As fans know, superstar Manny Pacquiao, last seen dropping a controversial 12-round decision to big underdog Jeff Horn, is set to return to action soon: on the April 14 card topped by (or sharing co-headline with) Horn against Terence Crawford; Manny going up against a still-game but generally faded Mike Alvarado.
Nieky Holzken: I can get the victory against Callum Smith
WBC Diamond Champion Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs) and Nieky Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs) exchanged words of … continue
Luis Ortiz has been tested seven times in run-up to Wilder fight, his manager says; Wilder hoping his challenger “does the right thing”
The rescheduled Deontay Wilder-Luis Ortiz fight is just days away – nine in fact – and everyone who was excited to see the fight back in November is hoping Cuban southpaw Ortiz comes out clean in any and all drug tests preceding the bout. And, according to Ortiz’ manager Jay Jimenez, his man has indeed been a good guy; being tested some seven times, by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, and coming out clean as a whistle.
Devon Alexander is back; Eubank Jr needs a change
We were treated to a very interesting and entertaining week in the boxing word. Exciting fights, surprise upsets and questionable judging. We had it all. Here are a few quick points I took away from the past few days.
Devon Alexander is back.
Bivol: I’m glad Sullivan Barrera accepted the challenge
WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (12-0, 10 KOs) met with news media at the Legendz Gym, owned and run by Roger Ruiz yesterday to discuss his upcoming mandatory title defense against #1 ranked challenger Sullivan Barrera (21-1-0, 14 KOs).
Rungvisai-Estrada, Cuadras-Arroyo & Nietes-Reveco this Saturday on HBO
HBO Sports returns to the vibrant flyweight ranks with an action-packed tripleheader when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI VS. JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA AND CARLOS CUADRAS VS. MCWILLIAMS ARROYO AND DONNIE NIETES VS. JUAN CARLOS REVECO is seen SATURDAY, FEB. 24 at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT) from the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.
Nieky Holzken ready to upset Callum Smith in WBSS semifinals
Nieky Holzken plans to gatecrash the World Boxing Super Series and secure his spot in the final when he faces the tournament’s number two seed Callum Smith on Saturday at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung in Nuremberg, Germany.
Hearn planning Anthony Joshua’s US debut for next fight after Parker unification; Jarrell Miller the target for August/September
US fight fans who want to see Anthony Joshua fight in America will likely get their wish this summer; while unbeaten heavyweight contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller may well get what he has been calling for: a shot at the WBA/IBF ruler. Eddie Hearn was in New York yesterday to announce the upcoming April doubleheader at The Barclays Centre in New York – Danny Jacobs-Maciej Sulecki and Miller-Johan Duhaupas – and he said the plan is for AJ to box in New York in either August or September.
Mike Tyson – Video Career Recap
Iron Mike Tyson is arguably the most exciting boxer in the rich history of professional boxing. Tyson electrified audiences with his crowd-pleasing style that often resulted in magnificent highlight reel knockouts. Tyson’s unique blend of blazing speed and devastating power made him an absolute force to be reckoned with.
50 years ago: The finest heavyweight boxer in history is banned from working his unique magic, is “pretty much broke”
Go back 50 years, to 1968, and the greatest heavyweight champion boxer in the sport’s long history Muhammad Ali, was barred from boxing; unable to even earn a living. “I am not allowed to work to earn a living in America, and I’m not allowed to leave the country,” Ali said in explaining his hopelessly unjust plight.