Weights from Sheffield, England

Amir Khan 142.25 vs Julio Diaz 142.25
Deontay Wilder 224.8 vs, Audley Harrison 236

Nate Campbell 136.5 vs. Terry Flannigan 136.5
Gary Sykes 129.2 vs. Jon Kays 129.2
David Allen 238.5 vs. Deyan Mihailov 238.
Rick Godding 153 vs. Bradley Pryce 151.8
Tomasz Mazurkiewicz 153.4 vs. Adam Jones 154.3

Venue: Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, England
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: Showtime (delayed)

Julio “The Kidd” Diaz: Ready And Fired Up For Amir Khan Fight

Photo: Chris Cozzone

By James Slater

Former two-time IBF lightweight king Julio Diaz might be being looked at by some judges/fans as former WBA/IBF 140-pound champ Amir Khan’s “opponent” ahead of Saturday’s big fight in Sheffield, but the proud Mexican warrior has a steely and refreshing attitude that is wholly convincing.

Thursday, at the “Return of The King” press conference in The Steel City, most of the gathered media spoke with Khan, yet Fightnews found the opportunity to speak with Diaz, and the 33-year-old with the 40-7-1(29) record came across as one wholly motivated yet level-headed fighter.

Here is what Diaz had to say about Saturday’s bout: (more…)

Malignaggi-Broner: first official quotes

The talk has already started for the June 22 showdown between Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi and Adrien “The Problem” Broner at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Malignaggi: “This fight was the main motivation for winning my second world championship last year. I wanted be in a huge main event at Barclays Center. This is a blockbuster event and I can’t wait to make a successful title defense in Brooklyn where my roots are.”

Broner: “Paulette better be in some shape. On June 22, I will be a three-time world champion in three weight classes at just 23-years-old.”

Gonzalez warns Burns he’s ready to dig deep

Jose “Chelo” Gonzalez has warned Ricky Burns he’s willing to go to the trenches to rip the Scotsman’s WBO lightweight title from him in Betfair’s ‘Fighting Pride of Scotland’ show on May 11 at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. The Puerto Rican travels to Scotland confident of upsetting the Coatbridge star, and despite a formidable KO record of 17 from 22 fights, the unbeaten mandatory challenger says he’s prepared to go the distance to rip the title from Burns’ hands.

“I’ve been able to get a lot of knockouts through my power but on May 11 I have to box as well as Ricky Burns from the first bell until the last,” said Gonzalez. “The fans over there can expect to see me at my best and be pleased with the show that they’re going to see. We know we’ve got a tough fight and it’ll be very hard to win on points in Scotland but we will be victorious. (more…)

Kompayak captures WBA interim title

By Damrong Simakajornboon

Former WBC 108lb title holder Kompayak CP Freshmart impressively captured the WBA interim flyweight title when he displayed one-side attack on Venezualan Jean Piero Perez, forcing the referee to stop the bout in round six. (more to come)

Bualuang keeps ABCO crown

By Damrong Simakajornboon
Photos: Onesongchai Boxing Promotion

Bualuang Onesongchaigym (11-0,4KOs) successfully kept his WBC Asia featherweight title as he won a close but unanimous decision over ABCO#4 Rodynie Rafol (10-4-2,4 KOs) on Wednesday at Municipality of Bungnamtao, in Lomsak, Petchaboon, Thailand. This was a close affair with the Thai fighter aggressively stalking his foe and gaining the scores at the first six rounds. The show from round eight belonged to the Filipino who displayed an effective counter-attack tactic plus the uncut champion was deducted a point from an accidental headclash in round ten. Scoring after a twelve round heat-bout were all 115-114 preferring the champion. (more…)

Video: Garcia-Judah press conference

The final press conference for what will be an intense and emotional confrontation between unbeaten unified super lightweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and former two-division world champion Zab Judah on Saturday night took place Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Both Garcia and local favorite Judah were on hand, but not at the same time.

On Tuesday evening, Danny Garcia was making an appearance at Modell’s Sporting Goods in Brooklyn, when Judah and his posse crashed the event and Zab initiated a profanity laced argument with Garcia’s father/trainer Angel Garcia that caused a near melee.

After that incident and previous volatile press conferences Golden Boy and Al Haymon (Garcia’s advisor) decided to keep the fighters separate. Team Judah had no say in the decision and Zab went off on promoter Oscar de la Hoya when he finally came to the podium after the Garcias left the building.

