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® SERGEY VIDEO + KOVALEV REVIEW INSTANT REPLAY COULD PLAY A LIMITED ROLE IN P.68 MAYWEATHER ANNUAL BEST VS. PACQUIAO THE SUPERFIGHT FIGHTER POLL OF THE CENTURY WE BET ‘MONEY’ YOU KNOW P.64 WHO CAME OUT ON TOP P. 56 APRIL 2015 HALL OF FAME

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APRIL 2015

38

Lucas Matthysse (right) was expected to handle John Molina fairly easily but that’s not how our Fight of the FEATURES Year played out.

86TH ANNUAL RING AWARDS Pages 35-63 64 MAYWEATHER-PACQUIAO IS 2015 THE YEAR IT WILL FINALLY HAPPEN? 36 FIGHTER OF THE YEAR By Michael Rosenthal By 38 FIGHT OF THE YEAR By Norm Frauenheim 40 OF THE YEAR By Elliot Worsell 68 A TIME AND A PLACE 42 ROUND OF THE YEAR By Bart Barry VIDEO REVIEW CAN HAVE LIMITED VALUE IN BOXING 44 UPSET OF THE YEAR By Keith Idec By Thomas Hauser 46 COMEBACK OF THE YEAR By Keith Idec 72 HALL OF FAME 48 TRAINER OF THE YEAR By Bart Barry BOWE, HAMED AND MANCINI HEAD THE CLASS OF 2015 50 PROSPECT OF THE YEAR By Doug Fischer By Bernard Fernandez 52 EVENT OF THE YEAR By Elliot Worsell 54 MOST INSPIRATIONAL By David Greisman 76 ERNIE TERRELL: 1939-2014 56 BEST FIGHTER POLL By Michael Rosenthal IS REMEMBERED FOR HIS FIGHT WITH ALI

JOE SCARNICI/GETTY IMAGES; COVER PHOTOS- COTTO: RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES; ROACH: BRAD BARKET/GETTY IMAGES FOR HBO LATINO IMAGES; ROACH: RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY COTTO: PHOTOS- JOE SCARNICI/GETTY IMAGES; COVER 62 HIGHLY UNOFFICIAL AWARDS By David Greisman By Thomas Hauser

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 3 DEPARTMENTS 6 RINGSIDE 16

7 OPENING SHOT gave many of his opponents f ts. 8 COME OUT WRITING As the subject of Best I Faced, he reveals who 11 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES gave him the most trouble. and Straight Writes by Thomas Hauser

16 BEST I FACED: WINKY WRIGHT By Anson Wainwright

18 READY TO GRUMBLE By David Greisman

21 OUTSIDE THE ROPES By Brian Harty

22 PERFECT EXECUTION By

26 RING RATINGS PACKAGE

78 LETTERS FROM By Gareth A Davies

82 DOUGIE’S MAILBAG By Doug Fischer

84 NEW FACES: By Tom Gray

87 WOMEN’S BOXING By Thomas Gerbasi

90 RINGSIDE REPORTS By Norm Frauenheim

94 COMING UP

96 FROM THE ARCHIVE

98 AT THE FIGHTS

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KEN HERSHMAN Q&A HEALING HBO EXEC LOOKS BRITON BATTLING BACK AT 2014 AND BACK FROM ATTACK AHEAD GO TO: http://bit.ly/ GO TO: http://bit.ly/ crolla-healing hershman

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RINGSIDE By Michael Rosenthal ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

The International Boxing is tough to answer. VOLUME 94, NO. 3 | APRIL 2015 Hall of Fame is diligent about its The Hall could consider a more enshrinement process, enlisting stringent screening process of its around 200 boxing experts from voters, although that would be around the world to vote on which diff cult to do. According to the FOUNDER modern f ghters will be inducted Hall, “Members of the Boxing Nathaniel Fleischer (1888-1972) each June. Writers Association of America The result is that the vast and an international panel of EDITOR majority of those who enter the boxing historians cast votes.” Michael Rosenthal Hall in the highest-prof le category Plus, voters are provided with MANAGING EDITOR deserve the honor. background information on Brian Harty Some don’t, though. At least candidates. that’s the way many see it. Two How do you determine whether ASSOCIATE EDITOR names that usually surface are the voters are knowledgeable Douglass Fischer and Arturo enough to vote, though? Give ART DIRECTOR Gatti. And one could argue that them a test? Some of those who Lamar Clark Ray Mancini, who will enter this vote in the baseball and other halls year, is also questionable. of fame undoubtedly have limited CONTROLLER Deborah L. Harrison How are they getting in? knowledge of candidates, too. One person knowledgeable A more practical step might be CIRCULATION DIRECTOR about the process believes that a to require candidates to receive a Kenneth J. Gudaitis substantial percentages of those certain percentage of the votes, a ADVERTISING INQUIRIES who vote in the modern category la baseball. I like the 75 percent Robert Gasparri do not have the expertise to do threshold because it leaves little 213-233-2952 so, an argument which probably doubt as to the worthiness of the [email protected] has merit. candidate but two thirds – 66.6 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES I think the process itself also percent – might be suff cient. BACK ISSUES INQUIRIES plays a role, however. At least that would reduce DIGITAL ORDERS INQUIRIES In the National Baseball Hall the chances of an undeserving Sports and Entertainment of Fame, candidates must have candidate entering the Hall. Publications P.O. BOX 433122 their names checked on at least 75 That might mean that fewer than Palm Coast, Fl 32164-3122 percent of ballots to be inducted. three modern f ghters would enter 800-846-6438 If no one reaches that threshold, the Hall in a given year, which [email protected] so be it. No modern player will be could hurt the bottom line. That’s SEND EDITORIAL inducted that year. a legitimate concern. At the same COMMENTS TO: The IBHOF inducts the top time, though, the higher standard [email protected] three vote-getters regardless of would enhance the prestige of the or P.O. BOX 251753, percentage, which opens the Hall and the signif cance of being CA, 90025 doors to the Hall to at least some a Hall of Famer. THE RING (ISSN: 0035-5410), Vol. 94, NO. 3 (April 2015), is undeserving candidates. Of course, it’s possible that published nine times per year (no issues in June, October and February) by Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC, P.O. I understand why IBHOF Bowe, Hamed and Mancini all Box 90254 Brooklyn, NY 11209. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY 11209 and additional post off ces. Postmasters: off cials use this system. The Hall exceeded that two-thirds threshold Send change of address notices to: THE RING, P.O. Box 433122, Palm Coast, FL 32164-3122. Single copy price $8.95 in U.S.A. needs big-name inductees like in the voting. The problem is we and Canada (£4.95 in the U.K.). Subscription price U.S. And possession $49.00 for nine issues; Canada and Mexico add $7 Mancini – as well Riddick Bowe don’t know because the IBHOF for nine issues per year and all remaining countries add $15.00 for nine issues per year. Not responsible for the loss or non-return and Naseem Hamed, who will doesn’t release voting results, as of unsolicited articles or photographs, which will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope bearing the also enter in June – to attract baseball does. Hall executives proper amount of postage. The entire contents of this magazine are copyright ©2015 Sports and Entertainment Publications, visitors each induction weekend in might consider doing so. That sort LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Canastota, New York, to remain of transparency also would add Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the content of advertisements appearing in this magazine, nor the delivery or f nancially viable. Few would credibility to the process. quality of merchandise or services offered. No endorsement of any such advertisement is intended or implied. Advertisers and show up if inductees were limited Let me state again: The selection agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their advertisements. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRES AND RATES: to old-timers and non-f ghters. process is pretty good. I just think (213) 233-2952. U.S. / Canadian and International distribution by Kable Distribution Services Inc., 14 Wall Street, Suite 4C, New Is there a solution? That question it can be better. York, NY 10022. UK distribution by Comag Tavistock Rd., West

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6 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 THE LIGHTER SIDE OF A SERIOUS SPORT OPENING SHOT

Tim Bradley (foreground) seemed to do enough to beat Diego Chaves but only one judge saw it that way on Dec. 14. COME OUT WRITING

the screen. It’s no wonder kids are RING, Dr. Jake VanderKooy sitting on their fathers’ laps watching compared to Gene UFC. Shame. Tunney and to Jack Robert Maye Dempsey. In light of the thrashing Ephratah, N.Y. that Pacquiao gave to Algieri, maybe he should’ve compared Manny to MUCH ADO Harry Greb. Do you feel that this whole “who Allen Morris gets to f ght on Cinco de Mayo” Belle River, Ontario, Canada thing is becoming too big of a deal? I just saw Brandon Rios say he thinks Editor’s note: Tunney outboxed anyone should be allowed to f ght Dempsey in two famous f ghts while that weekend. I agree and feel that Greb handed Tunney his only defeat. the date doesn’t determine how many buys the f ght gets. If it is a f ght SHAKY GUIDANCE between two elite guys, I could care Never in my life have I seen such less if it was a Wednesday night in poor corner work as I did in the the middle of February. Pacquiao- Manny Pacquiao-Chris Algieri Mayweather would be perfectly f ght. First, Algieri’s game plan was successful if it happens regardless of to give away the f rst four rounds Reader Robert Maye wasn’t when it takes place. and hope Manny tired, which made the only one who thought Robert Schilling no sense especially when your guy Mauricio Herrera (right) beat Jose Benavides. Ashton, Md. can’t . Then, after losing every round, Tim Lane (Algieri’s trainer) GOOD MOVE? is telling Algieri, “Do you see what’s ANOTHER BLACK EYE I just read about signing happening? Everything is beautiful, Some of my fondest memories as a with Roc Nation Sports and, if I’m Chris.” Then, during Round 9, Lane child were watching boxing sitting honest, I’m intrigued by it. It goes tells , “I got him on my father’s lap. I grew up in without saying that the prospect (Algieri) in a cage and I’m gonna the ’80s watching Marvin Hagler, of him f ghting regularly again is a let him loose next round and he’s Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray great thing for the sport given his gonna put Manny to sleep.” Then, Leonard and I loved , as ability and the fact that good, clever boom, Algieri is down again. After most fans do, but my old man would and classy guys like him need to barely surviving that round, Algieri explain why was f ght to inspire the next generation. collapses onto his stool and Lane is so special. I miss my old man every However, as you have noted it isn’t telling him, “We’re exactly where we day but it’s a good thing he didn’t easy to create a stable promotional need to be.” What? The kid hasn’t just watch the Mauricio Herrera-Jose company in the current boxing won a round. This was a horrible Benavidez f ght (which Benavidez landscape. Thus, I wonder whether case of MMA/ people won by a widely criticized decision). it is a short-sighted, money-driven pretending they know boxing but in This sport is one of the oldest but move by Ward. Or, taking into the end they obviously had no clue. because of the politics it won’t consideration how astute the dude The Chris Algieri Show turned out be around very much longer. The seems to be in his commentary and to be the Comedy of the Year. And powers that be should know that interviews, maybe it is a clever move that’s too bad because I was pulling the hardcore boxing fans are scoring and one that will propel him back to for the guy. f ghts. I can recall 50 f ghts in the last stardom. I’m sure we shall see in the Robert Casazza year that were obvious promoter- near future. Staten Island, N.Y. driven decisions, the most recent Stanley Fritz being the Benavidez win. I should Reading, Berkshire, England Editor’s note: Algieri recently said he sue for a new TV because plans to bring in a more experienced I threw my scorecard at it when the BAD CALL trainer while implying that he wants decision was announced and cracked In the January 2015 issue of THE to keep Lane on board as well.

WRITE TO THE RING! Come Out Writing, The Ring, P.O. Box 251753, Los Angeles, CA 90025 comeoutwriting@ sepublications.com ★ Emailed letters will include a writer’s email address unless a city and state of origin is provided. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity. DAVID BECKER/GETTY IMAGES DAVID

8 RINGTV.COM / 4.15

ROLLROLL WITHWITH THETHE PUNCHESPUNCHES

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Don Turner (right) has been the man behind many well- known boxers.

JABS & STRAIGHT WRITES BY THOMAS HAUSER DON TURNER: WORDS OF WISDOM

VETERAN BOXING record and turned pro in 1959. Association of America honored him TRAINER HAS In his pro debut, he lost a six- as Trainer of the Year after Evander round decision to Stanley “Kitten” Holyf eld upset with UNCOMMON INSIGHT Hayward in Hayward’s hometown Turner in his corner. He also trained of . That set a pattern for six years, a period Don Turner is one of my for future f ghts. Turner would be that included Holmes’ upset victory favorite people in boxing. I met him brought in as the opponent for house over . in 1984 and have been learning from f ghters like Johnny Persol, Giulio When came to him ever since. Rinaldi, and Roger Rouse. the , Turner was his Turner grew up hard in . On occasion, he scored an upset. f rst trainer. He’s still part of Team “I have no idea what my father did,” What was his biggest win as a Kovalev and was in Atlantic City he told me years ago. “We were on f ghter? for the Nov. 8 title-unif cation bout welfare and lived in the projects “I didn’t have one,” Turner said. between Kovalev and Bernard about four blocks from Ezzard “But if I had to choose, I’d say it Hopkins. Don and I had dinner Charles. In Cincinnati, boxing was was a decision over Ike White on the together the night before the f ght. a thing with most young guys. undercard of the third f ght between Turner has a lot of memories. Boxing or basketball or track. I chose and Joey Giardello [in As a 20-year-old , he boxing because, when I was growing 1963].” was hired to spar with Sugar Ray up, was one of the Turner retired from active ring Robinson when the master was greatest f ghters in the world.” duty in 1969 and began training readying to defend his title against

JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Turner compiled a 4-2 amateur f ghters. In 1996, the Boxing Writers Paul Pender.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 11 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES

Turner, pictured with Sergey Kovalev, is still teaching.

“Robinson sparred nine rounds a week,” Turner do. The strength and conditioning coach is telling said. “Three rounds on Monday, three on Wednesday the fghter one thing. His buddies and maybe his and three on Friday. Each round was with a different father are telling him something else. When Gregg sparring partner and each round was a war. The frst day Popovich is coaching the San Antonio Spurs, he I sparred with him, the other two sparring partners were closes the door, and nobody’s father and nobody’s Otis Woodard (a veteran of 37 pro fghts) and Clarence agent and nobody’s friends come in. But fghters Hinnant (who won 40 bouts in a career that included today listen to everybody.” a knockout victory over Yvon Durelle). First round, • “Most of the boxing writers today are just fans. Robinson knocks Woodard down. Second round, he They have no idea what they’re writing about. knocks Hinnant fat. Now it’s my turn. Robinson was old You’ve got guys who don’t know the frst thing by then but he could still fght. He hit me with a left about boxing sitting behind a computer, writing that knocked my headgear clear out of the ring. I must this trainer did this wrong and this fghter did that have strapped it on wrong. But I stayed on my feet.” wrong. That’s how stupid some boxing writers are.” Turner has a lot of opinions and he isn’t shy about • “A fghter can’t become world class without fghting voicing them. Among the thoughts that he offered at other world class fghters. These guys who don’t dinner the night before Hopkins-Kovalev were: fght anybody on the way up; fnally, they’re in a big fght. And they look like a baseball player who • “I think I’m a good trainer. And one reason I’m a hit 60 home runs against minor league pitching and good trainer is that I tell fghters the truth.” is coming up to the big leagues for the frst time. I • “The thing that bothers me the most about boxing don’t judge a fghter until I’ve seen him in trouble. today is that nobody feels guilty about anything And I judge fghters by who they fought. It’s real wrong that they do. Nobody stands up for what’s simple. Who did you beat?” right anymore. They just pretend to.” • “Too many fghters today do everything but what And there was a fnal grace note: they’re supposed to do. The partying is more “Whatever you write about me, put in a word about important to them than the training. If they come Bobby McQuillan. He knew as much about boxing and to training camp and make weight, they think they taught me more about boxing than anyone ever. Bobby had a good camp.” McQuillan, Bill Miller, guys like that weren’t as famous as • “In the old days, the trainer was in charge. Now the made-for-television trainers you have in boxing today. H

you’ve got fve people telling the fghter what to But they were great boxing guys.” RODRIGUEZ/GETTY IMAGES E. ALBERTO ALI: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GETTY IMAGES;

12 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 JABS & STRAIGHT WRITES

QUICK QUIZ

1. ’S BROTHER, RAHMAN ALI, HAD 18 PROFESSIONAL FIGHTS. WHAT WAS HIS RING RECORD?

2. DURING HIS “EXILE” FROM BOXING, MUHAMMAD ALI PLAYED THE TITLE ROLE IN A BROADWAY MUSICAL. WHAT Rahman Ali, WAS THE NAME Muhammad’s brother, fought OF THE PLAY? off and on from 1964 to 1972. 3. WHO WAS

JOE INGRAHAM?

States Supreme Court. Supreme States acts without embarrassment and moves with innate dignity. He does himself proud.” proud.” himself does He dignity. innate with moves and embarrassment without acts ★

Ingraham to f ve years in prison. But his conviction was overturned in 1971 by the United United the by 1971 in overturned was conviction his But prison. in years ve f to Ingraham wrote, “He emerges as a modest naturally appealing man. He sings with a pleasant voice, voice, pleasant a with sings He man. appealing naturally modest a as emerges “He wrote,

refusing induction into the United States Army. Ali was found guilty and sentenced by by sentenced and guilty found was Ali Army. States United the into induction refusing 2. Ali starred in “Buck White.” Afterward, New York Times theater critic Clive Barnes Barnes Clive critic theater Times York New Afterward, White.” “Buck in starred Ali 2. once. ★ ★

3. Ingraham was the federal judge who presided over Muhammad Ali’s 1967 trial for for trial 1967 Ali’s Muhammad over presided who judge federal the was Ingraham 3. 1. Rahman Ali was 14-3-1 (with 7 knockouts). He was stopped stopped was He knockouts). 7 (with 14-3-1 was Ali Rahman 1. Quick Quiz Answers: Answers: Quiz Quick ★ ★

AMBITIOUS books. Fifty percent of all prof ts will be distributed PROJECT among contributors to the anthologies. Luke G. Williams, a teacher The f rst volume of “Boxiana” has physical production and former sports journalist, has values that are above the norm for self-published books; embarked upon an ambitious it’s an attractive offering. But there’s a problem: The project. He hopes to publish writing in the 12 essays is uneven. The best are OK. The original essays about boxing by weakest are weak. himself and other writers in book The solution is simple. Williams is offering would-be form on a regular basis. The f rst contributors the opportunity to have their work nicely of these anthologies is “Boxiana, published. One presumes that the more submissions he Volume 1” (Troubador Publishing Company). receives, the better future volumes of “Boxiana” will be. “My aim,” Williams writes, “is to present readers with Williams promises to reply to everyone who pitches an a mixture of interesting and insightful writing focused idea to him. In that regard, he notes, “As a writer who on any area of boxing that someone feels passionately has toiled over countless pitches in the past only to not enough to write about. I am seeking to focus on writing even receive the courtesy of a rejection letter, I know which is ref ective, analytical and often historical. how soul-destroying it can be to try to land commissions Planned future volumes will aim to give a voice to as in the dog-eat-dog worlds of journalism and publishing.” many talented and passionate writers as possible.” Query letters regarding submissions can be sent to Williams is advancing the cost of publication for his [email protected].

Thomas Hauser can be reached by email at [email protected]. His most recent book (“Thomas Hauser on Boxing: Another Year Inside the Sweet Science”) was published by the University of Arkansas Press.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 13 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES A MONTHLY BOXING LIST This month: Bernard Hopkins, whose 50th birthday was Jan. 15, has had a long career. However, many prominent f ghters have fought for more 10 than two decades. Here are 10 (in order of the number of years they fought professionally).

33 ROBERTO DURAN (1968-2001)

30 HECTOR CAMACHO (1980-2010)

29 LARRY HOLMES (1973-2002)

28 (1935-63)

27 (1984-2011)

26 BERNARD HOPKINS (1988-present)

25 (1940-65)

25 JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ (1980-2005)

24 (1885-1909) Juan Manuel Marquez is beginning 22 JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ (1993-present) his 23rd year as a professinal boxer. Note: Fitzsimmons fought twice in 1914 in what amounted to exhibitions. ADVANCED DEGREES

Degrees of separation between f ghters of the past and their more contemporary counterparts. This month, in honor of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2015, we connect Old-Timer inductee Ken Overlin with Modern inductee Riddick Bowe. Overlin last fought in 1944, Bowe in 2008.

« KEN OVERLIN FOUGHT … EZZARD CHARLES, WHO FOUGHT … TOMMY JACKSON, WHO FOUGHT … , WHO FOUGHT … CHARLEY GREEN, WHO FOUGHT … LARRY HOLMES, WHO FOUGHT … EVANDER HOLYFIELD, WHO FOUGHT … RIDDICK BOWE »

14 THE BEST AND WORST IN BOXING FROM THE PAST MONTH WHAT BOXERS ARE INTO OUTSIDE THE SPORT

By Michael Rosenthal JUERGEN BRAEHMER GOOD Andre Ward appears to have a fresh start by CONTENDER signing with a new promoter, music mogul Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports, MUSIC: “I listen to Metallica a lot, but also and his former promoter acknowledged the end of their relationship. to songs by Marius Mueller Westernhagen I’m not going to pretend I understand the problems Ward had with from .” ★ CAR: “My dream ★ Goossen Promotions, a solid outf t. All I know is that Ward seemed is to drive a Formula One car.” FOOD: to spend more time in litigation than he did in the ring, which is a “Italian food is the best. Nothing beats pizza and ★ TATTOOS: ★ ATHLETE OUTSIDE shame given Ward’s undeniable ability. He has fought only twice since pasta.” “Don’t have any.” BOXING: “Michael Schumacher and Boris Becker are two of December 2011 – stopping and outpointing Edwin my sporting heroes.” ★ MOVIE: “‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘A Fistful Rodriguez – even though he is in his prime. Now we can expect Ward of Dollars.’ I watch them over and over again. Also almost all to f ght again on a regular basis, as he did through 2011. Of course, Stanley Kubrick movies.” ★ VIDEO GAME: “‘FIFA.’ I buy the as a result of his inactivity, Ward has lost the momentum he built with new version every year. It’s a great game.” so many important victories. He’s still young, though, only 31 as of Feb. 23. He isn’t the most exciting f ghter in the world but he remains one of the most skillful, which has earned him tremendous respect and CONTENDER a lot of fans. The question now is: Who does he f ght? Ward plans to MUSIC: “R&B, gospel and jazz.” ★ f ght at 168 pounds for the time being but he might be wise to move CAR: “I have an Audi. I don’t really have up to 175, where the likes of Sergey Kovalev and a favorite car but I’m looking at maybe reside. The next chapter could be interesting. getting a Lexus.” ★ FOOD: “I love Chinese and everyone in the world knows I love chocolate chip cookies.” ★ TATTOOS: “No tattoos.” ★ ATHLETE OUTSIDE BAD I don’t want to be overly critical of Riddick BOXING: “Barry Sanders.” ★ MOVIE: “‘Any Given Sunday.’” ★ Bowe, Naseem Hamed and Ray Mancini, who head the International VIDEO GAME: “‘Call of Duty.’” Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2015. I believe their resumes are f awed – particularly those of Bowe and Mancini – but they had their RANCES BARTHELEMY accomplishments and should enjoy their moment. I do bemoan the IBF JUNIOR TITLEHOLDER fact that two f ghters were overlooked, though: Genaro Hernandez MUSIC: and Michael Moorer. Hamed was selected primarily because of his “Salsa, hip-hop and tropical.” ★ CAR: long run as a titleholder, which included 15 successful “I drive a 2011 Lincoln SUV. My dream car is a Lamborghini.” ★ defenses. Hernandez, a superb boxer, held a junior lightweight title FOOD: “Cuban.” ★ TATTOOS: “No for most of the 1990s and had 11 successful defenses. His only two tattoos.” ★ ATHLETE OUTSIDE BOXING: “LeBron James.” ★ losses came against (when Hernandez entered with MOVIE: “‘Scarface.’” ★ VIDEO GAME: “‘Call of Duty.’” a broken nose) and Floyd Mayweather Jr. He beat , a far better f ghter than anyone Hamed defeated. Bowe entered in part — Anson Wainwright because he beat Evander Holyf eld in two out of three memorable f ghts. Moorer is a three-time heavyweight titleholder who also beat Holyf eld, splitting two f ghts with him. Plus, Moorer was a terror at light heavyweight. He knocked out all 22 of his opponents at 175 RING POLL 7.52 pounds and held a title for two-plus years. I don’t believe Hernandez for knocking out and Moorer are prefect candidates either but I hope they at least A MONTHLY POLL receive consideration next year. OF OUR RINGTV.COM 7.14 for READERS stopping WORSE The loss of anyone in the boxing family Who had the best 3.94 for is always painful. And so it was when former heavyweight contender single performance dominating Ernie Terrell died on Dec. 16 at 75 years old. Terrell is remembered for Devon Alexander the beating he took from Muhammad Ali in 1967, the famous f ght of 2014? That’s the question we asked. Here 3.92 for in which Ali repeatedly yelled, “What’s my name?” because Terrell scoring a one-punch KO insisted upon calling him Cassius Clay. Terrell’s legacy is richer than is how you responded. of that, though. He was an imposing 6 feet 6 inches. And he could f ght; he held a major title for a short time and some believed he’d give Ali THE PERCENTAGES: 1.44 for trouble. He was 39-4 (18 knockouts) in an era rich in heavyweight outclassing Gary Russell Jr. talent going into that f ght and f nished his career 46-9 (21 KOs). He 37.78 for 1.20 for had beaten such solid opponents as Doug Jones, George Chuvalo, blowing out Daniel Geale winning a major title in Eddie Machen, , Zora Folley and Williams 24.26 Manny Pacquiao for his sixth pro bout leading up to the Ali Fight, although he was never the same post-Ali. outpointing Tim Bradley 0.21 Amnat Ruenroeng And he had other talents. His sister Jean Terrell replaced Diana Ross for upsetting Kazuto Ioka as the lead singer of The Supremes but her boxing brother could 12.59 Sergey Kovalev in Japan also carry a tune. Go to YouTube and type in “Ernie Terrell’s musical for shutting out taunting of Ali.” Alas, Terrell was a key f gure in a wonderful era of Bernard Hopkins Note: 19,908 readers voted

MARQUEZ: JOHN GURZINSKI MARQUEZ: . Rest in peace, champ.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 15 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES BEST I FACED By Anson Wainwright WINKY WRIGHT

Winky Wright was a puzzle few as an ex-pat in Europe as he evolved help, although it was clear at this wanted to tackle when he was in into an elite f ghter. point that Wright was a gifted boxer. his prime. He lost to then-WBA junior Wright truly blossomed after the Wright, whose given name is middleweight beltholder Julio Cesar Vargas loss. He went undefeated Ronald, fought left-handed, was a Vasquez in his f rst title shot. Two in 13 f ghts (12-0-1) in the next boxing wizard and very tough. He years later, he took Bronco McKart’s seven years, beating the likes was never stopped in a career that WBO 154-pound title in Monroe, of (twice), Felix started in 1990 and ended with a , but still failed to resonate Trinidad and and loss to in 2012. in his native country. settling for a disputed draw against The Floridian had humble Two more setbacks – close a prime for Taylor’s beginnings, though. Failing to decisions against in 160-pound titles. attract interest from big-time U.S. 1998 (in which Wright lost his belt) During that period, he reigned promoters, Wright signed with a and the following again as a 154-pound titleholder, French promoter and boxed largely year (for Vargas’ IBF title) didn’t including a 20-month stint as

