The Army Boxing Thread

[ALinChainz]

Jones has eyes for Calzaghe

January 15, 2008

NEW YORK (Ticker) - Eight-time world champion Roy Jones Jr. has stepped up his bid to fight Joe Calzaghe in Wales following this Saturday's showdown with Felix "Tito" Trinidad at Madison Square Garden.

A champion in four different weight divisions from middleweight to heavyweight, Jones, 38, said Tuesday that he will knock out Puerto Rican ring legend Trinidad, 35, in four rounds of their schedule 12-round, 170-pound bout at Madison Square Garden.

Trinidad (42-2, 35 KOs) on Monday also said that Calzaghe was in his sights, as did former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor last month.

Jones (51-4, 38 KOs) told reporters before the final pre-fight press conference that his last remaining ambition in the ring is to regain the world super-middleweight title (168 pounds) from the undefeated Welshman.

Calzaghe, 35, is close to sealing an April 12 mega-fight in Las Vegas with Bernard Hopkins. Jones said he would even travel to Wales to challenge the current undisputed super-middleweight champion, despite the fact that he has previously refused to fight outside America in his 19-year professional career.

"For all his titles, I'd go," Jones said. "I want Calzaghe. If I got the titles, he has to come and get it, but he's got the titles so I have to go and get it.

"The way I see it is that Ricky Hatton came over and fought Floyd Mayweather so it's somebody's turn to go back over there for us, to show that we're impartial, we're fair."

The American said making history was a motivating factor for wanting the fight. Having equaled Bob Fitzsimmons' 1897 achievement of a former middleweight winning a heavyweight title, Jones would return to the lighter divisions to regain titles.

"The only thing left to accomplish that I've thought about is if I go down and regain the super-middleweight title," Jones said. "Bob Fitzsimmons didn't do that so I'd have one up on him. He can't come back and re-do it, and the next person to try and do it will have a hard time to do it all."

Jones said he was confident Calzaghe would beat Hopkins.

"Calzaghe's busy and that's why I know Hopkins won't beat him because Hopkins doesn't have knockout power," Jones said. "To beat Joe you're going to have to knock him out. He's far too busy to go 12 rounds and expect to get a decision (against him), especially in Wales.

"That's why I say it doesn't matter where you go to fight him, because you've got to knock him out wherever you go. I've got to knock him out, but Hopkins doesn't have the power to knock him out. That's why he doesn't want to go over there and fight, and I don't blame him. But I'll take the gamble."

If Hopkins should defy his 43 years and defeat Calzaghe, however, Jones said the chances of fighting his fellow American were very slim. The pair fought for the IBF middleweight title in 1993, with Jones outpointing Hopkins to win a decision.

"Hopkins won't fight me if it's his last day in the ring, and after he's seen me this time (against Trinidad) he really won't want to fight me," Jones said.

Jones warned Hopkins that if he fails to finalize his fight with Calzaghe this week, then he would readily step into his shoes and fight the Welshman himself at 168 pounds.

Asked if a failure to seal a deal for Hopkins-Calzaghe was due to both parties waiting for the outcome of Saturday's Jones-Trinidad contest, Jones said: "No, but I tell you what, if (Calzaghe) wants Roy Jones and (Hopkins-Calzaghe) ain't done by Sunday, I'm going.

"If I do what I feel like I'm going to do Saturday night, then come Sunday morning I'm going straight to Wales."

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=txjonescalzaghe&prov=st&type=lgns

[ALinChainz]

Trinidad eyes potential fight with Calzaghe

January 15, 2008

NEW YORK (TICKER) -- Puerto Rican superstar Felix Trinidad has joined the list of big-name fighters wanting to fight Joe Calzaghe.

The undefeated world super-middleweight champion from Wales is set for an April 12 showdown with Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas while Trinidad, who turned 35 last week, will move up from middleweight to fight 38-year-old Roy Jones Jr. in New York at a catchweight of 170 pounds this Saturday night.

Trinidad, a three-division, five-time former world champion at welter, light-middle and middleweight, is confident he will not only acclimate to fighting at the heaviest weight of his 44-fight (42-2, 35 KOs) career but will knockout Jones to line up another big-money showdown later this year.

And just as former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor publicly put Calzaghe, 35, in his sights before Christmas, Trinidad did the same when talking to reporters in New York on Monday night.

