Bute-Pascal Update

The May 25 Canadian boxing showdown between former world champions Lucian Bute (31-1, 24 KOs) and Jean Pascal (27-2-1, 16 KOs) was officially announced last night at the Bell Centre in Montreal venue by co-promoters InterBox and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) during the Montreal Canadians hockey game.

Tickets will go on sale Thursday, March 28, at 10 a.m. ET. Bute and Pascal will go face-to-face for the first time off the ice on Tuesday, March 26 at 12:30 p.m. ET at the Bell Centre during the official press conference, which will be open to the general public.

NSAC gives Bey 1K fine, 3 mo suspension

The Nevada State Athletic Commission had a meeting this morning in Las Vegas. The Review Journal’s Steve Carp tweeted that unbeaten lightweight Mickey Bey Jr. was fined $1,000 and suspended three months for abnormally high testosterone (which is considered performance enhancing).

He also reports that the officials for the March 30 rematch between Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado will be referee Tony Weeks, and judges Dave Moretti, Duane Ford and Bill Lerch.

Weights from Kiev, Ukraine

Dmytro Kucher, Julio Cesar Dos Santos, Viktor Postol and Henry Lundy
make weight for their WBC International titlefights of tomorrow.

Dmytro Kucher 89,40 vs. Julio Cesar Dos Santos 90,30, 12 rnds
Vacant WBC International cruiserweight title

Viktor Postol 63,35 vs. Henry Lundy 63,50, 12 rnds
Vacant WBC International superlightweight title

Marat Kulumbegov 76,85 vs. Mikhael Krinitsin 76,40, 8 rnds
Oleg Malynovskyy 58,15 vs. Zhandos Zhetpisbayev 58,05, 6 rnds
Myasnik Ogandzhanyan 70,15 vs. Vitaly Salyga 69,90, 4 rnds
Roman Zhailauov 67,25 vs. Stas Savarin 66,95, 4 rnds
Illya Prymak 70,30 vs. Oleksandr Nikolenko 69,75, 4 rnds
Valentin Zbrozhek 73,50 vs. Robison Omsarashvili TBA, 6 rnds

Venue: Club Sportlife, Kiev, Ukraine
Promoter: Roman Valesiuk (Elite Boxing Promotion)
Matchmaker: Alex Kuznetsov

Trout: Canelo will be the fish out of water on 4/20

Story by Ricardo Trujillo
Photo by Chris Cozzone

It’s only fitting that the hottest new nightclub in Las Cruces, New Mexico, “M FIVE” would host one the hottest new boxing stars on the scene, Las Cruces’ own, WBA Super Welterweight Champion Austin Trout. Both brought a lot of class, style, and a touch of Las Vegas, if you will, to a hometown press conference, Wednesday afternoon.

Trout (26-0, 14 KOs) will face WBC’s version of the 154 lb. champ, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (41-0-1, 30 KOs) in a rare unification fight on April 20th at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. It is rare in boxing that two fighters in their prime face each other with so much on the line. (more…)

It’s on: Jean collides with Pendarvis May 10

The camps of Dierry Jean and Cleotis Pendarvis have negotiated an agreement for their IBF jr welterweight eliminator, thus averting a purse bid. The fight will take place on May 10th at a venue to be determined in the United States and will be televised on Showtime’s ShoBox series. The winner will be mandatory challenger for the winner of the May 18 Lamont Peterson vs Lucas Matthysse IBF world championship showdown in Atlantic City.

Donovan George: I’ll Fight King Kong

Interview by Sam Geraci
Photo: Ed Mulholland

On March 22nd, perennial super middleweight contender Donovan “Da Bomb” George (24-3-1, 21 KOS) makes his middleweight television debut on ESPN FNF when he takes on rugged veteran David “The Destroyer” Lopez (41-13, 23 KOs) in a ten round bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, IL.

Despite coming up short in his most significant matchups, Edwin Rodriguez in March of 2012 and Adonis Stevenson in October of 2012, George’s popularity among fight fans continues to grow and continues to afford him television exposure. In the following interview, George discusses his popularity, his move to middleweight, his matchup with Lopez, his loss to Stevenson, his feelings on the loss of his friend, Emmanuel Steward, and more. (more…)

Tony Thompson Update

Heavyweight contender Tony “The Tiger” Thompson is amused at the antics of Tyson Fury regarding disrespectful comments made by Fury since Thompson’s devastating KO win over David Price a month ago. “With the big man comes a big mouth, and if Steve Cunningham doesn’t school him I am happy to be responsible for tipping the British heavyweight scene on its head. He flaps his mouth of being disrespectful to everyone yet he didn’t have the balls to face his fellow countryman in the undefeated David Price who I managed to stop in two rounds. And if I get in the ring with him, I’ll serve him the same punishment. He carries on like he is already champion of the world when let’s face it – who has he faced? He couldn’t put Chisora away nor the King Pin (Kevin Johnson). I hope your promoter has as big of a wallet as you have mouth – put your money on the table and let your money talk instead of your mouth. You use my name to promote yourself saying you will KO me but I haven’t heard from your promoter? Talk is cheap which somehow kind of fits with your type. I have a sneaking suspicion Cunningham is going to box your ears off and expose you for the fraud you are, but if you do make it through ‘give me a call.’ (more…)

Boxing Buzz

David Haye vs. Tyson Fury? Possibly, coming this summer as an appetizer for a Klitschko showdown. More in The Telegraph.

