil Sam.
Gomez cruised to a wide points win over the plodding Turk and while it was not a performance that excited the masses, he impressed many observers with his swift footwork and fluid punching. Yet any momentum generated was lost as Gomez remained inactive for eleven months, while his next fight was the 2004 demolition by Diaz in Texas.
Gomez appeared out of shape that night, scaling a then-career high of 228 pounds and looking plainly disinterested as the contest commenced. “I knew Yanqui Diaz was no match for me. I was then given just two weeks notice for the fight,” claimed Gomez. “[Diaz] surprised me in the first round. That’s what can happen to a heavyweight when you’re not in shape.”
But Gomez brought that lax attitude into subsequent fights, most notably when he was staggered by McCall during their October 2007 rematch. Gomez, who has a habit of taunting opponents, seemed to grow bored with his dominance of that fight and apparently lost concentration as McCall caught him with a right hand. Gomez recovered to triumph by unanimous decision, but the experience may have jolted him into a renewed sense of dedication. In his most recent outing, a comfortable points win over the 6’5” 240-pound Vladimir Virchis last September, Gomez fought diligently, utilizing his speed and sharp jab to avoid the heavy-handed Ukrainian.
And while Gomez entered that bout at his highest ever weight of 233 pounds, the mass gain was due to extensive strength work and the fighter looked well-defined and sturdy. Gomez will need to be in similar condition if he is to withstand the 6’7”, 250-pound Vitali Klitschko. Gomez’ opposition at heavyweight has been soft and even the encounter with Virchis will have done little to prepare him for Klitschko’s sharp, unorthodox left and jerky upper-body movement. Gomez likes to fight with his hands low and maintain a relaxed tempo with a prodding jab, but that approach will be his undoing in the face of Klitschko’s rugged determination.
Klitschko, 36-2 (35 KOs), made it clear that had little interest in making his mandatory defence against Gomez, preferring a more lucrative showdown with David Haye, but the titlist eventually decided to adhere to the WBC’s wishes. And even though the Ukrainian may initially have been disinterested in Saturday’s event, for Klitschko that doesn’t necessarily translate into a lacklustre attitude come fight time.
Some verbal jousting has added a little spice to the occasion, with both fighters claiming superiority in sparring sessions that took place a decade ago, but that has failed to ignite significant interest in what will be ESPN’s first ever live screening of a heavyweight title fight. Regardless, Gomez will prove a more diverse challenge for Klitschko than what Samuel Peter provided last October. Unlike the immobile Nigerian, Gomez should offer movement and speed that should be a sterner test of the 37-year-old champion’s questionable stamina.
“I am more experienced than Vitali though I am younger and faster than him,” Gomez told ESPN. “And I know exactly what to do in the ring. I will be too fast and too much to handle for the robot. Of course, I know that he can punch, but he will not even see me and you cannot hit what you cannot see.” Gomez has recently been working with the Miami-based Cuban trainer, Orlando Cuellar, who has a reputation for being a strict taskmaster.
To be competitive with Klitschko, Gomez should box an efficient, tactical fight involving lateral movement and rapid-fire combinations. And he must stringently adhere to that strategy – something he is unaccustomed to doing. Yet as Freddie Roach says, “As long as [Gomez] is disciplined he can become heavyweight champion of the world.”
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Karmazin Targets Abraham
By Alexey Sukachev
Amidst rumors that Arthur Abraham’s next title defense will take place in the United States, current #5 ranked IBF middleweight Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin (37-3-1, 23 KOs) has welcomed the IBF middleweight champion to fight in Karmazin’s adopted hometown of Los Angeles.
“I believe there are many Russians and Armenians in Los Angeles and boxing fans all around the world that would welcome this match-up,” proclaimed Karmazin. “Abraham has been protected in Germany and defending his title against inferior competition. It would be good for him to try and spread his wings and fight a real fight against me in the U.S.”
Karmazin, the current NABF and IBF Intercontinental middleweight champion and also ranked #10 by the WBC, intends to fight this Saturday, March 21st at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles. “We have had a couple of fights fall through the past few weeks but Roman intends to keep busy until one of the world champions agrees to fight him,” confirmed long-time Karmazin attorney and now promoter, Steven Bash.
