Brähmer to face Gutknecht on Feb 2

On February 2, former WBO light heavyweight champion Jürgen Brähmer (38-2, 30 KOs) will return to take on European champion Eduard Gutknecht (24-1, 9 KOs) at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany. The winner will become the WBO mandatory challenger. “I’m glad to finally be back in the ring after a long break and box for the first time for my new team,” said Brähmer. “I was already world and European champion. My goal is to reclaim these titles. On February 2 I’ll show what I can do. I want to get back to the top!”

Video: Juan Manuel Marquez Workout

By Gabriel F. Cordero
Video Courtesy: Hector Islas

International and local media converged on the famous Romanza Gym in Mexico City Wednesday for Mexican ring legend Juan Manuel Marquez’ public training day under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain as he prepares for his fourth fight in his epic series with Filipino nemesis Manny Pacquiao on December 8 at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Saito keeps WBC Youth 135lb belt

By Joe Koizumi

Unbeaten Japanese speedster, WBC youth lightweight champ Tsukasa Saito (16-0-1, 11 KOs), 135, easily kept his belt as he sank Thai youngster Eakkhunphol Mor Krungthepthonburi (7-2, 4 KOs), 133, with a vicious body shot for the count at 2:15 of the fifth round in a scheduled ten on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan. Saito, 22, had acquired the vacant WBC youth title by stopping Rajakru Sor Rungwatana of Thailand in two quick rounds last August, and thus made his initial defense. Saito is currently ranked #8 by our commission JBC.

We have no idea on how to evaluate or place such a WBC youth championship here in Japan. Young boxers under twenty-three years of age are entitled to fight in a quest for the WBC youth belt, but our promoters had better qualify the contestants in the title bouts not to downgrade the dignity of the WBC youth championship system itself. (more…)

Glen Johnson: I’m coming to kick Groves’ butt

Former IBF light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson has promised to give George Groves a butt kicking when they meet at the ExCeL London on December 15th. “The Road Warrior” challenges Groves for his Commonwealth super middleweight title on promoter Frank Warren’s big end of year extravaganza that is headlined by WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns vs. TBA. “From what I’ve seen of Groves he’s a good strong kid with lots of talent and he’s coming up in the sport and I know he’ll be looking to do a number on me,” said Johnson. “I’ve faced the best in the business over the years against the like of Jones, Tarver, Hopkins and I believe that I’m a better all round fighter. Groves will not show me anything that I haven’t seen before.” (more…)

Montiel-Caro public workout

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Former three-division world champion Fernando “Kochulito” Montiel along with opponent Giovanni “Ruso” Caro and lightweight prospect Abdiel “Mortar” Ramirez were at the Community Center Revolucion in the Mexican border town Cuidad Juarez on Wednesday where they engaged in a public workout attended by hundreds of fans.

Montiel-Caro takes place Saturday at the Municipal Gym Joshua Neri Santos on a card presented by Promociones del Pueblo and Kochul Montiel Productions. More photos…

Q&A: Andre Berto

By Jeff Reiners
Photo: Gene Blevins – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (28-1, 22 KOs) is eager to mix it up as he concludes preparation for his first bout in 14 months. Berto faces Four-Division titlist Robert Guerrero’s (30-1-1, 18 KOs) Saturday night on HBO. At stake is Guerrero’s WBC Interim Welterweight World Championship.

After a workout at the Westside Boxing Club in Los Angles, Berto spoke to Fightnews.com about his signature punch, his NFL look-a-like and Emanuel Steward.

Everything going as planned in Los Angeles?

Yeah, yeah everything’s good.

Looking back a couple fights, a lot of boxing types will talk about how a war like the Ortiz fight will take something physically from a fighter. How do you recover and bounce back from a fight like that?

A fight like that was a dog fight. I just took a lot of rest, a lot of time off. You could see that it didn’t affect me at all the next fight after that. I got right back in there and grabbed another title. I’ve had a lot of time since the Ortiz fight so definitely had enough time to rest up. (more…)

Manny Pacquiao on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Manny Pacquiao was a special guest on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday night. Kimmel, the self-proclaimed “lucky rabbit’s foot” of Pacman, has had the Filipino icon on his show before every fight for the past three years, with the first appearance taking place just one week before Pacquiao’s successful challenge of then-WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. It was Pacman’s seventh time on the show.

