Top Stories Boxing

The latest boxing top stories and breaking news

Dazzling Darren Barker fails to weather the Sturm; Post Fight Video Interviews

barker800Felix Sturm claims the IBF middleweight title with second round stoppage of Darren Barker

The UK’s Darren Barker, now (won 26 (KO 16) lost 2 [KO 2] drawn 0), was stopped by Germany’s Felix Sturm, (won 39 [KO 18], lost 3 KO 1 drawn 2), in two rounds of fast paced action that surprised both camps in Stuggart, Germany last night. The lead up for both fighters going into this fight could not have been more different, Sturm coming off two low key fights after losing to Daniel Geale, late in 2012, and Barker coming off a career best performance defeating Geale for the IBF Middleweight belt in August 2013. Both fighters surprised commentators by electing to trade from the off, Sturm getting the better of these and starting with a high tempo from the word go. In what was an entertaining first round, with both Barker and Sturm having success, it was ultimately the wrong strategy for Barker to employ against a revitalised and physically strong Sturm. Sure Barker was having success, but after two relatively heavy knockdowns, Sturm was landing the more telling blows. Barker, for some reason, neglected to utilise his upright boxing skills, dipping unusually low coming in and inviting Sturm to tee off clubbing shots – catching Barker on the top of his head.

continue

Sakio Bika Draws With Anthony Dirrell: Retains WBC 168 lb Strap

04 Dirrell vs Bika draw IMG_2583Super middleweight warhorse Sakio “The Scorpio” Bika, from Sydney, NSW, Australia, retained his WBC strap with a split draw against Flint, Michigan’s Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in Brooklyn, New York, Saturday night.

In the opening televised bout from the Barclays Center, Douala, Cameroon born Bika was the much more aggressive fighter throughout the twelve rounds.

In his first defense, thirty four year old Bika, rated 8 at 168 pounds by The Ring, began the fight looking intent on a knockout, recklessly throwing wild over hand rights and was picked off by the five years younger Dirrell, who had a three and a half inch reach advantage.

But Bika never stopped pressuring and from the start did good work to the body which told late in a gruelling match up but the big moments early came from the challenger.

continue

Malignaggi defeats Judah, wants Broner-Maidana winner

01 Judah vs Malignaggi IMG_4597(Photo credit: Tom Casino/Showtime) BROOKLYN, N.Y. (December 8, 2013) – Two weeks after his 33rd birthday, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-5, 7 KO’s) picks up his 33rd win in a unanimous decision victory over Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KO’s) in front of his hometown crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The fight, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, headlined a four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event.

Despite being knocked down in the second round, Malignaggi was able to regain his stride en route to a strong 116-111, 117-110, 117-110 victory which earned him Brooklyn bragging rights and a potentially bright future in the stacked welterweight division. In addition, he was awarded a special Brooklyn’s World Championship belt designed by SARTONK.

continue

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk Victorious in Chicago

IMG_0122WBC Cruiserweight Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk successfully defended his title last night at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois. This victory completed his trilogy of fights with Italian former champion Giacobbe Fragomeni and was also his sixth defense of the WBC belt. Wlodarczyk displayed a true veteran’s poise in the ring tonight and put on a flawless performance. Fragomeni was giving up several inches in height and reach but sometimes it felt like a foot. Wlodarczyk’s footwork was also put on display as he rarely if ever let Fragomeni get inside, the only place the challenger could get any solid work in.

The highlight of the fight was most certainly the left hook in round four that knocked Fragomeni to the canvas. It was a strange knockdown on a very short punch. The two came close together and the referee came over and it looked like there was going to be a break and Wlodarczyk just threw a punch. Fragomeni went down to his stomach and was shaking his head as the count picked up and it didn’t look like he was going to make it.

continue

Malingaggi vs. Judah & Trout vs. Lara: Four highly skilled fighters two 50-50 fights

11 Lara and Trout IMG_0738This weekend fight fans will get the whole kit and caboodle when it comes to the variety of fights and the style in which these combatants will fight with.

Showtime has a quadruple header this Saturday with the main focus of this article being the “Battle between Brooklynites featuring Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah, also including a very intriguing tilt pairing Erislandy Lara and Austin Trout.

