MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO THE BIBLE OF

MAY 2015

$8.95 MAY 9 FIGHT IS NEW CHAMP’S ENERGY LINGERS A JUICY ENCORE WILD RIDE TO 30 YEARS TO MAY 2 P. 66 THE TOP P. 72 LATER P. 78

MAY 2015

52

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and probably never imagined when they looked like this that they would one FEATURES day meet in a superf ght.

66 ALVAREZ STEPS ASIDE MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO Pages 34-65 CANELO MOVES JAMES KIRKLAND BOUT TO MAY 9 34 AT LONG LAST 52 LEGACIES ON THE LINE By Ron Borges THE SPORTÕS ICONIC STARS THE PERCEPTION OF THE WILL FINALLY DO BATTLE PRINCIPALS COULD CHANGE 72 WILDER ARRIVES By Norm Frauenheim By Bernard Fernandez NEW CHAMPÕS RAPID RISE TO THE TOP 40 CHA-CHING 58 BOOM OR BUST By D.C. Reeves THE MATCHUP WILL DESTROY MEGAFIGHTS THAT DID AND DIDNÕT ALL REVENUE RECORDS LIVE UP TO THE HYPE 78 HAGLER-HEARNS By Norm Frauenheim By Don Stradley THE EPIC WAR STILL REVERBERATES 30 YEARS LATER 46 HAVE THEY SLIPPED? 62 HEAD TO HEAD By Ron Borges TRAINERS ASSESS THE AGING THE RING COMPARES THE FIGHTERS BOXERS AND IN 20 KEY CATEGORIES

THE RING MAGAZINE By Keith Idec By Doug Fischer

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY MIKE METH– MIKEMETH.NET 5.15 / RINGTV.COM 3 DEPARTMENTS

6 RINGSIDE 14

7 OPENING SHOT Recently retired Mikkel 8 COME OUT WRITING Kessler revealed his top opponents in “Best 11 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES I Faced.”

14 BEST I FACED: By Anson Wainwright

16 READY TO GRUMBLE By David Greisman

18 AND STRAIGHT WRITES By Thomas Hauser

20 OUTSIDE THE ROPES By Brian Harty and Thomas Hauser

23 PERFECT EXECUTION By

26 RING RATINGS PACKAGE

84 LETTERS FROM EUROPE By Gareth A Davies

88 DOUGIE’S MAILBAG By Doug Fischer

90 WOMEN’S BOXING By Thomas Gerbasi

93 RINGSIDE REPORTS By Norm Frauenheim

96 COMING UP

AT RINGTV.COM

NEW FACES EMANUEL STEVEN BUTLER AUGUSTUS IS OFF TO THE UNLUCKY A FAST START WARRIOR GO TO: http://bit.ly/ GO TO: http://bit.ly/ steven-butler emanuel-augustus

DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK.COM/RINGTV @RINGMAGAZINE

THERINGDIGITAL VNTOFT/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

INSTAGRAM.COM/RINGTV# KELD NA

4 RINGTV.COM / 5.15

RINGSIDE By Michael Rosenthal IT HAD TO HAPPEN VOLUME 94, NO. 4 | MAY 2015

The May 2 fight between Morales and Marco Antonio FOUNDER Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Barrera sets him apart. Nathaniel Fleischer (1888-1972) Manny Pacquiao will come The sport itself might’ve been five years too late but it’s a the biggest casualty had the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF damned good thing they finally f ght not been made. The drawn- Michael Rosenthal came to terms. out Mayweather-Pacquiao MANAGING EDITOR Mayweather would never have negotiations became a running Brian Harty been able to live it down had he joke in and out of boxing. Had not fought Pacquiao. Of course, the f ght never been made – ASSOCIATE EDITOR he would have been seen as one particularly after the promise of Douglass Fischer of the best of his era with or these latest talks – fans would’ve ART DIRECTOR without the f ght or even if he been alienated like never before Lamar Clark loses. That is set in stone. and non-fans would’ve dismissed But had Pacquiao’s name been the sport as pathetically CONTROLLER Deborah L. Harrison missing from Mayweather’s dysfunctional. resume, it would’ve been the Now, with the f ght set, boxing CIRCULATION DIRECTOR equivalent of an asterisk. Fans gets its Super Bowl. It will Kenneth J. Gudaitis would’ve always said, “Yes, he command the attention of the ADVERTISING INQUIRIES was a great f ghter but ….” In sporting world like no other Robert Gasparri other words, he would not have f ght perhaps since Sugar Ray 213-233-2952 realized his full greatness. Leonard fought [email protected] And make no mistake: in 1981 – 34 years ago. SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Mayweather would’ve been For one night, boxing will BACK ISSUES INQUIRIES blamed more than Pacquiao had be the most important sport in DIGITAL ORDERS INQUIRIES the f ght not happened because the world. Sports and Entertainment of his perceived clout in the And that wouldn’t be the Publications P.O. BOX 433122 business. He has always held a case if the f ght were truly Palm Coast, Fl 32164-3122 stronger hand than Pacquiao. happening too late in the careers 800-846-6438 Yes, Pacquiao’s legacy also of Mayweather and Pacquiao. [email protected] would’ve suffered had he It should’ve happened in 2010, SEND EDITORIAL not fought Mayweather. He when Pacquiao was at the peak COMMENTS TO: would’ve been denied the of his popularity and powers [email protected] opportunity to prove he was and Mayweather had returned or P.O. BOX 251753, the best of his generation. At from a 21-month layoff. The fact CA, 90025 the same time, the Filipino it didn’t is lamentable. THE RING (ISSN: 0035-5410), Vol. 94, NO. 4 (May 2015), is would’ve emerged less damaged But they remain arguably published nine times per year (no issues in June, October and February) by Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC, P.O. because he is perceived as the the Nos. 1 and 2 f ghters in Box 90254 Brooklyn, NY 11209. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY 11209 and additional post off ces. Postmasters: inferior fighter. He’s expected to the world. That cannot be 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. lose anyway. overemphasized. No. 1 vs. No. and Canada (£4.95 in the U.K.). Subscription price U.S. And possession $49.00 for nine issues; Canada and add $7 Plus, Pacquiao has more 2, the very best vs. the very best. 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 def ning f ghts than Mayweather. How often does that happen? of unsolicited articles or photographs, which will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope bearing the They share victories over Oscar It’s why the f ght still matters proper amount of postage. The entire contents of this magazine are copyright ©2015 Sports and Entertainment Publications, De La Hoya, , strictly in terms of boxing. And LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. , Juan Manuel when you factor in f ve years Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the content of advertisements appearing in this magazine, nor the delivery or Marquez and but of hopes and hype, it’s why quality of merchandise or services offered. No endorsement of any such advertisement is intended or implied. Advertisers and I believe Pacquiao’s nine-f ght we all should be thrilled that agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their advertisements. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRES AND RATES: series (6-2-1) with the Mexican Mayweather and Pacquiao will (213) 233-2952. U.S. / Canadian and International distribution by Kable Distribution Services Inc., 14 Wall Street, Suite 4C, New Big Three of Marquez, Erik f nally meet in the ring. York, NY 10022. UK distribution by Comag Tavistock Rd., West

Drayton, Middlesex UB77QE, . Printed in U.S.A MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES

6 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 THE LIGHTER SIDE OF A SERIOUS SPORT OPENING SHOT

Not even an oversized glove could save actor J.B. Smoove in this scenario. He and were at a party at in . COME OUT WRITING

MAYWEATHER VS. Marquez trilogy has shown us Observers focus so much on PACQUIAO how he can be timed, out-punched, Pacquiao’s f ve losses but I believe Manny Pacquiao has always out-boxed and ultimately knocked his imperfect pugilistic record is surprised us when his back is out. Mayweather will cruise to a part of the reason he is so great against the ropes. In 2001, he was a unanimous decision. today. Defeat is a part of life that two-weeks’ notice replacement for Hugo Adame causes the weak to crumble and Lehlo Ledwaba. He TKO’d him. He Los Angeles the strong to grow. Some f ghters romped on are f attened by it (Ricky Hatton) in front of a Mexican crowd. He I have Pacquiao winning this f ght. I while others learn from it and can pummeled think that the combination of the eventually f ourish as a result of it. into his retirement when everyone work rate of a Jose Luis Castillo, Pacquiao is part of the latter group. thought he was too small. He took the awkward angles of a Maidana His ability to make a spectacular on the big guys, notably Miguel and the speed and power plus comeback after such a crushing Cotto and . I of a (all defeat to Marquez and his ability wouldn’t be surprised if Pacquiao guys Mayweather had trouble to humbly accept it, learn from it pulls the biggest surprise come May with) is the perfect recipe to defeat and evolve from it, are the reasons I 2 and that is to put the “1” in Floyd Mayweather. I think that Mayweather believe he is a stronger f ghter than Mayweather’s “L” column. will look good early and maybe even Mayweather, a man whose entire Wayne Castillo drop Pacquiao at some point but once claim to greatness revolves around , Mayweather gets dinged a few times, his prized, cherished, f aunted and he will go into a shell and not put out worshipped “0.” Of course, Pacquiao is a great f ghter. enough meaningful offense to sway Roberto Guerra He will leave everything in the ring. the judges. Hollywood, Fla. And if his style proves to be wrong John Sylvester for Mayweather, he might win. But Seattle I don’t care if it’s f ve years too late Mayweather has a unique ability to because as a hardcore boxing fan adjust to his opponents’ styles and his I believe Floyd will eke out a I have been playing this f ght over 5-inch advantage in reach will make decision victory over Manny due and over in my head. Finally, I can it diff cult for Pacquiao to get inside to his defensive wizardry and stop the back and forth and on May his guard the way ring generalship. However, I truly 2, 2015, I will have the answer I’ve sometimes did. Mayweather should believe this is the first fight in four wanted to know since Nov. 14, 2009. be the favorite. to five years that Manny is actually Oscar Palacios William Ellis pumped up for and hope we see the Kitchener, , Canada Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada PacMan of 2009 vintage! Raji Samra The most recent edition of “Best of I somewhat secretly don’t want it Calgary, Alberta, Canada Dougie’s Mailbag” (April 2015) was to happen as I feel this f ght will be Doug Fischer’s best work so far. He the biggest anticlimax to ever grace Pacquiao’s only chance is to throw did an outstanding job breaking down a pugilistic ring. There is nothing caution to the wind and throw Pacquiao’s rise in weight classes. I these guys can do that will match 1,000-plus punches. He threw 669 think he hit the nail on the head as the f ve- to six-year build-up. And, punches for a 34 percent connect far as ’s “reckless” what’s more, the woodwork (general rate against Algieri. Pacquiao won’t assertions go and shot down anybody public) boxing fans will be so have the openings to throw as many else’s PED suspicions of Pacquiao. disappointed that boxing’s stock will punches against Mayweather and he Mr. Fischer has once again displayed only plummet further. won’t connect at as high a rate as outstanding and responsible Greg Kearney he did against Algieri. I’m rooting journalism with his research. I really Keighley, England that Pacquiao proves me wrong but hope Malignaggi reads this editon of my head says Mayweather gets a “Dougie’s Mailbag.” He could learn a The f ght showed us clear unanimous decision. thing or two. that Manny does not know how to Josh Harding Victor Rivero cut the ring off. The Juan Manuel Shell Rock, Iowa Pacif ca, Calif.

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.

8 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 DOWNLOAD APP AND PREVIEW THE DIGITAL EDITION FOR FREE!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY » SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND SAVE !

AMERICAN EXPRESS 6500TR

$49.00* 6500TR $24.00

$75.00* 6500TR $45.00 VALUE)!

$24.00 6500DG

$56.00 $90.00 $84.00 $105.00 DECEMBER 31, 2015

TO ORDER ONLINE, OR GO TO: WWW.RINGTV.CRAVEONLINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE TO RENEW SUBSCRIPTION, GO TO: HTTPS://SSL.PALMCOASTD.COM/28501/APPS/LOGINSSO ADVANCED DEGREES

Degrees of separation between f ghters of the past and their more contemporary counterparts. This month, regular Advanced Degrees contributor Gregg Morgan managed to connect f rst- ever WBC strawweight titleholder Hiroki Ioka, who won his belt in 1987, with new WBC heavyweight champ in only six steps.

HIROKI IOKA FOUGHT

JOHN MEDINA, WHO FOUGHT MANNY PACQUIAO, WHO FOUGHT ANTONIO MARGARITO, WHO FOUGHT , WHO FOUGHT DAMON REED, WHO FOUGHT DEONTAY WILDER « STEVE MARCUS/GETTY IMAGES

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 11 12 ROLL WITHTHEPUNCHES 10 RINGT FIGHTER THE RING’ Manny Pacquiaowon Fighter Pollthr consecutive times. 1 V

.COM 2. 1. 3. s Best / 5.15 “I likeR&B.” (Presley) and ever of indie, Monkeys.” “I listento R&B, The Arctic hip-hop, MUSIC kinds.” ee “Elvis

ything:

abit all

HEA 3 option, it no I’m luckyenoughtodrive Range RoverSportsand dream car “T of 10I’veal I’m getting onein March.” “I driveaMercedes. dream carisaBentley; VYWEIGHT CONTENDER o behonestIdrivemy

BILL w “Rolls Ro . Shadow 1. Ifmoneywasn’tan probablyaF . F Y JOESAUNDERSMIDDLEWEIGHTCONTENDER CAR ways loved rom thea point systemsimilartocollegesportspolls. Hereareourwinners: 10 years. We poll10boxingexperts anddetermineawinnerusing Either MayweatherorPacquiao havefnished No. 1ineachofthelast boxing thepastdecade, asourannualBestFighterPoll indicates. This month:FloydMayweatherJr. Pacquiao andManny haveowned A MONTHLY BOXING LIST yce ” errari.” My ge

★

WHA

or W probably Italian 2 foodie. an “I’m abig

cuisine.” “Indian.” JAMES DEGALE y foodbut “Indian est FOOD: T BO Indian.” Ilove XERS

T ARE INT ta ta A “None.” “No TTOOS ttoos.” ttoos.” “No

O OUTSIDE Usain Bolt, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTCONTENDER the Olympic Beckham.” A OUTSIDE McIlro runner BOXING 2005: MA 2006: MA 2007: MA 2008: P 2009: P 2010: P 2011: MA 2012: MA 2013: MA 2014: MA “Da THLETE “Ror got tobe vid “It’ y y .” .”

s THE SPOR

“My fa Notebook.” ACQUIAO ‘T ACQUIAO ACQUIAO “Tha hard one but Ilike movie is — MOVIE Man.’” ‘Inside ak YWEA “The YWEA YWEA YWEA YWEA YWEA YWEA en. Anson W t’ vorite T s a

’”

THER THER THER THER THER THER THER “My fa “I don’tplay probably be video game computer ainwright games.” “None.” VIDEO GAME would FIF ★

A.” vorite

CHAVEZ: JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY IMAGES; SAUNDERS: JULIAN FINNEY/GETTY IMAGES; DEGALE: CHARLIE CROWHURST/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; PACQUIAO: NOEL CELIS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES By Michael Rosenthal THE BEST AND WORST IN BOXING FROM THE PAST MONTH

GOOD BAD WORSE The recent news involving Nothing would’ve rivaled the One sad element to the aging Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. centered on damage to boxing had the Floyd process of boxers – even some great the unveiling of a statue of the great Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao ones – is that they’re largely forgotten Mexican champion in his hometown f ght not been made. The fact Canelo late in life. An example is light of Culiacan. The greatest f ghter Alvarez-Miguel Cotto didn’t come heavyweight champ , his country has produced deserved together hurt, though. That also who died at 86 on Feb. 19. Johnson the tribute. Less publicized was the would’ve been a huge f ght and isn’t on anyone’s all-time Top 10 list opening of a rehabilitation clinic probably a lot more entertaining than but he was an exceptional f ghter for there, Chavez’s second. The three- Mayweather-Pacquiao. The Mexican most of two decades. For instance, in division titleholder has struggled vs. Puerto Rican angle – combined 1953, he outpointed the great Ezzard mightily and publicly with substance with the f ghters’ popularity and Charles nine months before Charles abuse – both drugs and alcohol – recent success – would’ve made it one gave Marciano absolute hell during and after his Hall of Fame of the most compelling installments in their f rst f ght. That gives you an career. I ran into him more than in what might be the sport’s greatest idea of what the Philadelphian could once when he wasn’t quite sober. nation vs. nation rivalry. Alas, Cotto do. The feeling here is that a guy like Now it seems that he’s winning passed on the f ght because he wasn’t Johnson – a complete, disciplined, the battle against his demons, satisf ed with the proposed deal and/ technically outstanding pro – which is tremendously gratifying or hoped he could get a second (and would’ve dominated the 175 division for those who have admired him. very lucrative) crack at Mayweather. today but maybe I’m romanticizing And the fact he has opened the That’s understandable. He is nearing the old days more than I should. It’s rehab centers serves at least two the end of his career and wants the safe to say that he would’ve been purposes: It helps others in a similar biggest paydays possible. However, a force in any era. And, of course, position, proving that he really is the the fans missed out on a great f ght. he isn’t completely forgotten. He people’s champion, and it serves as Not all is lost, though. Cotto’s received the ultimate recognition in a motivating factor in his ongoing trainer, , has said he 1993, when he was inducted into the efforts to stay clean. Let’s hope he still likes Alvarez as an opponent International Boxing Hall of Fame. has many happy years ahead of him. for his f ghter. Perhaps a second And now, upon his death, we have round of negotiations will result in the opportunity to acknowledge his an agreement. And boxing fans are remarkable success in the ring. I just left with a terrif c consolation prize: hope he knew that those of us in Alvarez vs. James Kirkland on May boxing appreciated what he did. 9, which has fun written all over it.

RING POLL THE PERCENTAGES: A MONTHLY POLL OF OUR Pacquiao by KO 40.02 RINGTV.COM READERS Mayweather by decision 29.29 » The superf ght is set so we asked: Pacquiao by decision 24.98 What will be the result of the Mayweather by KO 3.41 Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Draw 2.30 Pacquiao f ght on May 2? Here is how you responded. Note: 6,220 readers voted

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 13 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES BEST I FACED By Anson Wainwright

Mikkel Kessler announced his retirement in early February.

MIKKEL KESSLER

Mikkel Kessler lost his couldn’t secure a big f ght. against . These are f ghts motivation. And that’s the time to “I have thought long and hard that motivate me. But for one reason get out of boxing. over my options … but none of or another they do not want to f ght The four-time super these options are enough to get me me. I am always in training, it is titleholder announced his retirement motivated,” he said in a statement. part of my life, but I consider myself in early February, ending an “I need big events to make me train in a state of retirement.” outstanding career that began in to get me to the standard that I “The Viking Warrior” fought 1998 and included f ghts against the have been used to presenting my arguably the three best super best 168-pounders in the world. fans with. of his era – Joe Kessler said last summer that he “I said I would like nothing more Calzaghe, and Carl intended to continue his career but than to avenge my loss against Froch – in their home countries. He decided to walk away because he Andre Ward and also have a decider was never afraid to travel.

14 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 INSET: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES; JOHN GICHIGI/GETTY IMAGES in shape, mybackwashurtingand this guy . Iwasn’t going to , goingtofght THE RING. “Iwas25years old, defend my WBA belt,” Kesslertold most satisfyingvictories. win amajorbelt. an eyeinjuryandwouldneveragain out therestoftournamentwith Kessler vacatedthetitleaftersitting “I thinkthefrsttimeIhadto Kessler wasaskedtorevealhis by adecisionin2010. WBC championship taking CarlFroch’s in thesecondround, would reboundagain in 2009. World BoxingClassic Showtime’s SuperSix the openingroundof technical decisionin star Andre Ward bya but lostittorising to winthe WBA title unanimous decision. scorecards towina pulled awayonthe made adjustmentsand fght before Calzaghe the frsthalfof their momentsin Both fghtershad titleholder.and WBO Calzaghe, theRING fellow unbeatenJoe to Wales tomeet Kessler traveled 2006. Markus Beyerin round knockoutof title withathird- after addingthe WBC WBA superchampion was upgradedto round in2004. He end oftheseventh Siaca toretireatthe beltholder Manny then-WBA 168-pound first titlebyforcing The GreatDane Kessler rebounded In the fallof 2007, Kessler wonhis like thatbefore. punches, I’dneverseenanything ; hecould slipthe But itruinsthefght. I would say defense. That’s thebestI’veseen. and heholdsyou. That’s his defense wherehethrewonepunch Andre Ward: Ward hada BEST DEFENSE how heusedit. had the bestjab. Hewassmartwith a goodjab. But Anthony Mundine had agoodjab. JoeCalzaghehad say inmylastfghtitwasFroch, he Anthony Mundine:Iwould BEST the bestskills. pick IwouldsayJoeCalzaghehad have differentskillsbutifIhadto think whenyougettothetopweall away. Itwaslikeanightmare. I the time;youcouldn’t keephim for 12rounds, hecame[atyou]all out one. Ihad(Librado) Andrade very good. It’s diffculttojustpoint he’s mentallystrong. Ward wasalso he’s strongandhaslongarms had differentskills. He’s slowbut Calzaghe hadalotofskills. Froch :Ithink BEST SKILLS 10 keycategories. discuss thebestfghtershefoughtin other projects. real estateandsaidheisconsidering house. Healsohasinvestedinother a yearago. Heisbuildinghisown girlfriend hadababyboyjustover record of46-3(35knockouts). . Heleavesthesportwitha champions andneverlostafghtin was agreatfight.” I gaveFrochhisfirstdefeat. That everybody saidIwasfinishedand came back. Ihadlostto Ward, big fghtandIwoneveryround. that fght. Iwent 12rounds. Itwasa I onlydid20roundsofsparringfor Kessler graciously agreedto Away fromboxing, Kessler’s Kessler fought12world “You haveFrochwhenI was goodat it. with theinside of hisglovesbuthe puncher. He’s fastandhepunched I wouldsayhewasn’t the best young, Ihadn’t lost afght. Overall inspired me. Icamestrong, Iwas the build-up, theniceguy, isJoe. He say thebestfghterandmentality, that sonofabitch!(Laughs.)Iwould Calzaghe: He’s gonnareadit, BEST OVERALL time. Verystrong. fght. Ihadtokeephimawayallthe Andrade …I’llneverforgetthat strong andhe’s astrongfnisherbut anyone likethat. EvenFrochis for 12 rounds. Ineverfought Andrade: He came[atme] STRONGEST the middleoffght]. he changedhisplansagainstme[in I rememberthat. Buthegothitand did Joe. [Calzaghe]wasafraidofme. was clever. Hestucktohisplan. So Calzaghe: I wouldsay Ward SMARTEST the ring. out ofthewayandmadefulluse Ward hadthefastestfeet. Hekept Ward: Good question. Ithink FASTEST FEET say Joe. fghting thembutIwouldprobably There weretoomanyyearsbetween Calzaghe: Either Joeor Ward. FASTEST HANDS a punchbuthe’s slow. hard puncherwhenhehitsyouwith someone, IchooseFroch. Heisa didn’t hithard. IfIhadtochoose really hithard. Frochhithard. Joe Carl Froch: Ward, hedidn’t BEST PUNCHER good . course, Froch, hecantakeapretty … buthecouldtakeapunch. Of the bestchin. Ihithimsomuch Librado Andrade: Hehad BEST CHIN 5.15 / RINGT V .COM 15 READY TO GRUMBLE By David Greisman

Mike Alvarado evidently gave himself no chance to beat Brandon Rios.

