TalkingBoxing News
Mitchell Faces Smith on Tyson Card
WED May 25 - One of the greatest boxers to emerge from the nation's capital, former Lightweight and Junior Welterweight Champion SHARMBA "LITTLE
BIG MAN" MITCHELL (55-4, 31 KOs) will step up to welterweight when he
challenges former North American Boxing Association (NABA) Welterweight
Champion CHRIS "THE MECHANIC" SMITH (19-1-1, 12 KOs) on June 11 at the
MCI
Center. The event - CAPITAL EXPLOSION - is promoted by Raging
Promotions,
Inc., The Stuckey Group LLC and PMG, Inc.
"I'm ready to come back at MY weight," says Mitchell. "I've been anticipating this move up in weight for some time now. Chris Smith better come prepared because I've got something to prove. I'm going to give my hometown fans a show. The Washington Wizards came back strong this year, now it's my turn."
Mitchell of Takoma Park, Maryland, stands 5' 7" and has held two world championship belts over his decorated career. He is a former Interim International Boxing Federation (IBF) 140-Pound Champion and former World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Lightweight Champion.
Ten years after turning pro, the exciting Mitchell deservedly received his first world title shot on Oct. 10, 1998. Not only did he have to pry the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight belt away from well-regarded champion, Khalid Rahilou, but he also had to do it in Rahilou's homeland of France. Coming in as an underdog, Mitchell showed his immense power by knocking down Rahilou several times on his way to securing a lopsided 12-round decision.
In his first fight with Kostya Tszyu on February 3, 2001, Mitchell suffered a controversial 140-pound world unification bout loss, as well as a knee injury. He returned 13 months later to run off a string of eight consecutive victories. He fought successfully around the world before falling to Tszyu in a 2004 rematch. Considered to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Mitchell is continuing to build on his impressive career by moving up to the 147-pound weight class for the first time.
Smith captured his NABA Welterweight crown on Sept. 12, 2002 with a ninth-round TKO over Marlon Haynes in Washington, DC. Smith, who stands 5' 10" and boasts an impressive travel schedule with fights in no less than 10 states over the past eight years, will pose a dangerous threat despite fighting in Mitchell's hometown, the site of his championship victory. He is coming off the first loss of his career, an 11th round TKO loss to David Estrada in an IBF Welterweight title elimination contest on January 21, 2005.
"It's a great honor to be fighting on a Mike Tyson card," says Smith, a former New York Golden Gloves Champion. "He was my idol growing up. As for going against Sharmba Mitchell, I like to fight guys at the top. I'm excited for the bout."
Headlining this spectacular card will be the return of two-time heavyweight champion "IRON" MIKE TYSON (50-5, 44 KOs) to face the immovable mountain, Irish/American heavyweight KEVIN "THE CLONES COLOSSUS" McBRIDE (32-4, 27 KOs).
Joining Tyson on this sure to be exciting night of boxing will be women's boxing champion LAILA "SHE BEE STINGIN" ALI (20-0, 17 KOs). The daughter of Muhammad Ali will defend her WIBA Light Heavyweight Championship in the co-main event against mixed martial arts veteran ERIN "IRISH" TOUGHILL (6-1-1).
Tickets, priced at $700, $450, $250, $100 and $50 (plus applicable
service
charges and a $3 facility fee) are on sale through all Ticketmaster
locations, including the MCI Center box office, via Phonecharge at
202-397-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT and 410-547-SEAT, online at
Doors open at 5:30 PM with the first of nine scheduled bouts to start at 6:30 PM.
The Tyson-McBride telecast begins at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT and carries a suggested retail price of $44.95. Tyson - McBride will be produced and distributed by Showtime Pay Per View and is promoted by Raging Promotions, in association with The Stuckey Group and PMG. Tyson - McBride will be available to over 50 million pay per view homes.
Andre Ward, Quartey-Phillips Featured June 18th
WED May 25 - 2004 US Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward, unbeaten as a pro at 3-0, will put his gold medal reputation on the line in a featured undercard bout on the June 18 mega-card at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, which is headlined by the light heavyweight showdown between Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.
