News: Abraham suggests Marquez to look for a new job; Calzaghe/Jones 24/7 Part II; Al Bernstein

King Arthur Abraham claims there is no reason for Raul Marquez to be worried about the IBF middleweight champion´s weight. The two fighters will clash in Bamberg on November 8, five weeks later than originally planned after Abraham was flattened by the flu on the day of the bout. Earlier this week, Marquez said in a statement: “Maybe he was sick but, if he really was, it was because of what he had to do to make weight. If he really was sick it would have taken him two weeks to get back to where he was. Four weeks isn’t going to help him if he’s having trouble making 160 pounds..”

King Arthur believes there is no need to worry for the challenger. “I want to thank Marquez for his medical diagnosis. Maybe he can work as a doctor once I have defeated him. I know for a fact that he will not be the new IBF middleweight champion, so it might be wise to think of an alternative career. I know he has worked as a TV commentator, but if he likes to share his thoughts on weight problems, he should try and land a job with Weight Watchers!”

Abraham claims he will be in top shape come November 8. “I was unfortunate to get sick but there is nothing you can do about it,” he added. “It just happens. I have fully recovered and quickly returned to practice. Everything has been going fine and I will be in great form next week.”

King Arthur also stressed that he is not looking past Marquez. “From day one it has been my goal to become super-champion and unify the titles,” King Arthur said. “But I am well aware that I will only get the chance if I beat Marquez on November 8. That is why my full focus is on him.”

CALZAGHE/JONES 24/7 – NOV. 2 EPISODE

Episode #2

Debut: SUNDAY, NOV. 2 (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: Nov. 2 (11:30 p.m.), 3 (8:00 a.m., 11:30 p.m.), 4 (12:30 a.m.), 5 (8:30 p.m.), 6 (11:00 a.m., 7:30 p.m.), 7 (9:00 p.m.) and 8 (9:00 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Nov. 14 (9:30 p.m.) and 15 (10:30 a.m.). All times ET/PT.

HBO On Demand availability begins: Nov. 4

Two of boxing’s brightest stars continue preparations for their Nov. 8 light heavyweight showdown at Madison Square Garden. Undefeated United Kingdom icon Joe Calzaghe leaves his hometown of Newbridge, Wales and heads to New York, while Roy Jones Jr. heads back to his hometown of Pensacola, Fla. to visit family and attend a pep rally in his honor. The episode also explores the father & son relationship that exists for both Joe and Roy.

The executive producers of CALZAGHE/JONES 24/7 are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; coordinating producer, Dave Harmon: producers, Scott Boggins and Bentley Weiner; narrator, Liev Schreiber.

AL BERNSTEIN MAKES APPEARANCE AT FIGHT NIGHT

Al Bernstein, Showtime boxing analyst and the voice of boxing for over 25 years will make a special guest appearance Thursday, November 20 at the American Metal and Iron Fight Night in San Jose, California.

Completing his season as an official spokesman for the fight series, Al will address the ringsiders group before the fight and address the fans from inside the ring before the main event. He will also be available for a meet and greet with fans inside the arena. On November 19, Al will appear at the weigh-in and do interviews with the media about the card. Al has written boxing columns and done podcasts that have appeared on the Fight Night website.

“I really enjoy going around the country making appearances at fight cards and helping promote the sport in general. The American Metal and Iron Fight Night is one of my favorite stops. This year is even more enjoyable because as their spokesperson, I have been able to be involved with all of their matches. I enjoyed writing and podcasting about the fights and boxing as part of my duties as spokesman for this series”, he said.

The main event of this card features Bobby Pacquiao against Sandro Marcos in a 10 round lightweight match. Tickets can be purchased at the HP Pavilion box office or at Ticketmaster throughout the bay area in California.

IN OTHER NEWS:

When Al Bernstein hosted a post fight gathering for Bally’s casino patrons at the Blue Martini Lounge after the Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik match in Atlantic City, boxing experts were amazed at the performance of Hopkins. Al was joined on stage by legendary fight trainer Angelo Dundee, boxing historian and writer Burt Sugar and great heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, and all agreed that Hopkins win over Pavlik was an astonishing performance. Dundee had predicted a Hopkins win, so he said, “I knew the old guy could do it, but who knew it would be so dominating?” Bernstein dubbed it, “the best over 40 year old performance in boxing history.”

Al will again serve as analyst on the Showtime Network telecast of the Cristian Mijares-Vic Darchinyan super flyweight championship fight on Saturday, Nov. 1. The telecast begins at 9 pm eastern and pacific times. Al will also lead the coverage of the weigh-in and fight for the Al Bernstein Boxing Channel (ABBC) at www.ibnsports.com . The ABBC will provide complete coverage of the post fight press conference, including interviews with top boxing personalities analyzing the match.