ALVARADO LET HIMSELF DOWN

he employed to win a close decision THE FORMER TITLEHOLDER’S LACK over Rios in their 2013 rematch. OF PREPARATION AGAINST RIOS WAS He never stood a chance, however. APPALLING His only signif cant offense was effectively offending any of his remaining backers and believers. he shame For a warrior who made his name Sure, he robbed boxing fans of wasn’t that in battle after battle, Alvarado was another classic along the lines of T woefully weak-willed in the months the f rst two Rios f ghts. But the real quit after three and even the weeks leading up to insult was how little he cared, how rounds of being the bout. And he put forward as little chance he gave himself to be a punching bag pitiful a performance as possible on competitive on an evening when his against Brandon Rios. The shame f ght night. career most needed the opposite. was that Alvarado quit on himself Alvarado didn’t owe us a war. He Given his many past run-ins with before he ever stepped in the ring could’ve gone out and tried to mix the law and the time he’d spent that night in January. boxing and brawling, the strategy behind bars, he should’ve known

16 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 better than to get in trouble again H to bigger matchups on that network and he absolutely shouldn’t have only to watch them land elsewhere. been so stupid that he subsequently used However, it’s clear that Showtime skipped out on his court dates. Yet to be the New York Yankees of and Haymon will be doing business that’s what he did, leading to his boxing. Now it has one superstar, going forward: Showtime’s next arrest last fall just when a handful of role-playing veterans two cards were scheduled to feature was working on making Alvarado- and a massive number of minor- Haymon fghters – Jhonny Gonzalez Rios III a reality. league prospects who Oscar De La vs. Gary Russell Jr., And then, even after the fght Hoya hopes will turn into major- vs. and Julio was announced, he dumbly did it league talents. Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Andrzej Fonfara. again. He was a passenger in his Golden Boy needs to do what the Yes, it’s NBC that’s getting own vehicle, riding with expired Yankees rarely had to: rebuild like Danny Garcia vs. Lamont Peterson registration long past midnight. a mid-market team that has been despite that infamous August card There was a gun in the car, illegal emptied of most of its big names. of mismatches Showtime paid for, because Alvarado is a felon. He That’s because many of the top with Garcia blowing away Rod claims it was the driver’s and that he attractions in boxing were either Salka, Peterson dominating Edgar hadn’t known about it beforehand. never actually under contract with Santana and Danny Jacobs taking That doesn’t matter because he had Golden Boy or had their deals out Jarrod Fletcher. It’s clearer now once again failed to appear in court expire. Now they are gone, taken that Haymon was delaying Garcia- in December for the same cases away by their shared adviser, the Peterson for when his big business that had made him a wanted man powerful Al Haymon. venture launched. months before. For a time, while De La Hoya It is Haymon who is in control, He looked bad in his mugshot. He struggled with addiction and who has an estimated 170 fghters sounded horrible in interviews. He personal demons, he was an absentee in his stable and who now oversees looked terrible in the ring, and not owner who left Golden Boy in the the Evil Empire of boxing, able to just like a fghter who had been in hands of chief executive Richard replenish his ranks at any time, given hard for wins over Schaefer. Haymon and Schaefer the considerable sway he has in the and , in the defeat had a relationship through which sport. And he potentially wields to and victory over Rios, in his title Golden Boy ran the shows on which power over other promoters as loss to and Haymon’s boxers fought. When De well, given the various titleholders, subsequent dissection at the hands La Hoya returned and sought to contenders, prospects and even of Juan Manuel Marquez. No, he assert control, Schaefer departed. lower-level fghters he has. There will also looked like a man who was Haymon’s grand plans presumably be fewer options available for other living hard while not working hard were already in the works for his promoters when so many names are enough, whose only run was the 4 “Premiere Boxing Champions” series. thanking Haymon. a.m. drink run that brought about But with Schaefer out at Golden While Haymon has been portrayed his arrest. Boy, Haymon has now enlisted other as a shadowy boogeyman, this could That makes three straight losses, promoters so as to skirt federal end up being good for boxing if he including two in front of his regulations regarding managers not grows the size of its audience. His hometown Colorado crowd. The simultaneously serving as promoters money is involved. Unlike the days Provodnikov loss was disappointing for the same fghters. He’s taken a of raking in millions but at least saw Alvarado wilt signifcant swath of star power and for mismatches, Haymon now has against the relentless Russian’s a massive number of television dates a vested interest in giving the fans pressure. There was no such effort with him. quality. against Rios and not anywhere near “Premiere Boxing Champions” Showtime must hope that fans enough effort in training camp. will be televised on CBS, NBC and a getting fghts on free broadcast Fans could be heard booing during number of American cable channels. networks or basic-cable packages

JUSTIN EDMONDS/GETTY IMAGES Alvarado’s post-fght interview. But those who thought Showtime will still fork over money to They’re unlikely to be seen in notable would be left out of Haymon’s subscribe. numbers again. It’s ftting that it was plans were too quick to write that And Golden Boy will need to a long, arduous ascent for Alvarado network’s eulogy. work wisely and get lucky, playing to become a star in this Rocky Indeed, Showtime invested money Moneyball and scratching out hits Mountain State, only for everything in fghts involving Haymon’s boxers while Haymon plays hardball and to rapidly go downhill from there. in 2014 in the hopes they would lead swings for the fences.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 17 JABS AND STRAIGHT WRITES By Thomas Hauser ‘I’M GOING DOWN’

FIGHTERS EXPLAIN WHAT IT’S LIKE TO HIT THE CANVAS

Bernard Hopkins stopped Oscar De La Hoya with a single body shot.

hen Bernard badly enough that he’s unable to and asking, ‘How did I get down Hopkins was think clearly and fully control his here?’ I got up. He knocked me W dropped by motor skills. down again in the seventh round, in Hopkins has experienced both and the judges scored the f ght a the f rst round of ends of the . Jean Pascal draw. Four months later, we fought their Nov. 8 title- knocked him down twice in their again and I knocked him out.” unif cation bout in Atlantic City, f rst encounter. In each instance, is remembered for it marked the third f ght in which it was a f ash knockdown. But rising from the canvas after being Hopkins visited the canvas. there was a time when “Father knocked woozy by Knockdowns in boxing vary Time” found himself in more dire and and, in each widely in cause and effect. Some circumstances. instance, coming back to KO his knockdowns result from glancing “I remember it like it was opponent. blows that land when a f ghter is yesterday,” Hopkins said. “I was Holmes’ philosophy with regard off balance. At the other end of the f ghting Segundo Mercado in to being knocked down is simple: spectrum, sometimes a f ghter gets Equador (on Dec. 17, 1994). Fifth “First you get up. Then you worry whacked. round, I didn’t see the punch. He’s about whether or not you’re all A f ghter can be knocked down punching and I’m punching and he right.” and suffer no adverse consequences got there f rst. I don’t remember Some of boxing’s other well- other than embarrassment and the falling at all. That’s how hard I got known practitioners have their own loss of a point. Or he can be hurt hit. I remember being on the canvas memories of being knocked down.

18 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 ROY JONES JR.: “The big hit again. Fighters think weird things. I’m like, ‘Damn! I can’t change what thing is, a knockdown is a loss of Thirty-six professional fghts, no happened now.’ So I got up and did control. And a fghter never wants knockdowns. And after that, I got what I had to do to win the fght.” to lose control. The frst time I got knocked down all the time.” knocked down in the pros, it was And then there’s the Golden Boy, against Louie Del Valle (on July 18, : “I had pretty Oscar De La Hoya, who shared a 1998). I don’t remember going down. good balance so there were no fash remarkably candid recollection with It was like I blacked out for a second knockdowns. Each time I went this writer. and then, ‘Son of a bitch knocked me down, I was buzzed. I got knocked down. Now I’m pissed.’ I got up and down four or fve times. Sometimes, OSCAR DE LA HOYA: “I won every round in the fght except it was like a light went dark for a got knocked down four times in the that round. And there were a couple second in my head and I was down. pros. The frst time was by Narciso of fghts that you know about where Sometimes, I was aware that my Valenzuela (on Oct. 30, 1993). He I got knocked down that were worse. equilibrium was screwed up and I hit me square on the chin but it was That was the same sort of blackout, was stumbling. Each time, my frst more a question of my being off- only longer. There’s also the sort of reaction was to ask, ‘How did I get balance. I got up and knocked him knockdown that happened in my here?’ But you know how you got out a minute later. The second time last fght in Poland (against Pawel there. You got hit hard in the head.” was pretty much the same thing Glazewski on June 30, 2012), which against Giorgio Campanella (on May was a balance thing. I said to myself, RANDY NEUMANN: “I went 27, 1994). And Ike Quartey knocked ‘Oh, s--t; I’m going down. I got to get down a couple of times from fash me down with a left that was up fast so they don’t think I’m hurt.’” knockdowns. You go down; you get a good punch but also just a fash back up. It’s not a big thing. The knockdown (on Feb. 13, 1999). I had : “It was frst time I was really hurt was by a good whiskers. Those knockdowns against (on Aug. 22, guy named Jimmy Harris (on Feb. were more embarrassing to me than 1987). I don’t remember the punch. 18, 1971). He didn’t know how to anything else. Each time, I said to I was on the ropes and he hit me. As fght. I was playing with him and got myself, ‘This shouldn’t be happening I was going down, I said to myself, careless. Then I found out that he to me. I’m a superior fghter.’ ‘Oh, s--t.’ Then I hit the ground with could punch. A fghter isn’t a good “The other time I got knocked a thud. The feeling was almost like witness when he’s knocked down like down was by Bernard Hopkins. being relaxed. It was an awkward that because he doesn’t remember That’s interesting because we’re feeling. I was telling myself to get up everything. And if you saw what talking about the whole psychological but I couldn’t. I thought I was getting was happening as it unfolded, you aspect of where I was in my life at up but I was more struggling than wouldn’t have gotten knocked down that time. The fght was competitive. anything else. And then it was over.” to begin with. For me, it was like the I was in the fght. But it was a very electricity was shut off in my brain. unhappy time in my life. I was tired : “The frst I got up before 10 and I knew where of being who I was. He hit me with time I got knocked down was by I was. But I was out on my feet and a good body shot. I went down. I’ve Gregorio Vargas the night I won the the referee stopped it.” asked myself a thousand times since title (on Dec. 4, 1993). then, ‘Could I have gotten up?’ And It was like there was a fash and a ZAB JUDAH: “Knockdowns the answer is ‘yes.’ But I wanted pop. One moment, I was standing are about timing. Knowing how to everything to be over. Not the fght; up. The next moment, I was on the get to the other guy faster and better being the Golden Boy, everything. ground. I didn’t even know I was than he gets to you. The frst person It wasn’t something I consciously falling. In 36 fghts, it had never to knock me down in the amateurs thought out when the referee was happened before. But the thing is, or pros was Jan Bergman (on Feb. counting. But those conficts inside after it happens once it plants a 12, 2000). It was my frst world title me caused me to stay me down. You seed in your head and it can happen fght. I knocked him down twice in have to go really deep into the root

JED JACOBSOHN/GETTY IMAGES more easily because you’re more the frst round. Second round, he hit to understand.” comfortable with the idea of getting me with a hook up top. I’d never knocked down. I probably should been knocked down before so I didn’t Thomas Hauser can be reached have gone to counseling or therapy realize what was happening. Then by email at [email protected]. His for it. Because after that, when I got it was, ‘Oh, no! I’m down.’ It was a most recent book (“Thomas Hauser hit and hurt, something in me would fash knockdown. I wasn’t hurt. I was on Boxing”) was published by the choose to go down rather than get more embarrassed than anything else. University of Press.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 19 OUTSIDE THE ROPES

and Manny Pacquiao in a story the morning after their fght was IMMORTALIZED announced. The problem was that it was a photo of Tim Bradley, not Mayweather. We won’t say mistakes are never made here or that the hours following the announcement weren’t crazy, but ... ouch.

Two retirements to note: former junior contender and four-time titleholder Mikkel Kessler. An installment of “Best I Faced” featuring Kessler is on Page 14.

A PSA discouraging road rage featured a driver presumably sh---ing himself when the person he’s raging at turns out to be Evander Holyfeld.

Three men in their 20s were found guilty and will serve a minimum of 30 years in prison for the murder of JULIO CESAR Corrie Sanders in South Africa. The CHAVEZ IS former heavyweight titleholder was shot in the stomach when he moved HONORED WITH to protect his daughter during an A STATUE IN HIS armed robbery in 2012. HOMETOWN Dewey Bozella, who was found By Brian Harty guilty of murder and imprisoned for 26 years before being exonerated in ight up there with The Julio Cesar Chavez statue is 12- 2009, settled his wrongful-conviction attending one’s feet high and made of bronze. lawsuit against Duchess County, New R own funeral, York, for a reported $7.5 million. After attending the his release, Bozella famously fought a public unveiling of it’s an honor well deserved by a cruiserweight bout on the undercard one’s own 12-foot boxer whose hero status is both of Bernard Hopkins vs. bronze likeness must be a moment of unassailable and unparalleled in I in 2011 to fulfll his thwarted dream of supreme existential weirdness. In the Mexico. It’s hardly necessary to refer being a professional boxer. latter case it must also be supremely to him as a Hall of Famer and the gratifying (the former, too, depending accomplishments of the three-weight Here’s a twist on the stories usually on the eulogies). world champion are well known to the linking boxers to brain scans. Jill In early February, Julio Cesar readers of these pages. Matthews, the frst woman to win a Chavez was present for the Showing no hard feelings about the Golden Gloves championship and a dedication of such a monument in belt thing, WBA President Gilberto pro until 1999, discovered she had his hometown of Culiacan, Mexico. Mendoza summed it up: “Chavez is a brain tumor. She found out only The event was attended by scads of one of the best of all time, not only in because of dizziness that her doctor Mexican boxing luminaries as well as Mexico but for the world.” initially dismissed as symptoms of thousands of devotees. menopause. Once she mentioned Ignoring any critique of the statue The unveiled she had been a boxer, the doctor itself, or that the greatest amount of a more cringe-worthy portrait on immediately ordered an MRI and detail seems to have been reserved Feb. 21 when it printed side-by-side found the tumor – which has now for the WBC belt around its waist, photos of Floyd Mayweather Jr. been in remission for fve years.

20 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 REMEMBERS CEDRIC KUSHNER: 1948-2015

the heavyweight throne. At the same THE RISE AND FALL time, Shane Mosley was ranked No. 2 on most pound-for-pound lists. CEDRIC KUSHNER WAS AN IMPORTANT Kushner promoted both men. Then came the fall. PROMOTER … FOR A TIME By Thomas Hauser Don King lured Rahman away with a duffel bag flled with cash. Mosley fulflled his contractual obligations and left Kushner for greener pastures. Meanwhile, Kushner was overreaching. A series of unproftable fght cards at the Hammerstein Ballroom in incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. An ill-advised venture called “ThunderBox” led to an even greater cash drain. And Kushner’s health was failing. For much of his life, he’d abused his body, becoming morbidly obese. After undergoing a gastric bypass operation in 2003, he failed to follow the required vitamin regimen, which led to more health problems. In the fnal years of his life, Kushner suffered from acute physical issues and the onset of dementia. He died on Jan. 29 after suffering a massive heart attack at age 66. edric Kushner Cedric Kushner (right, with David Kushner had a variety of nicknames was a Tua) promoted 50 shows a year at over the years. But the one that stuck his peak. C strange man. among his friends was “Uncle Ced.” He had no active I understood that sentiment. When family ties. Love I began writing about boxing on seemed beyond his Kushner worked as a laborer a regular basis, I was regarded as reach. He spoke openly, even proudly, in a warehouse; in a fringe Internet writer. As such, I of his involvement with prostitutes. , cleaning swimming pools was accustomed to slights. Often, I His greatest pleasure derived from and handing out towels at the found myself in conversation with being in boxing and spending time Fontainebleau Hotel; and as a Ferris a promoter or other insider who with boxing people. wheel operator at an amusement was looking over my shoulder for “Boxing,” he once said, “is a park in New Jersey. In 1974, he someone better to talk with. business in which I sue you on formed Cedric Kushner Promotions That never happened with Cedric. Tuesday and buy you lunch on with the aim of promoting rock In those early days, he treated me the Wednesday. I like that.” concerts. Eight years later, he began same way he treated everyone else in Kushner was born in South Africa promoting fghts. boxing. With respect. I was grateful in 1948. A self-described “disobedient There was a time when Kushner for that. youngster who had no interest in promoted 50 shows a year, many of Cedric Kushner wanted to be liked. school,” he abandoned academia them in Europe. He was a tireless He was. after failing the American equivalent worker with a good eye for talent. of seventh grade and worked at a His “Heavyweight Explosion” Thomas Hauser can be reached by series of jobs, including a stint as franchise developed marketable email at [email protected]. His most a tally clerk on the docks of Cape fghters. For one glorious moment, he recent book (“Thomas Hauser on Town. He left South Africa in 1970 as was on top of the world. Boxing: Another Year Inside the a deckhand on board a freighter and On April 22, 2001, Sweet Science”) was published by the

SANDRA MU/GETTY IMAGES came to the . knocked out to claim University of Arkansas Press.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 21 REMEMBERS HAROLD JOHNSON: 1928-2015

A BLUE-COLLAR CHAMPION , , Arturo Godoy, , Bob Satterfeld (twice), Nino Valdes, Marty HAROLD JOHNSON EARNED RESPECT Marshall, Von Clay, , WITH HIS CLASS AND ALL-AROUND ABILITY Eddie Cotton, , Gustav By Lee Groves Scholz and Henry Hank. His highly technical and unrushed approach was deemed boring by some but to the cognoscenti, such as the late Hall of Fame matchmaker Teddy Brenner, he was “perfection.” Johnson may be best remembered for his fve-fght series with Moore, in which he won only once – a 10-round decision in their third fght, the middle bout of a back-to-back-to-back gauntlet between September 1951 and January 1952. Their fnal meeting, in August 1954, the only one involving a championship, was their most exciting. Johnson, in his frst title fght, broke open a close contest with a knockdown in the 10th. Leading on two scorecards and even on the third, Johnson appeared on his way to immortality but the “Old Mongoose” rallied to score a 14th-round TKO. After the old National Boxing ome fghters Harold Johnson (left) went 1-4 Association stripped Moore, Johnson seize the public’s against Archie Moore. won the vacant belt in February S imagination with 1961 by stopping Jesse Bowdry and awe-inspiring one- notched a defense against Cotton punch . moment sooner. That’s how confdent before out-pointing Jones to gain Others bedazzle he was within his technical envelope. undisputed recognition. After beating with bursts of supersonic speed. A Had Johnson been a basketball Scholz on points in , Johnson few grab headlines with their retina- player he would’ve been like Tim lost a heartbreaking split decision to burning attire, inspirational life Duncan, whose command of details . Johnson fought on stories or infammatory trash talk. is such that he is nicknamed “The Big for another decade, going 7-2 before Onetime Fundamental.” Had he been a pitcher, retiring at 42. champion Harold Johnson, who he would’ve plied his trade like Greg Johnson was inducted into the died the morning of Feb. 19 at 86, Maddux, who won 355 games with International Boxing Hall of Fame in didn’t take any shortcuts to earn his superb control and exquisite craft 1993 and his class included Hagler, greatness. He was a solid citizen in a yet struck out 3,371 batters without Elorde, Zivic and Giardello. His sport saturated by crazies, criminals the beneft of overwhelming speed. surname may have been ordinary in and characters. He was the guy who They, like Johnson, won as much comparison to his peers but his game clocked in every day and did his job with their brain as they did with was anything but. in such a classy, dignifed manner their athleticism and that enviable that one couldn’t help but admire his combination allowed them to enjoy Lee Groves is a boxing writer and excellence. Johnson was a beautifully long and distinguished careers. historian based in Friendly, W.Va. proportioned 5-foot-11 specimen While Duncan is in his 18th NBA He is the author of “Tales From the who used a picture-perfect stance, a season and Maddux played for Vault: A Celebration of 100 Boxing textbook high guard, compactly crisp 22 years, Johnson’s boxing career Closet Classics.” To order, please visit punches and uncommon patience. lasted a quarter century. From 1946 Amazon.com or e-mail the author at He struck only when the openings to 1971 Johnson went 76-11 (32 [email protected] to arrange for presented themselves and not a knockouts) and beat the likes of autographed copies.

22 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 Boxing Lessons From Bernard Hopkins PERFECT EXECUTION

HITTING THE HEAVY BAG

THE MONTH: ‘THE IMPORTANCE OF HITTING THE HEAVY HITTING THE HEAVY BAG. BAG IS FOR BUILDING YOUR POWER’ “The importance of hitting the heavy bag is for building Good boxing demands good Bernard Hopkins, which is why your power. It’s not for speed, technique. A missed step here, he plays the leading role in like you’ll see with the speed an off-balance shot there, and “Perfect Execution.” bag and what you’ll do with you could be looking up from pad work. Hitting the heavy the canvas. The sport is as Each month in THE bag is an essential part of any much about foot positioning RING Magazine, Hopkins training program. The heavy as it is . It’s a demonstrates a particular skill bag doesn’t hit back and you ballet of fists and feet, of the and explains how to execute have a chance to really sit whole body functioning as it. Photographs help you down on your punches. Any one. To achieve that, one must understand the moves. Our young f ghter wants to use the master the fundamentals. website, RingTV.com, also heavy bag as a way to sharpen features an accompanying video your technique in f nding out Perhaps no one today has a that allows you to watch and how you can dig into the body better understanding of the listen as Hopkins imparts his and do basically everything

ED MULHOLLAND basics than future Hall of Famer wisdom. from A to Z.”

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 23 PERFECT EXECUTION

Stage 1A.

Stage Stage 1B. 2A.

ESSENTIALS have to be conscious OF HITTING THE in the gym like you’re Stage 2B. HEAVY BAG working with a live Stage 1. You notice I opponent. Imagine don’t have anyone holding when you’re hitting the the bag when I hit it A . heavy bag that it’s a live The bag is about setting up opponent. power punches. And notice how the bag is swinging; POSITIONING it will back at you if WHILE HITTING THE you can’t f nd the proper HEAVY BAG rhythm B . I’m always Stage 2. The bag aware of where I am with is strictly for power the heavy bag and that it punching and setting up doesn’t swing back and your power. Notice how hit me. I’m hitting the bag my feet are positioned like I would an opponent. A and B . I’m set the And like facing someone same way I would be in live, I don’t want that a f ght. Again, you want opponent to come close to to simulate everything me. When you’re f ghting as close as possible to someone, they won’t stand being in the ring. Here there and let you hit them. you see my feet are It’s why you shouldn’t let planted f rmly when I’m anyone hold the heavy hitting the heavy bag. bag when you’re hitting I’m not up on a hill; it. An opponent moves, they’re planted and set

the heavy bag moves. You for a power punch. ED MULHOLLAND

24 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 Stage 4B.

Stage 3A.

Stage 4C.

EXHALE WHILE WHAT NOT TO DO HITTING WHEN HITTING THE THE HEAVY BAG HEAVY BAG Stage 3. Breathing and Stage 4. You don’t how you breathe is very want to hit the heavy bag important. You release the without wearing gloves A . Stage tension from your body The biggest risk you face is 3B. when you’re getting ready injuring your hands, which to release a hard punch. are your most important Here you see me exhaling tools in the ring B . Plus, almost like a blowf sh as I you want to acclimate hit the bag A . The power yourself to what you’ll goes through your body be faced with and what and with it your breathing you’ll be wearing in the too and . When you throw ring during a f ght. You a punch, holding your want to be as authentic as breath as you release the possible C . You want to punch takes away the avoid irritating your skin steam of the punch B . and protect your knuckles, Stage You’re choking the punch. so you need to wear gloves 3C. Breathing out releases when hitting the heavy bag. the power because you’re throwing the punch without being clogged up and holding your breath C .

Bernard Hopkins’ popular how-to series on boxing fundamentals appears each month in THE RING. The feature Stage 4A. 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/the- heavy-bag. RATINGS PACKAGE THROUGH FIGHTS OF FEB. 8, 2015 FIGHTER OF THE MONTH | RATINGS ANALYSIS | | THE RING RATINGS

FIGHTER OF THE MONTH DEONTAY WILDER By Michael Rosenthal

To say that Deontay Wilder answered nagging questions about him in his f ght against on Jan. 17 in is an understatement. Could he handle the pressure of his f rst world-title f ght? Could he go beyond four rounds, where he had never gone before? Could he take a punch? Could he box? Yes, yes, yes and, oh, yes. Wilder’s only failure was his inability to take out the then-WBC titleholder after stopping his f rst 32 opponents, which probably disappointed those expecting a but is hardly worth mentioning. The 6-foot-7 Alabamian was justif ably ecstatic with a stunning one-sided decision – 118-109, 119- 108 and 120-107 – that made him the f rst American to hold a major heavyweight title since 2007. None of this is to say that his was POUND FOR POUND: No change.

HEAVYWEIGHTS: Deontay Wilder the knockout artist contender became Deontay Wilder the world champion boxer with a thoroughly one- sided decision win over Bermane Stiverne. Wilder took Stiverne’s No. 2 spot along with his WBC belt while Stiverne slipped to Wilder’s old perch at No. 6.

CRUISERWEIGHTS: No change.

LIGHT : No change.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS: No change.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS: No change.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS: No change.

WELTERWEIGHTS: No change.

JUNIOR : Mike Alvarado (No. 5 last month) was dropped after taking Deontay Wilder a beating from Brandon Rios (unrated) at surprised . It was Alvarado’s fourth loss in Bermane Stiverne f ve f ghts (the win and one of the losses also and the boxing world by giving a against Rios) and his second in a row north of boxing lesson. 140 pounds. Mauricio Herrera entered at No. 10. : Englishman (unrated last month) knocked Daniel Estrada (No. 8 at the time) out of the ratings with an eighth-round stoppage in . Mitchell came in at No. 9, pushing Sharif Bogere up into the a monumental performance; Stiverne vacant No. 8 spot. isn’t good enough to merit such adjectives. That said, it was a major JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS: Juan Carlos Burgos step forward for an exciting new (No. 4 last month) hasn’t fought since his unanimous-decision loss to in face on the boxing scene. Wilder January 2014 so he was removed. Everyone instantly became a leading player formerly below Burgos moved up a notch and in the sport’s onetime glamour undefeated Puerto Rican Jose Pedraza entered division, with compelling f ghts on at No. 10. the horizon. Tyson Fury? ? : No change. Wladimir Klitschko? These big- JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS: No change. name big men could be in Wilder’s immediate future. : No change. And the guess here is that he will make the most of the opportunity. In JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS: No change. the ring, he is a wicked puncher who : No change. demonstrated against Stiverne that he can also box. Outside the ring, JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS: No change. his good looks, energy and charisma are sure to resonate with boxing fans STRAWWEIGHTS: Wanheng Menayothin (No. 4 and perhaps the general public. He is last month) successfully defended his WBC belt by outpointing unrated novice Jeffrey Galero. an impressive package. That wasn’t a signif cant win but his cumulative NAOKI FUKUDA No one knows how long his star accomplishments lifted him to No. 3, ahead of will burn but it will burn brightly as the very talented but still green Kosei Tanaka, long as it does. who has fought as a pro only four times.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 27 THROUGH FIGHTS OF FEB. 8, 2015 FOR WEEKLY UPDATED RING RATINGS, GO TO RINGTV.COM

No. 7-rated super middleweight Gilberto Ramirez (right) outpointed Maxim Vlasov to remain undefeated.