"I'm just going to use this fight to show my god-given talent,” said the 21-year-old Ward, who will face an opponent to be announced shortly. “It's going to be a great fight and a great night and my next step toward my ultimate goal." Also added to the show - which will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10pm (ET) / 7pm (PT)– is an intriguing 10 round middleweight matchup between former world champion's Ike Quartey and Verno Phillips. Ward’s fight will not be televised, but highlights may be shown, time permitting.
Blessed with blazing speed in the ring, and a Spartan work ethic outside of it, Andre Ward has dazzled his three professional opponents - this after a stellar amateur career that was capped off with his Gold Medal-winning performance in Athens last summer. In coming home with the Gold, Ward became the first US boxer since 1996 (David Ried) to do so, and only the second since 1992 (Oscar de la Hoya). Now he’s got his sights on bringing professional Gold back home to Oakland, a task many in the boxing community feel is just a matter of time.
“Every fight I see Andre’s growth inside the ring,” said Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions, which co-promotes Ward with Roy Jones Jr’s Square Ring Inc. “It's eerie in some ways to see the similarities of Andre and Roy Jones as they perform inside the ring with the same quick hands, power, and ring generalship, as well as the mental toughness.”
Promoters Goossen Tutor Promotions and Star Boxing in association with Prize Fight and Paradisepoker.com present this sensational world championship fight card at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 18, 2005. The featured bouts will be televised live on HBO.
This will be the second major professional boxing event at the FedEx Forum. Last September 25, Glen Johnson scored a spectacular, one-punch knockout against Roy Jones Jr. in the ninth round of a scheduled twelve.
Over 18,000 seats will be available on June 18, with more than 12,600 priced at $91.75 or less, including approximately 4,000 on the first level and club level.
Ticket prices: $36.75 / $51.75 / $91.75 / $151.75 / $491.75 / $676.75 visit www.ticketmaster.com, area Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, charge by phone at 901.525.1515 or visit the FedExForum Box Office at 191 Beale Street in Memphis.
'Contender' Stars Back in July
WED May 25 - Don’t just look to the sky for fireworks this summer, as due to popular demand, Contender Partners will keep the Independence Day holiday going on Tuesday, July 5, with a spectacular night of boxing featuring the stars of the reality series “The Contender”.
“There is an overwhelming demand for this show and these fighters all over the world,” said Mark Burnett. “We are incredibly excited to be able to bring you more championship boxing from “The Contender” so quickly.”
Likely to compete on this card, which will be held at a Las Vegas site to be determined, will be the final four participants of “The Contender”: Jesse Brinkley, Alfonso Gomez, Peter Manfredo Jr., and series champion Sergio Mora.
“The Contender” captured the hearts of fans around the country with its mix of world-class boxing action and human interest stories that took viewers beyond the ring. 16 fighters competed for one million dollars and the opportunity to fight live in prime time at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, with Sergio Mora outpointing Peter Manfredo Jr. yesterday, May 24th, to win the tournament.
The live finale of the series finished very strong in the ratings (based on fast national numbers), building to a 4.8 in the key A18-49 rating with a total audience of 10 million viewers by the end of the stirring seven round battle between Mora and Manfredo Jr. that many believe is a Fight of The Year candidate. “The excitement generated by these fighters has been astounding and a testament to the adage that if you give fans quality action with world-class fighters, they will come out in droves to support it,” said Sylvester Stallone. “We’ve watched the birth of the next generation of boxing stars this year on “The Contender”, and July 5 will be a night no fight fan will want to miss.”
Tickets for the first “Contender” show sold-out in a mere five minutes, and seats are expected to go fast for the second live show featuring these future boxing superstars.
Fans can pre-register for tickets online by visiting www.contender.yahoo.com
Talking Boxing with Luan Krasniqi
WED May 25, FABIAN WEBER - On May 28 European heavyweight champion Luan Krasniqi will face US giant Lance Whitaker in a WBO world title eliminator. The winner of this explosive heavyweight clash at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle of Stuttgart will get a shot at WBO champion Lamon Brewster.
Boxing.de: Luan, your big fight against Lance Whitaker is only few days away. Do you feel nervous or rather anticipated?