Speaking through an interpreter before an open workout session, Trinidad was asked whom he wanted to fight next if he was victorious against Jones at Madison Square Garden this weekend.

"After I win, and I intend to win, there (are) a lot of guys out there but Joe Calzaghe is in my vision and in my future," Trinidad said. "So I will go after him too. There are a lot of fighters out there but Joe Calzaghe is one of them."

Asked whether he intended to remain at 170 pounds for future fights, Trinidad stated the extra weights has some benefits.

"I feel stronger at 168, 170 pounds than at 160 and so Joe Calzaghe is one of my top priorities."

Earlier, Felix Trinidad Sr., the Puerto Rican's father and trainer, said his son would have no problem maintaining his effectiveness at 170 pounds.

"He is going to carry his punch from 160 to 170 and people are going to be very surprised about that," Trinidad Sr. said.

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=txtrinidadcalzaghe&prov=st&type=lgns

[ALinChainz]

Pacquiao, Marquez to meet March 15 for WBC super featherweight title

January 15, 2008

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) -- Manny Pacquiao has already beaten two Mexican stars. Juan Manuel Marquez promised he won't be the third.

Pacquiao and Marquez stepped nose to nose Tuesday in officially announcing their rematch for March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas -- nearly four years after their first fight ended in a 12-round draw.

Since then, Marquez won the WBC super featherweight crown, which will be on the line in March, and Pacquiao earned the nickname "The Mexican Killer" after knocking out Erik Morales twice and beating Marco Antonio Barrera.

Pacquiao fielded perhaps the most intriguing question of Tuesday's press conference, when a reporter asked: "If you beat Marquez, would you ever dare vacation in Mexico?"

Pacquiao grinned, then said: "Maybe, but with more bodyguards."

Marquez wasn't amused, saying Pacquiao is not "The Mexican Killer."

"He didn't beat me the first time," Marquez said.

Pacquiao knocked Marquez down three times in the first round when they fought in May 2004. Marquez survived and the bout wound up as one of the best of that year.

"Here we go again," Pacquiao said. "It is not about the belt, it's about the honor of my country."

Pacquiao has veritable rock-star status in his native Philippines, where he ran, and lost, in a bid for Congress and where he also makes movies. He has left his homeland to train for the Marquez fight at Hollywood's Wild Card Gym, owned by his famed trainer, Freddie Roach.

"This rivalry between a Mexican and Filipino is good for boxing," Roach said. "This is going to be a huge fight."

Marquez said he feels the same nationalistic pressure from his countrymen, who have dubbed him "The Last Mexican Standing."

"There is so much pride," Marquez said. "There is so much feeling in me. I want so badly to beat Manny."

Since their last fight, Marquez has fought seven times with one loss -- a 12-round decision to Indonesia's Chris John. He won the super featherweight title from Barrera a year ago.

Pacquiao has had eight bouts since facing Marquez and also has one loss -- a 12-round decision to Morales. Pacquiao knocked Morales out in two subsequent rematches.

If Pacquiao beats Marquez, he would capture his third world championship in three weight classes, previously holding the flyweight and junior featherweight titles.

If he Marquez wins, he would capture something even bigger -- a legacy.

"Maybe before I was put in the shadows," he said. "But I will demonstrate that I fight with heart and soul."

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ap-marquez-pacquiao&prov=ap&type=lgns

[binnie]

Originally posted by ALinChainz
I saw that fight and hated Banks from the Contender.

I was happy to see Miranda about rip his head off.

Miranda is a big ticket for a lot of opponents because he is in every fight with his punching power.

Yeah, Miranda is exciting. I hope they don't rush the big fights though. He needs a lot of defensive work (moving his head would be a good start!) and they need to get him working the jab more to set up the KOs. Right now, he's like Lacy was 2.5 years ago: powerful but vulnerable. A little more learning and he could be something special.

[binnie]

Jones-Calzaghe would be a dream fight at 168 if both guys were at their peak (it'd be closer than you think.) However, Jones is so shot it would be meaningless these days.

It's even funnier that Tito has called Calzaghe out too, LOL.

For my money, Calzaghe should fight Taylor is he beats Pavlick (unlikely I know), but there's no way Pavlik will go up to 168 as there are still beg fights for him at 160.