16 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 INSET: ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES FOR MJCI; JED JACOBSOHN/GETTY IMAGES me. MaybeIwish the Tito fght time wherenobody wantedtofght THE RING. “There was apointin often andgotbetterfghts,” hetold logical opponentsintothering. all-around talents. quality opponentslookbadwithhis At theveryleast, hewouldmake appeared tobealmostunbeatable. so slickandexperienced, RING champion. “I wishIcouldhavefoughtmore Thus, hehaddiffcultyluring some It gottothepointwhere Wright, twice butrespects him. beat ShaneMosley Winky Wright (right) Florida. Hesaysheregularlyplays hometown ofSt. Petersburg, and fourchildreninhisadopted record of51-6-1(25knockouts). called itquits. Hefnishedwitha fght whenhewas40, andthen returned oncemore, fortheQuillin decision toPaul Williams. He in 2009, onlytoloseaone-sided Bernard Hopkinsbutreturned the sportin2007afterlosingto never came.” I lostto. Let’s gofighthim.’ Butit ‘This isthedudethatbeatguys dudes. Ifiguredmaybehe’dthink, and Tito andIbeatthosetwo only peoplehe’dlosttowereShane The GoldenBoyatatimewhenthe money,” hesaid, “it wastobeat never fought “The GoldenBoy.” said, wasOscarDeLaHoya. He draw? Ibeathimup.” fght. Howcouldtheymakeita They didn’t wantmetowinthat said. “I foughtthatfghtperfectly. different againstJermain Taylor,” he second division. become aunifedtitleholderin he shouldhave–would the decision–andmanybelieve still irkshim. Hadhebeenawarded would havebeenalittleearlier.” The onlydifference isIknowhow defense. Hehad adefenselikemine. Ike Quartey: BEST DEFENSE quick. Itwasmystylethatbeathim. best boxer. Hewas strongand Shane Mosley: BEST SKILLS categories. about thebesthefacedin10key play onapro-amtour. Trinidad –andhopestooneday golf –sometimeswithformerrival Wright spokewith THE RING Today heliveswithhiswife Wright frstwalkedawayfrom “It wasmorethanjustthe The onethatgotaway, Wright “I wouldn’t havedoneanything The mentionofthe Taylor fght Hehadagood Hewasthe was moreofaquickknockdown. and hurtwhereIcouldn’t fnish. It dazed me. LuckilyInevergothit knockdowns butnobodyreally get hitwiththis. Ihadafewfash you couldfeelit;don’t wantto to say Tito. Hedidn’t catchmebut Felix Trinidad: BEST PUNCHER fight hisgame. out ofyourgameandmakeyou what youuse. He’dtrytotakeyou very cagey. Hetries totakeaway Bernard Hopkins: SMARTEST to getthroughitandaroundit. twice. best fightersout thereatthattime top ofhisgame. Ibeatoneof the He beatDeLaHoya. Hewas atthe was fast, strong, coming offwins. have tosayShane. At thattime he at thetimeIfoughthim, Iwould Mosley: BEST OVERALL time going12rounds. He wasabigguy. Itwasmyfrst muscle-bound strong, juststrong. Julio CesarVasquez: STRONGEST He wasonethatmovedalot. who hadgoodfeet?RobertFrazier. Robert Frazier: FASTEST FEET fast. Hewasinhisprime, too. was aquickpuncher;hevery never foughtanyonelikethat. He Mosley: FASTEST HANDS to trygetinside. he keptmeatadistanceandIhad : BEST chin. Ihitthatdudewitheverything. : BEST CHIN IgottosayMosley. I This isatoughonebut, 4.15 He’s gotagood Hewassolong Iwouldhave / RINGTV.COM You know He’s Not 17 READY TO GRUMBLE By David Greisman KHAN HAS MADE HIS CASE Khan a little more when he speaks of AFTER TWO the trouble he might be able to give IMPRESSIVE Mayweather. It’s not the greatest case for a Mayweather fght but it seems VICTORIES, THE like such a high standard only applies BRITON IS A GOOD when Mayweather gives reasons not to face someone. Victor Ortiz got a CONSOLATION shot at Mayweather after topping OPPONENT FOR . So did Robert Guerrero. Maidana had merely bested Adrien MAYWEATHER Broner, whose sole big win was a split decision over . The public is again clamoring for Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Khan is a harder sell, especially after t doesn’t matter fve years of pay-per-views featuring how much Amir Mayweather and Pacquiao against I Khan talks or seemingly everyone except their what Khan rival superstar. Khan’s no longer does. He isn’t seen as second-rate but there’s no the preferred consolation in being second-best. It’s opponent for Floyd Mayweather Jr. not fair, but unless it’s Mayweather- He wasn’t the best option a year Pacquiao, boxing fans would see a ago when he’d done absolutely Khan fght as being a big serving of nothing at welterweight and had No. 2. done little of note since his back-to- back losses to Lamont Peterson and H Danny Garcia. All his victory over Julio Diaz showed in April 2013 Similarly, boxing fans should was that Khan was still chinny and revolt if Pacquiao goes on to face was still fawed enough that a faded because such a matchup former lightweight like Diaz could at this point is, well, revolting. rock him and drop him. That’s an admittedly harsh And yet Khan still motor- conclusion to make about Pacquiao mouthed about why he deserved facing an undefeated contender at Mayweather, a desire that kept him 140 pounds who’s coming off his from making a bout later in 2013 best performance yet, a decision over with Devon Alexander, a fght that Antonio DeMarco. But the Pacquiao might’ve actually provided more “face whoever’s left who’s not with reason for Mayweather to fght rehabilitation tour” him. Instead, Khan was one of two needs to end. names Mayweather put forth in a It’s been two years now since poll. Khan won the poll but not the Pacquiao’s back-to-back losses — the ED MULHOLLAND/GOLDEN BOY/GOLDEN BOY VIA GETTY IMAGES grand prize. Mayweather picked highly controversial split-decision , then fought him defeat against Tim Bradley and the again in a rematch. one-punch knockout at the right Khan still is not the No. 1 option hand of Juan Manuel Marquez. but this time that’s not his fault. He There’s only been one loss combined made his case with wins last year among the three men Pacquiao’s over Luis Collazo and a dominant beaten since: Brandon Rios, Bradley decision over Alexander. He looks in a rematch and Chris Algieri, all comfortable at 147 pounds, sturdier by unanimous decision. Bradley was with the additional weight yet the only world-class opponent of the Amir Khan was justifably proud of himself after retaining the speed and skills that bunch, though, and even he has only beating Devon Alexander. have served him well. We now believe looked great of late in his close win

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 19 READY TO GRUMBLE

defeat against Vasyl Lomachenko, made Russell said he wanted a rematch the most of his and that he’d beat Lomachenko 99 opportunity against out of 100 times. . It’d be a lot easier to believe Russell if he’d gotten one of those 99 wins frst.

H

Andy Lee did what Peter Quillin should’ve – knock out Matt Korobov – for less money than Quillin would’ve received. Lee now has the world title that Quillin gave up. And Quillin has … what? We’re still waiting to see if there’s something bigger and better in the offng for Quillin or whether “Kid Chocolate” was merely kidding himself.

H

HBO hasn’t renewed the contract of Steve Weisfeld, its unoffcial judge on “” broadcasts. He plans on being a licensed judge again. This is good news on two fronts: Weisfeld just wasn’t very good in his televised role but he earned a very good reputation in his time as an offcial scorer. Boxing suffered twice when it lost a highly competent judge and in turn had the beloved Harold Lederman’s gigs cut in half. Weisfeld’s departure, then, is a win-win scenario. And it over Marquez in 2013. dropping and why Pacquiao fought is the best on-air personnel decision The Algieri fght was marketed as a foes such as Rios and Algieri in that HBO has made since it parted LEE: DAVID BECKER/GETTY IMAGES; KHAN: A MAJEED/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; potential upset but it was a mismatch, Macau, China, where the gambling ways with former heavyweight an example of what happens when a and broadcast revenues could make champion , who boxer like Algieri faces a brawler like up for lower buy rates due to lesser stumbled and struggled as an analyst. (taking a very name recognition. Weisfeld and Lewis proved that close decision) and what happens It’s past time for Mayweather, just because they were great at their when he steps way, way, way up Pacquiao and all involved to swallow old jobs didn’t mean they would be against a pound-for-pound superstar their pride. They’ll end up more good at talking about the sport. And like Pacquiao. highly compensated for doing so perhaps the opposite is true. Perhaps Granted, many of the biggest than they would otherwise. we can cure boxing of its glut of names at 140 and 147 are with highly questionable scorecards by Haymon, with whom Pacquiao H having all of the networks hire away promoter Bob Arum does not work. all of the bad judges. But there’s a reason why Pacquiao’s Six months after Gary C.J. Ross may still have a future in pay-per-view numbers have been Russell Jr. suffered his frst pro the business after all.

20 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 OUTSIDE THE ROPES By Brian Harty

Mike Alvarado was arrested on Jan. Former British junior middleweight 3 in Denver after police pulled over FASHION titleholder Anthony Small, who the Hummer he was riding in and graced YouTube last September in a allegedly caught him with a gun, which FORWARD video justifying the beheading of “Mr. he cannot legally possess because Infdel” (aka American journalist he’s a convicted felon. Alvarado was James Foley) by Islamic released on bail and his manager ere is the story State (IS) jihadists, was said at that time the arrest wouldn’t Hof how a arrested in December affect the scheduled rubbermatch with loincloth on suspicion of trying Brandon Rios on Jan. 24. became a school. to smuggle two men Amir Khan wore out of the country British lightweight contender Anthony some fancy trunks so they could join IS British lightweight contender Anthony when he faced fghters in Syria. Crolla chased down two burglars he Devon Alexander on witnessed exiting his neighbor’s home Dec. 13 in . Fritz Sdunek, former but was seriously injured when one The waistband alone, trainer of Vitali and of the robbers hit him over the head woven with 24-carat gold as with a concrete brick. Crolla suffered thread, was valued at over $22,000. well as and many a fractured skull and his ankle was The rest was worth another $25,000 – others in Germany, died of a heart broken in two places. His Jan. 23 tiger-print silk lining the softened skin attack at 67 on Dec. 23. “He always fght against WBA titleholder Richar of a lamb. The designer called them supported us and was the coach that Abril was called off. The former British “possibly the most expensive shorts made us world champions – we will champion is expected to fully recover. ever made.” Excess available only to forever be grateful,” said a statement the world famous. from the Klitschko brothers. Two The trial to determine Three days after that fght, terrorists weeks before Sdunek’s death, who holds the entered a school in Peshawar, Wladimir’s fancee, actress Hayden contract for Pakistan, and killed more than 140 Panittiere, gave birth to a girl the services people, including 132 children. Khan, named Kaya. of Canelo who was born in England but keeps Alvarez, close ties to the Pakistani community In early December Floyd Golden Boy to honor his family roots, was soon on Mayweather Jr. was video- Promotions or the scene. Under heavy military chatting on FaceTime All Star Boxing, escort, he met with victims with his friend, former was rescheduled for of the massacre and their Philthy Rich Records June due to a change families, encouraging rapper Earl Hayes, in the All Star legal team. them to resist fear and who was reportedly return to school. in a fury over Peter Quillin will play Roger One victim Khan trouble with his Mayweather in an upcoming visited was an eighth- wife, Stephanie movie called “Bleed for This,” which grader named Junaid Moseley. As the details the life of former titleholder who was in the hospital chat session continued Vinny Pazienza. Was this the big after being shot in the legs. and Mayweather tried to opportunity for which Quillin passed The boxer reportedly asked the boy calm him, Hayes allegedly went up a career-high payday against about his future plans. Junaid said that into the bathroom where Moseley Matt Korobov? he’d like to “become a man like Khan was taking a bath and shot her who has fame all over the world.” several times before killing himself. Actor Mickey Rourke, 62, went the Khan then visited the ruined school The Los Angeles Police Department other direction, making his boxing itself and donated his trunks to help interviewed Mayweather but wouldn’t “comeback” with a second-round rebuild it. It wasn’t a dent in his bank say how much he’d seen. Mayweather stoppage of 29-year-old homeless balance, as the shorts had already confrmed that he’d heard everything. man Elliot Seymour on Nov. 29 in been earmarked for a charity of some He later paid for Hayes’ funeral costs. Moscow. Seymour initially denied a fx sort, but it was a potent reminder that No word on whether he did the same but later claimed he’d been promised celebrity is much more than the power for Moseley. $15,000 to take a dive and make to buy shiny things. Rourke look good. Mission failed.

10.144.15 / RINGTV.COM 21 PERFECT EXECUTION Boxing Lessons From Bernard Hopkins

‘IT’S NEVER GOOD TO THROW ONE PUNCH AT A TIME’

Good boxing demands good technique. A missed step here, an off-balance shot there, and you could be looking up from the canvas. The sport is as much about foot positioning as it is . It’s a ballet of fsts and feet, of the whole body functioning as one. To achieve that, one must master the fundamentals. COMBINATION PUNCHING

Perhaps no one today has a better understanding of the basics than future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, which is why he plays the leading role in “Perfect Execution.” Each month in THE RING Magazine, Hopkins demonstrates a particular skill and explains how to execute it. Photographs help you understand the moves. Our website, RingTV.com, also features an accompanying video that allows you to watch and listen as Hopkins imparts his wisdom. The month: Combination punching. »

VIDEO Bernard Hopkins’ popular how-to series on boxing fundamentals appears each month in THE RING. The feature includes a video component. To watch and listen to Hopkins giving instruction, just scan the QR code at left or go to http://bit.ly/ Bernard Hopkins said combination-punching. combination punching keeps your opponent ED MULHOLLAND guessing. “It’s never good to throw one punch at a time. It’s lazy, it builds your opponent’s conf dence and it gets you in trouble because your opponent doesn’t fear anything you can throw will stop him. The purpose of combination punching is to always keep your opponent guessing. He can’t know where the next punch is coming from. That’s why, when f ghters reach a more advanced stage, they learn to throw punches in combination. It’s Stage good to start slowly 1A. with the basics. Jab, right hand. Jab, right hand, left hook. Jab, right hand, left hook,

Stage right hand. And so on. 1B. If you throw accurate combinations, your opponent won’t know what area to defend himself.”

Stage 1. Everything starts with the basic jab and a right hand. You need to establish yourself with that. It’s your basic one-two. It’s what every kid who f rst puts on a pair of boxing gloves is taught. You’re getting your opponent’s attention with the jab A ; keeping him on his toes. While he’s focused on one area of where you’ll throw a punch, then you shoot the right hand B . It’s the foundation of combinations to come.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 23 24 PERFECT EXECUTION RINGTV.COM / 4.15 2A. Stage and Iaddalittle spicewiththerightuppercut then comeright backuptopwiththeleft hook punch. I followthejabwithrighthand while Ithrowit. Everypunchsetsupthenext It’s highandcoversmyhead anddefendsme I throwthejab–andnotice thewayIthrowit: Stage 3. and thenIgouptopwiththelefthook. to bethesameone-two. SoIgojab, righthand, He maythinkhehasmeagain, feelingit’s going defending thejabandIcrosshimupwitharight. top andusealefthook jab jab-right handcombination. Sowe’regoingtogo Stage 2. 2C. 2B. Stage Stage A , righthand HereI’mgettingalittlemore advanced. This iswhereyoustarttobuildoffthe B , andthenI’mgoingtogoup C . SoIhavemyopponent B , A D C .

ED MULHOLLAND Stage Stage 3A. 3B.

Stage Stage 3D. 3C. RATINGS PACKAGE THROUGH FIGHTS OF JAN. 4, 2015 FIGHTER OF THE MONTH | RATINGS ANALYSIS | | THE RING RATINGS

FIGHTER OF THE MONTH AMIR KHAN By Michael Rosenthal POUND FOR POUND: Tim Bradley (No. 5 with a fourth-round knockout of Javier Prieto last month) fought to a draw against Diego (unrated) and advanced to No. 7. Amir Khan has fooled a lot Chaves (unrated), which triggered a shuffe. JUNIOR : Costa Rican Bradley fell to No. 7 and Juan Manuel veteran Bryan Vasquez (unrated) entered of people. Marquez dropped from No. 6 to No. 8. Roman at No. 5 after stopping No. 7-rated Sergio Less than two years ago, the Gonzalez and gained Thompson, who was dropped from the talented but seemingly fragile two spots apiece, ending up at Nos. 5 and 6, ratings. Roman Martinez (No. 5 last month) Englishman seemed to be respectively. stopped unrated Herbert Quartey fnished as an elite fghter after HEAVYWEIGHTS: (No. 4 last but was moved to No. 7 for his recent he was knocked out by Danny month) rose to No. 3 after forcing Dereck inactivity. Garcia and then struggled Chisora (unrated) to quit after 10 rounds. : Evgeny Gradovich held against Julio Diaz. Today, he CRUISERWEIGHTS: No change. his position at No. 5 and Puerto Rican Jayson appears to be better than ever. LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS: Velez entered at No. 10 (replacing Marvin Khan (30-3, 19 knockouts) (No. 5 last month) was removed after fghting Sonsona) after they fought to a draw. demonstrated that by outclassing as a cruiserweight. Everyone from No. 6 JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS: Kiko Martinez Devon Alexander en route to a Eleider Alvarez to No. 10 (No. 4 last month) was removed after he unanimous-decision victory Dec. moved up a notch and Russian upstart Artur decided to fght at 118 pounds. Everyone 13 in Las Vegas. He was too Beterbiev became the new No. 10. from No. 5 Jeffrey Mathebula down to No. 10 fast and too good for Alexander, SUPER : No change. Shingo Wake moved up one spot and the void using his long jab and quick, at No. 10 was flled by undefeated Mexican MIDDLEWEIGHTS: hard combinations to dominate England’s Billy Joe Rey Vargas. Mathebula was then removed the three-time titleholder. Saunders replaced at for inactivity, there was another upward slide No. 10 after scoring a split decision over then- Alexander landed good shots and undefeated Filipino Albert Pagara came undefeated Jr. (unrated). Irish in at No. 10. here and there but grew more scrapper Andy Lee (unrated) replaced Matt and more frustrated as the fght Korobov at No. 7 after scoring a come-from- : No. 7 Joseph Agbeko went on because he couldn’t behind knockout to win a world title. Saunders was removed after a year of inactivity, solve the punishing riddle Khan rose to No. 9 and Jacobs returned after Sam which pulled Nos. 8-10 up a notch and left presented. To put it simply, Soliman (No. 9 last month) was removed. the bottom spot open for Japan’s Ryosuke Iwasa. Iwasa was then ousted by Martinez’s Alexander was overwhelmed. JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS: downward move from 122 pounds. It might’ve been the best held his No. 2 spot after easily outpointing performance in the nine-plus- Ishe Smith (No. 7 at the time), who dropped JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS: Naoya Inoue year career of Khan, who off the list. Undefeated Philadelphian Julian (No. 4 junior fyweight last month) jumped up was coming off an impressive Williams entered at No. 10. two divisions and routed No. 1 Omar Narvaez in two rounds to win a second world title in decision over cagey Luis Collazo : Bradley’s draw with just his eighth pro fght. Inoue took the No. 1 in his previous fght, and Chaves, along with an impressive trouncing spot and Narvaez dropped to No. 4, pushing of former titleholder Devon Alexander by convincing evidence that he and Zolani Tete to No. 5. Juan Carlos Sanchez Amir Khan, prompted some movement. Khan trainer Virgil Hunter have found (No. 5 last month) was removed for inactivity (No. 9 last month) rose to No. 3, Bradley a groove. so Nos. 6-10 held their positions. (No. 2 last month) and (No. 4 last Talk afterward turned month) swapped positions, Marquez (No. 3 : Johnriel Casimero to the possibility of Khan last month) fell to No. 5 and Chaves replaced relinquished his No. 1 spot in the 108-pound fghting Floyd Mayweather Jr., Alexander at No. 10. ratings after a second-round knockout of particularly if a Mayweather- fyweight Armando Santos (unrated) and JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS: Two shy of Manny Pacquiao showdown replaced Nawaphon Por Chokchai at No. 10. 200 weeks on the list, Zab Judah (No. 8 couldn’t be made. And the last month) was removed for inactivity. His JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS: With Casimero’s growing sentiment is that exit created a space at No. 10 for Puerto departure, everyone on the list moved up Khan has the tools – speed, Rico’s Thomas Dulorme, who was coming one rung and Japan’s Ryoichi Taguchi was skill, experience – to make life off a split-decision win over Henry Lundy brought in at No. 10. Pedro Guevara (No. 6 diffcult for the No. 1 fghter in (unrated). last month) won the vacant WBC title with a seventh-round KO of Akira Yaegashi (No. 2 the world. LIGHTWEIGHTS: Terence Crawford That shows you how far Khan (No. 1 last month) won the vacant RING last month). Yaegashi dropped to No. 4 while has come since the Garcia fght. championship with a dominting decision Guevara rose to No. 1. Inoue’s move up to 115 made room for Mexican Raul Garcia A shot at Mayweather? A chance over Raymundo Beltran (No. 2) in Nebraska. to join the list at the bottom. Then, on New to win? You just never know Crawford’s ascendance pulled everyone up Year’s Eve, Taguchi won a world title with a how things will play out. and left room at No. 10 for Dierry Jean to ED MULHOLLAND return. Beltran stayed put at No. 2, which unanimous decision over Alberto Rossel (No. means Omar Figueroa (No. 3 last month) 9 last month) and jumped to No. 7. Rossel fell to No. 10. Amir Khan had a surprisingly easy jumped over him into No. 1. time against Devon Alexander. (No. 9 last month) picked up a world title STRAWWEIGHTS: No change.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 27 THROUGH FIGHTS OF JAN. 4, 2015 FOR WEEKLY UPDATED RING RATINGS, GO TO RINGTV.COM

Tyson Fury (right) proved he was better than Dereck Chisora by beating him a second time on Nov. 29.

THE FIGURES UNDER THE FIGHTERS’ NAMES INDICATE: WEEKS IN THE RATINGS • COUNTRY • RECORD

HEAVYWEIGHTS CRUISERWEIGHTS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS WEIGHT UNLIMITED WEIGHT LIMIT: 200 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 175 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 168 LBS

C WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO C YOAN PABLO HERNANDEZ C ADONIS STEVENSON C ANDRE WARD 503 • Ukraine • 63-3-0 (53 KOs) 171 • Cuba • 29-1-0 (14 KOs) 83 • Canada • 25-1-0 (21 KOs) 296 • U.S. • 27-0-0 (14 KOs) 1. 1. 1. SERGEY KOVALEV 1. CARL FROCH 377 • • 28-1-0 (20 KOs) 148 • Germany • 38-2-1 (26 KOs) 103 • Russia • 26-0-1 (23 KOs) 449 • U.K. • 33-2-0 (24 KOs) 2. 2. GRIGORY DROZD 2. BERNARD HOPKINS 2. 89 • Canada • 24-1-1 (21 KOs) 66 • Russia • 39-1-0 (27 KOs) 449 • U.S. • 55-7-2 (32 KOs) 274 • Armenia • 41-4-0 (28 KOs) 3. TYSON FURY 3. DENIS LEBEDEV 3. JEAN PASCAL 3. GEORGE GROVES 151 • U.K. • 23-0-0 (17 KOs) 258 • Russia • 26-2-0 (20 KOs) 78 • Canada • 29-2-1 (17 KOs) 161 • U.K. • 21-2-0 (16 KOs) 4. 4. KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK 4. JUERGEN BRAEHMER 4. JAMES DEGALE 169 • Bulgaria • 20-1-0 (11 KOs) 500 • Poland • 49-3-1 (35 KOs) 132 • Germany • 45-2-0 (33 KOs) 83 • U.K. • 20-1-0 (14 KOs) 5. BRYANT JENNINGS 5. OLA AFOLABI 5. ELEIDER ALVAREZ 5. 42 • U.S. • 19-0-0 (10 KOs) 305 • U.K. • 21-3-4 (10 KOs) 43 • Colombia • 16-0-0 (9 KOs) 282 • Russia • 47-4-1 (27 KOs) 6. 6. FIRAT ARSLAN 6. 6. ANTHONY DIRRELL 59 • U.S. • 32-0-0 (32 KOs) 114 • Germany • 34-8-2 (21 KOs) 141 • Malawi • 23-2-2 (10 KOs) 21 • U.S. • 27-0-1 (22 KOs) 7. 7. ILUNGA MAKABU 7. 7. GILBERTO RAMIREZ

43 • Ukraine • 19-0-1 (12 KOs) 78 • Congo • 18-1-0 (17 KOs) 34 • Poland • 26-3-0 (15 KOs) 25 • Mexico • 30-0-0 (24 KOs) JULIAN FINNEY/GETTY IMAGES 8. MIKE PEREZ 8. THABISO MCHUNU 8. 8. 31 • Cuba • 20-1-1 (12 KOs) 64 • S. Africa • 17-1-0 (11 KOs) 15 • • 36-3-0 (22 KOs) 19 • U.S. • 24-1-0 (16 KOs) 9. 9. YOURI KALENGA 9. GABRIEL CAMPILLO 9. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. 70 • U.S. • 35-4-0 (31 KOs) 29 • Congo • 21-1-0 (14 KOs) 14 • Spain • 25-6-1 (12 KOs) 12 • Mexico • 48-1-1 (32 KOs) 10. RUSLAN CHAGAEV 10. RAKHIM CHAKHKIEV 10. 10. FELIX STURM 9 • Uzbek. • 33-2-1 (20 KOs) 24 • Russia • 21-1-0 (16 KOs) 4 • Russia • 7-0-0 (7 KOs) 9 • Germany • 39-4-3 (18 KOs)

28 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 MIDDLEWEIGHTS JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS WELTERWEIGHTS JR. WELTERWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 160 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 154 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 147 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 140 LBS

