Dempsey
"THE RING" SEPT 1927
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING PAGE
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HEAVYWEIGHT SIGNATURES! |
LINEAR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONS
John L. Sullivan 1882-92
Jim Corbett 1892-96
Robert Fitzsimmons 1897-99
James J. Jeffries 1899-1905
Marvin Hart 1905-06
Tommy Burns 1906-08
Jack Johnson 1908-15
Jess Willard 1915-19
Jack Dempsey 1919-26
Gene Tunney 1926-28 (retired champion)
Max Schmeling 1930-32
Jack Sharkey 1932-33
Primo Carnera 1933-34
Max Bear 1934-35
James J. Braddock 1935-37
Joe Louis 1937-49 (retired champion)
Ezzard Charles 1949-51
Joe Walcott 1951-52
Rocky Marciano 1952-56 (retired champion)
Floyd Patterson 1960-62
Ingemar Johanson 1959-60
Floyd Patterson 1960-62
Sonny Liston 1962-64
Muhammed Ali 1964-67
Joe Frazier 1970-73
George Foreman 1973-74
Muhammed Ali 1974-78
Leon Spinks 1978
Muhammed Ali 1978
Larry Holmes 1978-85
Michael Spinks 1985-88
Mike Tyson 1988-90
Buster Douglas 1990
Evander Holyfield 1990-92
Riddick Bowe 1992-93
Evander Holyfield 1993-94
Michael Moorer 1994
George Foreman 1994-97
Shannon Briggs 1997-98
Lennox Lewis 1998-2001
Hasim Rahman 2001
Lennox Lewis 2001-2004 (retired Champion)
Maurice Harris battles Nagy Aguilera in Aug. 6 heavyweight showdown
NEW YORK (July 22, 2010) – Boxing 360 has announced that heavyweights Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris and Nagy “Dominican Dynamite” Aguilera will square-off August 6 in Minnesota.
“Both parties have signed contracts and it’s going to be a great fight between a talented veteran, Harris, and promising prospect, Aguilera,” Boxing 360 Director of Boxing Bob Duffy said today. “In many ways, it’s a crossroads fight for both heavyweights with a lot on the line, in terms of their respective boxing futures. We’re negotiating right now to make the August 6th fight for a regional title.”
Harris (23-14-2, 10), winner of the 2002 ‘Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament,” is 3-0 since joining the Boxing 360 stable, after he was inactive for more than two years. The New Jersey fighter had only fought twice in previous six years, but he has rededicated himself for one last hurrah. During the course of his up-and-down career, Maurice has defeated former world champion Sergey Lyakhovich, who was 16-0 at the time, as well as notables David Izon, Jimmy Thunder and Jeremy Williams.
The 24-year-old Aguilera (16-3, 11 KOs), rated No. 15 by the IBF, knocked out former world champion Oleg Maskaev last December for his signature victory to date.
Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Boxing 360 and any of its fighters.
CONTACT:
CHAMP ADAMEK SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER AT MALL
Tomasz Adamek (37-1, 27 KO), IBF Heavyweight International Champion and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight Champion hosted a “Meet and Greet” at Jersey Gardens Mall, Elizabeth, NJ. In anticipation of his upcoming fight against Providence Rhode Island’s, Jason Estrada, (16-2, 4 KOs) on February 6, 2010 at Prudential Center in Newark, Adamek signed autographs and posed for photos with excited fight fans. Three of the 2/6 undercard fighters also participated in the event. Fighters from left to right, Patrick Farrell, Jersey City, NJ (4-0, 3 KO’s), Tomasz Adamek, Denis Douglin, Morganville, NJ (6-0, 3 KO’s), and Sadam Ali, Brooklyn, NY (4-0, 2 KO’s). Two lovely NJ Devil’s Dancers were on hand to greet fans also.
Photo Mike Gladys
FIGHT INFO: Venue – Newark’s Prudential Center. Tickets priced at $38, $53, $78, $103 and $253 (ringside) can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling TicketMaster at 800-745-3000 or Prucenter.com.
“Smokin’” Joe Frazier in fight
for top heavyweight honors in
‘World’s Greatest Ever’ promotion
Spectacular Three-Day Celebration Dec. 11-13 in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 20, 2009) – The great “Smokin’” Joe Frazier has joined a growing list of confirmed boxing legends attending the Dec. 11-13 “World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” (WGEB) festivities, highlighted by an awards dinner and U.S. vs. The World pro boxing show, at The Paris Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas.
Frazier joins a red-carpet list of “WGEB” nominees traveling to Las Vegas Vegas for the spectacular celebration of boxing legends, including Mike Tyson, Jeff Fenech, Carlos Ortiz, Aaron Pryor, Roberto Duran, Bob Foster, Tommy Hearns, Wilfredo Gomez and others.
“The ‘Greatest Ever’ event is another competition that I would like to win and although my Internet skills are quite limited,” Frazier said, “I hope my fans will go to www.greatestever.com and vote for me. Their support has been and always will be appreciated by me. To my fans who are attending the different functions of the ‘Greatest Ever’ event at the Paris Hotel, I hope you will take the time to say hello. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can.”
Frazier is an official nominee in the hotly-contested “WGEB” Heavyweight Division with 11 other stars: Jack “The Gavelston Giant” Johnson, Jack “The Manassa Mauler” Dempsey, Joe “The Brown Bomber” Louis, Rocky “The Brockton Blockbuster” Marciano, George Foreman, Larry “The Easton Assassin” Holmes, “Iron” Mike Tyson, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, Lennox “The Lion” Lewis and “The Boston Strongboy” John L. Sullivan.
“Las Vegas is a great “Fight’ city and I am looking forward to being there for the ‘Greatest Ever’ weekend,” Frazier added. “My career has not only been great in what I’ve achieved, but in all of the fans I have met worldwide, and the love and respect they’ve shown me. Being part of the ‘Greatest Ever’ event is equally satisfying and the recognition of being one of the world’s greatest ever boxers is very much appreciated. I fought in a Golden Era of heavyweight boxers and to be at the top of that group was a big achievement, as being classified as the ‘Greatest Ever’ of all-time is very special.”
On-line voting at www.GreatestEver.com allows boxing fans from around the world to select the greatest boxer in each of the original eight weight classes, highlighted by the all-time pound-for-pound “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer.”
Frazier embodied the tough Philadelphia fighter, giving and taking with the best, and he was best known for his vicious left hook. After capturing a gold medal at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, he made his pro debut 1965 and 2 ½ years later he captured the vacant New York State Athletic Commission heavyweight title, recognized as the world title in New York and four other U.S. states, by stopping previously unbeaten Buster Mathis in the 11th round at the famed Madison Square Garden.
Frazier is universally recognized for his incredible trilogy of fights against Ali, winning the first in 1975 by a 15 round decision for the WBC and WBA crowns.
During his celebrated 16-year pro career (1965-1981), “Smokin’” Joe defeated three world champions, including fellow “WGEB” nominees Ali and Bob Foster, in addition to just about all of the foremost heavyweights of his era. All four of his four pro losses were to world champions, twice apiece to Ali, and another “WGEB” nominees, Foreman.
The winners in the eight divisions, plus “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer,” will be announced Sunday, Dec. 13, the final day of a three-day celebration of these outstanding boxers in The Paris Las Vegas.
The weekend of events Dec. 11-13 at the Paris Las Vegas include a USA vs. The World pro-boxing show on Saturday (Dec 12). Final results of the global on-line vote at www.GreatestEver.com will be announced Sunday (Dec. 13) at “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” black-tie awards dinner. Tickets to the dinner are available at www.greatestever.com or via MMG in Las Vegas (702. 617.9730). The Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) is the official charity.
Tickets for the US vs. World pro boxing show are priced at $150 (Super VIP), $100 (Platinum), $80 (VIP), $65 (Gold) and (newly added) $40. The fight card plus hospitality packages are priced at $500 (Super VIP), $400 (Platinum) $250 (VIP) and $150 (Gold), as well as for the Greatest Ever Dinner Awards Ceremony and Entertainment at $1000 (Super VIP), $800 (Platinum), $450 (VIP) and $250 (Gold).