Luan Krasniqi: Quite surprisingly I don’t feel nervous. This is perhaps just because I know exactly how important this fight is to me. On the one hand I’m somebody who improves with challenges. On the other hand I know exactly what is in store for me. I met Whitaker on the press conferece and of course I start to get more excited. But I’m still relatively calm and relaxed..
How did you prepare for this impotant fight?
I had an excellent training period. Really, my preparation ran perfectly. I had three very good sparring partners with who I had strong battles in the gym: David Bostice [former opponent of Wladimir Klitschko], Julius Long [2,10 m] and a tall Polish boxer who is also quite skillful. Basically I’m in training for four months. But in February I suffered a cold and we postponed the fight from April to May. Afterwards I trained twelve weeks continuously with my coach Torsten Schmitz. We worked out a few weeks in Berlin but most of the time I trained in my hometown Rottweil. I know that I can go twelve rounds. This makes me happy. Yesterday I heard that team Whitaker wants to destroy and kill me. The usual prefight gossip talk. There is one thing that I know exactly: It will be very hard for Whitaker to keep up with my pace for twelve rounds. I don’t think an American heavyweight can keep up with my pace for twelve rounds.
Whitaker is 2,03m tall and weighs 120 kg which gives him a decisive size advantage over you. Against Timo Hoffmann, a man almost as heavy and as tall as Whitaker, you experienced some trouble last year. How do you want to handle Whitaker?
I imagine that Whitaker doesn’t have the same ring authority that Hoffmann displayed. But on the other side Whitaker is more dangerous. He punches harder and he is a better boxer. That’s why he will suit me. Skilful boxers suit me because on them I can show my own strengths to advantage, first of all my great speed. Against Hoffman I didn’t feel free, I felt tensed up. Something was missing. I couldn’t launch my game plan well. I think there were several reasons for this. I missed the first three rounds and I made him stronger than he was. By doing a bit of nonsense in the ring, something I usualy never do, I probably also negatively influenced the judges. But nevertheless, in my mind I won this fight, even though they scored it a draw. However, the fight against Whitaker will be completely different. Needless to say that Hoffmann and Whitaker have completely different strengths. Whitaker is a very different calibre.
Whitaker scored 24 knockouts, 19 of them inside of three rounds or less. Do you expect a quick start from him?
Yes, I believe he will start fast. This sounds likely after listeing to their statements, like they want to destroy me and so on. In case he makes a wild start I will go out of his way and fight back, depending on the situation.
You have a strong stamina. But Whitaker appears to have endurance as well as he went twelve rounds three times and ten rounds twice. Do you think your fight will last long?
Yes, I believe our fight will go over many rounds. But in the heavyweight division there is also the chance that one punch can end things quickly. If he makes a mistake I will take advantage of it. I don’t intend to expand the fight with no need. I will try to stop him. But I’m prepared for twelve rounds. This is a long distance and it’s a hard effort to last it.
Whitaker hired motivator Steve „Crocodile“ Fitch who shows up on the press conferences in military dress and calls out offenses. Among other statements he predicted that Whitaker would kill you. Do you think he carried things too far?
I would call it differently. In my mind this is just completely ridiculous. I listened to his shoutings and I must admid that Fitch is quite good informed about me - in contrast to Whitaker who allegedly has never seen me fight. Fitch knows about the early stage of my professional career and about my sparring with Lennox Lewis. He knows about my title fights and so on. If this man is a help for Whitaker I will not grudge it. Fitch by the way is a very friendly person. He just tries to motivate. If someone is in need of that he may feel free to use such services. I don’t take it all that serious. I spoke to Fitch and found out he also knew about my sparring in the US with Maurice Harris, who by the way is a pretty skilful fighter. But in the end I could always handle him. And in case Fitch has contact to Harris, then he will know the score.
In case you beat Whitaker you will be in line for a title fight against Lamon Brewster who just knocked out Andrew Golota in round one. What is your opinion about Brewster?
Basically I didn’t think Brewster is all that strong. I was very surprised that he knocked out Golota so quickly. But this is heavyweight. One punch can change everything. Brewster is also another example for somebody who improves with challenges.
What is Luan Krasniqi doing in the remaining days before the fight in Stuttgart?
