Gavin Rees Will Challenge Adrien Broner In Feb: Can “The Rock” Stop “The Problem?”

09/15/201612/28/2012 Eddy Pronishev

broner34 By James Slater – Welsh warrior Gavin Rees was understandably disappointed when his scheduled December rumble with John Murray fell apart due to the Manchester man failing a pre-fight medical, and the only thing that kept his spirits up was his promoter Eddie Hearn’s vow to get him a major title fight in early 2013. Well, Hearn (for my money 2012’s boxing promoter of the year) has delivered: getting “The Rock” a February 16th shot at reigning WBC lightweight king and current hotshot Adrien Broner.

Rees, the former WBA light-welterweight champ, wrote on Twitter: “Time for me to become a two-weight world champ.”

Hearn told BBC Sport that “terms have been agreed with the American’s camp, Golden Boy Promotions.”

As fans know, there was a chance undefeated Broner would face Scottish hero and current WBO lightweight boss Ricky Burns next, but that particularly intriguing match-up must go on the backburner, for now at least. Broner Vs. Rees is almost as exciting-looking a match-up though.

First Annual “Gogue Awards” for the boxing year 2012 – Part III

12/30/201212/27/2012 Eddy Pronishev

By Joseph Herron: After somewhat of an historic year in the world of boxing, expert fight strategist and prolific trainer James Gogue gives Eastsideboxing.com his exclusive insight into the best and worst of the sweet science during the year 2012.

Here’s a recap of the categories and winners that were published in Part I and II of the first annual “Gogue Awards”:

Fighter of the Year 2012 – Juan Manuel Marquez

Fight of the Year 2012 – Marquez KO6 Pacquiao, Dec 8th

Round of the Year 2012 – Rios vs. Alvarado, Round 5, Oct 13th

Upset of the Year 2012 – Lopez TKO9 Ortiz, June 23rd

KO of the Year 2012 – Marquez KO6 Pacquiao, Dec 8th

First Annual “Gogue Awards” for the boxing year 2012 – Part II

09/15/201612/26/2012 Eddy Pronishev

By Joseph Herron — After somewhat of an historic year in the world of boxing, expert fight strategist and prolific trainer James Gogue gives Eastsideboxing.com his exclusive insight into the best and worst of the sweet science during the year 2012.

Here’s a recap of the categories and winners that were published in Part I of the first annual “Gogue Awards”:

Fighter of the Year 2012 – Juan Manuel Marquez
Fight of the Year 2012 – Marquez KO6 Pacquiao, Dec 8th
Round of the Year 2012 – Rios vs. Alvarado, Round 5, Oct 13th
Upset of the Year 2012 – Lopez TKO9 Ortiz, June 23rd
KO of the Year 2012 – Marquez KO6 Pacquiao, Dec 8th

Gogue Award for Worst Decision of the Year 2012 – Cloud SD12 Campillo, Feb 18th

“There were some very questionable decisions throughout the boxing year 2012,” admits James Gogue. “But none more impactful to the unfortunate recipient than Tavoris Cloud getting the split decision victory over Gabriel Campillo in Corpus Christi, Texas, earlier this year.”

“Some would argue that Timothy Bradley’s split decision victory over Manny Pacquiao would be the worst decision of the year, but that unpopular judgment did nothing to deflate the career of the Pac-Man. The right man won in the court of public opinion, and the media outcry following the controversial verdict made sure of that.”

First Annual “Gogue Awards” for the boxing year 2012 – Part I

12/26/201212/25/2012 Eddy Pronishev

Gogue Award for Fighter of the Year 2012 – Juan Manuel Marquez

“During 2012, we saw many fighters make a solid and convincing argument for “Fighter of the Year’ honors,” admits James Gogue. “Danny Garcia, Abner Mares, Nonito Donaire, Austin Trout, Wladimir Klitschko, Leo Santa Cruz, Adrien Broner…they all deserve recognition for their respective accomplishments in the ring throughout 2012.”

“Although these fighters made great strides to further their clout within the industry, one fighter accomplished something that impacted the sport greater than any other individual achievement. That was Juan Manuel Marquez doing the unthinkable and knocking Manny Pacquiao unconscious. JMM finally gained that signature win on his resume that eluded the Mexican fight legend throughout his entire 17 year professional career.”

The Best Of 2012 – Who Was The Fighter Of The Year?