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 C ANDRE WARD 508 • Ukraine • 63-3-0 (53 KOs) 176 • Cuba • 29-1-0 (14 KOs) 88 • Canada • 25-1-0 (21 KOs) 301 • U.S. • 27-0-0 (14 KOs) 1. 1. 1. SERGEY KOVALEV 1. CARL FROCH 382 • Russia • 28-1-0 (20 KOs) 153 • Germany • 38-2-1 (26 KOs) 108 • Russia • 26-0-1 (23 KOs) 454 • U.K. • 33-2-0 (24 KOs) 2. DEONTAY WILDER 2. GRIGORY DROZD 2. BERNARD HOPKINS 2. 64 • U.S. • 33-0-0 (32 KOs) 71 • Russia • 39-1-0 (27 KOs) 454 • U.S. • 55-7-2 (32 KOs) 279 • Armenia • 41-4-0 (28 KOs) 3. TYSON FURY 3. DENIS LEBEDEV 3. JEAN PASCAL 3. 156 • U.K. • 23-0-0 (17 KOs) 263 • Russia • 26-2-0 (20 KOs) 83 • Canada • 29-2-1 (17 KOs) 166 • U.K. • 21-2-0 (16 KOs) 4. 4. KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK 4. JUERGEN BRAEHMER 4. JAMES DEGALE 174 • Bulgaria • 20-1-0 (11 KOs) 505 • Poland • 49-3-1 (35 KOs) 137 • Germany • 45-2-0 (33 KOs) 88 • U.K. • 20-1-0 (14 KOs) 5. BRYANT JENNINGS 5. OLA AFOLABI 5. ELEIDER ALVAREZ 5. 47 • U.S. • 19-0-0 (10 KOs) 310 • U.K. • 21-3-4 (10 KOs) 48 • Colombia • 16-0-0 (9 KOs) 287 • Russia • 47-4-1 (27 KOs) 6. BERMANE STIVERNE 6. FIRAT ARSLAN 6. ISAAC CHILEMBA 6. ANTHONY DIRRELL 94 • Canada • 24-2-1 (21 KOs) 119 • Germany • 34-8-2 (21 KOs) 146 • Malawi • 23-2-2 (10 KOs) 26 • U.S. • 27-0-1 (22 KOs)

7. 7. ILUNGA MAKABU 7. ANDRZEJ FONFARA 7. GILBERTO RAMIREZ JUSTIN EDMONDS/GETTY IMAGES 48 • Ukraine • 19-0-1 (12 KOs) 83 • Congo • 18-1-0 (17 KOs) 39 • Poland • 26-3-0 (15 KOs) 31 • Mexico • 31-0-0 (24 KOs) 8. MIKE PEREZ 8. THABISO MCHUNU 8. NADJIB MOHAMMEDI 8. 36 • Cuba • 21-1-1 (13 KOs) 69 • S. Africa • 17-1-0 (11 KOs) 21 • France • 36-3-0 (22 KOs) 24 • U.S. • 24-1-0 (16 KOs) 9. 9. YOURI KALENGA 9. GABRIEL CAMPILLO 9. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. 75 • U.S. • 35-4-0 (31 KOs) 34 • Congo • 21-1-0 (14 KOs) 19 • Spain • 25-6-1 (12 KOs) 17 • Mexico • 48-1-1 (32 KOs) 10. RUSLAN CHAGAEV 10. 10. ARTUR BETERBIEV 10. 14 • Uzbek. • 33-2-1 (20 KOs) 29 • Russia • 21-1-0 (16 KOs) 9 • Russia • 7-0-0 (7 KOs) 14 • Germany • 39-4-3 (18 KOs)

28 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MIDDLEWEIGHTS JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS WELTERWEIGHTS JR. WELTERWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 160 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 154 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 147 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 140 LBS

C MIGUEL COTTO C FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. C FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. C DANNY GARCIA 36 • P.R. • 39-4-0 (32 KOs) 145 • U.S. • 47-0-0 (26 KOs) 178 • U.S. • 47-0-0 (26 KOs) 201 • U.S. • 29-0-0 (17 KOs) 1. 1. CANELO ALVAREZ 1. MANNY PACQUIAO 1. LUCAS MATTHYSSE 166 • Kaz. • 31-0-0 (28 KOs) 222 • Mexico • 44-1-1 (31 KOs) 275 • Phil. • 57-5-2 (38 KOs) 201 • • 36-3-0 (34 KOs) 2. PETER QUILLIN 2. 2. 2. LAMONT PETERSON 141 • U.S. • 31-0-0 (22 KOs) 189 • Cuba • 20-2-2 (12 KOs) 199 • U.K. • 33-0-0 (22 KOs) 103 • U.S. • 33-2-1 (17 KOs) 3. SERGIO MARTINEZ 3. 3. 3. CHRIS ALGIERI 253 • Argentina • 51-3-2 (28 KOs) 141 • U.S. • 28-2-0 (15 KOs) 41 • U.K. • 30-3-0 (19 KOs) 35 • U.S. • 20-1-0 (8 KOs) 4. DANIEL GEALE 4. 4. TIM BRADLEY 4. RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV 296 • Australia • 31-3-0 (16 KOs) 96 • U.S. • 21-0-0 (14 KOs) 140 • U.S. • 31-1-1 (12 KOs) 114 • Russia • 23-2-0 (16 KOs) 5. HASSAN N’DAM 5. VANES MARTIROSYAN 5. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ 5. 56 • Cameroon • 31-1-0 (18 KOs) 271 • U.S. • 35-1-1 (21 KOs) 114 • Mexico • 56-7-1 (40 KOs) 41 • U.S. • 29-1-0 (22 KOs) 6. MARTIN MURRAY 6. JERMELL CHARLO 6. 6. 167 • U.K. • 29-1-1 (12 KOs) 66 • U.S. • 25-0-0 (11 KOs) 62 • U.S. • 24-1-1 (15 KOs) 44 • U.S. • 26-0-0 (9 KOs) 7. ANDY LEE 7. 7. 7. VIKTOR POSTOL 9 • Ireland • 34-2-0 (24 KOs) 35 • U.S. • 20-0-0 (16 KOs) 101 • U.S. • 24-0-0 (21 KOs) 78 • Ukraine • 26-0-0 (11 KOs) 8. 8. CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE 8. 8. KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV 18 • U.S. • 33-4-1 (20 KOs) 18 • U.S. • 34-5-0 (19 KOs) 133 • U.S. • 32-2-1 (18 KOs) 137 • Russia • 19-1-0 (9 KOs) 9. BILLY JOE SAUNDERS 9. CARLOS MOLINA 9. MARCOS MAIDANA 9. 11 • U.K. • 21-0-0 (11 KOs) 189 • Mexico • 22-6-2 (6 KOs) 61 • Argentina • 35-5-0 (31 KOs) 10 • P.R. • 22-1-0 (14 KOs) 10. 10. JULIAN WILLIAMS 10. DIEGO CHAVES 10. MAURICIO HERRERA 9 • U.S. • 28-1-0 (25 KOs) 9 • U.S. • 18-0-1 (11 KOs) 9 • Argentina • 23-2-1 (19 KOs) 3 • U.S. • 21-5-0 (7 KOs)

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

C C (VACANT) C (VACANT) C 85 • U.S. • 25-0-0 (17 KOs) 223 • Cuba • 15-0-0 (10 KOs) 1. TAKASHI UCHIYAMA 1. JHONNY GONZALEZ 1. OMAR FIGUEROA 267 • Japan • 22-0-1 (18 KOs) 202 • Mexico • 57-8-0 (48 KOs) 1. 57 • U.S. • 24-0-1 (18 KOs) 125 • U.K. • 19-0-0 (13 KOs) 2. RANCES BARTHELEMY 2. NICHOLAS WALTERS 2. RAYMUNDO BELTRAN 58 • Cuba • 21-0-0 (12 KOs) 114 • • 25-0-0 (21 KOs) 2. LEO SANTA CRUZ 133 • Mexico • 29-7-1 (17 KOs) 93 • U.S. • 29-0-1 (17 KOs) 3. TAKASHI MIURA 3. ABNER MARES 3. RICHAR ABRIL 97 • Japan • 28-2-2 (21 KOs) 93 • Mexico • 28-1-1 (15 KOs) 3. SCOTT QUIGG 21 • Cuba • 19-3-1 (8 KOs) 116 • U.K. • 30-0-2 (22 KOs) 4. BRYAN VASQUEZ 4. 4. MICKEY BEY 9 • Costa Rica • 34-1-0 (18 KOs) 41 • Ukraine • 3-1-0 (1 KO)* 4. GENESIS SERVANIA 22 • U.S. • 21-1-1 (10 KOs) 48 • Phil. • 26-0-0 (11 KOs) 5. DIEGO MAGDALENO 5. EVGENY GRADOVICH 5. MIGUEL VAZQUEZ 194 • U.S. • 27-1-0 (11 KOs) 102 • Russia • 19-0-1 (9 KOs) 5. CHRIS AVALOS 236 • Mexico • 34-4-0 (13 KOs) 37 • U.S. • 25-2-0 (19 KOs) 6. ROMAN MARTINEZ 6. 6. JUAN DIAZ 336 • P.R. • 28-2-2 (17 KOs) 59 • Phil. • 33-3-0 (21 KOs) 6. KID GALAHAD 54 • U.S. • 40-4-0 (19 KOs) 26 • U.K. • 18-0-0 (9 KOs) 7. FRANCISCO VARGAS 7. SIMPIWE VETYEKA 7. 31 • Mexico • 21-0-1 (15 KOs) 62 • S. Africa • 27-3-0 (16 KOs) 7. ANDRES GUTIERREZ 49 • Venezuela • 38-3-0 (25 KOs) 21 • Mexico • 31-0-1 (22 KOs) 8. 8. LEE SELBY 8. SHARIF BOGERE 21 • Mexico • 42-12 -2 (29 KOs) 48 • U.K. • 20-1-0 (8 KOs) 8. SHINGO WAKE 15 • • 26-1-0 (18 KOs) 12 • Japan • 17-4-2 (10 KOs) 9. JAVIER FORTUNA 9. JESUS CUELLAR 9. KEVIN MITCHELL 15 • Dom. Rep. • 27-0-1 (20 KOs) 18 • Argentina • 26-1-0 (20 KOs) 9. REY VARGAS 4 • U.K. • 39-2-0 (29 KOs) 9 • Mexico • 23-0-0 (20 KOs) 10. JOSE PEDRAZA 10. JAYSON VELEZ 10. DIERRY JEAN 2 • P.R. • 19-0-0 (12 KOs) 11 • P.R. • 22-0-1 (16 KOs) 10. ALBERT PAGARA 11 • Canada • 27-1-0 (19 KOs) 6 • 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.

5.15 / 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 66 • Nicaragua • 41-0-0 (35 KOs) 175 • Phil. • 34-1-4 (20 KOs) 1. SHINSUKE YAMANAKA 1. 171 • Japan • 22-0-2 (16 KOs) 6 • Japan • 8-0-0 (7 KOs) 1. JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA 1. PEDRO GUEVARA 97 • Mexico • 31-2-0 (22 KOs) 98 • Mexico • 24-1-1 (16 KOs) 2. JUAN CARLOS PAYANO 2. CARLOS CUADRAS 20 • Dom. Rep. • 16-0-0 (8 KOs) 144 • Mexico • 31-0-1 (25 KOs) 2. BRIAN VILORIA 2. MOISES FUENTES 188 • U.S. • 35-4-0 (21 KOs) 102 • Mexico • 20-2-1 (11 KOs) 3. ANSELMO MORENO 3. SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI 359 • Panama • 35-3-1 (12 KOs) 93 • Thailand • 32-4-1 (29 KOs) 3. EDGAR SOSA 3. ADRIAN HERNANDEZ 144 • Mexico • 51-8-0 (30 KOs) 199 • Mexico • 30-3-1 (19 KOs) 4. KOKI KAMEDA 4. OMAR NARVAEZ 217 • Japan • 33-1-0 (18 KOs) 249 • Argentina • 43-2-2 (23 KOs) 4. JUAN CARLOS REVECO 4. AKIRA YAEGASHI 176 • Argentina • 35-1-0 (19 KOs) 21 • Japan • 20-5-0 (10 KOs) 5. MALCOLM TUNACAO 5. ZOLANI TETE 212 • Phil. • 35-3-3 (20 KOs) 63 • S. Africa • 19-3-0 (16 KOs) 5. AMNAT RUENROENG 5. 40 • Thailand • 14-0-0 (5 KOs) 100 • Nicaragua • 19-2-0 (16 KOs) 6. HUGO RUIZ 6. ARTHUR VILLANUEVA 147 • Mexico • 35-2-0 (31 KOs) 95 • Phil. • 27-0-0 (14 KOs) 6. MORUTI MTHALANE 6. MILAN MELINDO 48 • S. Africa • 31-2-0 (20 KOs) 13 • Phil. • 32-1-0 (12 KOs) 7. TOMOKI KAMEDA 7. OLEYDONG SITHSAMERCHAI 80 • Japan • 31-0-0 (19 KOs) 124 • Thailand • 55-1-1 (21 KOs) 7. GIOVANI SEGURA 7. 67 • Mexico • 32-4-1 (28 KOs) 9 • Japan • 21-2-1 (8 KOs) 8. JAMIE MCDONNELL 8. FELIPE ORUCUTA 93 • U.K. • 25-2-1 (12 KOs) 90 • Mexico • 29-3-0 (24 KOs) 8. MCWILLIAMS ARROYO 8. RANDY PETALCORIN 23 • P.R. • 15-2-0 (13 KOs) 40 • Phil. • 22-1-1 (17 KOs) 9. RANDY CABALLERO 9. MCJOE ARROYO 16 • U.S. • 22-0-0 (13 KOs) 35 • P.R. • 16-0-0 (8 KOs) 9. 9. RAUL GARCIA 21 • Japan • 16-1-0 (10 KOs) 6 • Mexico • 36-3-1 (22 KOs) 10. KIKO MARTINEZ 10. KOHEI KONO 9 • Spain • 32-5-0 (24 KOs) 41 • Japan • 30-8-1 (13 KOs) 10. JOHNRIEL CASIMERO 10. ALBERTO ROSSEL 9 • Phil. • 21-2-0 (13 KOs) 94 • Peru • 32-9-0 (13 KOs)

STRAWWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 105 LBS

C (VACANT) 1. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. 1. HEKKIE BUDLER 125 • S. Africa • 27-1-0 (9 KOs) 178 • U.S. • 47-0-0 (26 KOs) 2. 2. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO 98 • Japan • 28-7-0 (11 KOs) 236 • Ukraine • 63-3-0 (53 KOs) 3. WANHENG MENAYOTHIN 191 • Thailand • 37-0-0 (12 KOs) 3. MANNY PACQUIAO 585 • Phil. • 57-5-2 (38 KOs) 4. KOSEI TANAKA 15 • Japan • 4-0-0 (2 KOs) 4. ANDRE WARD 5. KNOCKOUT CP FRESHMART 201 • U.S. • 27-0-0 (14 KOs) 19 • Thailand • 9-0-0 (5 KOs) 5. ROMAN GONZALEZ 6. CARLOS BUITRAGO 36 • Nicaragua • 41-0-0 (35 KOs) 122 • Nicaragua • 27-1-1 (16 KOs) 7. OSWALDO NOVOA 6. GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX 53 • Mexico • 14-5-1 (9 KOs) 77 • Cuba • 15-0-0 (10 KOs)

8. 7. TIM BRADLEY 76 • Japan • 18-1-0 (10 KOs) 231 • U.S. • 31-1-1 (12 KOs) 9. XIONG ZHAO ZHONG 13 • China • 24-6-1 (14 KOs) 8. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ 414 • Mexico • 56-7-1 (40 KOs) 10. DENVER CUELLO 13 • Phil. • 35-5-6 (23 KOs) 9. CARL FROCH Wladimir Klitschko 61 • U.K. • 33-2-0 (24 KOs) (left) was scheduled to f ght Bryant 10. CANELO ALVAREZ Jennings on April 25 93 • Mexico • 44-1-1 (31 KOs) in New York City.

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 AN

.

JAP ve the

.COM e those V cia is PHILIPPINES acant. e ar n that the 2 - 4 RINGT hampions or RUSSIA / hampion or No . 1? Danny Gar THE RING junior welterweight champ. 5.15 e the title is v either c UKRAINE TES THAILAND A 5 - 9 10 countries can claim to ha , TO RICO AN POLAND . has the most fghters at the top of the ated fghter wher wever UNITED ST JAP CUBA CANADA MEXICO NICARAGUA PHILIPPINES PUER SOUTH AFRICA UKRAINE .S 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 nations and the number of c Nos. 1: 5 No one will be surprised to lear U WHO’S NO 17 weight classes, 1-r best in at least one division. Her AIN Ho SP A CONGO 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 2 4 3 5 5 5 5 9 5 10 - 19 49 SOUTH AFRIC GERMANY SMALL 3 AN REPUBLIC is counted TO RICO THE RING Ratings. PUER DOMINIC UNITED KINGDOM CUBA 5 4 3 7 5 8 7 8 5 1 2 5 2 0 1 0 0 63 y division. BIG 3 wn to lightweight) and who is both junior ., 20 - 29 .K. and Russia – dominate Japan and the Philippines – , U SMALL ., ARGENTINA ther Jr xico .S . WEIGHTS WEIGHTS A TES AMWEIGHTS A TER THER VYWEIGHTS MEXICO ANAD YWEIGHTS ARAGUA yd Maywea C WEIGHTS WEIGHTS vier divisions (do e their totals division b WEIGHTS NIC Flo AMWEIGHTS WWEIGHTS UNITED ST TER VYWEIGHTS e ar THER ee nations – U AL ee others – Me UISER T 30 OR MORE YWEIGHTS Note: twice for the purposes of this chart. HEA middleweight and welterweight champion, DIVISION CR LIGHT HEA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS MIDDLEWEIGHTS JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS WEL JUNIOR WEL LIGHTWEIGHTS JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS FEA JUNIOR FEA BANT JUNIOR BANT FL JUNIOR FL STRA TO BIG VS Thr the hea thr dominate the lighter divisions in Her

1 2 1 THROUGH FIGHTS OF FEB. 8, 2015 OF FIGHTS THROUGH Y 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7

24 15 14 11 10 38* yd tings for Flo (junior middleweight and . A TES AN A A AN AN REPUBLIC

A ther Jr A A TED WI TO RICO A RIC

ludes two ra U AN

ARAGUA AIN USSIA ANAD AMEROON ANAMA MEXICO UNITED ST SOUTH AFRIC THAILAND C GERMANY UKRAINE NIC CONGO DOMINIC POLAND SP ARMENIA AUSTRALIA BULGARIA C CHINA COLOMBIA COST FRANCE IRELAND JAMAIC KAZAKHST MALA P PER UGAND UZBEKIST VENEZUELA CUBA UNITED KINGDOM JAP PHILIPPINES R ARGENTINA PUER welterweight). Maywea Countries out (from last month): None. Countries in: None. * Inc

FIGHTERS FIGHTERS BY COUNTR RA

MIKE STOBE/GETTY IMAGES THROUGH FIGHTS OF FEB. 8, 2015

FOCUS ON …

CRUISERWEIGHTS 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 cruiserweights.

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk is a mainstay in the cruiserweight division.

Everyone’s No. 1.

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 : 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 WLODARCZYK: FEATHERWEIGHT: NICHOLAS WALTERS BANTAMWEIGHT: SHINSUKE YAMANAKA

MOST WEEKS RATED: KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK 505 FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ JANEK SKARZYNSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MA FEWEST WEEKS RATED: RAKHIM CHAKHIEV 29 OLDEST: FIRAT ARSLAN 44 BRIAN HARTY RING MAGAZINE MANAGING EDITOR YOUNGEST: YOURI KALENGA 26 HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO SERGEY KOVALEV MOST FIGHTS: WLODARCZYK 53 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: MIDDLEWEIGHT: GENNADY GOLOVKIN FEWEST FIGHTS: THABISO MCHUNU 18 WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. HIGHEST WINNING PERCENTAGE: GRIGORY DROZD 97.5 PERCENT LIGHTWEIGHT: TERENCE CRAWFORD LOWEST WINNING PERCENTAGE: ARSLAN 77.3 PERCENT FEATHERWEIGHT: GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX YWEA MOST KOS: WLODARCZYK 35 BANTAMWEIGHT: NAOYA INOUE THER: FEWEST KOS: MCHUNU 11 FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES LONGEST CURRENT WINNING STREAK: ILUNGA MAKABU 18 FIGHTS ON THE POUND-FOR-POUND LIST: NONE Note: This is how the weights break down: Heavy- TITLEHOLDERS IN THE TOP 10: DROZD (WBC), YOAN PABLO HERNANDEZ (RING, IBF), MARCO weight includes cruiserweight, light heavyweight HUCK (WBO) AND DENIS LEBEDEV (WBA) includes super middleweight, all divisions mid- ON THE CUSP (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER): , DMYTRO KUCHER, DMITRY dleweight through flyweight include the “junior” KUDRYASHOV, BEIBUT SHUMENOV AND versions, and fyweight also includes strawweight.

32 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 ROLLROLL WITHWITH THETHE PUNCHESPUNCHES

Just Around The Corner... All Across The Nation. With over 4,200 O’Reilly Auto Parts stores in 42 states, we’re never far from home. OReillyAuto.com Better Parts... Better Prices, Everyday!™ PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO CREDIT MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO HOW IT HAPPENED

TWO QUIRKS OF FATE PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN MAYWEATHER AND PACQUIAO’S AGREEMENT TO FIGHT MAY 2 By Norm Frauenheim Illustration by Mike Meth

cademics like to say that improvisation A def nes the art of negotiation. If true, the art’s latest masterpiece would be Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao. Improvisation saved it just when it looked as if the f ght would be consigned to a dusty junkyard reserved for things that should have happened but never went anywhere. Instead of getting parked in perpetuity alongside Lennox Lewis- and the DeLorean, Mayweather-Pacquiao is off and running toward a May 2 opening bell at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand in a joint HBO-Showtime venture. It came together almost in spite of itself. There were insults, feuds and egos to overcome at every turn through a twisting process that often felt as though it would never end. Yet it did with a deal that appeared so unlikely just a couple of years ago. Maybe a professor at the Harvard Business School can one day explain how and why it all transpired. An eminent psychologist or psychiatrist might have a few ideas, too. In the end, however, it was as simple as HOW IT HAPPENED

chance, which is something boxing understands better than any Ph.D. Improvisation is a boxing instinct. It’s in the scarred DNA. Fights are altered and decided by power that lands from an unforeseen angle and at an unpredictable moment. Essentially that’s what happened in negotiations that had degenerated into a fght with no apparent resolution. It was a combo, two chance meetings that appeared like unexpected fronts on a weather map. First, at a restaurant in Los Angeles. Then, on an NBA foor in . Coincidence or not, the combination resulted in frank, face- to-face conversations on two levels – between the suits and then the fghters themselves. It was old-school yet a powerful reminder that business is still done in person instead of through social media. In October, a waiter at a West Hollywood restaurant told CBS chief Les Moonves that Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach ate at the same establishment, according to a story by Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times. The waiter suggested that Moonves and Roach meet. They did. Roach then asked Moonves to meet with Pacquiao promoter . Although initially hesitant, according to Pugmire’s story, Moonves met with the often-volatile Arum, who invited the CBS executive to his Beverly Hills home. “It was the persistence of Les Floyd Mayweather Moonves that got everyone talking Jr. and Manny rationally,” Arum said. “With Les Pacquiao ran into each other pushing it, people around this started at an NBA game acting like adults. Myself included.” in January – a A second meeting followed, fortuitous meeting. this time at Moonves’ home. It

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 35 HOW IT HAPPENED

included Arum and his bitter rival, been a judge at the Miss Universe Mayweather adviser Al Haymon. pageant on Jan. 25, was still in South For the frst time, there was Florida only because his fight was real progress in a process that canceled as a result of the storm in had become about as orderly as a the Northeast. He had nowhere to sandbox full of kids throwing dirt in go on the night of Jan. 27 so the each other’s faces. Negotiations were player-coach for a pro team in the down but not out. Suddenly, they Philippines and friend of Heat coach were about to get off the deck. Erik Spoelstra, a fellow Filipino, “One of the main reasons this deal went to an NBA game. got done, as opposed to deals in the He wound up going one-on-one past, was because Leslie Moonves with Mayweather, frst at courtside in was part of the process,” Stephen an exchange initiated by Mayweather Espinoza, vice president of Showtime and then in Pacquiao’s hotel suite. Sports, said in a conference call when “It’s one of those fortuitous the deal was announced on Feb. circumstances we couldn’t have 20. “He was deeply committed to planned,” Espinoza said. “But we making this deal and was someone were lucky that it happened. That that all parties in this negotiation meeting between Floyd and Manny really respect. at the Miami Heat game certainly “He was really the catalyst for greased the wheels in getting through seeing this through and refused to the fnal stages of this process.” take no for an answer from any side.” Call it a force of nature, which is Moonves also had a right to what some believe the welterweight stubbornly insist on a deal in the frst fght will be. Arum said it could be HBO-Showtime venture since the the biggest bout since Muhammad rival networks joined in a 2002 PPV Ali- I on March 8, 1971, telecast of Lewis’ victory over Mike at Madison Square Garden. That one Tyson in Memphis. Showtime is a was called the Fight of the Century. CBS subsidiary. It’s on the hook for The 20th Century. the six-fght deal with Mayweather In the 21st Century, there’s plenty costing a potential $250 million. of debate about how Mayweather- The May 2 bout is the ffth fght Pacquiao will be remembered. on the contract, which thus far There not much argument that has reportedly shown a signifcant Mayweather-Pacquiao is past its proft in only the second bout, a prime. It should have happened in Mayweather decision over Canelo 2010 but didn’t, in part, because Alvarez. A $250 million price tag Pacquiao would not agree to buys some demands. Mayweather’s demand for random But not even Moonves could do drug tests. anything about the weather. As it Five years later, there’s evidence Mayweather’s fght against Canelo turned out, it acted fortuitously of erosion in each fghter’s skills. At Alvarez has been the only signifcant moneymaker under his contract in late January with a blizzard – the opening bell, Mayweather, about with CBS/Showtime. Network execs Snowmageddon – that buried New a 2½-to-1 favorite when the bout pushed for another blockbuster. England but resurrected the only was announced, will be 38 years fght casual fans have wanted to see old. Pacquiao will be 36. Sugar for more than fve years. Ray Leonard was 33 and Roberto year, 2014, will be remembered for Pacquiao and Mayweather had Duran was 38 when they met in a steady decline in pay-per-view courtside seats for a an unwatchable third fght on Dec. numbers for the premium bouts Bucks-Miami Heat game. 7, 1989. No doubt, questions are carried by HBO and Showtime. The Mayweather, a longtime hoops there, but at least they’re going to inescapable conclusion is that casual fan who bought friend and NBA get answered. fans, frustrated then by the futile playmaker guard Isaiah Thomas a The boxing business would Mayweather-Pacquiao talks, were Bentley for his birthday, has a home have sustained a huge defeat had headed for the exits. in South Beach. Pacquiao, who had there been no fght at all. Last Maybe, the chance to fnally see AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES

36 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MAYWEATHERMAYWEATHER VS. VS. PACQUIAO PACQUIAO

Mayweather-Pacquiao will bring Mayweather-Pacquiao shows that But projected revenue records them back, even at a PPV price that it can. also figure to underwrite the future could go as high as $100 for high- “We have to make this fght,” of a sport that looks ahead and def. Projections within the industry Mayweather told Pacquiao during sees only uncertainty about how to and even at Vegas books put the PPV their hour-long summit in the proceed. With Haymon’s emergence number for Mayweather-Pacquiao Filipino congressman’s hotel suite. as boxing’s most influential at 3 million-plus, which would Mayweather’s comment powerbroker, there are signs that break the record of 2.5 million set might rank as something of an the biz is moving away from the in Mayweather’s 2007 decision over understatement. Money is his PPV model. Oscar De La Hoya motivation and nickname. By all Haymon cards will appear on It might not be a game-saver. accounts, he’ll get 60 percent of a NBC, CBS and Spike TV. It’s back But it’s promising at a critical total purse worth a predicted $250 to free television. To make that moment. For disaffected fans and million. Pacquiao’s 40 percent will work, however, there needs to be an skeptical advertisers, boxing had pay a lot of taxes and fund a lot of audience. If Mayweather-Pacquiao to prove it can still do business and political campaigns. re-awakens interest in boxing,

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 37 HOW IT HAPPENED

maybe some in that audience will take a look at Haymon’s fedgling series, PBC (Premium Boxing Champions). Ultimately, that rests in what Mayweather and Pacquiao do with their dangerous hands. But the anticipated drama is bound to sell as it never has in boxing history. It’s an opportunity that might never have been there if not for that chance meeting between Pacquiao and Mayweather. It’s astonishing that it was a frst. The two had never met personally before that somewhat awkward exchange at halftime of the Bucks’ 109-102 victory over the Heat. “That was really a turning point, no doubt about it,” said Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz, who was there and picked up an assist for making sure that the meeting transpired. “I had met Floyd many times. But that was the frst time Manny and Floyd got to look at each other, eye to eye.” After all the years of taunts and insults framed within 140 characters, the rivals must have seen something else in each other. A staredown at a weigh-in is a ritual. It’s for show. But this eye-to-eye encounter was business and about an engagement that neither could avoid any longer. Without the meeting, there still might’ve been a deal, perhaps the result of the persistent Moonves. But it would have been less likely. “Once that meeting took place, the tone changed,” Koncz said. “Everything changed to the positive.” It was an eye-opener, so to speak, that must have included an acknowledgment of “now or never.” Mayweather and Pacquiao looked at each other and saw the urgency. As the negotiations dragged on from November through Christmas and into February, there was talk that the fght might happen at a later date. Arum talked about June. If June

Tim Bradley made it clear before their frst fght that Manny Pacquiao would need a rematch. He was right.