C C FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. C FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. C DANNY GARCIA 31 • P.R. • 39-4-0 (32 KOs) 140 • U.S. • 47-0-0 (26 KOs) 173 • U.S. • 47-0-0 (26 KOs) 196 • U.S. • 29-0-0 (17 KOs) 1. GENNADY GOLOVKIN 1. CANELO ALVAREZ 1. MANNY PACQUIAO 1. LUCAS MATTHYSSE 161 • Kaz. • 31-0-0 (28 KOs) 217 • Mexico • 44-1-1 (31 KOs) 270 • Phil. • 57-5-2 (38 KOs) 196 • Argentina • 36-3-0 (34 KOs) 2. PETER QUILLIN 2. ERISLANDY LARA 2. KELL BROOK 2. LAMONT PETERSON 136 • U.S. • 31-0-0 (22 KOs) 184 • Cuba • 20-2-2 (12 KOs) 194 • U.K. • 33-0-0 (22 KOs) 98 • U.S. • 33-2-1 (17 KOs) 3. SERGIO MARTINEZ 3. AUSTIN TROUT 3. AMIR KHAN 3. CHRIS ALGIERI 248 • Argentina • 51-3-2 (28 KOs) 136 • U.S. • 28-2-0 (15 KOs) 36 • U.K. • 30-3-0 (19 KOs) 30 • U.S. • 20-1-0 (8 KOs) 4. DANIEL GEALE 4. DEMETRIUS ANDRADE 4. TIM BRADLEY 4. RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV 291 • • 31-3-0 (16 KOs) 91 • U.S. • 21-0-0 (14 KOs) 135 • U.S. • 31-1-1 (12 KOs) 109 • Russia • 24-3-0 (17 KOs) 5. HASSAN N’DAM 5. 5. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ 5. MIKE ALVARADO 51 • Cameroon • 31-1-0 (18 KOs) 266 • U.S. • 35-1-1 (21 KOs) 109 • Mexico • 56-7-1 (40 KOs) 175 • U.S. • 34-3-0 (23 KOs) 6. MARTIN MURRAY 6. JERMELL CHARLO 6. SHAWN PORTER 6. 162 • U.K. • 29-1-1 (12 KOs) 61 • U.S. • 25-0-0 (11 KOs) 57 • U.S. • 24-1-1 (15 KOs) 36 • U.S. • 29-1-0 (22 KOs) 7. ANDY LEE 7. 7. 7. JESSIE VARGAS 4 • Ireland • 34-2-0 (24 KOs) 30 • U.S. • 20-0-0 (16 KOs) 96 • U.S. • 23-0-0 (21 KOs) 39 • U.S. • 26-0-0 (9 KOs) 8. JERMAIN TAYLOR 8. CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE 8. ROBERT GUERRERO 8. VIKTOR POSTOL 13 • U.S. • 33-4-1 (20 KOs) 13 • U.S. • 34-5-0 (19 KOs) 128 • U.S. • 32-2-1 (18 KOs) 73 • Ukraine • 26-0-0 (11 KOs) 9. 9. CARLOS MOLINA 9. MARCOS MAIDANA 9. KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV 6 • U.K. • 21-0-0 (11 KOs) 184 • Mexico • 22-6-2 (6 KOs) 56 • Argentina • 35-5-0 (31 KOs) 132 • Russia • 19-1-0 (9 KOs) 10. DANIEL JACOBS 10. JULIAN WILLIAMS 10. DIEGO CHAVES 10. THOMAS DULORME 4 • U.S. • 28-1-0 (25 KOs) 4 • U.S. • 18-0-1 (11 KOs) 4 • Argentina • 23-2-1 (19 KOs) 5 • P.R. • 22-1-0 (19 KOs)

LIGHTWEIGHTS JR. LIGHTWEIGHTS FEATHERWEIGHTS JR. FEATHERWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 135 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 130 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 126 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 122 LBS

C TERENCE CRAWFORD C (VACANT) C (VACANT) C GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX 80 • U.S. • 25-0-0 (17 KOs) 218 • Cuba • 15-0-0 (10 KOs) 1. TAKASHI UCHIYAMA 1. JHONNY GONZALEZ 1. OMAR FIGUEROA 262 • Japan • 22-0-1 (18 KOs) 197 • Mexico • 57-8-0 (48 KOs) 1. 52 • U.S. • 24-0-1 (18 KOs) 120 • U.K. • 19-0-0 (13 KOs) 2. RANCES BARTHELEMY 2. NICHOLAS WALTERS 2. RAYMUNDO BELTRAN 53 • Cuba • 21-0-0 (12 KOs) 109 • • 25-0-0 (21 KOs) 2. LEO SANTA CRUZ 128 • Mexico • 29-7-1 (17 KOs) 88 • U.S. • 28-0-1 (16 KOs) 3. TAKASHI MIURA 3. ABNER MARES 3. 92 • Japan • 28-2-2 (21 KOs) 88 • Mexico • 28-1-1 (15 KOs) 3. 16 • Cuba • 19-3-1 (8 KOs) 111 • U.K. • 30-0-2 (22 KOs) 4. JUAN CARLOS BURGOS 4. VASYL LOMACHENKO 4. MICKEY BEY 165 • Mexico • 30-2-2 (20 KOs) 36 • Ukraine • 3-1-0 (1 KO)* 4. GENESIS SERVANIA 17 • U.S. • 21-1-1 (10 KOs) 43 • Phil. • 25-0-0 (11 KOs) 5. BRYAN VASQUEZ 5. EVGENY GRADOVICH 5. MIGUEL VAZQUEZ 4 • Costa Rica • 34-1-0 (18 KOs) 97 • Russia • 19-0-1 (9 KOs) 5. CHRIS AVALOS 231 • Mexico • 34-4-0 (13 KOs) 32 • U.S. • 25-2-0 (19 KOs) 6. DIEGO MAGDALENO 6. NONITO DONAIRE 6. JUAN DIAZ 189 • U.S. • 27-1-0 (11 KOs) 54 • Phil. • 33-3-0 (21 KOs) 6. 49 • U.S. • 40-4-0 (19 KOs) 21 • U.K. • 18-0-0 (9 KOs) 7. ROMAN MARTINEZ 7. SIMPIWE VETYEKA 7. JORGE LINARES 331 • P.R. • 28-2-2 (17 KOs) 57 • S. Africa • 27-3-0 (16 KOs) 7. ANDRES GUTIERREZ 44 • Venezuela • 38-3-0 (25 KOs) 16 • Mexico • 31-0-1 (22 KOs) 8. FRANCISCO VARGAS 8. LEE SELBY 8. DANIEL ESTRADA 26 • Mexico • 21-0-1 (15 KOs) 43 • U.K. • 20-1-0 (8 KOs) 8. SHINGO WAKE 107 • Mexico • 32-3-1 (24 KOs) 7 • Japan • 17-4-2 (10 KOs) 9. 9. JESUS CUELLAR 9. SHARIF BOGERE 16 • Mexico • 42-12 -2 (29 KOs) 7 • Argentina • 26-1-0 (20 KOs) 9. REY VARGAS 10 • Uganda • 26-1-0 (18 KOs) 4 • Mexico • 22-0-0 (19 KOs) 10. JAVIER FORTUNA 10. JAYSON VELEZ 10. DIERRY JEAN 10 • Dom. Rep. • 27-0-1 (20 KOs) 21 • P.R. • 22-0-1 (16 KOs) 10. ALBERT PAGARA 6 • Canada • 27-1-0 (19 KOs) 1 • Phil. • 22-0-0 (15 KOs)

HOW OUR RATINGS ARE COMPILED Championship vacancies can be f lled in the following two ways: 1. THE at his championship weight for 18 months (even if he f ghts at another RING’s Nos. 1 and 2 contenders f ght one another; 2. If the Nos. 1 and 2 weight); 5. The Champion does not schedule a f ght with a Top-5 contend- contenders chose not to f ght one another and either of them f ghts No. 3, er from any for two years; 6. The Champion retires. No. 4 or No. 5, the winner may be awarded THE RING belt if the Editorial THE RING Ratings Chairman Chuck Giampa considers input from the Board deems the contenders worthy. Ratings Panel of boxing journalists from around the world but has f nal A champion can lose his belt in six situations: 1. The Champion loses a say on all changes. That applies to both the pound-for-pound and divi- f ght in the weight class in which he is champion; 2. The Champion moves sional ratings. to another weight class; 3. The Champion does not schedule a f ght in any weight class for 18 months; 4. The Champion does not schedule a f ght Records provided by .com

* The record shown for Vasyl Lomachenko is the one listed by boxrec.com. However, Lomachenko was paid to participate in the six times during 2013, with a record of 6-0.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 29 BANTAMWEIGHTS JR. BANTAMWEIGHTS FLYWEIGHTS JR. FLYWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 118 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 115 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 112 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 108 LBS

C (VACANT) C (VACANT) C ROMAN GONZALEZ C DONNIE NIETES 61 • Nicaragua • 41-0-0 (35 KOs) 170 • Phil. • 34-1-4 (20 KOs) 1. 1. NAOYA INOUE 166 • Japan • 22-0-2 (16 KOs) 1 • Japan • 8-0-0 (7 KOs) 1. JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA 1. PEDRO GUEVARA 92 • Mexico • 31-2-0 (22 KOs) 93 • Mexico • 24-1-1 (16 KOs) 2. JUAN CARLOS PAYANO 2. 15 • Dom. Rep. • 16-0-0 (8 KOs) 139 • Mexico • 31-0-1 (25 KOs) 2. BRIAN VILORIA 2. MOISES FUENTES 183 • U.S. • 35-4-0 (21 KOs) 97 • Mexico • 20-2-1 (11 KOs) 3. ANSELMO MORENO 3. SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI 354 • Panama • 35-3-1 (12 KOs) 88 • Thailand • 31-4-1 (28 KOs) 3. EDGAR SOSA 3. ADRIAN HERNANDEZ 139 • Mexico • 51-8-0 (30 KOs) 194 • Mexico • 30-3-1 (19 KOs) 4. KOKI KAMEDA 4. OMAR NARVAEZ 212 • Japan • 33-1-0 (18 KOs) 244 • Argentina • 43-2-2 (23 KOs) 4. JUAN CARLOS REVECO 4. AKIRA YAEGASHI 171 • Argentina • 35-1-0 (19 KOs) 16 • Japan • 20-5-0 (10 KOs) 5. MALCOLM TUNACAO 5. ZOLANI TETE 207 • Phil. • 35-3-3 (20 KOs) 58 • S. Africa • 19-3-0 (16 KOs) 5. AMNAT RUENROENG 5. FELIX ALVARADO 35 • Thailand • 14-0-0 (5 KOs) 95 • Nicaragua • 19-2-0 (16 KOs) 6. HUGO RUIZ 6. ARTHUR VILLANUEVA 142 • Mexico • 35-2-0 (31 KOs) 90 • Phil. • 26-0-0 (14 KOs) 6. MORUTI MTHALANE 6. MELINDO 43 • S. Africa • 31-2-0 (20 KOs) 8 • Phil. • 32-1-0 (12 KOs) 7. TOMOKI KAMEDA 7. OLEYDONG SITHSAMERCHAI 75 • Japan • 31-0-0 (19 KOs) 119 • Thailand • 55-1-1 (21 KOs) 7. GIOVANI SEGURA 7. RYOICHI TAGUCHI 62 • Mexico • 32-4-1 (28 KOs) 4 • Japan • 21-2-1 (8 KOs) 8. JAMIE MCDONNELL 8. FELIPE ORUCUTA 88 • U.K. • 25-2-1 (12 KOs) 85 • Mexico • 29-3-0 (24 KOs) 8. MCWILLIAMS ARROYO 8. RANDY PETALCORIN 18 • P.R. • 15-2-0 (13 KOs) 35 • Phil. • 22-1-1 (17 KOs) 9. RANDY CABALLERO 9. MCJOE ARROYO 11 • U.S. • 22-0-0 (13 KOs) 30 • P.R. • 16-0-0 (8 KOs) 9. KAZUTO IOKA 9. RAUL GARCIA 16 • Japan • 16-1-0 (10 KOs) 1 • Mexico • 36-3-1 (22 KOs) 10. KIKO MARTINEZ 10. KOHEI KONO 4 • Spain • 32-5-0 (24 KOs) 36 • Japan • 30-8-1 (13 KOs) 10. JOHNRIEL CASIMERO 10. ALBERTO ROSSEL 4 • Phil. • 21-2-0 (13 KOs) 89 • Peru • 32-9-0 (13 KOs)

STRAWWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 105 LBS

C (VACANT) 1. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. 1. HEKKIE BUDLER 120 • S. Africa • 27-1-0 (9 KOs) 173 • U.S. • 47-0-0 (26 KOs) 2. KATSUNARI TAKAYAMA 2. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO Guillermo 93 • Japan • 28-7-0 (11 KOs) 231 • Ukraine • 63-3-0 (53 KOs) Rigondeaux (left) 3. KOSEI TANAKA stopped Hisashi 10 • Japan • 4-0-0 (2 KOs) 3. MANNY PACQUIAO Amagasa on Dec. 31. 580 • Phil. • 57-5-2 (38 KOs) 4. WANHENG MENAYOTHIN 186 • Thailand • 36-0-0 (12 KOs) 4. ANDRE WARD 5. KNOCKOUT CP FRESHMART 196 • U.S. • 27-0-0 (14 KOs) 14 • Thailand • 9-0-0 (5 KOs) 5. ROMAN GONZALEZ 6. CARLOS BUITRAGO 31 • Nicaragua • 41-0-0 (35 KOs) 117 • Nicaragua • 27-1-1 (16 KOs) 7. OSWALDO NOVOA 6. GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX 48 • Mexico • 14-5-1 (9 KOs) 72 • Cuba • 15-0-0 (10 KOs)

8. RYUJI HARA 7. TIM BRADLEY 71 • Japan • 18-1-0 (10 KOs) 226 • U.S. • 31-1-1 (12 KOs) 9. XIONG ZHAO ZHONG 8 • China • 24-6-1 (14 KOs) 8. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ 409 • Mexico • 56-7-1 (40 KOs) 10. DENVER CUELLO 8 • Phil. • 35-5-6 (23 KOs) 9. CARL FROCH 56 • U.K. • 33-2-0 (24 KOs)

10. CANELO ALVAREZ 88 • Mexico • 44-1-1 (31 KOs)

THE RING POLICY ON RATED BOXERS WHO TEST tests positive and he waives his right to have the “B” sample tested then the POSITIVE FOR PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS boxer shall immediately be removed from the ratings. A boxer whose “A” sample tested positive and is awaiting the results of his THE RING will remove from its ratings any rated boxer — including a cham- “B” sample will not be allowed to f ght for a championship or rise in the ratings. pion — if such boxer at some point undergoes drug testing (Olympic-style or A boxer who is removed because of a positive test will have the opportunity otherwise) and that boxer tests positive for a performance-enhancing drug. to earn his way back into the ratings after any suspension period is completed. In the event that a boxer has undergone testing in which the boxer pro- A boxer who is dropped also may be reinstated if the testing agency vides two samples (“A” and “B”) and the boxer’s “A” and subsequent “B” subsequently reverses its decision or a court of competent jurisdiction f nds samples test positive for a performance-enhancing drug or if his “A” sample that the test result was invalid. 31 JAPAN PHILIPPINES 2 - 4 RINGTV.COM RINGTV.COM RUSSIA / 5,174,871 4.15 UKRAINE 6,146,339 603,483 4,755,234 1,949,547 6,924,716 4,832,765 8,708,710 3,060,631 THAILAND 2,930,050 3,608,431 4,626,410 5 - 9 1,841,209 8,391,897 4,553,070 China, the world’s most populous the world’s China, ARGENTINA BULGARIA U.S. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CANADA IRELAND POLAND PUERTO RICO RICO PUERTO CUBA NICARAGUA JAMAICA ARMENIA PANAMA U.K. MEXICO RICA COSTA 12. 13. 14. 15. NOTE: has only one fghter in the ratings, country, fghter at one rated ratio giving it the worst per 1,355,692,576 citizens. POUND-FOR- POUND CHAMP Puerto Rico had been in a slump in terms but the fghters the past few years of rated of territory a resurgence has enjoyed U.S. THE RING Ratings. with six fghters in late, fghter for every one rated 603,483 That’s Fact Book World to CIA according citizens, Puerto Rico That makes population fgures. Here champ. pound-for-pound the runaway the nations with the highest number of are fghters per capita. rated 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. SPAIN CONGO 3 4 2 2 6 5 8 5 3 2 0 0 3 0 2 2 1 10 - 19 48 SOUTH AFRICA GERMANY PUERTO RICO PUERTO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DOMINICAN CUBA 7 6 9 9 4 6 3 6 8 9 8 8 8 11 11 11 10 134 ENG.-SPAN. WORLD ENG.-SPAN. 20 - 29 ARGENTINA MEXICO CANADA NICARAGUA Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is both junior Floyd Mayweather Jr., UNITED STATES 30 OR MORE JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS LIGHTWEIGHTS JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS FEATHERWEIGHTS JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS BANTAMWEIGHTS JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS FLYWEIGHTS JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS STRAWWEIGHTS TOTAL HEAVYWEIGHTS HEAVYWEIGHTS CRUISERWEIGHTS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS MIDDLEWEIGHTS JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS WELTERWEIGHTS Note: is counted middleweight and welterweight champion, twice for the purposes of this chart. DIVISION or Spanish as an offcial language. Here’s how how Here’s or Spanish as an offcial language. to the rest of those languages compare speakers of the world. ENGLISH-SPANISH ENGLISH-SPANISH WORLD VS. Boxing thrives most in countries that speak primarily English or Spanish. Of 182 rated English from countries that have 133 are fghters, 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 THROUGH FIGHTS OF JAN. 4, 2015 OF FIGHTS THROUGH

1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 7 26 14 14 11 10 38* Costa Rica (Bryan

Middleweight Andy Lee was Middleweight

Includes two ratings for Floyd Includes UZBEKISTAN UZBEKISTAN VENEZUELA PANAMA PANAMA PERU UGANDA KAZAKHSTAN KAZAKHSTAN MALAWI FRANCE IRELAND JAMAICA CHINA COLOMBIA RICA COSTA AUSTRALIA BULGARIA CAMEROON POLAND SPAIN NICARAGUA NICARAGUA CONGO REPUBLIC DOMINICAN CANADA CANADA GERMANY UKRAINE PUERTO RICO PUERTO THAILAND SOUTH AFRICA ARGENTINA CUBA UNITED KINGDOM PHILIPPINES RUSSIA UNITED STATES UNITED STATES MEXICO JAPAN originally listed as being from the U.K. originally listed as being from the U.K. That has been changed to Ireland. * (junior middleweight and Mayweather Jr. welterweight). Note: Countries out (from last month): ). Agbeko, Ghana (Joseph Countries in: junior lightweight). Vasquez,

FIGHTERS FIGHTERS BY COUNTRY RATED RATED

JIJI PRESS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES THROUGH FIGHTS OF JAN. 4, 2015

FOCUS ON …

HEAVYWEIGHTS THE RING staff members’ current A breakdown of THE RING Top 10 in one division each month, champions in the original eight plus a list of fghters on the cusp of breaking through. This weight classes. month: the heavyweights.

Wladimir Klitschko has ruled the heavyweight division for almost a decade.

Nicholas Walters

MICHAEL ROSENTHAL RING MAGAZINE EDITOR HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: ANDRE WARD MIDDLEWEIGHT: GENNADY GOLOVKIN WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. LIGHTWEIGHT: TERENCE CRAWFORD FEATHERWEIGHT: GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX BANTAMWEIGHT: SHINSUKE YAMANAKA : ROMAN GONZALEZ

DOUG FISCHER RINGTV.COM EDITOR HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: SERGEY KOVALEV MIDDLEWEIGHT: GENNADY GOLOVKIN WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. LIGHTWEIGHT: TERENCE CRAWFORD FEATHERWEIGHT: NICHOLAS WALTERS BANTAMWEIGHT: SHINSUKE YAMANAKA FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ

MOST WEEKS RATED: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO 503 KLITSCHKO: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; WALTERS: ALEXIS CUAREZMA FEWEST WEEKS RATED: RUSLAN CHAGAEV 9 LEM SATTERFIELD RINGTV.COM STAFF WRITER OLDEST: KLITSCHKO 38 HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO YOUNGEST: TYSON FURY 26 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: ANDRE WARD MOST FIGHTS: KLITSCHKO 66 MIDDLEWEIGHT: GENNADY GOLOVKIN FEWEST FIGHTS: BRYANT JENNINGS 19 WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. HIGHEST WINNING PERCENTAGE: FURY, JENNINGS, DEONTAY WILDER 100 PERCENT LIGHTWEIGHT: TERENCE CRAWFORD LOWEST WINNING PERCENTAGE: CHRIS ARREOLA 89.7 PERCENT FEATHERWEIGHT: NICHOLAS WALTERS MOST KOS: KLITSCHKO 53 BANTAMWEIGHT: SHINSUKE YAMANAKA FEWEST KOS: JENNINGS 10 FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ LONGEST CURRENT WINNING STREAK: WILDER 32 FIGHTS Note: ON THE POUND-FOR-POUND LIST: KLITSCHKO (NO. 2) This is how the weights break down: Heavy- weight includes cruiserweight, light heavyweight TITLEHOLDERS IN THE TOP 10: KLITSCHKO (RING, IBF, WBA AND WBO), STIVERNE (WBC) includes , all divisions mid- ON THE CUSP (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER): LUCAS BROWN, ANDY RUIZ JR., ARTUR SZPILKA, dleweight through flyweight include the “junior” CARLOS TAKAM, versions, and fyweight also includes strawweight.

32 RINGTV.COM / 4.15

THE 86 TH ANNUAL RING AWARDS

THE BEST OF

The past year provided boxing fans with outstanding performances, memorable moments, the rise of new stars and compelling stories. Here are the people and events that stood out most.

COTTO: RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES; MATTHYSSE: JOE SCARNICI/GETTY IMAGES; FROCH: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES; SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY JOE SCARNICI/GETTY IMAGES; FROCH: IMAGES; MATTHYSSE: RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY COTTO: »

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 35 KOVALEV SERGEY Bernard Hopkins. Bernard year byshuttingout statement ofthe made thebiggest Sergey Kovalev FIGHTER OFTHEYEAR

BEST

2014 THE

OF

100

BY MICHAELROSENTHAL

KOVALEV:XX JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; CRAWFORD: JOSH HEDGES RUNNERS UP

here was no That leaves Kovalev. obvious choice for The menacing Russian didn’t have T RING Fighter of a monster year. He stopped two the Year for 2014. undefeated but unproven opponents Arguments could – and Blake be made for – and Caparello – and then outpointed a TERENCE CRAWFORD against – many boxers. man who was nearly a half-century Crawford easily could be Fighter Terence Crawford beat three old, Bernard Hopkins. of the Year. He traveled to the U.K. world-class opponents – Ricky Not that impressive? Welllllllll. to take on and came Burns, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Ray Yes, Hopkins was a few months back with the WBO lightweight Beltran – to emerge as a rising from his 50th birthday when he met belt, he stopped the gifted Yuriorkis star but Gamboa, his breakout Kovalev on Nov. 8 in Atlantic City. Gamboa in a thrilling f ght and opponent, was both rusty and too The boxing master also was the he easily outpointed Ray Beltran. small for the 135-pound division. youngest 49-year-old on the planet, That’s a very productive year. Gennady Golovkin continued to on some pound-for-pound lists and dominate his opponents – Osumanu favored by many experts to beat Adama, Daniel Geale and Marco Kovalev. NAOYA INOUE Antonio Rubio – but none of the Not only did Kovalev easily win The Japanese little man is a above is considered a top-tier f ghter. the f ght, he did it in a way few prodigy. He stopped Adrian Roman Gonzalez stopped all would’ve predicted: He outboxed Hernandez to win the WBC junior four of his opponents – including a boxing wizard to win a shutout f yweight title in only his sixth f ght. Akira Yaegashi for THE RING decision. Then, after one defense, he KO’d f yweight title – but he needs a truly Kovalev entered the Hopkins long-reigning junior bantamweight compelling foil to take the next step f ght on a roll comparable to that champ Omar Narvaez to win the in his rapid rise. of Golovkin, having stopped 23 of WBO belt. Impressive. Naoya Inoue, only 21, won world his 26 opponents but without a true titles in two divisions – beating star on his resume. veterans Adrian Gonzalez and Omar He wasn’t necessarily considered MANNY PACQUIAO Narvaez – even though he f nished a f ghter as complete as Golovkin, Pacquiao was the only Fighter the year with only eight pro f ghts. though. The experts were in awe of of the Year candidate to beat a Is he Gonzalez’s foil? his punching power but didn’t think pound-for-pound Top 10 opponent Amir Khan re-emerged as a major of him as a special technician in when he outpointed Tim Bradley in player – and a possible opponent spite of a solid amateur background. their rematch and followed that by for Floyd Mayweather Jr. – after That changed against Hopkins. putting Chris Algieri down six times befuddling both Luis Collazo and Kovalev picked him apart, rather in a ridiculously lopsided victory. Devon Alexander. than overwhelm him, proving that he Manny Pacquiao is easy to can both bang and box. He landed overlook because he accomplished hard punches but was never reckless, NICHOLAS WALTERS nothing sensational in the past year which gave the slower, weaker Say whatever you want about Vic but he did beat a f ghter on most Hopkins little chance of doing Darchinyan and Nonito Donaire pound-for-pounds lists, Tim Bradley. damage or winning rounds. In effect, – aging, vulnerable, too small. Nicholas Walters knocked out two Hopkins was rendered helpless. Bottom line: Walters looked proven opponents – One could argue that no one spectacular in his knockout and Nonito Donaire – to become made a bigger statement than victories over the former world an important featherweight but Kovalev in 2014. That’s why we feel titleholders, displaying an both Darchinyan and Donaire were he’s worthy of the honor: RING explosive style and punching believed to be in decline. Fighter of the Year. ★ power to match.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 37 THE BEST100 BY NORM FRAUENHEIM OF 2014

FIGHT OF THE YEAR LUCAS MATTHYSSE KO 11 JOHN MOLINA

t was projected dramatically in Matthysse-Molina playing, still taking us through to be a tune- on April 26 at the StubHub the ups and downs of a wild, I up. Probably Center in Carson, , five-knockdown ride that will be a mismatch. was a surprise, certainly to the remembered as The RING’s 2014 Turns out, matchmakers who consigned the Fight of the Year. Lucas Matthysse junior welterweight bout to the Talk about Matthysse’s hopes vs. John Molina was more like undercard. Showtime’s cameras were for a second shot at Danny Garcia spontaneous combustion. It was there for Keith Thurman vs. Julio preceded the fight. It ended another reminder of how styles are Diaz. Anybody remember much with fans clamoring only for a the fundamental elements in the about that one? Didn’t think so. Matthysse-Molina rematch. An chemical compound that create a As the year ended, however, encore might be tough to pull great fight. highlights of Matthysse’s 11th- off. The original was exhausting.