Pacquiano-Marquez will be an amazing one, just like their first was. I loved that fight. Whilst I'm a huge, huge Manny fan, I think Marquez will beat him. Marquez has been the most underated fighter on the planet for years and has the skills and awkwardness to frustrate Manny, as well as the power to make him take notice.

[ALinChainz]

For your money bro ... that is why any of these washed up fighters are calling out each other.

Remember, the 168 weight class never existed. You went from middleweight at 160 to light-heavy at 175.

There is no way in hell that I would shell out for the Jones-Tito fight. Watch it week later, sure. I already pay enough in satellite dish.

[ALinChainz]

Originally posted by binnie
Yeah, Miranda is exciting. I hope they don't rush the big fights though. He needs a lot of defensive work (moving his head would be a good start!) and they need to get him working the jab more to set up the KOs. Right now, he's like Lacy was 2.5 years ago: powerful but vulnerable. A little more learning and he could be something special.

I agree, although I would put him farther along than Lacey was. Miranda needs some defensive work, no doubt.

You're right, some of these guys are too hard headed to realize that taking a punch only goes so far. Toughness is a must obviously, but stupidity will bury you too.

[ALinChainz]

De La Hoya will fight tuneup match in May

By Dave Meltzer, Yahoo! Sports

January 18, 2008


Oscar De La Hoya will fight a tune-up match on May 3 before his expected rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. The match, against an opponent to be named later, will take place at either Mexico City's Estadio Azteca or the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

The fight, which will be part of a career countdown, will likely air on HBO instead of pay-per-view, to help drum up interest in the proposed Sept. 13 rematch with Mayweather.

"I want to set a trend where the big-name fighters will fight on free television," De La Hoya said. "Why not go back to the roots? Go back to fighting on free television. I think the fans deserve it. I hope other fighters can do this."

According to Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, De La Hoya has discussed developing a show about going back to his roots, and on Friday morning he told Schaefer he wanted his next fight to feature such a theme.

De La Hoya made his name on HBO after winning a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. De La Hoya said he wanted to give access to people who normally can't see boxing's top stars either live or on television.

"It's basically a thank-you fight for the fans," De La Hoya said.

De La Hoya also said he wants to make the final year of his career his biggest, building toward a September bout with Mayweather, who most experts agree holds the mythical title that De La Hoya covets – best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Schaefer has already talked with the Home Depot Center, which can hold 45,000 fans for boxing. Schaefer will fly to Mexico City for a Tuesday meeting with the owners of Estadio Azteca, which holds 130,000. If filled, it is believed it would set an all-time attendance record for pro boxing.

Schaefer said if the match is held in Mexico City, tickets would cost as little as a few dollars, with bottom ticket prices of $10 to $20 if it is held in Southern California.

The field has been narrowed to three opponents, whom Schaefer declined to name. De La Hoya is expected to make a decision over the weekend and they hope to finalize the deal within a week.

If all goes as planned after the September fight against Mayweather, De La Hoya's career would end with a huge boxing weekend promotion, tentatively scheduled for December. Possibilities include bringing back his famous opponents from the past, as well as showcasing young talent, possibly including pro debuts of the Summer Olympics' top stars.

Adding intrigue to the Mayweather fight, which may be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is that Floyd Mayweather Sr. has agreed to train De La Hoya for all three fights this year.

The two were together for six years, but Mayweather Sr. backed out of training De La Hoya for last year's record-breaking fight because it was against his son. Mayweather Jr., 39-0 and the top-ranked fighter in the Yahoo! Sports pound-for-pound Top 10, beat De La Hoya via split decision on May 5. The event destroyed all pay-per-view records with 2.4 million buys.

Mayweather Jr. followed by beating Ricky Hatton via 10th round knockout on December 8. The success of the two fights led to it being the biggest year ever for boxing on pay-per-view.

"Floyd Sr. said he would train me for Floyd Mayweather Jr.," De La Hoya said. "That's excellent news for me. I'm very confident with Floyd Sr. in my corner. He knows Floyd Jr. better than anyone. He's the one who created him. With Floyd Sr. in my corner, my chances of winning are great."

Their first fight captured public interest unlike any in years, particularly from an HBO countdown documentary which turned Mayweather Jr. into a household name. The first fight lacked fireworks, and the bigger De La Hoya ultimately couldn't match the speed, reflexes or stamina of the man widely considered the most talented in boxing today. De La Hoya would need a new approach both to have a shot at beating Mayweather, but also to convince the public that the second fighter would be different from the first.

