09 Boxing Thread:: 12/12 Diaz.vs.Malignaggi HBO/Bradley.vs.Peterson Showtime

[bigmike23]

paul is going to beat the hell out of winky, firing shots to break that guard down all night

 

[mextra45]

Im guessing this will be at Middle cause no way Winky makes 154 and I dont think either would look or perform right at 168 . I like Paul in this one on pointsWinky should have agamg of ring rust on him Paul has been active and fighting more aggressively and that and a higher work rate should work in his favor.

Hey FNF is back this week and we should get a good show with Gamboa and Solis on the card

 

[lesgodsonc0]

160, Gunna.

I would post the article, but boxingscene won't allow you to copy the text. SMH...

I'm still waiting for PacMan Vs Mayweather, you guys think it will ever happen?


It has to, for boxing's sake. And for the simple fact that there is way too much money in this fight for either to pass up. BUT...

Manny has to beat Hatton for it to happen. If he doesn't, it takes some shine off the idea of the two best fighters in the world going for the P4P crown.And I highly doubt anybody wants to see Mayweather/Hatton again...

 

[gunna get it]

FNF is back this week and we should get a good show with Gamboa and Solis on the card


yesssssirrrr.
I been itchin for it.

Good to see FNF back.


Monte Meza Clay is fighting soon in an eliminator too. I know there s a few Meza Clay fans on board.
I forgot when the fight is tho.

When does Contender on VS start ? or has it started already?

 

[bigmike23]

so u telling me i got to root for manny to beat ricky so floyd can comeback?

just stay retired floyd

 

[eagle 0n]

When does Contender on VS start ? or has it started already?


They're already a couple episodes deep into the season.

I've watched the first couple episodes but haven't been able to keep up.

...
Anybody peep the Ring-Online site?

I think its pretty good. I like the interface.

 

[bigmike23]

Every week, THE RING ranks the best fighters in the world, division by division. But since it's the start of the new year, we're going to try somethinga little bit different today and rank each division as a whole.

The obvious way to do this would be just to look at the quality of talent in each weight class and rank them based on that. But where's the fun in doingthings the obvious way? Instead, we're going to rate the divisions based on their potential for 2009. A major part of that is the talent, but equallyimportant is the intrigue level regarding possible matchups.

So here, counting down from number 17 to number one, are THE RING's division rankings heading into '09, based on expectations for what each weightclass is capable of providing over the next 12 months:

17. Featherweight: With the recent departures of Jorge Linares and Robert Guerrero, the 126-pounders have less to offer than any other weightclass. There are a grand total of two interesting fighters in THE RING rankings: Chris John, a talented practitioner who refuses to leave Indonesia, and StevenLuevano, a capable but hardly scintillating southpaw. Throw in negative bonus points for Oscar Larios holding an alphabet belt despite failing a brain scan inJuly '07, and you have a division wholly deserving of the cellar-dweller designation.

16. Heavyweight: The talent certainly isn't any better here than at featherweight - if anything, it's probably a smidge worse - buthey, they're the heavyweights. We'll always have a faint whiff of interest based on the division's history of importance. Still, the two bestheavyweights in the world are brothers who will never fight, meaning we won't have a recognized champion until one of them loses, and right now, therearen't many contenders out there capable of beating either one of them. In fact, the two most interesting up-and-comers, David Haye and Chris Arreola,might each face a Klitschko in '09, which means we'll be scratching both names from the "interesting" list when they get knocked out.

15. Flyweight: With Nonito Donaire about to try his hand(s) at junior bantam, this division has absolutely nothing to offer - at least outsideof Japan. In the Far East, Daisuke Naito vs. Koki Kameda might feel like Ali vs. Frazier. Anywhere else, it means about as much as a Week 17 showdown betweenthe Browns and Bengals to determine Ohio's best football team.

14. Junior Middleweight: The 154-pounders would be challenging the featherweights for the number-17 spot if not for one name: Paul Williams.The multidivision-ing stringbean adds instant intrigue to a weight class otherwise devoid of it. Who else has you excited near the top of these rankings?Vernon Forrest? Cory Spinks? Sergio Mora? The future looks decent, with James Kirkland and Alfredo Angulo looming, but that's an argument better saved forthe 2010 rankings.

13. Junior Flyweight: No disrespect meant to Ivan Calderon, but exceptional skills can only carry you so far when it comes to getting theboxing world buzzing. You've seen one "Iron Boy" fight, you've seen them all. That's why 32 bouts into a perfect pro career, no networkhas even the slightest interest in opening up their checkbooks for this guy. And that carries over to the rest of the division as well. Calderon vs. his trueNo. 1 contender, Ulises Solis, would be a meaningful fight. Beyond that, however, about the best thing this division can give us is replays ofCarbajal-Gonzalez I on ESPN Classic.

