Fury fumes at Cunningham

By Matt Richardson
Photos: Larry Levanti / Main Events

Hard core boxing fans have known who Tyson Fury is for a few years now. But those who don’t pay as close attention will get their first glimpse of the heavyweight with the famous first name this weekend when the loquacious Brit comes to the United States to box former cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The Fury-Cunningham bout will be the main event of a card televised live on network television on NBC on Saturday afternoon.

On Wednesday morning, in a bar just blocks from where they will punch each other on Saturday, both boxers and their respective teams gathered to make a final promotional push for the clash of heavyweights.

“I’m not a talker. That’s just not me,” said Cunningham (25-5, 12 KOs). “I’m a fighter. Tyson Fury is a decent fighter. Tall and agile to be that big. This is what I do – with the fame or without it. I’m motivated and I’ve been motivated. For the last two and a half months it’s been live, sleep and dream Tyson Fury.” (more…)

Prosecutor seeks Canelo arrest warrant

Just three days before the biggest fight of his career, the Attorney General from the State of Jalisco, Mexico has asked a judge to issue an arrest warrant against WBC super welterweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Media in Mexico are reporting that the warrant is in response to a complaint filed by former IBF light flyweight champion Ulises “Archi” Solis who alleges that Canelo broke his jaw after an argument over a woman in October 2011.

Authorities are also seeking a warrant against Canelo’s brother Juan Ramon Alvarez for allegedly making false declarations to a magistrate.

Canelo has always denied that he hit Solis and insists that it was his brother who hit “Archi” as an act of self-defense. Solis claims they are lying to protect Canelo’s image.

Boxing Buzz

Canadian Antonin Decarie is gearing up for his biggest challenge in Luis Carlos Abregu, April 27, for the vacant WBC Silver welterweight title in Buenos Aires, Argentina. More

“I’m retiring you,” Tyson Fury is saying to Steve Cunningham, about their fight this weekend at Madison Square Garden. “I hit him, he hits the floor, Tyson Fury hits New York.” More in Newsday

Another column, another argument for the pardon of Jack Johnson, this one in the San Antonio Express News.

Dethroned Brian Viloria is down but not out. He says he will bounce back from his loss to Juan Francisco Estrada and is hoping to negotiate his next fight under the Top Rank banner within the next few weeks.

Mayweather says Guerrero is a hypocrite

Photo: Mary Ann Owen

During today’s Media Day at the Mayweather Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather had some harsh comments about his May 4 PPV opponent Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero’s recent arrest on a gun charge in New York City.

“A lot of times you see guys that are hypocrites,” stated Mayweather. “Like you got a guy who’s always preaching like he’s a preacher, like he loves God more than anyone else, and I feel that we’re all equal when it’s all said and done. You got this guy that’s going to the 700 Club, acting like he’s a pastor, but he got caught with a gun and he’s got Marilyn Monroe on his wall at his house, so like I said before, these guys are hypocrites. Like I said, you live, you learn, that’s not really my focus, you know what I’m saying? When a guy presents himself like Robert Guerrero was doing with myself. They were joking about me doing time. They say what goes around comes around, so a week after the fight it’s time for him to do his time!”

It’s official: Maidana-Josesito meet June 8

The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. will be the site of a June 8 Golden Boy tripleheader topped by Argentinean knockout artist Marcos Maidana faces off against Southern California favorite Josesito Lopez in a 12 round fight for Maidana’s WBA intercontinental welterweight belt. The card will also feature a 12-round junior middleweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and #1 rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a clash for the vacant WBC super middleweight world championship (recently stripped from Andre Ward) between #1 rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika and#4 rated Marco Antonio Periban. Tickets on sale this Friday at noon PT.

Maddalone to face unbeaten Carmack

New York fan favorite Vinny Maddalone will headline on May 11 at The Paramount in Huntington, New York. Maddalone (36-8, 27 KOs) faces undefeated Kansas City native Richard Carmack (12-0, 10 KOs) in a ten round heavyweight clash. “We’re thrilled to return to The Paramount with this heavyweight clash headlining our “Rockin Fights 8″ card on Saturday, May 11,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “We’re expecting another sold out event and encourage boxing fans to purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry.” The undercard, featuring numerous local prospects, will be announced shortly. Advance tickets priced at $50, $100, $150 and $200. Call 631-673-7300.

Camacho Jr to fight in Aruba on May 3

Jr middleweight Hector Camacho Jr. (54-5-1, 29 KOs) will face Arturo Crespin (8-2-1, 3 KOs) on May 3 at the Centro Deportivo Betico Croes in Aruba. The bout will be a ten rounder headlining an eight bout card billed as “Boxing On Aruba, One Happy Island,” sanctioned by the Aruba Boxing Commission.