"Mayweather is the big fish in the sea," De La Hoya said. "He's the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. I'm all about fighting the best fighter in the world and that's the fight I have to win.

He feels the added time plus a tune-up fight, plus Mayweather Sr. in his corner will be a difference-maker.

"If I stay active and in the gym and stay sharp, nobody can beat me," he said. "Fighting once a year wasn't the best thing for me."

De La Hoya said the third fight would "absolutely" be the final one of his career. "I can't turn back the clock," he said.

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news;_ylt=Ahi_thusSg4cLLN.3TEh2XA5nYcB?slug=dm-oscar011808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[ALinChainz]

Roy Jones wins one-sided decision over Felix Trinidad
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

January 20, 2008

NEW YORK (AP) -- Roy Jones Jr. defiantly wore a gilded crown into a ring surrounded by hostile fans of a Puerto Rican hero. He then taunted Felix Trinidad, waggling his chin and shaking his rump, before rudely flooring Tito twice.

Some old guys just never learn how to behave -- yet the 39-year-old Jones showed he can still get down to business, pounding another iconic boxer whose prime is well past.

Jones pranced and punched his way to a unanimous victory over Trinidad on Saturday night, dominating their 170-pound bout. From the opening minutes to the increasingly lopsided final rounds, Jones simply was too fast, even in a fight that was several years too late.

Jones and the 35-year-old Trinidad might have put on the year's best fight -- if the year was still 2001, back when both were kings of the sport.

"I can't believe you stayed in there 12 rounds with me," Jones said to Trinidad after the fight. "People thought we were old."

Actually, they still do. The 1990s' most dominant boxer has reflexes that are fading, but not totally faded -- and more than enough to beat another declining dynamo.

Jones (52-4, 38 KOs), the erstwhile pound-for-pound king who had lost three of his past five fights, was content mostly to clown away the early rounds of his first significant victory in four years. When he finally went to work, he knocked down Trinidad in the seventh and 10th, landing a power punch in nearly every exchange.

"He was slipping some really good punches," Jones said. "I was missing knocking him out by about an inch on some of those shots."

Trinidad (42-3) hadn't fought in 32 months since his second retirement. Tito still is his native island's most beloved athlete, judging by the frenetic support from the Madison Square Garden crowd, but the 35-year-old revealed the rust many expected in just his fifth fight in 6 1/2 years, his first since a decisive loss to Winky Wright.

Fighting 10 pounds over his heaviest previous weight, Trinidad couldn't match even Jones' diminished skills.

"I take nothing away from Roy, but if I could have avoided the knockdowns, I think I could have won the fight," said Trinidad, who hasn't decided whether he'll fight again. "Roy was very fast and strong. He threw great punches. I have no excuses. He demonstrated speed and took my body."

Judge Julie Lederman scored the bout 117-109 for Jones, while Nelson Vasquez and Tom Kaczmarek saw it 116-110. The Associated Press also called it for Jones, 118-108.

Jones connected on 172 of his 482 punches (36 percent), while Trinidad was 160-for-552 (29 percent). Jones had a big lead in power punches, landing 147 to Trinidad's 101 -- including a commanding 97-52 edge for Jones in power connections over the final seven rounds.

Though Jones hardly earned a title shot with this win, he would love to fight Joe Calzaghe, the unbeaten 168-pound Welsh champion, assuming Calzaghe beats Hopkins in their expected meeting in April. Jones even said he would travel to Europe for the fight, something he's been reluctant to do throughout his career.

"I'd go to Wales tomorrow," Jones said

After Jones mostly played defense in the first 2 1/2 rounds, he repeatedly teased Trinidad late in the third, pounding his own stomach and sticking out his chin while doing a jig. Tito was more businesslike, but mostly ineffective against Jones' defense.

With chants of "Tito!" filling the Garden, Jones finally landed a few damaging punches in the sixth round. Jones then dropped Trinidad to his knees early in the seventh with an overhand right.

Jones soon had control of the fight, sitting back on defense and pounding Trinidad's head. He floored Trinidad again late in the 10th with a jab and a straight right hand, removing nearly all doubt in the outcome.