For all USA ticket sales for the World’s Greatest Ever Boxer event please contact: MMG Marketing & Consulting, 702.617.9730, 1771 Flamingo Road, Suite 216A Las Vegas, NV. 89119 Email: WGEB@marketingbymmg.com
Fight tickets for Saturday December 12 are also available via the Paris Box Office on 877.603.4386.
For international tickets sales and packages, as well as more information about the “WGEB” weekend, go on-line to www.greatestever.com
-30-
‘The World’s Greatest Ever’
Heavyweight Boxers
‘The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer’ Three-Day Celebration Dec. 11-13 in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 19, 2009) – Boxing has traditionally been driven by heavyweights and many of the sport’s most recognizable figures through the years have fought in the highest-profile division.
The Heavyweight Division in the “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” promotion has two more nominees than the other seven divisions because the nominating committee was unable to limit the number to 10.
Ten of the Heavyweight Division nominees are in the International Boxing Hall of the Fame and the only non-members of this elite group, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, are sure locks as soon as they’re eligible for nomination.
London boxing icon Lennox Lewis is the lone non-American heavyweight nominee, a division that has many of boxing’s most colorful and popular figures, dating all the way back to the end of the 19th century with legends John L. Sullivan and Jack Johnson.
The winners in the eight divisions, plus “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer,” will be announced Sunday, December 13, the final day of a three-day celebration of these outstanding boxers in The Paris Las Vegas.
The weekend event is being presented by Greatest Ever Enterprises, which already has done “world’s greatest” tributes on two continents in the sports of soccer and rugby.
On-line voting at
www.GreatestEver.com allows boxing
fans from around the world to select the greatest boxer
in each of the original eight weight classes,
highlighted by the all-time pound-for-pound “The World’s
Greatest Ever Boxer.”
The 12 Heavyweights, listed below in no particular order, follow with their brief profiles:
JACK “The Galveston Giant” JOHNSON – 77-13-4 19 ND (48 KOs)…
International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF)…American…Pro Years: 1897-1938…first black to win world heavyweight championship…World “Colored” heavyweight Champion…Notable Victories: Joe Choynski, George Gardner, Sandy Ferguson 94), Joe Jeannette (5), Young Peter Jackson, Sam Langford, Bob Fitzsimmons, Foreman Jim Flynn (2), Tommy Burns, Stanley Ketchel and James J. Jeffries.
JACK “The Manassa Mauler” DEMPSEY – 61-6-8 6 ND (50 KOs)… IBHOF …American…Pro Years: 1914-1927…changed boxing from slow, defensive style to aggressive brawling…most recognizable and richest athlete of his generation…fought in first $1-million fight and participated in fights that set records for highest gates and attendances on several occasions…Notable Victories: Jack Sharkey, Luis Angel Firpo, Tommy Gibbons, Georges Carpentier, Bill Brennan (2), Jess Willard, Battling Levinsky and Foreman Jim Flynn.
JOE “The Brown Bomber” LOUIS – 68-3 (54 KOs) …IBHOF… American… Pro Years: 1934-1951…all of his fights were the main event…record 26 successful title defenses during his 10-year reign…enlisted in U.S. Army during WWII…avenged loss against Max Schmeling in 1938 “Fight of the Century” that had International implications between U.S. and Hitler’s Germany…Notable Victories: Tony Galento, Jersey Joe Walcott (2), Billy Conn (2), John Henry Lewis, Jim Braddock, Jack Sharkey, Max Baer and Primo Carnera.
ROCKY “The Brockton Blockbuster” MARCIANO – 49-0 (43 KOs) … IBHOF… American…Ring Fighter of the Year 1952, 1954 and 1955….only world heavyweight champion to retire undefeated…died in a plane crash…Notable Victories: Jersey Joe Walcott (2), Archie Moore, Joe Louis and Ezzard Charles (2).
“Iron” MIKE TYSON – 50-6 (44 KOs)…American…Pro Years: 1985-2005… youngest world heavyweight champion of all-time (20)…fierceness in and out of ring made him a cult-like figure…Notable Victories: Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Pinklon Thomas, Tyrell Briggs, Tony Tubbs, Henry Tillman, Donovan Ruddock and Bruce Seldon.
LARRY “The Easton Assassin” HOLMES – 69-6 (44 KOs)…IBHOF … American…Pro Years: 1973-2002…second all-time with 20 successful title defenses…won first 48 pro fights, one shy of Marciano’s record…Notable Victories: Muhammad Ali, Gerry Cooney, Trevor Berbick, Ken Norton, Earnie Shaves, Tim Witherspoon and James Smith.
MUHAMMAD “The Louisville Lip” ALI – 56-5 (37 KOs)…IBHOF… American…Pro Years: 1960-1981…gold medal winner in 1960 Olympics as Cassius Clay…3-time world heavyweight champion…Notable Victories: Joe Frazier (2), Sonny Liston (2), George Foreman, Archie Moore, George Chuvalo, Ernie Terrell, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonavena, Ken Norton, Alfredo Evangelista and Earnie Shavers.
GEORGE FOREMAN – 76-5 (68 KOs)…IBHOF…American…Pro Years: 1969-1997 …oldest world heavyweight champion (45)…gold medal winner at 1968 Olympics …Notable Victories: Bert Cooper, Gerry Cooney, Joe Frazier (2), Ron Lyle, Michael Moorer and Dwight Muhammad Qawi.
“The Boston Strong Boy” JOHN L. SULLIVAN – 38-1-3 (33 KOs) … IBHOF… American…Pro Years: 1878-1905…last world heavyweight bare knuckles champion and first gloved world heavyweight champion…earned more than $1-million…boxing outfit looked like long johns…Notable Victories: Paddy Ryan, Charley Mitchell and Jake Kilrain.
“Smokin” JOE FRAZIER – 32-4-1 (27 KOs)…IBHOF…American…Pro Years: 1965-1981…gold medalist 1964 Olympics…tough, aggressive style embodied ‘Philly fighter’…Notable Victories: Muhammad Ali, Oscar Bonavena, George Chuvalo, Buster Mathis, Bob Foster and Jimmy Ellis.
LENNOX “The Lion” LEWIS – 41-2-1 (27 KOs)…IBHOF…British…Pro Years: 41-2-1 (27 KOs)…1989-2003…1988 Olympic gold medalist…one of four 3-time world heavyweight champions…Notable Victories: Mike Tyson, Donovan Ruddock, Tony Tucker, Frank Bruno, Oliver Mithcell, Ray Mercer, Tommy Morrison, Shannon Briggs, Henry Akinwande, Evander Holyfield, Michael Grant, Hasim Rahman and Vitali Klitschko.
EVANDER “The Real Deal” HOLYFIELD – 42-10-2 (27 KOs) American…Pro Years: 1984-Present…only 4-time world heavyweight champion…1984 Olympic bronze medalist…Notable Victories: Mike Tyson (2), Dwight Muhammad Qawi (2), Henry Tillman, Ossie Ocasio, James Tillman, Pinklon Thomas, George Foreman, John Ruiz, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe, Ray Mercer and Bobby Czyz.
The Dec. 11-13 weekend of events at the Paris Las Vegas include a USA vs. The World pro-boxing show on Saturday (Dec 12). Final results of the global on-line vote at www.GreatestEver.com will be announced Sunday (Dec. 13) at “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” black-tie awards dinner. Tickets to the dinner are available at www.greatestever.com or via MMG in Las Vegas (702 617 9730). The Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) is the official charity.
Tickets for the US vs. World pro boxing show are priced at $150 (Super VIP), $100 (Platinum), $80 (VIP), $65 (Gold) and (newly added) $40. The fight card plus hospitality packages are priced at $500 (Super VIP), $400 (Platinum) $250 (VIP) and $150 (Gold), as well as for the Greatest Ever Dinner Awards Ceremony and Entertainment at $1000 (Super VIP), $800 (Platinum), $450 (VIP) and $250 (Gold).
For all USA ticket sales for the World’s Greatest Ever Boxer event please contact: MMG Marketing & Consulting, 702 617 9730, 1771 Flamingo Road, Suite 216A Las Vegas, NV. 89119 Email: WGEB@marketingbymmg.com
-30-
There are certain dates that will stick with you as long
as you live. Your birthday, the birthdays of family members,
anniversaries, the day that you got your divorce ( s ),
etc...Happy and important days that mark milestones in your
life.
