January, 2005

"The Dream" Could Be 'The Man' If He Beats The Man
by Frank Gonzalez Jr.
1/31 - If you were a Mad Boxing Scientist, who took the chin of Arturo Gatti, the athleticism of Cory Spinks, the tenacity of Erik Morales and the ring generalship of Bernard Hopkins, shook it all up, cast it in a mold and baked it-you might end up with a Kassim Ouma.

Kassim Ouma (21-1-1-13 KO’s) has been winning all of his fights since November of 1999, when he faced Agustin Silva (10-16-1). Silva put Ouma on the canvas three times, forcing a loss by TKO 4 in adherence to the Three Knock Down Rule. >>>> Frank Gonzalez Jr. goes in depth on Ouma becoming the man at 154 | Coyote Duran goes one-on-one with Ouma

Gatti's New Style Keeps Leija, The Hulk At Bay
by Buster Paris
1/31 - "Jesse" James Leija is in the ring waiting for it. We're all waiting for it. The guitar starts to play over the PA system and I’m watching Arturo "Thunder" Gatti walk to the ring. I find myself singing along with his entrance music. AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ “Thunder! - na na na naaa na na naaa na Thunder!...”

Over Gatti’s right shoulder I see the enormous and intimidating Chuck Zito. Over Gatti’s left shoulder I see the ever-present Micky Ward. I think it’s so cool that Micky’s there. He has become a part of Gatti through their incredible trilogy. They say that in some slugfest wars that you lose part of yourself. You leave it in the ring. Arturo Gatti actually gained something and that something is “Irish” Micky Ward. They became friends and have become locked in a bond together. They have become defining characteristics of each other. >>>> much more of Gatti's knockout win | photos of Gatti-Leija by Bill Emes

Gatti to Return June 11th, Hopeful It's "Pretty Boy"
1/31 - After disposing of veteran "Jesse" James Leija on HBO this past Saturday, Arturo "Thunder" Gatti will return to the ring on June 11th at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. "Hopefully, June 11th I will be back," Gatti told the media at the post-fight press conference. "I don't know who I will be fighting, but it doesn't really matter because I want to become the best pound for pound fighter at 140 and whoever I got to fight, I will fight." When asked about the potential of fighting the Kostya Tszyu-Ricky Hatton winner [both are Showtime fighters] Main Events’ Carl Moretti made it known that Gatti would continue to fight on HBO. Moretti was clearly disappointed that he couldn't announce a Gatti versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. showdown, but said, "right now I can tell you on June 11th Arturo Gatti will be here [Boardwalk Hall] and the place will be sold out again. He will be in the red corner. We hope Mayweather is in the blue corner." • Discuss at the FORUM

Greenburg Wins 1/31 - Unbeaten, Jewish heavyweight Roman Greenberg, 18-0, captured the Broadway spotlight this past Friday night >>>> more from Robert Louis, ringside

Diaz, Castillo Set for March 5th, Unify IBF/WBC
1/31 - Diego Corrales and the WBO lightweight title are out. Julio Diaz, 30-2, and his IBF title are in. The unification between Diaz and WBC champion Jose Luis Castillo, 51-6-1, is set to air LIVE on Showtime from the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas on March 5th. In what will be an exciting match between two of the world's best lightweights, Diaz feels Castillo is much like his brother Antonio and expects nothing but the "W". "I've done well sparring with my older brother, who is big like Castillo, and this is a fight I expect to win," said the 25-year old Diaz. Tickets are $50 to $300 and are available, February 2nd at all Ticketmaster outlets. • Discuss at the FORUM

Diaz is Going Primetime, Battles Holt on Showtime
"I am looking to get a victory and to have a good showing against a tough fighter"
by Julius Stecker
1/31 - Undefeated jr. welterweight David Diaz has been doing big things for quite a while now and it is about time someone is taking notice. On February 4th, at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket CT, he finally gets a chance to show fight fans what he can do on a bigger stage. On that evening he will be taking on the hard hitting young prospect Kendall Holt in a 'ShoBox' main event, which promises to be an excellent match-up between two exciting young fighters. TalkingBoxing.com caught up with the exciting Diaz to get his feelings about the upcoming fight. >>>> more from David Diaz

Gatti Stops Leija, Ouma Decisions Jantuah
1/30 - Last night from Atlantic City, NJ, WBC jr. welterweight champion Arturo Gatti, 39-6, disposed of former champion "Jesse" James Leija, 47-7-2, scoring a 5th round knockout victory in front of 12,599 crazed fans. The 32-year old Gatti was the antagonist from the opening bell, using his jab often to keep the smaller Leija at bay. "I stayed on the outside because of his experience. I wanted to stay on the outside," said Gatti, who is improving under the tutelage of trainer Buddy McGirt. The crafty Leija did manage to get inside a few times in the opening rounds to land overhand rights, but Gatti made him pay dearly with great combo work and his quick jab. >>>> for more of Gatti-Leija and Ouma-Jantuah, plus photos by Bill Emes | pre-fight breakdown by Mr. Diaz

King Has Plans to Please, Rahman-Klitschko May 7th
Brewster-Golota, Ruiz-Toney, Mayorga-Castillejo and Byrd-Klitschko
1/30 - Being reported by Lem Satterfield and the Baltimore Sun, former champion Hasim Rahman is likely to face WBC and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, May 7th at New York's Madison Square Garden. Rahman's manger Steve Nelson hasn't inked anything yet, but plans to meet with Don King to iron out a contract next week. Klitschko, who will begin training in February, had until June to take care of the WBC #1 ranked Rahman, but with a Lennox Lewis return unlikely, Rahman fit the bill. King, who has been trying to stage a unification tournament among the heavyweight champions, is on the verge of making it happen. It starts with a April 16th showdown between WBO champ Lamon Brewster and Andrew Golota at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. On the undercard of Brewster-Golota would be a middleweight showdown with Ricardo Mayorga and Javier Castillejo. Then on April 30th, WBA champ John Ruiz would face #1 contender James Toney at a location to be named. And on November 23rd, IBF champ Chris Byrd would battle Wladimir Klitschko in a re-match of a 2000 showdown won by Wladimir. All of these fights are scheduled to be shown live on HBO. • Discuss at the FORUM

Talking Boxing with KASSIM "THE DREAM" OUMA
"I'm the champion right now so I'm going for what I have right now"
by Coyote Duran
1/29 - Rough childhoods are nothing new to many Americans. You grow up. You become an adult. You gain a whole new set of problems along with joys and, most of all, you learn from them. Happens to the best of us, right?

If you don't believe that for a minute, you could try walking in Kassim Ouma's shoes for a bit. As the tender age of 6, when most children are eating boogers or debating the gravity of being near the opposite sex for fear of catching cooties, the IBF Junior Middleweight titlist was spirited away to serve in the Ugandan army, trained to give his life for his country, if need be.

If the 26-year old Ouma (20-1 with 13 KOs and 1 No-Contest) thought his hard times would come to an end by defecting 7 years ago, he would be terribly wrong for the young man known as "The Dream" would suffer from gunshot wounds as result of a drive-by shooting in late 2002. The gutsy Ugandan would only return in May of the following year to defeat Angel Hernandez by split decision and has only climbed in the ratings since. >>>> a must read before Ouma battles Kofi Jantuah tonight on HBO

Greenburg, Wonjongkam, Reid Get KO's; Harrison-Polo Draw

Toney WBA Mando 1/29 - Team Ruiz has been notified via the WBA that James Toney, 68-4-2, is the mandatory contender for WBA champ John Ruiz, 41-5-1. Don King Productions, Ruiz' promoter, was ordered by the WBA to begin negotiations with Goosen Tutor. If an agreement is not reached by Feb. 9th, Ruiz-Toney will go to purse bid.

1/29 - DiBella heavyweight prospect Roman Greenberg, 18-0, scored his 13th knockout win when he stopped Marcus McGee in the 4th round at the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center in New York City. >>> In what is already being reported as a controversial decision, WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison, 23-2-2, retianed his title via a draw with Columbian Victor Polo, 34-4-3, at Braehead Arena in Scotland. The 34-year old Polo failed to win a major title in his 3rd attempt, coming up short by scores of 113-115, 116-113 and 114-114. >>> Thailand's Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, 55-2, retained his WBC flyweight title when he stopped Japan's Noriyuki Komatsu, 19-2-5, at 1:42 of the 5th round. Pongsaklek had Komatsu down once in the 2nd and twice in the 5th to force a stoppage. >>> On ESPN2's Friday Night Fights main-event from Northern Quest Casino, WA, Teddy "Two Gun" Reid, 23-6-1, dropped Eduardo Sanchez, 12-4-2, once in the 4th and 6th rounds and twice in the 7th to score a knockout win and the NABF Interim Light Middleweight Title. • Discuss at the FORUM

Can "Thunder" Strike Down "Jesse" James Tomorrow on HBO?
by Phillip Diaz
1/28 - Tomorrow night live on HBO at 9:45 PM/ET, Arturo “Thunder” Gatti puts his WBC Jr. welterweight title on the line when he faces the divisions’ gatekeeper Jesse James Leija. For Gatti, 38-6 with 29 KO's, the WBC title isn’t the only thing on the line versus Leija, as a victory all but guarantees a show down later this year on HBO PPV against undefeated and pound for pound extraordinaire “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather.

