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.
Boxing News
The Latest Boxing News
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.”
James Toney Says U.S 2012 Olympic Team Was The “Worst Ever” – Lights Out Also Calls Out Tyson Fury
By James Slater: James Toney, never a man to be lost for words, has launched a scathing attack on his country’s efforts at winning Olympic medals in boxing at London 2012. Speaking with Reuters, the 43-year-old former multi-weight king says the team that failed to win a single medal was “the worst ever.”
Do Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. really need Roach and Roger?
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: It is not a secret that talent is always present in one’s genetics, but bringing it to light takes a special person, and more importantly the right kind of attitude and preparation.
Can Magomed Abdusalamov Take Out “Big Time” Jameel McCline?
By James Slater – According to a number of boxing web sites (I read it on FigoSport.com), unbeaten Russian banger Magomed Abdusalamov will face experienced former four-time heavyweight title challenger Jameel “Big Time” McCline on the under-card of Vitali Klitschko-Manuel Charr in Moscow on Sept. 8th.
Southpaw “Mago” has entertained fans with his raw power and his heavy hands, and the 15-0(15) slugger has also seen his fan base grow.
Andre Ward now finds himself in a lose-lose situation
by Geoffrey Ciani – After being awarded a majority decision victory against the ageless warrior Bernard Hopkins, in a fight that appeared more decisive than the rendered verdict might suggest, ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson issued a direct challenge to super middleweight champion Andre Ward. Dawson made his intentions abundantly clear that this was the fight he wanted, even insisting that he would venture south to 168 in order to make it happen. Ward ultimately accepted this challenge, and now the two are slated to square off in a highly anticipated showdown on September 8.
Even though Dawson claims he can comfortably make weight and perform effectively as a super middleweight, many observers simply do not believe him. As a result, while the reality may be that this is nothing more than a tremendous clash of talent, the perception is that Dawson is being compromised. Not only does Chad, a naturally big light heavyweight, need to shed an extra seven pounds to make the 168 pound limit he last made over six years ago, but he will also need to travel to Ward’s backyard in Oakland. In the eyes of many, even if Ward wins in the most impressive fashion imaginable, the victory will already be tainted because of the concessions “forced on” Dawson.
According to Arum, Pacquiao vs. Cotto II is likely to happen
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: With the available roster of opposition for Manny Pacquiao, picking a fight should not be too complicated as far as the fight itself goes, but of course there are always financial negotiates, which can stall or even prevent a good fight from coming together. It is safe to assume at this point in time, that Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao fight will not happen until sometime around summer of 2013, and even that is an optimistic hypothesis.