After catching up with Manny on his life and training for his upcoming high-stakes welterweight battle against Juan Manuel Marquez, Kimmel announced Manny’s next fight – against sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez — with his own all-access unreality segment, 24/7 Pacquiao/Rodriguez 4, which also featured Rodriguez’s trainer Yehya, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Click here for behind the scenes photos of Pacquiao’s latest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Panama Boxing Commission Update

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Rolando Marcos Hermoso has been appointed as the new president of the Professional Boxing Commission of Panama (Comibox) after the head of the Panamanian Institute of Sports Javier Tejeira dismissed Alberto Guerra. Hermoso is a member and vice president of the WBO. Edwin Zuniga will serve as vice president, while Oliver Gomez who is a few months away from the WBA was chosen as a member. The secretary will be Harmodio Cedeño, treasurer Carlos Berrocal, and Rogelio Perez will serve as the legal counsel.

Green-Cameron: Full Report/Photo Gallery

Story by Brett Bonetti
Photos: Regina Magner Karon

Danny “The Green Machine” Green (33-5, 28 KOs) is now a Four Time World Champion as he defeated a durable Shane “The Mountain Warrior” Cameron (29-3, 22 KOs) and claimed the vacant IBO World Cruiserweight Title at Hisense Arena in Melbourne, Australia on Wednesday November 21. Green came out very aggressive in round 1 which seemed to surprise Cameron who likely had expected him to come out with the strategy to run him around the ring. Cameron landed a good body blow on Green in the opening stanza. Green revealed after the fight that Cameron had broken his ribs from the body shot in the first round. Cameron was cut in round 2 as Green started to close the distance down to avoid the power Cameron possesses.

The strategy worked as Cameron was unable to get his jab working and Green started to rack up the points. In round 7, Cameron landed a stiff jab that had the mouth-guard of Green’s flying 3 rows back as the fight continued for around 50 seconds until the referee put the mouth-guard in back in. Green continued to close the distance in each round which frustrated Cameron who knew with 3 rounds remaining he had to stop Danny Green if he was going to win his first world title. (more…)

Shaw: Mundine is clearly delusional

When former world champion Anthony Mundine (44-4, 26 KOs) faces IBF middleweight champion Daniel “Real Deal” Geale (28-1, 15 KOs) on January 30 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, he claims he’ll be fighting the judges as well as Geale and his team due to promoter Gary Shaw’s relationship with the IBF. “They’ve got a big connection to the IBF,” Mundine stated. “Gary Shaw’s a big influence on the world of boxing, not just in America. The only way this boy can beat me is if they rob me!”

Shaw today responded to Mundine’s allegations. “Anthony Mundine is coming up with every excuse on why he’s going to lose his fight with Daniel. This obviously shows me he is lacking confidence in his ability to beat Geale. Just because I promote shows internationally, doesn’t mean I’m always on the winning end of each fight. This man is clearly delusional and I believe reality is starting to set in about Geale being a different fighter this time around. He knows he’s in for a long night.” (more…)

Marquez aiming to knock out Pacquiao

By Gabriel F. Cordero
Photos: Rafael Soto-Zanfer Promotions

Juan Manuel Marquez performed his public workout Wednesday showing his confidence and motivation to hundreds of media in the Romanza Gym in Mexico City for his fourth bout against the Manny Pacquiao on December 8 at the MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marquez is in great physical condition, has no weight problems, and is focued on winning.

“We’ve done a lot of preparation and we know how to fight Pacquiao and how to win,” said Marquez. “I’m convinced that we were superior in the past but the judges said otherwise. Now we are going for a victory that leaves room for doubt. A resounding victory. We are going for the knockout to make it clear once and for all who is better.

