http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 28th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
In 2008, Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez solidified his place among boxing's elite and became Mexico's number one fighter by knocking out Joel Casamayor and winning a championship in a third weight class. As 2009 opens, Marquez will not be resting on his laurels, as he accepted the challenge to face former three-time lightweight champion Juan "The Baby Bull" Diaz on Saturday, February 28th in what promises to be an early Fight of The Year candidate..
"This fight between Marquez and Diaz will shake the lightweight division to its core and truly determine the best 135-pounder in the world," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "As a fan, I can't wait to see this fight."
Marquez vs. Diaz, a 12 round bout for the Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and will be televised live on HBO's World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.
Mexico's premier fighter and a future Hall of Famer, Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez (49-4-1, 36 KO's) has signified excellence for over 15 years and in three weight classes. A world champion at featherweight and junior lightweight, the 35-year-old Mexico City native made an immediate impact at 135 pounds when he won the Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship by becoming the first man to stop Cuban great Joel Casamayor on September 13, 2008.
"Juan Diaz is a talented young fighter with a bright future," said Marquez. "But this is still my time and I am not about to let Diaz take my belt away from me."
Just nine years old when Marquez made his pro debut, 25-year old Juan Diaz (34-1, 17 KO's) has roared through the pro ranks during his eight-year career and built a stellar reputation as one of the fight game's most exciting young stars. The Former Three-Time World Lightweight Champion defended his crown seven times, beating the likes of fellow World Champions Acelino Freitas and Julio Diaz along the way. In his last bout in September of 2008, "The Baby Bull" thrilled his hometown fans at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas with a dominant 12 round decision win over Australian warrior Michael Katsidis.
"Juan Manuel is one of the greats in the game and it's an honor to fight him, but I will be victorious on February 28th," said Diaz.
Glen Johnson - Daniel Judah, free livestream and VIDEO!
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Friday, Feb. 27th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
Light heavyweight standouts Glen Johnson and Daniel Judah have unfinished business with each other after their disputed draw in 2003. On Friday, February 27th, they finally get their chance to get it on again at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, and tickets are now on sale for what promises to be an explosive rematch..
Priced at $152, $102, $52, and $22, tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or TicketMaster.com for Johnson vs Judah II, a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing.
Also in action in separate bouts on February 27th will be junior welterweight prospect Jesus Pabon and unbeaten 2008 US Olympic team alternate Danny O’Connor, as well as a full slate of hard-hitting undercard bouts.
One of the fight game’s true heroes, Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson (48-12-2, 33 KOs) is a former light heavyweight world champion and Fighter of The Year who, at 40, remains the most feared man in the sport today. Winner of four of his last five bouts by knockout, with the only loss coming via a highly controversial decision to Chad Dawson last April, Johnson is on a quest to right the wrongs inflicted on him during his career, starting with his rematch with Judah.
A member of the famous fighting Judah family, 31 year old Daniel Judah (23-3-3, 10 KOs) is a slick southpaw with speed and savvy in the ring who is looking to get a long overdue world title shot in 2009. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Judah has been in the ring with the likes of Eric Harding, Julian Letterlough, Darnell Wilson, and Yusaf Mack over the course of his 10-year pro career, and fresh off an impressive 12 round win over Jaffa Ballogou last December, he’s peaking at the right time for his return bout with Johnson.
San Juan, Puerto Rico native Jesus Pabon (13-1, 8 KOs) has done his island proud with his two-fisted attack and determination to win. Coming off a 2008 that saw him go 3-0 (including a decision win over 11-1 Bulmaro Solis in August), the 28-year old southpaw is ready for a step up to the big time in 2009.
23-year old southpaw Danny O’Connor ended a stellar 95-8 amateur career with an alternate spot on the 2008 US Olympic team, and he has carried that success into the pro game, where he is 2-0 (1 KO) since turning pro last September. On February 27th, he looks to keep the momentum going.
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
Light heavyweight standouts Glen Johnson and Daniel Judah have unfinished business with each other after their disputed draw in 2003. On Friday, February 27th, they finally get their chance to get it on again at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, and tickets are now on sale for what promises to be an explosive rematch..
Priced at $152, $102, $52, and $22, tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or TicketMaster.com for Johnson vs Judah II, a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing.
Also in action in separate bouts on February 27th will be junior welterweight prospect Jesus Pabon and unbeaten 2008 US Olympic team alternate Danny O’Connor, as well as a full slate of hard-hitting undercard bouts.
One of the fight game’s true heroes, Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson (48-12-2, 33 KOs) is a former light heavyweight world champion and Fighter of The Year who, at 40, remains the most feared man in the sport today. Winner of four of his last five bouts by knockout, with the only loss coming via a highly controversial decision to Chad Dawson last April, Johnson is on a quest to right the wrongs inflicted on him during his career, starting with his rematch with Judah.
A member of the famous fighting Judah family, 31 year old Daniel Judah (23-3-3, 10 KOs) is a slick southpaw with speed and savvy in the ring who is looking to get a long overdue world title shot in 2009. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Judah has been in the ring with the likes of Eric Harding, Julian Letterlough, Darnell Wilson, and Yusaf Mack over the course of his 10-year pro career, and fresh off an impressive 12 round win over Jaffa Ballogou last December, he’s peaking at the right time for his return bout with Johnson.
San Juan, Puerto Rico native Jesus Pabon (13-1, 8 KOs) has done his island proud with his two-fisted attack and determination to win. Coming off a 2008 that saw him go 3-0 (including a decision win over 11-1 Bulmaro Solis in August), the 28-year old southpaw is ready for a step up to the big time in 2009.