“If I don’t win this fight there isn’t going to be a Mayweather fight”, Gatti said at a recent press conference. >>>> pre-fight breakdown by Mr. Diaz with a prediction for the fight

Our Olympians Are Not Panning Out and Reducing Optimism
Does Top Rank wants to milk Jose Castillo's new agreement with Showtime?
by Andres Antonio Carriedo
1/28 - I have developed a routine of categorizing young up and coming boxers into specific cycles. These cycles are dictated by the four years between each Olympic games. I am sure that I am not alone in deducing that the logical way to evaluate former amateur standouts is to compare them with their professional peers.

In the early part of their careers those peers must be the fighters who entered the professional ranks at or about the same time as they did. However, a troubling trend of Olympic prospects (particularly those from the US) not panning out in the professional ranks seems to be reducing the optimism with which promoters and fans alike look upon Olympic team members imminent professional careers. >>>> Andres is back with a great read on our Olympic woes and his thoughts on Showtime's agreement with the WBC champ

"You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet"; Arnaoutis to Face Warrick
1/28 - Boxing's premier prospect, Cestus Management's undefeated junior welterweight sensation "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis, has signed to face Michael Warrick on February 18, 2005, at the Chumash hotel and Casino in Santa Ynez, California. The match is set to headline the evening's live broadcast of the Showtime Network's ShoBox: The New Generation series. >>>> more from "Mighty" Mike on his upcoming fight

TB.COM Fighter of the Year Hosts FNF, Sencion Added!

Sanders in Training 1/28 - 39-year old, former heavyweight champ Corrie Sanders is getting ready for his next title fight in Germany. Sanders will arrive to Germany this weekend and will train at the Universum gym in Hamburg. In spring of this year he will have his next tune-up contest in Germany on an event of Universum Box-Promotion.

1/27 - TalkingBoxing.com "2004 Fighter of the Year", Glen Johnson, who beat both Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver last year, will join host Brian Kenny tonight in the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights studio at a special time - 7:30 p.m. Johnson will also appear on the ESPNEWS “Hot List” at 5:40 p.m. Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside in Airway Heights, WA, where the main event will pit Eddie Sanchez, 12-3-2, against Teddy Reid, 22-6-1. >>>>> The Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions announced that world title contender Justo “Sensational” Sencion has been added to the exciting February 17th card entitled, “Darwish Rumble III” taking place at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. Sencion, 22-3 13 KOs, is an all-action fighter who once challenged IBF lightweight champion Juilo “The Kid” Diaz. Sencion is coming off a two-fight winning streak after suffering 2 consecutive controversial split decision defeats. His opponent is yet to be announced. For ticket information feel free to contact our offices at (973) 237-9898. • Discuss at the FORUM

Tito Trinidad will face Winky Wright at MGM Grand, May 14th
1/27 - Promoter Don King has put together another blockbuster deal for Puerto Rican superstar and three-time world champion Felix "Tito" Trinidad-this time to face World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association light middleweight champion Ronald "Winky" Wright at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and on HBO Pay-Per-View on May 14. This match will be fought at 160 pounds.

Trinidad (41-1, 34 KOs) is the hottest boxer in the sport, who has earned his stature by never dodging a difficult match and always coming to fight. He will be tested yet again by the tough southpaw Wright (48-3, 25 KOs), who has looked very convincing in back-to-back wins against the enormously talented former world champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley. >>>> the HUGE fights keep coming, but this Trinidad-Wright fight will be on top of the list

Hamed Returns? 1/27 - Former WBO featherweight champ Naseem Hamed has come public that he would like to make a return to the ring after a 3-year hiatus. >>> much more on Naseem's return

Tszyu-Hatton Is ON, Confirmed!
1/27 - In what is sure to be the most explosive fight of the year and the biggest fight staged in Britain in the last decade, Kostya Tszyu and Ricky Hatton - the top two light-welterweights in the world - will battle it out to decide who is THE BEST when they collide at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester on Saturday 4 June.

Sports Network chief Frank Warren today confirmed that Hatton will fight for Tszyu’s IBF World Light-Welterweight title in what will be the defining fight of his career. >>>> much more on this exciting jr. welterweight showdown

WBA Champ Tired of Being Best Kept Secret
1/27 - Boxing's best-kept secret is World Boxing Association “regular” welterweight champion Jose Antonio Rivera (37-3-1, 24 KOs), who hasn’t fought in more than 1 ½ years since he captured the WBA title by defeating previously unbeaten (36-0, 18 KOs) Michel Trabant in Berlin. >>>> much more on Rivera

Gatti looks to "Thunder" past Leija, Mayweather Showdown Nears
by Jason Herron
1/27 - The week before the Super Bowl is usually pretty calm in the sports world. The days are normally spent talking about the upcoming showdown between the top two teams in the NFL. This weekend, the talk gives way to thunder.

Saturday night marks the return of Arturo “Thunder” Gatti and his action-packed style of fighting. His opponent, Jesse James Leija, is also known for his exciting in-ring technique. Boxing fans everywhere are bracing for this thrilling showdown. >>>> much more on Jason Herron's pre-fight breakdown and prediction

Arnaoutis-Warrick 2/18 1/27 - "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis, 12-0-2, is back in action February 18th on ShoBox at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA, against fellow prospect Michael Warrick, 18-2. Glasgow Calling! 1/27 - I believe that my boxer, WBO Featherweight Champion Scott Harrison, is the best fighter in the world at or near 126lbs and I see 2005 as the year that Scott will show his true potential. >>> much more

Sturm to fight stable mate Schenk, March 5th
1/27 - Leverkusen - Two former WBO middleweight world champions clash on March 5 in Leverkusen. New German boxing star Felix Sturm, 22-1 (10), faces his countryman and stable mate Bert Schenk, 36-1 (23), in the main event of a Universum boxing show at Wilhelm-Dopatka-Halle.

The winner may be in line to challenge unified middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins later this year. Hopkins is defending his titles first against Howard Eastman on February 19 in Los Angeles. >>>> much more on the Sturm-Schenk bout

Damon Dash, DiBella Join Forces
1/27 - "Hip hop hits" takes on a new meaning today. Fashion and hip hop entrepreneur Damon Dash, the CEO of Roc-A-Wear, Dash Music Group and Dash Films, and Lou DiBella, boxing promoter and president of DiBella Entertainment, have joined forces to announce the formation of DASH/DIBELLA PROMOTIONS, a full service promotional company with an emphasis on promoting and marketing minority athletes. >>>> much more from both Damon and Lou on their partnership

Cotto is Training, Keeping Focus, But Miffed at Mayweather
1/27 - Miguel Cotto, 22-0, battles former world champion DeMarcus Corley at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamon on Saturday, Feb. 26th. The rising star makes a 2nd title defense saying, "championship fights are always difficult. It all comes down to training and keeping in focus," said Cotto. "Everyone always says my next fight is my toughest, but I've always answered the challenge. I expect to do the same against Corley before my Puerto Rico fans."

Cotto seemed miffed that Floyd Mayweather Jr. didn't call for a fight with him. "He looked great in Miami on Saturday and he is a great champion. However, I didn't hear my name mentioned after the fight when he spoke about guys he wanted to face." • Discuss at the FORUM

Some Nicknames Don't Fit, "Thunder" Does for Arturo
by Buster Paris
1/26 - Second round and with the fury of Zeus the thunder struck. BOOM! That was it. I sat there eyes wide open in disbelief after two minutes and fifty five seconds had passed. It was a body shot that did it. There’s something so impressive when a body shot ends a fight.

Leonard Dorin isn’t just some 139-pound slab of meat to beat on. He entered Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall with 22 wins, 1 draw and no losses. He was scrappy and talented and came to fight. Round one was high quality and I was ready for a brawl. Then it happened. Dorin was “Thunder Struck”, took a knee and Arturo Gatti let out a giant king of beasts roar. >>>> much more

"Ferocious" Fernando Returns to HBO on March 26th
1/26 - He's been an Olympian, World Champion and battled such greats as Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad. Now boxing superstar "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas is bringing his hard punching act to Corpus Christi, Texas. The 27 year old Vargas, 25-2, 23 KO's, will headline Corpus Christi's biggest boxing event ever on Saturday, March 26th at the new American Bank Center when Miller Lite and Main Events presents, "FERNANDO, A FEROCIOUS FIGHT NIGHT."

Vargas will be featured in a ten-round Middleweight main event, one of seven fights scheduled on a card that begins at 7:00 p.m. Vargas will take on a yet to be named opponent, which is to be announced at a Media Conference next Tuesday, February 1 in Corpus Christi. >>>> the exciting return of Fernando Vargas is upon us

Floyd on Bruceles Bout 1/25 - Floyd Mayweather Jr. was sensational in his win over Henry Bruseles in Miami on Saturday and is now poised to take on Arturo Gatti, provided he gets past Jesse James Leija. Mayweather was in the Top Rank gym on Monday saying the blueprint for victory was "going to the body." "Although my fights might look easy it's because I take my training very seriously," said Mayweather.