Fans were left to wonder what might have happened if these champions had been matched sooner. Though both won armloads of title belts and millions of fans during their primes, Jones and Trinidad were kept apart by obstacles ranging from mandatory title defenses to the jab of Bernard Hopkins, whose upset win over five-time champ Trinidad sank a potential matchup with Jones six years ago.

Both then plummeted from the sport's elite ranks in 2005 with embarrassing defeats and eroding skills. Trinidad retired for the second time, while Jones was reduced to fighting in Boise and Biloxi -- but last year, Trinidad asked promoter Don King for a comeback fight against Jones, the eight-time champion who turned 39 on Wednesday.

Few would argue Jones hasn't been the same since he fell from his perch as boxing's pound-for-pound best with three consecutive losses from 2004-05, including knockouts by Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.

Saturday's 170-pound catch weight presented potential problems for both fighters: The normally skinny Trinidad had never fought above 160, but Jones hadn't been as light as 171 since 1998. After winning a heavyweight title in 2003, Jones shed 18 pounds of muscle to make weight in his first fight against Tarver, and the ordeal contributed to his fall from pre-eminence.

Trinidad seemed joyous as he basked in the pre-fight cheers of his fans, but he also wasn't the same Tito who has enthralled Puerto Ricans and millions of New Yorkers since winning his first welterweight title in 1993. Thousands of those fans turned out at the Garden, yet exorbitant ticket prices kept many more away in a crowd of 12,162, well short of capacity.

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news;_ylt=ArcMF2fCbjAxejirlOdbYo45nYcB?slug=ap-trinidad-jones&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Hyman Roth]

How's Brian Minto doing these days?

[binnie]

I didn't watch Jones-Trinidad (wasn't on until 3am here, and I only stasy up that late if the fight is important...). I'll catch a re-run.

I did however, watch Chagaev successfully defend his title against former British champ Matt Skleton (not shown in the US). Really decent fight/brawl. Not pretty but interesting. Chagaev impressed me, his stamina kept up over 12 intensive rounds - not too many heavys do that these days. Skelton had a big heart, but from round three it was clear who was going to win....

I'm glad De La Hoya will fight three times this year. I'd like to see him go out with a couple of wins. Wonder who the tune-up will be? Zab Judah?

[ALinChainz]

Binnie- Hard to say about Oscar now, would seem like the Mayweather fight makes most sense because of the money.

Hyman - Minto is a bum, will always be a bum. He has fought no one, will fight no one, and will be more likely to commit a felony than to ever challenge for a title (WBA, WBC, IBF) as he has gotten his ass kicked by old men, has-beens, and nobodys. He isn't listed anywhere in any significant boxing rankings and at 33 years old, he will be looking for a factory job soon.

[ALinChainz]

Povetkin bests Chambers by decision

January 27, 2008

BERLIN (TICKER) -- Alexander Povetkin clinched a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Eddie Chambers to become the next mandatory challenger to IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

The Russian star threw - and landed - more punches than his American opponent, and his dominance was mirrored by the scorecards. The three judges ruled the bout 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112 in the favor of the former world amateur champion and Olympic gold medal winner.

The 28-year-old Povetkin (15-0, 11 knockouts) can now look forward to a possible clash against Klitschko.

"I haven't had any time to think about it," Povetkin said of his future opponent. "It would be a huge honor to fight him.

"The only thing I know is that I will be prepared even better. I have been bothered by a few colds during the preparation, but (I) will never step in the ring again when I am not 100 percent fit."

Povetkin certainly looked fit against the 25-year-old Chambers (30-1, 16 knockouts).

The bout came to pass when the IBF ordered a four-way box-off to determine the top contender. Youth prevailed, with Povetkin stopping ex-champion Chris Byrd in the 11th round and Chambers beating Calvin Brock on points.

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=txchamberspovetkin&prov=st&type=lgns

[ALinChainz]

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/leaguepage/champs;_ylt=AhnNGQQLdT82SxcGisJrYh.ixLYF?prov=st&type=lgns

A list of the current champs.

[ALinChainz]

Chambers blew the fight against Povetkin.

He was blistering him with the jab and bruised and about closed his eye by the third round. Then Chambers simply stopped punching.

His dad is his trainer and they had brought on Buddy McGirt to assist for this fight and they were both pleading with him to start punching.

He kept saying "okay" but never did. He threw a total of 31 punches in the final two rounds when he clearly needed a knockout.