"CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER"...OR DO THEY?

CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER...OR DO THEY?
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 27, 2010) The newly crowned "king of boxing promotions", Oscar de la hoya, has decided that anyone caught cheating in boxing should be "banned for life".

Bob Arum, who according to de la hoya is now the "anti-christ of boxing promoters" for allowing Antonio Margarito a place on the Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey fight card.

Do we now have the current BIG TWO in professional boxing promotions calling each other out for misdeeds? Can either of these two actually perceive themselves as some sort of boxing messiah?

"Cheating" is a term relative to what the circumstances are. A man cheats on his wife and it sometimes is blamed on the wife not being affectionate enough. This man then feels vindicated for his wayward actions. A golfer uses the old "foot wedge" to get a better chance at making the green on his next shot because his opponent always talks so much crap when he wins. This golfer feels his actions were appropriate because of the circumstances. One fighter knows he cannot fight for very long because of his "soft hands". This fighter finds the one state (Nevada) that will allow him to use a pain killer to ease the discomfort. This fighter feels vindicated because the pain killers don't help him gain any edge. (more)

"FOR THE SAKE OF BOXING..."

"FOR THE SAKE OF BOXING..." By STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 25, 2009) There has been a major push for total domination in the sport of professional boxing.

Normally this type of conversation would be detailing the progression of one up-and-coming fighter who would seem to possess the necessary skills enabling him to become the next boxing SUPERSTAR. (more)

Juanma Impressive in Victory, Gamboa Takes his “Gimmie”

Juanma Impressive in Victory, Gamboa Takes his “Gimmie”
By Blackbull

(IB-January 24, 2010) – Juan Manuel Lopez “Juanma” Stepped into the ring with the not-so-easy task of defeating WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano.  Lopez, the WBO junior featherweight champion moved up in weight after having difficulty making the 122lb. weight limit.

The weight issue was evident in Lopez’ previous contest when he was paired against Roger Mtagwa from Tanzanian. Lopez dominated early in the fight but wore down, barley salvaging a win, not the case last night at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

Luevano, fighting out of La Puente, California came up short from successfully defending his title for the sixth time. Luevano had held the belt since July of 2007 when he defeated Nicky Cook in Greenwich, London.(more)

Boxing promotors miss the boat...

Boxing promotors miss the boat...
OPINION
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 21, 2010) The fight game.

Can there be any better way to provide the "American Dream" for a person of any ethnicity, race, creed or political background the opportunity to prosper?

The devastating earthquake and it's powers of destruction forced Andre Berto to cancel his first million dollar pay day against Shane Mosley that was scheduled for Saturday January 30, 2010.

The fight was to be an eliminator of sorts with the winner expected to get a shot at Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

There are suspicions that Berto was offered "back-out money" by Golden Boy Productions (Oscar de la hoya) to tend to his family in Haiti while allowing fight negotiations to begin for a Mayweather vs Shane Mosley bout. (more)

AN OPEN LETTER TO AMIR KHAN

AN OPEN LETTER TO AMIR KHAN
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 18, 2009) The news that Amir Khan (22-1, 16 KO's), the WBA World light-welterweight Champion since July of 2009, had officially been signed by Golden Boy Promotions was taken by the majority of the boxing community as rather disturbing. (more)

Still, No Apology from ESPN

"Still, No Apology from ESPN "
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 16, 2009) Last night in Laredo Texas there were two events that needed covering.

The continued success of featherweight Juan Carlos Burgos (24-0, 17 KO's) was not marred by the not surprisingly tough and persistent Juan Carlos Martinez (15-11-1, 5 KO's) in the main event. 

The young Burgos still has a long way to go, but was able to finally take out the pesky Martinez when the bout was ended after Burgos landed several solid shots forcing the referee to step in and end the bout in round twelve.

Most irritating were the comments by analysts Teddy Atlas and Brian Kenny who spoke as if we were seeing the next featherweight champion in the still maturing Burgos. 

This fight was "made for radio" because Burgos showed himself to be limited in both hand and foot speed. (more)

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

"BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD"
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 14, 2009) The demise of a Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fight has resurrected some of the same old names that Golden Boy Productions somehow links to "keeping the sport alive".

On Tuesday, Golden Boy Productions signed heavyweight journeyman John Ruiz (44-8-1, 30 KO's) to a contract after Ruiz' affiliation with Don King Promotions had expired and no attempt was made by Don King to keep Ruiz in the fold.

The signing of Ruiz by Golden Boy Productions is not out of character.

Oscar de la hoya has continued the "recycle route" by contracting fighters who are members of the "senior circuit". John Ruiz being signed by Golden Boy Productions, with not even a whimper from Don King who still controls the heavyweight division, lets you know of Ruiz' box office potential. (more)

"WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET"

"WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET"
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON    

(IB-January 13, 2009) The list of worthy opponents for the now scrambling Floyd Mayweather, Jr.,  is full of  yawners. No bigger yawner could be chosen than if 29 years old Paul "Paulie" Malignaggi (27-3, 5 KO's) of Brooklyn, New York were selected to fight on March 13, 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Malignaggi has been a "talker" for his entire professional career. He feels that what he does is entertain the people. He is in denial. He really has no idea that his Olympic style boxing is boring at the professional level and continues to proclaim himself "the best".