Click here for the video

Brinson defeats Medina in Albany

Report and photos by Boxing Bob Newman

Ares Promotions’ Fight Night X kicked off the 2013 boxing season in New York’s capital with a state title tilt on Thursday night at the Empire Plaza Convention Center under “The Egg.” In the main event, New York middleweight champion Nick “Machine Gun” Brinson controlled upset artist Jose “Stinger” Medina over ten rounds to retain his belt.

Right off the bat, it seemed Brinson, a Geneva, NY native fighting our of Rochester, NY, was faster, more relaxed than Quincy, MA resident Medina. With hands held low, he snapped Medina’s head back with crisp left jabs and right crosses. Medina seemed to gain some momentum and turn the fight his way in the third as he lured Brinson into trench warfare. Brinson ended the third turning the tide back in his direction with counters at long range. The fight continued in Brinson’s favor, dictating as he pleased with Medina on the end of his punches. Despite a vast edge in experience and having been in the ring with higher caliber competition, Medina seemed to have no answer for Brinson’s skill set. With all the clean punches landed, neither fighter was ever in danger of going down or visibly hurt. By the tenth round, all skill went out the window as fatigued gave way to wild swinging arm punches. After ten action packed rounds, judge Wynn Kintz saw it 99-91, while judges Don Ackerman and Eric Marlinski agreed at 97-93, all for the retaining champion Brinson, now 14-1-2, 6 KOs. Medina sees his Albany undefeated streak snapped as he dips to 17-13-1, 7 KOs. Brinson retained his belt for the second time, but hinted he may try the waters at 154 lbs. (more…)

Boxing Buzz

American heavyweight contender Chris Arreola is within reach of another shot at a Klitschko, should he get by Bermane Stiverne this weekend . . . More

Speaking of Klitschko, Vitali is looking to become the next president of the Ukraine. More

Amir Khan, who fights this weekend against Julio Diaz, says he’s not likely going to allow his children to box. More

Flattop will be in the hospital – due to complications from diabetes – for the next several days. He hopes to return by Monday. The FightNews family wishes him a speedy recovery.

Malignaggi-Broner Ticket Alert

Tickets for the June 22 showdown between Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi and Adrien “The Problem” Broner at Barclays Center in Brooklyn will be priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, and go on sale Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m. ET at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, or by calling 800-745-3000.

Malignaggi will defend his WBA welterweight world championship against undefeated two-division world champion Broner, plus, heavyweight Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell in the co-feature.

Klaus-Peter Kohl and Waldemar Kluch reach agreement regarding Universum Box-Promotion

By Malte Müller-Michaelis

In 2011, German promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl sold his Universum Box-Promotion to Waldemar Kluch. In November 2012, Universum had to file bankruptcy. Until this week Kohl and Kluch have been fighting regarding the Universum sale and accused each other of fraud. According to Kohl, he never received the agreed payment of 1.5 million Euros. The Universum founder therefore threatened to have the new Universum gym sold in a foreclosure auction. Kluch on the other hand stated that Kohl hadn’t informed him about unpaid invoices and pending lawsuits which costed Univerum about 4 million Euros. Now Kluch and Kohl settled their differences and reached an agreement both men seem to be happy with. (more…)

Bizarre Garcia-Judah Presser

No face-off between Danny Garcia and Zab Judah at today’s press conference in Brooklyn’s Barclay’s Center. Judah and his entourage were barred from entry into the building until after Danny Garcia was finished. Judah then left.

Oscar de la Hoya: “I won’t speak for anyone else but Zab Judah not showing up is unprofessional. Fighting is done in the ring – not outside.” Oscar added that because of “tension in the air” a team decision was made by Golden Boy and Al Haymon to split up Garcia and Judah at the press conference. Team Judah was not involved in that decision.

Danny Garcia: I’m really motivated and I’m ready to take him into deep water and drown him. I’m ready to take him into a dark, both Philly alleyway and beat the sh!t out of him, cause that’s what I’m gonna do…I’m a little disappointed (that Zab’s not present) because I couldn’t wait to look in his eyes and snatch his soul right out of his body.

Judah was finally convinced to return to the press conference.

Zab Judah: This is crazy, insane. They’re trying to make me look like some savage or something. I’ve been here since 11AM in the basement. There’s no water, no food, no nothing and I was locked in a little room. It’s insane. It’s insane. Why? Because of Danny Garcia and his crew’s insecurities? It’s not right. These people are scared, but we don’t got nothing going on. (turning to Oscar) “and you making comments about me without checking your facts. You’re a professional promoter. Do your research bro!”