12. Strawweight: Boxing's itty-bittiest weight class isn't any better than its neighbor three pounds to the north, except for onething: Roman "Chocolate" Gonzalez is far and away the most appealing fighter this division has known since Ricardo Lopez. Here are the numbers youneed to know about the Nicaraguan: 22, 21, and 20. The first is his win total, in as many fights. The second is his age. The third is his kayo count. Throw intwo other undefeated beltholders (Raul Garcia and Oleydong Sithsamerchai) for him to potentially face in '09, and there's a little something to workwith at 105 pounds.

11. Cruiserweight: This division was underrated (especially by HBO) for several years, but now it's been called underrated enough times tonot be underrated anymore. It's just a decent, but still below-average division without much depth. A rematch between Tomasz Adamek and Steve Cunninghamwould be huge (at least by cruiserweight standards). Guillermo Jones is a tough veteran worthy of a crack at the winner. Otherwise, the division has fallen offfrom where it was from James Toney vs. Vassiliy Jirov through O'Neil Bell vs. Jean-Marc Mormeck. And it doesn't appear that the lackluster fourthseason of "The Contender" is going to produce any additional star power.

10. Junior Lightweight: The good news: Linares and Guerrero bring young blood up from 126 pounds. The bad news: Edwin Valero's headed upto lightweight and Rocky Juarez may land at feather. That leaves Humberto Soto as the only first-rate fighter with a noteworthy track record in this division.But between Linares, Guerrero, Urbano Antillon, Roman Martinez and maybe Yuriorkis Gamboa, there is plenty of hope for the future. The question is whether thatfuture will begin in '09 or take another year to materialize.

9. Middleweight: At first glance, this seems like a hot division: You have a popular, entertaining champ in Kelly Pavlik, and an equallyentertaining, similarly talented No. 1 contender in Arthur Abraham. A fight between America's best and Europe's best in this historically significantdivision would be one of the top five fights that could be made at any weight in '09. Two problems: First, the inside buzz is that the fight is highlyunlikely; and second, the rest of the division is ordinary at best. But based on the off-chance that Paul Williams will make 160 pounds his home and score afight with Pavlik, the middleweights land right in the middle of these rankings.

8. Bantamweight: If you're looking for big names, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a universally recognized champion, prepare tobe disappointed. But if you're looking for serious quality, from No. 1 down to No. 7, you've come to the right place. Throw the names Hozumi Hasegawa,Anselmo Moreno, Silence Mabuza, Joseph Agbeko, Gerry Penalosa, Wladimir Sidorenko, and Abner Mares into a hat, and let the fun begin.

7. Super Middleweight: With Joe Calzaghe gone, this division lacks a clear leader but suddenly boasts plenty of depth - and the talentisn't all based in Europe. Mikkel Kessler and Carl Froch are, but North America contributes Jermain Taylor, Lucian Bute, Librado Andrade, Allan Green, andAndre Dirrell, plus Anthony Mundine (Australia) and Sakio Bika (Cameroon) are quality vets. Mix and match those nine names any way you like to produce fightsworth watching in '09.

6. Light Heavyweight: The lower half of THE RING rankings aren't so inspiring - Roy Jones and Clinton Woods are still hanging on at Nos. 6and 7, after all - but the top half provides a solid collection of marquee names and gifted talents. There's a tremendous old guard, headed up by champ JoeCalzaghe, Bernard Hopkins, and Glen Johnson, and a single, sensational hope for the next generation in Chad Dawson. After Dawson takes care of a pointlessrematch with Antonio Tarver in March, his pursuit of something bigger will become one of the main focuses in the sport, and maybe he'll even fight for thevacant RING title if Calzaghe retires.

5. Junior Bantamweight: A few months ago, it was all about the potential superfight between Cristian Mijares and Fernando Montiel to crown achampion. Now it would take a slugfest between Montiel and Vic Darchinyan to establish supremacy. (Don't you love the stylistic versatility of Montiel?)Darchinyan's upset of Mijares shook things up, but this remains a stacked division. We're getting Darchinyan vs. Jorge Arce, and Montiel vs. NonitoDonaire in early-'09, and we'd love to see the winners clash for THE RING title. Throw in names like Mijares, Alexander Munoz, and Jose Navarro, andthere's simply nothing not to like.

4. Junior Welterweight: The 140-pounders land this high for one reason and one reason only: Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton. This fight isalmost certain to happen in May, and even though Pac-Man's speed may be too much for The Hitman, this is an easy fight to hype and almost assuredly will bean exciting fight in the ring. It's not as big in the States as Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather (more on that later), but if you include pay-per-view buys inBritain, it probably would be the top money fight of '09. The rest of the division is nothing special, but the best are all willing to fight each other-asevidenced by the planned Timothy Bradley-Kendall Holt clash, which will produce a clear No. 1 contender for the Hatton-Pacquiao winner.