The former IBF junior middleweight king Karmazin, became a member of the 160lb division’s elite thanks to a dominant decision over rugged and grizzled former world champion Bronco McCart on Dec. 20, 2008. “I can still make 154 pounds if the right fight is available but I am more looking forward to a possible challenge to (Arthur) Abraham, (Kelly) Pavlik, or (Felix) Sturm,” expressed Roman about his future plans.
“I have a Topps “co-signers” trading card with Karmazin and Abraham on the same card sitting on my desk and I have always thought this would be a REAL fight for boxing fans,” revealed Bash (trading card photo enclosed). “Arthur has made nine defenses of his IBF world title and only Edison Miranda is of notable worthiness. You don’t see anyone making trading cards of Arthur’s other title challengers.”
Amidst rumors that Arthur Abraham’s next title defense will take place in the United States, current #5 ranked IBF middleweight Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin (37-3-1, 23 KOs) has welcomed the IBF middleweight champion to fight in Karmazin’s adopted hometown of Los Angeles.
“I believe there are many Russians and Armenians in Los Angeles and boxing fans all around the world that would welcome this match-up,” proclaimed Karmazin. “Abraham has been protected in Germany and defending his title against inferior competition. It would be good for him to try and spread his wings and fight a real fight against me in the U.S.”
Karmazin, the current NABF and IBF Intercontinental middleweight champion and also ranked #10 by the WBC, intends to fight this Saturday, March 21st at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles. “We have had a couple of fights fall through the past few weeks but Roman intends to keep busy until one of the world champions agrees to fight him,” confirmed long-time Karmazin attorney and now promoter, Steven Bash.
The former IBF junior middleweight king Karmazin, became a member of the 160lb division’s elite thanks to a dominant decision over rugged and grizzled former world champion Bronco McCart on Dec. 20, 2008. “I can still make 154 pounds if the right fight is available but I am more looking forward to a possible challenge to (Arthur) Abraham, (Kelly) Pavlik, or (Felix) Sturm,” expressed Roman about his future plans.
“I have a Topps “co-signers” trading card with Karmazin and Abraham on the same card sitting on my desk and I have always thought this would be a REAL fight for boxing fans,” revealed Bash (trading card photo enclosed). “Arthur has made nine defenses of his IBF world title and only Edison Miranda is of notable worthiness. You don’t see anyone making trading cards of Arthur’s other title challengers.”
Tua-Cameron Update
By Eugene Carnachan
Word on the street is the June 6th bout to be held in Hamilton, New Zealand between big hitting heavies Shane Cameron and David Tua could possibly be postponed due an injury sustained to Cameron’s right hand. Cameron sustained the injury in his keep busy bout against journeyman Robert Davis. Cameron hurt his hand early and knew immediately it wasn’t good but continued on to give his hometown Gisborne crowd a show. The injury probably accounted for the more measured approach given spectators are used to see Cameron walking forward throwing a lot of heavy shots while taking his fair share. Tua is expected to take a warm up bout himself but the Cameron injury could change his short term plans for the timing of that bout, given he could have more time to ready himself for his first bout in nearly 18 months; a big lay off for a compact unit like Tua and the more time he can invest in putting sweat on the boards the better for him and fight fans alike.
Word on the street is the June 6th bout to be held in Hamilton, New Zealand between big hitting heavies Shane Cameron and David Tua could possibly be postponed due an injury sustained to Cameron’s right hand. Cameron sustained the injury in his keep busy bout against journeyman Robert Davis. Cameron hurt his hand early and knew immediately it wasn’t good but continued on to give his hometown Gisborne crowd a show. The injury probably accounted for the more measured approach given spectators are used to see Cameron walking forward throwing a lot of heavy shots while taking his fair share. Tua is expected to take a warm up bout himself but the Cameron injury could change his short term plans for the timing of that bout, given he could have more time to ready himself for his first bout in nearly 18 months; a big lay off for a compact unit like Tua and the more time he can invest in putting sweat on the boards the better for him and fight fans alike.