“I’ll be faster, more explosive and more aggressive. I’ll be much better than a year ago. Pacquiao can say whatever he wants. I’ll be 100% prepared to knock him out and offer another great fight to the boxing fans.”

more photos

Fonfara’s hand not broken

IBO light heavyweight champion Andrzej Fonfara is making big plans for 2013 following his seventh round stoppage of Tommy Karpency this past Friday night at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. It was thought at first that Fonfara may have broken his right hand in the first round, but following a full doctor’s exam, medical reports indicate no broken bones and “The Polish Prince” is expected to return to action in the first quarter of 2013. (more…)

Indonesian boxer dies after fight

By Jeff Pamungkas

Young Indonesian flyweight Okson Palue (born as Okson Edison Ingamiua) died today five days after a non-televised eight-round fight with Gerry Dio Toisuta in Kupang City, Indonesia. Both fighters were involved in a short distance trading punches during the match which ended as a draw. After the match everything looked OK. Palue supported his stablemate Tommy Seran who defended his WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight title against Philippines’ Fernando Ocon before suddenly he fell down complaining about a foot cramp. The doctors on duty immediately handled Palue, and brought him to the nearest hospital. After awhile at the hospital, Palue felt OK, and insisted to return home. On Monday morning Palue again complained about the pain on one of his legs, so he was rushed to the hospital and stayed in the hospital until the sad news spread up on Wednesday morning. There’s not yet any official information about the cause of his death. “We’re all sad about this incident. At this moment, we’re trying to compile all necessary documents in order to claim to the insurance company,” said Syarifudin Lado, the matchmaker of the show, as quoted by pp-pertina.com.

Hector Camacho Update

Photo: Mary Ann Owen

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Update #2: Wednesday night it became known that Camacho still has brain activity (3-4%) and doctors are not making a diagnosis of brain death for now. Further EEGs are planned for tomorrow and a 9:30 AM press conference has been scheduled. Unofficially a decision has apparently been made that in the event of Camacho’s death his organs will not be donated.

UPDATE #1: An electroencephalogram (EEG) has been administered to former world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho to measure the electrical activity of the brain. Results are expected this afternoon. Camacho is in a “deep coma” and requires artificial respiration to breath. His mother has arrived at the hospital and she would make any final decisions.

From Puerto Rico sources report that former world champion Hector “El Macho” Camacho remains in critical condition in the Rio Piedras Medical Center after being shot Tuesday night in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Adding to the complications, Camacho suffered a heart attack at about 4:15am this morning and doctors called his brain activity “rather low.” It is hoped that his fitness from being a professional athlete will help pull him through.

Kolodziej injured, IBF eliminator off

By Przemek Garczarczyk

“Undefeated Pawel Kolodziej (30-0, 17 KOs) injured his ankle during training and unfortunately has to withdraw from IBF cruiserweight title elimination fight against Philadelphia Garrett Wilson (13-5, 7 KOs),” said CEO of Knockout Promotions, Andrew Wasilewski in a brief statement. The fight was scheduled for December 8 in Katowice, Poland, with the winner facing current IBF titleholder Yoan Pablo Hernandez (27-1, 13 KOs).

Sauerland takes aim at Klitschko

WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko could be facing a steady diet of Team Sauerland fighters in 2013 as the German promotional firm has a lock on the mandatory position in the WBA, IBF and WBO. Wlad’s mandatory challenger in the WBA is Alexander Povetkin, the WBA “regular champion. Kubrat Pulev is rated #1 by the IBF and Robert Helenius has leap-frogged into the WBO’s #1 slot from the #13 position after his decision win over Sherman “Tank” Williams. The IBO doesn’t require mandatory defenses.

Golden Boy invades Florida

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment and Golden Boy Promotions announced today that they have partnered on a new boxing series which will feature at least four annual live boxing events at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. The new series will bring “top-notch” professional boxing action to the BB&T Center with each event featuring a guest appearance by a boxing legend.

“We are thrilled and honored to partner with an incredible athlete and entrepreneur such as Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions,” said SSE President Michael R. Yormark. “We believe that together we can take live professional boxing to the next level in South Florida.”

“At Golden Boy Promotions we are committed to bringing boxing to fight fans across the country and this new partnership is further proof of this,” said President of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “South Florida has traditionally been a hotbed for boxing and we are excited to have a new home with Michael Yormark and the BB&T Center.”

The date, main event and undercard fights, guest boxing legend and single event ticket information for the series’ inaugural event will be announced shortly.

Berto-Guerrrero Final Press Conference

By Miguel Maravilla
Photos: Big Joe Miranda

WBC interim welterweight champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (30-1-1, 18 KOs) and former two-time world champion Andre Berto (28-1, 22KOs) faced off Tuesday afternoon at the J.W Marriot Hotel at L.A Live in downtown Los Angeles at the final press conference for their welterweight title fight on Saturday at the Citizen’s Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

Starting it off at Tuesday’s press conference was the Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya welcoming everyone in attendance as we are days away from Thanksgiving and fight night. “This is a special treat we have special fighters who will put everything on the line this event will be an exciting event,” De la Hoya said.