3. Lightweight: Go ahead and take Pacquiao out of the equation, since he'll probably keep frying bigger fish at 140 and 147 pounds. Thisdivision is still stacked. The champ is Juan Manuel Marquez, ranked second pound-for-pound by THE RING, and he's taking on Juan Diaz in a can't-missaction fight in February. Nate Campbell is a threat to anyone. Edwin Valero is coming. Joan Guzman, despite his disaster on the scales last year, is still atremendous talent. And Joel Casamayor, if he is indeed hitting the gatekeeper stage, is as good a gatekeeper as you'll find.

2. Junior Featherweight: There was a temptation to go with the upset special and make this division number one, but as you'll see when weget to the weight class at No. 1, it would have been unacceptable to do the unexpected just for the sake of doing the unexpected. Still, what a tantalizingweight class this is. No other division has a top four that comes close to Israel Vazquez, Rafael Marquez, Celestino Caballero, and Juan Manuel Lopez. Wealready have a true champ here (Vazquez), but the dream for '09 is a four-fighter tournament. Every possible matchup would be impossible to pick. IfVazquez-Marquez IV isn't going to happen, it's time for those two to mix with the next two top contenders and help this top-heavy division live up toits enormous potential.

1. Welterweight: Where do we begin? Maybe with the fact that the pound-for-pound best in the world, Pacquiao, last fought here, while theprevious P-4-P king, Mayweather, is rumored to be getting the itch that we all knew was going to need scratching before long. Or, extending the pound-for-poundangle, how about the fact that Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, and sometimes-welterweight Paul Williams are all in the P-4-P top 15?Margarito's fighting Mosley in January in a solid matchup, and he's likely to fight Cotto again a few months later and fill the RING vacancy.Meanwhile, nobody wants anything to do with Josh Clottey, Andre Berto would be a future champ in most divisions but might never be good enough to crack the topfive in this one and Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, and Luis Collazo provide an outstanding veteran backbone. Heading into '09, all eyes are on thewelterweight division. Yes, folks, there is life for boxing after Oscar De La Hoya, and ironically there's the most life in the weight class that he lastcalled home.

 

[bigmike23]

Here's a fun little fact about the pay-per-view business: No boxing match without either Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson or Evander Holyfield has ever broken the million-buy barrier domestically.

While the notion can't be entirely dismissed that De La Hoya will continue to fight and will somehow find a way to hit the million mark again, odds are that if boxing is going to produce another fight that sees seven digits, it's going to do so without any of the top three PPV attractions of all-time involved.

So how do you make a fight that matters to the mainstream-which is what you have to do in order to sniff a million buys-without any of the superstars who have carried boxing in the pay-per-view era?

You hope that the quality of a fight, and not just the name recognition of a fighter, can sell to the general public. And then you go out and make the best fight possible.

As we enter 2009, that fight is Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. And it has something going for it that quite a few other million-buy boxing events didn't: It's a matchup that requires absolutely no defending.

De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao, the biggest seller of 2008, had to be defended against criticism that it was a size mismatch (which was proven untrue).

De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, the biggest seller ever, had to be defended against criticism that it was more business transaction than actual fight and a hyped-up probable bore (which was proven mostly true).

The first Tyson-Holyfield fight had to be defended against criticism that Holyfield was washed up and had no chance (which was proven untrue).

Lennox Lewis vs. Tyson had to be defended against criticism that Tyson was washed-up and had no chance (which was proven mostly true).

Mayweather-Pacquiao simply can not be criticized. Both fighters are in their primes. If we consider the temporarily retired Mayweather an active fighter and rank him pound-for-pound, this fight gives us, in whichever order you prefer, the No. 1 and No. 2 fighters on the planet. Nobody can call the fight a mismatch; rather, it will engender wild, passionate, intelligent and equally divided debate over who will have the edge in the ring.

But before we get too far ahead of ourselves and start planning out who's bringing beer and snacks to whose house for the PPV party, there are two important obstacles to overcome.

First, there's the little matter of Mayweather needing to un-retire.

David Mayo, the boxing scribe for Mayweather's hometown Grand Rapids Press, broke the news shortly after Pacquiao beat De La Hoya that Mayweather had begun talking seriously to his adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, about a return in '09.

"I think it's 90 percent that Mayweather fights in 2009," Mayo told THE RING last week. "I think when he announced his retirement for the first time after the [Carlos] Baldomir fight in 2006, in his mind, he meant it. But then the Oscar thing came so quickly that he couldn't say no because it was such a big deal, and then the [Ricky] Hatton thing so quickly after that, and again he couldn't say no. But he and I talked for a while in March of '07, before the De La Hoya fight, and even then, he wanted to get away. He wanted a long break, a long vacation. I think in his way of thinking, retirement was the only way to get us off his back. It was his way of taking a vacation. It bought him that time."

Thirteen months have passed since his last fight, and "Money" is ready to come back from his vacation, presumably in the fall, as long as the right fight is out there. And that brings us to obstacle number two. Pacquiao is undoubtedly the perfect opponent, but the Filipino is closing in on a deal to face Hatton on May 2, and a Hatton win over the reigning pound-for-pound king changes the equation.