One such date I'll always remember is March 8, 1971. The "
Battle Of The Century ", it was so aptly named.Two undefeated
boxers who each had a legitimate claim to being the heavyweight
champion of the world would collide. When Muhammad Ali first won
the title in 1964 his name was Cassius Clay. He would shortly
thereafter change his name and then proceed to change the face
of boxing. He dominated the scene until 1967 when he refused
induction into the US Military due to his religious beliefs.
Then came the Eight Man Elimination Tourney that was won by
Jimmy Ellis. The powerful New York State Athletic Commission
would recognize the winner of a match up between unbeaten boxers
Joe Frazier and Buster Mathis. A bout in which Joe won. In 1970
Frazier stopped Ellis to claim the vacated title. Later that
year Muhammad Ali returned to ring wars and halted highly ranked
contenders Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena. The stage was now
set. Ali and Frazier would clash for the undisputed title.
The first Ali - Frazier bout was the epic that all others are
compared to, even today. There is no reason in this article to
describe the bout itself. Reams of print have appeared
documenting the action that took place in the ring that magical
night. What I would like to share is the impact that fight on me
and probably millions of others. I have never before or since
March 8, 1971 felt the same way about a prize fight. Yes there
were a few that stirred my anticipation like Duran-DeJesus II
and III, Leonard-Duran I, Leonard-Hearns I, Pryor-Arguello I,
Hagler-Hearns and Leonard-Hagler. Still to this day Ali -
Frazier I tops them all.
Was Ali - Frazier I the best action fight of all time ? I would
have to say no but for sheer anticipation, drama and excitement,
this fight was the whole package. You had movie star Burt
Lancaster as a commentator and Frank Sinatra as a photographer.
Each boxer would receive $ 2.5 million for their nights work.
That was an unheard sum of money for one fight in 1971.
I have never been so wound up with anticipation for a boxing
match in my life. I was a few months shy of my seventeenth
birthday and had been a boxing fan from the time I was ten. I had
closely followed all the events leading up this day in boxing
history.
On fight night I was at a party and we gathered around the radio
listening to the round by round summary. We were pretty much
split on the outcome of the fight but almost all of us were
rooting for " Smokin' Joe ". From the round by round reports we
could sense that this was a bout with shifting momentums. The
ever proud Ali realized that Joe had come to fight this evening.
Maybe Ali took Frazier too lightly. Maybe Muhammad rushed too
soon to get back in the ring after his lengthy layoff. Maybe,
just maybe the Joe Frazier of March 8, 1971 was one of the
greatest heavyweights of all time. I've never seen a boxer who
laid it all out for one fight like Joe did that night. You've
heard it said that a boxer would rather die then be defeated. On
this night Joe would have died a hundred deaths before giving in
to Ali.
Round after round went by and as we listened to the radio. In
the eleventh Frazier rocked Ali and we as a collective group
cheered. Even the ones who had bet on Ali to win. As the bout
moved into the " championship " rounds, we were all on the edge
of our seats. Then it happened. It was announced on the radio
the Joe had decked Ali in the fifteenth round. More cheering and
now the wait. Finally it was time to render the decision. The
winner and still heavyweight champion of the world...Joe Frazier
!
Oh what a night. Thirty eight years later I can remember it like
it was yesterday. Ali, Frazier, my friends and myself are now
entering the twilight of our lives. Still when I think of that
night it takes me back to my youth and to the ultimate
excitement that probably the greatest single sporting event of
all time brought me. Thanks Joe and Muhammad.
Jim Amato
Deck stacked against “The Quietman”
Team Ruiz protests outcome vs. Valuev
LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2008) – Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs), as well as his advisor/attorney Tony Cardinale and head trainer Manny Siaca, Sr., believe they faced sizable unfair disadvantages August 30 fighting Nikolai Valuev (49-1, 34 KOs) for the WBA heavyweight title in Berlin.
Valuev recaptured the WBA belt by way of a 12-round decision clouded in controversy. Team Ruiz is demanding a full videotape of Valuev-Ruiz II to further review for evidence of alleged corrupt practices.
Points of contention include the following issues:
1. Judge Takeshi Shimakawa improperly kept a running score during the fight, which is prohibited by the WBA, as well as the only way he could have “corrected” his scorecard after the scores were announced (Shimakawa’s scoring changed from 114-113 in favor of Ruiz to 114-113 for Valuev.
2. Ruiz was not credited with a legitimate knockdown when he floored Valuev in the second round. Ruiz blasted Valuev with punches, knocking “The Giant” into the ropes, but the referee incorrectly ruled a slip when Valuev’s knee hit the canvas after he careened off of the ropes. Scoring that round would have been different, in Ruiz’ favor, if it was ruled a knockdown.
3. Judge Antonio Requena scored two rounds even, despite WBA instructions that there should be no even rounds scored in championship bouts. Ruiz would have been declared the winner if the two even rounds had been awarded to Ruiz in addition to the aforementioned second round scoring snafu being sorted out.
4. Most importantly, throughout the fight Valuev’s cornermen received judges’ scoring results as the rounds went on, something that happens regularly only in Germany, yet clearly constitutes major corruption in boxing.
In addition to demanding a full videotape of the fight for review, Team Ruiz plans to petition the WBA to rule the bout a no-contest and Valuev be stripped of the WBA title for a blatant violation of WBA rules. Team Ruiz will also seek sanctions against any officials involved in permitting these violations to happen, whether it’s enforced by the WBA or German Boxing Federation.
“The WBA needs to resolve this matter as quickly as possible,” Ruiz said. “Non-officials are not allowed to handle or read scorecards during the fight. Valuev should be stripped and a rematch ordered. It seems like everything possible has happened to me in boxing. Whether it was defending my title by disqualification (Kirk Johnson), my opponent testing positive for steroids (James Toney), or scores changed after a fight like this. It was chaotic after the fight. With all of the confusion going on, at one point while waiting to hear the results, I thought I was in Florida and the ‘hanging chads’ during the 2004 election.
“The WBA must investigate the judges and who was running the show, Sauerland. Everything was very weird at the end of the fight. The German people are wonderful and they’ve treated me very well each time I’ve fought there. They cheered loudly after the fight, but only when Valuev announced he was going to give me a rematch (He has since changed his tune and is talking about fighting an unnamed opponent in December.) They should hold Sauerland and the German Boxing Federation accountable. The great German boxing fans deserve much better. Things have to change in Germany, where everybody knows foreigners don’t have a chance of winning a close decision. I’m terribly disappointed with what went on over there. Boxing suffered another black eye.”
The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.
-JR-
VALUEV - RUIZ II ; A POTENTIAL EPIC ?
OK all the hoopla is almost over. On August
30th we will be "treated" to another edition of the WBA
heavyweight title. Ho hum...It will be the spectacular rematch
between Nicolay Valuev and John Ruiz. Their first fight was a
real donnybrook ( yawn ). Years from now boxing fans will see
this fight in the record books and believe it had some semblance
of importance. It had to because it was a "heavyweight title
fight." It is amazing how gullible some boxing fans can be. Who
in their right man mind could think one of these two is the best
heavyweight in the world ? Who can possibly think that anytime
since John Ruiz first gained recognition as a WBA kingpin in
2000 that he was the "real" champion ? It would almost be a
sacrilege to believe Ruiz had a prayer of beating Lennox Lewis
at any time. It's pretty hard to conceive him ever defeating
either Klitschko brother. Ruiz was never matched with any of
those three fighters for a variety of reasons. Money, boxing
politics and a belief that Ruiz would have little hope of
winning.
It's pretty hard to get excited about the heavyweight division
today. There is just nothing to look forward to. The only
exciting heavyweight title fight so far in the new millennium
was earlier this decade when Sergei Liakhovich shaded Lamon
Brewster in Cleveland, Ohio. As exciting as that was it was far
from being an epic like Ali - Frazier I, Holmes - Norton or the
Thrilla In Manila. John Ruiz was able to shine due to the
division's four split titles. At no time did I ever have John
Ruiz rated among my top five heavyweights. In reality he was
merely a contender who was allowed to be a pretender.
So please give me Muhammad, Joe, George and Kenny. For Valuev -
Ruiz, I wouldn't pay a penny.
Jim Amato
Be careful what you wish for . . .
KLITSCHKO vs HAYE : MR.HAYE MAY GET BLOWN AWAY !