“It has been a long time coming. We have been going through a lot of trials and tribulations,” Berto said. “I am excited. I have had a tremendous training camp. I’m in the best shape in my life. I am focused. I want to thank the Guerrero team for taking the fight. I have nothing but respect for him for what he has been through with his wife. He’s a tough opponent. I know he’ll come to fight. Now it’s time to go in and have fun. Make sure to tune in Saturday night. We will go in and have some fun!”

The champion Robert Guerrero was brief, welcoming everyone in attendance, thanking Team Berto, and saying “There is nothing to say. It’s time to fight. I’m ready to go. I’m excited for this fight. We’re going to take care of business come November 24. We are ready.” (more…)

Green wins IBO cruiserweight title; Tomlinson retains IBO featherweight crown

Three time world champion Danny ‘The Green Machine’ Green (32-5, 28 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Shane ‘The Mountain Warrior’ Cameron (29-2, 22 KOs) to claim the vacant IBO world cruiserweight title on Wednesday at Hisense Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Scores were 119-109, 116-112 and 116-113.

Also on the card, ‘Wild’ Will Tomlinson (20-0, 12 KOs) successfully made the second defense of his IBO featherweight title against Irving “Travieso” Berry (22-4-2, 9 KOs), with a twelve round unanimous decision. Tomlinson scored a knockdown in round four.

More to come from Brett Bonetti…

Rubio-Rosales on December 22

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Marco Antonio Rubio (55-6-1, 48 KOs), the reigning WBF super middleweight champion, will face Michael Rosales (37-5, 26 KOs) on December 22 in Torreon, Mexico in an event organized by Promociones del Pueblo and broadcast of Televisa. Rubio currently training in Torreon in the Bosque Venustiano Carranza in the “Mapimi” Rodriguez Gym.

Manny Pacquiao Conference Call Transcript

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum hosted an international media teleconference Tuesday for the big Pacquiao-Marquez 4 showdown on December 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

BOB ARUM: The reports we are getting from the closed circuit exhibitors and the foreign broadcasters are very enthusiastic so we’re anticipating a tremendous event on December 8th. It will be a fight that will go into the annals of boxing history because these gentlemen that fought three previous times and over the course of the timeline, this fourth fight will be the best fight of all.

FREDDIE ROACH: We have a tough fight ahead of us. We know that Marquez in a great counter-puncher. We are working on things to defeat that counter-puncher style. Manny is looking great in training. I like what I see. He is where I want him to be right now. His focus is where it has not been for some time. He is very focused for this fight and I think it’s going to be the best fight yet.

MANNY PACQUIAO: Training camp has been going great. I have really been training hard for this fight. (more…)

Berto and Guerrero: We Need to Shine

By Robert Hough

Andre Berto’s trying to get back to where Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero wants to be: among the elite welterweights. The two fight Saturday at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif., for Guerrero’s interim WBC welterweight title and more importantly, serious standing at 147 pounds.

Berto (28-1, 22 KOs) was set for a 2010 fight with Shane Mosley when the latter still had something left in the tank, cancelled it after a hurricane hammered Haiti and killed several of his relatives, got beaten hard a year later by Victor Ortiz, postponed the rematch after tearing a bicep and tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, which led to fight being cancelled.

“In boxing, every fight’s huge, but this is time for me to perform,” Berto, 29, said recently on a conference call to discuss the HBO-televised match. “Where things are now, it’s hard to imagine being more motivated for this.” (more…)

Dawson and Pascal to do it again

Photo: Herby Whyne

By Dave Spencer

Plans are underway for a March rematch between current WBC light-heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (31-2 17KO) and Jean Pascal (26-2-1 16KO). “There is an agreement with HBO and Chad Dawson to fight with Jean in March,” said promoter Yvon Michel (GYM). We don’t have an exact date because a lot will depend on the date with a potential rematch with Lucian Bute and Carl Froch. The location and the date will depend on it.”