Boxing is making a return to the Hershey Centre in Mississuagua with NABF Champ Danton Daley headlining. More

Former Olympian champion and Pakistan pioneer Khan Muhammed has passed away. More

Former champ Paul Ingle talks about life without boxing these past 12 years. More

Mosley-Cano on May 18 in Cancun

Cancun promoter Pepe Gomez has announced that former world champion Sugar Shane Mosley (46-8-1, 39 KOs) has signed to fight Pablo Cesar Cano (26-2-1, 20 KOs) on May 18 at the Hotel Grand Oasis in Cancun, Mexico. The fight will be in the welterweight division and take place in a giant tent scaled for 10,000 fans. Also featured on the card will be WBC #1 super featherweight Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (30-2, 28 KOs) against Ricardo “Rocky” Juárez (29-10-1, 21 KOs). A four city press tour will officially kickoff the event. Hard to believe the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer Mosley is looking for his first win in over four years. Cano is rated #11 by the WBA at super lightweight.

Kokiet, Zhong best of WBC Asia 2012

By Damrong Simakajornboon
Photos: Asian Boxing Council

Asian Boxing Council (ABCO), a regional organization affiliated with WBC, had held “WBC Asia and WBC Muaythai Press Conference 2013″ last Thursday at Asia Hotel in Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand. The highlight of the event was the annual awards’ presentation to the boxers and promoters who have an outstanding achievement during the year 2012. The WBC Asia Boxer of the Year is the WBC strawweight champion Xiong Zhao Zhong, the first Chinese fighter who wins the world professional boxing title. The WBC Asia Promoter of the year is Mr.Kokiet Panichayarom of Kokiet Group Promotion who promoted 17 WBC Asia championship bouts during 2012. (more…)

Brandon Rios visits ESPN

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Former Lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios makes a special appearance at the ESPN studios with trainer Robert Garcia on “ESPN Nacion” with hosts: David Faitelson and Carolina Padron for his upcoming exciting rematch against Mike Alvarado of their 2012 Fight of the Year-nominated fight. Rios-Alvarado II will take place, Saturday, March 30 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tecate, this Junior Welterweight championship rumble will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

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Gilberto Ramirez vs. Dionisio Miranda on April 20

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will take on Colombian power puncher Dionisio Miranda in his Top Rank debut on Saturday, April 20 in the New Mexico City Arena in the co-feature of a big card that will include the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship between former world champion Cristian Mijares en the number one ranked Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas. Miranda (22-8, 19 Kos) of Colombia is coming of a big victory in Russia over local hero Oleg Liseev whom he stopped in four rounds. The big card will be promoted by Top Rank and Zanfer Promotions and will telecast in TV Azteca in Mexico and Unimas in the United States. (more…)

Jones vs. Lebedev – Moscow – May 17

The long-awaited unification bout between World Boxing Association cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (25-1, 19 KOs), from Chekhov, Russia, and WBA cruiserweight champion in recess Guillermo “El Felino” Jones (38-3-2, 30 KOs), from Colon, Panama, will take place on May 17 at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia.

Jones’ promoter Don King is thrilled to have his fighter appearing in Moscow with co-promoters Andrey Ryabinsky and Vlad Hrunov.

“My Russian co-promoters named the fight, ‘The One Will Stand,’ and it will be from Russia with love,” King said. “This is a gigantic promotion between Russia and Panama and I want to thank Andrey Ryabinsky for making this possible. (more…)

Brandon Rios workout

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Former Lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios works out with trainer Robert Garcia during media day at Fortune Boxing Gym for his upcoming exciting rematch against Mike Alvarado of their 2012 Fight of the Year-nominated fight. Rios-Alvarado II will take place, Saturday, March 30 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tecate, this Junior Welterweight championship rumble will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

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Odlanier Solis: It feels good to be back in Germany

By Malte Müller-Michaelis

This Friday (March 22nd) Cuban 2004 Olympic gold medalists Odlanier Solis defends his IBF intercontinental heavyweight championship against unbeaten Leif Larsen at Universal Hall in Berlin, Germany on a card billed as ‘BACK TO THE ROOTS.’ “It feels good to be back in Berlin”, said Solis at today’s press conference at Best Western MOA hotel. “I thank everybody who made this return possible. I started my pro career here in Germany and had my biggest fight here against Vitali Klitschko. It was too bad that I was stopped by that accident and injury. But me knee is well again and I want to prove that I’m back for good. It is still my goal to become heavyweight champion of the world.”