I recently caught a clip of cruiserweight
champion David Haye calling out heavyweight champion Wladimir
Klitschko at a shopping mall. Wladimir looked to be rather amused
by Haye's bold challenge. He had a " you've got to be kidding me '
look on his face. Wlad said something to the effect that David
needed to put on some weight. He also told Haye to " get in line "
for a title shot.
I had to see for myself if Haye really had the " goods " to be a
force in the heavyweight ranks. There were some excellent clips of
Haye on www.youtube.com Yes I saw that Mr.Haye has a lot of tools
and he can really whack, BUT...he won't win if he brings his chin.
Aging Carl Thompson took Haye outta' there.He has also ( Haye )
been knocked down or hurt on other occasions. The Thompson bout
was a clear revelation for me. As Max Schmeling once said before
his first fight with Joe Louis, " I see something " in regards to
a Louis style flaw. I see a major flaw in Haye's style that will
be exploited by Klitschko. Haye takes too many right hands and
that happens to be Wladimir' s best power punch. I see Klitschko
keeping the aggressive Haye at bay with that fine jab of his and
then dropping over some big overhand rights. If Haye did the shake
and shimmy from a Carl Thompson right hand, what do think
Wladimir's right will do to him ? It may not be pretty.
I'd like to see Haye fight a couple of heavyweight fringe
contenders before talking his way into a match with Wladimir. A
Williamson, a Monte Barrett, a Dominck Guinn or even a James
Toney. This way we could gauge if Haye is big enough to play with
the big boys of the heavyweight division. The boxing public can
ill afford being duped by Haye or promoters looking to cash in on
a lucrative Klitschko - Haye match up. Haye needs to prove himself
worthy of a title shot and if he does he'll just have to march
through the division and wait his turn. As Wladimir told Haye to "
get in line " My advice to Haye..." Be careful what you wish for
".
Jim Amato
“AMERICAN CHAMPION”
THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT GREAT
HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION BEGINS
HOLLYWOOD, CA - April 24, 2008 – Mention the names Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Mike Tyson, or Rocky Marciano to anyone from 18 to 80, and you will immediately garner a reaction, a positive acknowledgement of athletes that held what was once seen as the most prestigious title in all of sports – the world heavyweight championship.
But today, ask someone who the heavyweight champion is, and you will receive either a blank stare or multiple answers, thanks to both boxing politics and the fact that those who hold this title have become faceless. Why, because talented and charismatic athletes over 200 pounds have turned to greener pastures on football gridirons across America.
This year, in a groundbreaking TV series that will set the standard in reality sports programming, boxing will look to those gridirons to find an “American Champion” to once again bring attention and prestige to the world heavyweight championship.
American Champion producers have approached several networks regarding the first American Champion show that would air in late fall of 2008.
The series will be produced by Motor Entertainment of Hollywood, CA, led by award winning producers Greg McClatchy and Jason Williams, in partnership with successful boxing promoter Roy Englebrecht.
“We already know they can hit,” said Englebrecht, owner of Roy Englebrecht Promotions and Roy Englebrecht Events who’s fight promotions company is the largest in California in terms of shows promoted. "Let's identify those huge guys who have the heart to take their skill on the football field and move it into the square ring. They're coming from one discipline – football - at 24 years old, in shape, fine tuned, right into our boxing training program.”'
“American Champion” will begin its search with 75 elite athletes from college football programs from around the country. These are athletes who have been team captains, All-America candidates, and award winners who have fallen through the cracks when it came to being drafted into the NFL. Normally, not receiving a phone call on draft day would mark the end of their athletic journey. But their size, talent, intelligence and desire has given them another chance at pro sports in the boxing ring, and under the tutelage of some of America’s top boxing trainers including the likes of renowned trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., they will learn the art of the sweet science from one of its finest teachers.
“You look at football, it’s just like boxing.” said Mayweather, who has been in the corner of fighters from his son, Floyd Jr. to the “Golden Boy”, Oscar De La Hoya. “It’s a sport where you make contact. And these guys know what pain is all about. That’s a good thing.”
“American Champion” is not a reality series…it’s reality. There will be no ‘challenges’ or other hijinks that have no correlation to learning how to become a world champion. The initial 75 athletes will be narrowed down to 30 after a series of intense mental and physical tests, and from that group, six athletes will be chosen to live and train together full-time at the American Champion sports facility.
There, a camera crew will film the drama, the pain, and the physical action that will test the will of each new prizefighter. The six men will become like brothers while training, pushing each other to perform when the bell rings, and they will not fight each other. Instead, the athletes will be developed into true professional boxers, and cameras will follow them as they make their way across the country to various fight venues, giving viewers an unprecedented look into the life on the road, in hotels, and behind the scenes that all potential champions experience.
“College football players and elite athletes who train properly, who are managed properly, and who are matched properly, can be successful in the heavyweight division,” said Englebrecht, one of the premier promoters in the fight game today. “They can bring new life to the heavyweight division, as they brought life to the athletic field. It can be done, it will be done.”
In the end, “American Champion” plans to give the heavyweight division the shot in the arm it needs while developing a star outside of the ring, as well as inside of it, a key element in bringing boxing back to the masses, as the boxers that have the skill and charisma that people can relate to – like Ali or De La Hoya – are the ones who transcend the sport.
“Just like American Idol needs people with real talent, so does heavyweight boxing,” said
American Champion producer Jason Williams. “Heavyweight boxing needs big, fast, smart, quick, dedicated strong willed guys and American Champion is going to bring that star talent to the ring and the whole world of boxing.”
Who is the next great heavyweight? “American Champion” will provide the answer to that question.
All former or current college or pro football players and elite athletes interested in attending an American Champion Tryout Camp, can register at
www.theamericanchampion.com or contact Roy Englebrecht at 949-760-3131 or by email at boxing77@aol.com.
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Klitschko defeats Ibragimov in a snoozer; Garden Crowd Disappointed
By: Phil
Santos Overhandright.com Feb 24, 2008
In a
lopsided victory Wladimir Klitschko expectedly dominated the
smaller, lesser skilled Sultan Ibragimov. Klitschko won
decisively and collected another belt in a significant Heavyweight
unification bout. The overly cautious approach which Klitschko
used against Ibragimov frustrated the Madison Square Garden crowd
that came out in anticipation of a knockout or at least an
exciting fight.
Klitschko
began the fight with his right hand tied behind his back.
Literally he failed to throw a single right hand until the 4th
or 5th round. Wladimir spent most of the 1st
slapping at Ibragimov's jab, knocking down any right handed
attempt that Ibragimov offered up. The problem was he did nothing
to establish his own offense and Ibragimov took the round.
As the
fight wore on, beginning in round 2, Klitschko started landing his
jab successfully. Still, befuddling to me was the glaring fact
that he refused to throw the right hand. Arguably his big right
hand was his best weapon. Even if you thought his jab was more
important you knew that his jab is what set up that right hand
which has ended so many of his opponent nights early. Was he
hurt? Was his hand injury worst than previously reported? You
had to wonder. And if he wasn't hurt what the hell was he doing?
What you
could consider to be impressive was the ease in which Klitschko
handled Ibragimov with little more than a left jab. Nearly every
round he won, and he won most of them, he won behind his jab.
Finally in the fights second half we began to see him let some
right hands fly with decent success. You had the sense that if he
let it hang out he could have stopped Ibragimov anytime he wanted
but he chose to fight conservatively and ensure a points victory.
Ibragimov
had no answers for Klitschko. The fact was he was overmatched.
Klitschko was too big, too strong and plain and simple just too
good. Even with Klitschko only fighting with one hand for most of
the evening Ibragimov failed to capitalize.
Toward
the end of the fight Klitschko's trainer, Emanuel Steward,
urged his fighter to finish the job and take Ibragimov out.
Klitschko never responded and like Jermain Taylor, one of Manny's
former fighters, he seemed to turn a deaf ear to Stewards goading.
The
Garden crowd commenced booing somewhere around the middle rounds
and made themselves heard following the bell sounding after every
round until the finish. Following the fight while being
interviewed by HBO's Max Kellerman the crowd continued to jeer
Klitschko who was almost apologetic for his performance.
The win
moves Wladimir Klitschko to 50-3 (44), garners him the WBO
Heavyweight belt to go along with his IBF and IBO straps and
solidifies his status as the premier Heavyweight in the world.