The story first reported last week by Vincent Morin of Journal du Montreal last week is one that Michel would like to keep on the back burner for the time being with Pascal coming off over a year-and-a-half layoff and facing Aleksy Kuziemski (23-4 7KO) December 14th. “Jean’s next fight is very very important, he needs to win and win convincingly to show he is the star of the light-heavyweight division,” said Michel. “We have a lot of time. It is my job to see to long term planning for the fighters; I’m happy that HBO, Gary Shaw and Chad Dawson all stepped and agreed that the best challenge, the best move in the light-heavyweight division would be a fight between Jean Pascal and Chad Dawson.”

Q&A: Abner Mares

Photo: Team Espinoza

Two division world champion Abner Mares had a tremendous 2012 which was capped off with a thrilling win over highly regarded challenger Anselmo Moreno. The city of Hawaiian Gardens celebrated the win on Sunday with a party in his honor. At the event was his stablemate Oscar Valdez along with members of the community who shared the special day with Mares. We caught up with him as he posed for the camera with well wishers:

How did it feel to be honored by the city of Hawaiian Gardens?

It was a beautiful feeling. I never imagined this would ever happen. This is where I grew up and to have the city celebrate me this way for a third time is just a wonderful feeling.

What was it like to defeat Anselmo Moreno and silence some of your critics?

It was a very important win. Many people thought he had the style to beat me and that he was untouchable. This win means a lot to me because he was regarded as a very high level fighter. (more…)

Weights from the Horseshoe in Hammond, IN

Andrey Fedosov 226 vs. Rodney Moore 226
Dimar Ortuz 192 vs. Terry Martin 189
Mike Jimenez 170 vs. Antwun Echols 161
Frank Scalise 135 vs. James Owens 133
Jimmy Murphy 145 vs. Andrew Kato 149
Simon Buettner 174 vs. Fred Thomas 167
Brian Houston 206 vs. Josh Clark 223
Jonathan Manos 158 vs. Bill Finn 160
Adan Ortiz 121 vs. Salvador Perez 121
Genaro Mendez 145 vs. Agustin Cicero 145
Donatas Bondorovas 161 vs. David Thomas 162
Abdulai Amidu 146 vs. Clifford McPherson 149

Promoter: Hitz Boxing
Venue: Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN

Macho Camacho shot in Puerto Rico

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Update: According to the latest medical update, the bullet did not into the brain of Camacho but instead hit his left jaw. He also suffered a bullet wound in the right shoulder. Camacho is unconscious with a possibility of paralysis.

News sources inform that former world champion Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho was shot in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, during a shootout between cars. Camacho could be in a life threatening condition and has gunshot wounds near the neck and face. He was taken to St. Paul’s hospital in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Camacho has an artificial respirator in his mouth. The sources report that a person traveling with Camacho died in the incident.

Stevenson next fight for IBF title

By Dave Spencer

While the ‘who’ hasn’t necessarily been decided, the ‘what’ is abundantly clear according to promoter Yvon Michel (GYM) as to what is next for hard hitting super-middleweight Adonis Stevenson. “The only thing I know, is that Adonis Stevenson’s next fight will be for the IBF title,” Michel told FightNews by telephone. With everybody weighing in and positioning themselves in a Froch-Frenzy following the three-time champion’s blowout of Yusaf Mack over the weekend, Michel feels that Stevenson who won mandatory challenger position in his last fight with a victory over last Donovon George will one way or another be fighting for the red belt come spring time.

“It will be against Froch or whoever else if the title is vacant,” said Michel. “Hopefully it will be against Froch but we don’t control that. We know he has a rematch obligation with Lucian Bute. We know he will ask for an exemption but the IBF rules are clear that a mandatory will prevail over any rematch. I feel that even if he asks for an exemption, he’s not going to get it and Adonis will fight for the vacant title.” (More)

Miguel Cotto media workout

Photos: Romeo Guzman – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

Four-time and three-division world champion Miguel Cotto hosted a media workout On Monday at the Don Miguel Boxing Gym in Orlando, Florida. Cotto is preparing for his December 1 world title fight against WBA super welterweight world champion Austin Trout at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Also on hand were Cotto’s trainer Pedro Diaz and Jayson Velez (who faces Salvador Sanchez II in the co-feature).

Miguel Cotto: “Trout has been a World Champion and he deserves his recognition. I know why I accepted this challenge. Training in Big Bear was great and we accomplished all the goals that [trainer] Pedro [Diaz] had for us. Everything so far is going just as he planned. I’m feeling great.” (more…)