TRUFAN REMEMBERS THE RING - October 1925
IN THE STUDIO
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CORNER
ALEXANDER DEFEATS KOTELNIK; CLOUD RETAINS TITLE IN SLUGFEST OVER JOHNSON
TRUFAN AUG 8, 2010
It took Devon Alexander 12 rounds and a whole lot of energy to defeat Andreas Kotelnik before 9000 fans in St Louis last night, and while the judges had it 16-112 across the board in favor of the hometown kid, Kotelnik exposed some weaknesses in the defense of his opponent . . .
Alexander (21-0) utilized movement and the jab throughout the fight as Kotelnik was more relaxed and countering with his own jab and right hand. Kotelnik (31-4) was effective, and backed up Alexander numerous times as he put the pressure on as the fight came to close. Alexander either was forced to slug, or chose to - a strategy questioned by his trainer between rounds - and this benefitted Kotelnik, who deserved a better score than the judges gave. TRUFAN scored it 115-113 for Kotelnik, feeling that Alexander was more busy, yet not as effective as his European opponent.
Nevertheless, the scenario now points to an Alexander-Timothy Bradley showdown at 140lbs, while Kotelnik, as well as a few others, remain a viable contender for the jr. welterweight title.
In the co-feature Florida's Tavoris Cloud (21-0) retained his light-heavyweight title with a hard fought, bruising decision over veteran Glen Johnson. Johnson (50-14-2) pressured Cloud throughout, as the battle changed momentum numerous times . . . Cloud was the younger, stronger fighter in this one, edging out an ageless wonder who again fought in his exciting manner. He forced Cloud into some mental mistakes, did what veteran fighters do to the younger ones - make them think - and although Cloud was never really in trouble, he did have doubts at times and conserved his energy for the stretch run. Johnson's experience kept him in the fight, but Cloud was just to quick for him over the twelve rounds, as the judges scored it 116-112 across the board. TRUFAN had it 115-113 for Cloud.
JLM
Fireworks on tap for
‘Let Freedom Ring’
Lundy vs. Molina on ESPN FNF
CES show July 9 at Twin River Event Center, RI
PROVIDENCE (June 3, 2010) – Fireworks will be delayed but only for a few days, exploding in the four-cornered ring July 9 when ESPN Friday Night Fights comes to Twin River Event Center for the “Let Freedom Ring” pro boxing card, presented by Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in Lincoln, R.I.
The main event features NABO lightweight champion “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Association, in his first title defense against challenger John John “The Hammer” Molina (20-1, 16 KOs), ranked No. 9 by the NABO.
“We’re bringing ESPN here to this beautiful casino,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield announced. “We want to thank ESPN. We’ve switched things around a little to have Hank Lundy defend his NABO title against John John Molina. It’s going to be an unbelievable fight. We’re very excited about this fight. Molina comes to fight and this will be the toughest fight of Hank’s career.”
New England and EBA super middleweight champion “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-4-2, 6 KOs), trained by “Irish” Micky Ward and fighting out of Lowell (MA), makes has first middleweight fight in the 8-round co-feature against an opponent to be determined.
The potential Fight of the Night could turn out to be a special 6-round bout in which Providence’s Vladine Biosse (6-0, 4 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, puts his undefeated record on the line in his stiffest test to date against Quincy (MA) light heavyweight Chris Traietti (8-2, 5 KOs), a college graduate and Iraq War veteran.
“We’re building New England boxing back to where it once was years ago when intense rivalries were developed between fighters from neighboring cities and states,” Burchfield added. “Pride and bragging rights were always at stake and that’s where we’re at now. Some of the best young talent in New England will be featured July 9 on ‘Let Freedom Ring.’ We’ll celebrate the birth of this great nation with another evening of competitive, entertaining fights. Fireworks will be going off all night in the ring.”
Quincy (MA) welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (2-1, 1 KO) plans to avenge her only loss against Providence’s Kali Reis (2-0 1 KO), who won a hotly-contested 4-round decision in their first meeting, in a 6-round rematch.
