TalkingBoxing News
Ouma to Middleweight, Face Sam Soliman?
WED February 22 - Great fights are made with action and could there ever be a more action packed fight than a potential middleweight showdown between Kassim Ouma and Sam Soliman? If the two boxers have their way, the bout will get made shortly and boxing fans can sit back and enjoy a non-stop Puncharama.
"I take pride in those punch stat numbers and I know Soliman threw a crazy amount against Winky Wright," Ouma said. "Soliman proved he was world class, world class and awkward. If he would have been good enough for Jermain Taylor in his next fight, and he was up to fighting Winky, then he is the perfect fight for me proving myself at middleweight.
"I'll fight anyone but I know the Vargas-Mosely winner don't want me. I know that the Quartey-Forest winner won't want me either. They're all about avoiding your way to the top. I gotta be about fighting my way to the top and Sam Soliman seems like the one challenger who will stand up and fight. You should have to earn the big title shots and that's why I see Soliman is the perfect proving place."
This Compu-Box challenge could force those nameless punch counters into training camp in what might be the biggest punch fest in the history of the sport. The computer clickers will have broken fingers keeping up with the record setting gun slingers in Ouma and Soliman.
Ouma, who always throws punches in bunches, landed a mind numbing 382 head shots in an eighth round demolition of Francisco Mora in his last bout. Ouma threw a record breaking 1,331 punches in his September 2001 10-round decision over Verno Phillips. In his first world title defense against Kofi Jantuah, Ouma landed a middleweight record 502 punches.
Soliman entered the Winky Wright fight as a little-know Australian on a 19-fight win streak. And the Aussie proved to be surprisingly game and durable in throwing an unending stream of punches at Wright in losing a hard-fought, close decision in December.
The wildly unorthodoxed rough tough Soliman never stopped swinging at Winky and raised his value by proving his endless energy and solid chin against the division's best tactician.
"Soliman raised questions about Winky, but I think it said more about Sam Soliman and his game," Ouma said. "No one had paid much attention to Sam but now they know he's a great but crazy style middleweight. I think boxing fans would love to see him match punches with me.
"I know we'll break all the records for punches thrown in a fight. It will be a fight for the ages. Both guys give everything. Winner gets the big shot. That's what proving yourself in boxing is all about. What a challenge. What fun. I'm ready to go. Let's get it on NOW."
For Ouma, though, there is one fighter that never strays far from his mind, Russian Roman Karmazin, who lifted Ouma's IBF world title last summer.
"Karmazin talked a lot of trash after the fight. No excuses, I say, I lost but that was one day in my life. The day will come again and I will prove Roman Karmazin can not beat Kassim Ouma. I hope he raises his value, gets out there and fights like me. He's done nothing to raise his name since we fought, I've proved I'm back with two knockouts over Freddie Cuevas and Francisco Mora, two guys that don't get knocked out. They say Soliman has never been knocked out either. So I guess I'll have to keep the streak going."
Ireland's John Duddy Fights for First Pro Title
WED February 22 - March 16 in “The Shamrock Express” at The Theater in MSG John Duddy fights for his first pro title.Fresh off of his first 10-round fight, “Ireland’s” John Duddy (15-0, 13 KOs) battles for his first pro title belt March 16 headlining “The Shamrock Express,” promoted by Irish Ropes, against veteran “Showtime” Shelby Pudwill (21-2-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Intercontinental Americas middleweight championship at The Theater in Madison Square Garden.
Duddy pitched a near shutout February 4 in Boston, winning a unanimous 10-round decision (100-90, 100-90, 99-91)from Julio Jean. “It was a great experience,” Duddy explained in his thick Irish brogue. “I fought 10 tough rounds for the first time and now everybody knows I can do it. I loved the crowd up in Boston and I was glad they saw me fight 10 rounds because my first fight in that area was a quick and short experience (TKO of Joseph Brady 64 seconds into the first round back in September in Mansfield, Massachusetts).”
Duddy’s next opponent is part of the fightin’ Pudwill family from North Dakota. Former fighter and brother, Tocker, trains Shelby and their sister Regan also is a pro fighter. Shelby is the former CAM (Canadian, American and Mexican) middleweight champ and he’s riding an eight-fight win streak dating back to 2001.
