Boxing: Sergio Martinez vs Miguel Cotto

A deal has been struck for Matt Korobov to fight Andy Lee in Ireland for the vacant WBO middleweight title.

By  –

Bob Arum announced a deal has been agreed to for Korobov and Lee to fight for the vacant WBO middleweight belt, in a bout promoted by Frank Warren, taking place in Dublin, Ireland. The fight will determine the ultimate replacement for Peter Quillin, who vacated the WBO title rather than fight Korobov. I think it’s probably fair to assume that “Irish” Andy Lee will be the crowd favorite on fight night.

“We have confirmation from last week from Frank Warren that we’re going forward with that fight. The fight will be in Dublin, Ireland, on Dec. 13,” said Arum. “We have an agreement through e-mail, and our lawyers are drawing up a provision of services agreement to send to Frank to sign. I think that it’s a very good fight and a very interesting fight.”

Andy Lee (33-2, 23 KOs) was the protege of the late Emanuel Steward, and was a rising force in the middleweight division until Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. put a tremdous beating on him. Andy hasn’t seemed quite the same since then, or perhaps he was just exposed on that night. Either way, Andy was getting beaten up again, pretty comprehensively, by young prospect John Jackson this past June, when in a moment of despair and retreat, Lee managed to land a picture perfect right hook on the button that ended Jackson’s night. It was a great punch and an exciting ending, but it hardly restored any legitimate faith in Lee as a top middleweight in my view.

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So here comes Matt Korobov (24-0, 14 KOs), who doesn’t have any flashy names on his resume but appears to be fairly competent in the ring nonetheless. Solely based on Lee’s recent outings, I would be inclined to favor Korobov, but in no way would be surprised if Lee were able to take this one. I guess that makes this a fair and intriguing fight!

http://www.badlefthook.com/2014/10/7/6934815/matt-korobov-andy-lee-scheduled-for-dec-13th

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Steve Lillis

The funeral of Dean Powell, a great friend and colleague of everybody at BoxNation and matchmaker for Frank Warren takes place this afternoon in Greenwich.

Here is a tribute to Dean by Steve Lillis, his friend for more than 20 years.

He never had a bad bone in his body and passed away too young at 46.

His generosity and loyalty to friends, family and those he worked with had no boundaries.

I experienced this at first hand. Myself and Dean were big fans of the underground music scene

Often Dean would discover a specialist record shop, see a 7 inch single and think of me.

An enthusiastic phone call would follow, and within days a shiny piece of black vinyl would drop on the door mat.

He never asked for a penny because all he wanted to do was put a smile on peoples’ faces.

It might seem a small thing to do and something he may have forgotten about, but something others never would.

He would always think of others whatever working deadlines he was having to meet.

We’d speak most days and he always asked how my two daughters were, especially my youngest, Hannah who he called ‘Little Liam’ because of her broad Mancunian accent .

He was a close friend for 20 years and although our boxing, football and music chats are no more, I am lucky to be able to smile at the great memories I have and the times we shared.

We were last together at the WBO convention in Budapest three weeks ago and although it was a flying 36 hour visit the memories will last.

Dean was on great form teasing Kalle Sauerland’s musical taste, and after a meal we talked about his grandkids and my two daughters.

We last like spoke five days before he tragically passed and arranged a night out at a music exhibition.

But, the main purpose of calling was to wish me a safe flight when I travelled to Las Vegas for Mayweather-Alvarez.

As for Dean’s boxing knowledge, he had forgotten more than what most people in the sport know and made his mark as a matchmaker, manager and trainer.

He was trusted by all. During 25 years helping shape British boxing he worked with the likes of Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe, Lloyd Honeyghan, Amir Khan and Lennox Lewis.

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Dean had told me his first boxing memory was watching the Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman on a black and white TV at home in Wolverhampton.

He might have only been 10-years-old, but when he saw Sugar Ray Leonard win gold at the 1976 Olympics he was hooked.

Pat Cowdell who he often watched in Black Country boxing arenas and Charlie Magri were his favourite British boxers as a kid.

Back in 1988, Dean knew his future belonged in professional boxing and he moved to London.

It was never going easy for him to  make that break. For six months he slept on the floor at the Thomas a Becket gym on the Old Kent Road, paying his rent by sweeping the floor.

The South-East London gym was a college of knowledge where plenty could be learnt by listening and keeping your lip zipped.

Dean then started working at the Royal Oak gym in Canning Town, serving his apprenticeship under legendary trainer Terry Lawless and Jimmy Tibbs,

He then worked at the offices of Mickey Duff in London’s Wardour Street before being taken on as matchmaker for Frank Maloney and Panos Eliades.

Dean was 24/7 a trait he picked up from Duff, who told him, “It’s not always about ability, it’s about availability.’

Ten years ago, he joined Frank Warren’s organisation replacing another British boxing icon, matchmaker Ernie Fossey.

Dean was responsible for helping make many of Britain’s finest world champions during his time with Warren including Ricky Burns, Calzaghe, Nathan Cleverly and Ricky Hatton.

They say nobody is irreplaceable, but Warren and his staff may well disagree.

Whether it was making matches, wrapping hands, or being a friendly voice at the other end of a phone to boxers, managers, trainers, matchmakers or journalists Dean was the man.

He doted on grandsons Harry, Joey, Billy who he would take to most Charlton Athletic homes games.

During one of our chats earlier this month he was speaking with pride that one of the kids called him from an Ibiza holiday moaning he was there and not going to The Valley with granddad

His parents, partner Lisa and the boys have lost a special, special person.

We will miss you my mate.

http://www.boxnation.com/boxing-news/a-tribute-to-dean-powell/

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Helping hand: Powell (left) is seen here with Ricky Burns (centre) and Billy Nelson after Burns beat Andreas Evensen for the WBO super-featherweight belt in 2010

 

By Riath Al-Samarrai and Jeff Powell –

The boxing community was in mourning on Tuesday evening after the shock death of Dean Powell.