23-year old southpaw Danny O’Connor ended a stellar 95-8 amateur career with an alternate spot on the 2008 US Olympic team, and he has carried that success into the pro game, where he is 2-0 (1 KO) since turning pro last September. On February 27th, he looks to keep the momentum going.
Tomasz Adamek - Jonathon Banks, free livestream and VIDEO!
http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Friday, Feb. 27th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
Poland's 32-year-old Tomasz Adamek only won the IBF cruiserweight title he now holds back in December of last year; yet he is set to make his first defence on Feb. 27th - a mere two-and-a-half months on. Making this move even more surprising, is the fact that in winning his prize, against Steve "USS" Cunningham, Adamek was hurt plenty throughout the 12-rounder (both men were) and really had to dig deep so as to win. If ever a newly crowned champion had a right to take a few months off before stepping back into the ring, it is the Pole.
Instead, however, "Goral" goes in with the unbeaten Kronk fighter Jonathon Banks, in Newark, New Jersey, late next month. Will Adamek's desire to rumble again so quickly after the Cunningham war prove to go against him?
Though Banks is a fighter who is capable of blowing hot and cold - see his 1st round TKO of Imamu Mayfield for the former, and his laboured points win over Vincenzo Rossitto for the latter - the 26-year-old must be given the respect afforded any fighter who has yet to taste defeat. Armed with the confidence and belief that he can not be beaten, Banks, who for some reason twice pulled out of fights with Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli, must be given a chance against the reigning IBF champion.
Adamek, who is also unbeaten as a 200-pounder (his sole pro career loss coming in a WBC light-heavyweight title defence against Chad Dawson back in Feb. of 2007), is the bigger puncher of the two, he has proven himself against a finer class of opposition, and he has proven he has a fine chin. As such, he must be made a very firm favourite over the still somewhat unproven Banks. Will the younger man be capable of going to war the way Adamek likes to? Will Banks' stamina and as yet largely untested chin hold up if he is dragged into such a bout?
In his last fight, against the Italian Rossitto, back in July of last year, Banks looked poor at times. Even reduced to blowing heavily and fighting as though stuck in mud, the would-be-star appeared both laboured and disinterested during his close points win. He will have to be on much better form if he is to have any shot at beating the man who has seen off men the quality of Cunningham, O'Neil Bell, and, down at 175-pounds, Paul Briggs (twice) and Thomas Ulrich. But that's the thing, maybe Banks WILL be on better form next month.
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Friday, Feb. 27th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
Poland's 32-year-old Tomasz Adamek only won the IBF cruiserweight title he now holds back in December of last year; yet he is set to make his first defence on Feb. 27th - a mere two-and-a-half months on. Making this move even more surprising, is the fact that in winning his prize, against Steve "USS" Cunningham, Adamek was hurt plenty throughout the 12-rounder (both men were) and really had to dig deep so as to win. If ever a newly crowned champion had a right to take a few months off before stepping back into the ring, it is the Pole.
Instead, however, "Goral" goes in with the unbeaten Kronk fighter Jonathon Banks, in Newark, New Jersey, late next month. Will Adamek's desire to rumble again so quickly after the Cunningham war prove to go against him?
Though Banks is a fighter who is capable of blowing hot and cold - see his 1st round TKO of Imamu Mayfield for the former, and his laboured points win over Vincenzo Rossitto for the latter - the 26-year-old must be given the respect afforded any fighter who has yet to taste defeat. Armed with the confidence and belief that he can not be beaten, Banks, who for some reason twice pulled out of fights with Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli, must be given a chance against the reigning IBF champion.
Adamek, who is also unbeaten as a 200-pounder (his sole pro career loss coming in a WBC light-heavyweight title defence against Chad Dawson back in Feb. of 2007), is the bigger puncher of the two, he has proven himself against a finer class of opposition, and he has proven he has a fine chin. As such, he must be made a very firm favourite over the still somewhat unproven Banks. Will the younger man be capable of going to war the way Adamek likes to? Will Banks' stamina and as yet largely untested chin hold up if he is dragged into such a bout?
In his last fight, against the Italian Rossitto, back in July of last year, Banks looked poor at times. Even reduced to blowing heavily and fighting as though stuck in mud, the would-be-star appeared both laboured and disinterested during his close points win. He will have to be on much better form if he is to have any shot at beating the man who has seen off men the quality of Cunningham, O'Neil Bell, and, down at 175-pounds, Paul Briggs (twice) and Thomas Ulrich. But that's the thing, maybe Banks WILL be on better form next month.
Kelly Pavlik - Marco Rubio, free livestream and VIDEO!
http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 14th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
According to ESPN.com, middleweight king Kelly Pavlik's second world title defence is already being discussed by promoter Bob Arum. Top scribe Dan Rafael, in speaking with Arum revealed how a bout with the tough Mexican, Marco Antonio Rubio is being set for Pavlik's next defence assuming "The Ghost" does as most feel he will and beats Welshman Gary Lockett in defence number one this coming June..
The Rubio fight is being lined up for late September and Arum also stated how he would very much like to have rival world middleweight champion Arthur Abraham fight on the same card in defence of his belt. The overall plan, then, would be for Pavlik and Abraham to meet in a huge unification showdown in either late 2008 or early 2009.
"That's the plan we have," Arum told ESPN. "Rubio is a tough opponent and a good puncher."
Looking ahead is part of the job for as experienced a promoter as Bob Arum, but Kelly Pavlik won't be overlooking Lockett.
