Amir “Hardcore” Mansour Interview – “I’m Definitely The Most Avoided Heavyweight Out There!”

09/09/201808/23/2013 James Slater

Unbeaten southpaw heavyweight Amir Mansour believes he is the best kept secret in the heavyweight division today. This may come across as an overused cliché, but “Hardcore,” as the 18-0(14) heavyweight is known, has certainly been avoided by the top names of the division, and this is the reason, he says passionately, that the casual fans are largely unaware of him and his explosive talents.

The 41-year-old, who has served some serious time in prison, has also suffered criticism due to his age. Yet the eloquently spoken Delaware man defies any younger fighter to come and test his speed, stamina and power. Amir has also put his jail time well and truly behind him.

Speaking with me last week, ahead of tonight’s fight against the seasoned Maurice Harris, Mansour insisted that as long as he keeps winning the top names will have to “come and see me eventually.”

continue

Malik Scott Speaks Out on Chisora Fight, Wilder and More

08/23/2013 Charles White

scott34 Hey Malik, it’s been awhile. How are you doing bro?

I’m good bro, blessed and always be entertained by life.

In your last bout, you lost to Dereck Chisora by what many consider to be a controversial knockout. Talk about the impact that this loss has had on both your career and general psyche…

Well to start things off controversy or no controversy it was a good fight and Chisora officially won fair and square, whatever senseless acts that these referees or judges may do in these fights are not the fighters call, so it is what it is and that milk is spilled so no need to cry over it. As far as my psyche is concerned its better than it has ever been, I still believe I’m the best skilled heavyweight on the planet, I still look good, I have two beautiful, healthy kids that I’m crazy about and I can’t wait to get back in the ring to finish my mission to a heavyweight championship.

continue

Abner Mares, Jhonny Gonzalez, Leo Santa Cruz & Victor Terrazas media conference call transcript

08/21/201308/20/2013 Showtime Boxing

Richard Schaefer

Thank you very much and thank you all media members to be on the call, thank you to both fighters to be on the call. I remember a couple years ago we did a card called Action Heroes and then we, of course, just had another one a few weeks ago, Knockout Kings 2 and I think this card here from the Stub Hub Center would certainly fit perfectly into either one of those cards. Because one thing, which is for sure, that night, on Saturday night the 24th of August from Stub Hub Center, fists will fly, it will be heavy action and it’s going to be a tremendous night of boxing again.

continue

Cleverly vs. Kovalev: Interview With Kovalev Manager Egil Klimas

08/14/201308/14/2013 BoxNation

KOVALEV MANAGER: ‘WHEN YOUR WELSH FANS START TO SING, SERGEY WILL JUST PRETEND THEY’RE SINGING FOR HIM!’

So what to we know about Sergey Kovalev, the formidable Russian destroyer who challenges Welshman Nathan Cleverly for the WBO World Light-Heavyweight strap at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena this Saturday?

Known as ‘Krusher’, the 30 year old was born in the city of Chelyabinsk, an ice hockey stronghold, in April 1983. He began boxing aged 11 after following a friend to the gym and knocked up a hugely impressive 193-22 amateur slate which included national titles and international singlets at both junior and senior level.

He was the Russian representative at the 1999 European Cadet championships and captured two gold medals at the World Military Games. Twice he was victorious in dual international meets between Russia and the USA.

continue

Sergey Kovalev: “This Fight Will Not Go Past Three Rounds”

08/13/201308/13/2013 BoxNation

KOVALEV: “I’VE TRAINED TO GO THREE ROUNDS, BUT NO ONE CAN GUARANTEE THAT THIS FIGHT WILL GO PAST THREE.”

At today’s media workout in Newport, Russian KO King Sergey Kovalev had some fierce words for the WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly, who he faces on Saturday night at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, live and exclusive in the UK on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

Undefeated Kovalev, who has destroyed 19 of his 21 opponents with 18 coming inside the first three rounds, is predicting a similar outcome for the Welsh hero.