Arreola L.A Presser
By Edgar Gonzalez
Rumors were circulating all over the Internet and the Eastern European media that Wladimir Klitschko might defend against Chris Arreola. The rumors began last week when negotiations between Klitschko and former cruiserweight champ David Haye were stalled after a disagreement over the location of the bout. The postponement of a Goossen Tutor press conference to announce the Cristobal Arreola-Jameel McCline showdown didn’t help either. But those rumors came to an end when Goossen Tutor Promotions hosted a press conference today at the Sisley Italian Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, CA. to officially announce Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola’s WBC Continental Americas and NABF heavyweight title defense against four-time world title challenger Jameel “Big Time” McCline alongside the previously announced April 11th main event between three-time world champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams and former unified and undisputed world champion Ronald “Winky” Wright in a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout on HBO’s world championship boxing from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I was sick and had a few personal problems that caused the re-scheduling of the original press conference,” stated Dan Goossen. “We’re here today to make it clear there’s no heavyweight that will beat Arreola, not even Klitschko.”
Arreola (26-0, 23 KOs) received a traffic citation while driving to today’s event, but was still able to address the media, on the other hand the 6-foot-7inch, 270 -pound McCline was a no show.
In Jameel McCline’s (39-9-3, 23KO’s) statement sent via e-mail he wrote:
“I planned on attending today, but my new trainer Stacey McKinley and I discussed it over this past weekend and decided that I could not afford to lose the training time by flying from South Florida to Los Angeles.”
“Chris Arreola is not missing any gym time by doing a press conference in his hometown. I, on the other hand, would have missed two to three days for a match that is under a month away.”
“I’ve been around long enough to know that training is essential and I’m really enjoying my new trainer right now. I have what it takes to win this fight, but you only get so many opportunities in this game. I want to give myself the best chance to win by training every day I can.
“I apologize to Dan Goossen and all the media in Los Angeles but I will catch up with everyone during fight week in Las Vegas when I will be fully prepared to take on Chris Arreola on April 11.”
Arreola revealed his thoughts about McCline’s absence, “I respect that he couldn’t make it due to training. I know he wants to take my ‘0′ away, but he’s wrong. I will send him to retirement before anything.”
“I am in a different level now. I realize I was out of shape when I got on my knee against Travis Walker. I realize this is no joke, its time to play the part of a professional athlete.”
Arreola declared he’s not going back to Big Bear to train.
“I hated Big Bear and that is why I am working my butt off. It feels good to train in my backyard. Floyd Mayweather parties in Las Vegas and trains in Las Vegas why can’t I do that? It’s my comfort zone for me.”
“Thanks to my electrifying trainer,” chuckles Arreola. “Who keeps me on the track, we’re currently sparring 3 minute rounds with 30 second rest. I am 260 right now, but come fight night I will be 240.”
“I’m going to win impressively, remember that! Because when I win I want people to say he earned it.”
Tickets are still available and are priced at $300, 200, $150, $100 and $50 they can be purchase at all ticket master locations or the Mandalay Bay box office.
Rumors were circulating all over the Internet and the Eastern European media that Wladimir Klitschko might defend against Chris Arreola. The rumors began last week when negotiations between Klitschko and former cruiserweight champ David Haye were stalled after a disagreement over the location of the bout. The postponement of a Goossen Tutor press conference to announce the Cristobal Arreola-Jameel McCline showdown didn’t help either. But those rumors came to an end when Goossen Tutor Promotions hosted a press conference today at the Sisley Italian Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, CA. to officially announce Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola’s WBC Continental Americas and NABF heavyweight title defense against four-time world title challenger Jameel “Big Time” McCline alongside the previously announced April 11th main event between three-time world champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams and former unified and undisputed world champion Ronald “Winky” Wright in a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout on HBO’s world championship boxing from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I was sick and had a few personal problems that caused the re-scheduling of the original press conference,” stated Dan Goossen. “We’re here today to make it clear there’s no heavyweight that will beat Arreola, not even Klitschko.”
Arreola (26-0, 23 KOs) received a traffic citation while driving to today’s event, but was still able to address the media, on the other hand the 6-foot-7inch, 270 -pound McCline was a no show.
In Jameel McCline’s (39-9-3, 23KO’s) statement sent via e-mail he wrote:
“I planned on attending today, but my new trainer Stacey McKinley and I discussed it over this past weekend and decided that I could not afford to lose the training time by flying from South Florida to Los Angeles.”
“Chris Arreola is not missing any gym time by doing a press conference in his hometown. I, on the other hand, would have missed two to three days for a match that is under a month away.”
“I’ve been around long enough to know that training is essential and I’m really enjoying my new trainer right now. I have what it takes to win this fight, but you only get so many opportunities in this game. I want to give myself the best chance to win by training every day I can.