Let’s start with the Brooklyn bred Paulie vs. Zab fight that makes plenty of sense as the headliner even with all the belts that will be on the line in the undercard fights.

Both men are coming off losses at the Barclays Center yet both managed to prove people wrong with their respected performance.

continue

Rigondeaux vs. Agbeko & Tapia vs. Kirkland: Return of the 122 King and a classic prospect versus vet matchup

YouTube video
This coming weekend boxing fans get quite a treat with a plethora of fights to choose from. This article will focus on the return of the Super Bantamweight King Guillermo Rigondeaux facing off against the hardened pro Joseph Agbeko.

There is a fantastic matchup between rising prospect Glen Tapia, who is vying to become a contender, and always dangerous James Kirkland, which will serve as the co-feature for the HBO broadcast from Atlantic City.

Much has been stated or spewed about Guillermo Rigondeaux’s performance the night he did the unthinkable and beat than Top 5 P4P member Nonito Donaire.

Some of the top writers in the sport rained down on the Cuban’s parade for not having enough excitement or action in his victory. Many including Bob Arum labeled it as horrible bordering on torture to watch the whole fight in one sitting.

continue

Will Agbeko Perform Better Than Donaire Against Rigondeaux?

Will Agbeko Perform Better Than Donaire Against Rigondeaux?

Nonito Donaire and Joseph Agbeko both became well established names in boxing circles following impressive victories against Vic Darchinyan. More than 6 years ago, when still a relative unknown, Donaire was the first to defeat Darchinyan in a shocking upset knockout. From there Donaire coasted and ultimately earned universal elite status recognition. Many people felt Donaire’s great run would continue for the foreseeable future, and it had until he was outclassed by Guillermo Rigondeaux earlier this year.

Rigondeaux made Donaire look absolutely terrible. In fact Rigondeaux was so dominant that it left fans searching for answers. Was Rigondeaux really that good? Was Donaire perhaps a bit overrated? Is Donaire on the slide? A bad style match up? An off night? Too reliant on his power? Whatever the case may be, Donaire’s style was awful and entirely ineffective against Rigondeaux. Donaire more closely resembled a rank amateur than a solidified P4P superstar. It was simply a masterful performance from the Cuban sensation.

continue

De La Hoya, Trinidad and Calzaghe all headed into The Hall of Fame – all three greats fully deserving of the honour

de la hoya464588The list of the next great fighters (and writers, promoters, photographers, etc) set to enter The Hall of Fame has been announced. To the dismay of absolutely nobody, ring greats Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad and Joe Calzaghe head the newest inductees.

The special Hall of Fame weekend will take place next June and all three retired greats are sure to be there to make speeches and meet and greet the fans. Also to be inducted are: Barry Hearn, promoter, Richard Steele, referee, Graham Houston, writer, and Neil Leifer, photographer. Also to be inducted are: George Chaney, Charles Ledoux and Mike O’Dowd in the old-timers category, and Tom Allen in the pioneers category.

continue

Do Mayweather and Pacquiao Respect Boxing Fans?

Do Mayweather and Pacquiao Respect Boxing Fans?

It’s funny how things work out sometimes. When Juan Manuel Marquez knocked Manny Pacquiao out with the punch of the century, most people thought it represented the final nail in the coffin for a Mayweather-Pacquiao clash. That perfectly timed right hand not only put an end to Pacquiao’s recent aura of invincibility, but also seemingly sealed the fate of what could have been the biggest fight in boxing history.

Demand for Mayweather-Pacquiao had reached an all-time high in 2009-2010. But by the end 2012, however, all hope seemed lost compliments of Pacquiao’s Mexican nemesis.

continue

Left-Hook Lounge Mailbag: What Next for Kovalev & Stevenson?, Rigondeaux Ready for Agbeko?

IMG_6758Anthony I. (Long Island, NY): I saw a recent interview with a reporter talking to Larry Merchant where Merchant stated that the media needs to “put pressure on Ward and Stevenson”. I have mixed thoughts on his position, but I’d like to get your thoughts on his remarks.

Vivek W. (ESB): I did get a chance to read the interview you’re referring to. It was a piece of work done by Chris Robinson. I’ll preface my comments by saying that you’re not the only one to walk away with mixed emotions. After taking a moment to read the direct quotes, I definitely found myself looking at things from a different angle, as well.

continue