"We have to get by Gary Lockett first." said Cameron Dunkin, Pavlik's manager. "We don't like to look ahead, believe me. I won't even talk to Kelly about it [Arum's plan for the future] until after the Lockett fight. That's the way Kelly is. He doesn't' want to talk about it because he takes every opponent seriously," Dunkin added.
As far as the fans go, Arum's plan is a good one. Wanting to see the explosive Pavlik in action as much as possible, fight fans will be pleased to hear of the busy schedule Arum speaks of. Providing Kelly does indeed get past Lockett, Rubio will likely provide a good challenge. Currently 41-4-1(36) the Mexican banger has won his last seven fights, all but one inside the distance. Yes, the 27 year old has been stopped twice - once very early in his career, the other time coming via a shock (and very possibly something of a fluke) one round count out against Kofi Jantuah back in September of 2004 on the under card of the huge Hopkins-De La Hoya bill - but he is normally a tough and durable fighter.
Rubio's other losses have come against Kassim Ouma and Zaurbek Baysanguro, both of these defeats coming on points over twelve rounds. With the stoppage win he scored over the big punching Jose Luis Zertuche in his last fight, Rubio proved he is a good fighter. Indeed, with all due respect to Gary Lockett, the Mexican figures to give Pavlik a harder title defence than the man from Wales.
Let's see if "The ghost" can indeed get past both Lockett and Rubio - and then get it on with Arthur Abraham!
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 14th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
According to ESPN.com, middleweight king Kelly Pavlik's second world title defence is already being discussed by promoter Bob Arum. Top scribe Dan Rafael, in speaking with Arum revealed how a bout with the tough Mexican, Marco Antonio Rubio is being set for Pavlik's next defence assuming "The Ghost" does as most feel he will and beats Welshman Gary Lockett in defence number one this coming June..
The Rubio fight is being lined up for late September and Arum also stated how he would very much like to have rival world middleweight champion Arthur Abraham fight on the same card in defence of his belt. The overall plan, then, would be for Pavlik and Abraham to meet in a huge unification showdown in either late 2008 or early 2009.
"That's the plan we have," Arum told ESPN. "Rubio is a tough opponent and a good puncher."
Looking ahead is part of the job for as experienced a promoter as Bob Arum, but Kelly Pavlik won't be overlooking Lockett.
"We have to get by Gary Lockett first." said Cameron Dunkin, Pavlik's manager. "We don't like to look ahead, believe me. I won't even talk to Kelly about it [Arum's plan for the future] until after the Lockett fight. That's the way Kelly is. He doesn't' want to talk about it because he takes every opponent seriously," Dunkin added.
As far as the fans go, Arum's plan is a good one. Wanting to see the explosive Pavlik in action as much as possible, fight fans will be pleased to hear of the busy schedule Arum speaks of. Providing Kelly does indeed get past Lockett, Rubio will likely provide a good challenge. Currently 41-4-1(36) the Mexican banger has won his last seven fights, all but one inside the distance. Yes, the 27 year old has been stopped twice - once very early in his career, the other time coming via a shock (and very possibly something of a fluke) one round count out against Kofi Jantuah back in September of 2004 on the under card of the huge Hopkins-De La Hoya bill - but he is normally a tough and durable fighter.
Rubio's other losses have come against Kassim Ouma and Zaurbek Baysanguro, both of these defeats coming on points over twelve rounds. With the stoppage win he scored over the big punching Jose Luis Zertuche in his last fight, Rubio proved he is a good fighter. Indeed, with all due respect to Gary Lockett, the Mexican figures to give Pavlik a harder title defence than the man from Wales.
Let's see if "The ghost" can indeed get past both Lockett and Rubio - and then get it on with Arthur Abraham!
Miguel Cotto - Michael Jennings, watch free stream and VIDEO!
http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 14th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
The fight is by no means set in stone yet, but a number of ultra-reliable sources are suggesting Britain's once-beaten welterweight Michael Jennings might be Miguel Cotto's opponent in February. Promoter Frank Warren has discussed the fight with British Boxing News and there seems a good chance 31-year-old Jennings, 33-1(16) will land the kind of big fight he's always wanted..
Taking the liberty of taking the fight as a go for the purposes of this article, what kind of chance would the young-looking welterweight have against the man from Puerto Rico? It's well known that Jennings is NOT well known over in America where, of course, most people reading this very web site are from, but this does not make him a bad fighter. Many fans have already pointed to two fights when saying what they feel a Cotto-Jennings fight would be like. Either February will see another Pavlik-Lockett type of affair, or we will get a fight not altogether dissimilar to Cotto's brutalising of the overmatched Alfonso Gomez.
Well, begging these fans' pardon, Michael Jennings is being seriously undervalued. Slick, ultra-fit, experienced at a good level and hungry and determined, Jennings is a fighter who can fight at a great pace for all 12 rounds. A big puncher he may not be, but he has all the other basic tools of the trade mastered and in his possession. His critics also point to his sole loss, which came in January of 2006 and on points to Young Mutley. What these critics might not know is the fact that an overanxious Jennings actually over-trained for that fight and was almost running on empty in the last few rounds as a result. Yet still the 31-year-old, then the defending British welterweight champion, almost won, going down via a close split decision in the end.
The over-training thing is no idle excuse, either. Michael's fine trainer, the been-there, seen-that Brian Hughes told this writer in person how his charge was, unbeknown to him, sneaking into the gym at night after all the real work had been done. If anything, Jennings' desire and attitude should perhaps be commended, even though his overtime ultimately cost him the fight. But enough of Jennings' loss, let's look at some of his excellent wins.