Providence firefighter Eric Estrada makes his long-awaited pro debut as a cruiserweight in a 4-round match versus TBA. Estrada, whose brother is 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, was perfect as an amateur with a 6-0 record, including victories in the New England Golden Gloves Tournament and Rocky Marciano Tournament.
Roxbury (MA) super middleweight Maceo Crowder (2-0, 1 KO), whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, takes on Worcester (MA) mixed martial arts fighter Ralph Johnson, making his pro boxing debut.
Also slated to fight in 4-round bouts against opponents soon to be announced are Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (5-1, 3 KOs), Woonsocket (RI) super middleweight Joe Gardner (4-1-1, 1 KO), Lincoln light welterweight Diego Pereira (4-0, 2 KOs), and Fall River (MA) middleweight Dustin Reinhold (1-1, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “Let Freedom Ring,” priced at $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Popular heavyweight prospect Tony ‘TNT’ Grano
ready to explode June 26
CES presents “Pride & Power” pro boxing card at Mohegan Sun
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 28, 2010) – Heavyweight prospect Tony “TNT” Grano has his timer set to explode Saturday night, June 26, when he headlines “Pride & Power,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in the 10-round main event at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
The WBF All-Americas heavyweight champion, Grano (17-1-1, 13 KOs) – fighting out of Hartford – takes on Horace Ray “The Reeazon” Grant (15-2, 9 KOs) in the “Pride & Power” headliner.
“Grano is probably the most popular boxer in New England,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “He has a growing legion of fans that support him whenever he fights. We’ve loaded this card with some of the best fighters in Connecticut like Mike Oliver, David Bauza and Chad Dawson’s older brother, Rick. Joe Smith, Jr. will be in action looking for his fifth first-round knockout in his fifth pro fight.”
Oliver, the reigning New England and EBA super bantamweight champion, faces former multiple title-holder Mauricio “Indio Boy” Pastrana (35-13-2, 23 KOs) in the co-feature. Oliver, another Hartford fighter, is rated No. 4 by the USBA. Pastrana has been world champion of the IBF, WBA, IBO, and IBA.
Long Island light heavyweight Smith (4-0, 4 KOs), a 2008 New York Gold Gloves Champion; Philadelphia welterweight (6-0, 2 KOs) Frankie Trader; Hartford middleweight Bauza (5-0, 3 KOs) and New Haven middleweight Dawson (1-0, 1 KO) are all slated to fight opponents to be determined in 4-round bouts.
Also on the undercard is Bridgeport (CT) super lightweight Carlos Hernandez (0-1) versus pro-debuting Jonathan Vasquez, of Fall River (MA), while another Springfield fighter, pro-debuting light heavyweight Jose Torres, faces Ahmad Mickens (1-0-1), from Stamford (CT).
Tickets for “Pride & Power,” priced at $40.00, $65.00 and $105.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Ticketmaster customers may log on to www.ticketmaster.com, call Ticketmaster’s national toll-free charge by phone (1.800.745.3000) or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.
For more information contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Mohegan Sun (www.mohegansun.com). Doors open at 6:00 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET.
GLEN JOHNSON HEADS CUBAN INVASION SHOW
- Ron Ross
Feb. 5, 2010
Topping an explosive, punch-packed show at the Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL, an amazingly rejuvenated Glen Johnson, locked horns with Philadelphian Yusaf Mack in a toe-to-toe, see-saw slugfest scheduled for 12 rounds, wearing down the younger, free-swinging Mack with a relentless, non-stop aggressive body and head attack. After his second loss to Chad Dawson last November, it seemed that the years may have finally caught up with the gallant Road Warrior. But Johnson, at 41, seemingly located Ponce de Leon’s fabled Fountain of Youth here in South Florida. He didn’t have an easy time of it. He was in there with a tough, free-swinging opponent who fought back with a fury and tenacity that had the crowd roaring in appreciation. But it was the “old war horse”, Johnson who was able to stay with the pace and wouldn’t tire.