Camacho was originally slated to face Jose Luis Castillo on May 3 in El Paso, but that fight is now off.

KO Kings expands roster of fighters

Looking to attract TV exposure, Atlanta-based boxing promoter Boxing promoter KO Kings has announced the signings of Javier Flores, Jeffery Spencer, Kenneth McNeil, Jr., Randy Griffin, and Cory Cummings.

Undefeated Puerto Rican power puncher in the welterweight division, Javier “El Chino” Flores (9-0, 8 KOs), is managed by Jose Colon. Javier Flores is trained by the legendary John Scully out of Connecticut. As an amateur boxer, Flores compiled an impressive record of 65 knockout victories, of which 32 came by way of knockout, with only 3 defeats. Flores is a power puncher and has a 80% knockout ratio, knocking out 8 out of 9 opponents.

Former world title contender, Randy “The Gentleman” Griffin (25-3, 13 KOs) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania had a very controversial draw in a world title bout against Felix Sturm in Germany. He is a former NABO and NABA middleweight titleholder. (more…)

Bizier in; Brook out as mandatory challenger

Word out of Canada is that Kevin Bizier is the new IBF mandatory challenger to face IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander. Golden Boy is hoping to put that fight on the May 18th date in Atlantic City originally scheduled for Alexander’s defense against Kell Brook, before that bout fell through for the third time.

Bizier’s promoter Yvon Michel told RDS “We need to assess the overall situation and take a decision accordingly.”

One stumbling block is the availability of Bizier’s trainer Marc Ramsey, who is training Antonin Decarie for his April 27 against Luis Carlos Abregu in Argentina, followed by Jean Pascal for his May 25 Canadian super fight against Lucian Bute in Montreal.

Boxing360 inks Gibson and Robb

Promoter Boxing360 has signed promising prospects unbeaten Keandre Gibson (8-0-1, 3 KOs) and Guy Robb (10-1, 4 KOs) to exclusive promotional contracts.

Robb is best known for his ShoBox thriller in early 2012 with unbeaten Joel Diaz (12-0,11 KOs) in a super featherweight bout that was a candidate for fight of the year on the network. The fighters exchanged knockdowns with Diaz winning in the end, handing Robb his first and only professional loss. (more…)

Braekhus comments on Holly Holm retirement

WBA, WBC, WBO Female Welterweight Champion Cecilia Braekhus on Holly Holm´s retirement:

“I am very, very disappointed. A fight against Holly would have been the biggest thing in women’s boxing, the one fight every fan wants to see. It’s a shame that it will not happen – but it’s not our fault. We’ve done all we could. I have always said that I was willing to fight her, I have always been ready for her. My team has worked very hard to organise the fight. We removed all the stumbling blocks. We were even willing to go to her backyard. And when she has to chance to give the fans what they want to see, she retires. Really, I don’t know what to say. It’s a pity and I’m disappointed. I will now shift my focus to other challenges, there are a lot of other interesting options for me. One thing I know for sure – true champions do not run away from mega-fights.”

Media Work-Out Cleverly-Krasniqi

Here are some photos from today’s media work out in front of the WBO world championship light heavyweight title clash between champion Nathan Cleverly and mandatory challenger Robin Krasniqi. The media work out took place at the Stonebridge ABC in London. photos

Olympic Gold Medalist Murata turns professional

By Joe Koizumi

Olympic gold medalist in London, Japanese middleweight Ryota Murata, 27, officially announced he’ll turn professional last Friday, and passed a professional test of Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) on Tuesday. The JBC mandates young aspirants to pass (1) sparring sessions to prove eligible to fight professionally in the future, plus (2) written examination to prove his knowledge on boxing rules and regulations. Murata successfully passed both tests to be allowed to fight in eight or ten rounds from his pro debut as A-class boxer under the JBC. His sparring took place beneath the Inoue-Sano showdown at the Korakuen Hall to be telecast live nationwide through Fuji Television.

Murata gained the silver medal in the World Championship in 2011, and the Olympic gold in London last year to his credit. Having worked in his alma mater, Toyo University, he decided to resign and test his fists in the professional filed. Murata, whose amateur record was 119-19 with 89 stoppages, may train under Cuban trainer Ismael Salas in the US and will make a pro debut in August, which will cause a great sensation here in Japan.