“I apologize to Dan Goossen and all the media in Los Angeles but I will catch up with everyone during fight week in Las Vegas when I will be fully prepared to take on Chris Arreola on April 11.”
Arreola revealed his thoughts about McCline’s absence, “I respect that he couldn’t make it due to training. I know he wants to take my ‘0′ away, but he’s wrong. I will send him to retirement before anything.”
“I am in a different level now. I realize I was out of shape when I got on my knee against Travis Walker. I realize this is no joke, its time to play the part of a professional athlete.”
Arreola declared he’s not going back to Big Bear to train.
“I hated Big Bear and that is why I am working my butt off. It feels good to train in my backyard. Floyd Mayweather parties in Las Vegas and trains in Las Vegas why can’t I do that? It’s my comfort zone for me.”
“Thanks to my electrifying trainer,” chuckles Arreola. “Who keeps me on the track, we’re currently sparring 3 minute rounds with 30 second rest. I am 260 right now, but come fight night I will be 240.”
“I’m going to win impressively, remember that! Because when I win I want people to say he earned it.”
Tickets are still available and are priced at $300, 200, $150, $100 and $50 they can be purchase at all ticket master locations or the Mandalay Bay box office.
Klitschko-Gomez Presser
fightnews.com
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (36-2, 35 KOs) and mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Gomez (44-1, 35 KOs) faced off at today’s prefight presser in advance of Saturday’s world title showdown at the Hanns Martin Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart. Germany. “I’ve heard a lot of statements from Gomez’ camp recently and all I can say is that they can dream on, they are all dreams,” said Vitali. “I can promise him the hardest fight of his life. I think he is a very good boxer, with technical skill, and he showed it all at cruiserweight. But heavyweight is something else. I will show him. It will be a lesson, but it won’t last long.” It was also announced that the Klitschko camp rejected the WBC’s appointment of a referee and judge. Gomez commented, “Vitali claims everywhere that he will knock me out, so why does he even care about the judges? To me, it completely makes no difference who is in the ring. I invite ‘Dr. Sissy’ to bring it, so I can outbox him and there will be no two opinions about the decision. On Saturday the ‘Black Panther’ will again be a world champion. He added, “I will beat his face in.”
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (36-2, 35 KOs) and mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Gomez (44-1, 35 KOs) faced off at today’s prefight presser in advance of Saturday’s world title showdown at the Hanns Martin Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart. Germany. “I’ve heard a lot of statements from Gomez’ camp recently and all I can say is that they can dream on, they are all dreams,” said Vitali. “I can promise him the hardest fight of his life. I think he is a very good boxer, with technical skill, and he showed it all at cruiserweight. But heavyweight is something else. I will show him. It will be a lesson, but it won’t last long.” It was also announced that the Klitschko camp rejected the WBC’s appointment of a referee and judge. Gomez commented, “Vitali claims everywhere that he will knock me out, so why does he even care about the judges? To me, it completely makes no difference who is in the ring. I invite ‘Dr. Sissy’ to bring it, so I can outbox him and there will be no two opinions about the decision. On Saturday the ‘Black Panther’ will again be a world champion. He added, “I will beat his face in.”
Klitschko-Haye Update!
By Alexey Potapov
WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has told Fightnews.com that negotiations for the fight with David Haye should come to the end within the next few days. “I don’t worry bout negotiations,” said Wlad. This is the business of my managers. I will say that all should be done within a few days. If there’s not a fight against David Haye, there will be a fight against Chris Arreola. I want fight against Haye, but his conditions don’t suit us.”
WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has told Fightnews.com that negotiations for the fight with David Haye should come to the end within the next few days. “I don’t worry bout negotiations,” said Wlad. This is the business of my managers. I will say that all should be done within a few days. If there’s not a fight against David Haye, there will be a fight against Chris Arreola. I want fight against Haye, but his conditions don’t suit us.”