I've written above how Jennings is no big puncher, but tell that to Jimmy Vincent. Stopped inside the very first round when meeting Jennings for the vacant British belt at 147-pounds in July of 2005, Vincent was completely blown away, Then there's Michael's points win over the hard-hitting Welshman, Bradley Pryce. Pryce, who would go on to stop the talented Anthony Small up at light-middleweight (the only man to beat the flashy Small), was beaten over 12-rounds in a great action fight in October of the same year. Yes, Jennings was down in the 1st round, perhaps showing a little vulnerability as a slow starter, but he showed real heart to come back, get the win and keep his title.
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 14th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
The fight is by no means set in stone yet, but a number of ultra-reliable sources are suggesting Britain's once-beaten welterweight Michael Jennings might be Miguel Cotto's opponent in February. Promoter Frank Warren has discussed the fight with British Boxing News and there seems a good chance 31-year-old Jennings, 33-1(16) will land the kind of big fight he's always wanted..
Taking the liberty of taking the fight as a go for the purposes of this article, what kind of chance would the young-looking welterweight have against the man from Puerto Rico? It's well known that Jennings is NOT well known over in America where, of course, most people reading this very web site are from, but this does not make him a bad fighter. Many fans have already pointed to two fights when saying what they feel a Cotto-Jennings fight would be like. Either February will see another Pavlik-Lockett type of affair, or we will get a fight not altogether dissimilar to Cotto's brutalising of the overmatched Alfonso Gomez.
Well, begging these fans' pardon, Michael Jennings is being seriously undervalued. Slick, ultra-fit, experienced at a good level and hungry and determined, Jennings is a fighter who can fight at a great pace for all 12 rounds. A big puncher he may not be, but he has all the other basic tools of the trade mastered and in his possession. His critics also point to his sole loss, which came in January of 2006 and on points to Young Mutley. What these critics might not know is the fact that an overanxious Jennings actually over-trained for that fight and was almost running on empty in the last few rounds as a result. Yet still the 31-year-old, then the defending British welterweight champion, almost won, going down via a close split decision in the end.
The over-training thing is no idle excuse, either. Michael's fine trainer, the been-there, seen-that Brian Hughes told this writer in person how his charge was, unbeknown to him, sneaking into the gym at night after all the real work had been done. If anything, Jennings' desire and attitude should perhaps be commended, even though his overtime ultimately cost him the fight. But enough of Jennings' loss, let's look at some of his excellent wins.
I've written above how Jennings is no big puncher, but tell that to Jimmy Vincent. Stopped inside the very first round when meeting Jennings for the vacant British belt at 147-pounds in July of 2005, Vincent was completely blown away, Then there's Michael's points win over the hard-hitting Welshman, Bradley Pryce. Pryce, who would go on to stop the talented Anthony Small up at light-middleweight (the only man to beat the flashy Small), was beaten over 12-rounds in a great action fight in October of the same year. Yes, Jennings was down in the 1st round, perhaps showing a little vulnerability as a slow starter, but he showed real heart to come back, get the win and keep his title.
Nate Campbell - Ali Funeka, free livestream and VIDEO!
http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 14th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
South Africa's 31-year-old Ali Funeka may not be a household name in the US yet, but the danger man is working on it - big time. Beaten only once in a pro career that began with a disappointing draw in September of 1995, the lightweight known as "Rush Hour" has proven to be something of a late bloomer..
His last bout, against the previously unstopped Zahir Raheem - the man who beat Erik Morales in a big upset in September of 2005 - proved as much. Scoring a shocking 4th round KO over the "Z-Man," the largely unknown South African who had been out-pointed by countryman Mzonke Fana for his sole loss, made a big impact. Now, in February of next year, Funeka will get his reward in the form of a shot at reigning IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight king Nate Campbell. The fight is set for February 14th, St. Valentine's day, and the man known as "The Galaxxy Warrior" has a potentially tough night ahead of him.
Campbell, 32-5-1(25) has not fought since causing his own upset, over defending champion Juan Diaz in March of 2008. At age 36 (Nate will turn 37 a month after the Funeka fight), will this ring-rust affect him any? Signed to fight the unbeaten Joan Guzman back in the summer, Campbell saw the fight fall though due to Guzman's miserable attempt at making the 135-pound lightweight limit. So now the Floridian faces the little known Funeka, currently 30-1-2(25). The defending champion has not lost a fight since April of 2006, but could an upset be on the cards in February?
Funeka hasn't exactly been overactive himself, but inactive spells have done him no harm thus far in his career. Going into his biggest test, against Raheem, Funeka had been out for almost ten months. Despite this, he annihilated his man, earning his big title shot in the process. Of course, just because he isn't affected by idle periods does not mean Funeka will beat Campbell (who, by the way, entered the Diaz fight after having been out for eight months). Still, the fight is a dangerous one for Campbell because, in a way, there isn't a lot to be gained in winning. Should he do away with Funeka easily, fans will say the South African was a nobody anyway. Should Nate actually lose, the big-money matches he wants for the future will have gone, along with his world titles.
Funeka can fight, without a doubt. And he is hungry. Convinced he is both at his peak right now AND the best lightweight in the world, the 31-year-old who has never fought outside of his home country (will this be a factor in the fight, it being held in America?) has nothing to lose on Feb 14th. As such, he will have trained like a man possessed for the bout and he will likely fight like one. Despite his recent form (16-0 with 11 KO's since the loss to Fana), Funeka is a man who can be, and has been, hurt in a fight.
Going back to his 2000 fight with pro novice Wzwanele Sam, the record shows how Funeka was down early in the fight and very badly hurt. Close to being stopped, he somehow held on for a close points win. That fight was a while ago now, and Funeka has clearly improved, but it's likely Campbell's team will have looked at this fight while doing their research on the challenger. The 2002 UD loss to Fana doesn't look all that good either. Considering how easily Marco Antonio Barrera dispatched Fana three years later (2 rounds), Funeka should not have had such a tough time with him (it must be said, though, that Fana has improved since his loss to Barrera).