Inoue stops JBC#1 Sano in 10

By Joe Koizumi

Unbeaten and sensational Japanese prospect Naoya Inoue (3-0, 3 KOs), 110.25, decked his third professional bout as he dropped Japan’s top 108-pound contender Yuki Sano (17-3-4, 12 KOs), 110.25, twice and finally halted him with the referee’s intervention at 1:07 of the tenth and final session on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. The 20-year-old rookie, who had gained seven national high school championships and decked an amateur mark of 75-6, 48 stoppages, already registered a couple of knockout wins over Filipino champ Crison Omayao (KO4) and Thai titlist Ngaoprajan Chuwattana (KO1) in his first two pro outings. (more…)

Fury-Cunningham Presser Update

By Matt Richardson

Tyson Fury refused to participate in a coin toss to determine whether he or Steve Cunningham enters the ring second during today’s press conference in New York City.

“There’s only one star here and it’s not Steve Cunningham,” proclaimed Fury. “This is the Tyson Fury Road Show. We’re bringing it to New York. Steve Cunningham is the opponent. He’s not the champ here. He’s not the man. He ain’t the best here. It’s all about me. Me, me, me. I wasn’t informed about spinning any coin. If I wanted to go gambling, I’d go to a casino. I’m the man. I’m the man to beat. I’m the best fighter on the planet. I’ll say it again. Steve Cunningham is an opponent, a stepping stone. This is the Tyson Fury Road Show!” The issue remains unresolved.

Complete lineup from Atlantic City

The complete card has been finalized for this Friday’s ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised tripleheader from the Tropicana Showroom in the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City. In the main event, Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (21-0, 15 KOs) defends his interim WBA World featherweight title against Miguel “Mikol” Zamudio (25-1-1, 13 KOs) in a 12-round clash. Also scheduled for televised battle are once-beaten John “Dah Rock” Jackson (15-1, 14 KOs) and undefeated “Sir” Cerresso Fort (16-0-1, 11 KOs), who will lock up in a six-round jr middleweight war. Completing the televised tripleheader will be Lartei Lartey (14-0-1, 7 KOs) taking on Jonathan Batista (13-0, 6 KOs) in a six/eight-round welterweight battle of undefeateds.

On the undercard, undefeated Anthony Young (7-0, 3 KOs) will face Rafael Montalvo (2-3, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight clash; Dean Burrel (6-1, 5 KOs) will face Vernon Alston (5-4, 5 KOs) in a four-round lightweight bout; and in a pair of four-round heavyweight battles, undefeated Charles Martin (6-0-1, 6 KOs) will face David Saulsberry (7-5, 7 KOs) and Eric Newell (5-2-1, 3 KOs) will take on Excell Holmes (2-1-1, 1 KOs).

Wladimir Klitschko media day

Photo: KMG

IBF, WBA, WBO, IBO world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko participated in a press training session in training camp yesterday at the Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt in Going, Austria. He and his coach Johnathon Banks are preparing for Wlad’s upcoming title defense against Francesco Pianeta at the SAP arena (Germany) on May 4.

Should Klitschko get past Pianeta as expected, he will face WBA regular champion Alexander Povetkin between July 15 and August 31.

Pacquiao-Marquez V Update

By Gabriel F. Cordero

A source has indicated to Fightnews.com that at this time there isn’t a strong likelihood that Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez will fight again in 2013. According to the source, Pacquiao could return to the ring in October in Macao, China and perhaps face Mike Alvarado among other names. Marquez could fight on September 14 in Las Vegas or Mexico City possibly against Brandon Rios or Timothy Bradley among others. There should be more information available before the end of this week.

Krasniqi Team in London

WBO mandatory world title challenger Robin Krasniqi has reached London where on Saturday he will face WBO champion Nathan Cleverly for the world title. “Finally here! Hard to believe after the three postponements and the “theater” before this mandatory defense with Nathan Cleverly. Now I can believe in the fight, there’s no turning back and I’m here to get the belt. A Dream finally comes true!” Today Krasnigi and his trainer Dirk Dzemski will take part in a public training session at Stonebridge ABC.

Caballero-Castellanos Press Conference

By Gabriel F. Cordero

On Tuesday in Panama City, Celestino “Pelenchin” Caballero (36-4, 23 KOs) and Robinson Castellanos (17-9, 11 KOs) faced off in advance of Saturday’s clash for the WBC silver belt in the Roberto Duran Arena.

Robinson Castellanos: “The truth is that I got tired of waiting for Johnny Gonzalez when he was world champion who never wanted to fight me, now Daniel Ponce de Leon does not want to face me. I want to fight with the best fighters and ‘Pelenchin’ Caballero is one of them. I am well prepared. Who makes the best fight is the one who will win.”

Celestino Caballero: “I am inspired every time I fight with a Mexican to beat him.”

Caballero hopes to become the first Panamanian world champion to conquer three titles in different boxing organizations (WBA, IBF and WBC). He trained for three months in the camp of Floyd “Money” Mayweather in Las Vegas, and stated “I like sparring boxers better than me.”