That they came together so round KO of Molina were still Impossible expectations might have JOE SCARNICI/GETTY IMAGES

38 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 RUNNERS UP

Lucas Matthysse (right) and John Molina gave fans a was at a career way-station. He battle to remember. was staying busy. It didn’t take long to discover he would be busy, desperately busy, at surviving. “It got very complicated,” Matthysse said. The first complication landed in the second round. A Molina right TERENCE CRAWFORD- dropped Matthysse for only the YURIORKIS GAMBOA second time in his career. The next Crawford f rmly placed his name complication was a lot like the among boxing’s elite with a def nitive first. A right landed in the fifth, stoppage of Gamboa, a decorated dropping the Argentine again. Olympian. Crawford knocked the Matthysse complained, saying the skilled Cuban down four times for second shot landed behind his a ninth-round TKO in a lightweight head. But Pat Russell still ruled a bout on July 28 in Omaha. knockdown. Through five rounds, Matthysse, cut above his right eye from a head-butt in the third, had FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ- tripled the number of knockdowns KATSUNARI TAKAYAMA in his career. In a division sometimes called Going into the sixth, that career minimumweight, Rodriguez and was at a crossroads. Matthysse was Takayama staged a major bid for in the f ght of his life. His response Fight of the Year in a 105-pound proved to be Fight of the Year. After f ref ght won by Rodriquez. The withstanding counters in the sixth Mexican scored a third-round and seventh, Matthysse was credited knockdown and survived repeated with a knockdown in the eighth. It counters for a 115-112, 116-111, appeared that Molina was down 119-108 decision over Takayama on from a shove. Whatever the cause, Aug. 9 in Monterrey, Mexico. the moment was pivotal. Molina lost his balance and the momentum. A succession of seven to eight ORLANDO SALIDO- punches put Molina down in the TERDSAK KOKIETGYM 10th. It could have ended there. In a junior lightweight f ght with After the round, the ringside seven knockdowns, Salido was the physician stepped through the last man standing. He got up three ropes to examine Molina and warn times to knock down Kokietgym him that the end was near. In a four times and ultimately won by been left in its epic wake. crazy moment that reflected the an 11th-round TKO on Sept. 20 in But interest in a sequel would fight’s intensity, however, Molina Tijuana, Mexico. be there. Blood, guts and resilience trainer Joe Goossen confronted the from the first one are an investment physician and appeared to push in what could be a moneymaking him aside. TOMMY COYLE- rematch, perhaps an installment in The fight went on. DANIEL BRIZUELA a modern version of Micky Ward But not for long. Coyle outdid Salido, getting up four vs. or Israel Vazquez At 22 seconds of the 11th, times and knocking down Brizuela vs. Rafael Marquez. Russell stopped it after a four- four times for a roller-coaster It happened possibly because the punch combo sent Molina sliding ride that saw the U.K. lightweight favored Matthysse underestimated along the ropes and onto a canvas score a 12th-round TKO over the Molina, a former lightweight. At that already had seen as many Argentine Brizuela on Feb. 22 in 8-to-1, it looked as if Matthysse landings as an airport runway. ★ Hull, England.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 39 40 controversy that lingered from the controversy that lingeredfromthe cleared upsome oftheconfusionand scenes ofecstasyandrelief that Maynight, however, ittriggered the 80,000fansat Stadium his 12-yearprofessionalcareer. For GEORGE CARL KNOCKOUT OFTHEYEAR RINGTV.COM

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4.15 greatest punch of greatest punchof Groves asthe to f nishGeorge right handused described the arl Frochsimply FROCH of hisopponent’s knackofgaining restrained. Groves, perhapswary reckless thannormalandadmirably in aphonywar. Frochwasless f ght, FrochandGroveshadengaged After all, uptothatpointinthe as unexpecteditwasdevastating. they werefreetogohomehappy. fantasized about, viciousandf nal– one righthand–thekindthey’dall pair’s original2013encounter. With GROVES In termsofthepunchitself, it was KO 8 chose toboo. They wantedbrutality. rounds, infact, portionsofthecrowd was aslow-burner. savagery oftheirNovemberf ght. It such, weweresparedthedrama and experience toadjusttheirstyles. As making investmentsandusing past avoid confrontation. They wereboth his snappyjabandsprightlylegsto the secondtimearoundandused strength lateon, pacedhimselfbetter So pedestrian was the pace in some So pedestrianwasthepacein some BY ELLIOTWORSELL

end toadramaticnight. Carl Froch putadramatic

SCOTT HEAVEY; LEE: RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES RUNNERS UP

ANDY LEE KO 5 JOHN JACKSON Lee found himself dropped heavily in the opening round and nailed repeatedly thereafter, yet somehow, in the process of escaping Jackson’s advances in Round 5, walked him onto a savage, f ght- ending check-hook with his right f st. Jackson dissolved face-f rst into the canvas.

MARVIN SONSONA KO 3 AKIFUMI SHIMODA Southpaw Sonsona was on the retreat when he lured Shimoda had Froch leading by three rounds in and produced a textbook and to one while HBO’s Steve Weisfeld, conclusive left to leave the a professional judge since 1991, Japanese native f at on his back and awarded each of the f rst four rounds out cold. to Groves. Going into the seminal eighth round, two of the ringside judges had Froch leading by one CURTIS STEVENS TKO 10 point and one had Groves ahead TUREANO JOHNSON by three. It was that kind of f ght. Behind on the cards and struggling Nobody had a clue. for motivation, Stevens nevertheless It was with no small amount of retained enough of his natural power relief, then, for all those expected to suddenly stun Johnson with a to deliver a verdict, that Froch single left hook at center ring before hurried after Groves in Round 8, driving him back to the ropes to end tossed a nuisance left hook his way matters. They wanted blood. What’s more, and then followed through with a they needed rounds to be clear-cut pulverising right to the tip of and for the f nish to be emphatic. the challenger’s jaw. With that, “The TERENCE CRAWFORD TKO 9 No good could come from splitting Saint” hit the f oor, “The Cobra” YURIORKIS GAMBOA rounds and simply going tit-for-tat. raised his arms, referee Charlie Fitch In a battle of boxer vs. puncher, few This, they felt, would only lead to waved it all over, the public’s thirst believed Crawford would be the one more controversy. And that was the for a knockout was quenched and to deliver the heavy, hurtful blows, last thing this rivalry needed. the confusion of three ringside judges but that’s exactly what he did in Still, after four rounds, opinion was spared. One right hand purif ed stopping the unbeaten Gamboa. was well and truly divided. Sky the often complex business of boxing The last knockdown, a wild right Sports commentator Jim Watt, the down to its most easily understood uppercut, knocked the reckless former world lightweight titleholder, and unforgiving foundations. ★ Cuban off his feet.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 41 THE BEST100 BY BART BARRY OF 2014

Tommy Coyle (right) and Daniel Brizuela turned Round 11 into a wild ride.

ROUND OF THE YEAR TOMMY COYLE VS. DANIEL BRIZUELA, RD. 11

he 11th round of enough to see the f ght stopped a 2 and 6, but forgot it nearly as the Tommy Coyle- minute into the 12th, Tommy Coyle quickly and leaned on Brizuela T Daniel Brizuela winning by TKO in a match that once more in the opening 30 lightweight bout f nished with eight knockdowns, seconds of the 11th. on Feb. 22 in three point deductions and After outstretching his red-on- Hull, England, bystanders wishing it might go on a black gloves in a plea for referee followed 30 minutes of honest and wee bit longer. Steve Gray to break them, Brizuela courageous f ghting that included The physically larger man, and yanked his arms from between four knockdowns and two point crowd favorite, Coyle Coyle’s, took a step backward and, deductions for penalties committed expected to impose his physicality with Coyle imprudently bent over in hot blood more than spite. on Brizuela but he discovered early his lead foot, Brizuela drove a perfect That round brought three that the Argentine was too savvy left hook into Coyle’s liver. Coyle more knockdowns, another point for that strategy. Coyle learned this took f ight, Brizuela pursued, and a

deduction and moments decisive lesson several times, in Rounds second left hook by Brizuela to the KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/GETTY IMAGES

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Timothy Bradley (right) came back from the brink in a gripping FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ- Round 6. KATSUNARI TAKAYAMA, RD. 12 Few gathered in Monterrey expected the strawweight war they saw waged by hometown 105-pounder Francisco Rodriguez Jr. and Japan’s Katsunari Takayama on Aug. 9. The outstanding match concluded with a 12th round that saw the two men swim at one another for nearly three minutes, creating a fusillade of punches shocking for its relentlessness.

JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ- DANIEL PONCE DE LEON, RD. 2 Their rematch was six years in its arrival, but when junior lightweights Lopez and Ponce De Leon touched gloves for a second time on March 15 in Puerto Rico, it was Lopez’s right hook that once more decided things in a fantastic second round that saw each man go down, brief y reviving Lopez’s career.

JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ- FRANCISCO VARGAS, RD. 3 Lopez took lust for violent exchanges into a Las Vegas ring on July 12 against a young and undefeated Mexican junior lightweight named same spot dropped Coyle in agony. hook, right cross – again tossed the Francisco Vargas and things did not Up at the count of eight, and exhausted Argentine to the blue mat go as well for him. The f ghters landed huff ng to breathe his pain away, and he barely returned to his feet by dozens of hard, accurate punches in a Coyle lifted his left glove and Gray’s nine count. frenzy of wild action until a damaged summoned Brizuela to come to him. Coyle pursued Brizuela recklessly. Lopez went down and couldn’t come Brizuela unwisely did exactly that. Brizuela once more turned Coyle’s out for Round 4. With distance closed and Brizuela recklessness against him, clinching readying to f nish him, Coyle threw the too-near Yorkshireman until a blinding jab and distracting left Gray returned to break the men, at - hook that cleared Brizuela’s hands, which time Coyle shoved another , RD. 4 and then launched himself behind cross and gained himself another Lemieux had put Rosado down and a crisp right cross that dropped penalty. The theater of Coyle’s point hurt him in Round 3, which seemed Brizuela in a pile. Brizuela rose to his deduction afforded Brizuela a nine- to be the beginning of the end for the knees and glanced at his corner with second rest while Gray dutifully Philadelphian on Dec. 6 in Brooklyn. a smile of disbelief then returned demonstrated the infraction to each Rosado wasn’t quite f nished, to his feet and wobbled backward. of three off cial judges. though. In Round 4, as Lemieux Forty seconds of desperate That respite for Brizuela allowed tried to f nish the job, Rosado landed movement and uncommitted f ailing the Argentine to remain upright until a left uppercut that ignited a mini by both f ghters backed Brizuela the bell completed his 11th round back-and-forth war that lifted the once more to the ropes. with Coyle, THE RING’S 2014 spectators to their feet. Lemieux Another Coyle combo – left Round of the Year. ★ ultimately won by TKO in the 10th.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 43 44 RUSLAN CHRIS limited hisvisionfor11rounds. around hisrighteyethatseverely fight despitegrotesqueswelling smarter throughoutthe12-round though, andboxedbetter underdog gotupbothtimes, New York.unknown largely The at BarclaysCenterinBrooklyn, him hadsuggestedonJune14 type ofdefeatthe4-1oddsagainst seemed tobeonhiswaythe before thefirstroundendedand many anticipated. up asjustthetypeofmismatch wholeheartedly disagreed. He can winaf ghtjustrunningallnight.” looks. And tome, Idon’t seehowyou way Ilookandyousawthe he Provodnikov said. “You cansee the running allnightandjustjabbing,” of greatdebate. RING Upsetofthe Year, wasacause Russian champion117-109. scored thef ght fortherugged Provodnikov’s powershotsand Max DeLuca, clearlyfavored a 114-112winner. A thirdjudge, disastrous f rst roundtoscorehim effectively enoughafterthat performed intelligent Algieri Don Trella –thoughttheathletic, UPSET OFTHEYEAR RINGTV.COM Algieri hitthecanvastwice Predictably, Algieri “To me, itfeelslikehewas Algieri’s split-decisionwin, the Two judges– Tom Schreckand

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4.15 f ght wasshaping welterweight title Algieri junior vs. Chris Provodnikov he Ruslan ALGIERI PROVODNIKOV

SD 12 signifcant upsetof2014. to record themost overcame adversity Chris Algieri(left) BY KEITHIDEC

NAOKI FUKUDA; LEE: DAVID BECKER/GETTY IMAGES RUNNERS UP

MICKEY BEY SD 12 MIGUEL VAZQUEZ Vazquez was considered one of might’ve moved the three best lightweights in the backward more world, Bey a talented but unproven often than not, but contender. The past mattered Algieri believes little, though, as Bey emerged with his jab and overall a disputed victory and the IBF activity advantage lightweight title Vazquez had held warranted the most since 2010. noteworthy victory on his record (20- 1, 8 KOs). TOMMY KARPENCY SD 10 “People who CHAD DAWSON don’t think I won that f ght,” Algieri Karpency was expected to be a said, “they don’t know boxing.” stepping stone back to prominence What’s indisputable is that for Dawson but had other ideas. The upsetting Provodnikov (24-3, 17 Philadelphian hustled his way to a KOs) completely changed Algieri’s split-decision victory on Oct. 4 in career. The resident of Huntington, Mashantucket, Connecticut, putting New York, went from f ghting for a crimp in the former 175-pound less than $20,000 in his previous champ’s plans. f ght, a unanimous-decision defeat of Emmanuel Taylor that was televised by ESPN2, to earning a $1.6 million ANDY LEE TKO 6 purse for f ghting Filipino legend MATT KOROBOV Manny Pacquiao in an HBO Pay-Per- View main event. Suddenly, the 30-year-old Algieri wasn’t an anonymous ex-kickboxer with a loyal local following, f ghting exclusively in his hometown. He was f ying on private jets for a 12-day, six-city media tour that spanned 27,000 miles and two continents, preparing to challenge one of boxing’s two biggest stars. Lee was down big on all three Algieri also was popular among scorecards nearing the midway mainstream media, who loved mark of the f ght when he landed a having a college-educated, engaging right hook that led to a sixth-round boxer to interview. TKO and won him the then-vacant Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) WBO middleweight title Dec. 13 in dropped Algieri six times on his way Las Vegas. to a unanimous decision and an easy defense of the WBO welterweight title Nov. 22 in Macau, China. That AMNAT RUENROENG SD 12 one-sided defeat aside, topping KAZUTO IOKA Provodnikov thrust Algieri into the Ruenroeng was 34 and f ghting in limelight and legitimized him as a hostile territory – Ioka’s hometown championship-caliber f ghter. of Osaka, Japan – for their May 7 “It’s been a great year and a f ght. Those disadvantages didn’t great road,” Algieri said. “I’m really prevent him from edging the then- looking forward to what 2015 has undefeated 25-year-old to retain the ahead for me.” ★ IBF 112-pound title.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 45 THE BEST100 BY KEITH IDEC OF 2014

COMEBACK OF THE YEAR MIGUEL COTTO

iguel Cotto’s demolition of M Delvin Rodriguez in October 2013 wasn’t viewed as legitimate proof Cotto could still win at the elite level. Rodriguez was a B-level f ghter in his prime and was so shopworn he couldn’t last three rounds against Cotto in the Puerto Rican icon’s f rst f ght following a lopsided loss to Austin Trout in December 2012 at . The defeat suggested Cotto might be f nished RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES; LEE: DAVID BECKER/GETTY IMAGES DAVID IMAGES; LEE: RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY RUNNERS UP

CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE The native lost the IBF junior as a marquee f ghter. Thus, oddsmakers installed middleweight title to Ishe Smith by Miguel Sergio Martinez as a 2-1 favorite over Cotto a majority decision in February 2013 Cotto (left) entering their f ght for Martinez’s RING and and took nearly a year off thereafter. completed his WBC middleweight titles June 7 at the Garden, At 41, he went to Cancun, Mexico, comeback by dropped Carlos Molina twice, won a overwhelming Cotto’s home away from home. Sergio Martinez. Cotto responded by tearing through the unanimous decision against a native athletic Argentine southpaw even easier than he Mexican and took back the IBF manhandled Rodriguez to become the f rst four- 154-pound crown. division champion in Puerto Rico’s storied boxing history and win Comeback of the Year honors. The former junior welterweight, welterweight AMIR KHAN and junior middleweight champion almost scored a knockout in the f rst round, when he f oored a game Martinez three times. Pablo Sarmiento, Martinez’s trainer, mercifully instructed referee Michael Griff n to stop the stunningly one-sided title f ght before Martinez could leave his corner for the 10th round. The unforeseen rout resurrected Cotto’s career even though Martinez was 39, hadn’t fought in 13 months and was battling a well-documented knee injury. His handlers suggested it was Cotto’s best performance against a top opponent since he turned pro after appearing in the 2000 Summer Olympics in . An unimpressive victory over “I’ve been with Miguel since 2001,” said Todd faded former lightweight champ duBoef, president of Inc., Cotto’s Julio Diaz was Khan’s lone f ght promoter. “I think this is the most spectacular of 2013. The popular British performance, at the highest level, we’ve ever seen welterweight thrust himself into the from him.” Mayweather sweepstakes in 2014 Cotto (39-4, 32 KOs) didn’t f ght again in with dominating points-wins over 2014 but the magnif cent nature of his win former champs Luis Collazo and against Martinez (51-3-2, 28 KOs) created even Devon Alexander. greater demand for what already was a highly anticipated, 154-pound showdown with Mexican star Canelo Alvarez, tentatively scheduled for ANDY LEE May 2. Other than Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Lee was an underdog against Matt Pacquiao, Cotto-Alvarez is perhaps the most Korobov but scored a sixth-round marketable match boxing can offer. TKO of the previously unbeaten The 34-year-old Cotto was once considered Russian contender, which earned him older than his actual age by boxing fans and the WBO middleweight title vacated media because he had engaged in so many brutal earlier last year by Peter Quillin. bouts. Hall of Fame trainer is convinced, however, that Cotto can continue to win at the highest level for the foreseeable future. JERMAIN TAYLOR “[Cotto] called me up and said, ‘Freddie, Taylor faces serious legal issues maybe I have about three f ghts left in me. Can yet out-boxed Australia’s Sam you help me?’” recalled Roach, who began Soliman to win the IBF middleweight training Cotto prior to the Rodriguez f ght. “I title. Before beating Soliman, the said, ‘Yeah, I can help you.’ After [the Martinez] 36-year-old Taylor hadn’t owned a performance, I think he might have a lot more middleweight title since than three f ghts left in him.” ★ stopped him seven years earlier.

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TRAINER OF THE YEAR FREDDIE ROACH

Freddie Roach’s help in resurrecting Miguel Cotto (inset) was a masterpiece. RUNNERS UP

he selection of Algieri in June. Roach then guided Freddie Roach Pacquiao to as lopsided a decision as T as RING Trainer one might see in a world title f ght. JOHN DAVID JACKSON of the Year in the Roach was vindicated. Sergey Kovalev was believed by past has been as But the achievement that makes many to be an offensive force indisputable as the the strongest case for Roach over reliant on power and persistence decisive victories of his charges. In 2014’s runners-up happened in June. more than defense or discipline 2014, a year marked mainly by fans’ That’s when Miguel Cotto, who had going into his f ght against Bernard fatigue at the expiration of another been dismissed by many af cionados Hopkins. Jackson, who once calendar without a chance to see after he lost decisions to both Floyd worked with Hopkins, gave his the one f ght they universally desire, Mayweather Jr. and Austin Trout charge a far more sophisticated Roach wins primarily by elimination. in 2012, dashed directly through approach than anticipated No, the past year was not lineal middleweight champion Sergio and steered Kovalev to an among boxing’s strongest. And the Martinez. Whatever Martinez’s unexpectedly one-sided victory. accomplishments Roach needed to dubious f tness to make a defense win this year’s crown hypothetically after knee surgeries in 2012 and would not have allowed him to 2013 and no evidence he was even ABEL SANCHEZ wrest the title from himself in able to do roadwork in 2014, Roach While keeping a smaller stable previous years he’s won it. But prepared Cotto for the best possible than many of his peers, Sanchez that fact hardly makes him an Martinez, the nimble master of has gained great notice for his inappropriate choice. disrupted timing and space who took exceptional work with undefeated There was his ongoing his title from Kelly Pavlik and razed Kazakhstani middleweight Gennady revitalization of Manny Pacquiao’s Paul Williams, both in 2010. Golovkin. Whatever the feebleness psyche and f ghting spirit, left in a Roach’s strategy for Cotto, the of Golovkin’s 2014 competition, crumpled pile at the end of 2012 match’s smaller man, was both GGG laid waste to each of the three and barely resurrected with the perfect for Cotto and perfectly men placed before him, setting a Filipino’s decisioning of Brandon counterintuitive to Martinez: pace of activity other champions Rios in 2013. In April, Roach Throw the left hook at a southpaw. should emulate. navigated Pacquiao to a clear Expecting Cotto to follow from rematch victory over Tim Bradley. his the workaday A major part of Pacquiao’s wisdom of remedial trainers, keeping JOE GALLAGHER historic resume, a major part of his lead foot outside Martinez’s, the British boxers Scott Quigg, what makes Pacquiao unique among better to connect with a straight Anthony Crolla, Scott Cardle all contemporary prizef ghters, is his right, Martinez intended to wait on and three of the Smith brothers willingness to sign on for rematches Cotto’s jab and then pivot to his own – Callum, Liam and Stephen – and keep signing on for them until right, away from Cotto’s cross. In remained unbeaten in 2014. And a conclusive outcome occurs. Much the f ght’s opening minute, however, they have at least one important of Pacquiao’s willingness to do this Cotto positioned himself for a jab, thing in common: Trainer Joe derives from his trainer’s conf dence, waited for Martinez to blindly pivot Gallagher, who obviously has Roach’s willingness to say: OK, rightward, and then blasted him emerged as one of the best in the Manny, neither of us thinks Bradley with a left hook – the punch that business. beat us two years ago so I’m going made Cotto famous in the f rst place to devise a plan and you are going and the one weapon Martinez did to execute it. And this time there not expect to see thrown as a lead. VIRGIL HUNTER will be no doubt. Martinez re-injured his never-quite- Hunter’s year was blemished That is what happened in April. healed knee and the most anticipated by ’s weak In November, Roach told anyone f ght of the year became a brutal showing against Canelo Alvarez who would listen that Pacquiao’s beating that ended in Round 10 and but redeemed primarily by the second opponent of 2014, Chris made Cotto the lineal middleweight excellent work he did with British Algieri, had no reasonable right to champion. welterweight Amir Khan, who be in a ring with Pacquiao. Many Such sage strategizing makes easily outpointed both Luis critics dismissed Roach’s opinion as legends of boxing trainers. Such Collazo and Devon Alexander, sour grapes, the rant of a man whose sage strategizing also makes Freddie putting Hunter’s f ghter in serious other charge, Ruslan Provodnikov, Roach THE RING’S 2014 Trainer conversations about a 2015 match ★ CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES; INSET: RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES; INSET: had been narrowly defeated by of the Year. with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 49 THE BEST100 BY DOUG FISCHER OF 2014

PROSPECT OF THE YEAR

f you asked boxing fans I to construct the perfect heavyweight to the best of their imaginations, there’s a good chance they’d build a f ghter who looks and f ghts a lot like Anthony Joshua. The 2012 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist is blessed with a magnif cent 6-foot-6, 240-pound physique that looks like it was ripped from the pages of a comic book. But Joshua has more than a superhero’s body. In just 10 pro f ghts – all of which he has won by knockout – the 25-year-old boxer-puncher has exhibited the kind of skill, technique and poise that suggest he could be a legitimate Top 10 contender before the end of 2015. More than a few knowledgeable observers, including Hall of Famer Lennox Lewis and RING

Anthony Joshua seems to have all the tools necessary to soar. SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY RUNNERS UP

ARTUR BETERBIEV (7-0, 7 KOs) The former Russian amateur star scored four knockouts in 2014. The 29-year-old light heavyweight is still raw, which became apparent when he was dropped by unheralded Jeff Page in December, but the -based puncher’s two-round destruction of former titleholder in his sixth pro bout commanded the attention heavyweight champ Wladimir in his approach to his professional of the boxing world. Klitschko, believe Joshua is a future development. world-beater. But while Joshua’s in no rush, the Lewis was so impressed with rest of British boxing has already FELIX VERDEJO Joshua he considered managing declared him the future of the (16-0, 12 KOs) the native of Watford, England. heavyweight division. Undefeated The 21-year-old Puerto Rican Klitschko jokingly said that he’d love British contender Tyson Fury wants sensation has the look of a future to promote the young heavyweight to f ght him right now. superstar. Verdejo fought seven after sparring with Joshua in 2014. The buzz in Britain is times in 2014, exhibiting skill, Is he that good? Joshua certainly understandable. Joshua seized gold versatility and power. His third- passes the eye test but keep in mind in boxing’s glamour division at the round stoppage of fellow lightweight that there was almost as much hype Games and signed with Sergio Villanueva was a candidate around British heavyweight hopeful top British promoter for Knockout of the Year. before the 2008 Olympic soon after. He’s handsome, bright, bronze medalist was twice stopped articulate and absolutely devastating by Tony Thompson. Only time will in the ring. JOSEPH DIAZ JR. tell whether Joshua’s the real deal. At the same time, one must (14-0, 9 KOs) What he proved in 2014 – after keep in mind that Skelton, Airich, The 22-year-old standout from the seven KO victories – is that he’s the Bakhtov and Sprott are between the 2012 U.S. Olympic squad fought sport’s best-looking prospect with the ages of 35 and 47 and all have seen six times in 2014, often displaying most momentum going into 2015. their best days. Joshua has yet to veteran ring savvy. The southpaw The precise manner in which Joshua face a formidable heavyweight in his junior featherweight from Southern dispatched , Konstantin prime, has yet to f ght past Round California also proved his mettle Airich, Denis Bakhtov and Michael 3 and we still don’t know if he can with his 10-round gut check against Sprott in successive bouts from July take a good punch. once-beaten Ramiro Robles. to November was impressive enough The question of Joshua’s stamina to earn THE RING’s Prospect of the was to be answered against American Year honor. veteran , who he RYOTA MURATA Joshua displayed quick hands and was scheduled to face in January. (5-0, 4 KOs) ref exes, good balance, f uid mobility However, a back injury forced The 2012 Olympic gold medalist, (especially for such a massive frame), Joshua to pull out of the f ght. He Japan’s f rst since 1964 (and fast jabs and powerful-but-accurate might still face the former title f rst ever above bantamweight), combinations while dominating the challenger or a similar test, and if he fought four times in 2014 and the battle-tested veterans. And though he passes, fans won’t have to wait long 29-year-old middleweight did so stopped all four within three rounds before Hearn matches his client with against respectable opposition. (only Airich made it out of Round a Top 10 contender, by which time That included former title challenger 2), he never lost his composure. “Joshua-mania” may have already Carlos Nascimento, whom Murata Joshua is patient – in the ring and been sparked in the U.S. ★ stopped in his third pro bout.

