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.
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.