What this win won't do for Klitschko is earn him any more of an
American fan base than he entered the ring with. Sultan Ibragimov
suffers defeat for the first time in his career, dropping his
record to 22-1-1 (17). He remains a viable contender in a weak
Heavyweight field but it would probably be a stretch to project
him as anything more than a top 10, possibly top 5, Heavyweight
fighter.
Chapman Cracks Top 10!
November 18, 2007
24-year-old heavyweight prospect JD "The Natural" Chapman (28-0, 25 KOs) has officially cracked the top 10.
The 6' 6" Arkansas-based power puncher has moved up to #10 in the WBO's most recent ratings, in addition to his #13 WBA and #14 WBC rankings.
Manager Scott Hirsch says he's happy the world sanctioning bodies have been paying attention to his slugger's steady improvement. "JD has looked better in every successive outing and I'm very happy the world bodies recognized that."
Hirsch says Chapman will be in a "significant step-up fight" against a fellow contender, early next year. "We're looking at dates in Vegas or Dubai," he explains. "JD has been bowling over everyone we put in front of him and we feel he's ready for prime time as of today."
In his most recent outing, Chapman destroyed trialhorse Marcus Rhode in 1:20, dropping him three times with his electric right hand.
MBUZZ |
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RUMBLES IN THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION . . .
CHAGAEV CHANGES HEAVYWEIGHT PICTURE
Ruslan Chagaev's
victory over
Nickolay Valuev
to capture the WBA version of the title could be the start of a chain
reaction that may change the whole landscape of the heavyweight picture.
There was immediate talk of a rematch with Valuev but nothing more has
been said. There have been rumors of Chagaev meeting former WBO
titleholder
Sergei Liakhovich
but as of right now they are just that, rumors. Current WBO champion
Shannon Briggs is set to take on Sultan Ibragimov. WBC title claimant
Oleg Maskaev will put his title on the line against dangerous Samuel
Peter. The IBF champion and the boxer regarded by most as the best
heavyweight in the world, Wladimir Klitschko will defend against
previous conqueror Lamon Brewster. It will be very interesting to see
which four are left standing after the smoke clears.
If Liakhovich does meet Chagaev I like Sergei's chances. Liakhovich is a
very well schooled boxer who is effective punching to the head and body
with both hands. I believe his lead rights up and down will be effective
against the southpaw Chagaev. The Liakhovich of sound mind and body who
defeated Lamon Brewster should be able to defeat Chagaev.
Briggs - Ibragimov
could result in a very short night. On most occasions Briggs is a slow
starter and he's even slower now with his added bulk. Ibragimov is
somewhat small by today's standards and he'll never be compared to Ken
Norton or Mike Weaver in the physique department. Still he has excellent
hand speed and power. I'm afraid he may surprise Briggs early and put
him in danger. Shannon does not possess George Chuvalo's chin. An early
KO victory for Sultan would not surprise me a bit. Obviously though the
longer the fight goes on, the better the chances are for Briggs.
Maskaev - Peter
could be an entertaining and thrilling slugfest while it lasts. I really
don't think it will last long though. Maskaev is game but his chin has
caved in a few times before. Sam Peter has power and Oleg will be right
there to be hit. Neither fighter is known for their evasive defense.
Bombs will thrown and bombs will land. The difference could by Sam
Peter's chin.
Klitschko - Brewster II...My
gut feeling here is that this fight was a mistake. Many have counted
Lamon out after his close loss to Liakhovich and his long layoff due to
an eye injury suffered in that battle. They remind us of how Wladimir
had dominated Brewster in their first encounter until he tired. They say
Klitschko grew tired from throwing and landing so many punches against
Lamon. There may be some truth to this but the bottom line is Brewster
sucked it all up. He took everything and then when he unloaded with his
big guns, Wladimir's weak chin was unable to absorb the shock of those
blows. Going into this rematch Lamon knows he can hurt Klitschko and
Wladimir knows Brewster can hurt him. Somewhere along the line Lamon
will land a bomb and Klitschko's weakness will be exposed again.
There is going to be some moving and shaking in the heavyweight division
in the months ahead. It will be interesting to see how this all plays
out. Will the winners try to fight each other in an attempt to unify the
crown ? This is very doubtful as the winner of Maskaev - Peter is to
meet former WBC champ Vitali Klitschko. Still we may be moving closer to
a day when we have one unified and undisputed heavyweight champion. We
can only hope...
IS THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION READY TO
HEAT UP ? CHAMBERS DEFEATS ROSSY IN LONG ISLAND
Coming up in the near future should be the following battles ;
Nickolay Valuev-Ruslan Chagaev for the WBA heavyweight title.
Shannon Briggs-Sultan Ibragimov for the WBO heavyweight title.
Hopefully Wladimir Klitschko-Lamon Brewster II for the IBF heavyweight
title.
Oleg Maskaev against either the deserving Sam Peter or former champion
Vitali Klitschko for the WBC heavyweight title.
Well that is a start. Hopefully within the next six months we will have
four men who claim a piece of the heavyweight crown and are willing to
meet one another to determine who is the " undisputed " heavyweight
champion of the world.
Another bout of interest that is being talked about is a match between
former WBO titleholder Sergei Liakhovich and the fading but still
capable James Toney. If it does come off the winner will be in a good
position to challenge for one of the titles.
Where does this leave Evander Holyfield and another former champion on
the outside looking in named Hassim Rahman ? Time will tell but by the
end of 2007 the picture in the heavyweight division should become much
clearer.
TRUFAN February 10th
In a classic display of counter-punching, Eddie Chambers proved to be a real deal in the heavyweight division last night as he defeated previously undefeated Derrick Rossy in 7 rounds.
For Rossy, Chambers was bit too experienced and possessed a caliber of savvy that proved in the end too much to overcome. Chambers withstood everything Rossy threw at him the first two rounds, then controlled the wrecking ball thereafter. Chambers is reminiscent of a 70's heavyweight named Jimmy Young, another PA fighter who could counter the best of them.
The only perceived limit of Chambers is his smallish frame, which seems padded in the middle to make 215. Whether he can go against the big boys is another question, but certainly his skill can only bring brighter days to the heavyweight division.
All
Photos Doug HardenRossy comes out aggressive on Chambers in Round 1
In the third round Chambers was beginning to let his hands fly, and by the fifth it seemed evident that Rossy would not last. Breathing heavy from his mouth, his nose bloodied, Rossy fought on but was game in his pursuit, which was playing into his opponent's hands. Rossy was there to be had, and the experienced Chambers obliged in a big sixth round, which saw Rossy in serious trouble for the first time.
. . . then counters Rossy over and over.
In the seventh
Chambers unleashed a roundhouse left that closed Rossy's eye almost
instantly, and it was academic from that point on -- with Chambers getting
a clear stoppage at 2:42. Rossy drops to 15-1, while Chambers climbs to
28-0.
as
Chambers covers up, and looks for openings
until having the game Long Islander in trouble in the
sixth.
JLM
I ' LL BET NIKOLAY WOULDN ' T BREAK ROCKY'S RECORD IF
' TWO TON ' WAS AROUND
Nikolay Valuev is a giant of a man. At 7 ' 325 pounds. He is quite an imposing figure to say the least. They say he is a nice man and that may well be true, but... This nonsense of him tying or breaking the long standing 49-0 record of the great Rocky Marciano is beyond my realm of comprehension. Who has he beaten ? Even after padding his record for years and then finally upgrading his competition, he beat who ? He barely beat the limited John Ruiz to win the " title ".
I wish old Two Ton Tony Galento was around today. What a farcical match up that would be. The giant Valuev towering over the squat 5 ' 9 '' Galento. Valuev would probably come in around 325 pounds while Tony would tip the scale at about 240. As usual Galento shows no fear. " I'll moider the bum ". At the weigh in Valuev shows little emotion, almost disdain for his roly poly foe. Tony seems serenely confident. How many pre fight brews Tony has consumed is not known but he seems alert and ready for the task at hand.
Nikolay of course starts off with his long jab. A few land but Tony slips a few too. Finally Tony throws a lunging left hook at the head that misses by a wide margin. Even the crowd lets out a little laugh. Valuev keeps pawing with the jab and he even lands a decent straight right hand. Galento just snarls as he leaps in with another left hook but this one lands with a thud to Valuev's right side.It was obvious that punch bothered Nikolay. Still Valuev controlled the round.