And Pacquiao took full advantage. BECKER/GETTY IMAGES DAVID

38 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

was a consideration, why not the mid-September date that celebrates Mexican Independence? But any delay created a risk. Pacquiao needed an opponent and Mayweather had plans to fght on May 2, a celebration of Cinco de Mayo, no matter what. If they didn’t fght each other, they planned to fght somebody. At times, Amir Khan appeared to be an alternate for both. Pacquiao met with Khan in the U.K., where the Filipino also had a royal lunch with Prince Harry. Miguel Cotto was a name thrown around as a likely possibility for Mayweather, especially when there appeared to be no headway in the negotiations. Mayweather probably would beat an aging Cotto in a rematch. But there was a chance the experienced Puerto Rican could spring an upset against an opponent whose feet don’t move at the jackrabbit rate that took him in and out of danger fve years ago. Maybe Pacquiao beats Khan, who appeared to be rejuvenated in an impressive victory over on Dec. 13. Against Alexander, Khan looked bigger and stronger, which would pose a clear and present danger to Pacquiao. The Filipino’s power, which launched Rick Hatton into mid-air before crashing onto the canvas in a frightening KO six years ago, just isn’t there anymore. He knocked down an overmatched Chris Algieri six times yet couldn’t knock him out. Brandon Rios is nothing if not hittable. Pacquiao, who overwhelmed De La Hoya with a blitz of stinging punches from virtually ever angle, could not stop Rios either. Without the power, there’s less reason to fear him and a better chance to beat him. With unprecedented money hanging in the balance, it’s a chance only a fool wouldn’t take. Turns out, a waiter and a snowstorm took that chance out of the equation. Call it good fortune. Call it fate. Call it dumb luck. Whatever you call it, know this: It’s the smart thing to do. Finally.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 39 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO JACKPOT!

BOXING’S SUPER BOWL IN LAS VEGAS FIGURES TO PROVIDE A MONSTROUS PAYOUT By Norm Frauenheim

There won’t be much Y elbow room at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on

May 2. ARI/GOLDEN BO JEFF BOTT loyd Mayweather F Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao was called the Super Bowl of boxing almost at the very moment that the long-awaited deal for the bout was announced. It’s a loaded tag. It means hype. It means media. It means drama. It can mean just about anything, as long as it’s big, fashy and expensive. Underline expensive. Put it in black and bold. Never red, because at its bottom line the $uper Bowl comparison is about money. It is the bottomless cash register that every sport aspires to be. But even that isn’t clear. There’s some debate about the cash itself, or at least who and what it impacts. Nineteen days before Mayweather fnally announced that he had signed the contract for the May 2 bout at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, there was a real Super Bowl, No. 49, in Glendale, , a Phoenix suburb. The New England Patriots-Seattle Seahawks game would “bring an estimated $500 million economic impact” to the Phoenix area, according to the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee. “Super Hype,” said the critics, including an economics professor, Victor Matheson of Holy , who estimated the impact at between $30 million and $130 million. Another estimate from PricewaterhouseCoopers, a national auditing frm, put the projected impact at $209 million. From $500 million to $30 million with stops at $209 million and $130 million, there’s a lot of room for skepticism. It’s a cautionary tale and perhaps the only reliable way to judge any event tagged with Super Bowl-like expectations, including Mayweather-Pacquiao. From Fremont Street to the Strip, hotels and casinos are expecting a boost in revenue. But real numbers are about as elusive as a jackpot at a slot machine. A lot of money is

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 41 JACKPOT!

bound to hit town yet it’s hard to say Pacquiao at between $3,000 and how much or how it will be divided $4,000. No telling what it will among the city’s waiters, blackjack ultimately fetch on the secondary dealers, ticket-brokers and cabbies. market, although according to one “Safe to say, this will be bigger than resale ticket aggregator – TiqIQ – the any fght ever in the city,” said Pat average ticket price in late February Christenson, president of Las Vegas was $10,506.41. That was higher Events. “I can’t remember a fght with than the fnal average for the most the kind of buzz this one has.” recent Super Bowl, $10,466.11. Here’s what we do know: The long- There are at least two other awaited welterweight confrontation revenue streams: One from is expected to generate more revenue advertising and the second from than ever in boxing, breaking the international television rights. For widely-reported mark of $200 Mayweather-Alvarez, that amounted million generated by Mayweather- to about $30 million. Canelo Alvarez in 2013. It’s unclear how the absence The pay-per-view revenue from the of a Mexican in the main event Showtime telecast of Mayweather- will affect the Mexican market Alvarez, also at the MGM Grand, on a day that coincides with was $150 million. The pay-per-view their national holiday, Cinco de buy rate of 2.2 million fell short of Mayo, although Mayweather has the nearly 2.5 million for the HBO been selling to that demographic, telecast of Mayweather’s victory boxing’s most loyal customer base. over Oscar De La Hoya in 2007. Throughout the negotiations, he But the pay-per-view price tag for has insisted on the May 2 date, Mayweather-Canelo was $70, $15 despite protestations from Pacquiao more than the $55 for Mayweather- promoter Bob Arum, who argued a De La Hoya. day in June was more appropriate. When Mayweather-Pacquiao was Mayweather showed up in a announced, the pay-per-view price courtside seat at an Indiana Pacers- for the HBO-Showtime production Lakers game in early January at was expected to range from $90 to in Los Angeles $100. The pay-per-view audience is dressed as if he were about to apply expected to surpass the Mayweather- for Mexican citizenship. His cap and Ticket prices at the MGM Grand De La Hoya record. Online jacket were done in green-white-and- Garden Arena will be confgured to sportsbook Bovada opened with an red, Mexico’s national colors. smash the current live-gate record of over-under bet at 3.15 million. Three According to Golden Boy $20 million. million buys at $100 a pop amounts Promotions, eight of 10 Mexico to $300 million. households tuned into Mayweather- Then there’s the live gate. Alvarez in a free telecast offered for $300 million and a $25 million Mayweather-Canelo set the by Televisa, which bought the live gate. That’s $355 million, $155 record of $20 million, selling 16,146 international rights from Showtime. million more than the Mayweather- seats for the event at about $1,240 Golden Boy spent $10 million in Alvarez record. per ticket. The ticket price sold by a advertising the fght in Mexico. It’s a fortune, all right. Its impact broker averaged $2,887.69. Without a Mexican in the May 2 will beneft, frst, Mayweather When Mayweather-Pacquiao was main event, however, the telecast and, second, Pacquiao. That’s as it announced, it wasn’t clear how the might not have the same value for should be. There have been a lot MGM would price the seats. But Televisa, TV Azteca or Univision. of conficting reports on exactly brokers were expected to purchase Nevertheless, the worldwide what they’ll get, mostly because the lion’s share. Then, expect a steep, audience fgures to be bigger than it’s not known how much of the steady escalation until opening bell. ever. The well-traveled Pacquiao various revenue streams go into For Mayweather-Alvarez, a ringside ranks as an international celebrity. the total purse. We only know that seat on the secondary market went So let’s say that the advertising and Mayweather gets 60 percent and for $29,000. international rights stay at $30 Pacquiao 40. Initial expectations put the million. And let’s say there are 3 According to some reports, average ticket price for Mayweather- million pay-per-view buys in the U.S. Mayweather will collect $150 AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES

42 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

million and Pacquiao $100 million. potentially include some big money through the city’s casinos. Other reports are less optimistic, in rights. “We’ll take a lot of big bets, seven putting Mayweather’ check at $120 Outside of the parties contracted fgures, for this kind of fght,” said million and Pacquiao at $80 million. to work the rich fight, the Jay Rood, vice president of the The real number rests in the pay- economic impact is a guess. But MGM Race & Sports Book, who has per-view buy rate and that won’t be a boost in gambling revenue is a taken exactly that kind of bet from known until after the fght. pretty good bet. Mayweather on football. Whatever the fighters collect, it’s “Other than the Super Bowl, Boxing wagers have declined, safe to guess it’ll be a career-high this could be the biggest wagering especially on Mayweather’s fghts for each. Mayweather’s highest was event we’ve ever had,” said Jay with his two predictable victories $75 million, give or take a million, Kornegay, the sportsbook director over Marcos Maidana in the third for Alvarez. Pacquiao’s biggest at Westgate-Las Vegas. and fourth fghts on a Showtime purse was $30 million for his third There’s that Super Bowl angle contract for six bouts. fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. again. According to estimates Book operators estimate that the No matter how you add it up, there within the Nevada gaming industry, handle will be four to fve times will be plenty for a new Ferrari the total handle for the Patriots higher for Mayweather-Pacquiao or three, taxes, a big wager and a victory over the Seahawks was than it was for the Mayweather- political campaign. nearly $116 million. Nobody Maidana rematch. When the bout was announced, expects to get even close to that Before the bout was announced, it wasn’t known how HBO and with Mayweather-Pacquiao. Mayweather, a Las Vegas resident, Showtime would divvy up the The consensus is that the fght will was about a 2½-1 favorite over the remaining spoils, which will attract at least $30 million in wagers Filipino Congressman. Early bets

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 43 JACKPOT!

Many of Las Vegas’ 124,270 hotel rooms will be occupied by passionate boxing fans during Mayweather- Pacquiao fght week. JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY IMAGES JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

were small. The biggest reported was in Las Vegas during the days before Fight of the Century. He’s also said it a $1,000 wager on Pacquiao with and on May 2. At least, that’s the could be bigger. the William Hill Agency in the U.K. hope of every Vegas hotel between “Things were a lot different then,” But the bet is that those wagers will Mandalay Bay at one end of the Strip Arum said. “There was no pay- multiply, four and fve fold, as the and The Golden Nugget in the funky per-view. It was closed-circuit in a opening bell approaches. Fremont District. theater. There was no social media to In large part, that’s because the Minutes after Mayweather posted promote Ali or . fve to six years of on-and-off the signed contract on his Shots “To me, Manny and Floyd will be negotiations have already done social-media account, there was like a Super Bowl. It’s not just a fght. all the advertising for Pacquiao a furious rush to reserve rooms. It’s a huge event. The world is going promoter Arum and Mayweather There was also a wild inflationary to come to Vegas for this.” adviser Al Haymon. Unlike the spiral in rates. A Saturday night The rooms might be flled mostly Mayweather-Canelo build-up, no room at the MGM is usually with people who can’t afford a ticket. international press tour was planned. available at $190. Moments after If the recent history of signifcant “This fght has had six years of news that the deal was done, the fghts is an indication, the telecast hype,” Arum said. “Why spend the one-night rate for the same room will be shown at various places up money?” on May 2 jumped to $705. and down The Strip, all at a premium A lot will be saved on private jets Across the busy intersection at price that could be higher than and pricey hotel accommodations in the Excalibur, the Saturday rate for buying the pay-per-view at home. New York, Los Angeles, a Tower room went from $159 to Hotels, the pay-per-view telecast and . What’s saved in $349. Across the street at New York- in a ballroom, food and cab fare those cities, however, might be spent New York, it jumped from $175 are all part of what economists and to $425, Down the Strip at Circus Chamber of Commerce types call Circus, it went from $99 to $199. “non-gaming revenue.” It’s hard to The rush for reservations calculate and harder to predict. IN THE SIGHTS apparently crashed some of the Before negotiations fell apart in hotel websites, causing confusion 2010, it looked as if the fght would The Floyd Mayweather Jr.- about whether any rooms at all happen sometime that year. Then, the Manny Pacquiao fght on May were available. According to an Las Vegas Convention and Visitors 2 is expected to break all pay- initial report, the MGM Grand had Authority projected the city would per-view and revenue records. sold out. But that wasn’t accurate. enjoy a $13 million impact in non- Some rooms could still be acquired gaming revenue. That was $1.2 Here are the current marks by phone, according to an MGM million less than the reported non- that are in danger. representative. But the waiting gaming impact, $14.2 million, from for somebody to answer took an the Arizona-BYU game in the 2008 estimated 40 minutes, too long to Las Vegas Bowl. • $200 million in total listen to elevator music. In 2015? More than fve years revenue from Floyd Las Vegas has 124,270 hotel later? Nobody is saying much. Mayweather Jr.’s rooms, including 62,000 up and But the silence is beginning to decision over Canelo down the Strip. Just the MGM has sound golden. 6,800, second in the world only to Alvarez in 2013 The Venetian in Macau, the Chinese AT RINGTV.COM • 2.5 million pay-per-view re-creation of Vegas. Over the last decade, it’s not often that Vegas buys for Mayweather’s HATTON’S TAKE TV EXECS’ has been completely booked. But Fighters’ THOUGHTS victory over Oscar De La the furious rush for rooms on the common foe HBO and Hoya in 2007 night of Feb. 20 and the subsequent breaks down Showtime fght. offcials are • $20 million live gate for escalation of rates are sure signs that bit.ly/ricky- thrilled. maybe – just maybe – the city will hatton bit.ly/- Mayweather-Alvarez at get close on May 2. showtime FOR HIS PEOPLE the MGM Grand in Las Bob Arum, who promoted Pacquiao MERCHANT’S Vegas , senses some dedicates fght to QUESTION unprecedented momentum for . Will the fght live • $150 million pay- bit.ly/pacquiao- up to the hype? Mayweather-Pacquiao. He has philippines bit.ly/larry- per-view revenue for compared it to Ali-Joe Frazier at merchant Mayweather-Alvarez Madison Garden in 1971, the last

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 45 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

TRAINERS WEIGH IN

5 WELL-KNOWN CORNERMEN AGREE THAT BOTH FIGHTERS HAVE SLIPPED TO SOME DEGREE BUT THEY’RE UNANIMOUS ON WHO WILL WIN By Keith Idec PACQUIAO: CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: ERIC JAMISON/GETTY IMAGES CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: PACQUIAO: o one knows what goes on inside the N ring more than trainers, particularly those who have enjoyed great success. That’s why THE RING asked fve of boxing’s top mentors to assess the skills of 38-year-old Floyd Mayweather Jr. and 36-year-old Manny Pacquiao going into their May 2 superfght in Las Vegas. Each believes both boxers have shown signs of slippage in recent bouts, though to varying degrees, and aren’t the fghters they were in their physical primes. Those trainers also offered their predictions.

H

JOEL DIAZ HAS TRAINED: Tim Bradley, Julio Diaz, Omar Figueroa, Abner Mares

ON MAYWEATHER: When I saw Mayweather fght Maidana in the frst and second fghts, I just thought age is becoming a factor. He’s not as explosive as he was a few years ago, like when he fought (Shane) Mosley, when he fought Oscar (De La Hoya). He’s more defensive and he holds back a lot. I think it’s always been because of his hands. And now he’s getting older. His reactions are not the same and his refexes are not the same. But he has always taken care of himself and he has not been in many wars so he’s still in a good position.

ON PACQUIAO: I’ve noticed he doesn’t have that fre in him anymore, that fre he had years ago. When [Bradley] fought him the frst time (in June 2012), he was very explosive. When we fought him the second time (in April 2014), even Bradley told me he wasn’t the same as the frst time. Tim told me, Manny Pacquiao faces an uphill battle against Floyd ‘Coach, if I didn’t have injuries I Mayweather Jr., according would’ve beaten him.’ He wasn’t to fve notable trainers. that vicious fghter that he was two, three years ago. Back then, he was

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 47 TRAINERS WEIGH IN

in attack mode. When he hurt than he once was and that you, he’d fnish you. He’s not HOW DO YOU BET may catch up with him. But the same fghter anymore. AGAINST MAYWEATHER? he’s a very good fghter. I can’t And at his age, every training take nothing away from him. camp takes a lot out of your WHEN DID THAT START? Great? Not at welterweight. body. Manny Pacquiao has HAS ANYONE EVER Junior lightweight, I think over 60 fghts (64). It’s fghts, that’s when he was at his plus camps, plus training, WON A BET AGAINST best. That’s when he was at plus running and his body is MAYWEATHER? NO. the top of his game. But at already feeling it. welterweight? No. There were – JOE GOOSSEN plenty of guys throughout MAY 2: I lean more toward history that were better Mayweather. Mayweather fghters, that were hungrier, is a more defensive fghter and and junior lightweight. had better power and better boxing he’s very slick. Pacquiao is strong skill, and that would’ve beaten him. and fast on offense but he gets ON PACQUIAO: Pacquiao had a good reckless. When he throws punches, outing against Algieri, had him ON PACQUIAO: The knockout against he exposes himself a lot. That’s down half a dozen times. Then Marquez hurt him a little bit. He’s when Mayweather will catch again, Algieri, compared to the elite, . Right now, he’s all offense. you. That’s what he likes to do. I top-notch guys, he’s not there. But His defense is terrible. He’s getting think that Mayweather will beat I’m sure Pacquiao still has a lot of hit with shots. I don’t see any Manny Pacquiao. It’ll be hard for pop left in his left hand and his right improvement. But they’ve brought him to knock him out because I hook. He’s still got good legs, he’s him back the way they should’ve know Mayweather has issues with still got good bounce. He’s still got brought him back, to deceive the his hands and Pacquiao can take speed. He’s still got awkwardness to public into thinking he has come punches. The time he got knocked him, he’s left-handed and he’s been back as strong as he was before. out by Marquez, that punch landed at the top of the game for years and He really hasn’t done that because at the right time and the right place. years. Those are all things in his he hasn’t fought a killer since he I think it’ll be a decision. favor. got knocked out by Marquez. I understand what they’re doing H MAY 2: I favor Mayweather in the so I can’t knock that. But is he fght. I don’t think he’d knock out improving? No. Actually, I see him JOE GOOSSEN Pacquiao because he doesn’t knock going backwards. He’s off-balance HAS TRAINED: , Terry people out anymore. But how do a lot when he punches. He’s never Norris, , Gabriel Ruelas, you bet against Mayweather? When square. He never sets up his shots. Rafael Ruelas did that start? Has anyone ever He throws a lot of good shots; don’t won a bet against Mayweather? No. get me wrong. But technically he’s ON MAYWEATHER: From 140 on There’s certain guys you don’t bet not sound at all. He does a lot of down, he was vicious. He could against, unless they show you it’s things terrible. But he has a good punch and hurt people. He was a reasonable to bet against them. And enough punch to cover up some much more explosive fghter then. it’s just not reasonable to bet against of that. Plus, with the opponents Now he’s a much more crafty, Mayweather. they’re picking for him, it makes it Bernard Hopkins-esque type of easy for him to look good even if fghter. When you think about the H he’s not doing things correctly.

Mayweather who fought Chico ERIC J AMISON/GETTY IMAGES Corrales, do you remember those JOHN DAVID MAY 2: I’m picking Floyd. He’s a THER: step-in hooks and blazing-fast JACKSON better boxer, he’s a smarter fghter. YWEA combos? When he got going, that HAS TRAINED: , Bernard Manny is a very good offensive assault was just vicious. He punched Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev, Shane Mosley fghter. Defensively, he’s lacking so much more. This is a different a whole lot. That will be a major Mayweather. He’s a seasoned ON MAYWEATHER: Age does catch factor in the fght. Floyd is too veteran who picks his opportunities up with you and there are things he evasive for him and he still has much more judiciously than he did doesn’t do as well as he once did. defensive ability. So he will make CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES; MA when he was younger, when he was Defensively, he’s not as good as he Manny miss a lot and he probably ACQUIAO:

at junior welterweight, lightweight once was. He’s prone to get hit more will counter him to death. I think P ALEXIS CUAREZMA/GETTY IMAGES

48 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

John David Jackson was highly critical of both fghters at this stage of their careers. TRAINERS WEIGH IN

Ronnie Shields believes Mayweather’s superior skills will be the difference in the fght. MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

Floyd carries enough power at he took advantage of it and 147 to stop Manny. He might ‘I FELT MAYWEATHER counterpunched his way to a cut him up. He might hurt him. decision. The second fght that WOULD’VE BEAT they fought, Maidana came H HIM EASILY FIVE out trying to box him, which was probably the craziest ABEL SANCHEZ YEARS AGO. TODAY choice I’ve ever seen in the HAS TRAINED: Carlos Baldomir, sport, when he had so much Gennady Golovkin, Miguel Angel IT’S A BETTER FIGHT, success doing what he did the Gonzalez, , Samuel A CLOSER FIGHT.’ frst time. You’re not going to Peter sit outside and out-box Floyd – ABEL SANCHEZ Mayweather. It’s as simple ON MAYWEATHER: He has as that. Floyd has shown it slowed down. He’s not the doesn’t matter how old he is. If fghter he was fve years ago. The knockout, it seemed like he settled you don’t make him do anything, he’s Maidana fghts took some things down and Freddie got his student going to beat you to the punch every out of him but he’s still a very smart back. time. It’s happened over and over and fghter, he’s still a very accurate over. puncher. If he picks a spot to hit, MAY 2: Floyd has slowed down a he’s going to hit it. He gets hit a little bit but not enough to lose to ON PACQUIAO: When Pacquiao little more because he’s a little more Manny. I felt Mayweather would’ve came back from Marquez, against stationary. But against Manny, beat him easily fve years ago. Today Brandon Rios, he didn’t look like the Manny’s going to be the one doing it’s a better fght, a closer fght. But same guy. He’s still a good fghter, the running. He’ll be jumping in and Mayweather is too smart for Manny. he’s throwing a lot of punches. But out so Floyd doesn’t have to work Manny throws a lot of punches but the power is gone. He has no more that hard, other than making sure he leaves himself wide open and he’s power. His power was there before he punches between punches, when off-balance a lot. Mayweather’s got but sometimes as you get older you Manny’s moving in. the skills and the smarts to punch have a tendency to lose something. holes through Manny’s defense and I don’t think Manny has lost much ON PACQUIAO: I have a different Manny’s aggressiveness. Floyd will of his speed but I think he has lost take on the Marquez knockout. win a close decision. some of his power. Four or fve years That knockout was probably the ago, he would’ve knocked Brandon best thing that could’ve happened H Rios out. Although Brandon at that particular time in his career. takes a good punch, Manny had He was getting a little complacent. RONNIE SHIELDS some opportunities he didn’t take I thought with all the nightlife and HAS TRAINED: Juan Diaz, , advantage of. the basketball and the girls, the Evander Holyfeld, Erislandy Lara, Pernell things he was doing because of Whitaker MAY 2: It will be a very close fght fame, the knockout refocused him. but at the same time Floyd has the It showed him that it could happen ON MAYWEATHER: I don’t think a mental toughness to pull it out. to anybody. It was just a fuke shot. whole lot has changed for him. He Floyd is one of these guys that I thought he was going to knock out counterpunches and does what he you have to beat mentally to win. Marquez soon after that. But the has to do to win the fght. Floyd’s one Nobody’s done that so far. Manny knockout made him realize maybe of these guys who’s going to roll, he’s has a strong will also but it’s going

ERIC J AMISON/GETTY IMAGES he wasn’t doing things the way they going to take it and he’s going to beat to take more than will. It’s going needed to be done. He became a you to the punch in return. But in to take a lot of skill, and as far as THER: pupil again for Freddie (Roach), the frst Maidana fght, Maidana put skills are concerned, I have to give YWEA instead of just going through the Floyd on a pace he wasn’t used to the edge to Floyd because he’s been motions. He’s a little cautious now and hadn’t seen for a very long time. up there so many years and doesn’t but he was cautious two or three He had diffculty dealing with that have a defeat yet. fghts before the Marquez fght. He and the rough tactics Maidana used. got a little crazy before the Marquez The problem was Maidana couldn’t Keith Idec covers boxing for The knockout. He got a little wild. He keep that pace for 12 rounds. In Record, of Woodland Park, N.J. CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES; MA was not afraid of getting hit and not the later rounds, he slowed down. He can be reached on Twitter ACQUIAO:

P afraid of making mistakes. After that Floyd is always in great shape so @Idecboxing.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 51 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