Navarro Gets WBC Title Rematch, Cotto-Corley Lands in Bayamon
1/25 - President of the World Boxing Council, Jose Sulaiman, sent out a letter to super flyweight contender Jose Navarro, 21-1, who recently lost a rather close and controversial decision to champion Katsushige Kawashima in Tokyo on January 3rd. "The WBC cast a voting and the result has been finalized regarding your rematch vs. WBC super flyweight champion Katsushige Kawashima," Sulaiman wrote. "The WBC unanimously voted to mandate the winner of Kawashima vs. Masamori Tokuyama to fight against you for the WBC super flyweight championship." Sulaiman ended saying, may the "winner will be a proud representative of the green and gold WBC belt." >>>>> WBO light welterweight champion Miguel Cotto will be at a press conference in Bayamon, Puerto Rico to announce his next title fight, a defence against DeMarcus 'Chop Chop' Corley on Saturday, Feb. 26th. The venue for Cotto-Corley is the the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum and will be live on 'HBO After Dark'. • Discuss at the FORUM

Having Tea With Floyd Mayweather Jr.
by Buster Paris
1/25 - I don’t understand why Floyd Mayweather isn’t more of a draw for boxing crowds or even major sports writers, but the fact is that he just isn’t. Mayweather is being touted as one of the best pound for pound fighters out there. He’s undefeated in now 33 fights.

Saturday night, January 22nd he fought Henry Brusles in his second fight at 140 pounds. I’m willing to stipulate here that this fight wasn’t going to be anything special and that the outcome was never in doubt. This might be one answer to why he’s not a draw. He keeps fighting opponents who aren’t a big threat. >>>> much more of Floyd Mayweather's performance

Kermit Cintron Responds To Zab Judah Interview
by Coyote Duran
1/25 - As you know, lately, when WBO "Interim" and NABF Welterweight titlist Kermit Cintron has something to holler about, he gives me a yell. Well, Cintron had a reason to holler after he read my recent interview with Zab Judah. [Judah Q&A] This time, Kerm dropped me an e-mail and asked me to relay the following info to all TalkingBoxing.com readers. >>>> Kermit brings our readers up to date with facts

Barrett Says Beck will "Hit the Deck", Februry 5th on Showtime
1/25 - Undefeated Owen “What the Heck” Beck will face his toughest challenge to date when he battles Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett in a 12-round IBF/WBC heavyweight elimination bout presented by Don King Productions as part of the Cory Spinks vs. Zab Judah II: Arch Rivals 'Meet Me in St. Louis' card at Savvis Center on Feb. 5th. Beck vs. Barrett will also be featured on the SHOWTIME telecast of the event at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). >>>> much more as both Barrett and Beck throw barbs

Talking Boxing with CORY SPINKS
"I'm gonna stay at 147...unless other opportunities come in other weight classes"
by Coyote Duran
1/24 - "The Next Generation." The name tells you so much yet so little at the same time. It leads you to assume there's something to look forward to in the future, in relation to a previous name or legacy, but good or bad is still unknown.

Such is not the case with one Cory Spinks. Spinks (34-2 with 10 KOs) became the first man in eighteen years to unify the welterweight division on December 13th, 2003 when he defeated heavy-handed Ricardo Mayorga by majority decision. Since then Spinks has been working his so-called jinx, successfully defending against the likes of former two-time 140 pound titlist Zab Judah and former WBC Super lightweight titleholder Miguel Angel Gonzalez. >>>> TalkingBoxing catches up with the welterweight champion of the world | Q&A with Zab Judah, who battles Cory, Feb. 5th on Showtime

Perception, Reality and Floyd Mayweather; A Post-Fight Wrap-Up
by Frank Gonzalez Jr.
1/24 - Floyd Mayweather Jr. showed off his boxing skills Saturday night at the American Airlines Arena in Miami in front of a less then capacity crowd. His opponent, Henry Bruseles of Puerto Rico, is a member of the Miguel Cotto camp and works as a sparring partner for Cotto and vice versa. Outside of that, there isn’t much to say about Bruseles since he has not fought any top-level contenders in his 25 pro fights.

But Bruseles showed plenty of heart and even went eight rounds with the man who is touted as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in all of Boxing. CHECK OUT THE HUGE PHOTO COLLECTION BY BILL EMES! >>>> a big-time, post-fight wrap-up of Mayweather and his knockout victory

Reid-Sanchez Headline 1/24 - In the 12-round main event on January 28th, Teddy "Two Gun" Reid, 22-6-1, of Adelphi, MD, will fight for the interim NABF super welterweight title against Eddie Sanchez, 12-3-2, of New Orleans, LA... >>>> much more

Sky's the Limit for Samuel Peter
1/24 - The sky is certainly the limit for young heavyweight sensation Samuel Peter. Promoted by Duva Boxing, the Nigerian-born Peter scored his second straight knockout victory on the worldwide television stage when he convincingly disposed of crafty Cuban Yanqui Diaz in Saturday night's co-feature on HBO World Championship Boxing. Peter lifted his record to 22-0, 19 KO's. Peter clearly illustrated that he is a forced to be reckoned with in the heavyweight ranks.

The 6-2, 245-pound Peter is a knockout artist, having scored 19 of his 22 triumphs by way of KO [86 percent]. The 24-year-old Peter has appeared in back-to-back televised fights on major boxing networks.Promoter Dino Duva believes that the Las Vegas-based Peter will bring glory back to the heavyweight division. >>>> much more on this exciting new heavyweight | Peter-Diaz Post-Fight Report

'Pretty Boy' Floyd Mayweather Continues to Depress
by Richard McManus
1/23 - Saturday Night "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather improved his record to 33-0, 22 KO's with a 8th Round knockout against Henry Bruceles. It was only Mayweather's second knockout win since 2001 and his second fight in 14 months.

Now Floyd deserves some credit. He's managed to remain undefeated as a pro while earning some decent wins over good fighters like Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo and Jesus Chavez. >>>> Mr. McManus gives his take of Floyd Mayweather | post-fight coverage

Samuel Peter At The Inaugural Brawl; Scores Knockout
by Buster Paris
1/23 - The usual pre fight hype is being shown for the Samuel Peter vs Yanqui Diaz bout. At this point I’m uninspired, I’m only tuning in for the Mayweather fight. I’ll watch these guys, but with my feet up and pen on my desk.

Then they showed this clip of Peter launching a mammoth left hook at Jeremy Williams that knocked him down like a tree struck by lightning. I sat up, took my feet down (which made my wife happy) and picked up my pen. Larry Merchant introduced tonight’s fights as the inaugural brawl. Yes, HBO’s first fights of 2005. >>>> much more on Samuel Peter | post-fight wrap of Mayweather-Bruceles

Estrada Pummels Smith, Powell Dominates 1/22 - David Estrada landed left and right hooks at will to notch an 11th round TKO over Chris Smith in an IBF welterweight elimination bout Friday on 'ShoBox.' Sechew Powell thoroughly controlled Patrick Thompson... >>>> much more

Diaz Overwhelms Irwin, 'Baby Bull' Needs to Lose The Diapers
by Frank Gonzalez Jr.
1/22 - Friday night in Houston Texas, WBA Lightweight Champion, Juan "The Baby Bull" Diaz, 27-0-13 KO, lost his belt, but not in the ring. According to Diaz, he left the belt in his car, which was broken into by thieves who stole it along with his car stereo. But Diaz enjoyed defending his missing belt anyway. On the menu was aged Canadian veteran, Billy Irwin, 42-6-30 KO, who offered himself up like a sacrificial lamb at a slaughterhouse. 36-year-old Billy Irwin’s passive, defensive style enabled the furious punching Diaz to have his way with him. >>>> much more on Diaz' Title Defense | coverage of the Brock-Ettienne bout

Brock TKO's 'The Black Rhino, Step in Right Direction
by Frank Gonzalez Jr.
1/22 - Friday night in Houston Texas, Clifford Etienne, "The Black Rhino", 29-3-2-20 KO’s, went down in the second round and twice again in the third at the hands of the new kid on the Heavyweight block, Calvin Brock, who upped his record to 24-0, with 19 KO’s. Referee Lawrence Cole, who could teach a course on Premature Stoppages, was quick to halt the contest after the third knock down—even though Etienne appeared quite capable of continuing. Cole "insured" that no one got hurt. >>>> much more on Brock's Win | coverage of Diaz' Title Defense