Clearly, Funeka wasn't ready for anything approaching the top dogs back then, but is seems he is now. There are a number of questions going into February's fight. Will Campbell have trouble "getting up" for a fight with Funeka? Will age catch up with the champ? Is Funeka out of his depth? Or will a new African boxing star emerge early next year?
Precious little footage is available of Funeka, the Raheem win aside, and he remains a somewhat mysterious fighter.
Due to this, it is hard picking a winner between he and Campbell. Having said that, unless he grows old overnight or underestimates Funeka, Campbell's greater experience should see to it that he emerges with a points win. Funeka can not be written off though.
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 14th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
South Africa's 31-year-old Ali Funeka may not be a household name in the US yet, but the danger man is working on it - big time. Beaten only once in a pro career that began with a disappointing draw in September of 1995, the lightweight known as "Rush Hour" has proven to be something of a late bloomer..
His last bout, against the previously unstopped Zahir Raheem - the man who beat Erik Morales in a big upset in September of 2005 - proved as much. Scoring a shocking 4th round KO over the "Z-Man," the largely unknown South African who had been out-pointed by countryman Mzonke Fana for his sole loss, made a big impact. Now, in February of next year, Funeka will get his reward in the form of a shot at reigning IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight king Nate Campbell. The fight is set for February 14th, St. Valentine's day, and the man known as "The Galaxxy Warrior" has a potentially tough night ahead of him.
Campbell, 32-5-1(25) has not fought since causing his own upset, over defending champion Juan Diaz in March of 2008. At age 36 (Nate will turn 37 a month after the Funeka fight), will this ring-rust affect him any? Signed to fight the unbeaten Joan Guzman back in the summer, Campbell saw the fight fall though due to Guzman's miserable attempt at making the 135-pound lightweight limit. So now the Floridian faces the little known Funeka, currently 30-1-2(25). The defending champion has not lost a fight since April of 2006, but could an upset be on the cards in February?
Funeka hasn't exactly been overactive himself, but inactive spells have done him no harm thus far in his career. Going into his biggest test, against Raheem, Funeka had been out for almost ten months. Despite this, he annihilated his man, earning his big title shot in the process. Of course, just because he isn't affected by idle periods does not mean Funeka will beat Campbell (who, by the way, entered the Diaz fight after having been out for eight months). Still, the fight is a dangerous one for Campbell because, in a way, there isn't a lot to be gained in winning. Should he do away with Funeka easily, fans will say the South African was a nobody anyway. Should Nate actually lose, the big-money matches he wants for the future will have gone, along with his world titles.
Funeka can fight, without a doubt. And he is hungry. Convinced he is both at his peak right now AND the best lightweight in the world, the 31-year-old who has never fought outside of his home country (will this be a factor in the fight, it being held in America?) has nothing to lose on Feb 14th. As such, he will have trained like a man possessed for the bout and he will likely fight like one. Despite his recent form (16-0 with 11 KO's since the loss to Fana), Funeka is a man who can be, and has been, hurt in a fight.
Going back to his 2000 fight with pro novice Wzwanele Sam, the record shows how Funeka was down early in the fight and very badly hurt. Close to being stopped, he somehow held on for a close points win. That fight was a while ago now, and Funeka has clearly improved, but it's likely Campbell's team will have looked at this fight while doing their research on the challenger. The 2002 UD loss to Fana doesn't look all that good either. Considering how easily Marco Antonio Barrera dispatched Fana three years later (2 rounds), Funeka should not have had such a tough time with him (it must be said, though, that Fana has improved since his loss to Barrera).
Clearly, Funeka wasn't ready for anything approaching the top dogs back then, but is seems he is now. There are a number of questions going into February's fight. Will Campbell have trouble "getting up" for a fight with Funeka? Will age catch up with the champ? Is Funeka out of his depth? Or will a new African boxing star emerge early next year?
Precious little footage is available of Funeka, the Raheem win aside, and he remains a somewhat mysterious fighter.
Due to this, it is hard picking a winner between he and Campbell. Having said that, unless he grows old overnight or underestimates Funeka, Campbell's greater experience should see to it that he emerges with a points win. Funeka can not be written off though.
Ruslan Chagaev - Carl Drummond, free live stream and VIDEO!
http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 7th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
They say an unbeaten and largely unknown heavyweight can be a very dangerous thing, more so when the fighter has 20 KO's on his record. Well, in returning from yet another enforced layoff due to a serious illness/physical injury, WBA "champion in recess," Ruslan Chagaev faces such prospective danger in February of next year. Fighting for the first time since his January 2008 points win over British fighter Matt Skelton, Chagaev will face Costa Rica's 33-year-old Carl Davis Drumond, currently 26-0(20)..
Not too much is known about Drumond, who has boxed all but one of his pro bouts in his native country (the one exception was a points win in Hollywood, Florida back in October of 2006). One look down the 33-year-old's record lets you know he has not yet faced a single world class heavyweight. This is not to suggest Drumond has faced nothing but nobodies, though. A points win over durable trial horse Sedreck Fields is an okay win, as is a points win over former IBF cruiserweight champ Kelvin "Concrete" Davis, even if Davis had seen better days by the time he met the Costa Rican.