LEGACIES

MAYWEATHER AND PACQUIAO COULD BE PERCEIVED DIFFERENTLY AFTER THIS FIGHT ON By Bernard Fernandez THE LINE PACQUIAO: CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: ERIC JAMISON/GETTY IMAGES CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: PACQUIAO: “legacy” is something that most fghters aren’t A accomplished enough to carry with them into the post-boxing portion of their lives and beyond. Those who can lay claim to having actually crafted a legacy usually range from very good to indisputably great, or at least indisputably famous. Everyone else is, well, just sort of passing through. For more than fve years, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao – who would be frst-ballot inductees into the International Boxing Hall of Fame even were they to retire now – have been separated by an imaginary fence of their own creation, denying themselves and the public a defnitive answer to the question so many have asked during what seemingly was destined to go down as the fght game’s longest- running and most infuriating tease: Who would win if they fought? Now, having reached an agreement on a May 2 unifcation showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Mayweather (47-0, 26 knockouts), THE RING/WBC/WBA champion, and Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the WBO titlist, we’ll get the answer to that question. Both fghters will receive career-best purses – Mayweather’s could soar as high as $150 million if the most optimistic pay-per-view projections are met – but only one will come away with a legacy that is just a bit more pristine than it might otherwise have been. The superbout is scheduled for 12 rounds; the proposals and counterproposals that led up to the signing of contracts were stretched out over a considerably longer period of time. Asked if negotiations for Mayweather-Pacquiao were the toughest he’d ever been involved in, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, said, “Substantively, I would say no. Substantively, there’s been very little [in dispute]. The essential points were agreed to right away. The real problem is, you can’t do a fght if one Floyd Mayweather Jr. (previous page) and fghter is reluctant to do the fght.” Manny Pacquiao began That was a none-too-subtle dig at to make their marks Mayweather, his seldom-glimpsed-but- long ago. highly-infuential adviser, Al Haymon, or both. For a long time, the failure of

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 53 LEGACIES ON THE LINE

“Money” and “PacMan” to arrive at for the 36-year-old Pacquiao – went. But I was living through it. a mutually satisfactory accord has agreed they would work together “During that Lewis-Tyson been the subject of intense conjecture to televise the f ght. It marked the promotion, they had to have a and debate. If you’re a Mayweather f rst time Showtime and HBO had weekly conference call with all acolyte, the foremost obstacle was cooperated on such an arrangement the lawyers that were involved, Pacquiao’s refusal to agree to blood- since heavyweight champion representing all the various entities testing because of his fear of needles Lennox Lewis, an HBO client, faced just to hash out the legal issues. The (Pacquiao’s assertion) or because he Showtime-backed on calls would last two or three hours T was on performance-enhancing drugs June 8, 2002. That in and of itself every Tuesday. You had lawyers (Mayweather’s). Pacquiao backers might have been as much of a literally arguing over who would invariably countered with the charge stunner as Mayweather and Pacquiao bring the stool into the ring. I mean, that Mayweather was “scared” meeting at a Miami Heat basketball crazy stuff. The Tyson and Lewis of the Fab Filipino and would game and deciding it f nally was time camps were trying to screw each concoct any excuse to avoid having to make nice. other in so many ways, I can’t even JED JA COBSOHN/ALLSPOR his undefeated record possibly “Today you are seeing on social begin to count them all.” ACQUIAO: besmirched by the most dangerous media conversations that took place The same scenario might opponent he would ever face. privately on the phone back then, have been played out again for But a thaw in the big freeze when my husband, Dan, and (Don) Mayweather-Pacquiao but back-to- between arguably the two f nest King and Arum hated each other’s back losses by Pacquiao in 2012 – a boxers of their generation began guts,” said Kathy Duva, president of disputed split-decision to Timothy AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES; P

when the premium-cable entities Main Events and the widow of the Bradley and a one-punch knockout THER: backing each man –Showtime for company founder. “It’s just that most against Juan Manuel Marquez – YWEA

the 38-year-old Mayweather, HBO people weren’t aware of how deep it weakened his bargaining position MA

TIMELINE 1995 ★ PACQUIAO 1996 ★ MAYWEATHER PACQUIAO PARALLEL Makes pro debut as a Wins bronze medal in 1996 Olympics Stopped in three 16-year-old junior f yweight, in Atlanta. Later makes pro debut, rounds by Rustico COURSES » outpointing Edmund Ignacio stopping Roberto Apodaca in two Torrecampo, his in a four-round bout rounds in Las Vegas f rst loss.

2001 ★ MAYWEATHER PACQUIAO Knocks out Lehlo 2002 ★ MAYWEATHER Wins second world Faces what is perceived to be a major Ledwaba in the eighth round to title in arguably his toughest f ght, a unanimous challenge against then-unbeaten win the IBF junior featherweight decision that many believe should’ve gone to the Diego Corrales but wins easily, title in Las Vegas, his loser, then-WBC lightweight champ Jose Luis Castillo. f nishing Corrales off in 10 rounds. breakthrough victory in the U.S. Mayweather wins the rematch eight months later.

54 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO and Arum had to know it. So the Pacquiao camp acceded to all the previously stated demands by Team CAREER VS. CAREER Mayweather, including a 60-40 split of the f nancial pot, having Floyd’s Comparing the legacies of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao name placed f rst on all promotional (including record against those who have held a major title and either materials and his being introduced current or potential Hall of Famers). last on f ght night. All that remained CATEGORY MAYWEATHER PACQUIAO was for Mayweather – who had Active 1996-present 1995-present previously denounced Pacquiao as Record 47-0 (26 KOs) 57-5-2 (38 KOs) “that little yellow chump” and whose Record in title f ghts 24-0 (10 KOs) 18-2-2 (11 KOs) animosity toward Arum, his former Record vs. titleholders 22-0 (7 KOs) 20-4-2 (10 KOs) promoter, is well-known – to sign on Record vs. Hall of Famers 10-0 (4 KOs) 11-3-1 (6 KOs) the dotted line. Major titles 14 10 Divisions with titles 5 8 A breakthrough seemed to happen on Jan. 27, when the would-be Notes: Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera and Ricky Hatton for the RING title. combatants f nally met in person at Current Hall of Famers or those considered potential inductees are as follows. the Miami Heat-Milwaukee Bucks Mayweather – Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton, game in Miami. Pleasantries and Oscar De La Hoya, , Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo (twice) and telephone numbers were exchanged Genaro Hernandez. Pacquiao – Marquez (four times), Mosley, Cotto, Hatton, De La and it seemed certain a deal would Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Erik Morales (three times) and Tim Bradley off cially be struck before Feb. 1, (twice). It is too early to make a projection on Canelo Alvarez. which Pacquiao had said was the

1998 ★ MAYWEATHER Wins f rst world PACQUIAO Wins f rst 1999 ★ PACQUIAO Loses second title by stopping WBC junior lightweight champ world title by stopping MAYWEATHER f ght, a third-round KO Genaro Hernandez in eight rounds. Selected THE WBC f yweight champ Appears alone on THE RING against Medgoen Singsurat RING Fighter of the Year for the f rst of two times. Chatchai Sasakul in eight Magazine cover for the f rst in Thailand that costs him his He also received the honor in 2007. rounds in Thailand. time, in the April issue. WBC f yweight title.

2003 ★ PACQUIAO Stops Marco 2005 ★ MAYWEATHER PACQUIAO Loses a Antonio Barrera in 11 rounds to win THE RING Wins a title in a third division decision to Erik Morales, featherweight title in f rst f ght of his series by stopping overmatched WBC his last defeat until his against Mexico’s Big Three – Barrera, Juan junior welterweight champ Arturo controversial setback against Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales. Gatti in six rounds. Tim Bradley in 2012.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 55 LEGACIES ON THE LINE

2006 ★ MAYWEATHER PACQUIAO Defeats 2007 ★ MAYWEATHER Defeats Oscar PACQUIAO Appears Easily outpoints Zab Judah in Erik Morales twice and De La Hoya by a split decision to win the WBC alone on the cover of THE another f ght that was deemed a Oscar Larios to win his junior middleweight title in a passing-of-the- RING Magazine for the signif cant test beforehand. A riot f rst RING Fighter of the torch f ght. Stops then-unbeaten Ricky Hatton f rst time, in the March ensues during the f ght. Year award. He also won in 10 rounds seven months later for the RING issue, raising the question: it in 2008 and 2009. welterweight championship. “Best in the World?”

2011 ★ MAYWEATHER 2012 ★ MAYWEATHER PACQUIAO Back-to-back 2013 ★ MAYWEATHER Knocks out Victor Ortiz with a Spends two months in jail for losses to Tim Bradley and Juan Easily outpoints Canelo Alvarez left-right combination when Ortiz domestic violence. Later receives Manuel Marquez, the latter by in a f ght that draws nearly is looking at the referee after he a more signif cant challenge than a shocking knockout, raise 2.5 million pay-per-view buys, fouled Mayweather. expected from Miguel Cotto but questions about Pacquiao’s future generating a record pay-per-view wins a one-sided decision. as an elite f ghter. gross of $150 million.

drop-dead date before he’d look serious about giving them what they There’s been too much foreplay, elsewhere for his next opponent. But want. And it’s not just a money issue; too much talk and not enough real that deadline came and went, along legacy is important, as it should movement. How long have people with a couple of others, again raising be. Not that any f ghter can satisfy been saying that Mayweather- doubts as to whether Mayweather everyone but you don’t want your Pacquiao would be the Super Bowl truly was serious about making good legacy to be tarnished. And it can of boxing? But the Super Bowl hasn’t on the hints he was dropping that an be if you make the wrong decisions. got played yet. There’s only so many agreement was imminent. It’s not even about winning or losing times the air can get let out of the

Among the skeptics were former but about taking chances. You got to balloon until there isn’t any left.” middleweight and light heavyweight put yourself on the line if you want Abraham, who spoke to THE champion Bernard “The Alien” to separate yourself from everybody RING before the f ght was AL BELLO/GETTY

Hopkins and Seth Abraham, the else. conf rmed, was even more succinct in former president of HBO Sports, “Would the legacies of these guys opinion as to the primary hangup. each of whom has had dealings with be tarnished if the f ght doesn’t “I do not believe this f ght will Mayweather. happen? Not for both of them. One take place, now or ever,” Abraham “If you’re the best pound-for- legacy will be analyzed and talked opined. “I think Floyd is just having pound f ghter in the world, you about and it won’t be in a good way. fun messing with everybody. Could

have to take the lead,” Hopkins That would be Floyd Mayweather’s. the f ght happen? Of course it could GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES said of the responsibility he believes It’s no secret that most people believe happen. I’ve been wrong many times Mayweather carries. “You have to that Floyd has everything it takes to before. But if I were at HBO, I’d be demand

f ghts like that. You got to out-box and out-slick Pacquiao. But thinking about what f ghts could be TTON/MARQUEZ:

show the people who are paying to most people were beginning to lose made for Pacquiao as he heads off JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MANUEL MARQUEZ:

see you on pay-per-view that you’re interest in seeing that f ght happen. into the sunset. TIZ: IMAGES; HA OR

56 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

2008 ★ PACQUIAO 2009 ★ MAYWEATHER PACQUIAO Knocks 2010 ★ PACQUIAO He and Stops Oscar De La Hoya in Returns from a 21-month out Ricky Hatton with Mayweather are unable to reach a deal to eight rounds, a stunning “retirement” to easily an enormous left in the f ght one another in part because Pacquiao upset that establishes him Juan Manuel Marquez. On- second round, perhaps his refuses Olympic-style drug testing. Tops WBC as a star. and-off negotiations to f ght most spectacular victory. junior middleweight champ Antonio Margarito, Pacquiao begin this year. giving him a title in an eighth weight class.

PACQUIAO 2014 ★ MAYWEATHER Marcos PACQUIAO Outpoints Tim Bradley 2015 ★ PACQUIAO Announces Nearly shuts Maidana gives him some trouble but ultimately in their rematch to regain the WBO in January that he has accepted terms out Brandon loses a clear decision. The f ghters meet again welterweight title and re-establish his to f ght Mayweather. MAYWEATHER Rios to record four months later, with the same result. That superstar credentials. He later puts Announces on the social media platform his f rst victory was Mayweather’s most recent f ght. Talk of a Chris Algieri down six times in an Shots that he will f ght Pacquiao on May since 2011. f ght with Pacquiao resumes late in the year. easy victory in his most recent f ght. 2 in Las Vegas.

“Floyd said to me once, when I at you straight, he comes at you a thing or two about big f ghts – his was at [Madison Square Garden] aggressively. I really don’t think it’s a Sept. 16, 1981, f ght with Thomas that he believes he is one of the f ve diff cult f ght for Floyd.” Hearns was at least as widely greatest f ghters of all time in any Mayweather must not think anticipated as Mayweather-Pacquiao weight class. He believes that if he so either, which makes his past – can relate to that kind of supreme retires undefeated, he forever will be reluctance to f nd a way to Pacquiao conf dence. in that conversation. so perplexing. Prior to his May “Floyd is borderline arrogant,” “Clearly, Pacquiao is a risk. I don’t 1, 2010, bout with Shane Mosley, Leonard said. “I was the same way think Floyd wants to put his zero at he pronounced himself all but and I backed it up. You’re supposed risk. He has the idea that if he retires invincible. to believe that you’re the best. with that zero, he instantly becomes “No one has a chance to beat You’re supposed to believe you can part of the all-time-best discussion. me,” he said. “I’m not saying beat anybody and everybody. You I tried to dissuade him. I said if he nobody else is good but I know how can’t be that kind of champion if fought Manny and won, he would to win. That’s what I do. I win. I you don’t believe that.” be in that discussion, and if he didn’t always win. I can adapt and adjust The thing is, Pacquiao – whose f ght him, he might not be. He wasn’t to any f ghter, any style. I’m the best public demeanor is a bit more buying any of it. that ever lived, hands down. No subdued than Mayweather’s – “I said this to Floyd – and boy, did one can get me to say Sugar Ray believes in himself to the same it anger Bob Arum – that Pacquiao Robinson or anybody else was or is exalted degree. Come May 2, would be a relatively easy f ght for better than me. No one was better. someone will have to back it up him. Styles make f ghts. Manny No one is better. Maybe no one ever with action. It’s been a long time Pacquiao is tailor-made for the skills will be better.” coming but just maybe the wait will of Floyd Mayweather. He comes , who knows prove to be worth it.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 57 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO BOOM OR BUST

SO-CALLED MEGAFIGHTS DON’T ALWAYS LIVE UP TO THE HYPE. HERE ARE FIVE THAT DID … AND FIVE THAT DIDN’T.

By Don Stradley egaf ghts create a lot of interest but the M sad truth is that they don’t always deliver JOE FRAZIER VS. MUHAMMAD ALI mega-action. This Date: March 8, 1971 can be traced back to perhaps the Location: Madison Square Garden, New York very f rst megaf ght of the gloved Result: Frazier UD 15 era, when a listless John L. Sullivan Summary: For most Baby Boomers, this is where megaf ghts begin and f opped against James J. Corbett in end. The larger-than-life Ali had returned to boxing after a three-year 1892. Ever since that disappointing absence and, despite being stripped of the heavyweight title for refusing the night in , megaf ghts military draft, was still undefeated and considered by many to be the rightful have veered from the dramatic to heavyweight champion. Frazier, also undefeated, had earned championship the abysmal and back again. Here recognition during Ali’s exile. The build-up was so intense that it seemed the are f ve that lived up their advance entire world was watching. After 15 rounds, Frazier was still champion, while billing … and f ve that didn’t. Ali, battered but unbowed, was becoming a legend. »

Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier I lived up to its moniker: Fight of the Century.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 59 BOOM OR BUST

ROBERTO DURAN VS. SUGAR RAY LEONARD Date: June 20, 1980 Location: Olympic Stadium, Result: Duran UD 15 Summary: Duran was the fght fan’s fghter, dominating the lightweight division for years. Leonard was an Olympic gold medalist and a shining favorite of the media. The two collided for Leonard’s WBC welterweight belt and, in a surprising turn of events, Duran lured the younger, larger Leonard into a slugfest. Having never encountered an animal of Duran’s ilk, Leonard lost a 15-round war on points. Duran’s victory brought him briefy to the sport’s peak but he learned that such brilliance is hard to repeat.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD VS. THOMAS HEARNS Date: Sept. 16, 1981 Location: , Las Vegas Result: Leonard KO 14 Result: Holmes KO 13 The hype surrounding Larry Holmes- Summary: After regaining the Summary: The most anticipated got ugly but the fght was compelling. WBC title from Duran, Leonard’s heavyweight title fght in years next challenge came in the form of stirred up a lot of ugliness about gargantuan welterweight Tommy whites vs. blacks, with WBC titlist “Hitman” Hearns. With the WBA Holmes growing bitter that his Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas title belt around his own waist, white opponent was receiving most Result: Hagler KO 3 Hearns provided Leonard with an of the bout’s publicity. It reached a Summary: Immediately after opportunity to unify the two main point where security for the bout losing to Leonard, Hearns sought welterweight titles of the day. After included police snipers on the another challenge to erase his 12 rounds of see-saw action, rooftops of every nearby venue to embarrassing defeat. He wanted it seemed as if Leonard’s hope quell any potential riot. Once the to fight middleweight champion for a victory was slipping away. bell rang, however, the contest was Hagler, a decision that many Desperate, Leonard won the 13th less about racial issues and more believed was unwise. Hearns pulled big, then stormed out for the 14th about a seasoned professional out with an injury but the bout and knocked Hearns out of the ring. against a game but inexperienced was made again three years later. The “Hitman” regained his feet but prospect. The bout ended at 2:52 of It was worth the wait. Hagler, an Leonard poured dozens of punches the 13th, when Cooney’s trainer, occasionally prickly character who into him until referee Davy Pearl Victor Valle, signaled that his man craved the stardom that had eluded stopped the bout at the 1:45 mark. had had enough. him, waded into Hearns like a wild man. The two traded explosive LARRY HOLMES VS. MARVELOUS punches until 1:52 of the third GERRY COONEY MARVIN HAGLER VS. round. By then, Hearns was being Date: June 11, 1982 THOMAS HEARNS carried to his corner and Hagler Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Date: April 15, 1985 was a star at last. HOLYFIELD/DOUGLAS: MIKE POWELL /ALLSPORT; HOLMES/COONEY: THE RING MAGAZINE HOLMES/COONEY: MIKE POWELL /ALLSPORT; HOLYFIELD/DOUGLAS:

60 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

JOE LOUIS VS. BILLY Spinks was the linear heavyweight CONN II champion, having won the belt by Date: June 19, 1946 beating IBF titlist Larry Holmes. The Location: , New York bout smashed all records as far as VS. GEORGES Result: Louis KO 8 grossing money was concerned, even CARPENTIER Summary: Their frst bout had topping the 1987 Super Bowl as the Date: July 2, 1921 been a thriller, won by Louis on a highest-grossing single day sporting Location: Boyle’s Thirty Acres, Jersey 13th-round KO. The rematch was event. The fght itself? It stunk. City, N.J. expected to be another classic but Spinks, who looked entirely psyched Result: Dempsey KO 4 something had happened since the out as he stepped into the ring, Summary: Promoter Tex Rickard frst time Louis and Conn swapped wilted 91 seconds into the fght. searched far and wide for a worthy punches, namely, World War II. opponent to meet heavyweight They had spent time away from the champion Dempsey. The result ring to help America’s war effort VS. BUSTER of Rickard’s search was Georges and Conn, especially, had suffered DOUGLAS Carpentier, a French war hero who pronounced erosion to his skills and Date: Oct. 25, 1990 looked as polished as a movie idol. refexes. Louis had retained enough Location: The Mirage, Las Vegas Matching the war hero against of his old punch to score an eighth- Result: Holyfeld KO 3 alleged “war slacker” Dempsey round knockout but the bout was Summary: Douglas had shocked the created intense interest among fans, instantly forgettable. world when he defeated Mike Tyson many of whom had lost loved ones in for the heavyweight championship World War I. Carpentier’s mystique MIKE TYSON VS. earlier in the year but when he was compounded by the news that he returned to the ring to defend was practicing a “secret” punch in his Date: June 27, 1988 the title against Holyfeld he was training camp. The bout attracted a Location: Convention Hall, Atlantic overweight and under-motivated. massive crowd of more than 80,000 City, N.J. Perhaps Douglas lost his incentive to and was boxing’s frst million-dollar Result: Tyson KO 1 train once he was guaranteed nearly gate but if Carpentier had a secret Summary: The richest fght in $25 million, the largest purse ever punch, he kept it to himself. He was history up to that time was also paid to a fghter at the time. He was stopped easily in what one reporter the biggest dud. Undefeated Tyson dropped in the third round, looking dubbed “a four-round waltz.” owned three alphabet belts while like a harpooned whale as he took the referee’s count.

EVANDER HOLYFIELD VS. MIKE TYSON II brought very little Date: June 28, 1997 into the ring against Evander Holyfeld. Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas Result: Holyfeld W DQ 3 Summary: We may look back at this bizarre bout with a kind of ironic fondness but at the time it was the biggest embarrassment in the history of the sport. The frst bout between Holyfeld and Tyson was a dramatic and unexpected knockout win for Holyfeld. The rematch would have the entire boxing world glued to their TV sets. What we saw was a frustrated Tyson get himself disqualifed for biting Holyfeld’s ears. Tyson was temporarily banned from fghting and mainstream sports fans had a new excuse to ridicule boxing. MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

HEAD TO HEAD: THE RING ANALYSIS PACQUIAO: XAUME OLLEROS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES XAUME OLLEROS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MAYWEATHER: PACQUIAO: KEY: MAYWEATHER FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. IS PACQUIAO FAVORED TO BEAT MANNY PACQUIAO ON MAY 2 BUT … 5

By Doug Fischer 4 3

2 Manny Pacquiao has 1 proven that the reports of his demise after his shocking one- punch knockout loss to Juan HAND SPEED Manuel Marquez in December Mayweather slightly edges Pacquiao in 2012 were premature. Since one-punch hand losing back-to-back bouts to speed and refexes. Tim Bradley (by controversial However, Pacquiao split decision) and Marquez, still possesses Pacquiao has outclassed world-class hand Brandon Rios, outpointed speed and appears Bradley in their rematch and to deliver multi- dominated Chris Algieri. punch combinations Pacquiao may not be the a bit more quickly offensive dynamo he was than Mayweather. during his peak years of 2008 and 2009 but the eight- division titleholder is still a 5 force to be reckoned with. 4 In fact, the 20-year veteran has exhibited the kind of 3 patience and ring generalship 2 in his recent victories that 1 may trouble Mayweather, who struggled a bit in his ENDURANCE two physical 12-round Mayweather, who encounters with Marcos has gone the Maidana last year. 12-round distance With those points in 17 times, paces mind, THE RING presents himself over the a head-to-head analysis of championship what many believe will be distance better than the biggest boxing event in any active boxer. history in terms of money Pacquiao, who has fought 12 rounds generated, media exposure 13 times (14 times and worldwide fan interest. counting the Miguel How will the two future Cotto stoppage, first-ballot Hall of Famers which occurred match up in the ring? in the 12th), is Doug Fischer, the editor no endurance of RingTV.com, compares slouch, either. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao in veterans have RingTV.com Editor 20 categories, both physical shown the ability to Doug Fischer believes come on strong in Manny Pacquiao and intangible, with each the late rounds. matches up well with fghter rated on a scale of 0 Floyd Mayweather Jr. to 5. (A score of 100 would denote the perfect fghter.)

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 63 HEAD TO HEAD: THE RING ANALYSIS KEY: MAYWEATHER PACQUIAO

5

4

3

2

1

FOOTWORK POWER POWER JAB HOOK Mayweather has (LEAD HAND) (TRAIL Mayweather’s jab is Mayweather has an near-perfect foot Mayweather’s lead HAND) technically perfect excellent hook in placement and hand is more of a Pacquiao’s left and his go-to terms of technique excellent tactical tool than a has always been punch. Pacquiao’s and accuracy but while Pacquiao damaging weapon. his bread-and- jab is sharp and it’s not a punch is sublimely He uses his jab butter punch and educated. He he uses often. coordinated with and left hook to set is still a force, as expertly uses it to Pacquiao’s hook, nimble feet that up or compliment Algieri can attest set up his powerful which he developed he often uses to right-hand power to. Mayweather’s straight left. after years of befuddle boxers. shots. Pacquiao’s right hand carries Freddie Roach’s right isn’t his underrated pop but instruction, is a primary power hand its effectiveness formidable weapon but it carries a lot has more to do with but not one that he of force. its accuracy than instinctively uses in its power. the ring.