I will try to rest and to calm down before the storm. I want to recharge my powers that I spent during that hard preparation period. I’ll only work out once every day now and I won’t do too much. I will try to climb through the ropes on Saturday in top shape.
Harrison-Brodie Opens Exciting Weekend
WED May 25 - In the first of back-to-back world title fight nights on SHOWTIME, Scott “The Real McCoy” Harrison will put his WBO featherweight title on the line against three-time world title challenger Michael Brodie Friday, June 3, 2005, on “ShoBox: The New Generation.” In the co-feature from M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England, undefeated super middleweight Yusaf Mack will take on an opponent to be announced. SHOWTIME will televise the Frank Warren’s Sports Network doubleheader at 11 p.m. ET/PT (tape delayed on the west coast).. The telecast represents the 63rd in the popular “ShoBox” series, which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001.
The thrilling weekend of boxing continues the following day when International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Welterweight Champion Kostya Tszyu battles IBF No. 1 contender Ricky Hatton on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
Harrison (23-2-2, 13 KOs), of Glasgow, Scotland, became Scotland’s first featherweight champion, eighth world titleholder overall, and its first since Paul Weir in 1995 when he dethroned Argentina’s Juan Pablo Chacon to capture the WBO 126-pound title on Oct. 19, 2002. Harrison systematically dismantled Chacon (44-2 going in) by the scores 117-111 twice and 117-112.
“I know the history of boxing, and it is good to be a part of it," Harrison said. “I felt so fresh. I would have gone another 12 rounds to become champion. This is what I have always wanted. I have brought the world title back to Scotland where it belongs.”
Harrison successfully defended his belt for the initial time on March 22, 2003, with a nearly flawless performance against Wayne McCullough in Glasgow, Scotland. The judges scored the one-sided contest 120-108, 119-108 and 119-109.
Less than four months later on July 12, 2003, Harrison lost his crown when he dropped a questionable 12-round split decision to Manuel Medina in Renfrew, Scotland. Two of the judges scored it 118-113 and 116-112 for Medina, while the third ruled in favor of the champion, 115-113.
In the rematch on Nov. 29, 2003, Harrison took the power out of the judges’ hands and regained his title with an 11th-round TKO over Medina in Glasgow.
During his second stint as WBO champion, Harrison has made four successful defenses, including a 12-round draw (115-113, 113-116 and 114-114) against Victor Polo on Jan. 28, 2005.
Brodie (35-2-1, 23 KOs), of Manchester, came closest to winning a world title on Oct. 18, 2003, in his hometown when he fought to a 12-round draw for the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight championship against Injin Chi. The judges scored the fight 113-113 twice and 112-114.
In the rematch on April 10, 2004, in Manchester, Chi registered a seventh-round TKO.
“Chi puts you in that position where he hurts you,” Brodie said. “The man is an animal. I thought I won the first fight. If they had not taken the point from me when the referee said I hit him low and I did not get the count, I would have won.”
Brodie has prepared for his title shot against Harrison for the past year.
“I think (Harrison) is a good fighter,” Brodie said. “He has to be if he has defended his world title that many times. But I do not think he is a proper, proper, world champion. I say that because I do not think he has boxed the best. I do not think he has met anybody in my class yet. I am glad they think I am finished because I do believe that Michael Brodie will be crowned a world champion in Manchester.”
Mack (19-0-2, 12 KOs), of Philadelphia, made his “ShoBox” debut on July 27, 2002, and dominated John McKinney en route to winning by fourth-round TKO. Utilizing his jab and overhand right hand, Mack decked McKinney in the second and fourth rounds.
"I went hard and strong to McKinney's body,” Mack said. “I was looking to go rounds. I was not looking for another knockout victory. I am pleased that it came though."
In his next “ShoBox” appearance on May 20, 2004, in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Mack recorded an eight-round draw (77-75, 75-77, 76-76) against Randy Griffin.
Heading into his third “ShoBox” appearance, Mack has won his past three fights, including an eighth-round TKO over Shannon Miller on Oct. 8, 2004, to claim the United States Boxing Association (USBA) super middleweight crown.
Nick Charles will call the action from ringside, with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of the telecast is Gordon Hall, with Richard Gaughan producing.