Garcia ready to take over Brooklyn: I guarantee I’ll have more fans than Zab has coming to the fight

Photos: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

As the countdown to Saturday’ big doubleheader at Barclays Center in Brooklyn continues, undefeated unified WBC/WBA super lightweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, unbeaten WBO middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and world-rated 160-pound contender Fernando Guerrero participated in a media workout Wednesday at the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.

Danny Garcia: “I feel great and 100 percent ready. I’m motivated, hungry and sharp. I’m focused and I’m ready to go in there on April 27 and put on a tremendous show. I don’t need negativity to motivate me. I’m a positive person. Negativity doesn’t motivate me. I’m motivated by positive things.”

“I’m ready to take over Brooklyn. I guarantee I have more fans than Zab has coming to the fight.”

“My training camp was perfect. I think it was the best training camp I’ve ever had. Everything was on point…sparring, running, training, conditioning. Everything went perfect.” (more…)

Broadway Boxing returns May 15

On Wednesday, May 15th, DiBella Entertainment returns to BB King Blues Club in NYC for the latest edition of its Broadway Boxing series with a nine-bout card featuring a number of DBE’s top up-and-coming prospects. Highlighting the card will be fast-rising, undefeated middleweight, Lamar Russ (12-0, 7KO’s), fellow undefeated middleweight prospect Delen Parsley (10-0, 3KO’s) and heavyweight contender Tor Hamer (19-2, 12KO’s). All three bouts are scheduled for eight rounds. Additional bouts, including opponents for Russ, Parsley and Hamer will be announced shortly. Tickets for the event are priced at $125, $100, $75 and $55 for general admission.

Amir Khan-Julio-Diaz “Return Of the King” Press Conference Highlights

By James Slater

Richard Schaefer: “Thank you all for coming out to Sheffield. This is a great card with a lot of talent; the card is called Return of The King, but we could easily have called the card The Olympians, as there are so many Olympic medallists fighting on Saturday – with Amir Khan, Audley Harrison, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Ogogo.

“This fight between Amir Khan and Julio Diaz means a lot to me, that’s why I flew over and am not in New York for the Garcia-Judah fight. This fight will not go the distance! Amir, I believe has his whole future ahead of him, and I still believe he has the ability to become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

Joel Diaz, trainer of Julio Diaz: “You will see a new, disciplined Julio Diaz, a fighter who has had the time to train for a fight. We are ready to go to war. This is his last chance and you’ll see a great fight. Like Richard said, this fight will not go the distance. Julio will give his all.”

Julio Diaz, former two-time lightweight champ: “I took a break, a year off, to re-set, and slowly but surely I came back. Everyone said I was done, that I can’t do it anymore – but I have been doing it! I’m here. For before my last fight, I was on the second [press conference] table, and I said to myself, “I don’t belong here.” Now I’m back where I belong, on the top table.

“Khan is a tough warrior, who has been out on his feet and still won. He has the heart of a lion. I’be gotta break through his heart and hurt him. There are a lot of obstacles in front of me in this fight, but I’m back now; I’m refreshed and you’re gonna see. Khan is my ticket. I’m gonna get it!”

Virgil Hunter, trainer of Amir Khan: “I have all respect for the Diaz family, I’ve seen all of them fight during their careers. There are a lot of similarities between Julio Diaz and Amir Khan: they’re both on the comeback trail; both have attempted to resurrect their careers. It was a big move from Amir, to leave one of the world’s best trainers (Freddie Roach). Amir was very open to the changes I wanted to make in him. One thing that has been corrected, is Amir has not put on the amount of weight he used to do between fights. Khan will not get tired in this fight.

“The difference between Diaz and Khan is, Khan has been stopped while on his feet, Diaz has been on his back. I say to Diaz – if you can’t get the KO, the beating he will give you will be very, very fierce.”

Amir Khan, former WBA/IBF light-welterweight champ: “This is my first pro fight in Sheffield. I’m going to put on a great performance for the Sheffield fans. Camp’s been brilliant, with great sparring – around 180-rounds with some great fighters. I’ve been working on my conditioning, it was a tough camp. Virgil never took his foot off the gas. He made sure that I never made the same mistakes as I’ve made in the past. The old Khan has totally gone – you’ll see a new guy in there. I hope you like the new style I bring.

“I don’t think anything can go wrong. And I will cause fireworks!”

Adam Booth says Haye vs. Fury is a logical fight, could happen later this year

By James Slater

David Haye has previously stated that he has no interest in facing unbeaten star Tyson Fury, claiming Fury is not on his radar. However, it seems things may have changed. In speaking with the Sun, Haye’s trainer/manager Adam Booth expressed great interest in the fight. “David against Fury is the most natural heavyweight fight out there,” Booth said. “It’s the most logical heavyweight fight in Great Britain. Both boxers are great entertainers. It would be a huge event anywhere in the country. I am waiting to make contact with Fury’s promoter. Let’s see if we can make it happen.”