The 47-year-old, who spent 25 years in the sport as a trainer, cornerman and matchmaker for Frank Warren, worked with some of the British greats, including Joe Calzaghe, Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn and Amir Khan.

Frank Warren announced the tragic news via a statement last night. It read: ‘All of us are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our very close friend and colleague, Dean Powell.

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Involved: The 47-year-old spent 25 years as a trainer, cornerman and matchmaker for Frank Warren

‘Dean was a valued and popular member of our team and within the sport of boxing.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones for their tragic loss.’

The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. A spokesman for Warren declined to comment.

Figures from the world of boxing paid tribute to Powell on Twitter.

Calzaghe said: ‘Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dean Powell. Was in my corner for many of my big fights. RIP Dean x.’

A post from Barry McGuigan read: ‘Shocking news about Dean Powell, God rest his soul. RIP.’

Former Olympic champion James DeGale said: ‘Shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of Dean Powell. A sad loss to British boxing. RIP x.’

Schaefer also expressed shock and sympathy at the sudden death yesterday of Dean Powell, fellow promoter Frank Warren’s top match-maker and a much-loved figure in world boxing.

Affer calling Warren he said: ‘This is tragic news.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2416995/Dean-Powell-dies-Joe-Calzaghe-boxing-world-pay-tribute.html

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47-year-old passed away on Tuesday

The boxing world has expressed its shock and sadness at the death of Dean Powell.

Powell, who died aged 47 on Tuesday, had been in the sport for 25 years, as trainer, cornerman and matchmaker. His death is not believed to be suspicious.

“All of us are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our very close friend and colleague, Dean Powell,” read a statement from Frank Warren promotions, who he most recently worked for.

“Dean was a valued and popular member of our team and within the sport of boxing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones for their tragic loss.”

British boxers past and present, many of whom worked with Powell, have paid tribute.

Amir Khan

Sorry to hear the loss of Dean Powell. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was close to team khan and trained me for 2 fights. You will be missed.

Ricky Burns

Cant believe what I heard bout @DeanPowell66 was speaking 2 him yesterday.some great nites with him in my corner. Thoughts r with his family

Lennox Lewis

RIP Dean Powell! #GoneTooSoon

Joe Calzaghe

Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dean Powell. Was in my corner for many of my big fights. RIP Dean x

Ricky Hatton

Just found out the tragic news that Dean Powell sadly passed away. My thoughts are with his family.a great man & boxing will miss him.

Billy Joe Saunders

Sad times for the boxing world lost a true Professional and hard working man in @DeanPowell66 will be missed #rip x

Anthony Ogogo

Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Dean Powell. Boxing has lost a great guy. RIP my friend.

Dereck Chisora

Rest in peace Dean Boxing will miss you

James DeGale

Shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of Dean Powell. A sad loss to British boxing. RIP x

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-world-pays-tribute-to-trainer-cornerman-and-matchmaker-dean-powell-8809738.html

nathan cleverly (4)

“I will have a holiday now and recover and see where I go from here and see what I want to do in life now,” dethroned former WBO light heavyweight champion Cleverly told the BBC after his devastating KO loss to heavy-hitting Sergey Kovalev. “I will go away and live a normal life for a bit now. Just leave boxing for a bit – it has been an intense period. You know six weeks into that where you want to go. Your instincts tell you if you are missing boxing, or are you going to find another career path. Who knows where my heart is going to lie?”

Promoter Frank Warren stated to the Daily Mail that there’s no reason Cleverly can’t come back. “It’s early days. We’ll let him have a break. It’s all a bit raw at the moment so we’ll have a chat in a few weeks and see where we go…at this stage I’m not even thinking about a rematch. The most important thing now is for him to go and have a holiday and when he comes back we’ll chat and see what is the way forward…he’s only 26 years of age and it’s not the end of the world. Worse fighters than Nathan have lost and come back and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t do. But he’s got to learn from it and we’ll see where we go from there.”

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/cleverly-talking-possible-retirement-my-career-could-go-wither-way-219729

 

Sergey Kovalev (born on April 2, 1983) is a Russian professional boxer from Chelyabinsk, Russia but based in Florida. He is the current light heavyweight WBO champion and is known for his devastating punching power. He is signed with Main Events and trained by John David Jackson.

Kovalev started his career with a first round TKO of Daniel Chavez at the Greenboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.   He has since gone on to record 21 wins (19 by KO) with one fight ending in a draw as a result of a technical decision.   On 17th August 2013 he fought Nathan Cleverly for the WBO light heavyweight title, winning by 4th round TKO.

AMATEUR CAREER:

  • Record: 215 fights, 193 wins
  • 2000 Russian Junior Championships Silver medalist at Light Welterweight
  • 2001 Russian Junior Championships Silver medalist at Middleweight
  • 2004 Russian Championships Silver medalist at Middleweight, losing to Matvey      Korobov
  • 2005 Russian Championships Gold medalist at Middleweight
  • 2007 Russian Championships Bronze medalist at Light Heavyweight, losing      to Artur      Beterbiev
  • 2008 Russian Championships Silver medalist at Light Heavyweight
  • 2005 World Military Championships Gold medalist at Light Heavyweight,      in Pretoria, South Africa
  • 2006 World Military Championships Silver medalist at Light Heavyweight,      in Warendorf, Germany
  • 2007 World Military Championships Gold medalist at Light Heavyweight,      in Hyderabad, India

 

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If looks could kill: Nathan Cleverly and Sergei Kovalev go head to head at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

By ANDREW GWILYM –

Nathan Cleverly is predicting an explosive defence of his WBO light heavyweight world title against Russian Sergey Kovalev in a fight he has dubbed the most important of his career.

Cleverly, 26, will put his 26-0 unbeaten record on the line against the formidable power of Kovalev, who has secured 19 of his 21 professional wins via knockout, with 18 of those coming within three rounds.

Saturday’s Cardiff bout presents a potential stumbling block for Cleverly – Kovalev is the bookmakers’ favourite – and is a considerable step up from his last title defence in Cardiff, where he secured a convincing unanimous points decision victory over Tommy Karpency.