JJohnson
stalks Mack – Photo: Susan Ross
He dropped Mack three times in the 6th round, the first knockdown was from a short, crisp left hook. Visibly hurt, Mack was dropped for the second knockdown by a solid right to the jaw. A worn out Mack went to a knee after being tagged with another left to the head at which point Referee Frank Gentile called a halt at 2:21 of the 6th round, setting the stage for the former two-time title-holder to get another crack at the light-heavyweight crown against IBF champ Tavoris Cloud.
Johnson, who came in at 173 ¼, improves to 50 (34), 13-2, while Mack, 175, drops to 28 (17)-3-2.
The scheduled 10 round welterweight co-feature pitted two local favorites, undefeated Joey Hernandez, 149, 15(8)-0-1, of Miami against Hollywood’s Ed Paredes, 148, 23(14)-3-1 in a rematch of their August 2009 draw. After a sizzling first round that saw the southpaw Hernandez’ brawling infighting style offset by Paredes’ trying to keep his man at long range, Paredes shocked the crowd – and Hernandez, nailing him with a picture-perfect left hook in Round 2 that starched the Miamian at 1:53 of that round.
Joey Hernandez being counted out - Photo: Susan Ross
The undercard was a show in itself – The Cuban Invasion – six stellar bouts showcasing some of the rising stars and superstars from Cuba’s amateur ranks to the world of professional boxing. Topping the list was Guillermo Rigondeaux, already a legend before joining the professional ranks, capping a 400-plus amateur boxing career with Olympic gold medals in the bantamweight division in both the 2000 and 2004 games. The 29-year old southpaw lost no time in showing the crowd that his storied career has not been exaggerated.
Susan RoThe introductions … the bell for Round 1, Rigondeaux glides out to meet opponent, Adolfo Landeros of Mexico … Rigondeaux throws left to body … Landeros is down, writhing in pain, unable to rise for several minutes. All over in 28 seconds of the first round!
The punch was reminiscent of Tony Zale’s heralded solar plexus blow that virtually paralyzed Rocky Graziano in the 6th round of their 1946 middleweight title bout at Yankee Stadium.
Rigondeaux, 119 ½ , who is trained by Freddie Roach is now 5-0, 4 KO’s. Landeros, 125, is 20-13-1, 9 KO’s.The rest of the Cuban Invasion was carried out in the following order:
Yoandris Salinas, a heralded Cuban featherweight made his second professional start against fellow-countryman Yuniel Ramos. Salinas, 124 ¾, had all the better of it, battering Ramos, 126 ½, until Referee Frank Gentile called a halt after the 3rd round of a scheduled 4-rounder.
Cuban heavyweight, Glendy Hernandez, 220 ½, making his professional debut against ponderous Corey Winfield, 304 ½, of Philadelphia, PA, had a big task on his hands in more ways than one. Boxing well in the opening round of their 4-round bout, Hernandez through some good solid right hands to the head but Winfield kept moving forward, and in the second round, Winfield, 3-4, 2 KO’s, nailed Hernandez with a right of his own, dropping him. But Hernandez recovered well and controlled the rest of the fight and winning a majority decision.
In a cruiserweight 4-rounder, Cuban Yuriel Dorticos, 191 ¼, came out like a whirlwind against North Carolinian Gary Lavender, 198 ½, dropping him twice with a fusillade of punches and stopping him at 1:44 of the first round. Dorticos is now 3-0, all KO’s, Lavender falls to 8-14, 7 KO’s.
Another debuting Cuban heavyweight, Pedro Rodriguez, 188 ½, demolished Orlando, Florida’s Hilario Guzman, 202, 8-28-6, 1 KO, in the evening’s most one-sided bout. Rodriguez kept up a two-fisted, non-stop onslaught until the referee, Sam Burgos, stopped it at 1:09 of the 3rd round. If there was a positive note for Guzman, it was his ability to take punishment – maybe more of a negative than a positive.
The last of the Cuban Invasion was Yudel Johnson, 156 ¾, blasting out of Dominica’s Dorian Beaupierre, 158, at 2:18 of the opening round of a scheduled Four. Johnson came out punching and never let up, dropping Beaupierre with a right to the head, then continuing the pummeling until Referee Frank Gentile draped his arms around the battered Beaupierre, now 12-6-2, 6 KO’s. Johnson continues undefeated, 5-0, 3 KO’s.