Booth added that Haye’s upcoming June 29th foe is soon TBA. Could it then be Haye vs. Fury?

Ponce De Leon vs. Mares ready for war

By Miguel Maravilla

While every boxing fan, media, and insider is pumped up about the May 4 Mayweather vs. Guerrero fight, the co-feature between WBC featherweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon (44-4, 35 KOs) and unbeaten former super bantamweight champion Abner Mares (25-0-1, 13 KOs) could steal the show. However for longtime Southern California boxing manager Frank Espinoza this may be the toughest fight he has ever had to watch. Espinoza manages the career of both fighters.

“It will be a great night of boxing. For me it’s going to be awkward for the fact that my son and I are not going to be walking out with either fighter. I will be in the ring greeting the fighters wishing them good luck,” Espinoza told Fightnews.com. “This is going to be a great opportunity for both of them. This fight came when I got the call from Richard Schaefer after a discussion if I would put my fighters up with one another. So I had a conversation with Abner and one separately with Ponce and they both agreed.” (more…)

Braehmer, Averlant confident

Photo: Sauerland Event

European light heavyweight champion Jürgen Braehmer (39-2, 30 KOs) and challenger Tony Averlant (18-7-2, 4 KOs) both exude optimism before their fight pm Saturday at the Sporthalle Hamburg, Germany. “I am physically and mentally at the height of my ability,” stated Braehmer. “I am not thinking about Nathan Cleverly and the WBO world championship. My focus is completely on my current challenge and that is Tony Averlant!”

Averlant stated, “I feel as if I am at the top of my game. I am serious about when I say that I will be the new European light heavyweight champion come Saturday night!”

Martinez-Murray: The Contender Returns a King

By Mariano A. Agmi

Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (50-2-2, 28 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBC middleweight championship on Saturday night in front of over 40,000 of his countrymen when he faces unbeaten British strongman Martin Murray (25-0-1, 11 KOs) at the Club Atletico Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The bout will be televised live on HBO as part of a triple header that begins in Ontario, California, where heavyweights Chris Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs) and Bermane Stiverne (22-1-1, 20 KOs) will clash in a crossroads bout. The telecast will then move to Argentina, where Luis Carlos Abregu (34-1, 28 KOs) will face Antonin Decarie (27-1, 8 KOs) in a welterweight slugfest before the main event.

During the promotional tour for his huge Pay-Per-View bout against Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. last year, Martinez stated that one of his primary goals was to defend the middleweight championship in Argentina. The 38-year-old has not fought in his native land since 2002, when he was a little known 31-1-1 fighter with big dreams.

After struggling to make ends meet in Argentina, Martinez decided to take his show on the road, fighting in first in Spain, then England, and finally the United States, where he reached a level of success that he craved his entire career. The young man who left his country with not much more than a dream now returns home to a hero’s welcome as the middleweight king and one of the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound. (more…)

Pacman returns in November

By Nick Giongco

Manny Pacquiao’s comeback fight has been moved from Oct. 13 to November, Top Rank head Bob Arum said yesterday. Macau would still be the venue. Arum said the month of October is filled with Chinese holidays and it is not ideal for an event to take place during that particular month. China is observing the National Day Week from Oct. 1 to 7. Pacquiao’s next fight will be either against Mike Alvarado or Brandon Rios and Arum plans to divulge the name very soon. Pacquiao was left with Alvarado and Rios after Juan Manuel Marquez and Tim Bradley agreed to face each other on Sept. 14 in Las Vegas.

Boxing Buzz

A statue is in the works to honor the late, great “Smokin’” Joe Frazier in his hometown of Philadelphia. A target date of Spring 2014 has been given. The location will be an entertainment complex near the now-razed Spectrum, an arena where Frazier fought.

David Haye says he’s ready to unleash fury on Tyson Fury. More in The Sun

Where does WBO Middleweight Champ Peter Quillin get his juice? From the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan. More at MLive.com

Arreola-Stiverne Presser Heats Up

Photos: Big Joe Miranda

Earlier today WBC #1 World Contender Chris Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs) and WBC #2 world contender Bermane Stiverne (22-1-1, 20 KOs) met for their final press conference. On Saturday Arreola will fight Stiverne in a 12-round WBC heavyweight Elimination bout with the winner guaranteed to fight for the world championship in his next bout. Here’s what they had to say:

Bermane Stiverne: “A few days away from the fight. I don’t really have much to say except if anyone cut me with a knife to see what’s inside of me they would see that I’m not here to knock Chris out. I am here to chop his head off. That’s what we do where I came from. You don’t break my will. I can’t wait for Saturday night. This is serious. Before you beat me or knock me out you will have to kill me. Your people can talk for you but they can’t fight for you”.