Ouma signs with Golden, to Fight Karmazin
WED May 25 - As home to more of boxing’s ‘pound for pound’ greats than any other promotional company today, Golden Boy Promotions is proud to join Hall of Famer Russell Peltz as a partner in promoting IBF junior middleweight world champion Kassim “The Dream” Ouma.
“This is an exciting day for Golden Boy Promotions,” said company President Oscar De La Hoya. “To bring someone of Kassim Ouma’s caliber into our family is a thrill and it continues to show our commitment to bringing the best boxers to fight fans around the world on a consistent basis.”
Ouma joins six division world champion Oscar De La Hoya, undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins, junior lightweight champions Marco Antonio Barrera and Jorge Rodrigo Barrios, and super bantamweight king Oscar Larios on the Golden Boy Promotions roster of champions.
“This is one of the happiest days of my career,” said the 26-year-old Ouma. “I’ve said for a long time that I’m the best junior middleweight in boxing, and now I’ll have the opportunity to prove that on the world’s biggest stages. Oscar and Bernard know what it’s like to be in my shoes and I trust that they will help me reach the heights they already have in their careers.”
“In my opinion Kassim Ouma is the best 154-pound fighter in the world, and with his skills, as well as his commitment to fighting the best, we would not hesitate to put him in the ring with anyone,” said De La Hoya.
“I’m looking forward to working with Golden Boy in the promotion of Kassim Ouma and working with them on other events.” Said Peltz.
An exciting two-fisted warrior who originally hails from Kampala, Uganda, Ouma (21-1-1, 13 KOs) has won the hearts of boxing fans, not only with his performances in the ring, but with his heart-wrenching story, which saw him kidnapped into the Ugandan army at the tender age of six. After using an amateur boxing visa to defect to the United States, “The Dream” pursued a professional boxing career in his adopted home, eventually winning the IBF 154-pound championship on October 2, 2004 with a unanimous 12 round decision over Verno Phillips. Widely considered to be the premier 154-pounder in the world, Ouma defended his crown in January with a lopsided decision win over highly regarded contender Kofi Jantuah.
Ouma will return to the ring to battle his mandatory challenger Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin at a site and date to be determined.
For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com
Tszyu Better at 35 than 25
WED May 25 - In a match-up that has the makings of a classic, IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Kostya Tszyu (31-1, 25 KOs, 1 ND) will defend against enormously popular, undefeated hometown favorite Ricky Hatton (38-0, 28 KOs) in the most hostile of environments – the challenger’s backyard before 18,000 fans at MEN Arena in Manchester, England – on Saturday, June 4, on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The highly anticipated event, yet another SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Fight of the Year candidate, begins LIVE at 2 a.m. in England.
Tszyu: It is great to be here in England. As expected, it has been raining four or five times a day, but I feel so great because I have not competed in Europe for so many years. I am so excited to be here and cannot wait to step in the ring and show all my skills to the great fans in England.
Question: What is your mindset as you prepare for a fight that starts at 2 AM in England?
Tszyu: It does not matter what time it starts because if you are ready. If you are a professional, you have to be ready to fight any time and that is what I am doing. I am fighting at 2:00 in the morning in a different country in the backyard of Ricky Hatton and I am very confident of my ability to do the job.
Question: Have you ever fought in anyone’s backyard or ever faced anything close to the kind of atmosphere you are going into?
Tszyu: Julio Cesar Chavez in Arizona. You have to remember 15,000 Mexican fans were in the stadium and it was unbelievable. I think I won lots of fans in that fight. I even had to jump from the ring right after the victory and walk away because there were so many mad people there, but after some time, they did realize that I am the champion of the people and I want to look for Mexican fans there. I am sure if I decide to go to Mexico, I will have a great welcome there.
Question: Can you talk about what went into your decision making process of not only taking the fight with Hatton but agreeing to do so in England?
Tszyu: First, he is the No. 1 contender for my IBF title. Secondly, he is a great physical and mental challenge. Sooner or later, I would have to defend the title against him anyway and the circumstances came that I had to fight here in England. Because I do love great challenges for myself all the time, I am excited to come here to England and show my skills to all the English and European people. So I decided that this fight was good for me.
