By Jeff Sorby: Former two division world champion Zab Judah (42-7, 29 KO’s) sees a victory over WBA/WBC light welterweight champion Danny Garcia (25-0, 16 KO’s) on February 9th as a mere formality for him when the two fighters meet up on Showtime at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Malik Scott: “I’m Looking to Fight Anybody in the Top 10….I’m Just a Phone Call and Contract Away”
Exclusive Interview by Charles White
Hey Malik, it’s been awhile since our last interview. How’s it going?
MS: What’s up bro? Everything is good man. I’m blessed. Just staying sharp and keeping myself in great shape.
Last time out, you beat Bowie Tupou decisively, securing a solid win and a step in the right direction. Fellow undefeated heavyweight Bryant Jennings also just defeated Tupou on NBC Sports. Compare and contrast your win over Tupou with Jennings’.
MS: Well that’s an easy comparison, I beat Bowie with one hand and he quit from a so-called arm injury or some other coward-ass excuse he came up with. Bryant Jennings got off the canvas and iced him in 5 rounds and looked good doing it. Bowie made history by getting his ass whipped by two Philly fighters in the same year. I don’t think that ever happened to any other heavyweight in boxing history.
Both you and Jennings are Philly guys as you know. Have you ever sparred each other, and if so, how competitive was it?
Woodhall: Rees needs to swarm Adrien Broner
By Michael Collins: Former WBC World super middleweight champion Richie Woodhall thinks that the key to former WBA light welterweight champion Gavin Rees (37-1-1, 18 KO’s) beating WBC lightweight champion Adrien Broner (25-0, 21 KO’s) on February 16th is to “swarm” Broner in massive all out blitzkrieg attack that will, in theory, overwhelm Broner’s Mayweather-esque shoulder roll defense.
Price vs. Thompson: Tony’s only chance of winning is to close his eyes and swing for Price’s chin
By Michael Collins: David Price’s promoter has found another older fighter for Price to fight in 41-year-old Tony Thompson (36-3, 24 KO’s) on February 23rd at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. Price’s fans think this is a great step up fight for the 29-year-old Price. It isn’t.
Damien Hooper: “Tell your readers at East Side Boxing to follow me!”
Australian Olympic team representative Damien “Super” Hooper is chomping at the bit to turn professional, just days … continue
Barthelemy wins first controversial decision of 2013
By Joseph Herron – If fight fans were hopeful for less controversy throughout the boxing New Year, their optimism was quickly dashed after watching the season opener of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.
Highly touted Super Featherweight prospect Rances Barthelemy (18-0, 11 KOs) was awarded a very questionable unanimous twelve round decision over Canadian resident Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs) in the main event of an entertaining fight card at the Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida.
The three judges at ringside scored the bout 115-113, and 116-112 twice…all in favor of the local fighter, Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy.
Going into the contest, most fight pundits favored the Cuban exile because of his natural athletic gifts, extensive amateur pedigree, and the world class sparring during preparation in Miami and Las Vegas.
But for much of the twelve round contest, Arash Usmanee looked to be the more technically sound pugilist.
Lamont Peterson vs. Kendall Holt possible for February 22nd on ESPN2
By Bill Phanco: IBF light welterweight champion Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO’s) looks to be finally about to defend his IBF title after having won it over a year ago in defeating former IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan in December 2011. Peterson and #4 IBF Kendall Holt (28-5, 16 KO’s) could be facing each other on February 22nd on ESPN2 at the D.C Armory in Washington, DC.
Canelo Alvarez not likely to face Trout next
By Rob Smith: WBC junior middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s manager Eddy Reynosa says that he and Canelo will be meeting with Golden Boy Promotions in two weeks to decide who will be Canelo’s next opponent for March or May 4th. Canelo had previously requested that he wanted to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr, Sergio Martinez or Miguel Cotto on May 4th, but it doesn’t appear that Golden Boy will be able to land any of those big names.
Pacquiao not ready to retire, says he’s feeling good
By Rob Smith: In response to the comment from a Filipino doctor that he might have the symptoms of early Parkinson’s disease, Manny Pacquiao spoke up and said he’s feeling fine and isn’t planning on retiring anytime soon despite the doctor’s advice that he should consider doing so.
Broner with possibility to fight on May 4th if he massacres Gavin Rees on 2/16
By Michael Collins: WBC lightweight champion Adrien Broner (25-0, 21 KO’s) can write his own ticket to a highly visible fight on May 4th on the Floyd Mayweather Jr. undercard on HBO if Broner routes Brit Gavin Rees (37-1-1, 18 KO’s) on February 16th at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.