There were a couple other fights with non-Cuban participants. The evening’s show was opened with Manny Woods, St. Petersburg, FL, 156 ¼, 3-0, 1 KO,winning a unanimous decision over Erix Quinteros, Los Angeles, CA, 157, 2-4.
In a scheduled 6-round lightheavyweight bout, Yordanis Despaigne, Miami, 175 ½, 5-0, 4 KO’s, was impressive in stopping Demetrius Davis, Columbia, 170 ¾, 19-19-5, 7 KO’s, at 2:01 of the 3rd round.
If the Super Bowl provides half the fireworks this show did, it will be one helluva game. Hats off to Promoter Luis DeCubas and special kudos to matchmaker Eric Bottjer. There is a tremendous pool of talent being developed in South Florida and it is a welcome, much-needed shot in the arm for the sport.
-RR-
MALIGNAGGI “MUGS” DIAZ FOR NABO CROWN
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Ron RossDecember 12, 2009
Paulie Malignaggi came to the Windy City and took the wind out of Juan Diaz’ sails. He also took the Baby Bull’s NABO junior welterweight belt as he put on a show of dazzling ring generalship that left no doubt in the minds of the officials or the crowd at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. His brash, cocky, at times arrogant style had Diaz frustrated and bedazzled as the Texan found himself chasing after a shadow and being outmaneuvered, outfought and even outpunched.
Paulie fought his fight which saw him in total control of the action as he danced and pranced around the ring, landing effectively with both hands and when he wasn’t punching he resorted to every Pauli-ism in his arsenal – sticking out his tongue, waving his right hand in a circle above his head and doing a taunting hip swivel. Diaz, who came to fight, found himself in a Dancing With the Stars scenario. He tried to make it a slugfest, chasing after Malignaggi, winging away with both hands but Paulie held his ground and fought back. Actually, he seemed to be the bigger and even stronger of the two.
If there was any question at all as to the outcome, Paulie erased that when he scored a flash knockdown in the tenth round when he caught Diaz on the back of his head as he was moving away, sending him off balance with his gloves touching the canvas. All three officials scored the fight 116-111, eight rounds to four. For Paulie, it was just retribution, reversing a hotly disputed decision in their first go and puts him in line for a world title shot.
DAWSON AND ANGULO WIN BIG
-Ron Ross
November 7, 2009
Unlike Ol’ Man River, ol’ man Glen Johnson, 49-13-2, 33 KO’s learned at the XL Center in Hartford, CT that he cannot “jes’ keep rollin’ along” forever. There was no shame, no disgrace as the 40-year old warrior gave it his all but the fire, the energy and spark of youth were gone. He tried pressuring his opponent throughout the 12 round IBO light heavyweight title bout and interim WBC title but 27-year old New Haven favorite, Chad Dawson, 29-0-1, 17 KO’s, had the speed, stamina and resourcefulness of youth to offset any attack that the “Road Warrior” Johnson tried to mount.
He constantly moved forward, but his attempts at making it a brawl never materialized as Dawson had no trouble counterpunching and staying out of harm’s way throughout. Johnson, seeking to avenge what most observers felt was a bum decision against him in their first match, was as much a victim of Father Time as he was of Chad Dawson. That’s not to say that Dawson didn’t fight a well executed fight plan, moving well and outpunching his opponent in almost every round by a large amount, but he wasn’t in there against the quality opponent of their last fight. Judges Duane Ford and Michael Pernick scored the fight 115-113 while Glenn Feldman’s 117-111 was more in keeping with how I saw the fight.