To some observers, the likelihood of the British "Hitman" winning is remote; they see Pacquiao's blinding speed handcuffing Hatton the same way it did De La Hoya.

But others see Hatton as the favorite. A few weeks ago, former welterweight champ Carlos Palomino told THE RING's Michael Rosenthal, "At 140 pounds, I think Hatton is too strong for Manny. He'd put way too much pressure on Manny." And three-time Pacquiao foe Erik Morales told Mexican newspaper Esto, "Hatton has a good punch and he's fast. I can bet you that he wins."

If Hatton does win, Mayweather's attention could shift to him, but we've already seen that, we know how it ends, and while it would sell well in Britain (their December '07 meeting netted 1.4-million PPVs in Hatton's homeland), American fans would be lukewarm on the idea. Their first fight generated 875,000 buys domestically. A rematch might not hit 500,000.

The true fight fans' fight, the one that can realistically sell a million PPVs in the U.S., maybe even 1.25-million like Pacquiao-De La Hoya did, is Mayweather vs. Pacquiao for the undisputed pound-for-pound crown.

Can you do those kinds of numbers without De La Hoya? It depends how much of De La Hoya's glow was absorbed by the last two men to beat him. Just by fighting De La Hoya, by sharing a "24/7" buildup with him, by having their faces on billboards next to his, Mayweather and Pacquiao went from names only fight fans knew to names recognizable to the "SportsCenter" crowd.

And, again, they didn't merely fight De La Hoya. They both beat De La Hoya. A win over De La Hoya can potentially be the springboard to the "A"-list, and pairing two fighters on the verge of that status may prove to be a winning formula. At the least, it's the best formula there is in the post-Oscar-Tyson-Holyfield era that we're entering.

"I absolutely think that Mayweather-Pacquiao is the biggest United States domestic pay-per-view seller in boxing today, without question," Mayo opined. "Mayweather-Pacquiao is a fight fan's fight. It's not a glitterati fight. There'd be great appeal and I think the fight would do well. It's the best fight that could be made in boxing today.

"But as for whether it's a big record-breaker, I don't necessarily see that."

In other words, even though it's a more appealing fight all-around than Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya, Pacquiao vs. Mayweather would be hard-pressed, especially in the current economy, to reach the 1.25-million buys that 2008's top-selling fight garnered. The challenge of selling a non-heavyweight fight to the masses without De La Hoya is a stern one.

Unless the masses deserve more credit than we're giving them.

This is boxing's equivalent to Kobe vs. LeBron one-on-one. It tells us who is the very best in the world.

And maybe a fight like that, where every ounce of hype is accompanied by a pound of substance, could be just the kind of event that the mainstream has actually been waiting for.

RASKIN'S RANTS

• I officially have a fighter I'm rooting for now on the fourth season of "The Contender." Alfredo Escalera Jr., if you can reference "Coming To America" while you trash-talk, you have my support.

• I don't know the details behind why the Puerto Rico Boxing Commission suspended Hector Camacho Jr. I don't know if it was justified or not. And I don't care. Any move that keeps Camacho out of the ring is a move I support.

• What does the fact that Antonio Margarito-Miguel Cotto beat out Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez III for Fight of the Year in the fan polls on both THE RING's Web site and ESPN.com tell you? That there are a whole lot of households out there with HBO but not Showtime

.Whether they admit it or not, Roy Jones Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya are done as world-class fighters and attractions even if they decide to continue fighting. Shane Mosley might be a loss or two away from joining them.

Boxing's old guard is gradually, but surely, fading out. The fighters who dominated headlines early and in the middle of this decade -- Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Fernando Vargas, Marco Antonio Barrera, Naseem Hamed and Erik Morales -- are gone from the scene.

Even a few of the sport's current elite are in the twilight of their careers.

The fighters ranked Nos. 2, 3 and 4 in THE RING's
pound-for-pound Top 10 ratings are 35, 36 and 43 years old, respectively.

Juan Manuel Marquez, Joe Calzaghe and the seemingly ageless Bernard Hopkins appear to be on top of their games, but they can't go on forever.

Which begs the question: Aside from pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, who will make up the next generation of boxing attractions?

Are there any stars on the horizon? If so, who is ready to step into the spotlight this year?

The following fighters are among the strongest candidates. They are young, talented, skilled and hungry. They are also proven quantities whose mettle has been tested in the ring. Many have won titles, but all have earned recognition as real contenders by THE RING.

Here are nine who will shine in '09:

CHAD DAWSON

Stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 2 light heavyweight contender is an undefeated (27-0, 17 knockouts) two-time titlist who has defeated former champs Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver and owns a victory over current RING cruiserweight champ Tomasz Adamek. And he's only 26.

What makes him special?

Where to begin? Dawson is a skilled, but aggressive boxer with the versatility to press the action or stick and move with equal effectiveness. He has a fluid jab, stiff straight left, hard right hook, and he's a very good body puncher. The 6-foot-3 southpaw possesses improving technique that focuses his superb athletic ability. However, what really sets him apart from other up-and-comers is his dedication to the sport and his willingness to challenge himself.

