The Latest Boxing News
Kovalev will not only have to overcome the unbeaten champion’s boxing style, he will have to do it in the hostile environment of Cleverly’s back yard. However the hard-punching challenger has been on quite a roll of late, five knockouts in his last five starts, and is completely confident that his abilities can carry him to the championship against Cleverly, regardless of the fight’s venue.
Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder: is he the next big thing for the American heavyweight division? Is a perfect record of 29 wins with 100% knockout rate an indication of a future sensation? Is he ready to move to the top and face a dominating world champion?
With Wilder’s knockout of Liakhovich, people are starting to give more thought to this promising young fighter, letting their imaginations run as to what he could potentially achieve in boxing in the future.
I have to say, Wilder is certainly earning more respect with his power and drive to make it to the top. His confidence must be though the roof, and his desire and need to become the world champion is unquestioned. Thus far, most of his opposition did not look competitive facing him in the right, as he simply plows through them in the most dominating fashion possible. But who was his opposition? Is his resume made up of formidable rivals? The answer is no.
Alvarado and Provodnikov enter this world title tilt fresh from Fight of the Year performances that took place in March, just two weeks apart from each other, and were televised on HBO®. They boast a combined record of 56-3 (38 KOs) — a winning percentage of 95% and a victory by knockout ratio of 68%.
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”.
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.
Tickets prices start at $30 and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and by calling 800-745-3000.
DANIEL GEALE – “I’m feeling good as I’m starting to get fresher every day. I’m excited because I know it’s going to be a great fight. Barker is going to come out hard and I know he’s very hungry. I want to be pushed and I know Barker is going to that which is going to make for an exciting fight. Fighting on HBO is great. It’s been a long time coming and I’m excited to fighting on such a great card. Gary Shaw and my team back home have done a great job getting me here and I just want to put on a great show. To all my fans please tune in because I’m going to bring that title home.”
Every great boxer comes to a crossroads in their career where a distinct moment can be pointed to where that fighter overcame a challenge that ultimately solidified their eternal mark in the sport. For some pugilists it’s the reaching of a benchmark like a record title defense number or besting a rival in the third fight of a trilogy or the dismantling of a great fighter. However, the more dramatic and most memorable moments of vindication can be viewed on how a fighter climbs through adversity and comes out better.
(LOS ANGELES, CALIF.) – Former two-time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) will undergo surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right shoulder on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Berto suffered the painful and debilitating injury in the second round of his July 27th bout with Jesus Soto Karass at the At&T Center in San Antonio, and was forced to endure the majority of the fight with one arm. Wednesday’s surgery will repair the main supporting tendon of the rotator cuff in Berto’s right shoulder.
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.