“I don’t know too much about him, yet,” Duddy spoke about his opponent. “I’ll learn more about him before we fight.The fact I’m fighting for my first pro title and headlining an Irish show is very exciting. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Tickets, priced between $400.00 and $50.00, are available by calling TicketMaster (212.307.7171) or Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant & Bar (212.629.9899). For more information about “The Shamrock Express” call Irish Ropes at 718.318.5145 or visit its web site at www.irishropes.com.
Calzaghe Announces Boxing Masterclass
WED February 22 - Joe Calzaghe, Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Boxing at Champion University, invites all to attend his upcoming fistic lecture on the noble art of self-defense to be held at the Manchester Evening News Arena on Saturday, March 4th.
Professor Calzaghe will be joined by second year student Jeff Lacy, upon whom the professor will apply his patented lightning fast southpaw technique. Those interested in the come forward roundhouse style of attack and it's resulting negative consequences will undoubtedly be interested in observing student Lacy, who will ably demonstrate all the stages of dismantlement, including collapse.
Tickets to Professor Calzaghe's lecture are available at www.joecalzaghe.com. Those unable to attend this event in person can view the lesson on either ITV in the UK or Showtime in the US. Log onto www.joecalzaghe.com for more details.
Lacy, Calzaghe Conference Call Quotes
WED February 22 - America’s No. 1 Boxing Network, SHOWTIME continues its 20th anniversary celebration of putting on world-class, great fights on Saturday, March 4, when talented, undefeated, hard-hitting super middleweight world champions Jeff “Left Hook’’ Lacy (International Boxing Federation) and Joe Calzaghe (World Boxing Organization) collide in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.
The most significant unification world title bout in years will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from the MEN Arena in Manchester, England. The highly anticipated, long-awaited match up is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Frank Warren’s Sport Network.
Begin Opening Comments
Lacy: My training is going great. We are expecting a great fight on March 4. I am 110 percent ready for this battle between me and Joe. This is the beginning of my stardom as a professional fighter and I am taking Joe very seriously. I have not looked past him and I am doing everything I can in the gym, making sure I am staying healthy and everything else. So it is going to be a fight. From where I see it, it is going to be a really good fight.
Calzaghe: Yeah, it is a big fight. It is the biggest fight in a long time. I know Jeff is going to be possibly the toughest fight of my career, so I am under no illusions that this is going to be a tough night. Like I have shown in the past, I have always risen to the occasion. I have the heart of a champion and the ability. It is just getting everything right and performing on that night. So I am excited. It is an exciting fight. It is great for the division and great for boxing. I cannot wait for that night. It is going to be a great fight.
Begin Press Questions
Jeff, how do you prepare for a fight that begins 2 a.m. local time?
It will be 10 p.m. over here so, for me, it is according to our time zone over here in the US (so it will be like fighting at 10 at night).
So are you training later then?
No, I am training at the same time.
Joe, what is it like for you to fight at 2 a.m.?
It is a pain (chuckling). It is wintertime and gets dark at 5 o’clock, but it is one of those things. Just training later and adjusting.
Jeff, Joe has ruled the super middleweight division for eight years. Is he one of the best 168-pound boxers of all time?
That is why we are having this fight. He thinks he is and I think I am. He dominated the weight class since 1997 and I do give him credit, but I was not here before.
Joe, do you have any game plan you are willing to divulge?
I am a boxer-fighter. I have my own strength of speed. I also have power. So come the night, when the bell rings, we will see what happens.
Jeff, is it in your mind at all that you are today’s version of a lighter Mike Tyson?
They see me as, as one of those throwback fighters. When I enter the ring, I am coming in there to fight. And that is what this fight is all about. It is going to be a fight to where everybody is going to get their money’s worth and they are going to get to see a great fight.
Joe, do you feel like Lacy may be underestimating your quickness and your power?
He knows it is a big fight and has been coming for a long time. I am sure he is well prepared. I am well prepared. I am just looking forward to it.
Joe, has your hand recovered since your last bout when it sustained some damage?
I was off for five or six weeks, but everything has gone fine. I think the hand is fine.
Jeff, once the best has been established in the division, where does he go from there?
Right now, the only fight that is on my mind is the March 4 fight between me and Joe Calzaghe. Ask that question after that fight is over with.
Joe, there is concern coming from the Lacy camp that you still might possibly pull out of this fight. How do you answer that?