09/15/201612/24/2012 Eddy Pronishev

By James Slater – All in all, though 2012 saw a startling and quite unacceptable number of top names from our beloved sport failing drugs tests, the past 12-months were pretty good for boxing (sure, we saw our fair share of debatable, even plain bad decisions). We were treated to a number of truly great fights involving marquee names, we witnessed a number of unforgettable KO’s and we saw some quality match-making.

Indeed, as we approach the very end of 2012, it’s a tough job picking award winners for Fighter Of The Year. KO of The Year? That’s an easy one this year – the stunner that occurred in the 6th-round of a fourth meeting between two all-time greats; one from Mexico, the other hailing from The Philippines. But just who was 2012’s Fighter of The Year?

Here, for what it’s worth, take it or leave it, I list my choices:

Fighter Of The Year:

1: Juan Manuel Marquez.

Oops! 1st a draw then Adamek gets SD to sink USS Cunningham

12/23/201212/23/2012 Eddy Pronishev

adamek3 By Paul Strauss: When has hall of fame announcer Michael Buffer ever needed a second try to announce the winner of a fight? It just doesn’t happen. But, happen it did at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA. The main event of NBC’s Saturday afternoon telecast featured a rematch of Tomasz Adamek and Steve “USS” Cunningham. The result was first announced as a split decision draw. Hold the phone! Michael Buffer hadn’t relinquished the microphone yet. The iconic announcer seemed confused as he was informed there had been a mistake. A mistake? That’s putting it lightly. This was a staggering screw up.

The winner gets the IBF North American Heavyweight title belt (okay, so that isn’t a big deal). More important he goes to the front of the line for a possible title shot against Wladimir Klitschko. Needless to say, Cunningham was crushed, not once, but twice. First, he thought he had gotten screwed out of a win. Then, he gets hammered a second time when he realizes he didn’t even get a (split) draw!

Confucius said, “To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.” I guarantee you Cunningham is going to remember this monumental screw up. The fight was close and exciting, but most people expected Cunningham would be declared the winner, if only by a slight edge, or possibly a draw. He fought an intelligent fight, avoiding for the most part, Adamek’s heavier shots. In their first fight, four years prior, he got a little over eager, thinking he had Adamek where he wanted.

Sergio Martinez – Martin Murray: The Talking Begins

09/15/201612/22/2012 Eddy Pronishev

By Padraig Ivory: Sergio Martinez and Martin Murray came face to face this week ahead of their April 2013 fight. The St Helens fighter made the long trip to the homeland of the middleweight champion to commence the promotional campaign and to introduce himself to the Argentinean fight fans. Martin made television appearances and press calls as the wheels of the promotional bandwagon were set in motion.

The respectful ‘Maravilla’ had returned and he praised his English challenger. Last time out the Oxnard resident had displayed an uncharacteristic hatred and genuine dislike for his opponent as he promised to inflict serious injury on Chavez Jr.”

“He’s young and strong. It’s great that he should want to give his all…” Martinez said of Murray. However the 37 year old promised to be at his best for his homecoming celebration stating that the fight “won’t go past the eighth round”.

Martin’s assessment of the fight differed from that of the current WBC champion. “He began at the bottom and today he’s the most powerful in the division. But I’m better and can beat him”. Murray’s confidence stems from his unbeaten 26 fight professional campaign and in particular the performance he put in against former champion WBA Felix Sturm.

Mayweather vs. Guerrero in the works for May 4th, Canelo Alvarez possible for undercard

12/23/201212/22/2012 Eddy Pronishev

By Bill Phanco: A fight between WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0, 26 KO’s) WBC interim welterweight champion Robert Guerrero (31-1-1, 18 KO’s) is reportedly in the works for May 4th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The contracts haven’t been signed as of yet, but this appears to be the fight that the 35-year-old Mayweather wants for the Cinco de Mayo Mexican holiday on May 4th.

Guerrero has won two big fights since moving up to the welterweight division this year in beating Selcuk Aydin and Andre Berto. Both wins were decisive, and Guerrero did a good job of winning despite showing a lack of big power in both. Although he’s moved up from the lightweight division, Guerrero hasn’t lost his high work rate that he was known for in the lower weight classes.

Mayweather had one of his worst performances in his career in his last fight against Miguel Cotto last May. Floyd won the fight but he took some terrible punishment and he looked like he’s lost a step or two.

WBC junior middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (41-0-1, 30 KO’s) is being talked about as being the co-main event for this pay per view card on HBO. Alvarez’s potential opponents for the fight are Miguel Cotto, James Kirkland or Austin Trout.