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EVENT OF THE YEAR CARL FROCH VS. GEORGE GROVES II

George Groves (left) and Carl Froch drew an astounding 80,000 to Wembley Stadium. SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY RUNNERS UP

urreal and f nally savage, there were 80,000 fans packed inside S Wembley Stadium, the home of English soccer, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Londoner George Groves on a big, red bus one balmy night in May. Accompanying him were go-go girls and f amethrowers. You couldn’t make it up. Into a sporting arena masquerading as a coliseum, Groves led the way and Carl Froch, the hard-nosed FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. VS. IBF super middleweight titleholder, followed. The MARCOS MAIDANA I & II pair had history, of course. It was what brought them To the surprise of many, not least of together at Wembley. It was what split a nation. It was all Mayweather himself, the sport’s why 80,000 punters booed and cheered both men in premier pound-for-pound star found equal measure. an unlikely rival in Argentina’s Marcos Forget winners and losers, all that was required was Maidana. The pair produced two mega- a decisive, violent f nish, something seriously lacking money f ghts, both competitive, both when the pair boxed for a f rst time in the entertaining, and marauding Maidana previous November. That night Groves dramatically duly reignited Mayweather’s mojo. dropped Froch in the opening round and pitched a near-clinic thereafter before being slowed down and controversially stopped in the ninth. It was a hasty SERGEY KOVALEV VS. and harsh conclusion. Referee Howard Foster was BERNARD HOPKINS roundly condemned for it. In what ended up being a passing of But he should have also been thanked, for his the guard, Kovalev proved himself ill-timed interruption, in addition to the breakout a cut above previous destroyers performance from Groves and the heroics from Froch, who’d eventually been exposed by helped draft the f rst act of the narrative and pave the Hopkins. And, in doing so, he showed way for a money-spinning rematch. Groves called for brains as well as brawn, poise as well it from the moment he was stopped while Froch soon as power. The 49-year-old “Alien,” stumbled upon the realization he had f nally found meanwhile, toughed it out in the most a rival with whom he could def ne his legacy. They heroic of ways. were, in essence, a perfect marriage. It was also a turbulent marriage, though. For 10 months, Froch and Groves couldn’t stand one another. VACUUM LEFT BY They were polar opposites. Froch was the acerbic man’s man from the Midlands, resentful for much of The long-reigning champ’s retirement his career before f nding fame and accolades toward guaranteed something strange: A the tail end of it. Groves was the ambitious, articulate heavyweight titleholder not named upstart from the capital who’d fast-tracked his way Klitschko. Bermane Stiverne seized to notoriety and embraced the perks of modern-day the vacant WBC belt by stopping Chris life – social media, sponsorship and mind games. Arreola, the f rst big f ght in a suddenly They were almost from different worlds, different more-interesting heavyweight era. generations. Old school vs. new school. Yet, on May 31, 2014, as a twosome now inextricably linked, they created something special GOLDEN BOY-TOP RANK and wonderful, something the likes of which they and RECONCILIATION the rest of those in attendance will probably never The departure of CEO Richard forget or experience again. For that, they should be as Schaefer from Golden Boy allowed grateful of each other as we are of them. Oscar De La Hoya and Bob Arum to As for the climax, Froch brought the curtain down reconcile, which opened the door to with a single right hand bef tting the grandiosity of it matchups that otherwise had been off all in Round 8. The show was over. ★ limits the past few years.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 53 defeated inhis f rst title shotand did. Helosthis f rst pro f ght, was never toreturnprisonand never quarter ofacentury. chapters overthecourseofa Somehow hekeptaddingamazing been inspirationalfromtheoutset. extraordinary. Hopkins’storyhas That hasn’t madehimanyless HOPKINS BERNARD He wasanex-conwhovowed MOST INSPIRATIONAL

BEST

2014 THE

OF A

100 extraterrestrial. Hopkins isno “The Alien” was, Bernard the gimmick s amusingas BY DAVID GREISMAN our admiration. Kovalev butearned against Sergey came upshort Hopkins Bernard

DREW HALLOWELL/GETTY IMAGES RUNNERS UP

STEVE CUNNINGHAM Steve Cunningham, a former cruiserweight titleholder f ghting at heavyweight, is always outsized still proceeded to put together early knockdown, boxing wisely physically against opponents who a lengthy reign at 160 pounds, and winning a shutout decision. Yet have hurt and dropped him. He including a brilliant technical there Hopkins was, trading heavy faces these challenges in part knockout over Felix Trinidad that blows and taking many more in because it pays for medical bills. made him the true middleweight return in the f nal round, going out His daughter Kennedy had open- champion. on his shield rather than with a heart surgery days after being born And all of that was before he whimper. It was a brave stand from and has faced numerous health turned 40. What he did afterward a man who had made so many f ghts problems. She recently received a becomes even more impressive when extremely ugly in the past. And heart transplant at age 9. you consider his age. He became afterward there were no excuses, light heavyweight champion by only praise for the young f ghter upsetting in 2006 who had just beaten him. OSCAR DE LA HOYA and then regained the throne in The class Hopkins demonstrated Oscar De La Hoya took a giant 2011 with a decision over Jean was a lesson to all f ghters. step forward in his battle with Pascal. Hopkins was 46, older than “As far as I’m concerned, addiction, which had a signif cant was when he set a [Kovalev] is the guy to beat in impact on the sport. He parted record by knocking out heavyweight the light heavyweight division,” ways with Golden Boy CEO Richard champion Michael Moorer. Hopkins said at the post-f ght press Schaefer and took full control of his Hopkins could’ve called it conference. “Obviously the other company. He made peace with his a career on several occasions, light heavyweight (Stevenson) didn’t former promoter turned business including after his loss to Chad want to f ght him and I chose to rival, Bob Arum of Top Rank, which Dawson in 2012. But he’d always f ght him. I’m not looking for a widened the f eld of potential f ghts. bounced back from defeats before cigar for second place or a pat on And he re-established a working and so Hopkins set off on one more the back. I’m not that type of guy. relationship with HBO. run at proving he could do what I’m just saying that I recognize real. others believed to be impossible. I’ve been in there with a lot of great There was the world title win f ghters from the middleweights to ANTHONY DIRRELL against Tavoris Cloud in early now and Sergey’s the real deal. I Anthony Dirrell’s world title win over 2013, followed by a defense against respect him. super middleweight last mandatory challenger Karo Murat. “He already got the torch. I August was a triumphant moment There was the unif cation win over didn’t have to pass it. He got the for a man who had one brush Beibut Shumenov in April 2014. torch tonight,” Hopkins said. “I feel with mortality — he spent nearly While Cloud and Shumenov weren’t comfortable to say that as a light two years out of the ring while great talents, no other boxer of heavyweight champion that if he being treated for and recovering Hopkins’ age should’ve been able to wants to stay there and defend it, from lymphoma — and then had top them. he’s going to have it for a long time. his comeback halted after a bad Yet there he was at 49, one of It’s up to him how long he wants to motorcycle crash. the three best 175-pounders in the keep it. I can say that I’m not glad world and in position to challenge that I didn’t win, but I can say that the champion, Adonis Stevenson. it’s in good hands.” KELLIE MALONEY When that f ght wasn’t made, Hopkins has famously said that he Kellie Maloney was known as Hopkins refused to settle for lesser approached his career his way, critics Frank when she was a boxing opposition and opted to take on be damned. But this was the right manager and promoter in the United the division’s boogeyman, power- way to bring his long and illustrious Kingdom. She revealed in 2014 that punching titleholder Sergey Kovalev. career to a close. There will likely be she was transgender and planned The danger wasn’t just from a farewell f ght sometime following to undergo gender reassignment, Kovalev’s heavy hands but also from Hopkins’ 50th birthday. And then a brave thing to disclose when his wise trainer, John David Jackson, he can hang up his gloves with the acceptance sadly isn’t necessarily who had worked closely in Hopkins’ knowledge that he spent half his guaranteed. It was good to see camp and corner in the past. life building a legacy that will be Lennox Lewis among those who Kovalev dominated, scoring an remembered forever. ★ spoke in support of Maloney.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 55 THE BEST100 BY MICHAEL ROSENTHAL OF 2014

BEST FIGHTER POLL WHO ELSE? FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. HAS NOW WON OUR ANNUAL POLL A RECORD SEVEN TIMES JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES 2014 POLL RESULTS

loyd Mayweather Jr. might be 1. FLOYD F a bit but MAYWEATHER JR. he’s still the best. At least that’s 150 (10) the unanimous opinion of 10 boxing experts – 2. MANNY representing fve countries – who PACQUIAO 89 took part in THE RING’s annual Best Fighter Poll for 2014. 3. WLADIMIR Mayweather has now won the last four polls and a record seven KLITSCHKO 71 overall, one more than Roy Jones Jr., who won six between 1995 and 4. ROMAN 2003. Marvin Hagler won four GONZALEZ 64 consecutively from 1983 to 1986. Manny Pacquiao (2008-10) and Julio 5. GUILLERMO Cesar Chavez (1990-92) are three- RIGONDEAUX 61 time winners. Mayweather also became the 6. GENNADY frst fghter to win three polls unanimously since it was instituted in GOLOVKIN 43 1980. Pacquiao received 10 frst-place votes in 2008 and 2010. 7. JUAN MANUEL Pacquiao fnished No. 2 this year, MARQUEZ 35 his highest placing since he was runner-up in 2011. He ended up 8. ANDRE WARD 28 tied for fourth last year and No. 6 in 2012, the year he lost to Tim Bradley 9. SERGEY and Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao received four second- KOVALEV 26 place votes this year, one more than Guillermo Rigondeaux. Wladimir 10. MIGUEL COTTO 21 Klitschko received the most third- place votes, four. Three fghters dropped off the list OTHERS RECEIVING from last year: Sergio Martinez (No. 7 last year) and Danny Garcia and VOTES (tied at No. 10). Three fghters also joined the list this year: TIM BRADLEY 20, Roman Gonzalez (No. 4), Sergey Kovalev (No. 9) and Miguel Cotto CARL FROCH 17, (No. 10). TERENCE CRAWFORD Cotto had not made the Top 10 since 2008, when he was ranked No. 7, CANELO ALVAREZ 4, 8. He was also on the 2007 list, at MIKEY GARCIA 4, JUAN No. 6. Gonzalez and Kovalev are frst-timers. FRANCISCO ESTRADA 3, In the poll, the fghters received DANNY GARCIA 2. points for each vote they received: 15 points for a frst-place vote, 12 First-place votes are in parentheses. for second, nine for third, seven for fourth, six for ffth, fve for sixth, four Note: Andre Ward was left off seven Floyd Mayweather Jr. is experts’ lists at least in part because the frst to win the poll for seventh, three for eighth, two for unanimously three times. ninth and one for 10th. H of his inactivity.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 57 THE BEST100 OF 2014 6. Manny Pacquiao 7. Mikey Garcia 8. Sergey Kovalev Manny Pacquiao 9. Miguel Cotto reclaimed the No. 2 spot in the 10. Carl Froch Best Fighter Poll. GARETH A DAVIES The Telegraph (U.K.) Floyd Mayweather Jr. just clings onto the top spot on my list. Father Time seemed to play a role in both f ghts with Marcos Maidana. Yet Mayweather still has all the craft to be matador to the bull, even if it means laying back on the ropes for six of the 12 rounds. I’d like to see Mayweather f ght Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan in 2015. I’d say he beats both convincingly.

1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 2. Andre Ward 3. Miguel Cotto 4. Manny Pacquiao 5. Juan Manuel Marquez 6. Wladimir Klitschko 7. Roman Gonzalez 8. Tim Bradley 9. Carl Froch 10. Gennady Golovkin

NORM FRAUENHEIM THE RING Floyd Mayweather Jr. is No. 1, almost by default. Victories over Marcos Maidana didn’t prove much. Then again, nobody else did enough to claim No. 1. That’s about to change. New faces, all unbeaten, are emerging. If Mayweather doesn’t f ght Manny Pacquiao or struggles against Amir Khan in 2015, one or all BEST will have an argument. FIGHTER POLL or likely to f nd a way to beat him 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. when he’s on his game, which thus 2. Roman Gonzalez far has been nearly every time out 3. Sergey Kovalev regardless of the competition. 4. Gennady Golovkin RON BORGES 5. Manny Pacquiao Herald 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 6. Wladimir Klitschko Floyd Mayweather Jr. may be 2. Guillermo Rigondeaux 7. Terence Crawford slowing down a bit and showing 3. Gennady Golovkin 8. Guillermo Rigondeaux some age but not enough to make 4. Wladimir Klitschko 9. Miguel Cotto

you believe anyone is a better boxer 5. Roman Gonzalez 10. Carl Froch XAUME OLLEROS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

58 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. COREY ERDMAN 2. Guillermo Rigondeaux DAN RAFAEL RingTV.com (Canada) 3. Manny Pacquiao ESPN.com If you ask me, “Which active fghter 4. Gennady Golovkin Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been is least likely to lose a fght?,” 5. Juan Manuel Marquez No. 1 for a few years and he has my answer would still be Floyd 6. Roman Gonzalez yet to show any reason why he Mayweather Jr.. After a scare against 7. Tim Bradley shouldn’t remain there. Other than Marcos Maidana early in the year, 8. Terence Crawford not fghting Manny Pacquiao – Mayweather showed the second 9. Sergey Kovalev which is not insignifcant – he has time around that he still has plenty 10. Wladimir Klitschko fought solid opposition in recent left in the tank to get to 49-0. fghts and won clearly. He is still fast, still smart and still has great 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. GUNNAR MEINHARDT defense. He’s the best fghter out 2. Wladimir Klitschko Die Welt (Germany) there until he shows otherwise. 3. Andre Ward There are no words necessary. 4. Manny Pacquiao Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s record 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 5. Roman Gonzalez and accomplishments speak for 2. Manny Pacquiao 6. Guillermo Rigondeaux themselves. He is the best of the 3. Wladimir Klitschko 7. Tim Bradley best. The only question is whether 4. Gennady Golovkin 8. Carl Froch he’ll fght Manny Pacquiao. 5. Tim Bradley 9. Canelo Alvarez 6. Juan Manuel Marquez 10. Juan Manuel Marquez 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 7. Sergey Kovalev 2. Manny Pacquiao 8. Miguel Cotto 3. Wladimir Klitschko 9. Roman Gonzalez NICK GIONGCO 4. Roman Gonzalez 10. Carl Froch Manila Bulletin (Philippines) 5. Juan Manuel Marquez While Floyd Mayweather Jr. is tops, 6. Gennady Golovkin Manny Pacquiao is a close, close 7. Guillermo Rigondeaux RICK REENO second following his victory over 8. Carl Froch BoxingScene.com Chris Algieri and Mayweather’s not- 9. Sergey Kovalev Floyd Mayweather Jr. has so-explosive showings in two fghts 10. Juan Francisco Estrada continued to overcome all against the limited Marcos Maidana. comers, including hungry, up- I thought Floyd would blow Maidana and-coming contenders who are away. This is the reason I feel that ERIKA MONTOYA intent on winning. Mayweather Mayweather and Pacquiao really Milenio Diario (Mexico) also has kept his promise of have to fght next year, to know who In a year that could be considered being more active, averaging is the better man. one of the worst, Floyd Mayweather two fghts per year in the last Jr. maintained his position not two years. Regardless of the 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. because he won it but because no opponent from 140 to 154, 2. Manny Pacquiao one else did much to take his place. Mayweather would be viewed as 3. Wladimir Klitschko He decided to take two comfortable a solid favorite to win. 4. Andre Ward fghts in terms of style in 2014, with 5. Guillermo Rigondeaux no risk at all. Will he surprise us in 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 6. Juan Manuel Marquez 2015 with a real challenge? 2. Guillermo Rigondeaux 7. Roman Gonzalez 3. Roman Gonzalez 8. Tim Bradley 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 4. Manny Pacquiao 9. Canelo Alvarez 2. Manny Pacquiao 5. Juan Manuel Marquez 10. Carl Froch 3. Wladimir Klitschko 6. Wladimir Klitschko 4. Guillermo Rigondeaux 7. Carl Froch 5. Gennady Golovkin 8. Sergey Kovalev KEVIN IOLE 6. Miguel Cotto 9. Juan Francisco Estrada Yahoo! Sports 7. Roman Gonzalez 10. Gennady Golovkin Mayweather wins eight rounds even 8. Sergey Kovalev on an off night when many think he’s 9. Danny Garcia Note: Andre Ward was left in a decline, so it’s hard to drop him 10. Carl Froch off seven lists at least in part out of the top slot. because of inactivity.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 59 THE BEST100 OF 2014 2008 POLL 7. Manny Pacquiao – 38 8. – 35 1. Manny Pacquiao – 150 9. Erik Morales – 31 2. – 101 10. Lennox Lewis – 22 PAST POLLS 3. Juan Manuel Marquez – 99 4. Bernard Hopkins – 73 2002 POLL 2013 POLL 5. – 52 6. Israel Vazquez – 50 1. Roy Jones – 135 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 150 (10) 7. Rafael Marquez –31 2. Oscar De La Hoya – 89 2. Andre Ward – 117 8. Miguel Cotto – 28 3T. – 78 3. Tim Bradley – 62 9T. – 18 3T. – 78 4T. Juan Manuel Marquez – 53 9T. Paul Williams – 18 3T. Bernard Hopkins – 78 4T. Manny Pacquiao – 53 6. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 45 6. Wladimir Klitschko – 48 2007 POLL 7. Lennox Lewis – 43 7. Sergio Martinez – 47 8. – 42 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 150 8. Guillermo Rigondeaux – 45 9. Erik Morales – 25 2. Manny Pacquiao – 103 9. Gennady Golovkin – 28 10. Shane Mosley – 13 3. Joe Calzaghe – 83 10T. Danny Garcia – 9 4. Bernard Hopkins – 63 10T. Mikey Garcia – 9 2001 POLL 5. Juan Manuel Marquez – 58 2012 POLL 6. Miguel Cotto – 51 1. Shane Mosley – 132 7. Israel Vazquez – 30 2. Roy Jones – 108 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 136 (7) 8. Kelly Pavlik – 21 3. Bernard Hopkins – 98 2. Andre Ward – 109 (1) 9. Winky Wright – 15 4. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 77 3. Juan Manuel Marquez – 82 10T. Juan Diaz – 13 5. Marco Antonio Barrera – 44 4. Sergio Martinez – 76 10T. Oscar De La Hoya – 13 6. Oscar De La Hoya – 40 5. Nonito Donaire – 53 7. Felix Trinidad – 39 6. Manny Pacquiao – 48 2006 POLL 8. Kostya Tszyu – 34 7. Wladimir Klitschko – 33 9. Lennox Lewis – 23 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 141 8. Vitali Klitschko – 18 10. Ricardo Lopez – 22 2. Manny Pacquiao – 129 9T. – 14 3. Winky Wright – 84 9T. Carl Froch – 14 2000 POLL 4. Jermain Taylor – 61 2011 POLL 5. Joe Calzaghe – 49 1. Felix Trinidad – 126 6. Rafael Marquez – 28 2. Shane Mosley – 123 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 136.5 (6) 7. Ricky Hatton – 23 3. Roy Jones – 109 2. Manny Pacquiao – 127.5 (4) 8. Shane Mosley – 20 4. Oscar De La Hoya – 43 3. Sergio Martinez – 80 9. Jose Luis Castillo – 19 5. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 39 4. Andre Ward – 65 10. Bernard Hopkins – 16 6. Naseem Hamed – 37 5. Juan Manuel Marquez – 57 7. Ricardo Lopez – 35 6. Nonito Donaire – 53 2005 POLL 8. Diego Corrales – 33 7. Wladimir Klitschko – 33 9. Bernard Hopkins – 32 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 144 8T. Timothy Bradley – 19 10. Lennox Lewis – 31 2. Winky Wright – 113 8T. Pongsaklek Wonjongkam – 19 3. Marco Antonio Barrera – 70 10. Lucian Bute – 11 1999 POLL 4. Juan Manuel Marquez – 43 2010 POLL 5. Rafael Marquez – 39 1. Roy Jones – 150 6. Ricky Hatton – 38 2. Oscar De La Hoya – 85 1. Manny Pacquiao – 150 7. Jose Luis Castillo – 36 3. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 78 2. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 117 8. Jermain Taylor – 34 4T. Shane Mosley – 68 3. Juan Manuel Marquez – 76 9. Zab Judah – 31 4T. Felix Trinidad – 68 4. Sergio Martinez – 68 10. Antonio Tarver – 30 6T. – 47 5. Andre Ward – 48 6T. Ricardo Lopez – 47 6. Nonito Donaire – 41 2004 POLL 8. Erik Morales – 21 7. Tim Bradley – 27 9. Bernard Hopkins – 16 1. Bernard Hopkins – 150 8. Bernard Hopkins – 24 10. Fernando Vargas – 15 2. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 111 9. Juan Manuel Lopez – 21 3. Kostya Tszyu – 88 10. Wladimir Klitschko – 20 1998 POLL 4. Winky Wright – 70 2009 POLL 5. Marco Antonio Barrera – 52 1. Roy Jones – 141 6. Manny Pacquiao – 38 2. Oscar De La Hoya – 123 1. Manny Pacquiao – 144 7. Erik Morales – 26 3. Felix Trinidad – 67 2. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 126 8. Juan Manuel Marquez – 25 4. Shane Mosley – 65 3. Shane Mosley – 79 9. Felix Trinidad – 22 5. Evander Holyf eld – 55 4. Bernard Hopkins – 61 10T. Diego Corrales – 11 6. Mark Johnson – 45 5. Chad Dawson – 48 10T. Rafael Marquez –11 7. Naseem Hamed – 33 6. Paul Williams – 42 8. Ricardo Lopez – 23 7. Juan Manuel Marquez – 40 2003 POLL 9. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 19 8. Nonito Donaire – 22 10. Pernell Whitaker – 14 1. Roy Jones – 142 9. Ivan Calderon – 15 2. Bernard Hopkins – 114 10. Arthur Abraham – 14 1997 POLL 3. Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 97 4. Shane Mosley – 53 1. Oscar De La Hoya – 123 5. Kostya Tszyu – 48 2. Roy Jones – 117 6. Oscar De La Hoya – 45 3. Ricardo Lopez – 83 60 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 4. Evander Holyfeld – 80 1991 POLL 6. Barry McGuigan – 32 5. Felix Trinidad – 65 7. Milton McCrory – 25 6. Pernell Whitaker – 37 1. Julio Cesar Chavez – 138 8T. Julio Cesar Chavez – 22 7. Naseem Hamed – 28 2. Pernell Whitaker – 100 8T. – 22 8T. Mark Johnson – 22 3. Evander Holyfeld – 78 10. Larry Holmes – 21 8T. Junior Jones – 22 4. Mike Tyson – 55 10. – 18 5. – 48 1984 POLL 6. Mike McCallum – 38 1996 POLL 7. – 34 1. Marvin Hagler – 112 8. Khaosai Galaxy – 25 2. – 77 1. Roy Jones – 123 9. – 22 3. Larry Holmes –72 2. Oscar De La Hoya – 107 10. Simon Brown – 21 4. Eusebio Pedroza – 66 3. Pernell Whitaker – 92 5. Hector Camacho – 50 4. Evander Holyfeld – 64 1990 POLL 6T. Jeff Chandler – 47 5. Felix Trinidad – 59 6T. Ray Leonard – 47 6. Ricardo Lopez – 56 1. Julio Cesar Chavez – 123 8. – 45 7. Terry Norris – 28 2. Pernell Whitaker – 104 9. Thomas Hearns – 34 8. Ike Quartey – 21 3. Mike Tyson – 71 10. – 26 9. Azumah Nelson – 12 4. Meldrick Taylor – 57 10. Yuri Arbachakov – 11 5. – 51 1983 POLL 6. Simon Brown – 27 1995 POLL 7. Antonio Esparragoza – 25 1. Marvin Hagler – 147 8. – 23 2. Aaron Pryor – 93 1. Roy Jones – 138 9. Evander Holyfeld – 21 3. Larry Holmes – 91 2. Pernell Whitaker – 126 10. Humberto Gonzalez – 14 4. Michael Spinks – 66 3. Oscar De La Hoya – 74 5. Jeff Chandler – 57 4. Felix Trinidad – 59 1989 POLL 6. Thomas Hearns – 45 5. Marco Antonio Barrera – 48 7. Alexis Arguello – 29 6. Riddick Bowe – 44 1. Mike Tyson – 147 8. Wilfredo Gomez – 28 7. Ricardo Lopez – 37 2. Julio Cesar Chavez – 91 9. Hector Camacho – 24 8. Julio Cesar Chavez – 18 3. Meldrick Taylor – 61 10. Eusebio Pedroza – 12 9. Ike Quartey – 16 4. Michael Nunn – 60 10. Naseem Hamed – 12 5. Evander Holyfeld – 56 1982 POLL 6. Pernell Whitaker – 46 1994 POLL 7. Ray Leonard – 28 1. Ray Leonard – 147 8. Jeff Fenech – 27 2. Alexis Arguello – 97 1. Pernell Whitaker – 130 9. Azumah Nelson – 18 3. Marvin Hagler – 76 2. Roy Jones – 129 10. – 16 4. Salvador Sanchez – 72 3. Frankie Randall – 53 5. Wilfred Benitez – 68 4. Ricardo Lopez – 45 1988 POLL 6. Larry Holmes – 61 5. Orlando Canizales – 39 7. Jeff Chandler – 25 6. Chiquita Gonzalez – 38 1. Mike Tyson – 144 8. Eusebio Pedroza – 18 7. James Toney – 36 2. Julio Cesar Chavez – 118 9. Aaron Pryor – 17 8. Gerald McClellan – 33 3. Evander Holyfeld – 66 10T. Thomas Hearns – 14 9. Felix Trinidad –29 4. Ray Leonard – 55 10T. – 14 10. – 28 5. Jeff Fenech – 44 6. Michael Nunn – 33 1981 POLL 1993 POLL 7. Azumah Nelson – 32 8. Jung-Koo Chang – 23 1. Thomas Hearns – 116 1. Pernell Whitaker – 147 9. Buddy McGirt – 21 2. Ray Leonard – 108 2. Julio Cesar Chavez – 86 10. Sumbu Kalambay – 18 3. Marvin Hagler –76 3. Terry Norris – 84 4. Larry Holmes – 75 4. James Toney – 76 NO POLL IN 1987 5. Alexis Arguello – 62 5. – 39 6. Wilfredo Gomez – 58 6. Evander Holyfeld – 36 7. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad –28 7. Buddy McGirt – 28 1986 POLL 8. Matthew Saad Muhammad – 24 8. Roy Jones – 23 1. Marvin Hagler – 138 9. Wilfred Benitez – 18 9. Orlando Canizales – 22 2. Mike Tyson – 92 10T. Roberto Duran – 13 10. Ricardo Lopez – 21 3. Donald Curry – 59 10T. Aaron Pryor – 13 4. Thomas Hearns – 52 1992 POLL 5. – 47 1980 POLL 1. Julio Cesar Chavez – 136 6T. Azumah Nelson – 45 1. Roberto Duran – 96 2. Terry Norris – 91 6T. Michael Spinks – 45 2. Ray Leonard – 93 3. Pernell Whitaker – 85 8. Evander Holyfeld – 32 3. Wilfredo Gomez – 88 4. Buddy McGirt – 60 9. Julio Cesar Chavez – 26 4. Danny Lopez – 65 5. Riddick Bowe – 45 10. Hector Camacho – 22 5. Pipino Cuevas – 54 6. Orlando Canizales – 36 6. Alexis Arguello – 40 7. Azumah Nelson –34 1985 POLL 7. Larry Holmes – 32 8. Lennox Lewis – 24 1. Marvin Hagler – 150 8. Wilfred Benitez – 26 9. Julian Jackson – 18 2. Hector Camacho – 86 9T. Vito Antuofermo – 25 10T. Roy Jones – 15 3. Michael Spinks – 85 9T. Matthew Saad Muhammad – 25 10T. Mike McCallum – 15 4. Donald Curry – 78 5. Thomas Hearns – 42

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 61 THE BEST100 BY DAVID GREISMAN OF 2014

ANTONIO TARVER “NOT AN ACTOR BUT A BOXER” AWARD HIGHLY Australian cruiserweight Brad Pitt SYLVESTER STALLONE “NOT A BOXER BUT AN UNOFFICIAL ACTOR” AWARD AWARDS Cruiserweight Mickey Rourke GOOD ACTOR VS. BAD ACTOR GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX incapable of cutting anyone off Rourke vs. Elliot Seymour, who “HIGHLY TALENTED YET some believe took a dive against HIGHLY FRUSTRATING the 62-year-old movie star CUBAN FIGHTER” AWARD CARLOS SANTANA “BLACK Erislandy Lara MAGIC WOMAN” AWARD Dionesia Pacquiao CHRIS ARREOLA “OVEREATING, HENRY “SUGAR POO” UNDERACHIEVING BUCHANAN AWARD FOR THE “UN-GARY RUSSELL HEAVYWEIGHT” AWARD WORST NICKNAME JR.” AWARD FOR Andy Ruiz 140-pound prospect Zachary CHALLENGING “Zungry” Ochoa HIMSELF QUICKLY 115-pound titleholder Naoya Inoue MOST LIKELY SIGN THAT HELL FROZE OVER Evander Holyf eld f nally retired DAVID COPPERFIELD “DISAPPEARING ACT” AWARD BEST BOXER TURNED Super middleweight champion WORST RAP LABEL OWNER Andre Ward, who has fought just Floyd Mayweather Jr. twice since winning the Super Six World Boxing Classic in 2011 and didn’t f ght at all in 2014 BEST RAPPER TURNED WORST BOXING PROMOTER WORST BASKETBALLING 50 Cent WORLD’S WORST BOXER ZOOKEEPER Manny Pacquiao Boxing trainer Tim Lane and NEWEST MEMBERS the cage he kept Chris Algieri in OF OPRAH WINFREY’S against Manny Pacquiao BEST BOXING BOOK CLUB BASKETBALLER Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Deontay Wilder 50 Cent LENNOX LEWIS “ABSOLUTELY, DEFINITELY” AWARD FOR WORST AUTO INSURANCE COMMENTARY LINE “ALIEN GROWING OUT OF “SAFE DRIVER OF THE Mauro Ranallo of Showtime and HEAD” AWARD YEAR” AWARD his multiple references to “The Derrick Findley after his win over Curtis Stevens, who showed MayVinci Code” Lamar Russ against Hassan N’Dam that he’s