I have no intention of pulling out of the fight. I am 100 percent focusing on training. So unless anything should fall out of the sky and land on my head, I will be there on March 4.
Jeff, did you ever say Joe had a problem with his ticker?
I do not know Joe that well to say he had a problem with his heart. That is a hard question for me to answer. I am not a doctor either.
Joe, why do you suppose it is that you do not get the credit that most fighters get when they reach the level, 40-0 and such a long reign as champion? How come it has taken this fight for people to think that at the outcome, if you win, will you get that kind of credit?
Probably because I have unfortunately been unable to get unification fights and there has not been any stars in the division. The big names are in the super middleweight division, and that has not happened.
Do you think that is a criticism?
Actually, I am fine. I have beat good fighters – some former world champions. I have achieved a lot and I have tried to get fights together in the past, but they have just fallen through. It has taken a couple of months to get this fight on. I am looking forward to it. I cannot wait until March 4 and to unify the belts.
Do you think that if you win the fight that you will get the credit in the United States that has not come your way thus far?
I hope so, yes.
Jeff, you are getting this sort of defining fight after only 20-something fights. It has taken Joe 40-something. Do you feel that you have been rushed to get to this point?
No. I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be. I am learning more and more each and every time I step into the ring. Everybody needs a shot, and this is just my shot.
Jeff, in the initial press conference in London, you accused Joe of sloughing. Do you think it is wise to wind someone like Calzaghe up like that?
It does not matter because when you are in the fight, you are in a fight. I mean, it is just like someone is trying to tell you what to do in the ring and you are on the outside looking in.
If Joe needs any extra motivation in this fight, those kinds of accusations are just what he is after, right?
I am prepared and may the best man win. That is the only thing I can say.
Jeff, someone spoke about the credit that Joe does not get in America among the American fraternity. Is he big box office in America, Jeff?
It is hard to become a big box office if you do not fight in the United States. Yeah, you have the boxing fans that watch you, but you do not have the working people knowing who Joe Calzaghe is.
Joe, have you ever thought that this big unification fight would (n)ever come?
In boxing, things are out of your hands and there are always politics involved. You just learn to be patient and if it comes, it comes. So like I said, it can take years, but it is finally here and I am looking forward to it.
Now you get to take out all your frustrations on Lacy?
It is going to be a good fight and I am looking forward to it.
Joe, when you envision the fight taking place, do you envision knocking out Lacy?
I just see myself winning, obviously, but cannot make predictions. I always look for a tough fight and I am sure it will be a tough fight. I am 100 percent confident in my own ability and I am looking forward to it.
Jeff, when you picture the fight, do you see an early knockout, a late knockout, a devastating knockout or any knockout at all?
I see me winning the fight. That is what I vision.
Joe, do you see this fight as a stepping stone towards unifying at 168 pounds, or possibly moving up to light heavyweight?
I just see it as my career-defining fight. I have been champion for eight years, but have not had the big unification fight against a top fighter. Now, I have the opportunity. I have just got to concentrate on March 4. Obviously, after March 4, then you look at the next step in your career.
Jeff, you have said that your dream was to unify the super middleweight division. Win, lose or draw, are you going to continue that quest after this fight?
Yes, if the other champions are willing to step up. I am in the business of unifying the division. That is my goal, not my dream.
End Press Questions.
Arce -Vs- Alvarez Battle April 8th on "Sworn Enemies"
WED February 22 - A compelling match between two of the strongest competitors in boxing’s lower weight divisions, World Boxing Council interim flyweight champion Jorge “Travieso” Arce and Rosendo “El Bufalo” Alvarez, has been added to the card headlined by “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather vs. Zab “Super” Judah at the Thomas & Mack Center on April 8. The bout will be broadcast domestically on HBO Pay-Per-View and is being co-promoted by Top Rank and Don King Productions in association with Caesars Palace and Wynn Las Vegas..
The colorful Arce (43-3-1, 32 KOs), from Los Mochis, Mexico, has always been a fan favorite among his countrymen due to his wide open, risk-taking style. Recent appearances on big pay-per-view cards have gained him new fans throughout the world.
