Englishman Lee Haskin’s has become the IBF bantamweight champion by default after Randy Caballero tipped the scales at yesterday’s weigh-in at 123.5 lbs, a full 5.5 lbs over the sanctioned limit.
The two were set to meet on the Cotto/Canelo undercard tonight in Las Vegas for the Californian’s strap, yet after the weigh-in debacle and Haskins [correct] refusal to fight on at a catch-weight, he will return to the UK in a bittersweet mood as the new IBF titlist.
Current Tim Bradley trainer, Teddy Atlas is picking Miguel Cotto to win tonight’s WBC middleweight battle with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas, claiming the Puerto Rican will box around a ‘drained’ looking ‘Canelo’ and take advantage of his ‘cement feet.’
Atlas, who has just enjoyed a successful corner debut with Bradley, initially believed that Canelo was going to be too young and strong for Cotto, although having watched the Mexican come in bang on the 155 c/w limit, Atlas feels the hugely popular young star looks drained.
Britain’s Martin Murray is confident that he will be treated fairly by the officials in Germany tonight, ahead of his challenge to home fighter and WBO super-middleweight champion, Arthur Abraham.
No stranger to travelling throughout his career, Murray tonight arrives in Hannover for his 4th crack at a world title, after 3 previous attempts at middleweight went against him, including a previous visit to Deutschland in 2011 when he was held to a draw by then champion and adopted German, Felix Sturm.
Mexican modern great, Juan Manuel Marquez has spoken out ahead of tonight’s Mexico v Puerto Rico catch-weight clash between Miguel Cotto and ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, to wisely state ‘experience will be the key.’
Marquez, ostensibly now retired following injury, though refusing to confirm or deny as much, was keen to state if the fight is in any way close, that it could well be the 35 year old Puerto Rican who emerges the victor, thanks to his top-level experience, which far exceeds that of the younger Alvarez.
“Mexico vs Puerto Rico” is arguably the biggest rivalry in the history of the sport. Tonight that rivalry will etch a new chapter in stone as veteran Puerto Rican warrior Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33KO’s) takes on Mexico’s biggest and fastest rising star, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (45-1-1, 32KO’s). Coming into 2015 the world anticipated Mayweather vs Pacquiao. Although that bout didn’t live up to the larger-than-life hype, there’s no question that this showdown will hit the mark. As we countdown the hours, lets take a quick look at “keys to victory”, four critical angles to explore, and a final prediction:
I am disappointed in the WBC for waiting until few days before the fight to strip Miguel Cotto of his middleweight championship because he won’t pay $300K with additional $800K for a step aside fee. For me as a fan this is disappointing because, this fight this weekend is championship caliber and it’s supposed to have the middleweight championship title on the line for both combatants to win. But this is what is wrong with boxing.
Miguel Cotto and Saul Alvarez will add to the rich history of the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry this Saturday night. Canelo is the young lion hungry for a signature victory. Cotto is the vet looking for respect and a chance to add another name to his impressive resume. This sure-fire, two-way matchup will be broadcasted live on HBO PPV at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Saturday’s HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT. The main event features Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Cotto taking on Mexican Sensation Canelo Alvarez in a 12-round middleweight championship mega-fight.
Official Weights from Las Vegas
Miguel Cotto: 153.5 lbs.
Canelo Alvarez: 155 lbs.
Matchroom Boxing chief, Eddie Hearn has stated his belief that former heavyweight world champion David Haye is returning to the sport to seek out a fight with his unbeaten future star, Anthony Joshua.
Haye this week announced his intention to return to boxing under the tutelage of Carl Frampton trainer, Shane McGuigan, and has claimed many times over recent months that he intends to get back to top level again in 2016.
Former IBF welterweight champion, Shawn Porter, says he is still waiting on official confirmation of date and venue ahead of his mooted clash with fellow Al Haymon fighter and WBA (reg) champion, Keith Thurman.
Porter had been hoping for a date before the end of the year for the fight with Florida’s Thurman, who himself has repeatedly stated he wants a ‘big ending’ to 2015 after what some people have seen as an ‘indifferent’ year for ‘One Time.’