Asked when he thinks to be ready for a second title shot, Solis just smiled and said: “Ask the Klitschkos. I’m ready when they are.” Solis’ opponent Leif Larsen will arrive in Berlin tomorrow. (more…)

George Foreman Returns to Boxing

Former two-time world heavyweight champion, George Foreman, announced his return to boxing today. But this is no comeback as a fighter. It’s his professional debut as a boxing promoter! Foreman has teamed up with his sons to form Foreman Boys Promotions.

“I have worked for years with my sons in the business world and I am excited to introduce them to the boxing world, ” said the senior Foreman. Foreman Boys Promotions will team with Top Rank in a strategic alliance, including the Solo Boxeo Tecate series, bringing Foreman’s legacy and branding power to the promotional side of boxing. The Foremans also plan on promoting goodwill and unity to the sport of boxing.

“It was a privilege to promote George Foreman’s comeback fights which led to a world championship,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “Now it is great we are working with George’s sons to continue the relationship and to promote boxing at a high level.” (more…)

Report: Broner allegedly bit security guard

More facts are emerging on the arrest of WBC lightweight champion Adrien Broner. The Huffington Post reports that according to the arrest report Broner got into a fight with another man around 3:30 a.m. on the valet ramp at Miami Beach’s luxurious Fontainebleau Hotel. When security employees tried to break up the fight, Broner allegedly bit one of the guards on the right forearm.

Maysonet-Tolmajyan added to April 5 FNF

It has been officially announced that undefeated Puerto Rican knockout specialist Jorge Maysonet Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) will take on 26 year old southpaw Gabriel Tolmajyan (13-2-1, 3KOs) in the televised co-feature of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on April 5th, featuring Marvin Quintero (25-4, 21 KOs) vs. Ammeth Diaz (31-11, 22 KOs) in an IBF lightweight title elimination bout scheduled for 12 rounds. The fight will take place at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California.

Abraham-Stieglitz officials

WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announced today the referee and judges who will work this Saturday’s world title bout between super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham and former champion Robert Stieglitz, to be held at the Getec Arena in Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, in a Sauerland Events presentation. For this WBO super middleweight (168 pounds) championship fight, that have Abraham (36-3, 28 KOs) in his second title defense against #1 ranked Stieglitz (43-3, 24 KOs) the referee will be Michael Ortega, from the United States. The judges are Cesar Ramos (Puerto Rico), Jose Ignacio Martinez (Spain), and Clark Sammartino (USA). The WBO supervisor for this fight will be Istvan Kovacs.

This is a rematch for Abraham and Stieglitz, who clashed in August 2012, when Abraham beat Stieglitz by unanimous decision to win the WBO 168 pounds belt.

Showtime hires Ross Greenburg

Showtime Sports has scheduled more than 100 hours of diverse boxing and documentary programming across broadcast television, cable television, premium television, and digital portals in advance of the upcoming Showtime PPV presentation of “May Day” – headlined by Floyd “Money” Mayweather’s welterweight world championship defense against four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The lineup features more than 20 hours of live, edited and exclusive content targeted for a general sports audience as well as the core boxing fans and includes two documentary films, a five-part documentary series, a 30-minute countdown show, two live Showtime Championship Boxing events and live coverage from multiple fight week events, all before the first bell of May Day: Mayweather vs. Guerrero pay-per-view special.

Showtime Sports has also tapped former HBO boxing chief Ross Greenburg to serve as executive producer on two key pieces of programming involving editorial on Mayweather, having executive produced multiple documentary series on the fighter since 2007 at HBO. Greenburg will work on a CBS television documentary special as well as the Showtime Sports series “All Access: Mayweather vs. Guerrero.”

Greenburg, formerly the head of HBO Sports, resigned under pressure after HBO lost a major Manny Pacquiao pay-per-view event to Showtime. HBO then poached Ken Hershman, the longtime head of Showtime Sports, to replace Greenburg.

Upshaw aims to derail Rubio

Underrated spoiler Marcus “Hurelius” Upshaw (15-8-2, 7 KOs) has returned to Mexico, seeking revenge on Saturday night for his last fight south of the border, against two-time world title challenger Marcos Antonio “El Veneno” Rubio (56-6-1, 49 KOs) for the vacant WBC Continental Americas middleweight title. “If I’m in the gym and in good shape,” Upshaw said, “I will fight anybody, anywhere, even on short notice. My problem was I’m a very late starter. I didn’t get going until the fourth, fifth or sixth rounds. It just took me a few rounds to get going. I like to adjust to my opponents’ style to decide what style I need to use. Since I’ve been with my head trainer, (two-time world champion) John David Jackson, I’ve decided to let it go early. He knows I’m a slow starter but, by the third round, I’m now firing.” (more…)