Nikolay keeps jabbing but they have little sting. They are more bothersome then hurtful. Tony is staying real low so most of Valuev's right hands are going over his head. Suddenly Galento rushes forward and due to his low center of gravity he is able to bull the bigger man to the ropes. There Tony lands some hurtful body punches. Galento tries to wing a left hook to the head which is far from the mark and Valuev counters with two chopping rights to the face of Galento one of which opens a small cut over his left eye.
Galento seems incensed as round three begins and he is wading in and just flailing away. Valuev's corner had told him to take a half step back and then try to time Galento with the uppercut as he's coming in. A few have landed and now Tony is bleeding from the mouth. Galento has slowed his pace and he just seems to be weaving in trying to avoid punches but also looking to counter. At this point it looks like Nikolay is in complete control.
It's back to the jab for Nikolay as Tony is taking more of them then he did before. Galento slips under one and lands a looping right to Valuev's chin. Tony quickly comes back with powerful left hook to the body that makes Valuev wince. Valuev ties up Tony but receives an " unintentional " head butt under his chin for his trouble. Galento is actually the stronger of the two on the inside and he keeps pounding Valuev's body. Especially his right side. Tony may even have won this round.
Although Tony is cut over his left eye and bleeding from his nose and his mouth, he looks more determined then ever. Every time Nikolay throws out a lazy jab Galento trys to counter with the looping right. Many miss but a few land and get Valuev's attention. Meanwhile as Valuev is watching out for the right hand counter, Galento is pounding vicious left hooks to the body. Nikolay is beginning to look confused. He thought this would be an easy fight He thought wrong.
Valuev is beginning to crouch down a bit as he jabs putting a little more distance between he and Galento. Tony just seems to be brushing it aside as he wades in. Now the Galento left is working overtime. Valuev is having trouble keeping Tony off of him. Nevertheless Tony is still taking some punishment coming in and his battered face shows it. Finally out of nowhere it happens. Galento lands a leaping left hook with a devastating effect to Valuev's jaw. The giant crumbles to the canvas. He looks totally bewildered as the referee tolls the count. He gamely struggles to get up but his legs betray him and he falls back into the ropes. The referee has no choice but to stop it. The winner by knockout, Tony Galento.
Then I woke up from this dream but maybe, just maybe the Tony Galento in my dream was a fellow named David Tua. Before Valuev " pads " his record to surpass Rocky Marciano's, let him fight a truly dangerous fighter like Tua. I'm a little leery of Nikolay's " whiskers ". I think his management is too. Let a guy like Tua test that chin. Personally I think it shatters like a china tea cup.
PETER READY FOR MATCH THIS SATURDAY
BEY
IF THERE WAS AN EIGHT MAN TOURNAMENT TODAY
Let's see ...Since there is no "
true " champion today, who would be the best to enter into a " mythical "
eight man tourney ?
Well all four recognized ABC champions should be
included so you have Wladimir Klitschko, Sergei Liakhovich, Oleg Maskaev
and Nickolay Valuev.
Who would fill out the dance card ? To me Sam Peter would have to be
included after his close loss to Klitschko and his win over James Toney.
Undefeated Calvin Brock has a clear claim for being added.
Toney was eliminated by Peter who even though he lost to Klitschko,
re-entered the picture with his win over Toney. Oleg eliminated Rahman.
Klitschko forced Byrd out and Valuev finally took John Ruiz out of the
equation. Should Sultan Ibragimov and Ray Austin who recently fought to a
draw be the final two entries ? I can not think of anyone else who has not
already been eliminated at this point.
Now remember this would be taken from the heavyweight picture as it stands
today. That is before Klitschko-Brock and Liakhovich-Briggs were to have
taken place.
I think it would be a somewhat interesting tournament . Keep the Klitschko-Brock
match up. Match Valuev with Ray Austin, Maskev versus Peter and Liakhovich
against Ibragimov.
Klitschko wins and will meet Austin who exposes Valuev. Peter and
Liakhovich win by knockouts.
Klitschko out boxes Austin and Liakhovich out guts the hard hitting Sam
Peter in the semi-finals.
For the " Undisputed " heavyweight championship of the world... Sergei
Liakhovich comes from behind to stop Wladimir Klitschko in round ten !
Oh wouldn't it be nice to have ONE universal champion ? Hey I said it was
mythical.
Jim Amato
PETER, TONEY TALK THE TALK.
WILL WALK THE WALK SEPT. 2nd
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
NATIONAL CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT
THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION
JAMES TONEY,
HARD-HITTING, WORLD-RANKED
SAMUEL PETER,
PROMOTER DAN GOOSSEN
TUESDAY, AUG. 8, 2006
The 20-year anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues in spectacular fashion on Saturday, Sept. 2, when James “Lights Out” Toney faces Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare’’ Peter in a 12-round WBC heavy weight elimination bout on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. In the co-feature, Eric Aiken defends his IBF featherweight title against Robert “The Ghost’’ Guerrero.
Peter: I am in Las Vegas training, waiting for James Toney. I thank everybody that put this fight together. I am so excited because it is going to be an exciting fight. I know nobody can tell what God's glory is, so I am ready to roll.
Toney: I am looking forward to Sept. 2. I am fighting a very credible challenger in Sam Peters, second in the world to date. I am looking forward to the opportunity to show everybody that I am the best heavyweight out there. It is going to be a great show. This is the kind of fight that the fans want to see. They want to see James fighting Sammy Peter. It should be a vacation match.
Question: James, what has training been like? Are you doing anything differently? Do you feel you're more focused? Are you doing anything differently? Do you feel this is a must win fight for you?
Toney: Every fight I am in is a must win fight. I went back to basics. Same as with Holyfield, that is what I went back to. It is going very well. I have no complaints.
Question: Sam, this is a crossroads fight. Do you feel it is a must win fight for you?
Peter: Yes. I am really sure this is a big fight and a big win for me because I am fighting a two-time heavyweight champion, two times challenging. So I am ready to prove I am going to be the next heavyweight champion of the world. I thank Toney for giving me this opportunity to beat him.
Question: James, some feel you could have defeated Hasim Rahman easily if you had come in at 225 instead of 237. Have you thought about that? Do you agree with that?
Toney: I have gone back towards it. I thought I won the fight, but I should have come in better shape because I had a little cold before the fight. No excuse. But now we are here. I will jump right back into the frying pan. You don't know too many fighters today that will jump right back into the frying pan with a difficult fight. I don’t think anybody in boxing, but James Toney, is taking a tough fight after a tough fight. So I will be in great shape. I wish the fight was today, but it isn't. Three and a half more weeks, and I will be ready.
Question: Do you have a target as far as what you want to come in for this fight?
Toney: I am going to come in wherever I am comfortable at. I am just excited.
Question: Do you feel like it is time, especially from this fight, or maybe your next two, for James Toney to really go out there and prove it?
Toney: Definitely. I am going to start with this fight. I was unhappy with the last fight, and we should be. It is like being on a football team. Even if your team had a draw, you are never happy with the results. You always want to strive for the perfection. And that is what I plan on doing. Like I said, I am just happy to get the opportunity to show that I am the best fighter in the world.
Question: James, what kind of threat does Sam Peter pose to you?
Toney: He poses a threat to everybody else, but not to me. Don't get me wrong, he's a good fighter. But he has never been in the ring with anybody like me before in his life. It doesn’t matter if I fought middleweight or lightweight, or cruiserweight, James Toney can flat out just fight. I am a natural born fighter. Everybody else was taught to fight. That is the difference between me and everybody else.
Question: James, Sam Peter is probably the biggest, strongest and fastest guy you fought at heavyweight. Do you agree with that? If so, are you approaching this fight any differently?
Toney: I don't approach any fight different. If you know me, you haven't ever seen me change my style for anybody. I am not that type of fighter. I do what James does best, and that is just fight. Ruiz is bigger than Sam Peter, and Rahman. Both are stronger than me. You see where that went. So it doesn't matter. I just know how to fight, period. And that is what this is all about. James Toney flat out knows how to fight. The best fighter in the boxing world, period, ever born.