5

4

3

2

1

INTELLIGENCE

ABILITY TO PHYSICAL POISE AND KILLER THER: SLIP AND CONDITION ABILITY TO INSTINCT AND YWEA BLOCK Mayweather is a COPE WITH Pacquiao, once one STRATEGIC Mayweather superbly gifted EXTERNAL of boxing’s most DEXTERITY showed some all-around athlete PRESSURES reliable fnishers, Mayweather is signs of slippage who has totally Being in the has gotten a bit among the smartest in this department dedicated himself to spotlight and under soft with age. He pure boxers in the against Maidana year-round training. pressure is second hasn’t scored a sport. Few active but he’s still one Pacquiao is blessed nature to both knockout since the fghters can control of the sport’s best with otherworldly boxers. Mayweather Cotto fght and he a match or dissect defensive ring athletic talent but craves attention wasn’t trying to an opponent as ALEXIS CUAREZMA/GETTY IMAGES; MA generals and will isn’t always in 100 and seems to feed force that stoppage. well as he does. go down as one of percent physical off the media’s Mayweather’s Pacquiao’s ring IQ Y PUNCHING) the best in boxing shape for his fghts obsession with him defensive style and is a bit underrated, history. Pacquiao’s (though even at (even when it’s aversion to risk- as is the case with (BOD head- and upper- 80 percent he’s in negative). Pacquiao taking in the ring many offensive body movement better condition is one of the most prevents him from fghters. He has isn’t as good as it than most world- recognizable going for the KO. methods to his was six or seven class boxers). athletes on the offense and he

years ago but his planet and a bona usually follows (PHYSICAL CONDITION/FOOTWOR K) ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES in-and-out footwork fde hero in his game plans well. makes him hard native Philippines, to hit. where he is a congressman. (KILLER INSTINCT) CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES, AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES, ACQUIAO: P (JAB)

64 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO

5

4 TOTAL:

3 2 90 1 MAYWEATHER 88 EXPERIENCE BODY INFIGHTING QUALITY OF PACQUIAO Pacquiao, who has PUNCHING SKILLS OPPONENTS been a pro for 20 Mayweather and Pacquiao is more Both Mayweather SUMMARY years, has fought Pacquiao don’t go dangerous when and Pacquiao AND 407 rounds in 64 to the body often attacking from a have faced more PREDICTION: bouts. Mayweather, but both veterans distance but thanks than a dozen an 18-year pro, has land with power to good footwork, world titleholders, Mayweather will fought 363 rounds and precision when combination including numerous beat Pacquiao in 47 bouts. They’ve they do. punching and fast future Hall of to the jab and both faced a Who’s refexes, he can Famers. Pacquiao score with clean Who of boxing do a lot of damage has fought some right hands in during the past two when in close. more than once, the early rounds decades. Mayweather does such as Marquez more defending and (four times), of the bout. neutralizing than Morales (three) However, once punching when in and Marco Antonio the Filipino the trenches but he’s Barrera (twice). hero warms up a capable infghter. in the middle rounds, his quick southpaw

5 combinations

4 will back the undefeated 3 American 2 to the ropes 1 where the odds favorite might CHIN AND CROSS/ ATHLETICISM CORNER experience a RESILIENCE Mayweather Pacquiao’s longtime wobbly moment Thanks to his Pacquiao’s left appears to be the coach is the most or two. The two awesome defense, cross is still better preserved of accomplished stars will go tit Mayweather’s chin quick, powerful the two veterans. active trainer in for tat in the late is a bit underrated and accurate, and He struggled at boxing, recent Hall rounds before but he’s survived it’s still his most times with the free- of Fame inductee Mayweather bombs (and wobbly effective punch. swinging Maidana Freddie Roach. fgures out moments) from He doesn’t use but exhibited prime Mayweather is some heavy-hitters, nearly as speed, refexes and currently trained how to contain including Zab Judah much as he once did mobility against by his father, who Pacquiao with and Shane Mosley. but he delivers them Robert Guerrero obviously did a jab-and-grab Until Marquez with good leverage. and Canelo Alvarez masterful job with tactics down knocked him cold, Mayweather’s in 2013. Pacquiao his son but has also the stretch of Pacquiao had right hand has is no longer in demonstrated his an entertaining shown very good enough power to his prime but ability by guiding (though not whiskers, having earn respect from he’s a once-in-a- Oscar De La Hoya, thrilling) taken solid shots the most durable generation athletic Chad Dawson and championship from Erik Morales, of opponents. Like talent, as evidenced to Miguel Cotto, his jab, his straight by his ability to world-title victories. bout. Antonio Margarito right – which he compete at the H Mayweather and Mosley without often leads with world-class level wins a close, blinking. – is delivered from fyweight to perhaps split or with nearly welterweight. controversial, perfect timing and decision. technique.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 65 Canelo Alvarez fgures

his time at the top will Y/GETTY IMAGES come soon enough. DENIS PORO CANELO BIDES

ALVAREZ WAS WILLING TO STEP HIS TIME ASIDE ON MAY 2 BUT THE FUTURE, IT SEEMS, IS HIS

By Ron Borges

ven the most popular Mexican E fghter since Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. must sometimes accept the stern realities of the boxing business. To fght them is to wage a war you cannot win. And so, if you are smart, you do what Sun Tzu advises in “The Art of War.” You retreat to attack. In the case of Canelo Alvarez that means understanding there are limits on a rising star, although to be fair not many. According to his promoter, that limit is the specter of a Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao showdown, an event not even the combined star-power of Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes him, is enough to stand in front of. That is why, on the January day he announced Alvarez would fght mercurial but dangerous James Kirkland, De La Hoya declared that the fght would be on Cinco de Mayo weekend ... unless Mayweather opted to face Pacquiao on May 2, the same Saturday night on which Alvarez desperately wanted to fght. Although De La Hoya well understood the cultural signifcance of the date to Alvarez, he also knew the wise choice was to

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 67 CANELO BIDES HIS TIME

move, perhaps going a week later same circumstance. There are few through. at the or another site big fghts left for either other than “They did not accept,” De La rather than on May 2 in Las Vegas’ with each other and both know, Hoya explained at the time, “so Thomas and Mack Center. whether they have yet admitted Canelo decided to move on. We Yet such is De La Hoya’s view it to themselves or not, that the had our ffth deadline (Jan. 16) and of Alvarez’s popularity that he clock is ticking. The calendar no Canelo decided he is not going to be quickly added if Mayweather were longer works to their advantage. waiting for nobody.” to fght anyone else – including The undeniable fact of the boxer’s Six days later, Kirkland (32-1, 28 middleweight champion Miguel life is that only Father Time is truly knockouts) had agreed and Alvarez Cotto or England’s Amir Khan – undefeated. (44-1-1, 31 KOs) was set to fght for he would put Alvarez’s fght up Today, as boxing’s standard- the frst time since his decision to against them come what may. In bearers for more than a decade leave Showtime and return to HBO, his opinion, that was not a fool’s move closer to facing him and where he was frst introduced to errand. It was a signal that he each other, Alvarez lurks closely American fght fans and fought eight believes, as do many others, that behind, much younger and full of his nine fghts between mid-2010 Alvarez is the emerging face of of belief in himself. His goal is to and early 2013. He never actually boxing at the dawn of a new era for become the new face of boxing, a left HBO but rather was a victim the sport. sport that sorely needs one, and he of a feud between HBO Sports Such is the star power is most certainly the frontrunner president Ken Hershman and former Mayweather and Pacquiao Golden Boy Promotions CEO carry that De La Hoya would Richard Schaefer that resulted defer to them. His public in all Golden Boy fghters reasoning was “out of respect THE MARKETPLACE being effectively banned from for the fans” but the fact is POWER OF their airways until Schaefer the cable industry with whom and De La Hoya split last year. he, and he hopes Alvarez, MAYWEATHER AND Alvarez fought his last will do much business going fve fghts on Showtime or forward would have been PACQUIAO IS THE Showtime Pay-Per-View, livid if boxing’s biggest winning THE RING junior Hispanic star on regular HBO TYPE ALVAREZ IS middleweight title and was pitted against the sport’s PURSUING. suffering his only loss to biggest pay-per-view fght. Mayweather on Sept. 9, 2013. That would have made A year later almost to the day, for an interesting analysis after in terms of pay-per-view potential De La Hoya announced they were the fact, however. Would the rising and popularity in boxing’s most returning to HBO, only months star fghting on premium cable important demographic – the after Bernard Hopkins, a partner but with no exorbitant pay-per- loyal Latino fght fan who has in Golden Boy promotions, made a view fee tacked on put a dent into buttressed the sport against its similar shift. what many in boxing believe could waning popularity with the average Showtime executives had little become the frst bout to do 3 million American fan. to say about Hopkins’ decision pay-per-view sales at $99.99 a pop? The hope had been that Alvarez but when Alvarez jumped ship, We’ll never know, but the would be facing Cotto rather than Showtime boxing executive Stephen marketplace power of Mayweather Kirkland, a second-tier fghter Espinoza accused De La Hoya of and Pacquiao is the type Alvarez to be sure although a dangerous reneging on a verbal commitment is pursuing and at the age of only one. But when Cotto continued to to sign a new deal with Alvarez. 24 he appears well on his way to dither during negotiations Alvarez De La Hoya didn’t recall any such achieving it at a time when his chief suddenly walked away in mid- exchange and, more importantly, box-offce rivals are approaching January. Frustrated by Cotto’s made clear the decision was their dotage. As in boxing itself, refusal to commit and tired of Alvarez’s. timing is everything. waiting, he and De La Hoya decided “I’m doing what Canelo asked of At 38, Mayweather is there was no deal to make, believing me,” De La Hoya insisted. “Canelo approaching the end of a long reign that Cotto was trying to use them as expressed many months ago that atop both the fstic side and the leverage in hopes of landing a more he would love to explore the business side of the sport, and at 36 lucrative rematch with Mayweather possibility of fghting on HBO and

Manny Pacquiao fnds himself in the on May 2 if the Pacquiao fght fell as his promoter I have to obviously IMAGES DENIS POROY/GETTY

68 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 Alvarez moved on to James Kirkland when it became clear that Miguel Cotto wasn’t going to accept an offer to fght him. Alvarez (left) couldn’t get past Mayweather but it didn’t damage his career. CANELO BIDES HIS TIME

do whatever possible to grant his Alvarez should consider is mastering the fans the fghts they want to see.” wishes.” English because in his mind that If they do, and Alvarez triumphs, Alvarez’s reasoning, it seems, would give him the potential to then he may not need to learn centered on the two big Mexican become a crossover star, as De La English to become what he, De La holidays in May and September. Hoya was. Someone who would Hoya and HBO all hope he will Mayweather dominated those continue to dominate the Latino become. Showtime certainly invested dates and as long as Alvarez was market but who could elevate considerable time and money to at Showtime he was never going to himself outside it as well. build his career believing he had be given those dates, so his choice “He’s leaving a lot of money on that kind of in-ring skills and out- was clear. the table by not learning English,” of-ring presence. Then, just as he “There were many factors DiBella said. “But remember: He’s seemed ready to burn brightest, he involved in making the decision only 24. He’s still a baby in boxing. left, leaving Showtime without the but recouping the dates [was And not fghting on pay-per-view biggest name in the sport that’s not important],” Alvarez said on the day right now is also helpful. Pay-per- Mayweather or Pacquiao. the multi-fght deal was announced. view is a limited audience. The more Few fghters would have been “I always wanted to fght on Cinco people who see Canelo the better able to lose so one-sidedly to de Mayo and in September [on chance he becomes that next face of Mayweather without losing any the Mexican Independence Day the sport.” luster with their core audience weekend] because being Mexican The only exception to that, but Hispanic fght fans felt, as did those are always the dates that are in DiBella’s mind, would have Alvarez, that he lost to someone celebrated. I’m excited to fulfll my been to make the Cotto fght. who had no interest in fghting. That dreams of continuing that Mexican That is obviously a pay-per-view formula worked for Mayweather tradition. For all my career I have show and could still happen. If but what works best for fans is the wanted to fght on HBO for one it does, it could also be Alvarez’s devastating knockout, like the one main reason: I believe it will allow breakthrough moment. Alvarez put on in more of my fans to see me in “If he wants to replace his frst fght back after the loss. In action.” Mayweather and Pacquiao as the the end, it is always the heavy hands Time will tell if it was a wise biggest draw in boxing certain fght fans love most. move because Showtime’s close things have to happen,” DiBella Although it was followed by an relationship with boxing’s most said. “If he ripped apart Cotto, that ugly win over slick Erislandy Lara, powerful manager, Al Haymon, has would be a good start.” what that fight and his earlier win led its parent company, CBS, to sign In one sense, Alvarez may be over Austin Trout (which set up the on for a series of Saturday afternoon perfectly situated at HBO to make Mayweather match) prove is that boxing events on network television. that great leap forward because he’s willing to take on anyone, even Although Alvarez would never have Cotto is a network and promotional if their style does not mesh well fought on those cards, he could have free agent and HBO has a long- with his. surely benefted from the overall term deal with unifed middleweight Kirkland is the antithesis of Lara promotional opportunities that will champion Gennady Golovkin, a and Trout, an aggressive sort who go with it for other Showtime events. rising star himself with concussive should make for good action and Despite that, former HBO knockout power. If in the next 12- allow Alvarez to display his skills. executive and active promoter 18 months Alvarez defeated Cotto, Certainly a fght with Cotto, if it Lou DiBella believes Alvarez is in had a spectacular win or two on were to follow in the fall, would be a different situation from most either side of it and then squared off a Hispanic bonanza: two skilled and fghters his age. against Golovkin, it would become a aggressive fghters, one Mexican and “He has the potential to be pay-per-view bonanza. the other Puerto Rican, continuing the next guy,” DiBella said. “He’s To come to fruition, though, a long history of grudge matches charismatic, he’s good looking. He that would require several things between the two cultures. has a lot of ability to fll the Julio to happen, none of which are easy. Then, looming in , Cesar Chavez void. I’m not saying First, HBO must push to make those stands Golovkin, who has one of he’s Chavez. No one is. But can he fghts and Alvarez must truly be the highest knockout percentages in be ‘A’ big thing? Yes. Can he become what De La Hoya insists he is. championship boxing history. In a ‘THE’ big thing? It’s possible but I “He wants those kind of fghts,” sense it is the perfect storm, a series don’t know.” De La Hoya said. “You don’t have to of fghts that could create boxing’s

ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES DiBella suggested one thing ask him [to agree]. We intend to give next Big Thing.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 71 ROLL DEONTAY

WILDER HAS MADE housands of fans anywhere – barns, backyards, strip FOOTBALL HOTBED lined both sides malls – for any money he could get. TUSCALOOSA, T of a downtown That was his plan going in, at artery and least. , A BOXING waved posters to Instead, it was the start of a TOWN TOO WITH draw Deontay frantic ascension that saw Wilder, HIS METEORIC RISE Wilder’s attention as the wheels 29, not only succeed at every step – FROM RAW TALENT of his classic, cherry-red Cadillac amateur, Olympics and now as a pro convertible began to roll north – but do it with less experience than TO HEAVYWEIGHT across Paul W. Bryant Drive, a street his counterparts. TITLEHOLDER named for a man synonymous with “It just lets you know that By D.C. Reeves celebrations in Wilder’s football- anything is possible,” Wilder said obsessed hometown. following his unanimous-decision Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was win over Stiverne at the MGM celebrating a new champion this day Grand in Las Vegas. “It’s not about in late January. where you’re from, it’s about what Wilder, born and raised in a you want to achieve in life and town devoid of any boxing history where you’re trying to go, and I before him, smiled as he took in think we accomplished that. From the recognition and waved back starting from scrap, you’re talking with two souvenirs from the f ght about a guy who didn’t know of his life: a bandaged right hand nothing about and that was broken during his clinical now I’m a world champion.” domination of Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17 and, strapped over his Wilder spent years rolling down cream sweater vest, his new WBC this same street in a bigger rig, heavyweight title belt. receiving no recognition. Wilder’s career had never moved In 2006, just after he took up this slowly. At least for the moment, boxing, Wilder worked weekdays as that was f ne by him. the delivery assistant on truck No. In 2005, he was 19 and had 51 for Greene Beverage, the local two jobs to support his 1-year-old Budweiser distributor. daughter, Naieya, who was born Wilder and the driver, Robbie with the congenital spinal disorder Hallman, would deliver at least 300 spina bif da. He wasn’t sure she cases a day on the bar and restaurant would ever walk. Wilder found the route, and when the University of only boxing gym, laced up gloves Alabama had a home football game, for the f rst time and wanted to turn the city’s needle mover, it ballooned pro immediately. He would f ght to 1,000 cases and a 12-hour shift. Deontay Wilder outpointed Bermane Stiverne to become the frst American to hold a heavyweight title since 2007. NAOKI FUKUDA

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 73 ROLL DEONTAY

Never the type to feel sorry for himself, Wilder would forge ahead. First at Burger King, then as a busser at IHOP, then with two jobs at once: Greene Beverage during the week and cooking at Red Lobster on the weekends. “When I worked at Burger King I wanted to be the best burger-fipper we had,” Wilder said. “I wanted to be the best Budweiser truck driver we had. I remember times coming home and saying to myself, ‘This is my life?’ Well, I chose this life. I went out and had a child so I’ve got to make the best of it. I remember just sitting back and I was happy with my life. I had money in the bank, I promised myself I would never suffer, I would never sit around here and worry about where I’m going to get money. I told myself I would never be that type of person. “As long as I’m alive, I’m OK.” The passion followed him into the . Once Wilder was in the swing of his amateur career, he would tell Hallman all about his plan to be world champion one day. Hallman tried to be polite. “I’m thinking the whole time it’s not gonna pan out,” Hallman said. “But he followed through with everything he said he was going to do.” That’s not to say the grind was easy. “I’d be lifting kegs, lifting beer, my body’s tired, but when I got to the gym it’s like, ‘This is what I love to do,’” Wilder said. “So I just sucked it up and took care of my body when I got home. It was a struggle.” Wilder, adept at dictating his own terms, wouldn’t let tough times impact his focus. He would treat beer delivery as a workout, shrugging his shoulders into a bar with 60-pound barrels in each hand. When a regular dolly held 12 cases, Wilder, as exuberant as he is in front of a microphone today, would stack

Wilder has reached great heights in a short time.

74 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 12 then cradle three more between only American boxer to medal at the RAPID his chest and long arms just to see if Beijing Olympics and stands today he could do it. as the last male U.S. fghter to medal. RISE Sometimes he’d overdo it, too. He was by far the least experienced DEONTAY Wilder would take a full 165-pound fghter on the U.S. team. Deas claims WILDER’S keg, straddle it over one shoulder Wilder, who took bronze, was the and walk it across slippery kitchen least experienced among all 300-plus ACCELERATED foors. fghters competing from around the ASCENSION “I said, ‘Deontay, I know you can world at any weight. TO THE do this,’” Hallman said. “‘Please Entering the Stiverne fght, Wilder TOP OF THE don’t ever do that again.’” had logged 55 total rounds in 32 BOXING The only extended time Wilder bouts as a professional, spending a WORLD ever missed on the truck was for the grand total of 2 hours, 7 minutes, Golden Gloves in 2007 and for the 18 seconds in the ring. That’s less Olympics in 2008. He would stay on than four minutes a fght. Hardly 2005 – Wannabe the truck until 2010, two years into a second in the ring has been football or his pro career, until boxing could inconsequential; Wilder has racked basketball player pay the bills. up 17 frst-round KOs. takes up boxing When Wilder left, Greene Beverage A lot of that domination would at 19 in his had to make up for the loss. They be at the expense of questionable hometown of would buy Hallman a $4,000 competition, criticism Wilder would Tuscaloosa, Ala. electric dolly to replace Wilder’s take – and hear often – all the way physical capabilities. until the Stiverne win. 2007 – Becomes “I don’t accept less for my life, I Deas, however, said there was U.S. amateur always had high goals for myself,” purpose behind it, especially the heavyweight (201 Wilder said. “Even if I had to have early bouts. The idea was to treat pounds) champion three jobs, I would work it to the beginning of Wilder’s pro career in spite of his support what I need to do and what as an extension of his short amateur inexperience. I need to sacrifce to live a nice life.” stint. While Wilder was fashing that punishing right hand, he still had 2008 – Wins the Everything about Wilder is plenty of learning to do. bronze medal in quick. His hands. His feet. His In 2008, Deas, who had trained the heavyweight mouth. His rise to fame. Wilder on his own, brought on division at the He walked into Sky Gym, Mark Breland, a 1984 Olympic Beijing Olympics in crammed into Unit 10 of a worn gold medalist, former welterweight August. aluminum offce complex in nearby world champion and one of the most Northport, a small town just north decorated amateur fghters in New 2008 – Knocks of Tuscaloosa, after he heard about York history, as a co-trainer to help out Ethan Cox in it through a friend who was about to speed that learning curve along. the second round try boxing. Wilder followed along, “We had a game plan from of his pro debut in meeting the gym’s owner, Jay Deas. the beginning so he could see all November. Deas remains Wilder’s co-manager different styles of boxers,” Deas said. and co-trainer. “Big guys, small guys, tall, short, 2008-14 – “First day walking in, I remember lefties, movers, runners, punchers, Stops his frst the speed bag being hit, the heavy holders – a little bit of everything, 32 opponents, bag being thumped at,” Wilder said. so that when we did climb up the including Sergei “I didn’t even know there was a gym ladder he’d be used to a little bit of Liakhovich and here in Tuscaloosa or in the state of everything and have seen a little bit . Alabama period.” of everything.” Wilder started to put the state on “For every great war there’s a plan 2015 – Defeats the boxing map. to win it,” Wilder said. “For me, I Bermane Stiverne In 2007, just over a year from had to have a plan set, so my plan by a one-sided his frst day, he became the frst was to be the best I can be and to decision to win the fghter ever to win a Golden Gloves be the heavyweight champion of the WBC heavyweight championship with fewer than 20 world. I always had that goal when I title. amateur bouts. In 2008, he was the came in.”

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 75 Wilder’s victory over Bermane Stiverne was followed by a parade in his native Tuscaloosa, Ala. Erin Nelson-Tuscaloosa News Bart Starr(football) Ozzie Smith (baseball) Satchel Paige (baseball) Jesse Owens(track andfeld) Willie McCovey Willie Mays Carl Lewis(track andfeld) Bo Jackson Evander Holyfeld Mia Hamm Charles Barkley Aaron Henry (alphabetical order). list ofothersborninthestate Alabama. Take this alookat from the onlynotableathlete Tuscaloosa butheishardly important boxerfrom Deontay Wilder isthefrst ALABAMA BIRTHPLACE SWEET where peoplewerecomingfrom “I takeitveryserious. Iunderstood my job,” Wilder saidafterthefght. knockout evercould. his developmentthananabrupt answered morequestionsabout winning aunanimousdecision– Stiverne –controllingthefghtand In manyways, thewayhebeat American heavyweightfraud. would bethedivision’s next and mediawhosuggestedhe often fringbackatthefans a fght? out ofthefourthroundgodeepinto Could themanwhohadneverbeen Wilder. Couldhetakeapunch? “I takeboxingseriously. This is Wilder neverlikedthecriticism, More questionsaroseabout (boxing) (soccer) (baseball) (football andbaseball) (baseball) (baseball) (basketball) (boxing) now thathehas thetitle. Hishand breathing hard.” the fifthround[Stiverne]was and tireout,” Brelandsaid. “By trying togethimgothedistance needed to. round asapro, couldgoall12ifhe Wilder, whohadneverseentheffth week ofcorrectingmistakes. alternating aweekofsparringwith stretched ittoeightweeks, four weeksofsparring, histeam Stiverne. Insteadofaconventional changed constantly. something different. Routinesare his fghtplan. He’s alwaysdoing trainers accountforwhentheycraft attention span. It’s somethinghis fts hispsyche. Hehasashort Mariusz Wach. Klitschko aspreparedfor 45 roundswithchamp Wladimir to Austria andsparringmorethan what hisfuturecouldhold, going to 5, I’minthegymeveryday.” hard inthegym. Boxingislikemy9 anything giventohim. We work looking ataguywhohasneverhad how hardofaworkerIam. You’re work hard. Peopledon’t understand and whatwedointhegym. We “I believeinwhatI’vebeentaught stay inmyownlane,” Wilder said. and 2012. 2009 andsixapiecein2010, 2011 years asapro, takingsevenboutsin experience andcash. early asanavenuetobuildupquick to fghtatanytime. Hestartedthat matchup isscheduled, sohe’s ready round, whetherornotaspecifc of hiscareer. Hedoesn’t slowdown. Wilder hasadoptedthetempo because theyhadn’t seenmedoit. when theyhadthosequestions Wilder says hewon’t slowdown “I thinkStivernewasmoreset on It gavehisteamconfdencethat It continuedas Wilder preparedfor Wilder’s approach tohiscareer In 2012, Wilder gotaglimpseof “Deontay justdoesDeontay, I He foughtfeverishlyhisfrstfour He remainsactiveinthegymyear “Now y’allknow.” “Alabama, we’rehere, baby.” with thebeltraised inonehand. Wilder saidtothehometowncrowd speed. He isaccustomedtothiskind of pouring in. with upallthemediarequests Arizona buildinghisbrand. spent allofSuperBowlweekin happened sincetheOlympics. Wilder Airport, something thathasn’t greeted himattheBirmingham fast for Wilder afterthewin. Fans been yearningfor.” alive issomethingthatpeoplehave to bring[theheavyweightdivision] to makehistory. Formetobeable leader, Iwasborntodothis. Ilove the job, IthinkI’manatural-born Wilder said. “I thinkI’mthemanfor responsibility butIacceptitall,” heavyweight champ. new, flashy, charismatic American of hisnewjobdescriptionasa at homeismerelyamicrocosm through theropes. the skybehindhimashestepped a makeshiftring. Fireworksreached podium thatstoodinthemiddleof Wilder onashestrodetoward a Warrior River. The throngcheered hugs thesouthernbankofBlack the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater,which The paradewounddownat a year.” be achampionthatfghtsjustonce champion,” Deassaid. “He won’t down theroad. unifcation couldbeinthecards a potential Klitschko-Wilder Though manyhurdlesremain, unlikely totakeplacethissummer. Tyson Furybutthatfghtis in 2015. Wilder has pinpointed to fghtatleastonemoretime to fghtinJuneorJuly. Hewants March, whichshouldallowhim should be100percentbyearly “This isjustthebeginning,” Here’s thegoodnews for Wilder: Deas and Wilder can’t keepup Things werealreadymoving “I knowit’s abigdealand Wilder knowsallthispomp “He isgoingtobeanactive 5.15 ROLL DEONTAY / RINGTV.COM 77 HAGLER VS. HEARNS: 30TH ANNIVERSARY ‘EIGHT MINUTES OF HELL’

THE FEROCITY OF HAGLER-HEARNS STILL REVERBERATES THREE DECADES LATER By Ron Borges

Thomas Hearns ended up on his back after two-plus rounds of mayhem. here is a process great boxers go T through during the early stages of a prizef ght that is born out of hard- earned respect for their opponent and a clear understanding of boxing’s cruel nature. It is a process of elimination designed to avoid being eliminated yourself. To disrespect either your opponent or boxing’s hard heart is to ignore the stark reality that the end can come at any moment. To forget that, especially in the early, adrenaline- f lled minutes of a high-prof le f ght when you have not yet established your plan nor fully grasped that of your opponent, is to court disaster. And so great f ghters, schooled in their craft through a painfully diff cult learning process, take their time. They move cautiously at f rst. They poke, they prod, they examine and re-examine. They are like a master chef shopping for the freshest vegetables in an open-air market. They are searching. Searching for openings, for safe havens, for opportunity, always knowing it may be many rounds before they can exploit what they have learned. That is what made what happened on April 15, 1985, in an outdoor arena behind Caesars Palace so astonishing. It is in large part why what two proud and powerful prizef ghters did that night remains, in the opinion of many, the most exhilarating eight minutes in boxing history. When longtime boxing analyst Al Bernstein is asked what he recalls f rst of the brutally beautiful eight minutes shared by Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns that night in Las Vegas, he doesn’t have to ponder the question. The answer is as clear today as it was 30 years ago. “The ferocity of that f rst round surprised me,” said Bernstein, who worked the closed-circuit broadcast