Frank Warren has admitted he has taken a risk but, with a contract with American cable network HBO on offer should Cleverly win on Saturday, fighter and promoter believe it is a gamble worth taking.

Cleverly said: ‘It is going to be great on home soil, the fight is almost sold out. It is going to be very special.

‘It is going to be a great fight, we like to fight on the front foot and it is going to be explosive.

‘It is the most important fight of my career, potentially the best fight of my career as well. Potentially the best opponent I have faced so this is a tremendous fight.’

Warren added: ‘It was Nathan who wanted this fight, he suggested it to me in a meeting we had a few months ago in London. Having been involved with Nathan from day one, this is a fight which can project him into some real big-money fights.

‘It’s simple. If he wins he winds up with a contract with HBO, which means big paydays, so he has everything to gain from this one and he knows how important it is.

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From Russia with glove: Kovalev has won 18 of his 21 bouts via knockout in the first three rounds

‘It is a fight he wanted, it is a fight he has got. I feel he can win, it will be tough. We have a lot of respect for Sergey, I have seen a lot of his fights on film, but in Nathan we have someone special.

‘This will propel him into the big time if he wins it. It is a big risk but all fights at this level are a risk.’

He added: ‘I think this could be a candidate for fight of the year. I don’t care what anyone says, we have not picked any easy jobs here, this is two good boxers and there is going to be an explosion.’

nathan cleverly (5)Dad’s army: Cleverly’s father and trainer Vince believes his son has ‘the artillery to blow up that tank’

Cleverly’s father and trainer Vince has no doubt his son will emerge victorious at the Motorpoint Arena, and praised Nathan’s attitude.

‘Whatever the Russian tank brings for Nathan, I think Nathan has the artillery to blow up that tank,’ he said.

‘It won’t be easy but I only see one winner. Nathan has trained like the challenger, not the champion and he definitely wants to win this fight to bring on Bernard Hopkins.’

Kovalev chose to keep his counsel simply saying: ‘Who knows what will happen, but we will find out on Saturday night.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2393192/Nathan-Cleverly-promises-Sergey-Kovalev-WBO-title-defence-explosive.html

NathanCleverly-Robin_Krasniqi-Pesaje1

El campeón mundial semipesado de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el invicto galés Nathan Cleverly, se enfrentará al retador mandatorio alemán Robin Krasniqi, intentando defender por quinta ocasión su corona, en el combate estelar de la velada que se desarrollará en la noche del sábado en el Wembley Arena de Londres, Inglaterra, en una presentación de Frank Warren.

Cleverly (25-0, 12 KOs), que viene de realizar su primera defensa en Estados Unidos al detener en ocho asaltos al estadounidense Shawn Hawk el pasado 10 de noviembre en Los Ángeles, intentará revalidar su reinado frente a Krasniqi (39-2, 15 KOs), N° 1 del ranking mundial semipesado de la OMB, y actual monarca europeo e internacional OMB, que llega a su primera oportunidad mundialista.

En la tarde del viernes, ambos superaron la ceremonia de pesaje, dejando todo listo para su duelo titular. Cleverly registró 174 libras. En tanto Krasniqi marcó 173 libras.

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Cleverly, nacido en Caerphilly, Gales, hace 26 años, buscará retener la corona que conquistó primero interina el 11 de diciembre de 2010 en fallo unánime sobre el francés Nadjib Mohammedi en Liverpool, Inglaterra. Defendió la corona, ya regular, sobre el polaco Aleksy Kuziemski (KOT 4), el inglés Tony Bellew (DM 12), el estadounidense Tommy Karpency (DU 12), siempre en el Reino Unido, hasta que viajó a tierras estadounidenses donde el pasado 10 de noviembre noqueó técnicamente en ocho asaltos al estadounidense Shawn Hawk en Los Ángeles, en su última presentación.

Krasniqi, por su parte, oriundo de Munich, Bayern, y de 26 años, registra apenas dos reveses pero cuando recién comenzaba su carrera, en su primera y tercera pelea. Desde allí se ha mantenido imbatido en treinta y ocho presentaciones. El 21 de octubre de 2011 derrotó al francés Abdelkahim Derghal por nocaut técnico en el cuarto round y se alzó con el cinturón europeo semipesado OMB, que luego refrendó al noquear en el duodécimo al francés Hakim Zoulikha. Tras ello, el pasado 25 de agosto añadió la faja internacional semipesada OMB al liquidar en cuatro capítulos a su compatriota Serdar Sahin, cinto que retuvo el 16 de noviembre al terminar en el tercero con el estadounidense Max Heyman, en Magdeburgo, Alemania, en lo que fue su última actuación.

Las autoridades designadas por la OMB son: el árbitro será el estadounidense Mark Nelson. Los jueces serán Denny Nelson, de Estados Unidos, Zoltan Enyedi, de Hungría, y Phil Edwards, de Reino Unido. El supervisor será el húngaro Istvan Kovacs.

En el combate semiestelar, el campeón europeo ligero OMB, el invicto inglés Liam Walsh (13-0, 10 KOs), se enfrentará al escocés Scott Harrison (27-2-2, 15 KOs), intentando defender por primera ocasión su corona.  Tanto Walsh como Harrison detuvieron la báscula en 134.5 libras.  

En otra atracción de la noche, que se desarrollará en categoría pesado, el ex retador mundialista inglés Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora (15-4, 9 KOs), chocará contra el ex campeón argentino crucero, el bonaerense Héctor “El Tiburón” Ávila (20-12-1, 13 KOs), actual monarca mundo hispano pesado del Consejo Mundial de Boxeo (WBC), en un enfrentamiento no titular y a la distancia de diez asaltos. Chisora acusó 252 libras. En tanto Ávila pesó 218 libras.

En combate complementario, el campeón Commonwealth (Imperio Británico) supermosca, el nigeriano Yaqub Kareem (10-2-1, 7 KOs), se medirá al inglés Paul Butler (10-0, 5 KOs), buscando la primera defensa de su cinturón. Kareem marcó 114.5 libras, mientras que Butler dio 114 libras. 