The co-feature WBO Interim junior middleweight championship, Alfredo Angulo had the crowd spellbound by the viciousness of his attack. When you unleash a wild dog it’s expected to see him snarl, chase down his quarry, corner him and maul him. Angulo, 17-1, 14 KO’s, demonstrated why he is called El Perro (The Dog) as he did everything but bark and bite as he destroyed previously unbeaten Pennsylvanian Harry Joe Yorgey, 22-1-1, 10 KO’s. It was total destruction as he chased Yorgey from pillar to post from the opening bell, never letting up with a vicious two-fisted attack. Yorgey had too much heart for his own good he tried standing up and fighting back against the much heavier-punching Angulo. Dropped by a right, left combination and staggered repeatedly in the second round, Yorgey kept trying to punch back. The beating he was taking became so fearsome in the third round that many diehards in the crowd were calling for a stoppage, Finally, a tremendous left hook caught him on the ropes and his eyes rolled as he was already out on his feet. Before he fell to the canvas a devastating follow-up right resulted in pile-driving him to the canvas in what was a frightening knockout. He lay motionless for nearly two minutes before arising to the relief of the entire house. The end came at 1:03 of the third round.
Undercard results:
In a middleweight 10 rounder, Tyrone Brunson, Philadelphia, PA, 20 (19)-0, KO 3 over Jose Medina, Puerto Rico, 15 (11)-15.
In a bantamweight 8, Chris Avalos, Lancaster CA 12 (10)-0 won a unanimous decision over Robert Da Luz, Providence RI, 12(9)-21-3
A Light-Middlweight 8-rounder saw Orlando Lora, Sinaloa, Mexico, 25(18)-0-1, won a unanimous decision over Octavio Narvaez, Chinandega, Nicaragua, 7(4)-7-1
Michael Oliveira, Miami, FL, 8(6)-0, stopped Francisco Osorio, Barranquila, Colombia, 12(10-6, in the 7th round of a scheduled 8.
In a scheduled heavyweight four, Emad Ali, New York, stopped Kelsey Arnold, Lexington, TN, 1-3, in the opening round.
RR
“Boxing’s Future Champions II”
Streaming live PPV from Tunica
Guerrero, Porter & Co. to be showcased
SOUTHHAVEN, Miss. (August 19, 2009) – An unbeaten duo of soon to be ready-for-primetime prospects -- middleweight Fernando Guerrero (14-0, 12 KOs) and junior middleweight Shawn Porter (9-0, 7 KOs) -- will be showcased August 29 on the “Boxing’s Future Champions II” pay-per-view pro card, live on streaming video from Fitzgerald’s Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi.
“Boxing’s Future Champions II,” presented by Prize Fight Boxing, will air on PPV at www.PrizeFightTV.com, starting at 8 PM/ET, for only $4.99.
Also fighting on this entertaining card is once-beaten Philadelphia heavyweight “Gentleman” Chazz Witherspoon (25-1, 17 KOs), as well as exciting middleweight Dominic Wade (3-0, 3 KOs), 4-time Junior Olympic champion, and 2004-2005 U.S, Super Heavyweight Champion Mike Wilson in his much anticipated pro debut.
“We’re committed to bringing world-class boxing to diehard fans all over,” promoter Russ Young said. “Fight fans can watch tomorrow’s champions today from the comfort of their computers for a very affordable price. Fernando and Shawn are two of the hottest, most exciting prospects in boxing. Plus, we have Chazz and Dominic on the card, and everybody’s excited about Wilson’s pro debut. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.”
Guerrero (14-0, 12 KOs), born in the Dominican Republic, has already fought twice on ESPN and once on Showtime. The talented southpaw headlined the inaugural “Boxing’s Future Champions” show this past June in his hometown of Salisbury, Maryland, knocking out Brian “The Assassin” Norman in the second round.
The 22-year-old Guerrero, who captured a gold medal at the World Cadet Junior Olympics and 2007 USA National Championships, has also cracked the ratings and is No. 10 in the NABF and No. 14 in the NABO. He faces Chris “On Target” Archer (11-7, 7 KOs), in the 8-round main event.
The 6-round co-feature matches 2007 World Golden Gloves champion, 2008 U.S. OIympic Team alternate Porter (9-0, 7 KOs), against Lamar Harris (6-2, 4 KOs).
Witherspoon was the 2004 National Golden Gloves champion and his only loss in 26 pro fights was to world title challenger Chris Arreola, last year by a controversial disqualification. Witherspoon, whose cousin Tim was world heavyweight champion, takes on gatekeeper Stacy “Big Foot” Frazier (14-5, 13 KOs) in an 8-round bout.
Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts is Wade, versus 23-fight veteran Tyrone Dowdy, and Wilson, who meets battle-tested “Marvelous” Marvin Hunt. Wilson defeated Travis Kaufman and Mike Marrone in the amateurs.
For more information go to www.PrizeFightPromoters.com or www.PrizeFightTV.com.
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WBC SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMP CARL FROCH,
FORMER UNDISPUTED CHAMP JERMAIN TAYLOR
PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009
World Title Showdown Takes Places On Saturday, April 25,
Live On SHOWTIME® from MGM Grand
At Foxwoods, Mashantucket, Conn.
NEW YORK (March 25, 2009) – Undefeated Carl “The Cobra” Froch and Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor participated in a press conference on Wednesday in London – Froch was joined by a host of U.K. journalists and television crews, while Taylor took part via satellite from his training camp in Miami, Fla.
In a highly anticipated world title fight on Saturday, April 25, Froch will look to make a major statement -- and enhance his reputation in America -- when he defends his World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight title against Taylor, a former undisputed middleweight titleholder, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Conn.
The event is being co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Hennessy Sports.
Froch (24-0, 19 KOs), of Nottingham, England, will be making the first defense of the vacant 168-pound crown he gained in his last outing with a unanimous 12-round decision over Jean Pascal on Dec. 6, 2008. He earned the title shot after registering a fourth-round TKO over Albert Rybacki on May 20, 2008, on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.
Taylor (28-2-1, 17 KOs), of Little Rock, Ark., has had a prolific pro career since winning a bronze medal for the United States in the 2000 Olympic Games. The six-foot-one-inch, 30-year-old Taylor is the only boxer to twice defeat future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins.
Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75 and $50, are on sale at
www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, your local Ticket Master and MGM Grand Box Office 866-646-0649.
Froch, Taylor, who both spoke confidently yet respectfully, their trainers Robert McCracken and Ozell Nelson, and Mick Hennessy, CEO of Hennessy Sports, discussed the upcoming match and fielded questions from the media.
Press conference highlights:
CARL FROCH
“I’m a fan of Jermain Taylor. He is a big name world-wide and a great fighter who knows his way around a ring. It is strange that now we are going to meet and he is fighting me.
“But I am looking forward to going to America and showing to SHOWTIME and the fans what this English guy can do. I feel I am a world star in the making and looking forward to showcasing my talents.
“Taylor says he is going to take me into deep waters, but I can swim. I like it when opponents come forward and say stuff like that…
“I’m sure he is prepared to fight and I expect to see a lot of movement, but I can adapt to any style. More than anything I box and move and love to counter-punch. I am looking for 12 rounds, in the trenches, going blow-to-blow. I hope he is a very good swimmer.
“Obviously, it is correct that American fans don’t know me. But I am a boxing superstar, which is why I am coming to fight on American soil on SHOWTIME.
“If British fighters want to become big stars, they definitely need to go to America. It took (Joe) Calzaghe 10-12 years to go there and make a name for himself.
“(But) For me, as a fighter, I need to do this (now). I am 31 and my best years are now. I could stay in England and fight mandatory defenses, but I want to prove to the boxing press and America that I mean business and that I am the real deal.
“I am the defending WBC champ. I’ve never had a hard fight, or struggled. I’m not sure if Taylor moved up because he can’t make the weight at 160. But I am fit and the stronger fighter. He is in for a surprise.
“I don’t want to sound bigheaded, but I can’t see Taylor going the distance with me. I’ve been training too hard. He was one of the best middleweights and junior middles, but he fought small men who wouldn't go two or three rounds with me.
“I don’t want to disrespect Taylor, but I can’t imagine him doing more than he showed against Jeff Lacy, a fight I turned off after seven rounds.
“By me going to America it shows I want the fight more than him. But we will settle everything in the ring. He was a great middleweight champion, but I am the WBC super middleweight champion and it is my belt on the line.