Mayweather, Bruceles Make Weight for HBO Bout
1/21 - Two-time world champion "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. weighed in at 139 pounds for his WBC jr. welterweight elimination bout tomorrow night at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, FL, televised live on HBO. The undefeated Mayweather will take on contender Henry "El Nitro" Bruseles, who weighed in at 138 3/4 pounds. In an exciting co-feature that could get a future, serious heavyweight contender, undefeated heavyweight Samuel Peter tipped the scale at 247 for his 'vacant' USBA title fight against Juan Carlos Gomez conqueror, Yanqui Diaz, who weighed 232. For more photos from today's weigh-in, click here for pictures from BoxeoMundial.net. Also to check out Henry Bruceles in an awesome training video | Mayweather-Bruceles Presser. • Discuss at the FORUM

El Nuevo Dia: Wright Says Trinidad Bout, "Basically Done"
1/21 - Being reported by Jorge L. Perez of El Nuevo Dia, here, jr. middleweight unisputed champion Ronald 'Winky' Wright will move up to middleweight to challenge former champ Felix 'Tito' Trinidad on a summer PPV. "There are a couple of minor details left," Wright said, "but it is basically a done deal. King is not offering me more money. It's just that I heard that Tito was willing to get a million less than his guaranteed $10 million for me to get the $5 million I have been asking for." There had been a hang up on Wright's end about getting the proper pay day, which resulted in this fighting getting pushed back from March 19th to a May date, but it looks like Wright got what he wanted in this deal. "The fight is on anyway. It is true that I was mad at a particular moment because of the money being offered to me, but then realized money is just secondary. In any case, Trinidad and I will be winning a lot of money. What this fight really means, to me, is about achieving greatness." • Discuss at the FORUM

Bruceles Looking Sharp for Mayweather Showdown
1/21 - Jr. welterweight contender, Henry 'El Nitro' Bruseles, 21-2, battles two-time world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Saturday night at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. The 24-year old Bruseles, from Caguas, Puerto Rico, arrived into Miami late Monday night and shook out Tuesday at a local gym called, The Fight Club.

Jose Manuel Martinó of the top-notch site BoxeoMundial.net was there and got excellent footage of Bruceles working out and hitting the bag. "It's a good opportunity for me to show that I can fight the best in the world and I'm looking forward to fighting Mayweather on January 22nd," said Bruseles in a recent release. Click here or click the photo for the training video of on 'El Nitro'. more on the Mayweather-Bruceles bout • Discuss at the FORUM

Cruiserweight Matt Godfrey Begins His Quest to the Top
by Julius Stecker
1/21 - Success is something that has followed top cruiserweight prospect Matt Godfrey around since day one. The 24-year old Godfrey sports a spectacular amateur career, which consisted of a record of 194-23 and numerous accolades including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Amateur Championships. >>>> more

Harding Battles Telesco for USBA Title February 11th
1/20 - On the road to the light heavyweight title, Eric Harding, 21-3-1, from West Hartford, CT stops at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT to battle David Telesco, 29-5-1, from Port Chester, NY for the USBA championship. In the co-feature, Randy Griffin, 20-1-1, will compete against Ross Thompson, 26-10-2, in a 10-round middleweight fight. Tickets are $100.00, $60.00 and $40.00, and go on sale Saturday, January 22nd through the Mohegan Sun in-house Box Office, ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster's local "Charge by Phone" number. More information is available at 1.888.226.7711. • Discuss at the FORUM

WBC NEWS: Wright Stripped? Immediate Rematch a 'No' for Navarro
1/20 - From WBC President Jose Sulaiman: “The WBC medical team led by Dr. Paul Wallace in Phuket, Thailand, is currently giving medical support to the tsunami victims in the area. Dr. Wallace is also trying to institute computer software to help identify some of the bodies that have been found there, and we hope that this operation is successful. The WBC is extremely concerned for the victims’ welfare, and humbly participating in the exemplary unified world effort to provide help to the nations that were devastated. >>>> read on for more news from the WBC

ESPN, Guilty Team-Up 1/20 - ESPN Deportes and Guilty Boxing, announced a multi-year agreement for telecast rights in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to Boxeo de Campeones... >>>> much more

Vanderpool Hopeful for March Return, Has Eyes on Eric Lucas
1/20 - Just weeks ago, three-time title challenger Robert Allen withdrew from a scheduled February 4th bout with Syd Vanderpool, 35-3, leaving the IBF #6th ranked super middleweight without a fight. "Preparation for my next fight has been put on hold," said the 32-year old Vanderpool, "until a new date in March is finalized." Vanderpool remains optimistic that another big showdown can happen and would love it to be none other than fellow Canadian and former champ Eric Lucas. "One of the match ups that I think can happen now is me versus Eric Lucas. Lucas previously stated that the reason he never fought me was because of his promoters' reluctance to make the fight happen," said Vanderpool. Without a doubt, the winner of this fight would be worthy of a title shot against any of the current champions. Vanderpool concluded saying, "now that Lucas is his own promoter, he can make his own opportunity to try and prove the fight fans wrong. I know I would in a heartbeat!" • Discuss at the FORUM

ShoBox Features Diaz-Holt on Feb 4th Showdown
1/20 - Typifying the quality match-ups that viewers of “ShoBox: The New Generation” have come to expect during the past three-and-one-half years, four talented prizefighters with a combined 77-3-1 record will square off on SHOWTIME Feb. 4 from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. In the main event, WBO #2/WBA #14 140-pound contender David Diaz risks takes on Kendall Holt in a 10-round junior welterweight bout. The 10-round co-feature will pit once-beaten 140-pounders Oscar “El Matador” Diaz and Al “Speedy” Gonzales. >>>> much more on these exciting match-ups

ShoBox Feb. 4th Winner of Diaz-Gonzales Wants Malignaggi
1/20 - Oscar "El Torito" Diaz, 18-1, and Al "Speedy" Gonzales, 16-1-1, are preparing for battle on Friday, February 4th as the opening bout on Showtime's live professional boxing series, 'SHOBOX: The New Generation' live from the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The Diaz/Gonzales battle is scheduled for ten rounds and is the opening bout on the telecast that features contenders David Diaz, 26-0, and Kendall Holt, 17-1, in the main event. >>>> much more on this exciting match-up

Talking Boxing with WAYNE McCULLOUGH
"I'll aways give 100%...I'll give an exciting fight no matter what"
by Jason Peck
1/19 - On February 10th, from The Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, CA, former WBC champ Wayne "The Pocket-Rocket" McCullough, 27-4, will attempt to capture the WBC title from Oscar "Chololo" Larios in a highly anticipated 12-round WBC Super Bantamweight title bout. Larios-McCullough is the first event of a new multi-fight deal between Goossen Tutor Promotions and FSN, which airs on FSN'S Best Damn Sports Show Period at 8:00 PM/PT We all know McCullough will bring his best and that's just what he wants from Larios. "I’ve seen Larios fight over the years and I knew it was a fight I wanted," said McCullough, who has been training with Freddie Roach. "He's the toughest in the division so that’s the guy I want to fight." Without a doubt, this has the making of a fight of the year canidate and McCullough's promoter Dan Goossen agrees saying, "It'll be non-stop competitive action with true 'Fight of the Year' potential - guaranteed to entertain fight fans everywhere." >>>> TalkingBoxing catches up with Wayne before his Feruary 10th title fight

Mayweather Ringside Seats Gone! 1/19 - Ringside tickets are sold out and Shaq is coming to watch 2-time world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. take on Henry 'El Nitro' Bruseles on Saturday night.... >>>> much more Morales-Paquiao Collide 1/19 -Boxing's best Erik 'El Terrible' Morales and Manny Pacquiao will collide in a scorching showdown at MGM Grand Saturday, March 19... >>>> much more in a official release Froch to Battle Magee 1/17 - British 168-lb champ Carl Froch has reacted to the Boxing Board of Control’s decision to install Brian Magee as his mandatory contender... >>>> much more

THE "MENSA MAULER" IS BACK, JAN. 27th
1/19 - “The Mensa Mauler,” CHAZZ WITHERSPOON, 1-0 (1 KO), professional boxing’s only heavyweight on a full academic scholarship, returns to the ring fresh from his successful pro debut. Witherspoon will be featured on the 2005 season premiere of “Ballroom Boxing,” Thursday, January 27, at Michael’s Eighth Avenue (7220 Grayburn Drive) in Glen Burnie, MD.