Resultados del pesaje:

 

Nathan Cleverly 174 lbs. vs. Robin Krasniqi 173 lbs.

Título mundial semipesado OMB

Liam Walsh 134.5 lbs. vs. Scott Harrison 134.5 lbs.

Título europeo ligero OMB

Dereck Chisora 252 lbs. vs. Héctor Ávila 218 lbs.

Yaqub Kareem 114.5 lbs. vs. Paul Butler 114 lbs.

Título Commonwealth supermosca

Escenario: Wembley Arena, en Wembley, Londres, Inglaterra.

Promotor: Frank Warren.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Cleverly_174_Krasniqi_173_en_Londres.php

 

Liverpool star Stephen Smith returns to his home city on Friday 11th May to headline the Olympia, live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).

Smith will make the first defence of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against tough Spaniard Francisco Urena.

 The 26-year-old is aiming to stay on track for a rematch with Lee Selby who inflicted the first loss on his record last September to take the Scouser’s British and Commonwealth titles in one of the biggest domestic upsets of last year.

He roared back with back-to-back first round wins over Arpad Vass in February and Ben Jones last month to win the title and he’ll be keeping an eye on rival Selby who defends his titles two weeks later in Newport.

And the Liverpool FC fanatic will be looking to make it a hat-trick of first rounders against Urena who has never been stopped in 21 fights.

Smith said, “I’m looking forward to returning to Liverpool to fight in front of my loyal home fans again and give them a good performance to show that I’m back to my best,”

“Urena looks like a tough challenger, but I haven’t seen too much of him yet, from what I’ve heard he likes to come forward which will play into my hands,”

“It would be great to stop him in the first round, like the last two have gone, but I don’t go in looking to end things early it’s just the way things have worked out and if I see an opening I go for it,”

“Of course, I want the fight with Selby again to have the chance to reclaim my titles and to put things right and I know I’ll get him down the line,”

“I’m fighting regularly, keeping sharp and improving all the time so when I do face him I’ll beat him.”

The Olympia undercard features unbeaten super-middleweight Rocky Fielding in an eight-rounder; unbeaten light-middleweight prospect Joe Selkirk; Ellesmere Port super-flyweight Paul Butler, plus Liverpool’s Andy Coulqhoun and Lyndon Newman.

Tickets are priced at £30, £40 and £60 and are available from Frank Warren Promotions on 01992 550 888 and Olympia Box Office on 0151 263 6633.

 

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/04/stephen-smithv-vs-francisco-urena-on-may-11th/

Promoter Frank Warren has revealed that WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns (34-2, 9KOs) is likely going to return in July. The most sensinble opponent, says Warren, is Kevin Mitchell (33-1, 24KOs). The fight has been brewing for several months and British fans want it to happen. Warren says the fight will be tough to make because Mitchell wants a lot of money to make it possible.

Burns’ return, because of scheduling issues with the venues, is not heading to Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium or West Ham United’s Upton Park.

“I can’t say who it is going to be against yet but it will probably be in July,” said Warren to BBC Scotland. “Kevin Mitchell is an opponent we are looking at and, providing he is sensible, maybe we could make that fight. He has had problems outside the ring and he thinks he should be getting paid much more than Ricky. It’s a struggle to make that one.”

 

By Edward Chaykovsky

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51069

There are many ways to win a fight, but Ricky Burns again did not stray far from his stick-and-move formula to turn back the rugged challenge of Paulus Moses and retain his WBO lightweight title in front of an appreciative Scottish audience.

Judges awarded him the decision by margins of 119-110, 120-110 and 117-110 – a little harsh on the African challenger, from this vantage point, at least: I had him winning 116-113. The Coatbridge man remains on track for a considerably bigger fight in June, against the Londoner Kevin Mitchell.

Burns got a lager-spilling reception from the 6,000 fans in the Braehead Arena on his return to a Glasgow ring after an absence of a year – although it was a bit rude to play Flower of Scotland for the champion and be left to wonder what the Namibian anthem sounds like.

Snubbed or not, Moses was intent on making it a long night for Burns. The heavy-handed man from Windhoek, a former WBA champion, rumbled after Burns, who took a round or two to hit a rhythm, his pink gloves incongruous but effective weapons.

The Burns right, thrown at an angle over his opponent’s guard, hit the target with encouraging regularity as he took control of centre ring, giving ground only when covering up on the ropes, a strategy that non-plussed the challenger.

Reduced to charging through a blizzard of pink, Moses soaked up a steady flow of blows to the head but remained dangerous on the counter. He looked to have shared the fifth and took the sixth, growing strong as Burns struggled to hold him at bay.

Moses continued to throw big shots in bunches, not all of them catching Burns’s high guard. The boisterous crowd of only a quarter of an hour earlier idled in relative silence, and the chatter from the visitor’s corner grew ever more urgent.

An overhand right rocked Burns early in the ninth but he came back with one of his own and a few more jabs and uppercuts near the bell to take control going into the championship rounds.

The crowd came to life in the 10th, as did Burns, weathering the now less frequent attacks by Moses – who looked his 33 years – and working more vigorously to the ribs. As the seconds ebbed, so did Moses.

The 12th started curiously. They hugged at the start, rather than merely touching gloves, then Burns looked distractedly down at his shorts; had it been Floyd Mayweather in front of him rather than the gentlemanly Moses, he would have spent the next 10 seconds staring at the ceiling. He returned to work quickly enough, dancing clear of danger, and banging out enough jabs to consolidate his advantage. Scotland would be no Promised Land for Moses.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/11/ricky-burns-retains-title?newsfeed=true

Ricky Burns aims to make a successful defence of his WBO lightweight title against Paulus Moses on Saturday to reward his vast army of fans.

Burns, 28, is grateful for the sold-out home support at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena as he prepares to take on the Namibian challenger.