Question: Sam, James is very different than anyone you have fought, as well. He is a very skilled fighter. How do you approach a guy who is going to give you all kinds of angles and really knows every trick in the book?
Peter: Well, Toney hasn't fought anybody like me before. Even though he has been two or three times champion of the world, I have my own training. Nobody has seen Sammy Peter yet, but I think this fight will prove that people have things wrong about me. I am a fighter, I am a boxer. I can do anything. Any kind of situation. This is a great fight for me because I love the way Toney boxes. I think this is going to put me in a good position.
Question: Sam, why do you think James is such a good fight for you and why do you feel you are going to win?
Peter: Because the ring man is going to be standing there with me. I know I am going to catch him later on.
Question: James, you’re from Michigan, but you consider yourself a Los Angeles fighter, right?
Toney: I consider myself a trained fighter living here in L.A.
Question: You are going to fight the winner of Saturday’s fight. What do you think about that fight? Obviously, this fight appears to be much more attractive than that one.
Toney: Nobody wanted to see that fight. Oleg Maskaev hasn't done anything since he beat Rahman seven years ago. If he had beaten me like they said he would, he should have knocked me out, as bad shape as I was in when he fought me.
Question: So you were not in the best shape for Rahman?
Toney: Yes. He should have knocked me out. He did all this whooping before the fight, but when that bell rang, you saw how tentative he was.
Question: Since he didn't do that, what did you learn from that experience?
Toney: What I learned is give 100 percent when I am ready. That is what I learned. But percent of James Toney beat the best Rahman ever can be in. Forty percent James Toney versus 110 percent when he tried his best. He was scared to death.
Question: James, you said you were only 40 percent for Rahman. What about the other 60 percent? What was the problem there?
Toney: You saw him around my waist. I had a little flu. Like I said, I am going to do my thing.
Question: So you had the flu?
Toney: I had the flu. My whole crew knew about it, but I do what I do.
Question: How are you now at this point? Are you all recovered from that?
Toney: Good. I am 100 percent I am ready to go. Whatever. He did what he had to do. We had an incompetent referee, Eddie Cotton. But I am pretty sure we have a professional referee this time. And I am ready to go. I am excited. Even though fighting in L.A., my adopted hometown, the fans will be there. And it is on SHOWTIME boxing. I am ready to go.
Question: Was it because of just the weight and the flu that you had before the fight? Because a lot of people felt, going into that fight, that you were going to win in a very, very clear-cut fashion. Of course, officially it ended up being a draw.
Toney: I still want to fight. I have a credible opponent. His people feel they can beat me, so put it up. Put up or shut up.
Question: And at what point is Father Time going to be a factor? You are approaching the age of 38, an age which, especially a lot of heavy weights, start to think about hanging it up.
Toney: Father Time? I don't even know what that is.
Question: Sam, Toney is a tremendous fighter in terms of defense, counter punching, fighting from angles. A lot of things that are really old school. You are a younger fighter and known more as a power puncher. Have you adjusted your style, or are you going to adjust your style, to face Toney?
Peter: I am going to walk through him.
Toney: Oh, I like that. Keep your promise.
Question: Did you say you are going to walk through him?
Toney: That is what he said.
Question: Then what is your game plan going to be? Is it going to be similar to the fighting you did against Klitschko, or is it going to be different?
Peter: That is why I said I am going to walk through. He is a very good fighter, but I know I am going to walk through him. He is not going to stop me, he is not going to crack me. I am going to walk through him.
Question: What did you see in James' fight with Rahman that leads you to believe that you can walk through him?
Peter: I see a lot of things. It was an interesting fight. But I saw a lot of things that Rahman was not able to do as a heavyweight. But for me, I will rail on his body.
Question: Have you adjusted any of your style since the Klitschko fight?
Peter: It depends on who you fight. Toney is the best fighter for me to prove that I am a real fighter, I am a real boxer.
Question: What kind of sparring partners have you been bringing in to prepare for James.
Peter: I have been doing what I was supposed to do, what I do for a championship. The championship is different from any fight that you fight. You have to do something different. Because the people being around you, my sparring partners and everyone that is with me, we do something different. Everybody will see on Sept. 2.
Question: Do either of you guys want to make a prediction?
Toney: I am knocking him out. I am knocking him out. Sammy, you are getting knocked out.
Peter: You are still dreaming.
Toney: Speak English.
Peter: I am speaking English. You are an American and you can't even understand me.
Toney: You have a little Russian behind you.
Peter: I am from Africa.
Toney: Yes, you are from Africa.
Peter: You don't even know where you are from. Do you know where you are from? You don't even know where you are from.
Toney: I am from my mama, where are you from? I am going to send you back on a banana boat, punk.
Peter: You don't know where you are from. You can't even speak English.
Question: James, what do you think is your big advantage is when you step in the ring?
Toney: Look, Samuel is a strong guy for the guys he has fought. But all the guys he fought were paid to lie down. You know that. I am for the best fight in the world. You know what I am saying? There isn't a strategy. It is just me being me.
Peter: That was history. We are talking present. You always talk history.
Toney: I am going to beat you, I will tell you that.
Peter: Stop talking history. You are talking history. That was done. You were done. That is history. Talk present. You know what it means?
Toney: I am going to back it up. Who cares?
Peter: Talk English. Speak English. You don't even know where you are from.
Toney: Shut up. Shut up.
Peter: You tell me to shut up. You cannot even speak.
Toney: Shut up. Get off the telephone. You telephone talk, that's all you are.
Peter: Don't worry. You are in L.A.
Question: Sam, what do you think your big advantage is against James.
Peter: Well, I am going to knock Toney out, no matter what.
Toney: Like I said …
Peter: Shut up when I am talking.
Toney: Shut up. You are not anyone.
Peter: Shut up when I am talking.
Toney: Make me shut up. Make me shut up, punk.
Peter: Be quiet when I am talking. Sammy is talking. Be quiet when the …
Toney: Climb a tree.
Peter: Did you hear what I said? Shut up when Sammy is talking.
Toney: Whatever, man, whatever. Say it.
Toney: No more questions. I am gone. I have business to take care of. He made me mad.
Peter: Sit down and talk. Sit down. Right now.
Toney: Shut up.
Peter: Don't move.
Toney: You are going to see me in a couple of weeks anyway. Don't worry about it.
Peter: I said keep quiet. Sit down where you are right now.
Toney: You are a telephone talker, that's all you are. You aren't scaring anybody.
Peter: Sit down, do you hear what I am saying?
Toney: You're scared. I own you. I am your master.
Question: James, has the draw against Rahman served as a motivation for this fight?
Toney: I don't need motivation. I am the best heavyweight in the world, best fighter in the world. We put the challenge out to everybody. They stepped up and took it. They are going to regret it. Bottom line. I will fight anybody, anywhere, any time. I am big and bad as they come. I blow houses down.
Question: Sam, when you first heard you were going to get this fight, what was your reaction?
Peter: I was thinking glory be to God. Thank God. Because this is what I was looking for, to be the heavyweight champion of the world. This is the opportunity. I was so excited that Toney gave me the opportunity to beat him, to become heavyweight champion of the world.
Question: Were you surprised when this came?
Peter: Well, I wasn't sure. I wasn't sure. I wasn't sure until I met him in person, and then I saw how it is and everything was going through. Then I was glory be to God.
Question: James, do you think you are going to be able to lie on the ropes and allow the fighter to come to you. Do you think that is an effective strategy against a guy like Peter?
Toney: I fight everybody the same way. If you watch my career, I knock them out. It is like a Hollywood horror film when I get done with them. Look at Rahman. I swelled him up. Even though I got a draw, I swelled him up. Look at Ruiz. All these supposedly big guys, tougher guys than me. I have seen it all, I have been there, done that. It doesn't matter.
Question: This is a question for both fighters. After the exchange that went on today, has this fight become more personal?
Toney: It has been personal. He signed a contract. Anybody that signs a contract to fight me, it is personal.
Question: How about you, Sam?
Peter: Does that mean anybody that signs a contract? It is a personal issue right now. He signed a contract, I signed a contract. We are ready to roll.
Question: James, could you tell us what you think is going to happen in Saturday's fight?
Toney: It is going to be a stinking fight. I have a feeling Rahman might get knocked out. He got knocked out once. It is in the back of his mind. It could happen again. I tested him a couple of times. If I had been like I should have, I would have knocked him out. Rahman hasn't got the best ticker.