The 6’4, 220-pound Witherspoon, who is scheduled to graduate from St. Joseph’s University in May with a Bachelors degree in Pharmaceutical Marketing, is a cousin of former world heavyweight champion “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon. >>>> much more Chazz and his return to the ring

Calzaghe Back, Hopkins-Eastman for One
1/18 - WBO super-middle champ and TalkingBoxing Top 20 Pound for Pound fighter Joe Calzaghe recently pulled out of his February 11th fight in Manchester. However, Calzaghe hopes to return in March to defend his crown, which he has held since 1997. "My left hand was damaged against Kabary Salem - it hasn't fully recovered," Calzaghe wrote in the South Wales Argus. "I'm not prepared to put my future on the line if I'm not fully fit." >>>>> The BBC reports, undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins and holder of the WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO titles will only have the WBC version on the line for the February 19th showdown against #1 ranked Howard Eastman. Eastman's promoter Mick Hennessy said, "Hopkins is only prepared to stake the WBC title he has been mandated to defend. What counts is the world's two best middleweights are facing each other." The Hopkins-Eastman title fight will be featured on HBO live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. more from Eastman • Discuss at the FORUM

'Baby Bull' Defends Friday 1/17 - Juan Diaz, will defend his WBA lightweight crown on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights Main Events Special January 21 AT 9 p.m... >>>> much more Aragaon Huge Success 1/17 - 8 Count Productions was thrilled with the huge turnout this past Friday night at the Aragon Ballroom as "The Best in Chicago Boxing" boxing series kicked off 2005 in style... >>>> much more Maskaev-Navarre 1/22 1/17 - Pro boxing is starting the new year with a card of top name fighters from around the world when heavyweights Oleg Maskaev battles Quinn Navarre over 10 rounds... >>>> much more

A First Time For Everything: A Telefutura Experience
by Coyote Duran
1/17 - So it's Friday night and I'm driving to Chicago to see my first live fight, an 8 Count Productions/Top Rank Inc./One in a Million Inc. joint. (Thank you, Bernie, Luke and Julius!!)

I leave early enough at 5:00 PM because I figure the doors open at 6 and that'll give me plenty of time to get into Chicago with time to spare. And since I'd be getting there early enough, I could throw back a couple of beers and have 'em out of my system by the time I needed to leave. Like I said, I was driving. Everything is gonna go swell, right? >>>> much more on Mr. Duran's fight night experience at the Aragon Ballroom

"Nigerian Nightmare" Battles Diaz On Mayweather Undercard
1/17 - Bob Arum of Top Rank announced today the "Nigerian Nightmare," hard-hitting undefeated heavyweight Samuel Peter who pulverized his last opponent, will take on Yanqui Diaz of Cuba in a featured 12-round undercard bout at the AmericanAirlines Arena on Saturday, Jan. 22.

The Peter vs. Diaz bout joins the "Showdown on the Bay" card in which the main event features two-time world champion "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. against Henry "El Nitro" Bruseles live on Home Box Office (HBO). >>>> much more on this exciting heavyweight showdown

Happy Birthday Muhammad & George - Part III
by Buster Paris
1/17 - Looks like we’re here, the final installment of the 3 part series for honoring the birthday’s of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. My two suggestions so far have been watching “When We Were Kings” and reading George Foreman’s autobiography “By George”. This installment is strictly for celebrating the life of Muhammad Ali. >>>> much more on the third and final section on Ali

TalkingBoxing's Prospect of the Year Returns February 18th
1/17 - Cestus Management's junior welterweight sensation "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis is scheduled to return to the ring on February 18, 2005, for a fourth consecutive appearance on the Showtime Network's ShoBox: The New Generation series, set to air live from the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California.

Riding the wave from a highly successful 2004, Team Cestus has planned for an even bigger 2005. Along with high hopes for the continued rise of "Mighty" Mike, Cestus Management plans to introduce several more future stars over the course of the next year. According to Advisor Mike Michael, however, nothing is more important at the present time than making sure "Mighty" Mike's next bout lives up to the fans' expectations. >>>> much more on "Might Mike" and his February Return!

Gomez, Schenk Successful 1/15 - Former world champ Juan Carlos Gomez defeated David DeFiagbon with a dramatic 3rd round stoppage. Southpaw Gomez showed no ring rust from his half year layoff... >>>> much more

Quartey Stops McNeil in Return; Mobley Decisions Hernandez
1/15 - Former welterweight champion Ike Quartey, 35-2-1, stopped Clint McNeil, 15-8, in the 8th round at the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex in his homwetown of Accra, Ghana. For the 35-year old Quartey, who was last seen in a loss to Fernando Vargas for the IBF light middleweight title in 2000, this is a step in the right direction. >>>> On Telefutura's 'Solo Boxeo' from the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, jr. welterweight Arturo Morua, 21-6-1, scored a majority decision against James Crayton, 33-20-2, by scores of 97-93 [twice] and 95-95. In the co-feature, One in a Million Promotions middleweight prospect Shay Mobley, 8-4-1, looked impressive taking an 8-round unanimous decision over Miguel Hernandez, 14-2, by scores of 78-74 [twice] and 79-73. Recent TalkingBoxing Q&A's with Mobley and Hernandez. • Discuss at the FORUM

Talking Boxing with ZAB "SUPER" JUDAH
"I'll fight anybody who wants to be the Undisputed Champion of the World at 147"
by Coyote Duran
1/14 - Remember that scene in Kangaroo Jack when Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson's characters thought they drove right into a kangaroo (I watched the movie with my kids. Sue me.) and killed it? Well, for a while, that kangaroo was a simile for the welterweight division. After the two morons threw a sweatjacket on the animal and posed for pictures with it (like anyone with common sense would do with a dead animal), it suddenly came back to life, kicking and jumping. Just like the welterweight division now, all of a sudden.

With prominent ex-welter titlists Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley possibly returning to the fold and joining titlists like (WBO titlist) Antonio Margarito and (WBO Interim/NABF titlist) Kermit Cintron in their quest to be the best in a divsion where Undisputed World Champion and celebrated southpaw cutie Cory Spinks reigns supreme, there stands one man who they all must wait in line behind: Zab "Super" Judah. >>>> a MUST read with Zab "Super" Judah before his welterweight title fight with Cory Spinks

Tuesday Luncheon Presents "EXXECUTION DAY": Hopkins-Eastman
1/14 - Golden Boy Promotions has a press luncheon, this Tuesday, January 18th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA to present "EXXECUTION DAY: HOPKINS vs. EASTMAN". Oscar de la Hoya announces the return of the 'Executioner' Bernard Hopkins, 45-2-1 with 32 KO's, in his historic 20th title defense of the Middleweight World Championship against #1 contender the "Battersea Bomber" Howard Eastman, 40-1 with 34KO's. The battle will take place on February 19th at the Staples Center, televised by HBO. The co-feature will pit undefeated middleweights Jermain Taylor, 22-0, and Daniel Eduoard, 16-0-2, which will be televised as well. Also appearing on the card will be middleweight Kingsley Ikeke, 21-1, Abner Mares, 1-0, and the pro debut for 2004 U.S. Olympian Vicente Escobedo. much more from Hopkins' opponent, Howard Eastman • Discuss at the FORUM

Tyson Begins Training in McGirt's Gym; Taylor gets Edouard
1/14 - Just weeks ago in the New York Times, "Iron" Mike Tyson said a return, in so many words, would be doubtful, but now with rumors swirling about a possible March bout, Tyson has begun working out at trainer Buddy McGirt's Elite Boxing gym in Gifford. "Mike is in town and he's training to get back in shape," McGirt told Kevin Van Brimmer of the Vero Beach Press-Journal. McGirt also said the 38-year old, former world champ, would be in Vero Beach for a couple of months and noted that a March bout would be unlikely. >>>> Highly touted middleweight prospect Jermain Taylor, 22-0, looks to have found a viable and talented opponent in Daniel Edouard, 16-0-2, for his February 19th fight on the Bernard Hopkins-Howard Eastman undercard on HBO. Taylor-Edouard will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. • Discuss at the FORUM

Guilty, CES Join Forces 1/14 - Guilty Boxing and Classic Entertainment & Sports have joined forces, it was jointly announced today by Nick Rattenni, president of Guilty Boxing, and CES president Jimmy Burchfield... >>>> much more

Gomez Headlines February 11th at MEN Arena
1/14 - WBU Super Featherweight Champ Michael Gomez, 32-5, will face Argentinian Javier Osvaldo Alvarez on Friday, February 11th at the MEN Arena. The Manchester favorite is relishing the prospect of headlining and is promising the public a vintage performance. "I'm raring to go and Alvarez is going to be knocked spark out," stormed Gomez. "The Gomez of old is back!" Alverez, from Buenos Aires, has won WBO Latino and South American titles in a 36-fight career with 31 wins and 15 KO's. "I want to stop Alvarez early and make a real statement," said Gomez. Featuring as chief-support on the card is Salford's Stephen Foster Jr. in a WBU featherweight title challenge and Preston's Michael Jenning's in an English Welterweight title defence. This will be the first time that amateur boxing takes place on a professional show in England and further details will be announced shortly. Tickets are available at 0870 906 3839. • Discuss at the FORUM

UNFORGIVABLE BLACKNESS: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson
by Cliff Rold - Boxing Analyst from RingTalk.com
1/14 - Debuting Monday at 9 p.m. and concluding Tuesday at the same hour, Ken Burns’ latest effort in documentary film may be his finest. Unlike past efforts “Baseball,” “The Civil War,” and “Jazz,” Burns turns his eye towards a single man and moment in American history only to find the same scope and depth as in his previous endeavors. “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson” is a searing portrait of an imperfect man in an even more imperfect world and is must viewing for anyone whether they know the first thing about Boxing or not. This link takes you to RingTalk.com. >>>>> much more on this exciting documentary from Ken Burns

HOOTERS GIRLS, RING FIRST BELL FOR "SLUGFEST 2005"