THE RING MAGAZINE with Al Michaels. “There was not

4.155.15 / RINGTV.COM 79 HAGLER VS. HEARNS: 30TH ANNIVERSARY

one moment of feeling-out process. comes to mind when someone says The fghters gave and took with I’d never seen anything like that “Hagler-Hearns.” “It was like the abandon for as long as the fght lasted. before in such a big fght or since. shootout at the OK Corral.” “Certainly it’s true that Marvin Hagler and Hearns wasted no time imposed that on Tommy but it wasn’t that night on introductions. Having baby pinkie?” Hagler snapped when like Tommy Hearns shied away from built up a massive distaste for each discussing the cancellation at the it either.” other after a two-week, 20-city time. “They’d cut that thing off.” The frst round of that fght is promotional tour, each had come to Long a victim of boxing politics one of the most watched moments the arena to impose his will upon the and frmly convinced the sport’s in boxing history. It was a savage other. power brokers were massed against engagement, like two pit bulls The fght had been a long time him, Hagler seethed for three long ripping and tearing at each other incubating, having originally years, his heart hardening into a with no regard for their personal been scheduled three years earlier stone when Hearns’ name was safety or concern about their only to have Hearns suffer an mentioned until fnally there they opponent’s. It was the essence of injury to his right hand, forcing were, facing each other. fghting and the absence of boxing. frst a postponement and fnally a Day after day, city after city, they “Explosion!” snaps longtime cancellation that enraged Hagler. hurled insults, promised mayhem and boxing analyst Teddy Atlas when “Do you know how many people quickly grew tired of each other. At

asked to give the frst word that would give $1 million for that little one press conference, Hagler stuffed THE RING MAGAZINE

80 RINGTV.COM / 5.151.15 dinner napkins in his ears to block with 50 knockouts, going into the Whatever had stolen them, it out Hearns’ dire warnings. At nearly fght). “He can punch.” was quickly apparent in the second every meeting Hagler wore a baseball The broadcasters quickly leapt round that this was not the Hearns cap with the word “WAR” across the in, hinting that doom might soon who had boxed so beautifully for front. It was a succinct expression of follow and so it did, although not in most of his frst fght with Leonard, how he looked at his life’s work. the manner they assumed. Instead of surprisingly losing the slugfest it And so they stood facing each falling, or at least wavering, Hagler became after having won the boxing other day after day, city after city, shook his head and walked toward match it was for much of the night. one guy calling himself “Hitman,” Hearns with an assassin’s single- “A massage leaves the body spent,” the other walking around constantly minded relentlessness. Steward said. “I knew then that was talking about “destroy” and “Early that round, Hearns hit a major problem.” “destruction” regardless of what he Hagler with as good a right hand as Whatever the truth of Steward’s was asked. Finally they buried so he ever hit anyone with,” recalled explanation, there is no question deeply under each other’s skin that , who worked the that by midway through the round, they nearly came to blows at one delayed broadcast for HBO with though the pace had slowed, Hagler press briefng. By fght night, neither Barry Tompkins and Sugar Ray had begun to close the distance and could think of anything but pain. Leonard. “He may have hurt him but was hurting Hearns, who seldom When the 30-year-old Hagler stood Marvin came right back. I remember chose to take a backward step. in front of 15,141 screaming fans thinking, ‘This fght is over.’ It was “The reason I started out punching waiting for his introduction he began just a matter of when.” was that Marvin started coming in pelting himself in the side of the It is easy to say that now but not so and I had to show Marvin I deserved head so furiously it led Associated easy to imagine 30 years ago. While some respect,” Hearns explained Press boxing writer Eddie Schuyler Hagler had clearly taken the best later. to remark, “If the introduction lasted of Hearns in those early moments, It was a reasonable reaction under another minute, Marvin would have the two continually bombed each normal circumstances. But this was TKO’d himself.” other for the full three minutes and not a normal opponent. This was When he fnally came out of his when they were done both were still a middleweight champion who corner, Hagler was carrying with standing but already damaged goods. had not lost in nine years. It was a him all the frustrations and broken Hearns, it turned out, came back to fghter once named the third-greatest dreams of his whole life and he was the corner and told trainer Emanuel middleweight and 17th-greatest going to take them out on somebody Steward his right hand was broken, fghter of all time by THE RING. It else. He had to decide “How much is which was like telling a platoon of was a guy with a hard head and a this worth to me?” He decided it was Marine rifemen half their bullets hard edge. worth a lot. were gone. Hearns’ fsts had sliced open a Decades later, Hagler and Hearns “I hit him a little too high up on deep, nasty cut on Hagler’s forehead have become friends in the way old his head,” Hearns later explained. in the opening round, though, and warriors who have co-mingled their “He had a hard head. I couldn’t it began to spill blood across his blood and put each other at risk believe how hard this man’s head face as if someone had poured a can sometimes do. Not on that night, was. of red paint on that bald noggin. though. That night was not about “I said, ‘I see why you keep your But Hagler ignored it as he ignored art. It was about aggression boiling head bald, shaved bald. You got Hearns’ right hand, using his over. a weapon there. You got a hard strength and doggedness to slowly “Tommy brought the dog out in weapon.’” take away Hearns’ tiring legs. me that night,” Hagler once recalled. That injury was compounded, “I was very conscious of the race “I thank him for it.” Steward contended until the day he against time,” Bernstein remembered. Those frst three minutes probably died, by a member of Hearns’ nearly “That cut was spilling blood on decided the fght, Hearns clipping endless entourage having gone to his Marvin’s face and when referee Hagler with the kind of right hand suite in the hours before the fght and Richard Steele called the doctor in that had sent Roberto Duran face- given him a massage. Steward always early in the third round to look at it frst to the canvas less than a year insisted that was what took Hearns’ you knew the clock was ticking. earlier, out before he hit the foor. legs away but there was a simpler “Had the fght gone a few more When it exploded on Hagler’s face explanation – Marvin Hagler. rounds Tommy Hearns may have early in the round it clearly shook “That frst round took everything won by stoppage, the cut was so bad. him. I had, man,” Hearns (40-1, with 34 But I think Marvin came to the ring “He defnitely tried to put the KOs, going into the fght) said at the that night with the idea of making bomb on me,” said Hagler (60-2-2, time. “My legs were gone, man.” something dramatic happen and he

5.151.15 / RINGTV.COM 81 HAGLER VS. HEARNS: 30TH ANNIVERSARY

did.” Hearns began Round 3 wisely on his toes, constantly circling and using his 78-inch reach to land his jab. Initially it seemed to be working. But despite a three-inch reach disadvantage, Hagler soon found a way to get inside. And then, suddenly and without warning, Steele was between them, ordering Hagler over to see Dr. Donald Romeo about a minute into the round. Hagler followed him as instructed but in the back of his mind he had to be thinking, “Here we go again. They’re going to f nd some way to take from me what I’ve earned. I’ll decide if I can’t go on.” As Romeo dabbed at the cut Hagler knew to the marrow of his bones this was – one way or another – his moment. He knew he had to do something and it must be now. “If I had lost, I would have had nothing,” Hagler once said when asked to describe that moment of desperation. With the fresh wetness of his own blood spattered across his face he looked like a Jackson Pollack painting, but after Romeo released him Hagler bore in on Hearns like a boll weevil, hurting him f rst with an overhand left that drove Hearns to the ropes. Having trapped his prey. Hagler ripped two shots to Hearns’ hips as the challenger lay on the ropes. Both made Hearns wince. Hagler was stalking him now and soon a right hand high on the head staggered Hearns, his legs having now totally abandoned UPSET OF THE CENTURY him like disloyal lieges cowering in the shadows. As Hearns stumbled Buster Douglas did the impossible 25 Until the f ght, that is. Douglas, a backward, his arms akimbo and years ago February: He knocked out the 42-1 underdog, stunned Tyson and the his mind numbing over, Hagler ran seemingly unbeatable Mike Tyson. world by knocking out the champion and toward him, landing a right to the Tyson was a juggernaut in the mid- removing any aura of his invincibility. chin that made Hearns go limp. and late-1980s. Iron Mike won his f rst That f ght turned the boxing world As Hearns began to fall forward, 37 f ghts (all but four by knockout) upside down, making it one of the most heading to the f oor, Hagler threw and became the youngest heavyweight memorable events ever in the sport. two uppercuts, the f rst landing but champ in history by stopping Trevor To read more about the second f ying off course. It didn’t Berbick in 1986. Thus, when he agreed Tyson-Douglas, please matter. to f ght the talented but inconsistent go to bit.ly/tyson- “It was a tomahawk followed by Douglas on Feb. 11, 1990, in , few douglas or scan the QR an axe,” is the way matchmaker gave it much thought. code.

82 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 Teddy Brenner described it. “Even after the fght (a defeat) many great victories and if you see Hearns lay on his back staring with Leonard, I knew. I walk this Tommy at a big event, he’s greeted at the night sky with unseeing world and I know who’s the real in a warm way that suggests people eyes as Steele counted through the champion. I was champion 7½ remember what he did.” fghter’s fog. He fnally rolled over years. There’s been 50 champions Marvin Hagler and Tommy and pushed himself up at nine but since I retired. They can take the Hearns were partners in a cruel then teetered into Steele’s arms for belts away, but in my heart I know business where someone had to lose support and it was over at 2:01. In who’s the true champion. and lose violently but sometimes eight minutes, everything between “I was a poor, young, black kid how you do that can elevate you. them had been decided. from the ghetto in Newark who Not as high as the winner perhaps, “I never saw a more exciting fght nobody wanted to take serious. but not far below. below the heavyweight division,” Without boxing I would have ended About 30 minutes after the bout Merchant said. “Nobody breathed up in the wrong way but I found was stopped, Hearns went to for eight minutes. It was one of those this love. I wanted to be champion Hagler’s locker room to congratulate rare fghts that exceeded expectations. and two guys (the Petronelli him. It was a show of sportsmanship “It elevated Marvin. He had been brothers, his lifelong managers and almost impossible to understand regarded as a walk-you-down kind trainers) believed in me. Everything unless you understood Hearns, a of fghter who gradually broke I learned in the gym, I did better broken but still unbowed warrior. opponents down but that fght it was the next day and they noticed and In the end, leave the fnal almost as if he said to himself he had started to believe. assessment of it all to longtime to rise to the moment. And he did. “I told them one day I’d be a promoter Don Chargin, “He was always a determined million-dollar fghter and one day I who was working with Jersey Joe professional jealous of his standing was, but the money was never the Walcott the night as middleweight champion. He never important thing to me. I loved to knocked him out with the most left anything outside the ring. Just as fght. I loved the art of boxing. I perfect right hook ever thrown. he wore his opponents down he wore understood the money would come Chargin has seen and promoted his skeptics down by fghting the if I was true to the sport so I’d give thousands upon thousands of fghts biggest fghts and winning. Marvin up the nightlife and the girls for and been at ringside at nearly every wanted to be great. That’s what 2½ months and train. I paid all my big fght of the past 60 years. And drove him.” dues, fghting in high-school gyms when he thinks of Hagler-Hearns he Hagler was guaranteed $5.6 million for no money. has one lasting vision. plus 40 percent of the gross over $14 “Before a fght, you didn’t want “That was eight minutes of hell,” million, Hearns $5.4 million plus to be around me. I was a nasty guy Chargin said. 35 percent. With the fght grossing but boxing is real, man. It’s a nasty Or heaven unless you were a great over $20 million Hearns netted $7.5 business. You’re in there to hurt fghter carried back to your corner million and Hagler $8.3 million people and I did. It was my job. I in the arms of a man in a tuxedo, plus a sudden celebrity that earned put my name on that world, and if crumpled like a broken beach him national ads for Right Guard I go tomorrow I believe it will still umbrella that had been buffeted by a deodorant and Pizza Hut that became be there.” stiff, relentless gale. iconic, as did he. So it will and not far behind will “That was an odd kind of But a number of years ago, long be the name of Tommy Hearns, one development, wasn’t it?” Bernstein after he’d retired to life as a celebrity of the few fghters not diminished by recalled. “The man in a tuxedo in Milan, Italy, Hagler spoke about defeat. Marvin Hagler had been too carrying Tommy back to his corner what that night and his entire boxing much for him on April 15, 1985, the like he had a baby in his arms. It life had been about and it was not night Hearns made his middleweight made Tommy look more vulnerable money. It was on a moonlit evening debut, but not before he showed the didn’t it? But it was one of those in South Africa, the night before world who he was. incredible moments that seems to he would serve as the analyst as a “There is a deep affection for happen in boxing. broken-down Duran tried to make a Tommy with fans and everyone in “I’ve always felt one reason few bucks at the expense of a young boxing,” Merchant said. “Tommy Tommy wasn’t diminished in the eyes kid named David Radford in an happened to come along sandwiched of the public despite losing that night outdoor ring behind a casino in an between the best welterweight and was because everyone knew Marvin eight-round fght leading to nothing the best middleweight of their time, was a rock. He would not relent. But but a needed payday. Leonard and Hagler. He paid a price Tommy Hearns fought him like a “I always believed I was a for that. man, whether that was the best thing true champion,” Hagler told me. “He lost to them both but he had or not.”

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 83 LETTERS FROM EUROPE

HARROWING Amir Khan visited Peshawar, Pakistan, after 132 children were murdered by TALES terrorists there.

KELL BROOK KELL BROOK, their scares and scrapes, and Amir Khan, who opened up about his I spent a day with Brook in ANTHONY recent visit to the country of his Sheff eld, at the gym where Brendan CROLLA forebears, Pakistan, the site of Ingle developed, cajoled and created AND AMIR recent atrocities. the world champion welterweight KHAN RELATE Some harrowing tales they among many others over the last recount here. four decades. THEIR TRYING The bigger men – Carl Froch and Brook told me he was “back EXPERIENCES – were sidelined by to 100 miles per hour” after the injuries and unable to f ght early in machete attack from an assailant By Gareth A Davies the year. It has been a funny old time. on Tenerife, a holiday island off Even lightweight the African coast, two weeks after withdrew from the prospect of he took the welterweight title from Interest in f ghters outside the a thrilling local derby with his Shawn Porter last summer. ring was as important as the news hometown rival, – they He said that his thigh, which inside it on this side of The Pond in are both from the city of Hull on the received 60 stitches and staples, was the f rst weeks of 2015. East of England, renowned for its “not an issue.” Ironic as it may sound, how often trawlers and f shermen who cast nets “I’m doing everything I used to do do we say that boxers can be safer in in the North Sea – after the Olympic – sprinting, moving around the ring the ring, or in the gym, than out in gold medalist revealed his father in different directions. And I’m fast,” the wider world? had been diagnosed with cancer and he said. So it was with Kell Brook and he wanted “to spend every minute When Brook ref ected on what

Anthony Crolla, recovering from possible with his family.” had happened and how his life had A MAJEED/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

84 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 fashed in front of him, there had “It makes sense in every single way against WBA lightweight titleholder been an epiphany. Rightly so. Brook you look at it. I want to be fghting Richar Abril. It had been scheduled had seriously worried not just about in March and then, with or without for Jan. 23. his boxing career, but his life. Khan, I want to be involved in a “Some people say it was a brave “Had I not been found by huge fght in the summer. But if it is thing I did – and I don’t want to paramedics, I’d have bled to death Khan, I will leave everything I have sound cheesy – it wasn’t brave,” he very easily. I’m very lucky to be in that ring.” said. “It was just instinct. I would alive,” he said. And he meant it. do it again. That’s my natural It was a seminal moment. instinct.” “When we heard the news from AMIR KHAN The world-title fght and the the doctor that I would be able Khan had a harrowing payday have come and gone. But the to box again,” he said, “it was experience of his own – visiting story went far and wide. The villains overwhelming.” Peshawar, Pakistan – in the aftermath were caught. A few days later he was pushed of the massacre at a school where ’s Derry Matthews is out of the hospital in a wheelchair. 132 children were killed by terrorists now scheduled to fght Abril on “My mum and dad and my missus in December. He told me that “the March 6. If Derry wins, it would set and my daughter came and wheeled shiver” he felt will haunt him forever. up a third fght with rival Crolla. me out,” he said. “I remember Khan, now 28 and a father Matthews won their frst encounter looking up at the sky as we left the himself, was raised in Bolton, and they drew in the rematch. hospital and a gush of wind came. England, but his family hails from A third fght could sell out a It was one of the small things that Rawalpindi in Pakistan. He told me major venue. Given his people take for granted. Looking at he saw “bullet holes and blood on heroic status, there will certainly the sun, seeing birds fy. ... I took it all the walls” during what he described be a few more thousand seats sold in. I was looking at my daughter and as “the worst experience” of his life. when Crolla fghts next. she was smiling and I was thinking “I don’t ever get scared or have “The plan is to get out in the how lucky I was to be alive.” fear even though I step into a ring summer,” said Crolla, 28. “My The epiphany continued. and I fght for a living ... but the support has been growing and “It made me look at life and thought of what happened in those growing over the years, but, appreciate it,” he said. “We know classrooms sent a shiver through obviously, the support I’ve received what we’re getting into when we’re me,” he said. off the back of this will help a lot. stepping into that ring. You can “It’s so sad. I just left me imagining “People want to see me lift that legally get killed in there. But I was how the kids were killed and how world title. If even half of them staring death in the face in Tenerife. there would have been dead bodies come, I think it will be sold out.” I got that second chance and it has all over the foor. It gave me a bit of a made me.” wake-up call, to be honest. These are His assailant has not yet been children who didn’t do anything to caught. anyone. They were innocent.” Brook will step into the ring to Khan said he planned to auction U.K. TOP 10 defend the IBF strap against Jo Jo and donate the proceeds from the 1. CARL FROCH Dan on March 28 in Sheffeld. But if gold and diamond-encrusted shorts 2. AMIR KHAN there was one thing that I took away he wore against Devon Alexander to 3. KELL BROOK from that conversation, it was that help rebuild the school. 4. CARL FRAMPTON Brook is hell-bent on a showdown 5. JAMES DEGALE with Khan. 6. TYSON FURY Listen to Brook: “I’ve been in I also spoke with Crolla, who 7. SCOTT QUIGG his shadow since he went to the was hit over the head with a 8. GEORGE GROVES Olympics. He’s been the poster boy concrete slab that fractured his skull 9. JAMIE MCDONNELL and I’ve been the grafter. It’s a bit as he tried to apprehend thieves who 10. like Mr. T in “Rocky 3.” This time had burglarized a neighbor’s home. Rocky doesn’t win. I’m coming “I’ve got stitches where the 11-15: Martin Murray, through. I’m the real deal.” fractured skull is, I’ve got a nice scar Billy Joe Saunders, Tony “I know he’s got idiots around down my forehead. I’ve also got a Bellew, Kid Galahad, him who are blowing smoke up his plate and screws in my ankle, which . ass. Over time he is believing all the is broken in two places,” said the (Through fghts of Feb. 8, bulls--t of his chums. He’s not daft. likeable lad from Manchester. 2015) Anybody who watches boxing knows The burglars also stole I’m very dangerous for him.” Crolla’s world-title shot

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 85 LETTERS FROM EUROPE

Tyson Fury is prepared to fght either Wladimir Klitschko or Deontay Wilder. ACTOR JAMES COSMO Cosmo, will open in Birmingham and You might not know Cosmo’s then might be staged in London’s name immediately but you’ll West End theater district. know his face from movies such as “Braveheart” and “Game of TYSON FURY Thrones.” He’s familiar as the big is convinced Tyson man who plays veteran warriors in Fury will step into a world title historical dramas and epics. challenge in 2015, with a couple of Cosmo has put his name, face and routes open to the 6-foot-9, unbeaten brooding presence to a formidable heavyweight contender. Namely flm involving familiar themes from Wlad Klitschko or Deontay Wilder. boxing. “The Pyramid Texts,” written Bring it on, is the message. by Geoff Thompson, heralds a “We’re after the Wladimir riveting performance from Cosmo. Klitschko fght because Tyson’s the “It’s a 90-minute poem,” mandatory challenger (to the WBO said Thompson, a world karate title). Providing he doesn’t lose champion, after a private industry to Christian Hammer, he’ll be the screening of the flm. mandatory,” Warren said as this issue In absolute stillness, in the sweat of THE RING was going to press. and spit of a renowned gym, Cosmo “As for Wilder, he’s the one who has transports us to a place where we been talking up that fght. We don’t have to consider life and fear, as have a problem with that fght.” well as the relationships with those Like Fury, though, Warren believes who give us life and teach us about Klitschko is playing games. “I think fear. Our parents, our teachers, our Wladimir is trying to avoid Tyson, I trainers. Sometimes they are one and really do,” he said. “He’s fought tall the same. guys before but [Tyson is] somebody Cosmo told me: “It’s wonderful to who is actually young and somebody see people’s reactions to it and see who has got actual desire and isn’t that it touched so many people. As just showing up on the night to lose.” actors, we draw things from inside Warren was impressed by Fury in ourselves and that’s where the reality his demolition of Dereck Chisora comes from. When it’s externalized, late last year. From ringside, Fury it doesn’t work. When it comes from certainly had fun busting up the inside, it really works. It was the Londoner. toughest job I ever did, but one of “This year we want the best to the most rewarding as well.” fght the best but just get on with it,” Barry McGuigan, the former Warren said. “This year is all about world champion, was at the private the fans getting a single, defning screening and thought it was heavyweight champion. Vitali “brilliant.” Klitschko retired and that was great “It conjures up sad memories for because it pushed us closer to having me because my brother committed a linear champion in Wladimir. We’ve suicide,” he said. “But if you want also got these new, young kids on the authenticity and gravitas, this was block ready to take over. outstanding. Boxing is a violent “We’ve got Wilder and Fury, who and incredibly risky and dangerous are leading the pack now and are business yet the most fulflling and good enough to cause an upset. So exhilarating sport in the world. let’s make it happen,” added Warren, That’s what draws us to it. It’s just who told me he would look to different. It’s the greatest sport in Arsenal Stadium or Wembley if either the world and the greatest form of of those fghts came to the U.K. entertainment. He nailed so much of it there.” Gareth A Davies is boxing The flm is due to appear in correspondent for The

BRYN LENNON/GETTY IMAGES BRYN festivals this year. And a play, with Telegraph, London. Reader Taylor Sias wonders if f ghts likes Muhammad Ali (left) vs. Geroge Foreman were bigger than Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao.