Question: How much longer do you want to fight? If you beat Ricky Hatton, what else is there for you to accomplish?
Tszyu: I will just take fights one at a time. I have been clinging to my title for the last five years. I just cannot walk away from the ring because I still have something to prove to myself, something to do with me. It is something that I love to do.
Question: What could you possibly still have to prove to yourself?
Tszyu: I do not know, honestly. I always take it one fight at a time. After this fight, we will see what the next challenge will be for me.
Question: How much did you have to adjust your schedule because of the 2 AM start?
Tszyu: I decided to not adjust anything. Right now, I am very comfortable for what I am doing and I have had lots of discussions with different advisers about it. One bit of advice I have got is if I am 100 percent ready and prepare really hard and am in good condition, I do not need to change anything really because when it comes to the day of the fight, you are going to be ready. If you train at 2:00 in the morning every single day, it is like a night shift, you are going to get tired eventually.
Question: What is the latest time that you fought until now?
Tszyu: I think it is around 12:00 and I did not have any problem. Everyone, under special circumstances, can stay up overnight without any problems. But if you do it over and over again, eventually you will start to get tired. That is one of the reasons why I decided to not adjust my schedule. I decided to live normally, train normally, be ready normally and when it is time, be ready only once.
Question: Why do you remain so confident despite your age and inactivity in the last couple of years?
Tszyu: I think it has played a good role for me, my inactivity. I am 35 and I am fresh. I am very confident because I am much better now at 35 than I was at 25. I could destroy the 25-year-old Kostya Tszyu right now with the 35-year-old Kostya Tszyu. That is how confident I am right now.
Question: Ricky has been a sensation in England and he has got a swarming, very high volume punch style, but that is probably something that you like – guys who come to fight?
Tszyu: Of course, I love it. Every time somebody is throwing the punch, there is a good chance that they open up themselves. I am an accurate boxer myself and I know that every time you try to punch in flurries, you have time to leave yourself open. For me, it is all about split seconds. I do not make mistakes myself and when other people make mistakes, when they are throwing the punch, it is usually time to go. That is why I am happy with anyone coming to me.
Question: In your last fight with Sharmba Mitchell, you basically came out and destroyed him. Is that the same plan with Ricky Hatton?
Tszyu: Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. I am preparing myself for any tactic. Whether it is going to be a brawl or it is going to be a tactical game, I am ready for anything. I will not need to look for Ricky. He will come on me and that is the great thing about this fight.
Question: Do you feel that it could just turn into a war right when the bell sounds?
Tszyu: We are not here to do the ballet. Of course, there is going to be war. That is what people want to see and that is what they are going to see.
Question: How do you punch the way you punch; no one in the game punches like you?
Tszyu: I will give my secrets when I retire.
Question: How you are going to deal with Ricky just looking for that one shot, the right hand?
Tszyu: Even right handers have got so many different angles. It can go from the top, in the middle, from the bottom or in between. There are many different ways of throwing the right hand. The beginning of the end of Sharmba Mitchell came from the left hand. I am glad whenever people think I am a one-handed fighter because that is when they make mistakes.
Question: Are you concerned with Hatton’s hand speed or are you concerned that he might be a little quick for you?
Tszyu: Why should I put any doubt in Ricky’s mind that I am faster than him? Let him think this way. Just ask Sharmba Mitchell how slow I am.
Question: You are fighting somebody who is at the top of his game. Will you enjoy going over to England and beating Ricky Hatton in his back yard?
Tszyu: That is why I am here. That is why I am very confident in myself. I never took any shortcuts in training and I never did any mistakes in the preparation. That is the difference between me and any other fighter who has been in the game for a long time.
Question: Do you prefer to fight a boxing technician like Sharmba Mitchell or a brawler like Ricky Hatton? If you had to pick, which do you prefer?
Tszyu: I think it is easier for me to fight the guys who are coming to me because I do not need to look for them. It is not easy to fight fighters like Sharmba because you have to chase and chase them. The guys who will come at you, throw the punches and, like I said, when they start throwing punches, they start making mistakes.
Question: When did you get to England from Australia and when are you going on to night schedule before the fight?