What's next?

A pointless but contractually mandated rematch with Tarver that will be televised on HBO (in the U.S.) on March 14.

What can we hope for?

A showdown with light heavyweight champ Joe Calzaghe. Getting the future hall of famer from Wales into the ring seems unlikely but Dawson's promoter Gary Shaw believes it's possible. Another option could be an intriguing matchup with Danish super middleweight standout Mikkel Kessler. Dawson says he's willing to dust off his passport and fight either man in Europe.


PAUL WILLIAMS

Stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 2 junior middleweight contender is a two-time welterweight titleholder who owns impressive victories over 147-pound titlist Antonio Margarito, former 154-pound titlist Verno Phillips and welterweight contender Carlos Quintana, who upset Williams by decision last February. The 27-year-old southpaw pushed for an immediate rematch, blasted Quintana in one round and has since campaigned in three weight classes (147, 154 and 160 pounds) upping his record to 36-1 (27 KOs).

What makes him special?

Aside from a giant frame (he's 6-foot-3 with an 82-inch reach) and the uncanny ability to make 147 pounds but also fight effectively at junior middleweight and middleweight, the swarming Southerner possesses a warrior's heart, improving skills and a non-stop, high-volume attack that is the result of a tortuous conditioning routine.

What's next?

Williams' promoter, Dan Goossen, is weighing options for his first fight of '09, which will likely take place in late March or April. Among the notable boxers who have expressed interest in facing the often-avoided fighter are former junior middleweight champ Winky Wright, current 154-pound titleholder Sergei Dzinziruk and former beltholder Sergio Mora. A southpaw showdown with Wright would likely land in the middleweight division, a title bout with Dzindziruk would take place at junior middleweight, while an interesting matchup with Mora would probably be at a catchweight between the two divisions (156 or 157 pounds). Goossen says he wants Williams to take on the most recognizable and respected opponent, which means he's leaning towards Wright.

What can we hope for?

A highly anticipated rematch with Margarito (at 147 or 154 pounds) and/or a challenge to middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik.


JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ

Stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 3 junior featherweight contender holds a title he won by blasting Daniel Ponce DeLeon in a shocking display of precision power punching last June. The 25-year-old Puerto Rican's decorated amateur background (he was a five-time national champ and 2004 Olympian) enabled him to progress quickly as a pro and literally jump from prospect to contender status with his quick KO of DeLeon. The undefeated (24-0, 22 KOs) southpaw boxer-puncher defended his title twice in '08 with ridiculously easy first-round stoppages of normally durable opponents (Cesar Figueroa and Sergio Medina).

What makes him special?

Obvious power that is backed by excellent technique and poise that belies his age. But what stands out as much as Lopez's electrifying knockouts is his affable and out-going personality. He has a passion for the sport and his fans that is contagious. Lopez is also a student of the game who works hard at correcting his technical shortcomings and improving on his performances every time he's in the gym.

What's next?

Another title defense tentatively scheduled for March, according Bruce Trampler, matchmaker for Lopez's promotional company Top Rank. "It's too early to know who the opponent will be, but off the Medina fight, it's important to us and to Lopez to find someone who is tough and can take him rounds," Trampler said.

What can we hope for?

High-profile challenges to RING champ Israel Vazquez or RING No. 1 contender Rafael Marquez. Should fights with those pound-for-pound players fail to come off, intriguing showdowns with fellow titleholder Celestino Caballero or former bantamweight beltholder Jhonny Gonzalez will more than suffice.


EDWIN VALERO

Stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 1 junior lightweight contender stopped each of his first 18 pro opponents by knockout(equaling a world record at the time) before being taken into the second round in his 19th fight. In his 20th bout, he went to war with dangerous titleholder Vicente Mosquera (ranked No. 4 by THE RING at the time), stopping the Panamanian in the 10th round to claim a 130-pound belt. The 27-year-old Venezuelan southpaw defended the title four times, all by knockout, advancing his amazing record to 24-0 (24 KOs).

What makes him special?

Raw bone-crunching power and a predator's mentality to go with it.

What's next?

Valero, who recently abdicated his 130-pound title to campaign at lightweight, is scheduled to fight Antonio Pitalua for the WBC's vacant 135-pound title sometime in the first quarter of the year. Valero has been promoted by the Japan-based Teiken Boxing Promotions since 2006, but he's weighing offers from U.S.-based promoters. Which one Valero signs with (DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank are rumored to have made offers) will determine where he goes after the Pitalua fight and whether the wayward slugger, who has been banned from fighting in the U.S. because he failed an MRI, appears on American TV.

What can we hope for?

Exposure on U.S. television and matches against the best lightweights and junior welterweights in the world.