1/14 - MERRILLVILLE, IND.-Boxers meet beauties at 7 p.m. Jan. 18, 2005 when Hooters plays host to the Midwest's hottest fighters at the press conference for "SLUG FEST 2005", the next pro boxing event from ONE IN A MILLION INC. Hooters has become one of the boxing teams strongest supporters, hosting press conferences for two of ONE IN A MILLION'S top-selling events last year. >>>>> much more | One in a Million Website

Julio Pena hired as NER Director of Boxing
1/14 - New England Ringside (NER), on the verge of becoming the newest promoter in professional boxing, today announced the hiring of Julio Pena as its Director of Boxing Operations. >>>> much more from New England Ringside

Talking Boxing with MIGUEL "MACHO" HERNANDEZ
" I just go out there and I train hard and I am always ready to fight"
by Julius Stecker
1/13 - The co-main event in tomorrow nights Telefutura "Solo Boxeo De Miller" show features a cross-town showdown as Chicagoans Miguel “MACHO” Hernandez and Shay Mobley square off in a scheduled 8-round slugfest. Hernandez, 14-1 with 9KO's, is currently riding an eight bout winning streak and looks to continue his steady rise in the middleweight class. "I have nothing but great respect for Shay Mobley, but to be honest I was not happy about this fight at first," said Miguel, who is trained by Sam Colona. "To me, us fighters from Chicago should stick together and help each other out, but since we have this fight, a fight is what he is going to get. I train hard for anybody and everybody I fight." Tickets for this showdown are still available by calling 312-226-5800. This is no small feat for Miguel and you wont want to miss him in the ring! >>>>> Hernandez is prepared for his upcoming showdown, read on for more

Greenberg Headlines Jan. 28th 1/13 - Unbeaten heavyweight Roman Greenberg captures the Broadway spotlight on January 28th, when he headlines 2005's 2nd installment of DiBella Entertainment's... >>>> much more

Contracts Signed, Eastman to face Hopkins
1/13 - Howard Eastman will challenge number one pound for pound operator and undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins in Los Angeles on February 19th. On the line will be:

WBC middleweight title, WBA middleweight title, IBF middleweight title, WBO middleweight title AND status as the world’s best, pound for pound. This is British boxing history in the making. Never before has a home bred fighter travelled to America with as much hope of commencing a long term reign as the best fighter on the planet. >>>>> Eastman speaks his mind on the upcoming title fight with Hopkins

"BDSSP" Features Larios-McCullough, Andre Ward on Feb. 10th
1/13 - On February 10th, live from The Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, California, WBC Champion, Oscar "Chololo" Larios will defend his title against former WBC Champion, Wayne "The Pocket-Rocket" McCullough in a highly anticipated 12-round WBC Super Bantamweight Championship bout and Andre Ward, the sole US 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in a Special Attraction 6-round bout. >>>>> Larios vs. McCullough and Andre Ward are featured, click for more

Cintron Out Against Martinez, Hand Requires Surgery
1/13 - WBO "interim" welterweight champ Kermit Cintron, 24-0, is out of his February 18th bout against veteran Steve Martinez. An official Team Cintron response said his hand was tender, but Kermit wouldn't be on the shelf as long this time around. "Kermit's hand has remained tender. We gave it as much time as possible but he was never able to punch with it. We reached out to get another opinion and it was found Kermit requires further surgery. Fortunately, it isn't nearly as severe as the original surgery, so the down time will be small." Cintron goes in for surgery on Friday. The potential Cintron versus WBO champ Antonio Margarito will be put on hold for the time being. • Discuss at the FORUM

'TUA OF DUTY': Tua Faces Griffis, March 31st in Auckland
1/13 - Former No. 1 heavyweight contender David Tua begins his long-awaited and eagerly anticipated return March 31 in Auckland, New Zealand, it was announced today by Cedric Kushner.

Tua faces American Talmadge Griffis in a 10-round bout, Kushner said at a news conference in Auckland.

It will be first fight in two years and two days for the popular Tua, regarded as one of the most powerful, electrifying and entertaining heavyweights the division has seen in many years. >>>>> 'Tua Man' returns on March 31st, much more

Talking Boxing with "MARVELOUS" SHAY MOBLEY
"Winning this fight is my way of saying thanks to Team ONE IN A MILLION"
by Julius Stecker
1/12 - One in a Million middleweight prospect Shay Mobley, 7-4-1, gets a chance to shine at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago this Friday. The bout will be the co-feature on Telefutura's 'Solo Boxeo De Miller' and will be against prospect, Miguel Hernandez, a fighter Shay respects. "He [Miguel] is a good fighter. You know Miguel and I are friends," said the 27-year old Mobley fighting out of Markham, IL. "This is business not personal. I've had a couple of Internet reporters call me and try to get me to say something negative about him. But it is not that kind of fight." This past June, Shay lost a televised fight with David Estrada, but is running with this opportunity calling it a "new day". Since then, Shay put up a great battle versus Jesus Gonzales and in November scored a decision win over John Vaughan. "People have to realize that records don't make you an underdog. And as for skills, he and I are on the same level. So that's what will make it a great fight." >>>> much more with Shay Mobley before his Telefutura televised fight

HombreTV Selects Ramos 1/12 - Hombre TV, the cable television network for Hispanic men, announced that Alex Ramos, "The Bronx Bomber," has been appointed Director of its Committee for Boxing.... >>>> much more Camacho Denies Charge 1/12 - Hector "Macho" Camacho, Sr., eight-time World Boxing Champion, today emphatically denied any involvement with drugs, as purported by the press in Mississippi... >>>> much more

8 Count Features Talent at Aragon Rumble
1/12 - Lightweights Arturo "The Conqueror" Morua, 20-6-1 (13KO's) of Guadalajara, Mexico and James "Too Sweet" Crayton, 33-19-2 (20KO's) of Las Vegas, Nevada are the new headliners in a scheduled ten round bout as Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum's Top Rank Incorporated presents the ARAGON RUMBLE, another installment of "The Best in Chicago Boxing", broadcast internationally as part of Telefutura's SOLO BOXEO DE MILLER's weekly Friday night professional boxing series. Tickets starting at $25 are on sale now by calling 312-226-5800. Doors open at 6pm, with the first bell scheduled for 7pm. >>>>> much more from 8 Count Productions

'BRING IT ON'; Pacquiao, Morales Official
1/12 - Superstars Manny Pacquiao and Erik "El Terrible" Morales promoted by Murad Muhammad's M & M Sports and Bob Arum's Top Rank, respectively, will host a news conference today, January 12th at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, beginning at Noon. The news conference will announce details for the March 19th HBO pay-per-view extravaganza -- "Bring it On!" -- between Pacquiao and Morales. The 12-round super featherweight championship title fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets are priced from $400-$75 and are available through Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000. • Discuss at the FORUM

Guilty Boxing Presents Lock-Ali Baba At Orleans, Jan 21st
1/12 - Highly regarded Cornelius Lock of Detroit takes on veteran Alex Ali Baba of Miami, Fla., in the 10-round main event on the nationally and internationally televised "Boxeo de Campeones" professional boxing card presented by Guilty Boxing in association with Tecate Friday, Jan. 21, at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. >>>>> more on Guilty Boxing's January 14th and 21st shows

Fans Support Diaz-Irwin with Strong Ticket Sales
1/12 - Houston boxing fans are using the box office to show their support for hometown WBA lightweight champ Juan Diaz. It was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva that although there is still more than a week to go before Diaz defends his crown against Billy Irwin on Jan 21st at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX, over 1,300 tickets have already been purchased by enthusiastic Houstonians. >>>>> more along with ticket information

Halquist Productions Sign Torres
1/12 - Brian Halquist Productions signed undefeated welterweight prospect David Torres following his seventh consecutive victory Saturday night at the Emerald Queen Casino’s Battle at the Boat Boxing series. “It was a natural thing to sign David”, said promoter Brian Halquist. “David has fought his last six fights here at the Emerald Queen, he beat two undefeated fighters back to back. He’s the crowd favorite at the casino and is a local fighter. We plan on fighting David eight more times this year”, Halquist said. Torres will fight on the Battle at the Boat boxing card on Friday, February 25, against an opponent to be named. “We hope to have David fighting a main event by summer”, Halquist said. Torres joins super-middle Kenny Ellis, 32-6-2 and cruiserweight Chad Van Sickle, 18-1-2, on the Halquist team. • Discuss at the FORUM | Halquist Productions

US Bronze Medallist Dirrell Debuts January 27th
1/12 - Andre Dirrell, winner of a Bronze medal and one of just two medal winning American boxers, will make his pro debut at Michaels 8th Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD as a special feature on the popular Ballroom Boxing series. In the 63rd installment of the "country's best club show", Dirrell will be taking on the undefeated super middleweight Ryan Franklin (2-0). The main event will be the comeback of former USBA 130-lb champ and world title challenger, Lamont Pearson. Ballroom Boxing kicked off its 2004 season with the first fight in the comeback of Hasim Rahman. In addition to Pearson and Dirrell, the first show of 2005 will include seven more fights featuring other highly touted undefeated prospects including Nick Casal, heavyweight Chazz Witherspoon, Roman Martinez, Charles Cavallo and the debut of Andre Dirrell's brother middleweight, Anthony Dirrell. • Discuss at the FORUM