Tszyu: We came on Saturday. Two weeks usually is my time to come into a different country. I have done this many times and I think it has worked well. As I already said, I will stay in normal routines through all my days here and not adjust to the night schedule.
Question: How have you prepared for Ricky differently from your other fights?
Tszyu: It is all about mental, I believe. I prepare for Ricky Hatton the same way I prepare for any other fighter. I visualize him when I am doing sparring, when I am doing shadow boxing, when I am working on the bags. I do know exactly what Ricky is going to throw. I know exactly how he is going to come to me. He is going to come to me. I will not need to look for him. He will come into the danger zone which is good for me.
Question: What goes through your mind when you hear that Ricky Hatton is so focused and so up for this fight?
Tszyu: He should be ready. This is a chance for him to prove to himself that he is a genuine fighter. He has lots of pressure on his young shoulders, something that he never had before. I have been in these circumstances a good 10 years. It is not unusual for me. He has to deal with lots of pressure, not just during training, but through the media. That is why he is excited.
Question: Would you ever change your routine that drastically before a major fight?
Tszyu: I always stay in my routine. Why should I change something that has worked well for me? That is why I decided to stay in the same schedule as I usually do. The only thing that I am changing in my training in preparation is I am adjusting my training technique for a particular fighter. But other than that, everything is exactly the same.
Question: In your training session, what did you do specifically to prepare yourself for Hatton’s body punches?
Tszyu: I prepare my body punch just as well. I have great sparring partners who do a lot of body punches all the time. You can ask my sparring partners how they feel when I throw my punches.
Question: Now that you are 35, do you find yourself training harder in your fights as opposed to when you were 25?
Tszyu: I amaze myself all the time because every time I am doing training, I feel even better than when I was younger.
Question: Do you plan on moving up in weight or are you just going to stay at 140?
Tszyu: I take it a fight at a time. We will see after this fight what the next challenge can be and what excitement there can be for the next one and then we will talk.
Question: What kind of feedback have you been getting from your wife and kids for you going to Ricky Hatton’s back yard and fighting him?
Tszyu: Come back home soon.
Question: So they are not with you on this fight?
Tszyu: They are home. It is a great thing for my wife to look after three kids. That is not an easy job to do. As a father, I want to come home as quickly as possible and share my time with my kids.
Question: You have been boxing for 27 years and you are probably one of the most consistent fighters ever. How can you stay so consistent for so many years?
Tszyu: I honestly do not know. I believe my family. I try to be a good example for my kids and how can I explain to them if I am not going to be a good example for them? I have to be consistent with anything I do in life to show them as a personal example.
Question: Are you still going to continue training right after this fight?
Tszyu: I believe so. It is a good thing that I have great kids. Both of my kids are playing soccer right now and I have to be in shape to show them that they cannot beat me.
Question: Going into Ricky’s back yard, do you feel you need a knockout to win or are you confident enough in your boxing that you feel you can win a decision in his hometown?
Tszyu: I believe so. I never go into a fight to try to knock anyone out. I come into the fight to show my skills. I have fought in different territory all the time. I do not have any problem with this because I know that everybody will appreciate the skills I have and I know what I am capable of doing.
Question: Do you think that going for the knockout would be playing right into Hatton’s hands?
Tszyu: When you go for a knockout, you can make mistakes. I do not like to make mistakes myself. If you always consciously want to knock somebody out, you can knock yourself out and that is why when the punches come, they come. It does not matter.
Question: With all the big-name fights that could be made at 140, do you think you will finish your career at 140 pounds or do you feel a move up to 147 would be inevitable?
Tszyu: I think it is up to you guys to decide what you want me to do. I am a people’s champion and what the people want me to do, I will do it. We are prizefighters and we have to entertain the people and enjoy ourselves as well at the same time.
Question: Could you take a second and look back on all the big wins you have had and tell us what you think was the most satisfying victory so far in your career?
Tszyu: I can describe a few of them. Of course, the last one against Sharmba Mitchell was pretty important and an enjoyable win. Zab Judah was an important win and I think the fight against (Miguel Angel) Gonzales was a very sensational win for me. There are so many good fighters, I cannot pick just one.
Question: Is this fight going the distance?