Arce’s 23-fight winning streak and world champion status will face a stiff challenge against Alvarez (32-2-2, 24 KOs), a two-time world champion making his first world title appearance at the 112-pound limit. The proud Nicaraguan’s greatest accomplishment came in a draw against the legendary Ricardo “Finito” Lopez in 1998. Not only did it stand as the only blemish on Lopez’s undefeated record of 51-0-1, but Alvarez also knocked Lopez down for what turned out to be the first and only time in his Hall of Fame career.
"We are not friendly rivals, we are just rivals, he thinks his going to knock me out, but I doubt it very much, his time has come and gone, now is my time," said Arce. “I don't dance, I come to fight when I'm inside that ring. Mark my words, on April 8, “El Bufalo” will be an endangered species!"
A recent outburst between Arce and Alvarez has added additional intrigue to this match. In his last appearance on Jan. 28 in Cancun, Mexico, Arce successfully defended his title against Adonis Rivas, who boxes out of Alvarez’s Nicaraguan stable of fighters. Alvarez attended the event where his fighter suffered a loss by technical decision. A dispute erupted in the ring after the decision and blows were exchanged between Alvarez and Arce.
“I want revenge and I want to shut his big mouth,” the normally even-tempered Alvarez said of Arce. “He will not be talking so much and will be wearing dentures when I’m through with him. I want to crush his star. I will not sleep until I defeat this clown.”
Alvarez added: “My promoter Don King will be facing his arch enemy in Arce’s promoter Bob Arum, so I want to win for him as well. I can’t let Don down.”
Don King would like nothing more than to see his fighter follow through on his pledge.
“Victories are always sweet,” King said, “but the taste is even sweeter when it comes against my toughest promotional foe Bob Arum.”
King added: “Alvarez and Arce are two of the biggest little giants in the sport of boxing. They will fight for their countries, honor and pride. This is the biggest fight for Alvarez since he faced Ricardo Lopez. His legacy is on the line in this one.”
Both Arce and Alvarez became 108-pound world champions in 2001—Arce for the WBC and Alvarez for the World Boxing Association. Both fighters expressed interest in facing each other, but the world title unification match never materialized.
While Arce won his first world title as a 108-pounder in 1998, Alvarez won his first world title at the minimum weight of 105 pounds in 1995. Alvarez moved up to the 108-pound limit in 2000 and won the world title there in 2001. Both fighters moved to flyweight last year.
Arce has not lost a match since 1999. Two of his three losses came in world title fights against world champions Michael Carbajal and Victor Burgos (his other loss came in his fifth fight).
Alvarez has not lost a match since 2000 and has only lost twice in his career, both against world champions. His first loss came in a re-match with Lopez, and he was disqualified against Beibis Mendoza. A win for Alvarez against Arce would make him a world champion in three different weight divisions.
The Mayweather vs. Judah pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on April 8, has a suggested retail price of $44.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 56 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HDTV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For your daily Mayweather vs. Judah fight week updates, log onto www.HBOPPV.com.
CN8 to Broadcast Boxing Matches and Future Bouts in 2007
WED February 22 - CN8, The Comcast Network returns to the ring, airing boxing from Delaware’s Dover Downs Hotel & Casino beginning SATURDAY, February 25th at 7:00 PM/ET.
The main event of the February 25th telecast will feature a match-up between Rodney Jones (36-3-1, 22 KOs) and Raul Frank (27-4-2, 13 KOs) and will determine the IBF Junior Middleweight #1 Contender. The 12-round fight will be a competitive rematch of Jones and Frank’s fight last year, which ended in a draw. The match will be announced by CN8’s Ed Berliner and Jack McCaffrey.
Future fights will air on CN8, The Comcast Network on April 29 and August 26, 2006 as well as several bouts in the beginning of 2007.
CN8 and Dover Down’s Primetime Boxing schedule follows:
Saturday, February 25, 2006 7:00 PM- Jones vs. Frank
Saturday, April 29, 2006 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 26, 2006 8:00 PM
About CN8, The Comcast Network
CN8, The Comcast Network (www.cn8.tv) has quickly become one of the nation’s largest and most honored regional 24-hour diversified television networks - serving 7.1 million cable homes on the East Coast. The network provides quality, locally produced programming in four main areas: live, interactive television; regional news; entertainment; and coverage of high school, college and professional sports. CN8 has been nominated for 241 regional Emmy Awards. The Comcast Network is owned and operated by Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., a division of Comcast Corporation and the country’s leading cable and broadband services provider.
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