By Michael Collins: Former WBC World super middleweight champion Richie Woodhall thinks that the key to former WBA light welterweight champion Gavin Rees (37-1-1, 18 KO’s) beating WBC lightweight champion Adrien Broner (25-0, 21 KO’s) on February 16th is to “swarm” Broner in massive all out blitzkrieg attack that will, in theory, overwhelm Broner’s Mayweather-esque shoulder roll defense.
ESB
Price vs. Thompson: Tony’s only chance of winning is to close his eyes and swing for Price’s chin
By Michael Collins: David Price’s promoter has found another older fighter for Price to fight in 41-year-old Tony Thompson (36-3, 24 KO’s) on February 23rd at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. Price’s fans think this is a great step up fight for the 29-year-old Price. It isn’t.
Barthelemy wins first controversial decision of 2013
By Joseph Herron – If fight fans were hopeful for less controversy throughout the boxing New Year, their optimism was quickly dashed after watching the season opener of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.
Highly touted Super Featherweight prospect Rances Barthelemy (18-0, 11 KOs) was awarded a very questionable unanimous twelve round decision over Canadian resident Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs) in the main event of an entertaining fight card at the Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida.
The three judges at ringside scored the bout 115-113, and 116-112 twice…all in favor of the local fighter, Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy.
Going into the contest, most fight pundits favored the Cuban exile because of his natural athletic gifts, extensive amateur pedigree, and the world class sparring during preparation in Miami and Las Vegas.
But for much of the twelve round contest, Arash Usmanee looked to be the more technically sound pugilist.
Lamont Peterson vs. Kendall Holt possible for February 22nd on ESPN2
By Bill Phanco: IBF light welterweight champion Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO’s) looks to be finally about to defend his IBF title after having won it over a year ago in defeating former IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan in December 2011. Peterson and #4 IBF Kendall Holt (28-5, 16 KO’s) could be facing each other on February 22nd on ESPN2 at the D.C Armory in Washington, DC.
Canelo Alvarez not likely to face Trout next
By Rob Smith: WBC junior middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s manager Eddy Reynosa says that he and Canelo will be meeting with Golden Boy Promotions in two weeks to decide who will be Canelo’s next opponent for March or May 4th. Canelo had previously requested that he wanted to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr, Sergio Martinez or Miguel Cotto on May 4th, but it doesn’t appear that Golden Boy will be able to land any of those big names.
Pacquiao not ready to retire, says he’s feeling good
By Rob Smith: In response to the comment from a Filipino doctor that he might have the symptoms of early Parkinson’s disease, Manny Pacquiao spoke up and said he’s feeling fine and isn’t planning on retiring anytime soon despite the doctor’s advice that he should consider doing so.
Broner with possibility to fight on May 4th if he massacres Gavin Rees on 2/16
By Michael Collins: WBC lightweight champion Adrien Broner (25-0, 21 KO’s) can write his own ticket to a highly visible fight on May 4th on the Floyd Mayweather Jr. undercard on HBO if Broner routes Brit Gavin Rees (37-1-1, 18 KO’s) on February 16th at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy headlines season premier of “Friday Night Fights”
By Joseph Herron – Highly touted Super Featherweight prospect Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (17-0, 11 KOs) takes his first step towards 130 pound contention tonight on the season premier of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” from the Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida, when he faces undefeated Arash Usmanee (20-0, 10 KOs) of Canada.
The scheduled twelve round main event will not only serve as the Cuban exile’s first big step up in competition, but also determine the #2 IBF position in the wide open Junior Lightweight division.
Against a very tough, unbeaten opponent, “Kid Blast” will be marching into undiscovered territory as he embarks on his first outing over eight rounds. Most fight critics and boxing scribes believe the “Cuban Missile” to be ready for his challenging litmus test on network television.
What has a lot of boxing insiders buzzing is Barthelemy’s big 5’11” frame, power in both fists, and his ability to comfortably make the 130 pound weight restriction. Most fight pundits claim Rances Barthelemy has the potential to be a future star of the sport.
Tyson Fury calls out MMA heavyweight Cain Velazquez
By Michael Collins: British heavyweight Tyson Fury (20-0, 14 KO’s) is reportedly interested in taking on UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velazquez in a fight in the ring or in the cage. The 6’9” Fury thinks he’s got the size to beat the 6’1” Velazquez.
Peter Fury hoping Tyson will fight Vitali in March
By Michael Collins: Peter Fury, the trainer for unbeaten #4 WBC Tyson Fury (20-0, 14 KO’s), is hoping that the 24-year-old Fury can jump in line in front of the arguably much more popular David Haye to get a title shot against the 41-year-old WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko in March or at some point in 2013.