“I am not insulted by anything he might say. I will fight anybody to prove that Carl Froch is a marquee superstar.
“If I can emulate what Kelly Pavlik, a good fighter was who bigger than Taylor, did, I will be fine. I am going to try and get him out of there soon as soon as I can.’’
JERMAIN TAYLOR
“I’ve been waiting for this fight for a long time. I
was ready after I fought Lacy. But now that I have the opportunity, I am going to take advantage of it. I can’t wait for April 25 and I am really looking forward to doing my thing.
“I wasn’t dodging anybody. But I wasn’t going over there. Not that I couldn’t beat him in England–it didn’t matter where we fought–but nobody knew who Carl Froch was.
“To be honest, I didn’t know who Carl Froch was. I would tell people all the time here in the States that I was fighting Carl Froch and everybody was saying, ‘Who?’ It was kind of embarrassing.
“He needed to come here to make a name for himself, so people would know who he was. He can make a name for himself by beating me, or by getting beat up.
“Froch needs me as much as I need him. This is his way to prove that he’s the best.
“I was hungry for the Hopkins’ fights but I think I got too relaxed and too comfortable after them. I was confident against Pavlik but I did some unnecessary things that I should not have been doing. I didn’t do what I was supposed to do in the gym. In the second fight with Pavlik, I had him ready to go but I was too cautious.
“But you learn from mistakes and that makes you a better fighter. This is my way of getting back on track and showing everybody that the fights I lost, it wasn’t me in there.
“This fight means more than the Hopkins’ fights meant to me. I am going to get the belt. I (once) had all the belts. The WBC belt means as much to me as any of the others.
“Since the fight was made, I’ve watched tapes on Carl; he’s a good fighter but he showed me nothing that I can’t handle. Nothing he did impressed me. I think he gets hit too much.
“I was supposed to move up anyway a long time ago, but I just waited. After I lost to Pavlik, I decided to move up. I was always a big middleweight, but I can’t make 160 anymore.
“I wish Froch the best. I hope he makes for a good fight because I plan on winning the belt. He will be leaving the belt here with me. That would make me a two-time world champion.
“I am not nervous. I’ve been through this before and fought at this level for a while.
“There is nothing wrong with trying to make a name for yourself and I give Froch respect for going to another man’s country to do it. But, that's it.
“I predict a victory and already have decided on the place on my arm where I am going to have ‘Two-time Champion’ tattooed.”
ROBERT MCCRACKEN (Froch’s Trainer)
“Taylor is very good, but the differences are that Carl is a little fresher, has a better reach, a higher work rate and the edge in power.
“This is just the start. What we needed to do was get to America, fight a great fight and be victorious. There was no point in us staying here for three or four years. When it is all said and done, the big fights, the money are in America where legends are made.
“We’ll see whose intentions are right on April 25. How special is Carl? He’s always been thought to have the makings of great fighter. You could see that way back when he was an amateur, even when he wasn’t training 100 percent like he does know.
“Carl is a throwback fighter with the kind of power and strength that fighters aren’t used to. He’s awkward, but he learns and always listens. He is 100 percent professional and is not only totally comfortable fighting in America, but looking forward to the occasion. He’s not like other Europeans who have fought there. He makes all the sacrifices.
“Taylor is obviously a great fighter with a couple wins over Bernard Hopkins. But Carl is a special guy and this is his big opportunity.
“It will be a great fight, but there will only be one winner and it will be Carl Froch.’’
OZELL NELSON (Taylor’s Trainer)
“Carl Froch is a good fighter who is giving us this opportunity to get the belt and we are looking forward to getting it. Jermain is very dangerous and hungry and wants to make for a good fight on SHOWTIME, who we thank for putting the fight on. Bring it on.
“I know Carl has been saying a lot, but Jermain is a quiet guy who does his thing in the ring. Jermain is a lot bigger, faster and stronger. I see him giving Froch a real good whipping.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Froch. He is strong, has long arms and a good right uppercut. But I just don’t see him getting in a lot of punches and I don’t see him slipping any either. He’s too slow. He’ll be a sitting duck. Jermain will tear his head off with those jabs.