62 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 LEAST HEARTBREAKING MOST THRILLING “DEDICATED TESTICULAR ROBBERY BROADCAST PUNISHER” AWARD The aesthetically displeasing NBC Sports Network, April 4, Orlando Salido in his dirty victory Miguel Vazquez dropping 2014: Curtis Stevens scores a over Vasyl Lomachenko a controversial decision to f nal-round, come-from-behind Mickey Bey KO of Tureano Johnson and Steve Cunningham gets off the AT LEAST HE DIDN’T HAVE canvas to Amir Mansour DREADLOCKS AGAIN NIK WALLENDA “GREATEST HIGHWIRE ACT” AWARD Steve Cunningham’s MOST UNSURPRISINGLY continued campaign in the DISAPPOINTING BROADCAST heavyweight division Showtime, Aug. 9, 2014: Daniel Jacobs makes easy work of Jarrod Fletcher, as expected; MOST LIKELY TO GET IN Lamont Peterson dominates A CATFIGHT Edgar Santana, as expected; and WBA female atomweight Danny Garcia brutally destroys titleholder Ayaka Miyao Rod Salka, as expected

PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ IV OSTRICH BURYING ITS HEAD “MOST EMPHATIC REMATCH IN SAND AWARD WIN” AWARD This sport’s athletic commissions Paulie Malignaggi, who weighed Carl Froch KO 8 George Groves when it comes to the in against Shawn Porter wearing performances of their referees nothing but an elephant G-string and judges, the inconsistent JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ-GREG standards for f ghter health HAUGEN “MASSIVE BOXING and safety and the utter lack of ARTURO GATTI “HAIL MARY CROWD” AWARD serious drug testing KNOCKOUTS” AWARD The approximately 80,000 people New middleweight titleholder who packed Wembley Stadium in Andy Lee, with his come-from- London for Froch-Groves II BEST FLOP NOT SEEN IN A behind wins over John Jackson WORLD CUP GAME and Matt Korobov Abner Cotto, who went down FIGHTER WHO MOST against Javier Fortuna on a late SURPRISINGLY HAS NEVER hit that failed to actually hit him TEDDY ATLAS “PLEASE FOUGHT IN SIN CITY MAKE IT STOP” AWARD Light heavyweight Joey Vegas The never-ending debate and “A MAN WHO IS HIS OWN coverage of the still nonexistent LAWYER HAS A FOOL FOR f ght between Floyd Mayweather CARTOONISH BOXER HIS CLIENT” AWARD Jr. and Manny Pacquiao BECOMES ACTUAL CARTOON Beibut Shumenov, who “Mike Tyson Mysteries,” acted as his own trainer going which premiered on the Adult into his unif cation bout with QUICKEST ROUTE TO A TITLE Swim network Bernard Hopkins SHOT WITHOUT A TRULY SIGNIFICANT PRO WIN Vasyl Lomachenko MIKE TYSON “BITE OF THE THE WALKING DEAD YEAR” AWARD Jose Luis Castillo Cruiserweight f ghter LONGEST ROUTE TO A TITLE Wadi Camacho, disqualif ed FOR PAST WINNERS SHOT WITHOUT A TRULY for gnawing on Craig Kennedy OF THE ANNUAL RING AWARDS, GO TO http://bit. SIGNIFICANT PRO WIN in October ly/past-winners OR SCAN

RUIZ: HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES; MALIGNAGGI: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/GETTY IMAGES HOW/GETTY IMAGES; MALIGNAGGI: HARRY RUIZ: Deontay Wilder THE QR CODE.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 63 making asuperght. past fewmonthsabout Pacquiao gotseriousthe (above) andManny Floyd MayweatherJr.

MAYWEATHER: ETHAN MILLER; PACQUIAO: CHINAFOTOPRESS The boxing question I have been asked more than any other is this: “Will it happen?” a reference to the painfully elusive showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. I’ve always had the same answer: There is too much money on the table for it NOT to happen. I’ve typically added a quali­er – “but who the hell knows?” – to cover my behind but THE I always believed it would take place eventually. And it appears it will. The presses for this issue were about to roll when we received the news that Pacquiao had agreed to terms for a ­ght against Mayweather on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. TIME The announcement was made by promoter Bob Arum and Michael Koncz, THE BOXING WORLD Pacquiao’s adviser, who BRACES FOR THE LONG- said that their ­ghter had accepted a 60-40 split of AWAITED FIGHT BETWEEN the purse in Mayweather’s FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. favor and agreed on gloves AND MANNY PACQUIAO (each would choose their By Michael Rosenthal own) and a sticking point IS in the past, drug testing, which would be overseen by USADA. The , citing unnamed sources, also reported that Mayweather had accepted the 60-40 split but he had not signed off on the deal by our deadline. If he did so by the time you read this, NOW the ­nal hurdle appeared to have been an agreement on a joint broadcast between premium cable networks Showtime and HBO. The networks worked together on the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson super­ght in 2002. There

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 65 THE TIME IS NOW

Pacquiao was at his peak when he stopped Miguel Cotto (right) in 2009.

for Pacquiao. See what I mean about the money being impossible to resist? Mayweather and Pacquiao know as well as we do that they won’t retain this type of earning power much longer. That was powerful motivation to put their reservations aside at this time; they had to jump at this opportunity now or the potential prots would begin to dwindle. And who knows whether the ght could be just the rst in a series? Imagine a rematch and a possible third ght, depending on the outcomes. The ghters could walk away with $300 million-plus before it’s over. Want more incentive? Mayweather has two ghts left on a six-bout contract with Showtime that has a potential worth reported to be $250 million. The deal reportedly has produced only one protable ght, Mayweather’s one-sided decision over Alvarez on Sept. 14, 2013. The other three ghts – against Robert Guerrero and two against Marcos Maidana – produced what were reported to be disappointing pay-per-view numbers. Thus, it was no wonder that CBS/Showtime chief Les Moonves has been directly involved in negotiations. A $250 million was no reason to think they couldn’t talking the biggest ght in history. investment buys the right to expect – do the same in 2015. The matchup certainly would demand – results. That’s where we stood when the destroy all records. The mark of And, nally, there is Alvarez. button was pushed to start the 2.5 million pay-per-view buys The fact that the young Mexican presses – not certain that the ght generated by Mayweather and star declared his intention to claim would take place but condent that a Oscar De La Hoya? Many believe the Mexican holidays – Cinco de major announcement was imminent. this fight would exceed 3 million. Mayo (May) and Independence The sad thing is that the ght The revenue standard of $150 Day (September) – as his own also should’ve happened as early as 2010, million set by Mayweather and added urgency to the Mayweather- when the principals were at the peak Canelo Alvarez? Double that in Pacquiao talks. of their powers. Mayweather and part because the pay-per-view Alvarez and Miguel Cotto were in Pacquiao remain two of the best cost could be $99. The record $20 negotiations for a classic Mexican- ghters in the world – perhaps Nos. million Mayweather-Alvarez gate? Puerto Rican showdown on May 1 and 2 – but they are 38 (on Feb. Double that too. Ticket prices will 2 when Pacquiao’s handlers made 24) and 36, respectively, and in at be scaled for the wealthy. their announcement but no deal had least slight decline. That’s why Mayweather reportedly been reached. Whether the opponent Make no mistake, though: If would earn a guaranteed $120 is Cotto or somebody else, though,

you build it, they will come. We’re million, leaving a measly $80 million Alvarez seemed determined to ght MARK RALSTON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: PACQUIAO:

66 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 Mayweather outclassed Juan Manuel Marquez (right) in his 2009 comeback ght.

on that date. For him, it looks like a cause, a ght for national pride. Still, logic says he will have had to back off this time. It makes no sense to compete directly with a monster like Mayweather-Pacquiao. That’s a losing proposition, something anyone with business savvy will avoid at all costs. Alvarez is only 24. His time at or near the top of the pay-per-view heap will come. “I don’t necessarily like the date,” said Arum, who supported Alvarez in his bid to secure May 2. “That date is a Mexican holiday, and it should be for a Mexican ghter. But Floyd wanted it on May 2, so we agreed to May 2.” Of course, we wouldn’t be having that discussion had Mayweather and Pacquiao faced one another in their primes. Pacquiao was a sizzling sensation in December 2009, when he knocked out Cotto in the 12th and nal round at the MGM Grand. That followed stunning knockouts of De La Hoya (in his nal ght) and Ricky Hatton, which led some overly excited observers – myself included – to compare Pacquiao to the great . Meanwhile, Mayweather had recently returned from a 21-month hiatus by nearly shutting out And on-again-off-again talks told Yahoo! Pacquiao nemesis Juan Manuel afterward amounted to nothing but Indeed he does, as he demonstrated Marquez in September 2009, false hope for fans who ultimately by agreeing to terms. And, evidently, demonstrating that he hadn’t lost grew weary of the nonsense. Even as Mayweather nally does too. It anything off his fastball. I write this, with the agreement so wouldn’t be Mayweather-Pacquiao, They were at their peaks and close to nality, one can assume that circa 2010, but we’ll take it. clearly the Nos. 1 and 2 ghters, the eyes of those who have followed “People want to see this ght, making it the perfect time to face this story are rolling. people have talked about this ght, one another in the ring. One thing that has changed, Arum people have asked when they’re It was reported on Dec. 5, 2009, told Yahoo! Sports, is that Pacquiao going to see this ght happen,” Arum that Pacquiao – coming off the has a much better understanding of said. “People have always been Cotto knockout a few weeks earlier drug testing than he did in 2009-10. interested in this ght happening. – had agreed to face Mayweather He has been tested by USADA in his Should it have happened four or ve on March 13, 2010. But Pacquiao recent ghts. Therefore it ceased to years ago? Yes, maybe. But better refused to accede to Mayweather’s be an impediment to making a deal. late than never.” drug-testing demands – citing a fear “I think Manny has been very of giving blood – and the ght fell reasonable and demonstrated that Norm Frauenheim contributed to apart at least in part because of that. he wants the ght to happen,” Arum this report

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 67 INSTANT PROBLEMS?

VIDEO REVIEW HAS A PLACE IN BOXING BUT ITS USEFULNESS IS LIMITED – AND POTENTIALLY PERILOUS – COMPARED TO OTHER SPORTS By Thomas Hauser

Video review in boxing works best after the f ght is over. he title-unif cation bout between T Bernard Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev on Nov. 8 was notable for several reasons, including the fact that it marked the readiness to use instant video review on one of boxing’s biggest stages. Referees are sometimes called upon to make judgment calls when they’re not in position to clearly see what happened. Watching f ghts becomes a more satisfying experience and it’s in the best interest of boxing if off cials get critical calls right. Instant video review has worked well in sports like football, baseball, basketball and tennis. So one would think it’s a given that instant video review should be used in boxing. But it’s not that simple. There’s ample precedent for a commission overturning a referee’s call on the basis of video evidence after a f ght has ended.

• The California State Athletic Commission employed video review at a hearing after the 2011 f ght between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson. Hopkins claimed that a f ght-ending shoulder injury had resulted from his being illegally body-slammed to the canvas. Referee Pat Russell saw things differently and awarded a second-round knockout to Dawson. The CSAC changed the result to “no contest.”

• The New York State Athletic Commission used video replay after the fact to overturn the verdict in a 2007 f ght between Terrance Cauthen and Raul Frank. Cauthen was leading on all scorecards when he was accidentally headbutted on the chin and knocked woozy. Referee Ricky Gonzalez didn’t see the headbutt, stopped the f ght and declared Frank the winner by knockout. After a hearing, the result was changed to “no contest.” DON EMMERT/AFP/GETTY IMAGES DON EMMERT/AFP/GETTY

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 69 INSTANT PROBLEMS?

• The NYSAC also used video review for a 2007 fght between Delvin Rodriguez and Keenan Collins. The bout was originally ruled “no contest” after Collins suffered a fght-ending cut above his left eye that referee Eddie Claudio ruled was caused by an accidental clash of heads. A review of the tape at a later date showed that the cut was caused by a punch. The result was changed to a second-round knockout in Rodriguez’s favor.

• allows for video review but only at the referee’s request and only in instances where a fght-ending injury or knockout has occurred. In other words, the referee has to say, “I’d like to look at the video.” Then the referee decides whether he made the correct call. There’s a TV monitor at ringside reserved for the use of video replay. Because the fght has ended, Commission, if requested to do Within that framework, there’s ample time for review. so by a fghter’s camp, will hold instant video review can be The procedure has been utilized a post-fght hearing to review particularly useful in instances where in Nevada for MMA on several video evidence in conjunction offcials are trying to determine occasions but has yet to be with a ruling on any accidental whether a cut was caused by a punch employed for boxing. or intentional foul. or a headbutt. That’s because, in theory, that particular call isn’t time • Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, Nov. 8 in was different sensitive. A cut fghter is supposed to Connecticut, also uses video from the above situations. The New fght until a ring doctor determines review in fght-ending situations. Jersey State Athletic Control Board that he’s no longer able to continue. There, the commission (not was prepared to use instant video Only then is it essential to fnally rule the referee) decides whether to review during a boxing match for the on the cause of the cut. use it and rules on the result. frst time. Additionally, instant review could The aforementioned Rodriguez The frst prerequisite for any be useful in determining whether a was the benefciary of another instant video review procedure in punch was thrown before or after the ruling based on video review boxing is that it cannot interfere with bell ending a round. following his 2013 bout against the fow of the fght. In other sports, It has been suggested that instant Freddy Hernandez. The fght offcials can stop the fow of the video review also be employed to was stopped after Hernandez action. That can’t be done in boxing. determine whether a knockdown was cut above the left eye. “This isn’t football,” said should or shouldn’t have been called Referee Harvey Dock mistakenly Greg Sirb, executive director of in a particular instance. That’s more ruled that the cut was caused the Pennsylvania State Athletic problematic unless the determination by an accidental clash of heads Commission and former president is made before the judges turn and Rodriguez was awarded a of the Association of Boxing in their scores for the round in technical decision based on the Commissions. “There’s a one-minute question. It’s easy to change 10-8 judges’ scorecards at that time. rest period between rounds. Other for Fighter A to 10-9 for Fighter After review, the decision was than the time allotted for recovery A if a knockdown is taken away. changed to a knockout. from a low blow, that’s it. The replay But, without the knockdown, a cannot be the equivalent of a time- judge might have scored the round

• The Pennsylvania State Athletic out for a fghter.” 10-10 or 10-9 for Fighter B. STEPHEN DUNN/GETTY IMAGES

70 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 The result of Chad Dawson-Bernard many camera angles as he wants athletic commission offcials who Hopkins I was ruled a no-contest as a before making a fnal call. appoint biased referees do so with result of video review. By contrast, few, if any, state an awareness of their bias in the athletic commissions have the money same way that they appoint judges and technological expertise necessary with knowledge of their bias. One And, yes, offcials can be instructed to implement even the most basic can argue that instant video review to mark various contingency scores instant video review. That means, for would correct these biases. But on their scorecard for use in the the foreseeable future, it will only many fghters believe that decisions event that a knockdown ruling is come into being if television provides regarding when the commission overturned. But given the limitations the technology. The network calls for a video review and how it of some judges, that’s a recipe for televising a fght could install a interprets the video would simply disaster. recording device at the commission give commission offcials another In most instances, the deduction table that allows a review offcial to tool to tilt the playing feld further in of a point for a low blow or pushing cue up video segments as many times favor of the house fghter. an opponent’s head down is a as desired but that would require a These same fghters like the idea cumulative call that results from signifcant investment. of a backup referee at ringside who multiple misdeeds, not just one Thus, instant video review might the referee can consult with if he’s infraction. work well for fghts with big-budget uncertain about a particular call. A review to determine whether a television coverage. But if boxing The backup referee would also have 10-count was too fast or two slow gets to a place where there’s one set the responsibility of communicating isn’t practical. An offcial can’t stop of rules for fghts on major television with the referee if he thinks a call a fght and tell a fghter, “Sorry, we networks and a different set of rules was wrong. checked the video and you were for everyone else, then boxing is in “Are you sure?” would mean knocked out two minutes ago.” the wrong place. that the backup referee saw things “We’ll have to play some of these There’s also a potential problem in differently. If the primary referee issues by ear,” New Jersey Athletic that television networks sometimes had doubts about his call, he could Control Board commissioner Larry have an institutional interest in the make a correction. Consultations Hazzard acknowledged several outcome of a fght. Suppose the like this occur in football and days before Hopkins-Kovalev. “If network has a camera-angle video basketball all the time without the a situation occurs where either that could lead to overturning a use of video review. the commission or a fghter’s chief referee’s call. But for whatever As for Nov. 8 in New Jersey, second requests a video review, we’ll reason, in the heat of the moment, there were no controversial rulings do it. All other sports have made it isn’t shown to home viewers or, by referee David Fields in Hopkins- an effort to correct human error by under a more advanced system, Kovalev or Harvey Dock in Sadam offcials. For some reason, boxing put on a special commission video Ali vs. Luis Abregu (the opening has been reluctant to come out of the monitor. Either the people in the televised fight of the evening) that dark ages. The time to do it is now.” truck didn’t realize its importance or required instant video review. But On Nov. 8, HBO (which televised there was a technological glitch. The give Hazzard credit for taking the Hopkins-Kovalev) installed a network could be dragged into an first steps to put a review system monitor at the commission table. ugly controversy. in place. Hazzard had a headset that enabled Over the years, I’ve talked with “We have to start somewhere,” him to watch and hear what viewers numerous fghters about the Hazzard says. “Half a loaf is better saw at home. He did not have the possibility of instant video review. than none. There’s always some fear ability to “call up” multiple camera In most instances, their response has when you go into the unknown. angles from the production truck or been that it’s nice to get the calls But I think that video review will view replays multiple times. right but boxing needs competent, make things fairer for the fghters That highlights one of the unbiased referees more than it needs by correcting mistakes and it’s problems inherent in utilizing instant instant video review. necessary to bring boxing in line video review in boxing. Under the Fighters feel that a missed call is with 21st-century sports. So let’s NFL’s replay system, four people often the result of bias on the part make it work.” (designated under NFL rules as a of the referee rather than human technician, replay assistant, video error. And they believe that this Thomas Hauser can be reached by operator and communicator) advise bias is refected not just in isolated email at [email protected]. His most and assist the referee on video missed calls, but in the fow of the recent book, “Thomas Hauser on reviews. The referee can watch a entire fght. Boxing,” was published recently by replay as many times and from as Fighters also believe that the state the University of Arkansas Press.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 71 ★ ★

2015 HALL OF FAME

★ ★

NO ONE IS PERFECT

THE CENTERPIECES OF THE 26TH INDUCTION WEEKEND – BOWE, HAMED AND MANCINI – HAVE SOLID BUT FLAWED RESUMES By Bernard Fernandez BOWE: HOLLY STEIN; HAMED: JOHN GICHIGI /ALLSPORT; MANCINI: THE RING MAGAZINE Fame onJune14. Boxing Hallof the International inducted into Mancini willbe Hamed andRay Naseem Riddick Bowe, on multiplelevels, arenotentirely credentials, althoughpraiseworthy of Fame’s Classof2015, whose of theInternationalBoxingHall are goingtohate. blemish. Intoday’s parlance, haters pristine imagesbeartheoccasional to criticizethosewhoseotherwise accomplishment donothesitate fault, manyindividualsoflesser although nooneistotallywithout revisited throughouthistory. But is athemethathasbeenvisitedand takes togetin,” saidMancini, 53, a ballot, Isaid didn’t knowwhatit making process? should befactoredintothedecision- outside thering, somethingthat character, asitpertains toconduct opposition thathe’s faced? And is How importantisthequalityof title reignsbeforfullvalidation? an all-timer?Howlongshouldhis f ghter needtowinbeconsidered many worldchampionshipsdoesa sometimes fuzzilydrawn. How the trulygreatfromverygood the lineofdemarcationseparating same foreverysportsHallofFame, indisputable magnif cence. Itisthe failing torisethethresholdof questioned tosomeextentfor Gatti cometomind–havebeen – IngemarJohanssonand Arturo are raised, otherIBHOFenshrinees Ray RobinsonandMuhammad Ali scarce when, say, the namesofSugar every pundit’s snifftest. conferred immortalitydidnotpass category aspreviousinducteeswhose which meanstheyfallintothesame two ontheirprofessionalresumes, in Junewithaperceivedwartor arrive inCanastota, New York, “Prince” NaseemHamedallwill Ray “Boom Boom” Manciniand beyond reproach. RiddickBowe, And soitiswithselectedmembers “When Iwastoldonthe While dissentersareextremely T 4.15 can beattained, that itsomehow perfection, and thing ashuman there issucha he beliefthat / RINGTV.COM 73 NO ONE IS PERFECT HALL OF FAME: CLASS OF 2015

MODERN The Tokyo product was only 21 when he former WBA lightweight champion RIDDICK BOWE stopped Berkrerk Chartvanchai in the who compiled a record of 29-5 (23 ACTIVE: 1989-2008 13th round to win the WBA fyweight title knockouts) in a career that lasted RECORD: 43-1 (33 KOs) in 1970. He successfully defended fve only 5½ years (aside from two ill- BACKGROUND: “Big Daddy” was indeed big times, the last against Chartchai Chionoi fated comeback fghts). “Is it stats? – 6 feet 5 inches, around 235 pounds at his on Jan. 1, 1973. Three weeks later he Is it impact? I don’t know. But best – and both skilled and athletic. He is was killed in a car accident in Tokyo, whatever it is, I’m very honored and best remembered for his three-fght series leaving us to wonder what he might’ve fattered to have made it.” against Evander Holyfeld, in which he went accomplished. The IBHOF’s 2015 induction 2-1 (his only loss). The onetime undisputed KEN OVERLIN class is the frst under changes to heavyweight champion probably didn’t ACTIVE: 1931-44 the voting process, which basically realize his potential because of his training habits but certainly left his mark. RECORD: 135-19-9 (23 KOs) advances the years of the last bout BACKGROUND: Overlin wasn’t much of a of nominees in both the Modern NASEEM HAMED puncher but, oh, could he box. The Navy and Old-Timer categories. The Old- ACTIVE: 1992-2002 champion crammed 165 fghts into his Timer category, originally last bout RECORD: 36-1 (31 KOs) 13-plus-year career and was extremely no earlier than 1893 and no later BACKGROUND: “Prince” was known for his diffcult to beat. He won recognition as than 1942, has now been extended ring entrances and strange style but he also middleweight champ by the New York to 1988 (1893-1988) and divided was a terrifc boxer and powerful puncher. State Athletic Commission by upsetting in 1940 and had two into two different eras: “Early” He won the featherweight title in 1995 and successful defenses. He also beat Ezzard (last bout no earlier than 1893 and successfully defended it 15 times, 13 by knockout, then vacated prior to his only Charles and . no later than 1942) and “Late” loss, a unanimous decision against Marco (last bout no earlier than 1943 and Antonio Barrera in 2001. He fought once no later than 1988). The Modern more and then retired, leaving a legacy as NON-PARTICIPANT category, originally last bout no one of the better British fghters ever. JOHN F.X. CONDON earlier than 1943, now consists of POSITION: Publicist boxers whose last contest came no RAY MANCINI BACKGROUND: Condon became publicity earlier than 1989. All candidates ACTIVE: 1979-92 director at Madison Square Garden in RECORD: must have been retired for at least 29-5 (23 KOs) late 1950s and became president of MSG BACKGROUND: fve years prior to the end of the Mancini was one of the Boxing in 1981. most popular fghters of his era. “Boom calendar year in which the voting is Boom” won his only title by stopping Arturo RAFAEL MENDOZA taking place. Frias in one round in 1982 and successfully POSITION: Manager Eligible voters include full defended four times before losing it to BACKGROUND: Mendoza has worked members of the Boxing Writers in 1984. However, as a journalist and matchmaker but Association of America, as well as Mancini might be best known for delivering probably has made his biggest impact as an international panel of boxing the blows that killed Duk Koo Kim and a manager, advising 26 world champs. historians from Japan, England, giving a brave, but futile effort in a KO loss Canada, , South Africa, to Alexis Arguello. Germany, Mexico, Puerto Rico and POSITION: Referee BACKGROUND: the U.S. Smoger has worked more than 200 title fghts in his three-decade In addition to Bowe, Mancini OLD-TIMER YOKO GUSHIKEN career as one of the most respected third and Hamed – modern inductees ACTIVE: men in the ring. invariably are the biggest draws 1974-81 RECORD: 23-1 (15 KOs) – other honorees include junior BACKGROUND: Gushiken was a long- fyweight champion Yoko Gushiken reigning junior fyweight titleholder and one OBSERVER in the Old-Timer category; booking of the best Japanese fghters of all time. NIGEL COLLINS agent/manager Rafael Mendoza and He stopped Juan Antonio Guzman in his POSTION: Editor/writer referee Steve Smoger in the Non- ninth fght to win the WBA 108-pound title BACKGROUND: The former two-time Participant category; and journalist in 1976 and made 13 successful defenses, RING Editor and author is respected for Nigel Collins and broadcaster Jim fnally losing his belt to Pedro Flores in his ability as an editor and writer, as well Lampley in category. 1981. The “Fierce Eagle” was only 25 but as his integrity. But if Bowe, Mancini and Hamed never fought again. He never fought outside Japan. JIM LAMPLEY are the indisputable centerpieces POSITION: Broadcaster of the 26th induction weekend, MASAO OHBA BACKGROUND: Lampley has been which runs from June 11-14, so, ACTIVE: 1966-73 perhaps the most recognizable voice in too, are they the targets for the kind RECORD: 35-2-1 (16 KOs) boxing for ABC and then HBO over the of sporadic media grousing that BACKGROUND: Ohba’s is a tragic story. past three-plus decades.