“I would like to say a big thanks to everyone who is going,” he said, before a media workout at trainer Billy Nelson’s Fighting Scots gym in Mossend, Lanarkshire.

“My phone has been going constantly with people asking for tickets. I was on the phone this morning to see if I could get any more, the demand has been unbelievable.

“My last couple of fights have been away from home and I think because a lot of people missed out and because it is in Glasgow, the response has been great.

 

http://www1.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/7574864/Burns-wants-reward-for-fans

 

British super-middleweight championGeorge Groves has been catapulted into the world-title picture, with the WBO ordering a purse bid for a fight against Robert Stieglitz.

Stieglitz, who holds the WBO crown at 12 stone, is a veteran of 29 more professional fights and would represent a significant step up in quality for Groves.

The organisation’s ruling has taken many by surprise, considering both participants are facing difficult assignments next: Stieglitz is scheduled to meet Mikkel Kessler on April 14, while Groves has a rematch with Kenny Anderson on March 16.

Kessler is a two-time world champion who can boast a victory over Carl Froch on his CV; Groves was floored by Anderson before recording a stoppage win when they first met in November 2010, on the undercard of David Haye v Audley Harrison.

In December 2011, Groves’ trainer Adam Booth suggested that his charge was not ready to go for one of the most lucrative honours in the division. “It frightens me how little he knows and how much he’s got to do,” Booth told West London Sport.

“I’ve got no problem stating what his weaknesses are at the moment. I’m telling everyone that if you fight George, look for him with the right because you’ll find him.”

The purse bid will take place in Hungary on March 12.

 

http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/139942.html

Ricky Burns aims to repay the fans who will pack out the Braehead Arena on Saturday night with victory when he defends his WBO lightweight title against Paulus Moses.

Despite stringent financial times, and the fight showing live on television, the 6,000-capacity arena on the outskirts of Glasgow is set for a sell-out.

Burns, 28, is grateful for the home support as he prepares to take on the Namibian challenger

“I would like to say a big thanks to everyone who is going,” he said, before a media workout at trainer Billy Nelson’s Fighting Scots gym in Mossend, Lanarkshire.

“My phone has been going constantly with people asking for tickets.

“I was on the phone this morning to see if I could get any more, the demand has been unbelievable.

“My last couple of fights have been away from home and I think because a lot of people missed out and because it is in Glasgow, the response has been great.

“There was only a couple of hundred tickets left the other day so it will definitely be a sell-out.

“The way things are going for this fight – as long as I win – the next one is going to have to be at a bigger venue up here.

“The people who can’t get to see it or have missed out, or left it too late to get their tickets, will be able to watch it live on BoxNation, so that’s a bonus.

“But I am just looking forward to getting on with it now.

“Once I step in that ring, I will need to try block the crowd out and get on with the job.”

Perhaps surprisingly, Burns has not watched the 33-year-old challenger – who has lost only once in 28 fights with only one defeat – either live or on television.

However, the Coatbridge fighter is supremely confident of getting the win which will leave him free for a showdown with Londoner Kevin Mitchell in the summer.

“I haven’t watched him at all,” said Burns.

“We know he is a good boxer and has a big right hand, obviously, with 19 knockouts from 28 fights.

“He is also a former world champion who is not afraid to travel, he has fought in Japan and other places.

“So it is going to be a cracking fight but we are prepared for whatever he brings.

“Now it is about playing the waiting game. Once Friday (weigh-in) is over I can get on with it.

“I have always said the better the guy in front of me, the better I will perform, so it is just down to me now to produce the goods again.”

 

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50337

IN DEPTH WITH RICKY BURNS

Ricky Burns: ‘I’m Fed Up With Training and Waiting. Let’s Get the Fight On!’

With two world titles already on his CV, Coatbridge quiet man Ricky Burns is now primely placed to reap the material rewards of his labours.

But with a lucrative summer showdown against London rival Kevin Mitchell beckoning, and possible unification openings thereafter, this most unassuming of champions stresses to boxing writer Glynn Evans that there can be no room for complacency when he faces off with top grade Namibian Paulus Moses at Braehead Arena next Saturday.

The Scot makes the opening defence of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Lightweight crown live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) from 7.30pm. Join at www.boxnation.tv

How do you reflect on your great win over Michael Katsidis for the WBO interim lightweight crown at Wembley last November? Do you agree it was the finest performance of your career?

It was definitely a good performance. Again, everybody had me wrote off beforehand and, again, I proved everybody wrong. It was definitely a tougher fight than when I won my (WBO) superfeather belt against Roman Martinez. Michael was exactly what we trained for; a tough, tough man and you could see at the end when I was interviewed how swollen my jaw was.

That said, it appeared a lot tougher when I watched the tape back than it had actually appeared when I was fighting the fight. I pretty much knew from the first round that I had the beating of him. The tactics were to stay on the jab and, when inevitably there were times when he managed to close the distance, to keep my hands up, counter, then use my legs to get me out of bother. It all worked perfectly. Again, I promise, there’s a lot more still to come.

It was your first championship start up at 135lbs. What difference did the added weight make during camp and on fight night?

I’d not have weighed much more inside the ring than I did when I boiled down to super-feather but it allowed training to go far more comfortably. I could train for tactics and technique not just to shed pounds. Straining to make weight definitely takes something out of you in the ring. I still looked massive for a lightweight.

Lightweight has been my natural weight for a lot longer than you’d realise. To be honest, I was surprised how long I continued at superfeather when I was fighting at Commonwealth level. We discussed lightweight a year before I won the super-feather world title. Every time it was ‘just one more fight’. However, the struggle I had making 130 for the Nicky Cook fight was absolutely ridiculous. Of course, it’s hard to walk away when you hold a world title but I knew after that it was definitely time to move up. When the opportunity to contest the ‘interim’ title at lightweight was offered, I jumped at it. A lifeline!

Your first defence against Paulus Moses on Saturday (10th) will be your first start in Scotland for 12 months. Given your last two showings at home were comparatively flat title defences over Andreas Evensen and Joseph Laryea, do you feel you owe Scottish fans a spectacular performance?