ANDRE BERTO

Stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 10 welterweight contender holds victories over tough grinders Cosme Rivera and David Estrada. The 25-year-old former amateur standout, who represented his father's native Haiti in the 2004 Olympics, won a vacant title in his 22nd pro bout and defended the belt with an impressive decision over experienced, but undersized Steve Forbes, upping his record to 23-0 (19 KOs).

What makes him special?

Squat build (he's only 5-foot-8, if that) and strong core contributes to his explosive speed and power. His combination of killer instinct, underrated heart and questionable chin make him fun to watch.

What's next?

His second title defense against crafty, but light-punching former beltholder Luis Collazo in the main event of an HBO-televised card from Biloxi, Miss.

What can we hope for?

Further tests against proven punchers in the division, such as Miguel Cotto and Kermit Cintron.


TIMOTHY BRADLEY

Stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 1 junior welterweight contender shocked the boxing world by jumping from the Southern California club circuit to upset titleholder Junior Witter on the English vet's home turf last year. The undefeated (23-0, 11 KOs) Palm Springs resident defended the title against game, but limited fringe contender Edner Cherry by a one-sided decision.

What makes him special?

A fairly extensive amateur background adds to his above-average technique, but what sets him apart from his peers is his total dedication to training and conditioning. Unflappable confidence and the ability to relax in the ring enable him to overcome or even overwhelm better-skilled and more-experienced fighters.

What's next?

A partial title unification bout against talented fellow beltholder Kendall Holt in an April 4 main event, wich will be televised (in the U.S.) on Showtime.

What can we hope for?

A showdown with whomever holds THE RING junior welterweight title after the May 2 Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao fight, should Bradley defeat Holt and if Floyd Mayweather decides not to come out of retirement.


ABNER MARES

Stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 7 bantamweight contender has impressive knockouts over former flyweight titleholder Isidro "Chino" Garcia and bantamweight fringe contender Diosdado Gabi on his way to extending his record to 17-0 (10 KOs). The 23-year-old Southern Californian was an accomplished amateur who represented Mexico at the 2004 Olympics.

What makes him special?

An aggressive, but polished style seldom seen from young fighters with fewer than 20 pro fights. Mares possesses a sharp jab, strong right hand, powerful hook and the ability to box and counter-punch from a distance or pressure fight behind a brutal body attack.

What's next?

Either a title-elimination bout with dangerous former flyweight beltholder Eric Morel or a direct shot at WBO bantamweight titlist Gerry Penalosa in the first quarter of the year.

What can we hope for?

Any fight that leads to an eventual 122-pound showdown with amateur rival Juan Manuel Lopez.


JORGE LINARES

vital stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 10 junior lightweight contender is already a two-division titlist (at featherweight and 130 pounds) at age 23. The Japan-based Venezuelan holds impressive knockout victories over former titleholder Oscar Larios and tough fringe contender Gamaliel Diaz.

What makes him special?

Linares is a fluid and near-flawless technician who blends beautiful lateral movement and defensive prowess with brutal counter punching. His exemplary skills and broad-shouldered frame suggest the ability to continue to climb weight classes.

What's next?

A low-profile defense of his 130-pound belt, probably in Japan, where his promotional company, Teiken, is based.

What can we hope for?

A high-profile title defense against a worthy 130 pounder like Urbano Antillon or former featherweight titlist Robert Guerrero that is televised on a U.S. network.


NONITO DONAIRE

Stats/accomplishments

THE RING's No. 1 flyweight contender holds a 112-pound title he won by cold-cocking heavy favorite Vic Darchinyan in the fifth round of a bout that was a candidate for both upset and KO of the year for 2007. The 26-year-old former national amateur champ looked impressive defending his title against Luis Maldonado and Moruti Mthalane, upping his record to 20-1 (13 KOs).

What makes him special?

Donaire's the total package. His extensive amateur background contributes to a solid foundation that includes good balance and footwork, which compliments his flashy speed and power. Being a Central California-based Filipino, he has the ability to tap into a rapidly growing Filipino fan base. And at 5-foot-6, he is very tall for a flyweight and could easily compete in heavier weight classes.

What's next?

A fascinating challenge to ultra-talented junior bantamweight titlist Fernando Montiel in the Philippines on March 15.

What can we hope for?

Should he beat Montiel, currently THE RING's No. 2 junior bantamweight contender, a rematch showdown with Darchinyan that will determine undisputed supremacy at 115 pounds.

Doug Fischer can be reached at dougiefischer@yahoo.com

 

[proshares]

Reading the last two posts has me !*@+%#+ amped for 09.

And I pray to God that we get Tonio/Punisher at the end of 09, settle this +!+! once and for all

 

[kicks off]

Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton Agree on Las Vegas - May 2

01-05-2009.
By Mark Vester: BoxingScene.com

After a few short weeks of back and forth negotiations, both Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton have agreed to stage their May 2 bout in Las Vegas. Hatton'sside was attempting to have the fight take place in England. Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions, who represent Hatton, has advised the Los AngelesTimes that both fighters are now on the same page.