74 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 seldom is directed at Hall of Famers from a distance as well as on the self-aggrandizing style and gave in other categories. inside. If he wasn’t quite all that more credence to his sole loss – a Although Bowe, 46, was the super he might have been (his problems thrashing by 8-1 underdog Marco heavyweight silver medalist at the maintaining an optimal weight Antonio Barrera in 2001 – than to 1988 Seoul Olympics, compiled a are well documented), or at the his many spectacular triumphs. 43-1 record (33 KOs) in a pro career top of his form for as long as his For his much-hyped U.S. debut on that extended from 1989 to ’96 undeniable talent would allow, well, HBO, in 1997, the “Prince” took 10 (aside from an uneventful comeback the same might be said of Tyson minutes to complete his splashy ring in 2004, which lasted three bouts and more than a few other fghters entrance as opponent Kevin Kelley over four years) and defeated whose plaques already hang on the silently fumed. future Hall of Famer Evander hallowed walls of the IBHOF. Once the bell rang, however, Holyfeld in two of their three “I was ecstatic, man,” Bowe said Hamed – whose punching power had classic confrontations in the 1990s, of the telephone call he received always masked his technical faws – some fault him for not fghting such from IBHOF executive director Ed showed what all the fuss was about. contemporaries as Mike Tyson (who Brophy advising him of his election. He and Kelley each were foored hailed from the same Brownsville “Anybody would be elated to be three times but it was Hamed who section of Brooklyn, New York, going into the Hall of Fame. I hadn’t closed the show in the fourth round. that spawned Bowe), Lennox Lewis really been thinking about it, so But little guys can eat their (who beat Bowe for an Olympic when I found out, it was a really way out of shape as easily as gold medal in ’88), George Foreman, nice surprise.” heavyweights. Eight weeks before Michael Moorer, Ray Mercer, Razor What of complaints from his showdown with Barrera, an Ruddock, , Oliver detractors that he avoided matchups overstuffed Hamed was 35 pounds McCall and . with homeboy Tyson and Olympic over the contracted weight limit. “When looking at Bowe’s career nemesis Lewis that possibly could Drained by the need to pare down in totality, it doesn’t measure up have solidifed his status as a surefre so far and so fast, and fummoxed with his career rivals Holyfield, Hall of Famer? by Barrera’s superb ring generalship Lewis and Tyson when comparing “I tried to get a fght with Lennox that night, he was exposed in some the quality of opposition that they a million times,” said Bowe, which people’s eyes as a false idol. each faced,” opined boxing writer/ is not how most observers perceive “Great fghters get beat and great historian Frank Lotierzo. Still the failure to make that much- fghters come back,” Hamed said. others note that Bowe, a month anticipated superbout. “Lennox’s But a rematch clause was never after winning the undisputed people didn’t want the fght, so that exercised and Hamed fought just one heavyweight championship in his should fall on them.” more time, a 12-round unanimous first fight with Holyfield on Nov. Based on numbers alone, the decision over Manuel Calvo in 2002 13, 1992, tossed his WBC belt in 5-foot-4½ Hamed, who turns before hanging up his gloves. a trash can and vacated the title 41 on Feb. 4, probably should Some have said that, instead rather than meeting Lewis, the No. have gotten his call to the Hall of adjusting the time frames for 1 contender, and, in a development years earlier. The dynamic little consideration in the Old-Timers that had nothing to do with boxing, southpaw, born to Yemeni and Modern categories, the he washed out after only three days immigrants in , England, IBHOF would be better served to of platoon training at the Marine retired in 2002 with a record of require a voting threshold be met Corps Recruit Depot at Parris 36-1 (31 KOs). At various times the – it is 75 percent for the National Island, , in 1997. WBO, WBC and IBF featherweight Baseball Hall of Fame in nearby A few months after the boot camp champion, as well as the lineal Cooperstown, New York – for an fasco, Foreman, then 48, took a 126-pound king for three years, eligible fghter to gain induction. cheap shot at Bowe, saying that if he was 16-0 in world title bouts, The rules as presently constituted he and the younger man were to winning 14 of them by knockout. mandate three new honorees in the square off, “I’d dress up like a drill So why has Hamed, who became Modern category every year, which instructor, then I’d tell him to drop eligible for induction into the could boost the candidacy of certain and give me 10.” IBHOF in 2007, languished on fringe candidates. But requiring a In his prime, however, Bowe was the rejection list for so long? His fxed-percentage vote might mean no a 6-foot-5, 235-pound fghting more ardent supporters in the fghters, great or just a notch below, machine with a piston-like jab, a British media complain that Hamed would make the cutoff mark in a formidable array of boxing skills, is the victim of bias by eligible given year. And who would want to put-away power with both hands American voters, many of whom attend a celebration with no major and the ability to dictate the action didn’t care for Hamed’s famboyant, guests of honor?

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 75 REMEMBERS ERNIE TERRELL: 1939-2014 ‘A VICIOUS, UGLY, HORRIBLE FIGHT’

Ernie Terrell (left) was punished for refusing to call Muhammad Ali by his new name.

It’s ironic and sad that Ernie relationship with Ali changed for THE LATE Terrell will be best remembered for the worse. ERNIE TERRELL the ugliest night of his life and three The two men had a history as BROUGHT OUT words: “What’s my name!” friends. THE WORST IN Terrell was a nice man with a “When you’re a fghter coming up, gentle way about him. He fought you deal with lots of people,” Terrell MUHAMMAD ALI Muhammad Ali on Feb. 6, 1967, told me years ago. “For me, Ali was By Thomas Hauser at the Astrodome in Houston. one of them. In 1962, we sparred

That night, America’s love-hate together in . In fact, for about AP

76 RINGTV.COM / 1.154.15 a week we shared a room. didn’t know which one to Afterward, I was getting jab at. Afterward, I had to ready to take a plane go to the hospital to get home to . He had the muscle released from this big red Cadillac and where it was hooked on offered to drive me as the bone.” far as Louisville. I stayed Meanwhile, Ali had overnight at his parents’ done himself no favors house until I could catch with his taunting. Jerry a bus to Chicago in the Izenberg (one of his morning. greatest admirers) later “The way the name said, “If Ali was an evil thing started,” Terrell person, that’s the kind continued, “was, when of person he would we signed to fght, have been all the time. the promoter told us, Somebody really pushed ‘You’ll both have to the wrong button that be in Houston two night because it was a side weeks ahead of time of him so out of character and complete your that, to this day, I fnd it training there to help the hard to believe it was him. promotion.’ He asked I can’t tell you he didn’t me, ‘Is that all right with do it. I saw it. I was there. you, Ernie?’ I said, ‘It’s Ali went out to make it all right with me if it’s painful and embarrassing all right with Clay.’ I and humiliating for wasn’t trying to insult him. He’d Terrell was well respected going into Ernie Terrell. It was a vicious, ugly, been Cassius Clay to me all the time his fght against Ali. horrible fght.” before when I knew him. Then he Terrell fnished his ring career told me, ‘My name is Muhammad with a record of 48-9 that included Ali.’ I said fne. But by then he a feint, he finched instinctively victories over Cleveland Williams, was going, ‘Why can’t you call me with his whole being. When he Zora Folley, Bob Foster, Eddie Muhammad Ali? You’re just an ventured to lead with his left, his Machon, George Chuvalo and Doug Uncle Tom.’ Well, like I said, I didn’t recovery into a protective crouch Jones. He suffered from dementia in mean no harm. But when I saw that was exaggerated and pitiful. It was a his later years and died on Dec. 16 calling him ‘Clay’ bugged him, I wonderful demonstration of boxing at the age of 75. kept it going. To me, it was just part skill [by Ali] and a barbarous display “People ask me how I feel about of building up the promotion.” of cruelty.” that fght,” Terrell told me in Ali-Terrell was ugly and brutal. The scoring was a lopsided 148- concluding his remembrance of Ali. In the early rounds, Terrell suffered 137, 148-137 and 148-133 in Ali’s “They’re interested in Ali’s talking a fractured bone under his left eye favor. to me. But to be honest, I didn’t hear and swelling of the left retina. By “Before the fght,” Terrell later him saying, ‘What’s my name.’ I had the middle rounds, he was virtually recalled, “I was confdent I could other things I was worrying about. helpless. From that point on, Ali win. Then I got thumbed and He might have said it but I wasn’t taunted him mercilessly. Time everything changed. The bone broke concentrating on stuff like that. I and again, he shouted, “What’s and the muscles that turn the eye wasn’t listening to him that night. I my name,” followed by a burst got caught on the bone and the was busy trying to survive.” of blows to Terrell’s eyes. “Uncle eye wouldn’t turn. So the other eye Tom! What’s my name! Uncle Tom! would follow him around but the Thomas Hauser can be reached by What’s my name!” hurt eye stayed straight and I had email at [email protected]. His most “By the 14th round,” Tex Maule double vision. It wasn’t like it was recent book, “Thomas Hauser on would write, “Terrell could no painful. I never thought of asking Boxing: Another Year Inside the longer control his tormented body. the referee to stop the fght. The big Sweet Science,” was published by the Instead of reacting normally to thing was, I was seeing two guys and University of Arkansas Press.

4.151.15 / RINGTV.COM 77 LETTERS FROM EUROPE KHAN DO ATTITUDE

Amir Khan turned his career around in 2014.

THE BRITON IS BURSTING WITH CONFIDENCE AND OPPORTUNITIES AFTER A Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. I would so intense, the combinations were say it was the best performance perfect, the was great. He BIG 2014 and most dominant performance was centered, his feet were planted. By Gareth A Davies of Amir Khan’s career. Take into He was focused. I believe he hasn’t consideration that he fought an elite hit his peak yet. f ghter, a southpaw, a guy who toyed “I’m looking forward to working Amir Khan f nally “arrived” as with Marcos Maidana, who had the with Amir Khan for quite a while a welterweight force in December. f ght of his life with Mayweather. It and getting him these big f ghts.” The discussion turned from doubt to calls for a showdown between Khan Showtime analyst Paulie deliberation on his 2015 schedule. and Mayweather.” Malignaggi, who was stopped by Could it be superf ght time? De La Hoya went on: “Amir Khan Khan in 2010, believes that Khan’s Oscar De La Hoya certainly is dangerous for anybody in the style and command of range “would thought so after Khan’s shutout of welterweight division. Eventually give Mayweather problems.” De Devon Alexander in Las Vegas, as they will have to face him. Amir La Hoya concurred: “Paulie is very emphatic as it was exhilarating. Khan is 28 years old and hasn’t knowledgeable. He knows. He “He is the best welterweight in the hit his peak as a f ghter. He will be studies boxing. He studies the sweet division,” said De La Hoya, president around for a while. Virgil Hunter science of the sport.” of . “You can is teaching him incredible boxing Khan revealed in his hotel suite certainly make the argument that he moves that are really taking these in the Delano Las Vegas 12 hours is part of the elite and the other elite f ghters by storm. Alexander didn’t after his triumph that he was a free

in this sport is Floyd Mayweather know what to do. The speed was agent if he chose to be so, free from DONALD MIRALLE/GETTY IMAGES

78 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 Showtime television and was mightily impressed by Khan. Khan, what a great fghter he was.’” free contractually from “Before the (Khan-Alexander) fght, Hunter, intriguingly, had his own Golden Boy, although Mayweather’s team knew stylistically dose of honesty about Khan in a he hinted that talks it wasn’t a great fght for him. They Pacquiao challenge. will continue with both know that even more now. “Personally, I don’t like fghts television network and “I just feel that if Amir doesn’t where you’re a student under the promoter. fght Floyd Mayweather, he has to coach and also a sparring partner of Stephen Espinoza, head fght Kell Brook. What were his the fghter,” Hunter told me, referring of Showtime Boxing, agreed numbers tonight? Seven hundred or to when Khan and Pacquiao shared that Khan had proved 800 thousand dollars? Obviously a gym under trainer Freddie Roach. himself. there was a little bit of U.K. money. “They have a 2-to-1 advantage. I “I was incredibly Let’s call it one and a half million don’t like that. But if he’s changed impressed with Amir. What I dollars. He’d make minimum fve some, they can only know him based saw out there was a clinic in and probably more like six or seven on what he was, not on what he has the best technical aspects of million to fght Kell Brook.” become. It doesn’t sort of level the the sport. It was amazing to Khan was more industrial in his tape. We’ll see. It’s a business. If the watch,” Espinoza told me. use of language after the fght. “All time comes, I’m sure we’ll prepare.” “I’m one of the people this hype about Amir Khan not Khan can look forward to the year that believes Amir’s style having a chin is bollocks,” he said. he has dreamed of in 2015. would be a big challenge The British fghter was even a little for Floyd. But there’s a peeved that Hearn was talking dates ANDY LEE misperception that Floyd at Wembley already. Andy Lee returned home to doesn’t pursue risk. Going “When you’re fghting someone Limerick as a world middleweight back in against Maidana who is a three-time world champion champion in December by dint of his was risky. Going in against and a dangerous fghter, you’re going “God-given right hook.” Canelo (Alvarez) was to always perform and work harder,” “A lot of it has been developed risky. People forget the risk Khan said. “Look at the (Breidis) and honed by Adam (Booth) and because they look at it in Prescott, (Danny) Garcia and Emanuel (Steward) before him,” Lee retrospect and think it was (Lamont) Peterson fghts. I was the said. “Me and Adam were both jet- an easy fght. But there was big favorite going into all of them. lagged last night so we were up at 2 risk going into it. As good Nobody knew those guys. I took my a.m. and we watched the fght again. as Amir looks, I think Floyd foot off the pedal.” We slowed down the knockdown will take the biggest and But not this time and not in 2014, and the technique and the timing.” best fght he can. Amir has during which you could argue that But Lee thanked Steward. defnitely made his case in Khan did not lose a round. very clear terms.” “I think I’ve proven myself twice De La Hoya suggested “Plan now at 147,” he said. “I still have to B” will be hatched if Mayweather spend more time in the gym. I used vs. Manny Pacquiao goes ahead, to cheat myself by not spending all U.K. TOP 15 which could involve a fght with IBF my time in the gym. My last two 1. CARL FROCH champion Kell Brook at Wembley. performances under Virgil Hunter 2. AMIR KHAN Eddie Hearn, Brook’s promoter, show I’m more dedicated and 3. KELL BROOK had an informal conversation with disciplined.” 4. CARL FRAMPTON British journalists at the back of the There is little doubt that Khan has 5. JAMES DEGALE media room on fght night at the done a lot of growing up. There is 6. TYSON FURY MGM Grand. Hearn was making more honesty, too. 7. SCOTT QUIGG the strongest possible case he had for “Manny Pacquiao would be 8. GEORGE GROVES Khan to take the offer of a mega- tougher because he’s more explosive 9. JAMIE MCDONNELL fght at Wembley Stadium.” and he comes forward,” Khan said. 10. PAUL BUTLER “Floyd’s doing 800 or 900 “It would be more of an explosive thousand buys per pay-per-view. fght. Mayweather would be like a 10-15: Martin Murray, That’s the standard number. Khan game of chess. I think we can fght Billy Joe Saunders, Tony only does 800,000 buys. And and we can do a game of chess. Bellew, Kid Galahad, he could lose that fght. They’re They’re both great fghts for me, . (Through very clever in who they fght and huge names. That’s where I want to fghts of Jan. 4, 2015) I just can’t see them going for be. One day I want to be in that Hall Amir next,” said Hearn, who also of Fame. I want people to say, ‘Amir

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 79 LETTERS FROM EUROPE

Andy Lee (left) paid tribute to the late after beating Matt Korobov. “He frst signed me as an amateur Lennox Lewis to the heavyweight when I beat one of his guys in the title.” world junior competition,” he said. But her consulations are also more “That was the frst time he saw me. personal. We made contact with each other. “I’m talking to people in boxing One of Emanuel’s greatest gifts as a about it just to see what their trainer was the confdence he bred reaction is,” she said. “I want to in his fghters. I’m not sure if it was know how the fans would take to it just an American thing but he had as well. That’s also very important a great way of being able to talk to to me. I don’t want to be insulted. I his fghters and put confdence into want to walk into the arena and be them. He said I’d be world champion given the respect and credit I deserve. and it was great to win on Saturday “I actually speak to Kathy quite a in his honor. Even though he’s gone, lot. Kathy encourages me. She said, his words have come true. It was ‘Why would you let all that talent go good for me to repay him in some to waste?’” small way.” Lee had dreamed many times of SAUNDERS-EUBANK the moment his plane would touch There was without doubt plenty down in Ireland after such a triumph. of fre underneath the meeting of “You couldn’t write it, really,” he middleweights Billy Joe Saunders said. “I’m the frst Irish boxer to win and Chris Eubank Jr. in London a world title on U.S. soil since 1934. late in November. The Eubankses That’s amazing. I’d thought about had added to the mystique by not that moment many times, touching turning up to three press conferences. down at the airport and even that it Promoter was not would be raining.” pleased. And it was. And thousands of Irish “Remember, there were no eyes were smiling with him. photographs of any head-to-heads or anything leading up to the fght,” KELLIE MALONEY he said. “That’s unusual not to have “I’m not ready to retire. I that. Had we had that, it would haven’t really done anything for 18 have turned it into an even bigger months other than concentrate on event. I think Chris Eubank Sr. needs my gender re-assignment,” Kellie to sit back and look at it. He got Maloney told me as I was en route booed into the ring and I was quite to Las Vegas in December. Maloney surprised about that. You wonder was on her way to New York to meet who the boos were directed at.” promoter Kathy Duva. But the fght itself was a thrilling, “I’m actually missing being out absorbing spectacle. Saunders there in the real world,” she said. showed his experience early, Eubank “I’m forming a sports management came strong late in the fght, with a company, which we’ll be announcing split decision going Saunders’ way. in the New Year, and part of me “I can see them fghting again, wants to go back into boxing.” period, irrespective of what’s on the The desire is to get back into line,” Warren told me. “It’s going to boxing – as a promoter. be a great matchup again. It started “I’ve consulted a couple of off as a boxing exhibition and then promoters, one British-based and turned into a battle of wills and a one European-based,” she said. “Part battle of two tough guys. It’s got all of me wants to go back and start the ingredients needed for a rematch. again as Kellie Maloney because I don’t think we’d have any problems I’ve always been the underdog in selling it.” boxing. I’ve always been fghting the establishment. That’s part of Gareth A Davies is boxing my makeup. If I was to succeed this correspondent for The

DAVID BECKER/GETTY IMAGES DAVID time, it would be bigger than taking Telegraph, London. Doug Fischer characterized Paulie Malignaggi’s suspicions about Manny Pacquiao BEST OF as “a massive DOUGIE’S compliment.” power and refexes as they increase MAILBAG PRESTON, from Minneapolis, was their weight but most can’t. So in curious about Fischer’s take on Paul the PED-era of sports, there’s always EXCERPTS Malignaggi’s recent assertions that going to be suspicion aimed at boxers Manny Pacquiao’s historic weight who repeatedly go up in weight and FROM THE climb from fyweight to welterweight obliterate opposition, as Pacquiao has RINGTV.COM is “unnatural,” comments he feels are done for much of the past 15 years. EDITOR’S POPULAR “reckless” given Pacquiao’s post-fght What are my thoughts on test record and the fact that the Filipino Malignaggi’s “reckless” talk about COLUMN icon rehydrated to 144 pounds for his Pacquiao? Well, I’ll be honest with By Doug Fischer 2007 junior lightweight rematch against you: I don’t think much about his Marco Antonio Barrera. Preston asks if comments about the Filipino hero. Malignaggi’s opinion has any merit or is I know he has some very strong Since 2001, RingTV.com Editor it possible for fghters to make drastic opinions about Pacquiao but I Doug Fischer has held an ongoing moves up in weight without the aid don’t read every article written on XAUME OLLEROS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES dialog – which occasionally becomes of performance-enhancing drugs and his comments or watch every video heated debate – with boxing fans banned substances. interview he does on the subject of from around the world in “Dougie’s the PacMan. I just fgure Malignaggi Mailbag.” DOUGIE’S REPLY: Boxers move up in either doesn’t like Pacquiao (or Freddie The following excerpt is from weight all the time. Few remain at Roach) very much or he’s so amazed the Jan. 2 edition of Fischer’s online one weight their entire professional by what the eight-division titleholder column. careers. Some can retain speed, has accomplished that he simply can’t

82 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 believe that it was done without the fyweight when he was 16 but was guys from dirt-poor parts of Asia aid of performance-enhancing drugs. fghting as heavy as bantamweight don’t complain about it.” My guess is that it’s some of both but when he was 17 and 18. Tapia was a I covered that show in San more of the latter, which in a way is a full-grown man when he was fghting Francisco, which was headlined by massive compliment to Pacquiao. at junior bantamweight. Pacquiao Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was I know Pacquiao’s faithful followers was still a teen when he won his frst making his last appearance at junior – and more than a few hardcore fans world title at fyweight (112 pounds). lightweight against Jesus Chavez. – get pissed off every time Malignaggi He had to practically kill himself to Pacquiao weighed in at 120½ pounds casts aspersions on the little dynamo’s make that weight. He didn’t lose his for Sanchez. Mayweather weighed character and boxing legacy by WBC fyweight belt in the ring; he lost nine pounds heavier for Chavez, but suggesting PED use but this is just it on the scales. And he put himself in I’m telling you that Pacquiao could the way it is in this era of sports. If very bad shape boiling down to 113 have easily fought at 126 or 130 , Henry Armstrong, pounds. Some even feared for his life pounds that night. I believe he would Roberto Duran or Thomas Hearns when he decided to go through with have felt and fought great with the were fghting today, they would be the fght against Medgoen Singsurat, extra weight. Fighting in the same suspected of PED use. who stopped him with a body shot. weight class as Mayweather (or one For the record, I don’t agree with Despite being malnourished by First- below it) would have been “natural” Malignaggi at all. And although World standards, Pacquiao outgrew for Pacquiao at that time. It was Pacquiao has climbed more boxing fyweight and had to leapfrog the 115- unnatural for Pacquiao to fght below divisions than anyone in modern and 118-pound divisions as he moved featherweight and junior lightweight history, I don’t believe his increases in into his early 20s. Now, this stuff I’ve for as long as he did. If Pacquiao had weight are as amazing or unbelievable told you about Pacquiao’s early weight been eating as much as Mayweather as others do. struggle is from reading old RING was in the days leading into their co- I think what set Malignaggi off reports and from talking to Singsurat’s featured bouts, he would have at least on his latest Pacquiao/PED rant people when I did a Latin Fury PPV been a rock-solid featherweight. was the subject of Johnny Tapia. I that featured the Thai veteran (against Pacquiao and Mayweather were guess Malignaggi watched the Tapia in late 2007). both big featherweights in their early documentary and was reminded of What I’m going to tell you now 20s and both naturally grew into what a special little boxer the New is from personal observations that the junior welterweight division. Mexico native was. He noted that were made when Pacquiao frst They compete at welterweight, and Tapia’s prime weight was junior arrived to the U.S., prior to his IBF occasionally at junior middleweight, bantamweight (115 pounds) but the junior featherweight title-winning because they are exceptional athletes boxing master never competed higher victory over Lehlo Ledwaba and his and once-in-a-lifetime talents. than junior lightweight (130 pounds). frst defense against the late Agapito Mayweather’s talent is more So Malignaggi’s logic, which he Sanchez. Here’s what everyone should technique and ring generalship than tweeted on Dec. 21, went like this: know: Pacquiao had to starve himself athletic, while Pacquiao’s has been As great of a fghter Tapia was, to make 122 pounds. He often came more about his explosive speed and it would have been “ridiculous” down a pound or two below the power (although it has become more to suggest that he could have ever junior featherweight limit but that’s about his skill and savvy in recent competed at welterweight, as Pacquiao because he really didn’t have any years). Tapia’s talent was more about – who also began his career in the nutritional specialists working with his skill. He was fast and fuid but sub-bantamweight divisions – is doing him back then. He just didn’t eat he wasn’t a puncher, and he certainly now. Malignaggi tweeted: “Wouldn’t much the weeks going into his title wasn’t the dynamic athlete that the seem natural, right?” bouts. I recall an Australian boxing prime Pacquiao was. If Tapia was It does seem unnatural at frst writer named Fiona Manning, who explosive like Pacquiao, or could glance but apart from the fact that worked for MaxBoxing.com during punch as hard as the Filipino icon, nature sometimes gives us “freaks” the website’s early years, was shocked he would have defnitely competed like Armstrong and Hearns, there are to learn that Pacquiao only ate one at weights higher than featherweight. other factors such as age and talent, small bowl of soup each day the week If he had been able to stay away which separate two future Hall of of the Sanchez fght, which took place from drugs and alcohol and had Famers like Tapia and Pacquiao. Tapia in San Francisco in November 2001. taken care of himself between fghts, turned pro at bantamweight at age It disturbed her so much that she as Mayweather has, he probably 21 and dropped down to 115 pounds wanted to write a story about it. I told would have been able to carry his during his prime adult years (until he her, “That’s what combat athletes do considerable skillset to higher weight was 30). Pacquiao turned pro at junior to make weight sometimes and little classes.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 83 NEW FACES BRADLEY SAUNDERS THE BRITISH 140-POUNDER IS BIG, STRONG AND TALENTED

By Tom Gray

One look at Bradley Saunders’ amateur background might encourage prospective opponents to walk in the opposite direction. The savvy power-puncher from Stockton on Tees, England, annexed Commonwealth, European and World Championship medals and also represented Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics. Huge for a junior welterweight, the highly touted prospect entered the paid ranks in February 2012 and thus far that transition has been seamless. British company Matchroom Promotions snapped him up the moment he became a free agent at the end of 2014. “I spoke to Bradley before he turned professional,” said Eddie Hearn, who is head of the U.K.’s most thriving promotional outft. “At that time we weren’t ready to take on the volume of fghters we have now and I couldn’t make the necessary commitments in terms of his early development. “A couple of years on and Bradley is one of the hottest properties in British boxing and massively popular in the North East [of England], which is a market we’ve yet to explore. So we signed him for Promoter Eddie a variety of reasons. Bradley has the Hearn believes power, the spite, the raw talent and Bradley Saunders can become “one of the the pedigree to lead the way in an hottest properties in untapped market.” British boxing.”

84 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 3 MORE Saunders carried dynamite probably my number one weapon.” from the get-go as a professional. He’s trained by established coach Most of his early opposition was Seamus Macklin, the younger TO WATCH swatted aside effortlessly but savage brother of former middleweight title knockouts of the experienced Mitch challenger Matthew, and Macklin Prince and turned agrees with his charge’s assessment. heads. “You can’t tell from outside but “I was stopping guys in the Bradley does judge distance to amateurs with big gloves and perfection,” said Macklin, who runs headgear,” said Saunders, who a state-of-the-art boxing gym in is also an adept switch-hitter. Marbella, Spain. “I’m still waiting “Since I turned professional, more to f nd out how good his chin is than one f ghter has told me that because nobody has been able to they’ve never been hit so hard. I’m test it yet. If he has the chin to very conf dent that I can hurt an match everything else, then he’s a opponent and take them out at any safe bet to win a world title. point during a f ght. “He does need to be a little more ROBBIE DAVIES JR. “Critics say that I can’t do the consistent with weight-making and, JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT distance but I’ve been in with being honest, I would rather see durable men who were supposed to him at 147 pounds. His speed will Davies (8-0, 5 KOs) is a composed switch-hitter from the boxing extend me. If a f ght does go late, negate the opposition’s strength and hotbed of , England. The I’ll look even better because I’ll be he’ll be even more effective at that 25-year-old signed with rising British able to get all of my punches off and weight.” promoter Dave Coldwell and is people will see more of me.” Trainer and f ghter both agree getting sharper with each outing. Saunders adds, “Power aside, that Saunders is likely to record his Coldwell also managed to secure a my ability to control distance is greatest triumphs when he moves up deal with Matchroom, which allows in weight. Davies to appear on the “I’ll be at full welterweight in the network in the U.K. near future,” Saunders said. “I’m THE ESSENTIALS getting in the ring way over the BRADLEY SAUNDERS welterweight limit (after weighing JOE SELKIRK Age: 28 in at 140 pounds) and I’m knocking out middleweights in sparring. I’m JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT Weight class: Junior a genuine puncher and I’ll still be a Selkirk (12-0, 6 KOs), also from welterweight real force when I move up.” Liverpool, is more thinker than thumper but he still packs a Height: 5 feet 10 inches For now, Saunders will remain at punch. The 30-year-old was junior welterweight as the door to Stance: Orthodox heading rapidly toward the top of domestic title contention has opened the domestic scene but a recent Hometown: Stockton on at long last: He is scheduled to f ght period of inactivity is an unwelcome Tees, England Dave Ryan for the Commonwealth roadblock. He will be looking to Record: 11-0 (8 140-pound title on April 4. make a serious statement in 2015. knockouts) “That will be his f rst major title f ght and it’s a perfect matchup,” Biggest Strengths: Hearn said. “Ryan comes forward, LUKE WATKINS Invaluable amateur he’s very aggressive, and Bradley can ★ background punching really sink his teeth into that f ght. CRUISERWEIGHT power ★ timing and If he wins Commonwealth, then I Watkins (3-0, 2 KOs), from Swindon, judging range would look to get him a British title England, is a talented and hard- Biggest question f ght in the summer and move on to hitting cruiserweight who hopes to marks: Advancing years European level. crash the heavyweight scene. He ★ untested late in a “If there is to be a world title turned professional last September f ght ★ issues with f ght, then we would be looking on a show headlined by former super middleweight world title making weight at 2016. If he keeps winning, then challenger George Groves, who has Bradley has a great future in this also signed the 25-year-old to a

SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY sport.” management contract.