Obviously I’ll be hoping to look good for the home fans but you know I don’t ever like to talk myself up and put added pressure on myself. Getting the win is the be all and end all, for me. I understand there’s under 400 tickets left so we’re expecting a sell out. What I can say is that if I perform as well as I have been in sparring, I guarantee the fans will have a good night.

The South African is a former WBA champion who has only lost once in 29 pro fights and has 19 knockout wins on his slate. Yet you’ve accepted him as a voluntary challenger. Weren’t you tempted to take something a little less taxing?

No, I’ve always said since I started boxing at 12 that I’ll fight anyone at all. The only way to be the best, and to be considered the best by others, is to fight and beat the best around. This is a proper world title fight.

How has your preparation gone?

I’ll have had 10 or 11 weeks and six of that will have been hard sparring. There’s been a really good vibe in the gym. I’ve done a lot of rounds with Paul Appleby who’s got a big fight himself the same night (against Ireland’s Stephen Ormond) and I’ve also had Tommy Coyle, Tyrone Nurse, Patrick Liam Walsh up here before finishing off with Bradley Saunders last week. You get to a stage were you’re just fed up with training and waiting. You just want to get the fight on. That’s where I’m at.

What do you know of the 33 year old challenger?

I’m never one for studying tapes of my opponent. What happens on the night, happens. A fight’s a fight and I’ve always been good at sussing things out once we get started.

But Paulus’s record speaks for itself so I know he’s likely to give me a very good fight. He’s a former world champion, proven at very top class for quite a while and his only defeat (a sixth round knockout in the second defence of his WBA crown) was to Venezuela’s Miguel Acosta who is also a great fighter.

I’ve heard Moses is a good boxer who has a good jab but so have I. Obviously, from his record, he can bang – we’ve heard with the right hand – but I’ve been in with bangers before. Martinez and Katsidis were said to be bangers but I’ve always shown I can take a shot.

I think the first few rounds could be the key but I’m ready for anything and I’ll take each round as it comes.

Your very best performances have come as an underdog against Martinez and Katsidis yet you enter this as a 5-1 on favourite. Any chance you could be overlooking Moses in favour of the mooted mandatory summer showdown with Kevin Mitchell?

None at all. If I don’t win here, the Kevin Mitchell fight definitely isn’t going to happen. I’ve trained extremely hard for 12 rounds and I’m expecting a very tough fight. I have to get this one out of the way.

People need to realise, I just love fighting and the better the opponent, the more I love it. Most true, diehard boxing fans are aware exactly how big a challenge Paulus Moses represents. I’ve always maintained that only the very top opponents will bring out the very best in me and this is a perfect fight for me to prove that.

Prediction?

Ricky Burns wins a great fight; points if need be, knockout’s a bonus!

This is your first fight of 2012. What do you hope to have achieved by the end of the year?

I’m looking no further than this fight but obviously if I do get through it, the Kevin Mitchell fight should be straightforward to make as we’re both with Frank Warren. Kevin boxed very well last month so that could be a very tough fight in the summer. We’re the two best lightweights in the country and it’s the one most want to see.

You’ve been world champion for 18 months now. How are you growing into that status? You’re naturally shy. Are the commitments a bonus or a distraction?

I’m still doing my shift at the local sports store on the weekend. It breaks up my training nicely and all the staff and customers are ‘brand new’. That keeps me grounded.

I do whatever’s needed publicity wise then, a fortnight before a fight I completely lock myself away and I think people appreciate the need for that.

Otherwise, I try to go to as many functions and charity bashes as I can. It’s no big deal to me but often means a lot to others. My attitude’s the same it always was. I sort of enjoy the attention but I get embarrassed, really don’t see what all the fuss is about. After a fight, I do try to lock myself away for a couple of weeks to let the commotion die down.

You’re still only 28 but have been a pro for nearly 11 years now. How long do you intend continuing for and what are your remaining ambitions? Breaking America? Unification?

A boxing ring is a boxing ring and, if I keep winning, sure, I’d go to the States, particularly for unification. That would be exciting, an adventure.

I really, really love fighting so much. I’ve a good defence and, as long as I’m not getting hurt, I tell (trainer) Billy Nelson I’m going to continue until I’ve had 100 fights! Others think I’m nuts but, really, it’s all I want to do.

THE WBO LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD

RICKY BURNS v PAULUS MOSES

SATURDAY 10th MARCH, 2012

BRAEHEAD ARENA, GLASGOW

***LIVE ON BOXNATION (SKY CH. 456/VIRGIN CH. 546)***

 

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=31008&more=1

 

Nathan Cleverly is set to defend his WBO light heavyweight title in just over eight weeks’ time prior to a summer unification bout, potentially with Bernard Hopkins.

Welshman Cleverly successfully protected his WBO crown on Saturday in Cardiff, taking a unanimous decision over American Tommy Karpency, and the 25-year-old’s promoter Frank Warren is eager for his man to fight again on April 28.

Warren has the Royal Albert Hall booked and wants Cleverly to top the bill on the same evening that Hopkins faces Chad Dawson in Atlantic City for the WBC crown, and if everything goes to plan a unification this summer could be on the cards.

“I have the date booked for April 28th, the same night that Bernard Hopkins defends the WBC title in his rematch with Chad Dawson,” confirmed Warren.

Cleverly meanwhile is desperate to face ‘The Executioner’, and would love to do so on home soil.

“I don’t just think it would be a great fight, it would be a great event,” said Cleverly.

“Obviously it depends how the fight between Dawson and Hopkins goes on April 28th.

“If Hopkins gets badly beaten up, he may well retire. But if he loses it could still be a viable defence to have here in Wales.

“He’s the oldest champion in history, and an icon in the sport, and I’d love to have the ‘W’ against him on my record.”

Warren added: “It would put boxing back on the map in Wales again.”

 

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/138357.html

 

Promoter Frank Warren hopes to set Nathan Cleverly up with a big summer bout against Bernard Hopkins in Cardiff.