In a way, the choice of opponent Chagaev and his team have made to return against is a strange one. Should the Uzbekistan southpaw do away with Drumond in easy fashion, the fans will likely feel the Costa Rican was a nobody anyway. Whereas if the unbeaten 30-year-old either struggles or even loses on February 7th he will have lost in a relatively small-money fight to a guy no-one has heard of. Wouldn't it have been better for Chagaev to make his return against a name?
Drumond, with nothing at all to lose, will be coming to win and will give his all. Reportedly a guy who always enters the ring in great shape, the approx 220-pound fighter has been a very active pro. Making his debut as recently as February 2005, Drumond has done well to rack up so many wins in a little over three-and-a-half years. Indeed, the fighter had no less than nine bouts in his first year as a pro, and the same amount the next year. There is little doubt Drumond is a hard worker. But the questions in this fight are all about Chagaev, really.
Will the WBA champ who has never lost be as good as he used to be, coming back as he is from his Achilles tendon injury (not to mention the fact that Chagaev has only had the Skelton fight since coming back from a bout with Hepatitis B.) Or will the enforced idleness have taken something from him? Will Chagaev enter the ring in Germany seriously rusty next year?
It would have to be considered a big upset if Drumond were to win in February, even if he subsequently turns out to be the real deal. At present, we don't know if the Costa Rican is anywhere approaching a good fighter, however, and as such the man from Uzbekistan is the favourite. It's tough predicting a win in this one, but Chagaev has to be given the edge - probably to win a clear points victory.
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 7th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
They say an unbeaten and largely unknown heavyweight can be a very dangerous thing, more so when the fighter has 20 KO's on his record. Well, in returning from yet another enforced layoff due to a serious illness/physical injury, WBA "champion in recess," Ruslan Chagaev faces such prospective danger in February of next year. Fighting for the first time since his January 2008 points win over British fighter Matt Skelton, Chagaev will face Costa Rica's 33-year-old Carl Davis Drumond, currently 26-0(20)..
Not too much is known about Drumond, who has boxed all but one of his pro bouts in his native country (the one exception was a points win in Hollywood, Florida back in October of 2006). One look down the 33-year-old's record lets you know he has not yet faced a single world class heavyweight. This is not to suggest Drumond has faced nothing but nobodies, though. A points win over durable trial horse Sedreck Fields is an okay win, as is a points win over former IBF cruiserweight champ Kelvin "Concrete" Davis, even if Davis had seen better days by the time he met the Costa Rican.
In a way, the choice of opponent Chagaev and his team have made to return against is a strange one. Should the Uzbekistan southpaw do away with Drumond in easy fashion, the fans will likely feel the Costa Rican was a nobody anyway. Whereas if the unbeaten 30-year-old either struggles or even loses on February 7th he will have lost in a relatively small-money fight to a guy no-one has heard of. Wouldn't it have been better for Chagaev to make his return against a name?
Drumond, with nothing at all to lose, will be coming to win and will give his all. Reportedly a guy who always enters the ring in great shape, the approx 220-pound fighter has been a very active pro. Making his debut as recently as February 2005, Drumond has done well to rack up so many wins in a little over three-and-a-half years. Indeed, the fighter had no less than nine bouts in his first year as a pro, and the same amount the next year. There is little doubt Drumond is a hard worker. But the questions in this fight are all about Chagaev, really.
Will the WBA champ who has never lost be as good as he used to be, coming back as he is from his Achilles tendon injury (not to mention the fact that Chagaev has only had the Skelton fight since coming back from a bout with Hepatitis B.) Or will the enforced idleness have taken something from him? Will Chagaev enter the ring in Germany seriously rusty next year?
It would have to be considered a big upset if Drumond were to win in February, even if he subsequently turns out to be the real deal. At present, we don't know if the Costa Rican is anywhere approaching a good fighter, however, and as such the man from Uzbekistan is the favourite. It's tough predicting a win in this one, but Chagaev has to be given the edge - probably to win a clear points victory.
Vic Darchinyan - Jorge Arce , free live stream and VIDEO!
http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 7th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
TOTOWA, NJ (November 28, 2008) -- World super flyweight champion and Fighter of the Year candidate VIC "Raging Bull" DARCHINYAN is ready to defend his crown by kicking a little Arce, as they say Down Under. Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25 KOs), from Sydney, Australia by way of his native Vanadzok, Armenia, will be making the first defense of his newly unified titles against WBA interim super flyweight champion Jorge Arce (51-4-1, 38 KOs), of Los Mochis, Mexico. Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Top Rank, Darchinyan vs. Arce will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2009 and will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing.
"I can't get enough of Mexican fighters. They bounce real good off the canvas when I hit them," boasted Darchinyan. "Let's see, I've stopped Cristian Mijares, Victor Burgos and Luis Maldonado over the past two years. Unlike Jorge Arce, those three fighters were very tough hombres.. Defeating Arce won't take much training. It won't even be a fight for me --more like pest control..
I'm going to swat that Spanish Fly. How do you take a guy like Arce seriously? He sucks on lollipops and wears a cowboy hat from a toy store. He looks like "Woody" from the movie "Toy Story." I can picture him running around his house on a broom pretending he's riding a horse. He's a regular Schlepalong Cassidy. When I finally meet him at the press conference do I say "Hola Jorge" or "Howdy, Doody?" Arce is going to be my human piñata. Our fight will be like a Chihuahua against a bull...a raging bull!"
