By James Slater: Former World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight king Ken Norton has been in the news this week, but unfortunately for unpleasant reasons. The 69-year-old sadly suffered a stroke this week and he is currently in hospital, fighting hard.
Boxing News
The Latest Boxing News
In Light Of Peterson’s Retention Of IBF Title, Amir Khan Asks: “What’s The Point Of Drugs Tests”
By James Slater: I didn’t think it would take long for former 140-pound champ Amir Khan to give his opinion on the recent decision by the IBF to allow Lamont Peterson to retain his position as their 140-pound world champion. Khan, who was controversially out-pointed by Peterson last December, by a Peterson who was later caught taking PED’s, was never going to be happy that the IBF failed to follow the lead of the WBA and strip the admitted cheat.
Roy Jones Junior-Lateef Kayode Fight “Imminent”
By James Slater: Raw yet powerful and energetic cruiserweight Lateef Kayode of Nigeria made his name by holding a big name veteran to a draw earlier this year, and now it seems the Freddie Roach-trained contender will try and go one better and KO a living legend.
Lamont Peterson Retains Position As IBF 140-Pound Champ, Must Defend Against Zab Judah Next
By James Slater: The fallout to last December’s controversial Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan fight has finally settled. Peterson, guilty of taking an illegal substance going into his career biggest win, was subsequently stripped by the World Boxing Association (WBA) (the other belt he won with the 12-round decision) but the IBF has today announced that their findings deem it okay for “Havoc” to remain as their champion.
Evander Holyfield Auctioning Off some of his posessions
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: What started as minor financial difficulties such as child support, turned into a devastating economic down-spiral for Evander Holyfield. Just about a month ago, Holyfield was forced to sell his mansion just outside of Atlanta for $7.5 million, but that sale was of minimal benefit, as the champ owed the bank double that amount, and more than $200,000 in back taxes (http://www.tmz.com/2012/06/08/evander-holyfield-georgia-mansion-sold-auction/).
Heavyweight Legend Ken Norton Suffers Stroke, In Stable Condition In Hospital
By James Slater: According to a number of boxing web sites (I read the sad news on SecondsOut.com), former WBC heavyweight king Ken Norton suffered a stroke earlier today and is in a stable condition in hospital. Ironically, today is Kenny’s birthday – either his 69th or, according to other records, his 67th.
Arum Talks Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Bradley II
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Slowly but surely, boxing fans are getting used to Top Rank’s wishy-washy statements regarding the much anticipated, and at this point even annoying idea of the Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao bout coming to fruition.
Pac-Man Advisor Gacal: “I Think It’s Bradley” – Are We Set For Pacquiao-Bradley II In November?
By James Slater: Superstar Manny Pacquiao has not yet made an official announcement regarding who he will fight next, on November 10th in Las Vegas. Meeting with promoter Bob Arum, the 33-year-old pound-for-pounder has a list of three fighters to choose from: Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley.
Brandon Rios-Mike Alvarado Ready For War On Oct. 13th – “Mile High” Convinced He’ll Stop “Bam Bam”
By James Slater: As fans may well have read, a cracking doubleheader will go down at The Home Depot Centre in Carson, CA on October 13th (HBO to televise) – as pound-for-pound standout Nonito Donaire will face the dangerous and talented Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan and unbeaten duo Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado will clash in what many expect will be a FOTY candidate.
Oosthuizen’s team says no to Froch fight
By Michael Collins: The team of unbeaten super middleweight contender Thomas Oosthuizen (20-0-1, 13 KO’s) has reportedly said no to a match-up against IBF super middleweight champion Carl Froch for November. It’s unclear why Oosthuizen’s team don’t want the fight but it likely comes to one of several things: Money, venue or readiness for the fight.
Brian Mitchell, the manager for the 6’4″ South African Oosthuizen, said to Sowetanlive.co.za “We’ve turned down that fight. Oosthuizen is a potential superstar…It’s proper that [promoter] Lou Dibella will feature him in Shobox. The American boxing public just loves Tommy.”