Welshman Cleverly successfully defended his WBO light-heavyweight title on Saturday night by beating Tommy Karpency on points.

Warren would like his next outing to be at London’s Royal Albert Hall in April – the venue’s first professional boxing bill for 10 years – but a megafight with American veteran Hopkins is where big money could be made.

The Caerphilly fighter, who completely outclassed Karpency in Cardiff en route to a unanimous decision from the judges, has already spoken of his desire to move on to a big unification fight, with the winner of the April 28 WBC title clash between Chad Dawson and Hopkins top of the agenda.

While Warren is looking to put that contest on at the Millennium Stadium or Cardiff City Stadium, he has also revealed he hopes the Welshman will defend his belt in London, also on April 28.

Warren said: “Nathan is coming on in leaps and bounds and all our attention will now of course turn to April 28 and the Bernard Hopkins v Chad Dawson fight, then we will be making a big decision about a fight in the summer.

“In the meantime I have the Royal Albert Hall booked for April 28.

“I don’t know if Nathan will be ready for that but I would not mind him being the guy to take boxing back there.

“There has been no professional boxing there for many, many years, it is probably the best venue in the country, the most prestigious venue and you could not get a better representative for British boxing than Nathan, to showcase taking professional boxing back there.”

As for a potential summer stadium bout in south Wales, which would hark back to the glory days of former super-middleweight king Joe Calzaghe, Warren says his preferred opponent for such a contest is Hopkins, and

defeat to Dawson would not rule the veteran American out of facing Cleverly.

He said: “For me the best fight for Nathan would be Hopkins.

“I have a feeling Dawson may upset the odds when they face each other, he will give him a lot of problems, but I would prefer Hopkins.

“He is a big name, he had a good fight with Joe Calzaghe and if we brought him over and did that show at Cardiff City Stadium or the Millennium Stadium, it would be a great atmosphere with maybe 50,000 people in there.

“Nathan needs big fights, he rises to them and he has great temperament.”

Cleverly, whose victory extended his 100 per cent record to 24 wins from 24 fights, said he would gladly accept the chance to fight Hopkins, and also suggested he would be ready to fight again on Warren’s mooted Royal Albert Hall date.

“I want to go and get a few more fights as champion to keep learning about being world champion,” he said. “This wasn’t a brutal fight so I will be fine for April, it will be good to keep active.”

He added: “I think I am ready to be unified champ.

“Hopkins and Dawson are the elite guys in the division, if you want to be the best those are guys you have to head for.

“I think I will be ready by the summer, if the opportunity came I would grab it with both hands and feel I could win the fight.

“Hopkins is a legend of the sport, an icon in the division, he has that aura. The fans showed their support by coming out tonight and I am sure that would be a good fight.”

 

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50015

 

WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (24-0, 11 KOs) scored a one-sided, but uninspired twelve round unanimous decision over heavy underdog Tommy Karpency (21-3-1, 14 KOs) on Saturday night at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales. Cleverly was in command all the way, but was never able to sufficiently break through the cover of the defensive-minded Karpency to get the stoppage. Scores were 120-108 on all cards. It was Cleverly’s first fight in his native Wales in almost four years.

“Tommy is very tough,” said Cleverly afterward. “Out of every fighter I’ve fought, he’s punched the hardest so far. And I’ve fought some big punchers…It was a nice performance, a good workout. It was exciting and there’s plenty more to come from me.”

Former WBO cruiserweight champion, now fighting as a light heavyweight, Enzo Maccarinelli (34-5, 27 KOs) dropped journeyman Ciaran Healy (13-18-1, 4 KOs) with a body shot in round two and Healy’s corner threw in the towel moments later.

Unbeaten welterweight prospect and 2008 Olympian Frankie Gavin (12-0, 9 KOs) scored a third round KO over Kevin McIntyre (30-9, 9 KOs). A body shot finished it.

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/results-from-cardiff-wales-109020

 

Training camp is close to coming to a finish and WBO world light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly has taken time to reflect on his preparation for The Homecoming at the Motorpoint Arena on February 25th.

Cleverly opened with, “Preparation has been excellent and I’m very, very satisfied with the way it’s gone. Mentally I feel focused and just so excited to go now.”

“I feel as though this is one of the better camps that I’ve done, it’s the best I’ve been in terms of mental focus. I’ve had the right preparation and the right length of time to train for the fight, I was given good notice. It’s been a good camp and one of the best I’ve done.”

Predominantly training at the new facility of the Planet Fitness gym in Aberbargoed has provided Cleverly with a larger ring and it’ll be put to good use one last time before fight night.

“I’ll have another good hard spar, one more before the fight and then I think that will be the final hard session before the fight and before we start tapering it down.” he explained.

The opponent will be American southpaw Tommy Karpency whose stance presents an added element to adjust to but Cleverly’s confident of enforcing himself on Karpency.

He said, “As always, I’m focusing on more what I can do in the fight, what I can improve on and I’ve been learning some things myself.”

“Obviously I’ve had a little look at Karpency to get an idea of what he’s about – his stance, style, the way he fights but I’m more concentrating on my technique and taking that into the ring.”

 

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=30791&more=1

 

 

Nathan Cleverly is hoping to help “bring the glory days back to Wales” when he takes on the “dangerous” Tommy Karpency at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on February 25.

The WBO light-heavyweight champion is busy preparing for his title defence, which will be his first fight in Wales since 2007, and is looking forward to having the eyes of the sporting world on Cardiff and Wales that weekend.

Hours before his clash with American Karpency, Wales collide with England at Twickenham, while Cardiff meet Liverpool in the Carling Cup final on Sunday at Wembley.

“It’s a great weekend of sport and it’s great to be involved,” the 24-year-old told the Daily Mail. “I can see why there could be potential pressure on me but I’m just enjoying the occasion, which I think will enhance my performance.

“It’s a big deal for myself, and for Welsh boxing; hopefully we can bring the glory days back to Wales. To come home as world champion is a special occasion.