Schaefer and Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, will hold meetings this week in Las Vegas with Planet Hollywood executive Robert Earl and MGM/Mirage sportschief Richard Sturm - to reach a decision if the fight should be held at the Thomas and Mack Center or the MGM Grand Garden. Both fighters have agreed to theterms and Schaefer expects the deal to be signed soon.

"Ricky's preference was the U.K., but he's realized that was not the best place for this fight, just like the Philippines [Pacquiao's homecountry] wasn't," Schaefer said to The Times. "This is right in the middle. Being at 147 was clearly not Hatton's best weight; Ricky'sunbeaten at 140."

 

[mfr3shm]

Jorge Solis vs Monty Meza Clay

World-rated featherweights Jorge Solis and Monty Meza-Clay will square off January 31, 2009 in Guadalajara, Mexico, in an IBF eliminator. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for reigning IBF 126 lbs. world champion Christobal Cruz.

Hometowner Solis, 29, from Guadalajara, is coming off a TKO 4 victory over Jorge Samudio this past September in Mexico City. His only loss in 39 fights (36-1-2, 26 KOs) came to current PFP king Manny Pacquiao in 2007. Solis is currently rated # 4 by the IBF and #12 by the WBA at 126 pounds.

The 27-year-old Meza-Clay, from Rankin, Pennsylvania, is rated # 2 WBO, # 5 IBF and # 11 WBA. Meza-Clay (28-1, 19 KOs) has not fought since May 30 - a first round knockout over Fernando Omar Lizarraga. Solis also defeated Lizarraga (TKO5), in January 2007.


Monty Meza Clay

small boxer but very exciting towatch.

Paul Williams vs Winky Wright Agreement Reached for April

BoxingScene.com has been advised by a source close to Winky Wright (51-4, 25KOs) - that an agreement has been reached for a fight with WBO interim-junior middleweight champion Paul "The Punisher" Williams (36-1, 27KOs).

Last I heard, the fight date appears be April 18 on HBO. The date of April 11 has also been mentioned. The fight will take place at the middleweight limit of 160. The most interesting piece of information is Wright agreeing to a 50-50 split with Williams. Wright holds the reputation of being one of most difficult fighters in the sport when it comes to negotiating a split of the money. Wright's stubborn behavior when it came to his monetary demands is one the main attributing factors to his inactivity.

Reports vary, but I've heard that HBO put up $2.75 million for the fight [another source told me $3 million]. Wright taking a 50-50 split may be a sign that he's hungry to get back in the ring. It's a very dangerous fight for both. A lot more danger involved for Williams, who didn't have to take the fight. People point to Wright's age and inactivity. Those same people pointed to Hopkins' age and inactivity when he agreed to fight Kelly Pavlik last October.

Wright has only lost once in ten years and that was to Hopkins. To make that fight, Wright had to move up by almost two weight divisions. Wright, like Pavlik, appeared to be sluggish at the weight. Remember that he also did better against Hopkins than a much younger Pavlik. No fighter has really dominated Wright or had him in any kind of serious trouble during the last ten years. During those same ten years, Wright has beaten Shane Mosley twice, Felix Trinidad, Ike Quartey, Sam Soliman and a host of other contenders. If you ask around, most had Wright as the winner in his 2006 draw with Jermain Taylor. A lot of people also saw him as the winner of his majority decision loss to Fernando Vargas in 1999.

Williams has been jumping around from welterweight to middleweight and most recently to junior middleweight. Williams is no stranger to middleweight. A few of his early fights took place at middleweight and he returned to the division last September to knock Andy Kolle out in one round. Wright will be a tougher challenge, based on his style, than Antonio Margarito. Williams is one of the most active fighters in the sport. He could throw 100 punches per round with ease. He needs to use that activity to place constant pressure on Wright. The weight could be an issue, but not for Williams. Wright is reportedly walking around heavy. He always walks around heavy but I've heard stories of 200 or more pounds.


The fight is not yet finalized but will likely get done. I want Winky to win but unlikely that he does i'm just glad that he will returnafter a long lay off.

 

[stringer bell 32]

I think Winky is going to take this


Manny vs Ricky should be a nice tune up for Floyd at the end of 2009.


PBF vs Manny in Decemeber 2009, that'll be huge

 

[bigmike23]

i dont see how winky even comes close to winning the fight but thats just me

 

[stringer bell 32]

I can see Paul eating that jab for most of the fight

 

[eagle 0n]

If Berto loses to this Bobbito look-a-like...

Actually, I haven't seen Collazo fight much..so idk who wins.

 

[proshares]

Originally Posted by Bigmike23

i dont see how winky even comes close to winning the fight but thats just me

Same here...I see Paul just throwing around or between Winky's defense and I don't like Paul.