Since 2001, RingTV.com Editor even just recently Oscar De La Hoya- BEST OF Doug Fischer has held an ongoing Mayweather perhaps even bigger? I dialog – which occasionally becomes think that claim is hyperbole.” heated debate – with boxing fans DOUGIEÕS from around the world in “Dougie’s DOUGIE’S REPLY: We’ll f nd out after Mailbag.” May 2 if it’s hyperbole. In terms MAILBAG The following excerpts are from of money paid out and revenue the Feb. 23, 2015, edition of Fischer’s generated, Mayweather-Pacquiao online column. will be a record-breaker. There’s little doubt about that. But that doesn’t EXCERPTS mean it’s the “biggest” f ght in history. FROM THE TAYLOR SIAS, FROM JUPITER, FLORIDA, How much it transcends the boxing told Fischer that he’s skeptical of and sports worlds and seeps into the RINGTV.COM XAUME OLLEROS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES claims that the Floyd Mayweather mainstream media and the lives of EDITOR’S POPULAR Jr.-Manny Pacquiao superf ght is the everyday people over the next nine COLUMN biggest boxing event in the history of weeks will let us know how “big” the sport. “Financially, that is true,” this matchup truly is. It’s a given By Doug Fischer wrote Sias, “but weren’t Muhammad that it will be pushed hard on CBS, Ali-Joe Frazier, Ali-George Foreman, Showtime and HBO. How much will Sugar Ray Leonard-Marvin Hagler and we see and hear about it on other

88 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 networks and media? It’s a given that -Maurice Blocker and Pacquiao to come out guns blazing in all boxing websites (and the boxing -Jeff Fenech I – were the frst 15 minutes (think Pacquiao- pages of ESPN.com, Yahoo! Sports, in the early 1990s) but that’s OK. Marquez IV-type ferocity) and land etc.) will comprehensively cover the Boxing fanatics like us can have a as many hard shots as he can, to fght and its buildup but what about big ole nerdgasm as the little guys Mayweather’s body in particular,” general news and entertainment upstage the main event. wrote Brewer. “If he can drop Money media? The megafghts of the past did once or twice and put some real hurt more than grab the cover of Sports on his body, I do not see Mayweather Illustrated; they made the cover of THE SAVAGE ONE, FROM LONDON, says running away with the last seven Time magazine and were talked he fears for Fischer’s sanity in the rounds. Pacquiao can simply use his about on the prime-time national event that Mayweather beats Pacquiao faster feet and high punch-volume to newscasts of all the major networks. due to the social media and comment- get the win by taking two of the last I think Mayweather-Pacquiao is the section abuse he’s bound to get from seven rounds, which is well within the biggest fght in terms of crossover Mayweather’s fans. “So we all better realm of possibility. I know I’m going media/public attention since Lennox hope Pac spanks him or you’ll have against the bookmakers. However, I Lewis-Mike Tyson (2002) and the to write your mailbags from a mental truly believe Pacquiao can get it done.” most signifcant boxing matchup since institution,” he wrote. “I wouldn’t Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns I wanna be you.” DOUGIE’S REPLY: You’re going against (1981). And that’s saying something. the bookmakers right now, Craig. I DOUGIE’S REPLY: I’m gonna have don’t know if that will be the case to hear from obnoxious fanboys by fght time. Mayweather opened GREG, FROM , ENGLAND, regardless of who wins on May 2. as a 3-to-1 favorite. Those odds are wanted Fischer’s thoughts on what If I pick Mayweather to win, which already down to 2-to-1, so clearly fghts fans might expect on the I’m leaning toward, I’ll have to Pacquiao has the support of his fans Mayweather-Pacquiao undercard? He hear it from Pacquiao’s legion of (who will probably get the odds also asked if Fischer could pick any faithful fools (who are still miffed down to even-money by fght time) two fghts to go on the undercard to that I picked Tim Bradley to win the but also neutral folks who share your support the massive event, which two rematch last year). If I pick Pacquiao, belief. would he pick? Greg said it would be obviously, I’ll have to hear it from I’m not a betting man but I agree a dream for some of the top fyweight The Money Team Morons, who that this is a fght that Pacquiao can and junior bantamweight fghters to will demand that I write and post win. And I don’t think he needs to get some exposure. a heartfelt apology in THE RING score a knockdown or come out guns Magazine and on RingTV.com and blazing to ensure the victory, either. DOUGIE’S REPLY: I don’t expect high- all its social media platforms. (I’m I just think he has to establish his quality bouts on the Mayweather- not joking. I would fully expect that jab frst (which he can do against Pacquiao undercard for two reasons: reaction, as many of those dweebs Floyd, being a southpaw), be the 1. The money it took to make demanded such after Mayweather busier boxer and give the undefeated the main event exceeds the gross beat Canelo in 2013.) American angles when he’s in range. national product of some third- Even if I pick correctly, some of I think if Pacquiao tries too hard to world countries. 2. The promoters these pinheads will still be mad at hurt Mayweather, there’s a greater don’t have to. Only the hardest me just for giving the other guy a risk of falling into the hometown of hardcore fans care about the chance in my pre-fght analysis. But favorite’s traps. I want to see if undercard bouts. Everyone else will I won’t be the only boxing person Manny can throw Floyd off with be in a frenzied tizzy over the main they put into the nuthouse. The his feints and footwork. If he can, event. So I’m expecting Mickey Bey- fans of whoever wins will make I think he just needs to swarm Miguel Vazquez II and Jessie Vargas- everyone who reads about boxing on Mayweather a couple of times each Khabib Allakhverdiev II to be the the internet sick with their endless round as the undefeated boxer goes two supporting pay-per-view bouts celebration of “I Told You So’s” and into defense mode or backs to the for Mayweather-Pacquiao. If I could the fans of whoever loses will drive ropes in order to gain the edge on the pick any two fghts to go on the PPV everyone crazy with their sour grapes. scorecards. Of course, Mayweather undercard, I’d go with the Roman could simply refuse to back up and Gonzalez-Juan Francisco Estrada look to be the one to land the hurtful rematch and Vasyl Lomachenko- CRAIG BREWER, FROM SINGAPORE, punches early in the fght. That Nicholas Walters. I know both fghts believes that Mayweather’s typical wouldn’t entirely surprise me. Those will be totally ignored by the masses slow starts give Pacquiao a chance to early rounds will be very interesting (just as the gems on some of Mike take an early lead that he can carry if Mayweather decides to draw a line Tyson’s PPV undercards – such as to the end of the fght. “I fully expect in the sand.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 89 WOMEN’S BOXING SMALL WONDER MELISSA MCMORROW CONTINUES TO BATTLE IN SPITE OF OBSTACLES BECAUSE SHE LOVES THE SPORT

By Thomas Gerbasi

Melissa McMorrow might be the best 9-5 f ghter in the world today. Among male f ghters, that kind of slate would relegate a competitor to the B-side and prelim bouts forever. In McMorrow’s case, however, the so-so record ref ects a career of facing one elite opponent after another. And several of those losses might’ve been wins if fought on a level playing f eld. In other words, numbers don’t always tell the full story. Last year saw the 33-year-old from San Francisco take time off from her day job as an architect at SolarCity Corporation to travel to Mexico twice and compete against two of that country’s best: Mariana Juarez and THE RING’s 2013 Fighter of the Year, Jessica Chavez. McMorrow returned home with two losses on the scorecards but few who watched the f ght agreed with those verdicts, including McMorrow. “I just don’t really see how they saw it ending up in the other person’s favor,” McMorrow said, chalking it up to either politics or an “unconscious bias.” There is resignation in her voice as she discusses these most recent setbacks, not surprising since she’s Melissa McMorrow has held her own against been there before. There isn’t much elite opponents, talk about her nine wins but she can including Nadia Raoui cite chapter and verse about those (next page). f ve losses. Resignation doesn’t mean

bitterness, though. IMAGES ROSE/BONGARTS/GETTY MARTIN

90 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 WOMEN’S POUND FOR POUND

1. CECILIA BRAEKHUS Norway • 27-0 (7 KOs) Welterweight

2. JELENA MRDJENOVICH “If women’s boxing does get to is even willing to go back across the Canada • 34-9-1 (18 KOS) the point where people are making border to get the f ghts she wants. Featherweight money, then I feel like it might be a “I know that I fought a lot in different situation,” she said. “I might Mexico and I always lose but there be angrier because there’s more on are still f ghts I want to take there,” 3. DELFINE PERSOON the line. Right now, even if I win, my she said. “I know that sounds crazy Belgium • 31-1 (14 KOs) purse with the title might go up what, but, the thing is, most of the people Lightweight two grand, maybe f ve?” between 108 and 115 pounds are in She laughs, evidence of her healthy Mexico and I can’t f nd the backing outlook on bad decisions. Maybe it’s here to put on f ghts the caliber I 4. DIANA PRAZAK because she has a career outside the want to f ght in. I don’t even get Australia • 13-3 (9 KOs) ring to fall back on or because her offered f ghts here anymore because Junior lightweight career in the ring is still one to be people don’t want to lose. The proud of. She won a world title in f ghts in Mexico are the only ones 2012, handing highly-regarded Susi I really get offered … and I’m not 5. JESSICA CHAVEZ Kentikian her f rst pro defeat – in done f ghting, so I don’t want to sit Mexico • 21-4-3 (4 KOs) Kentikian’s homeland of Germany, no around.” Junior f yweight less – and she successfully defended Few would want to go back to a her WBO f yweight title twice place that has wronged them once, 6. AVA KNIGHT before being stripped of the belt for let alone two or three times, but U.S. • 13-2-3 (5 KOs) inactivity early last year. She’s also McMorrow isn’t typical in any sense Flyweight gained a well-deserved reputation as of the word. She wants to do battle a tireless worker, which is imperative with the best in the game and win because she’s only 4 feet 11 inches another title. It’s just what she does. 7. JACKIE NAVA tall. She must work very hard to land “I have a great time f ghting, I love Mexico • 31-4-3 (13 KOs) punches. f ghting, and I spend a lot of time Junior featherweight “I have to be in that kind of shape training and I train really hard,” she because I can’t just stick my arm out said. “And it’s because I want to. I and hit you,” she said. “I could do the think it’s fun and it’s rewarding.” 8. IBETH ZAMORA SILVA stick-and-move stuff against someone Those rewards will have nothing Mexico • 21-5 (8 KOs) that’s shorter than me but those to do with money. While she’s Junior f yweight people just don’t exist.” conf dent that things are looking up Plenty of intriguing matchups are for the sport thanks to the recent still there for McMorrow, though. WBC women’s convention and 9. LAYLA MCCARTER And she wants them all, whether the upcoming 2016 Olympics, she U.S. • 36-13-5 (8 KOs) it’s a rematch with WBC f yweight doesn’t expect to earn any lucrative Lightweight champion Arely Mucino, who scored paydays. a – surprise! – controversial split- “In my lifetime as a f ghter I don’t 10. ERICA ANABELLA FARIAS decision win over the Californian in think I’ll see any monetary reward Argentina • 21-1 (10 KOs) 2012, or what would be considered or anything much more major,” she Junior welterweight a 112-pound superf ght with Ava said without a trace of bitterness. “I Knight, who is No. 6 on THE RING get bored really easily and this makes pound-for-pound list. McMorrow other parts of my life a lot better.” Through f ghts of Feb. 8, 2015

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 91

WORLDWIDE RESULTS— Go to: bit.ly/worldwide-results or RINGSIDE scan the QR code to see weekly fght results at RingTV.com. REPORTS BY NORM FRAUENHEIM

Brandon Rios’ dominating victory over Mike Alvarado (left) put him back in the thick of the welterweight picture.

BRANDON RIOS KOs) denied Rios a real chance to prove he point lead to an opening bell, if not a brawl TKO 3 MIKE is all the way back from a one-sided loss at the weigh-in. These two guys don’t like ALVARADO to Manny Pacquiao and a messy victory each other. What more can a promoter ask Date: Jan. 24 over a disqualifed Diego Chaves. for? What’s more, there’s plenty to like Site: 1stBank Center, Broomfeld, Colo. We’ll have to wait and see on that about Rios, who is as unpredictable as he Division: Welterweight one, maybe against or is profane. He gets people talking. That Weights: Rios 146.75 pounds, Juan Manuel Marquez. Even Victor Ortiz means good television ratings. According Alvarado 146.5 has been mentioned. Ortiz-Rios might to Nielsen, 1.315 million watched the HBO RING rating (going into fght): Rios not have much impact at the top of the telecast of Rios-Alvarado III. not rated, Alvarado No. 5 at junior welterweight division, but it would be It’s safe to say that most won’t watch welterweight an irresistible confrontation between Alvarado again. But they probably won’t Network: HBO emotional personalities who have been have to. At 34, it’s not clear what happens to feuding since they were kids in Kansas. him, especially since he was arrested for an Third time’s the charm? Not Not long after the third round when outstanding felony warrant and possession this time. The third leg in the Brandon Alvarado surrendered, Ortiz fred the frst of a handgun a few weeks before the bout. Rios-Mike Alvarado trilogy fzzled. More rhetorical shot. Only a fght in court awaits Alvarado. dud than drama. But don’t blame Rios, “Always my punching bag,” Ortiz said in “I wasn’t as prepared as I should have who understood that the stakes were a tweet. “Where’s the contract?” been and this is what I get,” said Alvarado, enormous. Blame Alvarado, who didn’t get Rios countered almost as quickly as he who was knocked down in the third. the message until after a motivated Rios threw uppercuts at Alvarado. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum summed sent his career tumbling into disrepair. “I used to make you cry in sparring,” it up when he said Alvarado had nothing, The second sequel looked more like a he said in a Twitter conflict that promises perhaps because of the arrest or tough Rios tune-up than a defning moment in to escalate. fghts against Rios, Ruslan Provodnikov ges a rivalry that had generated impossible Rios, re-energized and as unapologetic and Marquez or advancing age – or all of expectations. It reminded no one of Gatti- as ever, wasn’t finished. the above. Ward or even of Rios-Alvarado I and II. “I’ll make you quit, make you quit But Arum could still smile. Rios showed But it put Rios (33-2-1, 24 knockouts) at the press conference,” he said in a he might have a lot left. One thing is back in the money mix. The unprepared follow-up tweet. certain: He’ll get another opportunity.

Justin Edmonds/Getty Ima and perhaps distracted Alvarado (34-4, 23 It sounds as if the hostility could at some That’s a winner, even if the trilogy wasn’t.

5.15 / RINGTV.COM 93 RINGSIDE REPORTS

TUREANO WILLIE NO. 6 NO. 2 LEO JOHNSON MONROE JR. DEONTAY SANTA CRUZ TKO 5 FIDEL TKO 5 ALEX UD 10 BRYAN WILDER TKO 8 MALDONADO THERAN VERA UD 12 NO. 2 JESUS RUIZ JR. Jan. 9, Madison Square Jan. 15, Verona, N.Y. BERMANE Jan. 17, MGM Grand, Jan. 17, MGM Grand, Las Garden, New York (Fox (ESPN2) STIVERNE Las Vegas (Showtime) Vegas (Showtime) Sports 1) Jan. 17, MGM Grand, Las H There’s boxing in Vegas (Showtime) H Within the ropes, H Don King could be H A promotional entity Willie Monroe Jr.’s DNA. Leo Santa Cruz has an early contender for made its debut and a His father fought. His H Skepticism has been faced few challenges. 2015 Comeback of middleweight introduced great uncle, Willie “The attached to Deontay That’s the problem. It the Year honors with a himself as a potential Worm” Monroe, beat Wilder ever since he has created impatience vintage performance at a contender on a stage as Marvin Hagler. But there became America’s only among fans bored by news conference for the big as any. was a time, 17 months medalist at the 2008 victories over unknowns Deontay Wilder-Bermane The curtain at Madison long, when there was no Olympics in Beijing. It’s and exasperated with Stiverne card. The old Square Garden’s Theater opening bell in his life. still there, persistent and an unfulflled promise lion’s voice was loud and went up on Jay Z’s Roc After his career stalled yet a reliable resource. to fght Guillermo inexhaustible. In junior Nation with celebrities following a loss in 2011, Doubt is loaded Rigondeaux. welterweight Amir Imam, at ringside watching there were only odd jobs with power and It was exasperation King has reason to roar. Tureano Johnson audition for Monroe, including part- Wilder, America’s frst shared by his ex- Imam (16-0, 14 KOs) for a chance at stardom. time work at Foot Locker. heavyweight with a promoter, Oscar De stole the show, knocking “I’m ready to fght His kids had to eat. But just major title since Shannon La Hoya, who abruptly down Fidel Maldonado Jr. Gennady Golovkin, like his dad he had to fght Briggs, has used it in a sold his contract to Al (19-3, 16 KOs) four times Miguel Cotto or any other and he has, re-exerting his career full of surprises. Haymon after Santa and getting up from one champion,” said Johnson identity and recapturing A late-bloomer’s story Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) in the third for a ffth- (18-1, 13 KOs) after his momentum with a 99-90, continued to unfold balked at a 122-pound round stoppage. stoppage win over Alex 98-91, 97-92 decision against Bermane Stiverne showdown with The lanky Imam Theran (17-2, 10 KOs). over middleweight Bryan with a 119-108, 120- Rigondeaux following a reminds some of Thomas Despite the setting, Vera. It’s Monroe’s ninth 107, 118-109 decision ho-hum eighth-round Hearns. Dynamic however, Johnson’s straight victory since the that was signifcant stoppage of Jesus Ruiz leverage in his power victory was no knockout. only blemish on his record. because it was the frst (33-6-5, 22 KOs), who foored Maldonado in Theran was unable to “Everybody’s road to time Wilder had gone had as much of a chance the second and twice in continue after the ffth the top is different,” said beyond four rounds. It as Santa Cruz’s prior a wild third before a left because of an ankle Monroe (19-1, 6 KOs), who was a dimension nobody victim, Manuel Roman. hook put the New Mexico sprain. scored a fash knockdown had seen or expected The move was no 140-pounder on the Still, Johnson was in the ffth and landed lefts against a dehydrated surprise, perhaps. Santa canvas for the last time impressive, scoring a throughout the 10 rounds Stiverne (24-2-1, 21 Cruz’s newborn son is at 2:59 of the ffth. knockdown in the fourth against the well-traveled KOs). named Al and not Oscar. “By the end of the and again in the ffth. Vera (23-9, 14 KOs). Had he kept his KO In naming his child after year, I plan on being the “I wish I could have If he gets there, that ratio perfect, it would Haymon, Santa Cruz champ,” said Imam. showed the crowd what road will look a lot like the have been the same old declared that his future I can really do,” said other lines on the Monroe Wilder with the same is with his powerful Johnson, who put himself family map. old questions about his adviser, whose many in line to get that wish chances against Wladimir clients include Abner fulflled. Klitschko or Tyson Fury. Mares – no Rigondeaux But his frst decision in but a likely Santa Cruz 33 victories has made the foe. doubters think again.

94 RINGTV.COM / 5.15 95 .COM V SD 12 SD 12 RINGT / A late sub is like an Han took the there was Instead, you “Late replacement, The fght was closer 5.15 SERGIO SERGIO MORA ABRAHAM HAN Miss. Biloxi, 6, Feb. (ESPN2) H unforeseen pothole. a mishap waiting to It’s Sergio Mora happen. avoided the accident, eluding upset with a split decision over Abraham Han. middleweight bout on two Mora had weeks’ notice. Taylor trained for Jermain belt Taylor’s in a bid for but a felony arrest in late and Taylor January took the title off the card. an advantage uncertainty, exploited by Han (23-2, who repeatedly 14 KOs), switched from an to southpaw. said Mora never know,’’ who 9 KOs), (28-3-2, kept himself in line for the winner of a possible David Lemieux-Hassan N’Dam fght for the belt stripped from Taylor. But than expected. punches were Mora’s scoring more accurate, enough to survive a 10th- round knockdown for 115-112 edge 114-113, The third on two cards. favored the aggressive Han 115-112. He’s never fought He’s Menayothin won No. Menayothin won No. who was Menayothin, How Menayothin would NO. 4 NO. 4 WANHENG MENAYOTHIN UD 12 JEFFREY GALERO Nakhon Sawan, 5, Feb. Thailand (Channel 7/ Thailand) H outside of Thailand. That makes Wanheng But Menayothin a secret. a perfect record can be a hard secret to keep, 37 especially one that’s fghts long. 37 in the frst defense of his 105-pound world title 120-108, with a 119-109, 120-109 decision over 5 Jeffrey Galero (11-1, who could a Filipino KOs), Thai off him not keep the punishing in a patient, assault. coming off one of his 12 KOs in a stoppage of Oswaldo Novoa in got most of November, Galero got all the points. the bruises. Thailand is fare outside an open-ended question. not even known if It’s he’d be willing to travel. But his record is bound to attract interest in He Africa. Japan or South has more victories than anybody ranked among 10. Top THE RING’s

Kevin Mitchell’s biggest Kevin Mitchell’s Questions about Mitchell Against Estrada in a NO. 8 DANIEL NO. 8 DANIEL ESTRADA London Arena, O2 31, Jan. (Sky Sports 1) H Booze is fght is ongoing. It’ll a stubborn temptation. But always be a challenge. an eighth-round stoppage of Daniel Estrada was a sign that Mitchell is winning that battle. have been rooted in an He spent erratic lifestyle. more time at the bar than He told the U.K.’s the gym. Daily Mail that he blew or about 100,000 pounds, It left on booze. $154,000, a colossal hangover and no chance at beating Ricky Burns in a world-title shot in 2012. lightweight eliminator, 29 KOs), Mitchell (39-2, put sober and sensational, himself in line for another shot against Jorge Linares. Mitchell ‘s uppercuts 24 rocked Estrada (32-4-1, fooring the Mexican KOs), in the second round of a bout mercifully stopped at 1:12 of the eighth. KEVIN KEVIN MITCHELL TKO 8 Rocky Juarez’s star- Rocky Juarez’s But against a guy Robinson Castellanos Despite the 118-106, ROBINSON ROBINSON CASTELLANOS UD 12 ROCKY JUAREZ (Fox Antonio San 26, Jan. Sports 1) H crossed career includes Olympic silver that some say should have been a split- It includes gold. decision loss to Marco Antonio Barrera that was announced as a draw, yet changed after it was discovered that the scorecard totals were wrong. nicknamed “Robin Hood” nobody could say he got robbed. 13 KOs) left (21-10, 21 KOs) Juarez (30-11-1, with only retirement as Castellanos, an option. a potential challenger to Jhonny Gonzalez’s won featherweight title, He knocked down easily. three Juarez four times, times in the 12th. 118-106 118-107, however, scorecards, Juarez battled Castellanos with a dynamic mix of passion and desperation. His left hook cut Castellanos above the right eye and left him with a badly swollen right cheekbone. If this was fnal fght, indeed Juarez’s he wasn’t going to go away without leaving a mark.

,

s

s

.

It’

.

wn

Colo.

He’

96-94, There but he vez Sr gainst ways th his left tions. (30-2, te. y on a wn price. said it belongs ted successor ” ttled him to

said a cro Being next, comes with who suffered Ramirez won, , Broomfeld, the left-handed

s cro domina 24 KOs) full of ge personifed by Mistakes must be oughest opponent 24, vy expecta lose range. Mexico is al wever At 23, More was expected “T The good news: ym 16 days after the t c Julio Cesar Cha to Gilberto Ramirez. H (HBO) searching for the next fghter to carr herita a burden and an honor These days, the designa Mexico’ UD 10 MAXIM VLASOV Jan. super middleweight is young but has a record (31-0, potential. ho RAMIREZ GILBERTO hea from Ramirez a Maxim Vsalov 15 KOs). NO. 7 scoring a 97-93, 97-93 decision, didn’t were moments when the Russian ba standstill in a bout fought a I’ve fought, Ramirez, a bruise benea eye. Ramirez was back in the g fght. corrected, prince who is still a student.

JOHNSON: RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES FOR ROC NATION SPORTS; WIDER/SANTA CRUZ/IMAM: NAOKIFUKUDA; RAMIREZ: JUSTIN EDMONDS/GETTY IMAGES;CASTELLANOS: EDWARD A. ORNELAS /SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS; MITCHELL: DEAN MOUHTAROPOULOS/GETTY IMAGES;MENAYOTHIN: COURTESY OF THAIREC.COM; MORA: TIM ISBELL/SUN HERALD PREDICTIONS ARE MADE BY RING STAFF MEMBERS COMING UP MICHAEL ROSENTHAL, DOUG FISCHER AND BRIAN HARTY

Klitschko KO 7; Fischer – Klitschko KO 9; Harty – Bryant Jennings will Klitschko KO 4 have to buy another suitcase for his new APRIL 4 – Adonis Stevenson vs. belts if he beats , light heavyweights Wladimir Klitschko. (for Stevenson’s RING and WBC titles), City (CBS) APRIL 4 – vs. Carlos Molina, welterweights, (CBS) APRIL 4 – Artur Beterbiev vs. Gabriel Campillo, light heavyweights, Quebec City (CBS) APRIL 4 – Dave Ryan vs. Bradley Saunders, junior welterweights, Newcastle, England APRIL 11 – Orlando Salido vs. Roman Martinez, junior lightweights (for Salido’s WBO vs. William Prado, junior (33-2-1, 17 KOs) is 2-0 title), San Juan, MARCH featherweights, City, since he was stopped by APRIL 11 – Philippines Matthysse in May 2013. This vs. Dennis Tubieron, MARCH 21 – Juergen MARCH 28 – Carlos Cuadras is the second show in the NBC featherweights, Leeds, England Braehmer vs. , vs. Luis Concepcion, junior boxing series. APRIL 16 – Shinsuke light heavyweights, Rostock, bantamweights (for Cuadras’ Prediction: Rosenthal – Garcia Yamanaka vs. Diego Germany WBC title), Mexico KO 10; Fischer – Garcia UD; Santillan, bantamweights (for MARCH 21 – Denis Lebedev vs. Harty – Garcia UD Yamanaka’s WBC title), , Youri Kalenga, cruiserweights Japan. (for Lebedev’s WBA title), APRIL WLADIMIR APRIL 18 – Julio Cesar Chavez Moscow KLITSCHKO Jr. vs. Andrzej Fonfara, light MARCH 26 – Breidis Prescott DANNY GARCIA VS. BRYANT heavyweights, U.S. (Showtime) vs. Fredrick Lawson, VS. LAMONT JENNINGS APRIL 18 – Richar Abril vs. welterweights, Hialeah, Fla. PETERSON Date: April 25 , lightweights (ESPN2) Date: April 11 Location: Madison Square (for Abril’s WBA title), Liverpool, MARCH 28 – Kell Brook vs. Location: Barclays Center, Garden, New York City England , welterweights (for Brooklyn, N.Y. Division: Heavyweight (for APRIL 25 – Javier Mendoza Brook’s IBF title), , Division: 143-pound catch Klitschko’s RING, IBF, WBA and vs. Milan Melindo, junior England (SkySports in U.K.) weight (no titles at stake) WBO titles) flyweights (for Mendoza’s IBF MARCH 28 – Jhonny TV: NBC TV: HBO title), , Mexico Gonzalez vs. Gary Russell Jr., Watchability rating (up to Watchability rating (up to featherweights (for Gonzalez’s five stars): ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ five stars): ★ ★ ★ ★ WBC title), U.S. (Showtime) Significance: Klitschko (63-3, MAY MARCH 28 – Jermell Charlo Also fighting: Andy Lee vs. 53 KOs) will be fighting in the vs. Vanes Martirosyan, Peter Quillin, middleweights U.S. for the first time since he MAY 2 – Floyd Mayweather junior middleweights, U.S. (for Lee’s WBO title); Danny outpointed in Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao, (Showtime) Jacobs vs. Caleb Truax, 2008 at the Garden. Jennings welterweights (for

MARCH 28 – Donnie Nietes vs. middleweights (19-0, 10 KOs) might be in over Mayweather’s RING, WBA and MIKE STOBE/GETTY IMAGES Luis Ceja, junior flyweights (for Significance: Garcia (29-0, his head. The Philadelphian WBC and Pacquiao’s WBO Nietes’ RING and WBO junior 17 KOs) will be taking part in struggled to outpoint Mike titles), Las Vegas (PPV) flyweight titles), Pasay City, his first truly big fight since Perez last July and is clearly MAY 9 – Canelo Alvarez Philippines he beat Lucas Matthysse in still developing. vs. James Kirkland, junior MARCH 28 – Nonito Donaire September 2013. Peterson Prediction: Rosenthal – middleweights, (HBO)

96 RINGTV.COM / 5.15

the showdown with Corbett with iconic stature and a zero in his THE FIRST loss column. He was also a shopworn 33, though. Corbett was a fresh 26 when he stepped into the ring. And he brought with him a SUPERFIGHT new philosophy, one which emphasized skill and athleticism over the strength and brawn for which Sullivan was known. The result The frst superfght arguably was the meeting between the frst proved that times had changed. Corbett befuddled Sullivan with heavyweight champion of the gloved era, John L. Sullivan, and speed and skill before fnally stopping the great man in the 21st challenger James J. Corbett (right, in this composite illustration) round, making Corbett the second modern heavyweight champ on Sept. 7, 1892, at the Olympic Club in New Orleans. Sullivan, and the father of a more refned approach to the sport. “Gentleman the fearsome “Boston Strong Boy,” famously boasted that “I can Jim” would lose his title fve years later to while lick any man in the house” and almost always did. He entered Sullivan never fought again. They are both boxing legends.

98 RINGTV.COM / 5.15