The Promociones y eventos del Istmo card will incude 13 bouts with boxers from Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Russia, Germany, Jamaica, France and Puerto Rico.

Harrison headlines May card 18 in DC

By Gary “Digital” Williams
Photo: Brant Powell, 4th Street Films

Undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Harrison will headline a boxing card at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Sports Complex on Saturday, May 18. EPIX is a sponsor of the card, called “Champion Class”, but it has no plans to televise the event as of now.

The fact that the card is being held at UDC marks a special significance because Harrison, who will turn 19 three days after this card, will begin studies at the university in June. No word yet on the opponent for Harrison (14-0, eight KO’s) who won a six-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Garcia. (more…)

Chris Arreola Media Day

Report and photos by Big Joe Miranda

Earlier today WBC #1 heavyweight Chris Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs) held an open media workout in preparation for his April 27 fight at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. Arreola takes on the WBC #2 Bermane “B.Ware” Stiverne in a 12-round WBC heavyweight championship elimination bout.

“I feel great,” Arreola told Fightnews.com. “Doing good, excited about the fight. One thing I’m hoping is that the Inland Empire comes out and supports you know. This is one step to being the heavyweight champion.”

Regarding his 14 month layoff and ever present questions about his weight:

That is so annoying! Haven’t you seen my last pictures? Haven’t you seen my last fight? There are boxing fans and there are guys who watch boxing. (more…)

Robert Guerrero media day

By Butch Gottlieb/boxinginlasvegas.com
Photos: Mary Ann Owen

Golden Boy Promotions held an open media workout today at the IBA gym in Las Vegas featuring the six-time, four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (31-1-1, 18 KOs) who will be meeting the #1 pound for pound fighter in the world Floyd “Money” Mayweather (43-0 26 KOs) for Mayweather’s WBC welterweight world title on May 4, 2013 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“There is no pressure on me in this fight,” said Guerrero. “Raising two kids and having a wife with cancer, now that is pressure.”

“Leaving home and coming to Las Vegas to train was hard but I have had some on my best training camps here in Las Vegas.”

“You have to be smart in there and think on your feet. Mayweather is constantly thinking.” photos

New opponent for Juanma

Photo: Joel Colon/PR Best

Puerto Ricans Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, McJoe Arroyo and Jonathan “Bomba” González arrived today in Mexico for their respective fights this Saturday at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico, in a show headlined by the world title clash between Cristian Mijares and Victor Terrazas. Juanma will face a new opponent in Mexican Gerardo Espinoza (29-13-1, 27 KOs) in a fight scheduled for 10 rounds with a 128 pound limit. Arroyo (12-0, 7 KOs), the IBF Latino super flyweight champion, will fight against Jairo “Roca” Hernández (12-2, 3 KOs) in a ten-rounder and Bomba Gonzalez (12-0, 11 KOs) will fight an eight round flyweight fight against Francisco “Marro” Perez (10-2, 5 KOs).

Holly Holm announces boxing retirement

Stunning local media and New Mexico, 14-time, three-division world boxing champ Holly Holm (32-2-3, 9 KOs) announced her retirement in boxing today at a luncheon held in Albuquerque. The retirement will follow her May 11th fight against Mary “Merciless” McGee (20-1, 11 KOs) at Route 66 Casino. “It’s a hard decision, but I need to keep that spark and passion,” said Holm. “MMA is where it’s at for me now.”

Boxing Buzz

Both Interbox and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) have confirmed that an unnamed testing agency will perform random prefight drug testing for the big Lucian Bute vs. Jean Pascal clash on May 25 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. It is known, however, that Team Pascal has been in contact with USADA.

With Kell Brook falling out (again), Golden Boy is looking for another challenger for IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander on May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

San Diego Fight Preview

By Felipe Leon

The preparations are in the final stages for the latest edition of “Champions of Tomorrow” presented by Bobby D. Presents on Friday, April 19th, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in the San Diego suburb of Kearny Mesa. Sponsored by Mossy Automotive Group, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Pepsi, Island Squeeze and El Latino newspaper, the all action main event between junior welterweights Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (7-0-1, 2KOs) and Joshua “Superman” Marks (8-4, 8KOs) is all set. (more…)

Golovkin-Macklin Ticket Alert

Tickets will be on sale through Ticketmaster beginning this Friday for the highly anticipated middleweight championship showdown between defending WBA and IBO champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (26-0, 23 KOs) and Ireland’s top-rated former world title challenger Matthew “Mack The Knife” Macklin (29-4, 20 KOs) on June 29th at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut. However, tickets are already on sale (priced at $300, $200, $90 and $45) at foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods’ box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods’ box office.