Pacquiao vs. Morales Set for March, Calzaghe Out of Defense
1/11 - The Ring featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao, 39-2-2, will fight Erik "El Terrible" Morales, 47-2, the former WBC super featherweight champion instead of WBA/IBF champion Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday, March 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in a 12-round Super Featherweight Championship title bout. The fight will be be shown on HBO PPV with an official announcement being made at a press conference scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles, CA. >>>>> Iain Axon and frankwarren.tv are reporting that Joe Calzaghe has pulled out of his February 11th defence of his WBO super-middleweight title because of a lack of preparation time. The Welshman will now defend his crown in March. The show at the MEN Arena, Manchester, will still go ahead with Michael Gomez headlining. • Discuss at the FORUM

Happy Birthday Muhammad & George - Part II
by Buster Paris
1/11 - I love January. Ushering in the New Year, saying goodbye to last year. I love taking the time to think about New Years resolutions and allowing for the first week or two of January as getting a fresh start, getting a chance to begin doing all those things you want to do better or the things that you want to do more of than you did last year. >>>>> more from part two

Tszyu Discusses First Fight in England, Begins Camp in March
1/11 - Dear Tszyu Crew, I am very pleased to be able to tell you today that I have decided to face Ricky Hatton in my next fight, which will be held in Manchester, England at 4am in the early hours of Sunday morning 5th June 2005. The fight will be shown live around the world in many countries including the USA on Showtime and in Australia and Russia.

I am looking forward to this match and I am very excited. If you look at my website, kostyatszyu.com, now you will see the results of the poll where I asked you, who I should fight next. Your first choice was undisputed welterweight champion Cory Spinks, but we know that it is very hard to make this fight happen at this stage. Your second choice was Ricky Hatton. I looked at the demand for this fight from the Tszyu Crew and we made it happen. It is an exciting time for me again. I made the decision to not step aside and still continue to do what I do best. >>>>> for much more from Kostya, speaking to his fans

Talking Boxing with PATRICK DOLIJANIN
On Malignaggi: "He's roadkill on the road to the top of the 140 pound division"
by Coyote Duran
1/10 - So, it's the day after my recent interview with Paul "Magic Man" Malignaggi is posted and I'm getting a laugh at the plethora of responses on message boards about the piece. Few with an "Atta-Boy" for "Paulie", some just plain curious and a whole helluva lot of 'em cheering for him to get violently smeared (Paulie, you've done it again, buddy!). Well, afterward, I'm rifling through my e-mails and one particular message jumps out at me. This one's got the sender name "Patrick Doljanin."

You see, Pat's the manager of one Al "Speedy" Gonzales (16-1-1 with 7 KOs), another young prospect in the 140 pound division. Yeah, that's the one. The one Malignaggi boldly stated in our discussion that was likely to be a "tune-up" and a test for Paulie's healed hand. >>>> manger of Al' Speedy' Gonzales speaks candidly about Paul Malignaggi's recent remarks and is upbeat about his fighter training with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"24-KARAT" LOOK and FREE VIDEO OF NAVARRO-KAWASHIMA
by Cliff Rold - Boxing Analyst from RingTalk.com
1/10 - QUESTION SINCE MONDAY: WAS NAVARRO ROBBED? The controversy has stirred on both sides of the pacific with venom worthy of Midway. Monday night in Tokyo, Japan at the Ariake Coliseum something dirty went down in the WBC Super Flyweight tilt between titleholder Katsushige Kawashima (28-3, 18 KO's) and 2000 Olympian Jose Navarro (21-1, 9 KO’s). But what? Navarro’s Promoter Lou DiBella has challenged the outcome on Navarro’s behalf and the WBC has agreed to review it. Veteran fight scribe Joe Koizumi has challenged the decision...in favor of the American that is. This link takes you to RingTalk.com. >>>>> much more from on the controversy and FREE video of the fight...YOU decide!

Linton Wins Boat Battle, Torres Remains Unbeaten
1/10 - Emmett Linton beat a very tough and game Marcos Primera on Saturday night in the 10-round main event at the Emerald Queen Casino's Battle at the Boat series in Tacoma, WA. Linton pounded out a unanimous decision and improved his record to 33-3-2 while Primera fell to 17-9-2. David Torres continued his undefeated streak with a first round KO of Michael Haley. Torres only threw one punch, a right hook, and made short work of the fight. “It was a pretty hard punch I caught him with”, Torres said. In the other undercard fights, Kevin Johnson, 7-0, defeated Will Cook, 7-2, in a very one-sided eight round punch fest. Darby Smart advanced his record to 6-0 against Sabino Rosario who fell to 3-5-0. Eric “Mighty Mouse” Aiken defeated Terrence Roy in a six round fight. Aiken’s record is now 12-2-0. And, in a double pro-debut, tough puncher Tony Redman tried to box Leslie Watson while Leslie tried to steer clear of Redman. Watson seemed to flail more than box and was eventually disqualified for spitting his mouth piece out again and again and again. • Discuss at the FORUM | Halquist Productions

Tszyu Lands Hatton in Manchester, De la Hoya a Possibility
1/8 - The ending 'the' contract discussions that so many fans have been waiting for, has finally arrived. IBF jr. welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu will defend his title against IBF #1 challenger Ricky Hatton, on June 4th at MEN Arena in Manchester, England. The fight will kick off at 4AM local time to allow Showtime to air the fight live on Saturday night in the US.

Coming off a knockout win over top-rated contender Sharmba Mitchell, Tszyu was highly sought after by boxing's top promoters, most notably Murad Muhammad, who offered a 4-fight, $20 million deal that would have included a Oscar De la Hoya bout. As it stands, Tszyu's promoter, Vlad Warton, secured an estimated $5 million purse for the Hatton fight, which would be the largest ever for a jr. welterweight fight. Also, a future De la Hoya fight wouldn't completely be out of the question as Warton spoke with Fox News Australia saying, "It is about being able to bring two networks [De la Hoya and HBO, along with Tszyu and Showtime] together and that's not an easy task. But if the money is right it can be done. I have spoken briefly to Bob Arum about it and it is a possibility." Warton spoke on the Hatton fight saying, "I could never commit on behalf of Kostya because that is up to Kostya. Now we have done that." • Discuss at the FORUM

"24-KARAT" ROLD YEAR END AWARDS
by Cliff Rold - Boxing Analyst from RingTalk.com
1/7 - There were a number of individuals who deserve to be mentioned in this category. Diego Corrales completed his run back to the top of the Boxing world with crowd-pleasing wins over the very tough Joel Casamayor, and Acelino Freitas. Marco Antonio Barrera defeated Paulie Ayala and finished his classic series with archrival Erik Morales victoriously. But one fighter, above all others, laid claim to this year's throne...World light heavyweight champion Glenn Johnson. This link takes you to RingTalk.com. >>>>> much more from Cliff Rold, one of the net's best young writers

Linton-Primera at the Queen 1/7 - Emmett Linton, 32-3-2, and Marcos Primera, 17-8-2, will battle it out on Saturday night at the thirty-fourth installment of the Battle at the Boat series... >>>> much more Jones Defends NABF vs. Reid 1/7 - Banner Promotions presents ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" featuring the 12-round main event pitting NABF 154-lb champ Rodney Jones defending the title against Teddy Reid... >>>> much more including contact info

Smith-Estrada in IBF Elimination; Powell Gets New Foe on Jan. 21st Card
1/7 - Blue-collar boxer Christopher "The Mechanic" Smith will attempt to dismantle David Estrada in an IBF elimination bout for the #2 ranking Friday, Jan. 21st, on the SHOWTIME boxing series, "ShoBox: The New Generation." In the eight-round co-feature, unbeaten junior middleweight contender Sechew "Iron Horse" Powell will make his second SHOWTIME appearance as he takes on Patrick Thompson, as a replacement for Aslanbek Kodzoev. >>>>> much more

Mayweather Looks Sharp, Diaz Set for Peter
1/7 - Two-time world champion "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. is looking super-sharp in training according to chief trainer Roger Mayweather. "Pretty Boy" has been continuing preparations at the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas ahead of his Jan 22 showdown with Henry 'El Nitro' Bruseles at the AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami. Mayweather Jr sparred three different partners (4 rounds each) and is looking in top condition. >>>>> much more on Mayweather, Diaz

MARALDO CALLS OUT NOVAK FOR "SLUGFEST 2005" BATTLE
1/7 - IN.B.A. Lightweight Champion Ryan Maraldo, of Indianapolis, said Indiana State Lightweight Champion Johnny Novak better be ready to give up his belt on the "SLUG FEST 2005" card January 21st at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN. "I'm determined to show Novak, the same way I did Galvan the last time I fought on a ONE IN A MILLION INC. fighter," Maraldo said.