Darchinyan, the former IBF/IBO flyweight champion, unified his IBF junior bantamweight title with Mijares' WBC/WBA super flyweight belts on November 1, knocking him out at the end of the ninth-round of their November 1 rumble at The Home Depot Center. Televised live by SHOWTIME, Darchinyan became the first man in the history of the 115-pound division to unify the three major belts. Darchinyan's victory ended Mijares' (35-4-2, 13 KOs), two-year title run and nine-bout winning streak
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 7th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
TOTOWA, NJ (November 28, 2008) -- World super flyweight champion and Fighter of the Year candidate VIC "Raging Bull" DARCHINYAN is ready to defend his crown by kicking a little Arce, as they say Down Under. Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25 KOs), from Sydney, Australia by way of his native Vanadzok, Armenia, will be making the first defense of his newly unified titles against WBA interim super flyweight champion Jorge Arce (51-4-1, 38 KOs), of Los Mochis, Mexico. Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Top Rank, Darchinyan vs. Arce will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2009 and will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing.
"I can't get enough of Mexican fighters. They bounce real good off the canvas when I hit them," boasted Darchinyan. "Let's see, I've stopped Cristian Mijares, Victor Burgos and Luis Maldonado over the past two years. Unlike Jorge Arce, those three fighters were very tough hombres.. Defeating Arce won't take much training. It won't even be a fight for me --more like pest control..
I'm going to swat that Spanish Fly. How do you take a guy like Arce seriously? He sucks on lollipops and wears a cowboy hat from a toy store. He looks like "Woody" from the movie "Toy Story." I can picture him running around his house on a broom pretending he's riding a horse. He's a regular Schlepalong Cassidy. When I finally meet him at the press conference do I say "Hola Jorge" or "Howdy, Doody?" Arce is going to be my human piñata. Our fight will be like a Chihuahua against a bull...a raging bull!"
Darchinyan, the former IBF/IBO flyweight champion, unified his IBF junior bantamweight title with Mijares' WBC/WBA super flyweight belts on November 1, knocking him out at the end of the ninth-round of their November 1 rumble at The Home Depot Center. Televised live by SHOWTIME, Darchinyan became the first man in the history of the 115-pound division to unify the three major belts. Darchinyan's victory ended Mijares' (35-4-2, 13 KOs), two-year title run and nine-bout winning streak
Andre Ward - Buchanan, free live stream and VIDEO!
http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2009) – Outside the ring, Andre Ward is one of the most pleasant, personable, thoughtful and unselfish young men you’ll ever want to meet. Inside, he is widely recognized as one of the most talented young fighters in the world, a “can’t miss” world champion in the eyes of many. Others take it a step further and refer to him as the “future of boxing.”
So, there is little doubt that the only boxer from the United States to capture a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, will one day become a world champion. The question is: when?
Ward is confident 2009 will be a magic number, the year he finally fights for and wins a world title. If it doesn’t transpire, however, do not look for the classy boxer-puncher to push the panic button.
“This year, I just want to continue to win and win spectacularly, regardless of who’s in front of me,’’ said the undefeated, world-ranked super middleweight who defends his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) belt against once-beaten Henry “Sugar Poo’’ Buchanan in the main event on Friday, Feb. 6, on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
“I’m not really one of those guys at this point in my career that says, ‘I have to have a (world title) belt by ’09.’ We’re just going to see what’s on the table. There’s really no telling. Boxing is the kind of sport where you really can’t plan for what’s next. You have a general idea what’s coming up, but you can’t plan.
“(Still) We are looking for a big, big year in 2009. We’re taking our time, but we’re kind of on a fast-pace at the same time.”
The 6-foot-one-inch Ward (17-0, 12 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., is ranked No. 3 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), No. 10 in the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 14 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF). Both he and Buchanan (17-1, 12 KOs), of Chesterfield, S.C., are ShoBox alums, having twice appeared on the popular, eight-year-old SHOWTIME series.
Ward, who can effectively switch from a conventional stance to southpaw – he’s a natural lefty -- has won his last seven fights by knockout, including a dominant third-round stoppage over Esteban Camou on Dec. 13, 2008. It was Ward’s first outing since he injured his right knee during a pick-up basketball game and had arthroscopic surgery in August ‘08.
Two starts ago, Ward, who turns 25 on Feb. 23, captured the NABO crown with an eighth-round TKO over Jerson Ravelo on June 20, 2008, on ShoBox.
Don’t expect Ward to overlook Buchanan in their upcoming 12-round bout. “Anybody close to my weight class or in my weight class we always (have to) watch for,’’ Ward said. “My job is to continue to stay focused and continue to stay ready. When you’re ready, you don’t have to get ready.’’
The 5-foot-9-inch, 30-year-old Buchanan, the uncle of San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman, possesses above-average punching power and good natural athletic ability. He has won three in a row, including a ninth-round knockout over Brian Norman in his last start on June 25, 2008.
“I’ve been laying low, just trying to take it one fight at a time so I can strike it rich,’’ said Buchanan, who triumphed via 10th-round disqualification over Lucas Green-Arias in his ShoBox debut on June 25, 2008. “I know Ward won the gold medal and that he’s a good, speedy, fast boxer.
“It’s not going to be easy, but it’s not going to be as hard as everybody else thinks. This is a great opportunity. I’m going to knock Ward out.’’
In the ShoBox co-feature, unbeaten John “John” Molina (14-0, 10 KOs) of Covina, Calif., will be opposed by Ghana’s hard-hitting Joshua “The Exciting’’ Allotey (15-6, 13 KOs), who has won three of his last four fights by knockout, in an eight-round junior lightweight bout. Goossen Tutor Promotions will promote the event from The Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino at Lemoore, Calif.
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2009) – Outside the ring, Andre Ward is one of the most pleasant, personable, thoughtful and unselfish young men you’ll ever want to meet. Inside, he is widely recognized as one of the most talented young fighters in the world, a “can’t miss” world champion in the eyes of many. Others take it a step further and refer to him as the “future of boxing.”