Khan Beats Barrera By Cut
By Alexey Sukachev
In a WBO lightweight eliminator, 2004 Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan (20-1, 15 KOs) won a five round technical decision over legendary “Baby Faced Assassin” and former three-division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera (65-7, 42 KOs) on Saturday night at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England. In round one, Barrera suffered a deep gash on the hairline from an unintentional headbutt that bled into his left eye from that point on. Khan was faster and very sharp, often punishing the bloodied Barrera on the ropes. Barrera had some moments too, but Khan was in command for the rounds contested. Doctors looked at the cut in the fourth, but the bout was not stopped at that point (which would have resulted in a no decision). The bout was stopped because of the cut during the following round, sending the verdict to the scorecards, which read 50-44, 50-45, 50-45 for Khan.
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In a clash for the vacant interim version of the WBO cruiserweight title, the Cinderella story of Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (14-1-3, 6 KOs) continued with a shocking ninth round knockout of former champion Enzo Maccarinelli (29-3, 22 KOs). A big right hand ended it at 1:50.
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Unbeaten Roman “Rocky” Martinez (22-0-1, 13 KOs) scored an impressive fourth round KO to dethrone defending WBO super featherweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-2, 16 KOs) claiming the 130lb world title. Two left uppercuts in the fourth led to the first knockdown. Cook barely beat the count but Martinez finished him off with a left hook. Cook stood up on shaky legs and referee Dave Parris waved it off. Time was 2:20.
In a WBO lightweight eliminator, 2004 Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan (20-1, 15 KOs) won a five round technical decision over legendary “Baby Faced Assassin” and former three-division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera (65-7, 42 KOs) on Saturday night at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England. In round one, Barrera suffered a deep gash on the hairline from an unintentional headbutt that bled into his left eye from that point on. Khan was faster and very sharp, often punishing the bloodied Barrera on the ropes. Barrera had some moments too, but Khan was in command for the rounds contested. Doctors looked at the cut in the fourth, but the bout was not stopped at that point (which would have resulted in a no decision). The bout was stopped because of the cut during the following round, sending the verdict to the scorecards, which read 50-44, 50-45, 50-45 for Khan.
———-
In a clash for the vacant interim version of the WBO cruiserweight title, the Cinderella story of Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (14-1-3, 6 KOs) continued with a shocking ninth round knockout of former champion Enzo Maccarinelli (29-3, 22 KOs). A big right hand ended it at 1:50.
———-
Unbeaten Roman “Rocky” Martinez (22-0-1, 13 KOs) scored an impressive fourth round KO to dethrone defending WBO super featherweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-2, 16 KOs) claiming the 130lb world title. Two left uppercuts in the fourth led to the first knockdown. Cook barely beat the count but Martinez finished him off with a left hook. Cook stood up on shaky legs and referee Dave Parris waved it off. Time was 2:20.
Arthur Defeats Simon
By Karl Freitag & Alexey Sukachev
IBF middleweight champion ‘King’ Arthur Abraham (29-0, 23 KOs) overcame a strong challenge from previously unbeaten Lajuan Simon (21-1, 12 KOs) to retain his title for the ninth time on Saturday night at the Sparkassen Arena in Kiel, Germany. After his normal start in which he blocked many punches with his peek-a-boo defense, Abraham opened up in round five landing a sustained barrage of hard shots. The champ was back in his defensive shell in round six. Big round seven for Abraham but Simon had Abraham holding on after a left hook in the eighth. Rounds nine and ten were close as Simon was busier, while Abraham landed the harder shots. Abraham had a big round eleven, landing numerous hard right hands, but round twelve was another close one. Scores were 117-110, 118-109, 117-110.
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In an important heavyweight eight-rounder, former WBO world champion Lamon Brewster (35-4, 30 KOs), now ranked #11 by the WBA, scored a hard-fought unanimous decision over EBU ex-titlist Brit Michael Sprott (31-13, 16 KOs) with the scores: 78-73 (twice) and 79-73. Both fighters looked cautious in the first round but Brewster was by far more agressive. Brewster and Sprott fought on even terms for the two next rounds but at the very end of round three the American fighter missed with the right hand and immediately connected with the huge left hook sending Sprott down. The Brit boxer was able to recover well and showed guts in round four, repelling Brewster’s attacks. Sprott was a bit more active in round five. For the next three rounds Brewster tried to impose his will on Sprott but was unable to land something serious. Both pugilists stood their ground at the last minute of round eight with Brewster being a bit more consistent. Fightnews scored it 78-74 for Brewster.