Chris Arreola: “In case you didn’t know… I’m a crazy guy. I like that you want to come cut my head off. That’s what boxing is about. This is a fight! You telling me you’re gonna chop my head off buts a fire in my belly. I’m going to f**k you up. I’m going to box circles around you. I have no bad feeling for you [Stiverne] but I am going to knock you out. I want both of us to come home to our families. Although,you [Stiverne] may go home a little sad and dejected. I’ll send you [Stiverne] a fruit basket.

More photos…

Weights from Albany, NY

By Boxing Bob Newman

Nick Brinson 157 vs. Jose Medina 157 10 rounds
For Brinson’s New York State Middleweight title
& the vacant UBF US North East Middleweight title

Vincent Miranda 179 vs. Brian Borbosa 181 8 rounds
Sarah Kuhn 145 vs. Nicole Woods 145 6 rounds
Joe Gbolo 134 vs. Rigoberto Miranda 135 4 rounds
Sam Moura 139 vs. Nyeine Muang 144 4 rounds
Tony Brinson 164 vs. Michael Mitchell 163 4 rounds

Venue: Empire State Plaza- Under the “Egg”
Promoter: Ares Promotions (Adam Neary)

50 Cent gets WBA belt

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Famous rapper/promoter 50 Cent was in Panama City last weekend visiting WBA Headquarters and WBA executive vice president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza where they spoke of their plans in boxing. 50 Cent was presented with an authentic WBA belt and also a very expensive special limited edition WBA watch. “I am very happy, I didn’t expect such a big thing to be declared a world champion,” commented 50 Cent.

He later attended a fight card at the Roberto Duran Arena where he posed for photos and signed autographs for fans in attendance. Unfortunately his fighter Celestino Caballero lost a split decision in the main event.

Guerrero-Mayweather Quick Quotes

Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero hosted an international media conference call to discuss their WBC welterweight PPV clash on May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Robert Guerrero: He tries to get under my skin and knock me off my game but it’s not working. He’s gotta fight coming.”

“I’ve been through far worse things than having Floyd Mayweather talk trash. I’m mentally & physically ready for this.”

“God put Floyd Mayweather in front of me for a reason and I’m gonna beat him!”

Floyd Mayweather: “This fight is not about religion. This is about two fighters testing their skills against each other.”

“I’m not going in thinking I am unbeatable. Anything can happen but I’m going in knowing I have the ability.”

“My game plan is to adjust and adapt when I get in that squared circle. I set the tempo…always”

Robles ready for Perez

Photos: Miguel Cotto Promotions

Super flyweight contender and WBC’S FECARBOX champion Miguel “El Loco” Robles (12-1-2, 5 KOs) is back to prove that he is one of the best in his division in his native Puerto Rico. Robles will make his comeback fight against Felix “La Ardilla” Pérez (7-4, 3 KOs) this Saturday April 27 at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Miguel Cotto Promotions and Héctor Soto’s H2 Entertainment new TV platform on WAPA 2 Deportes and WAPA America to the United States. “I feel ready and happy to be back in the ring. I just want to take Felix Perez out of my way this Saturday and continue my path to world title” said a confident Miguel Robles. Meanwhile Felix Perez said “I know Robles very well, he haven’t fought nobody I am willing to have a big night and beat him in his own game”.

In the Co-Main event unbeaten prospect Starling Cordero (6-0, 3 KOs) will clash against Luis “Rocky” Cosme (8-2-1, 3 KOs) in a 6 round fight in the bantamweight division. Also in action: heavyweight top wrestling attraction Carlos “CHICANO” Cotto, Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado, Camilo Pérez and the pro-debut of exciting amateur fighter Yomar “The Magic” Alamo. “We have a great show this Saturday on WAPA with very competitives fights for the fans” promoter Hector Soto said. (more…)

Sosa-Kevlishvili in Bally’s co-feature

Junior lightweight prospect Jason Sosa (8-1-3, 4 KOs) faces his toughest test as a pro when he takes on Georgi Kevlishvili (12-5, 3 KOs) in the scheduled eight-round semifinal contest on June 1 in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City. Headlining the seven-bout card is a 10-round junior lightweight contest between former world title challenger Teon Kennedy and Carlos Vinan.