By Vitali Shaposhnikov: What started as minor financial difficulties such as child support, turned into a devastating economic down-spiral for Evander Holyfield. Just about a month ago, Holyfield was forced to sell his mansion just outside of Atlanta for $7.5 million, but that sale was of minimal benefit, as the champ owed the bank double that amount, and more than $200,000 in back taxes (http://www.tmz.com/2012/06/08/evander-holyfield-georgia-mansion-sold-auction/).
Heavyweight Legend Ken Norton Suffers Stroke, In Stable Condition In Hospital
By James Slater: According to a number of boxing web sites (I read the sad news on SecondsOut.com), former WBC heavyweight king Ken Norton suffered a stroke earlier today and is in a stable condition in hospital. Ironically, today is Kenny’s birthday – either his 69th or, according to other records, his 67th.
Arum Talks Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Bradley II
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: Slowly but surely, boxing fans are getting used to Top Rank’s wishy-washy statements regarding the much anticipated, and at this point even annoying idea of the Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao bout coming to fruition.
Pac-Man Advisor Gacal: “I Think It’s Bradley” – Are We Set For Pacquiao-Bradley II In November?
By James Slater: Superstar Manny Pacquiao has not yet made an official announcement regarding who he will fight next, on November 10th in Las Vegas. Meeting with promoter Bob Arum, the 33-year-old pound-for-pounder has a list of three fighters to choose from: Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley.
Brandon Rios-Mike Alvarado Ready For War On Oct. 13th – “Mile High” Convinced He’ll Stop “Bam Bam”
By James Slater: As fans may well have read, a cracking doubleheader will go down at The Home Depot Centre in Carson, CA on October 13th (HBO to televise) – as pound-for-pound standout Nonito Donaire will face the dangerous and talented Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan and unbeaten duo Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado will clash in what many expect will be a FOTY candidate.
Oosthuizen’s team says no to Froch fight
By Michael Collins: The team of unbeaten super middleweight contender Thomas Oosthuizen (20-0-1, 13 KO’s) has reportedly said no to a match-up against IBF super middleweight champion Carl Froch for November. It’s unclear why Oosthuizen’s team don’t want the fight but it likely comes to one of several things: Money, venue or readiness for the fight.
Brian Mitchell, the manager for the 6’4″ South African Oosthuizen, said to Sowetanlive.co.za “We’ve turned down that fight. Oosthuizen is a potential superstar…It’s proper that [promoter] Lou Dibella will feature him in Shobox. The American boxing public just loves Tommy.”
James Toney Says U.S 2012 Olympic Team Was The “Worst Ever” – Lights Out Also Calls Out Tyson Fury
By James Slater: James Toney, never a man to be lost for words, has launched a scathing attack on his country’s efforts at winning Olympic medals in boxing at London 2012. Speaking with Reuters, the 43-year-old former multi-weight king says the team that failed to win a single medal was “the worst ever.”
Do Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. really need Roach and Roger?
By Vitali Shaposhnikov: It is not a secret that talent is always present in one’s genetics, but bringing it to light takes a special person, and more importantly the right kind of attitude and preparation.