IBF middleweight champion ‘King’ Arthur Abraham (29-0, 23 KOs) overcame a strong challenge from previously unbeaten Lajuan Simon (21-1, 12 KOs) to retain his title for the ninth time on Saturday night at the Sparkassen Arena in Kiel, Germany. After his normal start in which he blocked many punches with his peek-a-boo defense, Abraham opened up in round five landing a sustained barrage of hard shots. The champ was back in his defensive shell in round six. Big round seven for Abraham but Simon had Abraham holding on after a left hook in the eighth. Rounds nine and ten were close as Simon was busier, while Abraham landed the harder shots. Abraham had a big round eleven, landing numerous hard right hands, but round twelve was another close one. Scores were 117-110, 118-109, 117-110.
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In an important heavyweight eight-rounder, former WBO world champion Lamon Brewster (35-4, 30 KOs), now ranked #11 by the WBA, scored a hard-fought unanimous decision over EBU ex-titlist Brit Michael Sprott (31-13, 16 KOs) with the scores: 78-73 (twice) and 79-73. Both fighters looked cautious in the first round but Brewster was by far more agressive. Brewster and Sprott fought on even terms for the two next rounds but at the very end of round three the American fighter missed with the right hand and immediately connected with the huge left hook sending Sprott down. The Brit boxer was able to recover well and showed guts in round four, repelling Brewster’s attacks. Sprott was a bit more active in round five. For the next three rounds Brewster tried to impose his will on Sprott but was unable to land something serious. Both pugilists stood their ground at the last minute of round eight with Brewster being a bit more consistent. Fightnews scored it 78-74 for Brewster.
Maskaev TKO's Boruff
By Alexey Sukachev
Former WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev scored a first round TKO over Rich Boruff on Saturday in Mordovia. Maskaev-Boruff took place in Saransk, the capital of Mordovia. Maskaev is now 36-6, 27 KOs. Boruff slips down to 17-3-1, 10 KOs. Time was 1:35 of the first round. The American was able to beat the count afer being dropped but was ruled too wobbly to continue. The WBC has mandated that the winner of the March 21 Vitali Klitschko-Juan Carlos Gomez WBC heavyweight title fight must face Maskaev next.
Former WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev scored a first round TKO over Rich Boruff on Saturday in Mordovia. Maskaev-Boruff took place in Saransk, the capital of Mordovia. Maskaev is now 36-6, 27 KOs. Boruff slips down to 17-3-1, 10 KOs. Time was 1:35 of the first round. The American was able to beat the count afer being dropped but was ruled too wobbly to continue. The WBC has mandated that the winner of the March 21 Vitali Klitschko-Juan Carlos Gomez WBC heavyweight title fight must face Maskaev next.
By Craig Watt
WBO#1 ranked lightweight Marco Antonio Barrera (65-6-1, 43 KO’s) puts his much respected and established boxing credentials on the line when he takes on UK boxing sensation Amir Khan (19-1, 15 KO’s) at the MEN Arena on Saturday. The 35 year old from Mexico has an amazing boxing pedigree as a seven time boxing world champion and a three weight world champion. His role of honour includes WBO super bantamweight, WBC and IBO featherweight, WBC and IBF super-featherweight titles in his career that spans 73 professional fights since he started his pro career as a 15 year old in 1989. This followed a distinguished amateur career when his record was 104 wins and just 4 defeats and he secured five Mexican national championships. He is without doubt one of the most successful boxers, in any weight division in the last ten years.
On Saturday 14th March, in front of 19,000 fervent UK fans he puts all this experience on the line against a fighter who is on the rise up the world rankings and with a point to prove in his home country. Amir Khan has been highly regarded in the UK by a growing army of fans who want to see how he compares in “The Big League”, especially after his first round knockout by Columbian Bredis Prescott in September 2008. Many experts predict that Khan’s challenge to ring legend Barrera is too soon after this defeat, but just as many feel Barrera has peaked and in the zone where a younger, faster, more determined Khan can upset the boxing records.
The “Baby Faced Assassin” has been here before with a UK boxing star in April 2001 when he handed Prince Naseem Hamed his first, and only professional defeat. He totally dominated and out boxed one of the periods brightest stars and Hamed was never the same fighter again. Perhaps, even at 35 years of age, Barrera can damage Khan’s pedigree and reputation in the same way. Many believe with 28 world title fights versus Khan’s total professional record of just 20 fights this is possible, especially with Khan’s recent defeat to Bredis Prescott and also being dropped to the canvas in his fights with Willie Limond and Michael Gomez preceding the Prescott loss.