Malignaggi could possibly make a case for himself fighting Mayweather, Jr. were it not for the fact that he has not 1, not 2 but 3 losses in his career. Those 3 losses were against Ricky Hatton, Juan Diaz and Miguel Cotto, all rough and tough body punching machines. 

To his credit Malignaggi did avenge the loss to Diaz in the rematch, but giving the smaller Diaz a boxing lesson the 2nd time around did little to attract attention to the "mouth from Brooklyn". He didn't get it. (more)

"Maybe...A Blessing In Disguise"

"Maybe...A Blessing In Disguise"
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 12, 2009) Now that the Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KO's) vs Joshua Clottey (35-3-0-1, 20 KO's) fight has been finalized for March 13, 2009 at the Dallas Cowboys owned stadium, all that's left is for boxing fans to decide who Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (40-0, 25KO's) would consider a legitimate opponent for his own anticipated match.

There currently seems to be much buzz that "Money" Mayweather will be fighting Nate Campbell (33-5-1-1, 25 KO's) sometime in March or April of 2009. This idea is just speculation but seems to be the much safer route for Mayweather, Jr. than the one taken by Pacquiao vs Clottey.

In Nate Campbell's' last fight, against Timothy Bradley, a cut over and behind Campbell's' left eye forced him to come to the conclusion he could not continue.  Bradley was awarded a TKO victory but after debating the issue, The California State Athletic Commission declared the fight a draw. (more)

Mayweather-PacMan

Mayweather-PacMan By Tom Donelson

(IB-January 11, 2010) - In Byzantine world of boxing politics, everything is not what it appears and the various plots and subplots of the Pacquaio-Mayweather fight presents boxing at its worst with no end yet in sight. And no one can be certain of what the truth is or what is pure hype?

The negotiations between Pacquiao and Mayweather have broken off over drug testing, but this drama has more to it. For one, the rivalry between Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya can’t be overlooked.  Golden Boys and Arum are the joint promoters but there is little love lost between Oscar De La Hoya and his former promoter Bob Arum.

Arum promoted Oscar De La Hoya early in his career as Arum viewed Hispanic demographics as a growing market for his own empire and Oscar De La Hoya was one of his pillars.  De La Hoya formed... (more)

Friday Night

Friday Night

By Tom Donelson

(IB-January 11, 2010) - There was a time that Lionel Butler had dreams of winning a Heavyweight titles but those dreams died long ago.  Now he is an opponent, a fighter other young prospects fight on their way up.  At the age of 42 and weighing nearly 280 pounds, Butler came into his fight with Russian Andrey Fedosov overweight and out of shape.  His only option was for the Russian to fight him on the inside, so he didn’t have t chase his opponent and hope that lightening can strike early. 

In a competitive first round, Butler did very little chasing but he didn’t have to for Fedosov was perfectly willing to stand in front of the bigger Butler. Butler outweighed his opponent by over 50 pounds and having Fedosov exchanged punches fit right into his game plan... (more)

The Mayweather Pacquiao Debacle Debate

The Mayweather Pacquiao Debacle Debate By Frank Gonzalez Jr.

IB-January 10, 2009) - What kind of businessman boxer lets a 30 million dollar fight go down the drain?

In lieu of a boxing version of the Super Bowl or World Series, the best we could hope for would be a big fight between two of the most hyped up... (more)

SPECIAL REPORT "Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are on board..."

SPECIAL REPORT "Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are on board..."
INSIDE BOXING
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 11, 2009) There is positive proof that Manny Pacquiao, Bob Arum and Top Rank have moved on and are no longer interested in any venture involving Floyd Mayweather, Jr..

On March 13, 2009, the main-event featuring the number one rated fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KO's) against Joshua Clottey (35-3-0-1, 20 KO's) will be held in Dallas, Texas.

The new, state-of-the-art, one billion dollar investment, COWBOYS STADIUM will be the featured venue. The newly introduced mega-plex can seat well-over 100,000 people but will scaled down to accommodate around 45,000 assuring all in attendance of excellent vision from all seats. (more)

Pacquiao to fight before 50,000 fans

Pacquiao to fight before 50,000 fans
Published on Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph
Bob Arum made it known clearly: Dallas is going to be an excellent host for the March 13 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey.(read)

THERE'S NOWHERE TO GO BUT "SUGAR" SHANE MOSLEY

THERE'S NOWHERE TO GO BUT "SUGAR" SHANE MOSLEY

(IB-January 8, 2009) Floyd May weather, Jr. (40-0, 25 KO's) has left himself only one option now that the much anticipated bout between himself and Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KO's) has ended.

As much as "Pretty Boy Floyd" or "Money Mayweather" (whatever your preference) loves to "dis" his opponents and use that as one of his many head-game tactics, he has no other option than to fight "Sugar" Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 KO's).