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Pound-for-pound queen Cecilia Braekhus made history in 2014 but Delf ne Persoon (pictured) had the best year.

BEST Some the best and most compelling performances in boxing are turned OF THE in by talented women year after year. THE RING annually acknowledges BEST their indelible contributions in our IN 2014 year-end issue. Here are our biggest winners for 2014. » JOHN THYS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES By Thomas Gerbasi

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 87 THE BEST BY THOMAS GERBASI OF WOMEN’S BOXING 2014 life, taking the f ght to Nava from she brought into the f ght but few the opening bell. But just when outside her immediate circle thought Mosquera appeared to be taking she would win. She did have at least control, the 34-year-old unif ed one thing going for her, though: “La FIGHTER OF champion f red back with pinpoint- Peligrosa” can crack. And she did accurate shots that demonstrated just that against her 24-2-2 foe, THE YEAR who the veteran really was as both stopping Seki before a stunned Delf ne Persoon f ghters maintained a frenetic pace. crowd in the second round to even Nava had her hand raised but there her record at 7-7 and win the WBC 2014 was a history-making year was no loser in this f ght. Silver title at 115 pounds. for pound-for-pound queen Cecilia Braekhus, as she became the f rst female f ghter to unify the four major KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR ROUND OF THE YEAR sanctioning body belts (WBA, WBC, NC 5 Jackie Nava vs Sayda Mosquera, WBO and IBF) while also making , July 26 Round 4, Dec. 6 four more successful title defenses. But when it comes to the Fighter It says something about the lack of Nava appeared to f nd her groove of the Year for the last 12 months, signif cant knockouts in women’s in the fourth round of a riveting not even the No. 1 f ghter could boxing in 2014 that the biggest brawl with Mosquera, landing a compete with the campaign put one ended up as a no-contest. series of hard shots that seemed together by Belgium’s Delf ne But anyone who saw Anne Sophie to tilt the momentum in her favor. A Persoon. Mathis’ f ght against Christina determined Mosquera responded The 29-year-old former judo Hammer in Germany will agree by landing her own big punches, as competitor won this year’s top honor that when it comes to a fantastic if to say, “I’m not going anywhere.” by handing Erica Anabella Farias her f nish – one discussed for weeks That prompted Nava to unload f rst loss to win the WBC lightweight afterward – this was it. The 37-year- another volley of blows, one of title in April and scored a ninth-round old Mathis, returning to the ring for which staggered the Panamanian, TKO of Diana Prazak in a f ght she the f rst time in over a year, was and she moved in to f nish the job. dominated up until the stoppage in seen by many as a sacrif cial lamb Once again, Mosquera wouldn’t November. Farias and Prazak were for the unbeaten Hammer but it cooperate. With her head cleared, longtime members of THE RING was the Frenchwoman who was the two went toe to toe in a brutal pound-for-pound list, which added swinging hammers that night in exchange that thrilled the crowd. weight to Persoon’s stellar year. Germany. Early in the f fth round, as And so it went, back and forth, until Persoon (31-1, 14 knockouts) the favored challenger tied up the the f nal bell. also shut out Judy Waguthii in WBF champion’s left hand, Mathis September, giving her a perfect f red away with rights to the side of record of 3-0 for 2014. No one did it Hammer’s head and eventually sent TRAINER OF THE YEAR better. her to the deck. Referee Manfred Filiep Kuechler waved off the count and inexplicably disqualif ed Mathis. Filiep Tampere, the longtime trainer FIGHT OF THE YEAR The result was later changed to a of 2014 Fighter of the Year Delf ne Jackie Nava vs. Sayda no-contest but many believe Mathis Persoon, molded a former judo Mosquera, Dec. 6 should’ve been a knockout winner. competitor who was forced to quit that sport because of a back injury When Jackie Nava made her pro into an elite boxer. The secret? boxing debut in 2001, Sayda UPSET OF THE YEAR Tampere keeps his charge busy: Mosquera was just 11 years old. But Judith Rodriguez TKO 2 Aniya She fought seven times in 2013 the two junior featherweights fought Seki, June 21 and three times in 2014. He has like equals for 10 thrilling rounds in the conf dence to test her against Mexico. Nava emerged victorious by Judith Rodriguez was brought to the best and adapt her game to a unanimous decision but Mosquera Switzerland as an easy mark for whatever is necessary on f ght night. announced her arrival on the world Swiss resident Aniya Seki. The This was never more evident than stage by giving her elder absolute Mexican left with the most shocking in her f ght against Diana Prazak, as hell even though she entered the victory of 2014. Everyone who has Persoon dominated her smaller foe f ght only 7-0-1. Mosquera showed followed Rodriguez’s career knows by imposing her will on her until the

no nerves in the biggest bout of her she’s a lot better than the 6-7 record ninth-round stoppage. JOHN THYS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

88 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 and Noemi Bosques their WOMEN’S frst pro losses, knocked out respected veteran Jolene Blackshear (who POUND FOR hadn’t been stopped since 1997) and outpointed Ana POUND Arrazola to win her frst world title. So Enriquez quickly went from prospect 1. CECILIA BRAEKHUS to world champion. Norway • 27-0 (7 KOs) Greatness could come next. Welterweight

EVENT OF THE YEAR 2. JELENA MRDJENOVICH Persoon (pictured Canada • 34-9-1 (18 KOS) The IWBHF is created with trainer Filiep Featherweight Tampere) had victories over Cecilia Braekhus’ unifcation accomplished foes of all four welterweight 3. DELFINE PERSOON Judy Waguthii and titles was historic. The frst Diana Prazak in 2014. Belgium • 31-1 (14 KOs) WBC Women’s Boxing Lightweight Convention was a big deal, as well. But for my money, Sue Fox’s creation of the 4. DIANA PRAZAK International Women’s Boxing Hall of Australia • 13-3 (9 KOs) COMEBACK OF THE YEAR Fame was the most signifcant event Junior lightweight Jackie Nava of 2014 because now the greats of the sport, in and out of the ring, Nava was out of the ring for nearly have a place to be celebrated and 5. JESSICA CHAVEZ two years as she gave birth to her remembered forever. The Class of Mexico • 21-4-3 (4 KOs) daughter, Frida. When she returned 2014 was a stellar one, with Barbara Junior fyweight in May 2014, it was as if she had Buttrick, Bonnie Canino, Jo-Ann never left. The 34-year-old from Hagen, Christy Halbert, Regina 6. AVA KNIGHT Tijuana went 3-0 in the calendar Halmich, and Lucia U.S. • 13-2-3 (5 KOs) year, with thrilling victories over Alys Rijker all getting enshrined in a July Sanchez (seventh-round knockout) ceremony in Florida. Flyweight and Sayda Mosquera (unanimous decision), as well as a controversial 7. JACKIE NAVA decision verdict against Alicia MOST INSPIRATIONAL Mexico • 31-4-3 (13 KOs) Ashley. If 2014 was any indication, Shelly Vincent Junior featherweight it’s going to be a fun year in 2015 for “La Princesa Azteca.” Rhode Island junior featherweight Shelly Vincent may never get the 8. IBETH ZAMORA SILVA fght she wants, against New York Mexico • 21-5 (8 KOs) PROSPECT OF THE YEAR rival Heather Hardy, but the 35-year- Junior fyweight Kenia Enriquez old is already a winner in life. She lost her mother at an early age and Women’s boxing is its own universe. survived horrifc abuse throughout 9. LAYLA MCCARTER So while you probably wouldn’t call her formative years, resulting in U.S. • 36-13-5 (8 KOs) a male world champion the Prospect numerous scrapes with the law. Lightweight of the Year, it’s an apt honor for But boxing saved her. She’s had a 21-year-old WBO fyweight champ successful pro career, winning two 10. ERICA ANABELLA FARIAS Kenia Enriquez. When 2014 started, titles. More important, the fact she Argentina • 21-1 (10 KOs) she was just 8-0 and a terror on the survived and does her best to steer local scene in her native Tijuana. the kids of her community away Junior welterweight By the end of the year, though, from the challenges she faced is the Enriquez had handed Selene Lopez defnition of inspirational. Through fghts of Jan. 4, 2015

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 89 RINGSIDE

REPORTS BY NORM FRAUENHEIM

AMIR KHAN UD 12 DEVON ALEXANDER Date: Dec.13 Site: MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Welterweight Weights: Khan 147 pounds, Alexander 147 RING rating (going into fght): Khan No. 9, Alexander No. 10 Network: Showtime

Statement promised. Statement delivered. What Amir Khan said in a surprisingly one-sided victory over Devon Alexander, however, is only relevant in how Floyd Mayweather Jr. chooses to address it. Khan sounded a lot like a politician on the campaign trail before the opening bell and after his 119-109, 118-110, 120-108 decision over Alexander. Khan said at the pre-fght news conference that he wanted to create a public demand for a showdown with Mayweather. After the fght, he said, “I feel like I proved to everyone that I deserved that fght.” Trouble is public demand has never meant much to Mayweather, who left Khan at the altar last year when he chose Marcos Maidana to be his running mate. If Mayweather listened to fans, we already would have seen him face Manny Pacquiao. There’s no need to sift through all the tired futility still circling around that fght. For Khan, it should represent a lesson that Mayweather listens to no one other than himself and Al Haymon. What did Mayweather really think about Khan’s performance against Alexander? Don’t wait on Showtime’s WORLDWIDE RESULTS “All Access” for a credible answer Go to http://bit.ly/worldwide- to that one. In testimony to the results or scan the QR code to see Nevada State Athletic Commission weekly fght results at RingTV.com. in September, Mayweather told the regulatory agency not to believe what you see in the docudrama. Believe what he says, however, at your own

risk. Mayweather throws a great feint. Naoki Fukuda

90 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 Against Alexander, Khan (30-3, 19 knockouts) re-emerged as a potential risk to Mayweather’s apparent pursuit Devon Alexander (right) couldn’t of an unbeaten legacy. He looked fgure out how bigger and stronger in his upper to land with any body. His potent jab appeared to be consistency as quick as ever. With Virgil Hunter in against Amir Khan. his corner, there was a return of the poise that had guided him through the earlier stages of his career. He seemed to fght with a vigilant defense, an awareness of his vulnerable chin, although that proven weakness was probably not an issue against the light- hitting Alexander. Alexander (26-3, 14 KOs), who fell from contender to journeyman with the loss, chased Khan. But his attack was limited to one punch without enough power to stop Khan, who repeatedly met each advance with a succession of precise combinations. “He was near perfect,” Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya said. “Now I know why Mayweather doesn’t want to fght him: brilliance. Brilliance. I wouldn’t have fought him. He is hitting his peak just now. He looked incredible. “I have a feeling Mayweather will now think twice about fghting Amir Khan. He showed focus, speed, angles, balance. He fought almost a perfect fght with a southpaw, which is very complicated.” If De La Hoya was right, Khan’s options include more frustration and perhaps Kell Brook in a U.K. showdown. Even Pacquiao, his old Wild Card stablemate, was mentioned. “I just fought a three-time world champion and proved myself to be a force at 147 pounds,” said Khan, who donated a pair of gold-stitched, $50,000 trunks to the school in Peshawar, Pakistan, where terrorists killed an estimated 145 students and staff. “I think I’m getting better with age. I’m better than I was at 26 and now just starting to hit my peak at 28. “I really believe Khan vs. Mayweather would be huge.” Hard to know what Mayweather really believes.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 91 RINGSIDE REPORTS

NO. 1 TERENCE NO. 5 EVGENY NO. 4 TYSON BILLY JOE NO. 2 CRAWFORD GRADOVICH FURY SAUNDERS ERISLANDY UD 12 NO. 2 D 12 JAYSON TKO 10 SD 12 CHRIS LARA UD 12 RAYMUNDO VELEZ DERECK EUBANK JR. NO. 7 BELTRAN Nov. 29, Omaha, Neb. CHISORA Nov. 29, London ISHE SMITH Nov. 29, Omaha, Neb. (HBO) Nov. 29, London (BoxNation) Dec. 12, San Antonio (HBO) (BoxNation) (Showtime) H Evgeny Gradovich left H Billy Joe Saunders H Warren Buffett traveled with a belt he already had H It started after comes from a bare- H Not much was to Las Vegas in September and frustration he didn’t midnight. Most of a knuckle tradition. It’s learned in a venue to hang out with Floyd want. crowd announced at instinctive. It’s illegal. It’s named Illusions Theater. Mayweather Jr., but the Jayson Velez had 20,000 already had gone about surviving. Erislandy Lara won easily Sage of Omaha could have no title, yet he could home or to a nearby Survive is what he yet did nothing to change stayed at home to fnd a celebrate a performance pub by the time Tyson did in holding off Chris a perception that he’s star. that enhanced his Fury and Dereck Chisora Eubank Jr. to win a split slick, skilled and hard Terence Crawford looks chances at getting entered the ring. decision for a shot at to like. like a terrifc investment. another shot at one. Stepping through Andy Lee, who won the Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs) Boxing’s newest There were no the ropes, it turns out, WBO’s middleweight circled Ishe Smith, fring sensation affrmed his winners. There never was the most exciting title on Dec. 13 with punches as if he were stardom and put himself are in a draw. But Velez moment in a heavyweight a stoppage of Matt a faraway drone. Smith in the pound-for-pound gained a spot among fght that did nothing to Korobov. (26-7, 12 KOs) couldn’t debate with a skillful featherweight contenders fulfll the hype. “I still think he’s fnd him, couldn’t reach decision over Raymundo in a bout Gradovich Even the referee was a (expletive),” said him. He could only shake Beltran, a competent thought he had won. bored. In the eighth Saunders (21-0, 11 his head in frustrated veteran who knows his “Give me my belt,” round, Marcus McDonnell KOs), who grew up dismay. No points in that. way around the ring Gradovich (19-0-1, 9 told the fghters: “Either in the U.K.’s Traveller The points went to yet had no counter for KOs) said after hearing fght or we go home.” community. ”But what Lara, who scored a Crawford’s quickness and the scores. “I won the By then, most already can you do? I’ve beat runaway win – 119-109, accuracy. fght.” had. him. He said he was 117-111, 119-109. It was “I’m just blessed,” Judge Tom Schreck Fury (23-0, 17 KOs) prepared to die. … as if Smith’s chances Crawford (25-0, 17 KOs) agreed with him. went southpaw in the There’s nothing he can were the theater’s said after scoring a 119- Schreck’s card was one- second and relied on his do about it.” namesake. 109, 120-108 119-109 sided, 117-11 in favor jab to bust up Chisora Saunders’ jab scored Lara used the victory decision in his last bout at of Gradovich, the IBF’s (20-5, 13 KOs), who early. He began to brawl to announce he wants a lightweight. champion. But David was left with a swollen late. In the end, he was shot at Floyd Mayweather Blessed with speed Hudson scored it 115- right eye and no will to favored on two cards, Jr. Who doesn’t? and a terrifc jab. Blessed 113 for Velez (22-0-1, 16 continue after the 10th. 115-114 and 115-113. “I want to fght the with poise. Blessed with KOs). It was 114-114 on With the victory, Fury On the third, it was 116- best,” Lara said within versatility. George Hill’s card. did the predictable. 113 for Eubank (18-1, earshot of Mayweather, “I couldn’t handle According to He called out Wladimir 13 KOs). who was at ringside in his timing or his , Gradovich Klitschko, but there was “It was close,” said his role as the promoter counterpunching,” said landed the bigger shots no word on whether the Eubank, who landed and talked instead about Beltran (29-7-1, 17 KOs), and won seven of the heavyweight champ was big shots late but could Manny Pacquiao on a once Manny Pacquiao’s last eight rounds. But the interested or even saw not put Saunders down night full of illusions. chief sparring partner. busier Velez landed more a fght that put so many when he had to. In 2015, we’ll see body punches. to sleep. if anybody at junior Anybody for a rematch? welterweight can.

92 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 93

RINGTV.COM RINGTV.COM / It appeared to be too Inoue, ranked No. 3 at ranked No. Inoue, 7KOs) is a Inoue (8-0, The victory generated Naoya Inoue won 4.15 That might be premature. That might be premature. Year? But Prodigy of the Dumb question. second-round knockout of Omar Narvaez WBO junior for the bantamweight belt. WBC’s vacated the 108, junior fyweight title and went straight to 115 without a stop at 112. 23 Narvaez (43-2-2, done- a seen-it-all, KOs), was it-all champion, defending his title for the 12th straight time. A growing 21-year-old. too. growing sensation, After fooring Narvaez he twice in the frst, foored him again early in the second with a counter before a body shot fnished the fght at the end of the round. talk. Year of the Fighter NAOYA INOUE NAOYA KO 2 NO. 1 OMAR NARVAEZ (FUJI) Tokyo 30, Dec. H it But too soon. much, It was history. wasn’t. a second major title within eight fghts with a JOSE JOSE A comeback from a “Just because I was Against Ramirez (25-5, “Hopefully he signs Mares also “Hopefully he’s not all “Hopefully he’s Last year talk this time. he said he wanted the rematch but he never talking Now he’s signed. I hope he’s again. serious.” rediscovered old aggressiveness in a featherweight stoppage of rugged Jose Ramirez, who was knocked down three times and quit after the ffth. it knocked out once, doesn’t mean I can’t take said Mares a punch,” who is 15 KOs), (28-1-1, 2-0 since his KO loss to Jhonny Gonzalez in 2013. he was back 15 KOs), with trainer Clemente Medina and back in the hunt for junior featherweight Leo Santa But frst there is Cruz. unfnished business with Gonzalez. Gonzalez this time,” told ringside media. NO. 3 ABNER NO. 3 ABNER MARES TKO 5 RAMIREZ Las MGM Grand, 13, Dec. (Showtime) Vegas H knockout is a search for Proof you can still proof. Abner Mares can. endure.

Keith Thurman had In the end, there was no In the end, “I pick how I want to By the time Thurman By the time Before the opening bell, Before the opening bell, KO for Thurman in his frst KO for bout after eight months of rehab for a shoulder injury. He settled for a 120-107 decision on all three cards. who Thurman, said fght,” is learning he can’t pick how he wants fans to react. La Hoya said Thurman La Hoya said was better than the feared Gennady Golovkin. 21 KOs) stepped (24-0, a through the ropes, knockout was expected. Didn’t Thurman happen. knocked down the Italian (31-1-2, 40-year-old 11 KOs) in the frst round But and again in the third. the crowd booed. Vegas (Showtime) Vegas H no trouble with Leonard But multiplying Bundu. expectations were tougher for the emerging welterweight. Thurman put pressure on himself by calling out Floyd Mayweather Jr. Then promoter Oscar De NO. 7 KEITH NO. 7 KEITH THURMAN UD 12 Las MGM Grand, 13, Dec. MATT MATT Andy the Lee fnally has Some of her late Going into the sixth, Lee couldn’t celebrate eight seven, spent “We hook hurt Korobov and a hook hurt Korobov unanswered punishing, follow-up furry rendered those scorecards Referee meaningless. Kenny Bayless ended it at 1:10 of the round. Lee said. “His wife Marie Lee said. few all came here today, the way from Detroit.” power must husband’s For have fown with her. it landed just in time. Lee, 14 KOs) (24-1, Korobov About led on the cards. a minute into the round, 24 Lee (34-2, however, A big right KOs) unloaded. H title that Emanuel Steward said he would win one day. his sixth-round stoppage for the of Matt Korobov WBO middleweight title without remembering his late trainer. years together and he said I would win a world title,” ANDY LEE ANDY LEE TKO 6 KOROBOV The Dec. 13, Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas (HBO) DIEGO DIEGO There’s nothing There’s “I thought I won eight Burt Cements had it A “disgrace,” Arum said A “disgrace,” Arum directed his “It makes every one his vision is restored. who sustained a swollen left eye and might be looking at a rematch after according to CompuBox. said Bradley, rounds,” Bradley, who landed more Bradley, punches (225-152) and was more accurate (39 percent to 27 percent), 114. Lederman’s dad, dad, Lederman’s 114. Harold Lederman, HBO’s had it 116-112 for 115-113 for Bradley Craig 12 KOs). (31-1-1, Metcalfe scored it 114- of her 116-112 score for 19 KOs). Chaves (23-2-1, Ratched was to Jack Nicholson. On a “One Flew Over On a kind Nest” the Cuckoo’s the judge was of night, Arum what Nurse to said. anger at Julie Lederman. Promoter Bob Arum did. Arum did. Promoter Bob Arum of us look insane,” Bradley-Diego Chaves draw went beyond Call it crazy. mundane. H new about scorecard Tim controversies but the Dec. 13, The The Dec. 13, Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas (HBO) NO. 2 TIM NO. 2 TIM BRADLEY D 12 CHAVES

CRAWFORD/THURMAN/MARES/INOUE: NAOKI FUKUDA; GRADOVICH: CHRIS FARINA/TOP RANK; FURY: JULIAN FINNEY/GETTY IMAGES; SAUNDERS: JULIAN FINNEY/GETTY IMAGES; LARA: STEPHANIE TRAPP/SHOWTIME; BRADLEY: DAVID BECKER/GETTY IMAGES; LEE: DAVID BECKER/GETTY IMAGES; PREDICTIONS ARE MADE BY RING STAFF MEMBERS COMING UP MICHAEL ROSENTHAL, DOUG FISCHER AND LEM SATTERFIELD.

FEB.

Gennady Golovkin is scheduled to face Martin Murray (right) on Feb. 21 in .

GENNADY fghter but nothing special. He’s FEB. 28 – Carl Frampton vs. victory over Bernard Hopkins GOLOVKIN VS. 4-0 since losing a disputed Chris Avalos, featherweights, that propelled him to stardom. MARTIN MURRAY decision to Sergio Martinez. (for Frampton’s IBF title), Belfast, Pascal (29-2-1, 17 KOs) is 3-0 Date: Feb. 21 Prediction: Rosenthal Northern Ireland (plus one no-contest) since he Location: Salle des Etoiles, – Golovkin KO 7; Fischer – lost his WBC title to Hopkins, Monte Carlo, Monaco Golovkin TKO 9; Satterfeld – MAR. including a one-sided decision Division: Middleweight (for Golovkin TKO 9 over Lucian Bute in January of Golovkin’s WBA title) SERGEY KOVALEV last year. TV: HBO FEB. 21 – Arthur Abraham VS. JEAN PASCAL Prediction: Rosenthal – Kovalev Watchability rating (up to fve vs. Paul Smith, super Date: March 14 KO 9; Fischer – Kovalev TKO 11; stars): H H H H H middleweights (for Abraham’s Location: Bell Centre, Montreal Satterfeld – Kovalev TKO 10 Also fghting: Hekkie Budler vs. WBO title), Division: Light heavyweight (for GOLOVKIN: ALEXIS CUAREZMA; MARTIN: ALEX GRIMM Jesus Silvestre, strawweights FEB. 27 – Randy Caballero vs. Kovalev’s IBF, WBA and WBO MARCH 6 – Zolani Tete vs. Paul (for Budler’s WBA title); Lee Alberto Guevara, bantamweights titles) Butler, bantamweights (for Tete’s Haskins vs. Omar Lamiri, (for Caballero’s IBF title), Indio, TV: HBO IBF title), Liverpool, England bantamweights Calif. (Fox Sports 1) Watchability rating (up to fve MARCH 7 – Amnat Ruenroeng Signifcance: Golovkin (31-0, 28 FEB. 28 – Tyson Fury stars): H H H H H vs. Zou Shiming, fyweights (for KOs) has scored 18 consecutive vs. Christian Hammer, Also fghting: Steve Ruenroeng’s IBF title), Macau, knockouts but has yet to face a heavyweights, London Cunningham vs. Vyacheslav China top-tier foe. That doesn’t change FEB. 28 – Dmitry Chudinov Glazkov, heavyweights MARCH 21 – Ilunga Makabu with Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs). vs. Chris Eubank Jr., Signifcance: Kovalev (26-0-1, vs. Thabiso Mchunu, The Briton is a solid all-around middleweights, London 23 KOs) is coming off a shutout cruiserweights, Moscow

94 RINGTV.COM / 4.15 © HOWARD SCHATZ © HOWARD

December 31, 2015

THE START OF A GOOD THING Evander Holyf eld (left) clearly had a bright future after a strong amateur career, which was capped by a dominating performance in the 1984 Olympics. He had to settle for a bronze medal in Los Angeles because he was disqualif ed for punching – and knocking out – Kevin Barry on the break in the semif nals but he had made a loud statement. Still, no one could’ve predicted what lay ahead for Holyf eld when he took on a club f ghter from Philadelphia named Lionel Byarm (right) in his pro debut on Nov. 15, 1984. “The Real Deal,” as he would later become, unleashed his natural fury on a surprisingly game Byarm to win a unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. And Holyf eld wouldn’t slow down. Only 11 f ghts later, he outpointed Dwight Muhammad Qawi in a classic brawl to win the WBA cruiserweight title in 1986. Thirteen f ghts after that, in 1990, he stopped Buster Douglas in three rounds to win the undisputed heavyweight championship in Douglas’ f rst defense after stunning Mike Tyson. Holyf eld would f nish his career in 2011 with an astounding 11 world titles on his resume. Just as important, he won countless fans with his devastating combination of ability and ferocity. He was one of a kind.

4.15 / RINGTV.COM 97 DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON VS. AT THE FIGHTS TOMMY RAINONE CARD ON JAN. 9 1. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal and singer AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Rihanna were among celebrities at the Dusty Hernandez-Harrison vs. Tommy Rainone card on Jan. 9 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. 2. Actor Michael Rapaport takes in the action. 3. Music mogul-turned-promoter Jay-Z sits with his recently signed star, Andre Ward. 4. Rosie Perez, a passionate boxing fan, is pictured with New York radio personality Angie Martinez. 5. Hip-hop artist Fabolous does his thing in the ring. 6. Frank Dedulonus (right) is with Gennady Golovkin after his f ght against at in Mashantucket, Conn. 7. Pavel Klochkov (right) is pictured with former heavyweight champ George Foreman at the Wladimir Klitschko-Alexander Povetkin press 1. 2. conference in Moscow. 6.

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WANT TO SEE YOURSELF IN THE RING MAGAZINE? Send us photos of you posing next to a well- known f ghter or other boxing personality and we will consider it for publication in the 4. magazine. Send photos (f le size 2 MB) to atthef [email protected]. Make sure 5. to include your name(s), the names of those in the photo, when and where the photo was taken and your contact information. See you at the f ghts!

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