Barrera has fought in the UK before when he stopped Paul Lloyd inside a round back in 1999 at the Albert Hall in London in the first defense of his WBO super bantamweight title. Against Amir Khan however, the 19,000 capacity crowd at the MEN Arena could provide a crucial home advantage, as Ricky Hatton found at this venue when he defeated Kostya Tszyu in June 2005.
If ever there was a fighter to unravel an opponent’s weaknesses and exploit Khan’s relative inexperience then Barrera is that fighter. With wins against respected fighters such as Eric Morales, Nassem Hamed, Rocky Juarez and Johnny Tapia in his career to date, he has succeeded in this task on many occasions. Few would be wise to dismiss him as a fighter past his peak and there for the taking by a young contender in Khan.
In the build up this week, Barrera has been in upbeat mood and relishing the prospect of the challenge Khan brings and the 19,000 crowd at the MEN Arena. With Don King as his promoter, the Mexican has had some vocal support – King is ultra confident his fighter has too much experience for Khan and his team.
With the fight likely to be a WBO lightweight title eliminator, the winner will be catapulted into the top of one of world boxing’s most exciting division’s at 135 pounds and into the path of Juan Manuel Marquez. For Barerra, this could be an opportunity to avenge his unanimous points loss victory to Marquez in March 2007.
Similarly, a defeat to Khan could signal the end of Barrera’s illustrious career and Khan has stated in the build up he will be the final opponent of the Mexican’s great boxing career.
With all these separate ingredients, this fight is perhaps one of the most intriguing so far in 2009. A defeat for either fighter could be fatal to future prospects and a win for either could provide a massive uplift and push them to the top of the ladder at 135 pounds.
Integrated Sports will distribute the world-class pay-per-view card, headlined by Amir Khan versus “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera, Saturday, March 14 live from The M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom. Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
WBO#1 ranked lightweight Marco Antonio Barrera (65-6-1, 43 KO’s) puts his much respected and established boxing credentials on the line when he takes on UK boxing sensation Amir Khan (19-1, 15 KO’s) at the MEN Arena on Saturday. The 35 year old from Mexico has an amazing boxing pedigree as a seven time boxing world champion and a three weight world champion. His role of honour includes WBO super bantamweight, WBC and IBO featherweight, WBC and IBF super-featherweight titles in his career that spans 73 professional fights since he started his pro career as a 15 year old in 1989. This followed a distinguished amateur career when his record was 104 wins and just 4 defeats and he secured five Mexican national championships. He is without doubt one of the most successful boxers, in any weight division in the last ten years.
On Saturday 14th March, in front of 19,000 fervent UK fans he puts all this experience on the line against a fighter who is on the rise up the world rankings and with a point to prove in his home country. Amir Khan has been highly regarded in the UK by a growing army of fans who want to see how he compares in “The Big League”, especially after his first round knockout by Columbian Bredis Prescott in September 2008. Many experts predict that Khan’s challenge to ring legend Barrera is too soon after this defeat, but just as many feel Barrera has peaked and in the zone where a younger, faster, more determined Khan can upset the boxing records.
The “Baby Faced Assassin” has been here before with a UK boxing star in April 2001 when he handed Prince Naseem Hamed his first, and only professional defeat. He totally dominated and out boxed one of the periods brightest stars and Hamed was never the same fighter again. Perhaps, even at 35 years of age, Barrera can damage Khan’s pedigree and reputation in the same way. Many believe with 28 world title fights versus Khan’s total professional record of just 20 fights this is possible, especially with Khan’s recent defeat to Bredis Prescott and also being dropped to the canvas in his fights with Willie Limond and Michael Gomez preceding the Prescott loss.
Barrera has fought in the UK before when he stopped Paul Lloyd inside a round back in 1999 at the Albert Hall in London in the first defense of his WBO super bantamweight title. Against Amir Khan however, the 19,000 capacity crowd at the MEN Arena could provide a crucial home advantage, as Ricky Hatton found at this venue when he defeated Kostya Tszyu in June 2005.