Peter: Well, I thank everybody. I thank all of my fans, being there for me. I thank the good promoters for putting this fight together. I thank my manager. I thank James Toney, being a man and stepping over for this fight. Everybody that is watching this fight, it is going to be a great show. It is going to be a great fight. So thank you, everybody.
Toney: First and foremost, I want to thank the Man upstairs for giving me the opportunity. I want to thank my promotional group, my whole management team, my pop, my wife. Everybody around me. Showtime -- you know, the greatest network for boxing. They only show the greatest fights and this is going to be one of them. Thanks to STAPLES Center. And the whole city of L.A. for hosting this. It is going to be a tremendous night of fireworks on Sept. 2. I can't wait. Thank you.
SULTAN IBRAGIMOV HELD TO DRAW
- Ron Ross
July 28, 2006
Being a Monday morning quarterback is easy but this is Friday night, so let’s go.
Sultan Ibragimov, the rough, tough southpaw brawler from the Ukraine who was the 2000 Olympic silver medalist and Cleveland’s Ray Austin fought at the Hard Rock Café in Hollywood, Fl tonight, the winner to fight Vladimir Klitschko for the IBF Heavyweight Championship.
Although Sultan started well and finished well, he was not working on all cylinders and sputtered enough through the middle rounds to be held to a draw and go from mandatory challenger to a guy marking time in place. For Austin, at 35, he conceded that this was probably his last chance at glory and a title shot. The 6 ft 6 inch 245 pounder who fights like a whale out of water, but with an awkward effectiveness that changed the stalking Russian into a balking Russian, unable to figure a way to get through the big man’s long reach. Having seen Ibragimov, who weighed in at 231 ¾, fight several times previously I had to wonder why a guy who generally came in at slightly under 220 – his last time out, against Lance Whitaker in December he weighed 220 ½ - would bulk up by more than 11 pounds, especially after a 7 ½ month layoff. The Sultan Ibragimov I had seen in the past would lunge at his man with the quickness and precision of a panther attacking, not the plodding, lumbering apprehensive journeyman I saw in the ring tonight.
Sultan started out well, hurting his man twice with heavy-fisted lefts to the jaw in the first round and continued moving after him in round two. The third round saw Austin move into his game plan, to keep his man at bay by pawing with his extended left hand and keeping the right ready more as a warning than as a weapon.
In the fourth round Sultan lashed out with a straight left and missed but followed up with a vicious right hook that toppled Austin but that’s when it became apparent that the usual predator attack employed by Ibragimov was not up to par as he never followed up his advantage.
That’s when the fight turned around with Sultan always moving forward, Austin in constant retreat but now that pawing left was occasionally followed by right hand counters. It seemed obvious that Sultan was a different fighter than the lithe, quick-moving, lashing puncher of prior battles. You cannot attribute it to the size factor as he demolished a 6’8”, 272 pound Lance Whitaker, just blasting his way inside and firing away with complete disdain. After the knockdown, I scored four of the next six rounds for Austin, who shocked the entire arena as well as his opponent in the tenth round by nailing Sultan with a straight right to the jaw and dropping him for the first time in his career. At that point I had Austin moving in front for the first time, 95-94. But Sultan came back chasing his man in the eleventh and scoring well enough to win the round. I had it even going into the final round. In what was terrible corner advice, Sultan was told to just box in the final round, that he was in the lead. Fortunately, the fighter had enough common sense to when to disobey a wrong command. He came out storming and had his man hurt and backing up throughout the round, which was his second best of the fight.
Judge Tom Miller had it 114-112 for Austin, Peter Tremeterra 115-111, Ibragimov and Bill Ray decided the draw at 113-113.
Perhaps it best that Sultan doesn’t go right in against Klitschko, because off tonight’s showing he isn’t ready. The left hand that Austin held Sultan off with is minor league compared to a Klitschko jab and by the way, Klitschko has something called a right hand. The only plus in such a fight for Ibragimov is the Professor’s question mark chin.
As for the idea of bulking up to go in against the “super-heavies”, it has to be advantageous weight, not a burden that holds you back and robs you of a good part of your arsenal. Sultan Ibragimov has the tools. Truthfully, his size compared to the size of some of today’s big men may prove too much to overcome, but meanwhile, it should be back to the drawing board to sort things out. Also, a seven month layoff at this stage of his career and at his age – 31 – is something to be avoided. Rust accumulates very easily.
RR
Boxing with HIV: good for the sport?
By Noah Fowle
In announcing his intentions to return to the ring by challenging Mike Tyson earlier this month, defamed former Heavyweight Champion and Rocky V villain Tommy “The Duke” Morrison presents a controversial question that sets this potential comeback as a historical moment in sports. Morrison, who sported a record of 46-3-1 with 40 KOs, is an excellent candidate to charge back into today’s deflated heavyweight ranks, except for one glaring omission- he retired ten years ago after failing a pre-fight physical when he tested positive for HIV in 1996.
Just before his world came crashing down around him, Morrison had inked a three fight deal with nefarious promoter Don King that was worth $38.5 million and had him matched up against the still feared and revered “Iron” Mike Tyson. Upon the results of his test, the Nevada State Athletic Commission revoked Morrison’s boxing license and the wayward Great White Hope was left looking for his next paycheck. Morrison’s recent announcement comes on the heels of his intentions to mount a discrimination lawsuit against the NSAC to collect interest on his nullified contract.
Morrison was perhaps only the third high profile athlete to go public with his HIV-positive status, behind Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Arthur Ashe, whose announcement came merely a year before his death due to AIDS complications. At that time the disease was still a taboo subject confounded by stereotypes and misinformation. Johnson faced considerable opposition when he announced his intentions to return to the NBA. A group of players, lead by Isiah Thomas and Karl Malone, railed against the idea of sharing the court with an athlete carrying an incurable disease. Only after a serious educational campaign was Johnson welcomed back and given sincere apologies from his detractors. Johnson’s was a landmark victory for the HIV/AIDS community and one that reshaped the national lexicon surrounding the disease.
Still, neither Morrison nor Johnson can be the only two men to fall victim to the risky lifestyle of professional athletes. It is safe to assume that there are other athletes who have kept their health in check and continue to support themselves through professional competition. The United States Disability Act protects the privacy of victims of HIV/AIDS in any work place and it is clear that professional athletes would want to avoid any stigmatization from being associated with the disease, despite the advantages that further publicity might bring to the cause. As we become more educated about the disease and accept those who have contracted it, Morrison’s case in boxing stands as one of the few exceptions where those infected shall be subject to more stringent rules and precautions than those who are not.
Claiming NSAC is preventing him for making a living as a boxer, Morrison challenges the fact that every Athletic Commission’s chief responsibility is protecting athletes. While it may seem discriminatory to bar him from the boxing ring, it can be defended as being done with the intention of protecting those who would potentially fight against Morrison. HIV can be spread through direct blood-to-blood contact. In boxing, the combatants spend the entire match within a few feet of one another often locked up and grappling for position. Cuts are opened and blood often spills onto the ring, athletes, referee and even some of the closest spectators and officials at ringside. With such a high level of exposure almost guaranteed in any fight against Morrison it would be very risky and possibly reckless to grant him a license.
However, as money being one of the chief motivators behind Morrison’s case it is impossible not to look at the possible financial gains a fight against him might yield. Morrison still maintains a dedicated following and the added publicity of his struggle with HIV would only attract more fringe fans to the sport. There is a built-in audience to see a fight of this magnitude. Fighting with HIV, Morrison stands to be one of the biggest underdogs in boxing- who wouldn’t root for him were he to step back into the ring? But a more important question is, given the risk, who would agree to fight him? Certainly it would warrant a larger pay-off for his opponent and boxing has proven time and time again, athletes are willing to compromise the safety of their bodies for the right amount of money.
What Morrison is attempting is certainly commendable, if not slightly misguided. He is making sure there is a spotlight on the HIV/AIDS issue and the rights of its victims. But unfortunately it appears Morrison is mired in a losing battle. Yes, HIV and AIDS must be addressed and we are learning that men and women cannot only live with these diseases they can compete and lead normal lives. But the simple fact remains, neither one belongs inside the ropes of a boxing ring.
NF @ noahfowle@gmail.com