Mosley used a Mayweather, Jr. tactic following Mayweather, Jr.'s defeat of Juan Manuel Marquez in 2009 by coming to the center of the ring in a post-fight interview and challenging Mayweather, Jr. to fight. Mayweather, Jr. claims because of that sign of disrespect, he would never give Mosley the opportunity to "make more money than he's ever made in his life, off of me". (more)

THE TRUTH AND NOTHING CLOSE TO THE TRUTH

"THE TRUTH AND NOTHING CLOSE TO THE TRUTH"
SPECIAL REPORT
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-January 8, 2009) Now that the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has officially been declared a draw, reasons for the negotiations collapse are confirmed.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr., in his first public comments since Top Rank CEO Bob Arum declared "the fight is off", maintains Manny Pacquiao refused the offer of a "14 day before the fight blood-draw" for testing.

"He (Pacquiao) should just come out and say he doesn't want to fight me. He is the one who just doesn't want to be tested. The whole world wants to see this fight and the one who doesn't want to make it happen is Manny Pacquiao", said the rather subdued Mayweather, Jr. in a released statement. 

Mayweather, Jr. says he was "thoroughly disgusted" by claims from the Pacquiao team that HE was the reason for the impasse. "The public will be able to see through their smoke screens and lies. I am ready to fight and sign the contract. Manny needs to stop making excuses and fight", said Mayweather Jr.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and his promoter Golden Boy Productions are still, quite frankly, in denial... (more)

"THE FIGHT IS OFF!"...for now

"THE FIGHT IS OFF!"...for now
SPECIAL REPORT
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-JANUARY 7, 2009) "The fight is off! Mayweather never wanted to fight my guy. In 2008 he (Mayweather) had an opportunity to make millions of dollars in a rematch with Oscar de ls hoya and he walked away from that. He has never taken a fight with Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto. He has always taken on fighters he knew he could beat. He is a coward. We made concessions (blood-draw within 24 days of the fight) and he still won't fight."...Top Rank CEO Bob Arum.

With these (allegedly) last words, it seems that the Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fight is over....or is it?

There is always the chance that Mayweather, Jr. and Golden Boy Productions will reconsider both of their financial stakes in the mega-fight and re institute negotiations. The media deadline of next week will be the final death knoll for the fight. When scheduled press conferences in New York are canceled, then we can consider the fight to be at an impasse... (more)

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!

"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!"
SPECIAL OPINION
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-JANUARY 5, 2009) Later this morning the opposing sides of Top Rank and Golden Boy Productions, will sit down at the bargaining table. They will attempt to come to some sort of agreement, aided by mediation specialist The Honorable Daniel Weinstein, and allow the so-called "FIGHT OF THE DECADE" to move forward.

The terse relationship between Bob Arum (Top Rank) and Richard Schaefer (Golden Boy Productions) may be a major sticking point in the negotiations. There are many issues to be ironed out and the timing of the blood-draw is just one of many to be discussed.

I'm going to "move-on" and myself give you a sort of "pre-fight" analysis that may shed a bit of doubt on labeling this "The fight that everyone wants to see"...

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is probably one of the most gifted boxers of all time. He has shown that his hand and foot speed are virtually second to none in the ring. There have been some fighters that were bigger in size and length than Mayweather, Jr. but found his speed gave him such an advantage, they got KO'd... (more)

"TAILS BETWEEN THEIR LEGS"

"TAILS BETWEEN THEIR LEGS"
INSIDE BOXING
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-JANUARY 4, 2010) "What they have to do, and what I know the option is going to be, is that they have to apologize. All of them. They all have to make a meaningful apology" before Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KO's) would even consider dropping the civil suit against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (40-0, 25 KO's), his father Floyd, Sr., his uncle Roger, Oscar de la Hoya, Richard Schaefer and Golden Boy Productions, and begin negotiations for a fight.

There you have it.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum made this statement after announcing that on Tuesday morning in the Santa Monica offices of retired Federal Judge Daniel Weinstein of JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services) there will be an attempt at reaching some type of agreement whereas fight negotiations can continue.

In attendance at the Tuesday morning pow-wow: Representing Manny Pacquiao will be Arum, his step-son Todd duBoef (President of Top Rank) and a representative of attorney Daniel Petrocelli who has been retained as legal counsel in the defamation, libel and slander suit filed on behalf of Manny Pacquiao... (more)

THERE'S STILL TIME FOR...

SPECIAL REPORT "THERE'S STILL TIME FOR..."
INSIDE BOXING
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-JANUARY 2, 2010) First of all, let all of us here at INSIDEBOXING.COM wish each and every one of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! This coming year of 2010 is full of anticipation regarding quality, competitive championship bouts.

The on-again, off-again mega-fight (that will supposedly breathe new life into the fight game) between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has been given a small taste of oxygen per Top Rank executive Bob Arum.

Upon returning from a Mexican vacation, Arum is not totally convinced the fight is off. The (former) main obstacle of random blood testing has been supplanted by a civil suit filed alleging the Mayweather's and Golden Boy Productions have defamed, libeled and slandered Manny Pacquiao... (more)