“Cleverly is my toughest test, he’s a good, fast fighter who throws a lot of punches, but I think it will be a similar outcome on Saturday night.” Said the “Krusher”.

continue

Nathan Cleverly: “I Expect To Stop Kovalev Midway To Late”

08/13/201308/13/2013 BoxNation

NATHAN CLEVERLY: ‘I WIN BECAUSE I BRING THE BETTER ALL ROUND PACKAGE. I EXPECT TO STOP KOVALEV MIDWAY TO LATE.’

For some time now, WBO World Light-Heavyweight king Nathan Cleverly has been putting himself on offer as the finest 175lb prizefighter on this planet.

On Saturday evening, at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena in his native Wales the 26-year-old from Cefn Fforest finally gets his chance to convince others of the veracity of his claim when he makes a sixth defence of his belt against formidable Russian Sergey Kovalev.

Remaining tickets are available from the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Box Office on 02920 224 488 or Eventim on 0844 249 1000 or www.eventim.co.uk

continue

Rafael Mensah dares WBA champs Abril and Gamboa

08/13/201308/13/2013 Prince Dornu-Leiku

Fresh from earning a career high number 9 ranking on the WBA Lightweight ratings, young Ghanaian pugilist, Rafael Mensah is knocking on the doors to the WBA Lightweight championship.

Rated number 9 in the latest rankings released on Monday, undefeated Mensah has vowed to work his way to the top for a possible shot at champion, Richar Abril or even interim champion, Yuriorkis Gamboa, both Cubans.

“For now, I have to thank my coach, Ofori Asare and my manager/promoter, Anthony Kermah of Landmark Promotions. I turned professional in 2010 and I’m happy with the way my career has been managed up to this time,” Rafael Mensah told East Side Boxing exclusively when we caught up with him training at the Wisdom Gym in Accra.

Mensah, 19-0, 14 KOs, has shot ahead in the world ratings on the back of annexing the WBA Pan-Africa Lightweight belt via a unanimous victory over Bilal Mohammed back on July 13 and he is still basking in the glory.

continue

John David Jackson talks Cleverly vs Kovalev

08/13/201308/12/2013 BoxNation

With less than 60 rounds on his slate, mammoth hitting WBO World Light-Heavyweight title challenger and world ranked Sergey Kovalev might be shy on professional experience when he fronts up to defending champion Nathan Cleverly at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena this Saturday.

However the presence of John David Jackson in the unbeaten Russian’s corner should certainly act as a buffer.

A globetrotting two time-two weight world champion in the late 80s and early 90s, the Denver born, Florida based southpaw is now one of the most coveted coaches in the US. His client list includes world champions such as Shane Mosley, Bernard Hopkins, Randall Bailey and Nate Campbell and recently ‘Action’ Jackson was recruited as head trainer at Mike Tyson’s Iron Mike Productions.

continue

Yoel Judah Talks Zab’s Return, Mayweather-Canelo and Garcia-Matthysse

08/12/201308/12/2013 Phil Rivera

After the Zab Judah loss to Danny Garcia in April, the Brooklyn product received much praise for his efforts. Judah battled back from two knockdowns to come on strong late, while the much younger Garcia faded. There is however one person who isn’t so impressed with Judah’s performance that night.

His father and former trainer Yoel Judah.

“I thought Zab should’ve won the fight, I really thought Zab should’ve knocked Garcia out,” Judah said. “That’s what he should’ve did. All this talk that he came close and he looked good, he knows I’m not going for none of that.”

continue

Ready to Thrill the World An Interview with Ronald Gavril

08/12/201308/11/2013 Boxing Roundup

If America is the land of opportunity, Ronald Gavril has seized his big chance with both hands. Born in Bacau Romania ‘The Thrill’ is now an exciting young prospect fighting out of Las Vegas. Ronald is the epitome of hard work, determination and hope. Since turning professional in 2011 the 27 year old talent has swept aside his first five opponents with his action packed aggressive style.

However the future of the promising super middleweight was once in doubt until his management made the brave decision to relocate to Las Vegas. Ronald’s profile immediately inflated as he put his impressive fighting ability on display in the gyms of Sin City.

continue