“Training is going well, everything is on track. It’s just a case of focusing for the last three weeks.”

Many are tipping Cleverly to make light work of his opponent, but Karpency has never been stopped in 24 fights.

“He is tough,” said Cleverly. “He has operated at cruiserweight so he’s a strong fighter. He’s got not nothing to lose and there’s no pressure on him, so he’s potentially dangerous. He’s a trained fighter so he’s capable of causing an upset just like anyone else.”

Should Cleverly manage to safely negotiate his way past the challenge in front of him, bigger fights await the Welshman.

“After this fight we’ll be looking to get straight on the case and have a unification fight in the summer. Bernard Hopkins is regarded as No. 1 in the division and I know he’s got a big fight with Chad Dawson coming up. These guys are the ones you target to become the best you can.”

 

http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/134423.html

Ricky Burns has targeted Kevin Mitchell for a summertime all-British battle – and wants it to be in Scotland.

The interim WBO lightweight champion will face Namibia’s Paulus Moses at the Braehead Arena on March 10.

Burns, from Coatbridge, is hoping fight fans pack out the venue on the outskirts of Glasgow to encourage promoter Frank Warren to bring Essex boy Mitchell north of the border for what would be a classic Scotland versus England encounter.

Mitchell’s only defeat in 33 fights to date was to Michael Katsidis at Upton Park, London, in May 2010, whom Burns beat at Wembley in November last year to take the title from the Australian.

Burns, 28, speaking at the Braehead Arena, said: “Obviously I have to get past Paulus Moses first or that (Mitchell) fight is not going to happen.

“I know Kevin is fighting in February and as long as the two of us come through then we can sit down and talk about it.

“Both of us are promoted by Frank Warren so it is an easy fight for us to make.

“I would say the two of us are the best lightweights in Britain just now so it is a fight that I would really want.

“When I beat Michael Katsidis he (Mitchell) was saying he would love the chance to fight me.

“They are talking about the venue being down in London or up here.

“I was on the same bill when Michael Katsidis beat him down at West Ham’s football ground.

“I know that was the venue that was mentioned if I was to fight him in the summer.

“I would prefer it to be up here.

“Hopefully we can show them that we can get Braehead sold out and get the fans behind me.

“But for now, I just need to concentrate on my next fight.”

Burns will enjoy one last week of regular living before the hard work starts – albeit it will not be quite as difficult to make the weight now that he has moved up to the nine stone nine pounds division.

“The hard dieting will start next week,” he said.

“At the moment I have a wee bit of leeway and if I want something I can have it.

“But I start pushing it seven weeks before the fight.

“I started training just after the New Year so we are in full training, two and three times a day.

“But the countdown is on to the weigh-in and then it’s time to get on with the job.

“No matter what weight you have to make it is always hard.

“But again, making nine stone nine is a lot easier than having to boil down to nine stone four.

“I am much happier now that I have moved up a weight.”

Burns will not watch any DVDs of Moses, preferring to let the challenger worry about him.

“I can only go with his record which makes him dangerous,” he said.

“One loss in 29 fights and 19 knockouts, that shows he is a big puncher.

“But I have always said whatever happens on the night is going to happen.

“I can adapt to people’s styles so I’m sure when I get in the ring, I will know what to do to win.

“If I get the chance to knock him out I will do it.”

Burns, though, will be informed by trainer Billy Nelson as to what to expect on the night.

“I have been studying DVDs every night and Moses is a very good fighter,” said Nelson.

“He has a different style to Katsidis but world class fighters have the ability to adapt to different styles.

“I expect Ricky to stop this guy.

“Once that fight is done, there is the blockbuster with Kevin Mitchell and then he will get it as well.”

 

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48709

WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (23-0, 11 KO’s) didn’t look at all good in his last fight against Tony Bellew and looked about as bad in his fight before that against Aleksy Kuziemski. So this time, Cleverly is facing an arguably even weaker opponent in Tommy Karpency (21-2-1, 14 KO’s) on February 25th, at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales.

This time Cleverly is certain he’ll look good. It’s just too bad that he had to be matched up against a guy that’s not even ranked in the top 15 by the World Boxing Organization for him to shine. Cleverly got a win over Bellew last time out in October and few boxing fans saw Cleverly winning that fight. A lot of boxing fans, this writer included, saw it as a draw.

Cleverly is still moving forward rather than taking a big risk and fighting the #13 WBO ranked Bellew again and possibly losing this time. So instead of a dangerous fighter or someone at least ranked in the top five, Karpency has been found for Cleverly and that’s who he’ll be facing in front of his home fans in Wales.

I don’t know how Cleverly can do this. I mean when you fight a bottom #13 opponent like Bellew, aren’t you supposed to fight your mandatory next? How is it Cleverly is now able to fight a guy like Karpency who isn’t even ranked in the top 15 by the WBO? If they’re going to suddenly rank Karpency near the top, they’re really lagging because he’s still not even ranked in the top 15 by the WBO. I see him at #10 by the WBA, but that’s not the WBO.

Cleverly told walesonline.co.uk “It’s a fight I should and will win because I’ll break him down and look good doing it.”

You think? Yeah, I think Cleverly will look good but look at who he had to fight for that to happen. If a champion has to dig up non-top 15 ranked contenders just to look good then boxing is in pretty bad shape.

Cleverly expects to fight 47-year-old Bernard Hopkins or Beibut Shumenov in the summer in Wales. Let me be the first to say this: It’s not going to happen, at least not in Wales. Those guys aren’t going to go to Wales and risk losing by a hometown decision. I’m sure they would love to fight Cleverly because they see what I see him in him – a vulnerable fighter that just went life and death with a fighter ranked #13. But Hopkins and Shumenov sure as heck won’t go to Wales and make it easy for Cleverly to win a controversial decision. That isn’t going to happen even if they get a good payday by agreeing to fight Cleverly there.

 

By Scott Gilfoid:

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/01/cleverly-ill-look-good-in-beating-karpency/