Month: June 2016

Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido: Potential FOTY at the StubHub

Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido: Potential FOTY at the StubHub

Two Mexican warriors clash this Saturday night live on HBO, from the StubHub Center, in Carson, CA. It’s a classic tale of young lion versus old lion matchup on paper hosted at the perfect venue. Will the fresher fighter in Vargas be the difference in the end? Or will Saildo’s battle tested experience guide him to the victory?

This can’t miss matchup between 130-pound titleholder Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido came very close to being called off all together, after Vargas tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol.

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The Lost Fights of Mike Tyson Part 1: George Foreman

The Lost Fights of Mike Tyson Part 1: George Foreman

When discussing “Iron” Mike Tyson, and his Icarus-like ascent and descent from the summit of heavyweight boxing in the 80s and 90s, the debate always turns to the dream fights. How would the version of Tyson who crushed Trevor Berbick have dealt with the Muhammad Ali who carved up Cleveland Williams? How would the Catskills man have stacked up against “The Brown Bomber” Joe Louis? Could he have matched leather with Marciano, Frazier or Dempsey? While we will never have definitive answers to these questions, there are three intriguing fights that were at the negotiation stage during Tyson’s terrifying and controversial rule over the sport of kings. These three bouts, had they come off, could have irrevocably changed the history of the sport’s banner division for years to come. Here we take a look at the first of these match-ups: Mike Tyson vs George Foreman.

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Rocky Martinez Discusses June 11 Title Defense Against Vasyl Lomachenko

Rocky Martinez Discusses June 11 Title Defense Against Vasyl Lomachenko

It is an incredible fight for Rocky Martinez. It has been an opportunity we have been looking for a long time. As everyone knows, Rocky Martinez has already been a world champion three times. He has a lot of experience and he has been looking for this type of opportunity. Being the main event on HBO will give him a lot of exposure and a win over Lomachenko will be incredible for his career. In our camp, we are really confident about this fight — confident that we can win this fight. Rocky is the bigger guy and the guy with the experience and he is hungry. Also to fight on the weekend of the Puerto Rican Day Parade is an incredible thing for Rocky Martinez.

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Tyson Fury: “Klitschko will see I am massive, I will knock him out”

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Heavyweight champ Tyson Fury has been boasting about the way he is able to “go from a fat pig on the booze to a feeling really fit.” Currently training, apparently hard, in Holland, the unbeaten 27-year-old says he has put down the beer, the champagne and the vodka and is now in great physical shape. With just over a month to go until the anticipated rematch, Fury says he has bulked up and added muscle to his 6’9” frame.

Speaking from his Dutch training base, Fury said he will “be massive” upon entering the ring in Manchester on July 9 and that he will “knock Klitschko out” this time. Fury isn’t expecting an easy fight, and he says 40-year-old Klitschko “would beat anyone else but me,” but he sees only one winner.

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West Africa title headlines VIP Fight Night in Accra

West Africa title headlines VIP Fight Night in Accra

Fireworks are expected in the ring on the night of June 11, 2016 when the curtains are finally drawn on the Azumah Nelson inspired VIP Fight Night Black Tie edition at the 5-Star Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel Ballroom in the Ghana capital, Accra.

A total of six professional fights headlined by the clash for the West Africa Boxing Union (WABU) Super Featherweight title between belt holder, Wahab Oluwaseum and challenger, Michael Pappoe will whet the appetite of distinguished guests expected at the event.

As well, warm-up amateur fights and a women’s exhibition bout will precede the main events.

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Provodnikov-Molina Jr., Andrade-Nelson conference call quotes

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NEW YORK (June 2, 2016) – Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov and John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr., along with Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Willie “The Great” Nelson, hosted an International Media Conference Call on Tuesday in advance of their highly anticipated battles as part of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Also taking part was Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions, and SHOWTIME Sports Executive Vice President and General Manager Stephen Espinoza.

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Franklin Mamani vs. Dejan Zlaticanin on June 11

Franklin Mamani vs. Dejan Zlaticanin on June 11

NEW YORK (June 2, 2016) – WBC No. 5-ranked lightweight contender Franklin Mamani will face No. 1-ranked lightweight Dejan Zlaticanin for the vacant WBC 135-pound title on Saturday, June 11, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs), who is the leading available contender in the WBC rankings, replaces the injured Emiliano Marsili, who pulled out of the fight on Tuesday with an illness.

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Terry Flanagan-Mzonke Fana set for Fury-Klitschko II – a mismatch or can the veteran roll back the years?

Terry Flanagan-Mzonke Fana set for Fury-Klitschko II - a mismatch or can the veteran roll back the years?

Terry Flanagan of Manchester is thrilled he will be appearing on the July 9 under-card of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury and his defence against ex-champ Wladimir Klitschko in their rematch in his hometown, but fans may not like the man chosen to be the unbeaten WBO lightweight’s challenger. 26-year-old Flanagan, 30-0(12) will face 42-year-old Mzonke Fana of South Africa next month. Now, to be fair, his age aside, Fana, 38-9(16) is not a bad, or shot fighter, even if he has seen better days.

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Jarrell Miller, the best young heavyweight up-and-comer on the scene?

Jarrell Miller, the best young heavyweight up-and-comer on the scene?

He’s big at approx 280-pounds, he has genuine punching power and Jarrell Miller is young at age 27. Further good news for those fans who feel the Brooklyn talent is the next big thing in a heavyweight division that has been referred to by many as “wide open,” comes with Miller’s plans to stay active. “Big Baby,” as Miller, 17-0-1(15) is curiously nicknamed, fought just a week ago – crushing an overmatched Nick Guivas inside a couple of rounds – yet he is scheduled to be back in action on August 19th, his manager Greg Cohen told ESPN.com.

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