"Ryan's been talking a lot, saying things like I know how he beat Ruben Galvan for the belt," said Novak, of Hammond. "He's trying to get into my head, but he has to realize I'm not Ruben and when he comes to fight on January 21 he better pack a lunch. >>>>> much more | One in a Million Website

"No Joke" Returns in February to Dover, Delaware
1/7 - Jr. Welterweight contender and former USBA champ Mike "No Joke" Stewart, 36-3-2, will return to the ring in February against a 'TBA' in his hometown of Dover, Delaware. Date and venue are still being discussed. TalkingBoxing spoke briefly to Stewart and he was in high spirits. After a discouraging loss to Ricky Hatton late last year, he took a few months off and feels feels refreshed and he is ready to return to the ring. "I just got back in the gym, and I am looking for a couple small fights then I will be ready to take on anybody," stated Stewart. A lot of "name" fighters have been looking at Stewart as a possible future opponent, and according to him, he is ready for anybody out there. "If the money is right I will fight anybody. I will fight anybody from 140 to 147." Stewart wants fight fans to know that he will be back better then ever. • Discuss at the FORUM

Duddy Out Against Pierre, Moore Battles Asberry, Jan. 25th
1/7 - Undefeated middleweight prospect, John Duddy, 7-0, fighting out of Brooklyn, NY will not be fighting fellow prospect Leonard Pierre, 16-0, at the Westchester County Center on February 4th as previously mentioned in a press release. As of yesterday, Duddy did not accept the terms of the fight. A new opponent has yet to be named, but we will keep you informed. >>>> Norwalk, CT's jr. welter prospect Shakha Moore, 9-8-3, will be fighting Dasine Asberry, 2-2, on January 25th at Lagoon Nightclub, Essington, PA. Moore is currently preparing for the bout and is, "ready for who ever comes his way." He continued saying, "I'm trainning three times a day, doing road work and getting proper rest." Moore, thanks to 'Iceman' John Scully, is now working with promoter Damon Feldman, who both are interested in moving on to bigger fights in the near future. • Discuss at the FORUM

Talking Boxing with PAUL "MAGIC MAN" MALIGNAGGI
"We'll probably take a tune-up fight, my first fight back. Maybe like a (Al) "Speedy" Gonzales"
by Coyote Duran
1/6 - WBC International Super Lightweight titlist Paul "Magic Man" Malignaggi (19-0 with 5 KOs) should be nicknamed "The Product" simply because he knows how to sell himself. And he's damn good at it. Moreso now since the cocky 24-year old Brooklynite prospect is convalescing from his recent surgery as a result of recurring hand problems in the ring, specifically in the aftermath of his last fight with Sandro Casamonica (34-5 with 21 KOs).

In a scheduled 12-rounder, Malignaggi did secure a technical decision win in the 7th, but the victory was, at best, bittersweet for now Malignaggi must convalesce from his recent painful procedure and watch the fight game carry on without him. >>>> this is a must read if you are a fan of the talented jr. welterweight, if not, this interview shows the affable and good-natured side of Paul

Espinoza Seeks Prospects 1/6 - Frank Espinoza who manages champions Martin Castillo and Israel Vazquez is currently seeking new prospects to represent... >>>> much more including contact info

Maloney Confident in Harrison, Wary of Polo
1/6 - On January 28th Scott Harrison will defend his WBO Featherweight title against a very dangerous opponent in the form of Victor Polo. It's a fight that Scott wants in order to show the boxing fraternity and the American media that none of the other big names such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez or Injin Chi frighten him. Scott is willing to fight anytime, anywhere. He believes that by taking on Polo, his number one WBO contender, he is sending out a warning to the boxing world. >>>>> much more

Maloney Pushing for Harrison-Barrera on May 5th
1/6 - With his WBO title defense on January 28th against Victor Polo, Scott Harrison has reason to be focused on his task ahead, but for fight fans, we have reason to look to the future. Harrison's manager Frank Maloney is trying to secure a fight against WBC super featherweight champ Marco Antonio Barrera on May 5th in Las Vegas. "I'm not saying we have got the fight," Maloney told frankwarren.tv, "but I’ve made 20 telephone calls in the last few days, and we are speaking to the head of Golden Boy’s negotiation team. I think we may wear them down if we keep pestering them." Maloney acknowledges that Barrera wants a 4th fight with Erik Morales, but Maloney will continue working Golden Boy Promotions. • Discuss at the FORUM

IBOF Annouces Inductees; Chacon, McGuigan and Norris Headline
1/6 - The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the newest class of inductees to enter the Hall. Living inductees include featherweight and super featherweight champion Bobby Chacon (USA), junior welterweight champion Duilio Loi (Italy), featherweight champion Barry McGuigan (Ireland), junior middleweight champion Terry Norris (USA), matchmaker Don Fraser (USA), and writer Bert Randolph Sugar (USA). >>>>> find out what the new Hall of Fame inductees are saying

Pierre, Duddy Featured on Northeast Card 1/6 - Northeast Promotions in association with Irish Ropes Boxing, brings pro Boxing back to the Westchester County Center when "Irish" John Duddy and Joey Rios battle in seperate fights.... >>>> much more Browning Comes Out Swinging 1/6 - Browning Boxing, Inc. will kick off its ninth year of staging monthly prizefights in Houston with a state title bout at Park Plaza Hotel at Reliant Center on Thursday, January 20... >>>> much more

Taylor Missed out on Ouma, Promised Million Dollar Pay Day
1/6 - Being reported by the The Australian and Peter Kogoy, IBF #6 ranked jr. middleweight Shannan Taylor, 41-3-2, just missed out on a title shot against Kassim Ouma. Instead, Ouma will defend his title against IBF #12 ranked world contender Kofi Jantuah on Jan 29th. That was the bad news for Taylor, the good news is that the winner of Ouma-Jantuah will likely meet Taylor at Melbourne's Festival Hall, no later than April. Taylor's promoter and manager Tony Caradonna will be naming an opponent for Taylor's interim fight saying, "we've guaranteed Shannan's share of the purse will be $1 million," Caradonna said. Caradonna was disappointed Ouma decidied to fight Jantuah, who is rated six spots below Taylor, but continued saying, "the fight not going ahead as originally planned is a small hiccup. The good news is that if Ouma does win, the fight with Shannan will now go ahead in Australia." • Discuss at the FORUM

Local Talent Rounds Out Tapia's Return
1/6 - The undercard for the January 22nd, “La Batalia En La Frontera” professional boxing event at the Dodge Arena headlined by five-time World Champion Johnny Tapia was announced with a strong field of local fighters set for action. >>>>> ticket info and more on the undercard action

Zuniga Produces Hollywood Ending; Mares, Angulo Win Debuts
1/6 - It was all five Rocky movies rolled into one Thursday night at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona as Colombia's Fulgencio Zuniga roared back from an insurmountable deficit on the judges' scorecards to tally a 12 th round stoppage of David Lopez and win the IBA and WBO Latino middleweight championships in the main event of HBO Latino's "Oscar De La Hoya Presents Boxeo De Oro". >>>>> post-fight report

Bostice-Scott on Gatti Undercard, Tann Returns in February
1/6 - Munisteri, Sports & Entertainment, Inc., a corporation which provides management services to professional boxers since the 1980’s announced today that it concluded 2004 with all of its new prospects, 2002 National Golden Gloves Winner Malcolm Tann, 2003 National Golden Gloves Winner Travis Walker, and 2004 National Golden Gloves Winner Raphael Butler going undefeated. >>>>> much more

Talking Boxing with MIKE "THE MIDNIGHT STALKER" WALKER
"I would like to have a fight with [Jesus] Gonzalez in the near future"
by Julius Stecker
1/5 - Undefeated Chicago Middleweight Michael Walker, 5-0 with 4 KO's, is coming off his first nationally televised victory over hot prospect David Estrada on October 15th this past year. Walker worked over Estrada, scoring a six-round unanimous decision at the Hawthorne Race Track in Illinois and looks to start the new year off on the right foot. The rising One in a Million star has been training in the mountains of Big Bear, CA for his upcoming showdown against a 'TBA' on January 21st at the Radisson Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN. The 26-year old Walker said of the experience, "I learned a lot of new techniques. Also we went back to the basics on some things I was good at. You get a peace of mind while you are up there [at Big Bear] and that makes for great training." Walker would like to fight once a month and sees himself in the pack of top, young middleweights, but he is just a handful of wins away from being talked about across the country without a doubt. "I see my self right in the mist of the prospects in this division and I'm ready to prove that!" >>>> much more on this rising star from Chicago

TalkingBoxing Year End Awards for 2004
1/4 - It's that time of the year that boxing web sites, writers and magazines throw out their annual awards for the past year, hoping their line-up of winners sticks out and finds boxing fans agreeing. Some of our picks might be unpopular, but we had consensus on five of the six categories. We believe that the fans will agree with are rational, well thought out choices this year. TalkingBoxing.com's finest writers put their heads together to crown our end of