If ever there was a fighter to unravel an opponent’s weaknesses and exploit Khan’s relative inexperience then Barrera is that fighter. With wins against respected fighters such as Eric Morales, Nassem Hamed, Rocky Juarez and Johnny Tapia in his career to date, he has succeeded in this task on many occasions. Few would be wise to dismiss him as a fighter past his peak and there for the taking by a young contender in Khan.
In the build up this week, Barrera has been in upbeat mood and relishing the prospect of the challenge Khan brings and the 19,000 crowd at the MEN Arena. With Don King as his promoter, the Mexican has had some vocal support – King is ultra confident his fighter has too much experience for Khan and his team.
With the fight likely to be a WBO lightweight title eliminator, the winner will be catapulted into the top of one of world boxing’s most exciting division’s at 135 pounds and into the path of Juan Manuel Marquez. For Barerra, this could be an opportunity to avenge his unanimous points loss victory to Marquez in March 2007.
Similarly, a defeat to Khan could signal the end of Barrera’s illustrious career and Khan has stated in the build up he will be the final opponent of the Mexican’s great boxing career.
With all these separate ingredients, this fight is perhaps one of the most intriguing so far in 2009. A defeat for either fighter could be fatal to future prospects and a win for either could provide a massive uplift and push them to the top of the ladder at 135 pounds.
Integrated Sports will distribute the world-class pay-per-view card, headlined by Amir Khan versus “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera, Saturday, March 14 live from The M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom. Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
Bute Destroys Zuniga
This time there would be no controversy. IBF 168-pound world champion and hometown favorite Lucian Bute (24-0 19KO) laid a quick and efficient beatdown of Fulgencio Zuniga (22-4-1 19KO) handing the Columbian the quickest defeat of his eight year career with a TKO victory at 2:25 of the fourth round on Friday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. If the Romanian southpaw was looking for a measure of redemption from the controversial ending in his last fight, he got it and more. Bute dropped the three-time title challenger with a left uppercut to the body early in the round, Zuniga managed to beat the count but the IBF champion was relentless in his pursuit, giving New Jersey referee Lindsey Page no choice but to pull the plug as the champion jumped on the opportunity. Time was 2:25.
fightnews.com
fightnews.com
Ward Says He's Ready
Unbeaten WBC #2/WBO #2/WBA #9/IBF #10 super middleweight and 2004 Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward, who thus far has been moved carefully in his 18 bout career, says he’s ready for a world title fight. “I’ll be watching tonight’s fight intently between Lucian Bute and Fulgencio Zuniga,” said Ward. “I believe the champion will retain his title. This is the fight I would love to get. It would be a great match. The challenge would be a great one and it is exactly the direction I would like to go in my career. He’s the champion trying to keep his title and I am a young lion trying to take it…I only want the big television fights, and where I can get 16,000 of my hometown fans in attendance. I’m very interested in taking on the winner of Bute vs. Zuniga or (Jermain) Taylor vs. (Carl) Froch but tonight I am rooting for Bute.”
fightnews.com
fightnews.com
Weights From Manchester
Amir Khan 134.5 lbs vs Marco Antonio Barrera 135(WBO lightweight eliminator)
Enzo Maccarinelli 199.25 vs Ola Afolabi 199.25(Interim WBO Cruiserweight Title)
Nicky Cook 130 vs Rocky Martinez 130(WBO Super Featherweight Title)
Venue: M.E.N. Arena, Manchester, United Kingdom
Promoter: Frank Warren
Pay-Per-View Information: Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” pay-per-view card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A replay will be shown later that night starting at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT.Notes: Highlights of the Commonwealth Light Middleweight title fight between defending champion Bradley Pryce (27-6, 17 KOs) and challenger Matthew Hall (21-1, 14 KOs) will also be shown on PPV.
Enzo Maccarinelli 199.25 vs Ola Afolabi 199.25(Interim WBO Cruiserweight Title)
Nicky Cook 130 vs Rocky Martinez 130(WBO Super Featherweight Title)
Venue: M.E.N. Arena, Manchester, United Kingdom
Promoter: Frank Warren
Pay-Per-View Information: Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” pay-per-view card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice, Shaw Cable, Star Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A replay will be shown later that night starting at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT.Notes: Highlights of the Commonwealth Light Middleweight title fight between defending champion Bradley Pryce (27-6, 17 KOs) and challenger Matthew Hall (21-1, 14 KOs) will also be shown on PPV.
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