So, there is little doubt that the only boxer from the United States to capture a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, will one day become a world champion. The question is: when?
Ward is confident 2009 will be a magic number, the year he finally fights for and wins a world title. If it doesn’t transpire, however, do not look for the classy boxer-puncher to push the panic button.
“This year, I just want to continue to win and win spectacularly, regardless of who’s in front of me,’’ said the undefeated, world-ranked super middleweight who defends his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) belt against once-beaten Henry “Sugar Poo’’ Buchanan in the main event on Friday, Feb. 6, on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
“I’m not really one of those guys at this point in my career that says, ‘I have to have a (world title) belt by ’09.’ We’re just going to see what’s on the table. There’s really no telling. Boxing is the kind of sport where you really can’t plan for what’s next. You have a general idea what’s coming up, but you can’t plan.
“(Still) We are looking for a big, big year in 2009. We’re taking our time, but we’re kind of on a fast-pace at the same time.”
The 6-foot-one-inch Ward (17-0, 12 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., is ranked No. 3 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), No. 10 in the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 14 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF). Both he and Buchanan (17-1, 12 KOs), of Chesterfield, S.C., are ShoBox alums, having twice appeared on the popular, eight-year-old SHOWTIME series.
Ward, who can effectively switch from a conventional stance to southpaw – he’s a natural lefty -- has won his last seven fights by knockout, including a dominant third-round stoppage over Esteban Camou on Dec. 13, 2008. It was Ward’s first outing since he injured his right knee during a pick-up basketball game and had arthroscopic surgery in August ‘08.
Two starts ago, Ward, who turns 25 on Feb. 23, captured the NABO crown with an eighth-round TKO over Jerson Ravelo on June 20, 2008, on ShoBox.
Don’t expect Ward to overlook Buchanan in their upcoming 12-round bout. “Anybody close to my weight class or in my weight class we always (have to) watch for,’’ Ward said. “My job is to continue to stay focused and continue to stay ready. When you’re ready, you don’t have to get ready.’’
The 5-foot-9-inch, 30-year-old Buchanan, the uncle of San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman, possesses above-average punching power and good natural athletic ability. He has won three in a row, including a ninth-round knockout over Brian Norman in his last start on June 25, 2008.
“I’ve been laying low, just trying to take it one fight at a time so I can strike it rich,’’ said Buchanan, who triumphed via 10th-round disqualification over Lucas Green-Arias in his ShoBox debut on June 25, 2008. “I know Ward won the gold medal and that he’s a good, speedy, fast boxer.
“It’s not going to be easy, but it’s not going to be as hard as everybody else thinks. This is a great opportunity. I’m going to knock Ward out.’’
In the ShoBox co-feature, unbeaten John “John” Molina (14-0, 10 KOs) of Covina, Calif., will be opposed by Ghana’s hard-hitting Joshua “The Exciting’’ Allotey (15-6, 13 KOs), who has won three of his last four fights by knockout, in an eight-round junior lightweight bout. Goossen Tutor Promotions will promote the event from The Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino at Lemoore, Calif.
Yusuf Mack - Chris Henry, watch free Live Stream and VIDEO
http://www.livestream.us.tt
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
You can watch watch the stream live and for free at Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2009 !
Watch the stream here. The stream will be open early enough before the fight starts! We will link the VIDEO some minutes after the match also on http://www.LiveStream.us.tt
news:
On February 6, 2009 at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland, Yusaf Mack and Chris Henry will meet with the winner likely to go on and compete for one of the major titles.
Mack has already been in this position twice before, falling short against former IBF champion Alejandro Berrio and title contender Librado Andrade, and is aware that this could be the last chance to really make his mark.
Mack has turned things around since the loss to Andrade and has looked impressive in his last three fights with wins over Ernesto Zamora, Daniel Judah and Omar Pittman.
The Philadelphia native is confident and ready to take full advantage of the opportunity. “I know I have made mistakes regarding my conditioning and preparation in the past, I relied on my ability alone and was killing myself to make weight," said Mack.
"But things have changed. I am stronger and fitter than I have ever been in my career, I have changed everything in regard to my preparation for fights and now keep to a strict diet and take regular vitamins which I never did in the past.
"I am living and training how a true professional should. Not only that, I am fully focused on fulfilling a promise I made to my father on his death bed that I would win a world title for him.
"As far as I am concerned, Henry is in my way of keeping that promise. I will be putting him to sleep. I am suppose to be here and I will continue to prove that to all my doubters out there.
"I have the right team behind me and I have been with my trainer John Tandy for nearly a year and he has changed my life. I am a different person to the one that lost those fights, I will not be losing again".
Henry has also competed at the highest level when he faced WBC Champion Adrian Diaconu at fairly late notice in the Romanian’s hometown. Henry pushed Diaconu all the way and at times looked like he may become the first man to beat him.
Henry has recovered well from the points loss and won his last two fights against decent opposition, with his record an impressive 23-1 with 18 wins inside the distance.
Henry is the bigger man, fighting his whole career at either light heavy or cruiserweight and will be confident he is the stronger of the two.
An interesting addition to the undercard is hot young unbeaten middleweight prospect Fernando Guerrero, 12-0 (11), going against an opponent yet to be determined, who will be looking to impress in front of his hometown fans.
Guerrero had a busy 2008 with 11 fights and is looking to move through the rankings quickly to establish himself as a top contender in the near future.
This fight will be shown live on ESPN2 and the main event of Mack vs. Henry will be for Mack’s NABA and Henry’s NABF titles over 12 rounds.
Abonnieren
Posts (Atom)