 

[bigmike23]

• Promoter Dan Goossen and Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer are close to finalizing a deal for Paul Williams to face Winky Wright at middleweight, both sides told ESPN.com. The fight would take place April 11 or 18 on HBO. Williams, an ex-welterweight titleholder who claimed an interim junior middleweight title via a dominant eighth-round TKO of Verno Phillips in November, says he can shuttle between welterweight and middleweight. The bout with Wright would be his second at middleweight in his past three fights. Wright has been idle since losing a decision to Bernard Hopkins in July 2007. A December tune-up fight was canceled because Wright suffered a hand injury. Before Williams emerged as Wright's likely opponent, Schaefer said he had talks with representatives for middleweight titlist Arthur Abraham. Wright was willing to go to Germany for the bout, Schaefer said, but the deal didn't pan out

Golden Boy and HBO are working on a March 7 "Boxing After Dark" card featuring junior welterweight Victor Ortiz, the 2008 ESPN.com Prospect of the Year, in one fight, Schaefer told ESPN.com. Another bout on the card will feature either junior middleweight James Kirkland or junior lightweight Robert Guerrero. Kirkland could wind up on the Feb. 28 Juan Manuel Marquez-Juan Diaz undercard in Houston instead; Kirkland is from Austin, Texas. "What I would love to do is a tripleheader with Ortiz, Kirkland and Guerrero," Schaefer said. "Three different weight classes and three of the most exciting young fighters we have. I would love to have all three on the same card." Schaefer said he wants to talk to British promoter Frank Warren about matching junior lightweight titlist Nicky Cook with Guerrero, a former featherweight titleholder who is moving up in weight and recently signed with Golden Boy
.

• Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com he has finalized plans for Miguel Cotto's Feb. 21 (Top Rank PPV) comeback fight to be at New York's Madison Square Garden instead of at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., which had been in the running. Cotto, coming off last summer's 11th-round TKO loss to Antonio Margarito, faces Michael Jennings for the welterweight belt vacated by Paul Williams.

• Arum also laid out his plans for the rest of the Feb. 21 split-site doubleheader. The telecast will open in New York with heralded 2008 Russian Olympic middleweight Matvey Korobov (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-rounder. "Then we're looking to do an Anthony Peterson fight, maybe against [former lightweight titlist] Julio Diaz," Arum said. "If Diaz doesn't take the fight, we'll do Peterson against another good opponent." Also on the New York portion of the card, Arum might try to do welterweight titleholder [and New Yorker] Joshua Clottey's mandatory defense against ex-titleholder Kermit Cintron. That bout would be followed by Cotto-Jennings. Then, Arum said, the telecast "will magically shift" to Youngstown, Ohio, for the main event of the telecast, middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik's mandatory against Marco Antonio Rubio. "We'll have five fights on the broadcast and not a lot of talking," Arum said. Pavlik opens training camp in Youngstown this week, manager Cameron Dunkin said

Super middleweight prospect Andre Ward, the only U.S. gold medalist at the 2004 Olympics, is looking to step up in competition in 2009 and promoter Dan Goossen has talked to Margules about Ward facing slugger Edison Miranda in the first quarter, Margules said. Ward has other options, however. Others on the short list include "Contender" third-season winner Sakio Bika, former title challenger Fulgencio Zuniga and Allan Green. There had been talks about a Ward-Green bout early last year, but Green had a previous commitment for a fight

• Super middleweight Jermain Taylor, the former undisputed middleweight champ, and promoter Lou DiBella are exploring their options in the wake of Taylor's lopsided points win against ex-titleholder Jeff Lacy in a title eliminator in November. The victory secured Taylor a mandatory shot at new titleholder Carl Froch, but HBO is not interested in the bout. DiBella said he might take the fight to Showtime if HBO rejects it outright because Taylor's contract with HBO is over. DiBella also told ESPN.com that he has received a number of calls from Roy Jones, who is interested in facing Taylor. In addition, DiBella has had conversations with Margules about a possible match with former light heavyweight champ Glen Johnson
.

 

[eagle 0n]

 

[sohi 23]

Andre Berto

 

[jagshemash]

Originally Posted by LESGodSonC0


160, Gunna.

I would post the article, but boxingscene won't allow you to copy the text. SMH...

For future reference you can click "printable version" and copy from that page.

 

[yungmatt]

@ Winky being an "easy" fight for Paul. I dont see it that way at all.

Only thing im concerned about is ring rust

 

[DownByLaw]

Originally Posted by Dam itz Lou

God I miss boxing. Cant wait for Margarito vs. Mosley. Im surprised it isnt on PPV.

Same here.

 

[stringer bell 32]

Whats up with our slackin OP???

FNF returns this week and we got no title change

 

[worldbeefreeg]

WInky ain't fight in what now, two years???

But if y'all think Winky going to get his +*$ beat, that ain't happening. He's too good defensivly. I just expect a easy win for Paul but a prettyboring fight.

 

[proshares]

Stringer Bell 32 wrote:

---

Whats up with our slackin OP???

FNF returns this week and we got no title change

Word...I stole his sig and replaced the boxers

String you think you could do me a favor and put Shane up in your avy on the 23rd?