Tszyu: I do not care. If it is going to be the distance, it will be the distance. I am ready for 12 rounds. I have trained like a maniac and usually my training regime goes for more than three hours all the time anyway. If somebody thinks I am not able to do 12 rounds at the age of 35, I think they are mistaken.
Question: Do you think it is harder to fight or to beat an undefeated fighter as opposed to someone that has lost one or more times?
Tszyu: I think it is most enjoyable and satisfying when you are fighting against an undefeated fighter and making the first loss.
End of Press Questions. Begin Closing Comments.
Tszyu: I want to thank everyone here in England who are coming to the fight. There are 22,000 tickets that have been sold and it has sold out in record time. What this showed to me is that I, as a person, have a great interest here in Europe and England and I am sure that everyone who is going to come to the fight is going to enjoy themselves. May the best man win.
Vazquez Defends IBF, May 31
WED May 25 - IBF junior featherweight champion Israel Vazquez defends his 122-pound title in the 12-round main event against Armando Guerrero on a nationally televised card presented by the Ho-Chunk Nation and Northeast Promotions in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions and One In A Million May 31 in Lynwood, Ill.
The Chicagoland card is being held in the Ho-Chunk Southland Sports and Expo Center.
The semi-main Aldo Valtierra of Mexico City against an opponent to be determined in a 10-round, featherweight fight.
Tickets, priced at $25 for general admission and $50, $75 and $100 for reserved, are on sale at the Ho-Chunk Southland Sports and Expo Center box office (708-418-5900) and by calling One in a Million Boxing at 866-438-7372 or all Ticketmaster outlets (312-559-1212).
The card starts at 7:30 p.m. (Central) with doors to the Ho-Chunk Southland Sports and Expo Center opening at 6:30.
Vazquez, who’s promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions, is making his second defense of the championship he won March 25, 2004, in Los Angeles when he knocked out Jose Luis Valbuena for the vacant IBF junior featherweight title.
Vazquez defended successfully on a card presented by Sycuan Ringside Promotions Dec. 28 at El Cajon, Calif., when he stopped Art Simonyan in the fifth round.
The 27-year-old Vazquez has a record of 37-3 with 27 knockouts.
The 29-year-old Guerrero has a record of 20-3-6 with 11 knockouts. This is the first time Guerrero, who has had those six draws in his past 18 bouts, has gone after a world championship.
“Israel remains an active champion, defending against anyone, anywhere,” said Glenn Quiroga, president and chief operating officer of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “That’s how much confidence this young man has in himself and how much we at Sycuan Ringside Promotions have in him.”
The 34-year-old Valtierra, the current WBA Fedecentro super featherweight champion and former World Boxing Council Fecarbox 130-pound champ, has a record of 21-7 with 11 knockouts.
The card is televised by ESPN2.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions of El Cajon, Calif., is considered to be the
fastest-growing and most dynamic promotional entity in the sport. Sycuan Ringside Promotions made its promotional debut during 2004, but already has or had four world champions and has promoted and presented world title bouts on premium cable networks.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including World Boxing Organization junior featherweight champion Joan Guzman and former IBF lightweight champion Julio Diaz.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Quiroga; Willie Tucker Sr., senior vice president; Scott Woodworth, vice president of boxing operations; and Michael Marley, vice president of public relations.
The undercard May 31 features middleweight Shay Mobley of Markham, Ill., with a record of 9-4-3-1 and three knockouts, against Aundalen Sloan of Milwaukee, with a mark of 6-16-2 and three knockouts, in a six-round middleweight fight; Joe Pujoe of Gary, Ind., with a record of 3-3-1 and no knockouts, against Carlos Molina of Green Bay, Wisc., with a mark of 6-1 and three knockouts, in a six-round welterweight bout; Johnny Novak of Hammond, Ind., with a record of 14-1 and six knockouts, against an opponent to be determined in a six-round lightweight fight; Guy Solis of Hammond, Ind., with a record of 11-3-1 and four knockouts, against undefeated Jeff Baker of Kokomo, Ind., with a mark of 11-0 and five knockouts, in a four- or six-round light heavyweight bout; and Jermaine White of Merrillville, Ind., with a record of 7-0 and four knockouts, in a four- or-six round super lightweight fight.
