Mike Tyson Deontay Wilder Horrible Judging Adonis

Home , Abner Mares, Acelino Freitas, Adonis Stevenson, Akira Yaegashi, Alejandra Oliveras, Aleksy Kuziemski

‘IRON’ MIKE TYSON

OF THE W ING OR NK LD A ’S R B E E IV S S T U F L I G C H X

T E

RING E

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U S O

ADONIS STEVENSON

CANADIAN SLUGGER FULFILLS EMANUEL STEWARD’S PROPHECY

DEONTAY WILDER JURY IS STILL OUT ON HIS FUTURE BUT THE MAN CAN WHACK

HORRIBLE JUDGING

SCOURGE OF THE SPORT CONTINUES TO REAR ITS UGLY HEAD JANUARY 2014 JANUARY HEAVY ISSUE

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January 2014 Features departments

4 RINGSIDE 80 5 OPENING SHOTS 10 COME OUT WRITING 13 ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES Jabs and Straight Writes by Thomas Hauser 18 BEST I’VE FACED: MIKE TYSON By Anson Wainwright 21 RING CARD GIRL 25 READY TO GRUMBLE By David Greisman 28 OUTSIDE THE ROPES By Brian Harty 30 RING RATINGS PACKAGE

Anthony Joshua is keeping good company.

90 LETTERS FROM EUROPE By Gareth A Davies 95 SWEET SCIENCE By Scott LaFee 98 NEW FACES By Mike Coppinger 100 WOMEN’S BOXING Adonis Stevenson By Thomas Gerbasi (left, knocking out 103 RINGSIDE REPORTS Chad Dawson) made a splash By Norm Frauenheim in 2013. 108 WORLDWIDE RESULTS 110 COMING UP 112 FROM THE ARCHIVE COVER STORY 74 POWER PLUS 114 AT THE FIGHTS 38 RING 100 JURY REMAINS OUT ON THE RING’S EXCLUSIVE ANNUAL DEONTAY WILDER, BUT HIS KO AT RINGTV.COM RANKING OF THE BEST IN BOXING STREAK IS INTRIGUING MALIGNAGGI-JUDAH Video: New Yorkers Paulie By David Greisman By Norm Frauenheim Malignaggi and Zab Judah discuss their Dec. 7 fght in 64 DECISION TIME 80 PROPHECY FULFILLED Brooklyn. GO TO: http://bit.ly/H6LWjf SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT ADONIS STEVENSON PROVES HIS or scan the QR Code. A RASH OF INEXPLICABLE SCORING LATE TRAINER RIGHT WITH VICTORIES By Ron Borges By Keith Idec HOPKINS ON BLACK FIGHTERS Senior statesman Bernard 70 SCALES OF JUSTICE 86 FIRST DOMINO? Hopkins, a future Hall of FIGHTERS’ INABILITY TO MAKE SIGNING OF U.S. AMATEUR STAR COULD Famer, said it is “a curse to be slick” these days. WEIGHT HAS BECOME A BIG PROBLEM BE THE START OF A TREND GO TO: http://bit.ly/1cz9GHs

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COVER PHOTO BY JEFF BOTTARI / GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS / GETTY IMAGES 1.14 / ringTV.COM 3 RINGSIDE By michael Rosenthal QUEST FOR Volume 93, NO. 1 | JANUARY 2014

FouNDeR THE BEST Nathaniel Fleischer (1888-1972)

electing the 100 best Three fighters were considered: eDitoR S fighters in the world and Timothy Bradley, Sergio Martinez Michael Rosenthal ranking them in order is and (even though he ended up ASSoCiAte eDitoR no easy task. at No. 7) Wladimir Klitschko. Douglass Fischer That’s why we called in David Bradley beat the RING’s No. 3 Greisman, Martin Mulcahey and fighter pound-for-pound to remain CoNtRibutiNg eDitoR Anson Wainwright to do the job. undefeated. Martinez hasn’t lost Brian Harty No one has a better handle on since 2009 but appears to be boxing’s minutiae than these three breaking down. And Klitschko ARt DiReCtoR boxing nerds … er, ace journalists, has been as dominating as anyone Lamar Clark who spend much more time than against inferior opposition. they should on YouTube watching Bradley won out, but we each CoVeR DeSigN fghts from around the had some doubt when we ANYONE™ COLLECTIVE world. moved on to other issues. RiNg CARD giRlS CooRDiNAtoR No surprise that they Who should round out Heather Shanholtz logged a ridiculous our Top 10, Nonito number of hours Donaire or Danny CoNtRolleR putting together the Garcia? Where should Deborah L. Harrison RING 100, spending Ruslan Provodnikov, 100 CiRCulAtioN DiReCtoR much of their existence who wasn’t on the list Kenneth J. Gudaitis for several weeks on last year, fall after his Boxrec.com and other sensational knockout of sites comparing the fighters. Mike Alvarado? Should Zab Judah ADVeRtiSiNg iNQuiRieS And to be clear, this is their list. and Arthur Abraham even be on Robert Gasparri 213-233-2952 Doug Fischer, editor of RingTV. the list? [email protected] com, and I wanted to provide We went back and forth on these some input because the project and many other issues – taking SubSCRiPtioN iNQuiRieS is a reflection of THE RING. into consideration what each SPoRtS AND eNteRtAiNmeNt PubliCAtioNS However, we deferred to our fighter has accomplished in recent P.O. BOx 433122 RING 100 Team in virtually all fights and the overall talent they Palm Coast, FL 32164-3122 instances. display – before deciding in the 1-800-846-6438 Nos. 1 and 2 were easy to select: most egalitarian manner where [email protected] Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Andre everyone belonged. bACk iSSueS Ward. After that, things got dicey. For the record: We acknowledge 215-643-3087 OR ONLINE AT Consider No. 3. Four of us – that this is far from an exact RINGTV.COM Greisman, Mulcahey, Wainwright science. We’re fairly certain that and I, who are separated by great the fighters near the top of the list DigitAl eDitioN iNQuiRieS distances – got on a conference call belong there, but the bulk of this [email protected] to go over the list before it was exercise was purely subjective. SeND eDitoRiAl CommeNtS to: fnalized. We must’ve discussed No. The point is to provoke [email protected] 3 for 15 minutes, an eternity given discussion among our readers. or P.O. BOx 251753, the length of the list. Once again, let the debate begin. Los Angeles CA, 90025

THE RING (ISSN: 0035-5410), Vol. 93, NO. 1 (JANUARY 2014), is published monthly by Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC, PO Box 90254 Brooklyn, NY 11209. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY 11209 and additional post offces. Postmasters: 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. and Canada (£4.95 in the UK). Subscription price $58.70 in the U.S., $127.10 in Canada and Mexico, $143.70 in remaining countries. Not responsible for the loss or non-return of unsolicited articles or photographs, which will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope bearing the proper amount of postage. The entire contents of this magazine are copyright ©2012 Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the content of advertisements appearing in this magazine, nor the delivery or quality of merchandise or services offered. No endorsement of any such advertisement is intended or implied. Advertisers and agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their advertisements. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRES AND RATES: (213) 233-2952. U.S. and Canadian distribution by Kable Distribution Services Inc., 14 Wall Street, Suite 4C, New York, NY 10022. International distribution by Worldwide Media Service Inc., 115 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010, UK distribution by Comag Tavistock Rd., West Drayton, Middlesex UB77QE, England. Printed in U.S.A. OPENING SHOTS

Sergio Martinez is a big fgure in his native Argentina, just not as big as the fellow pictured with him here. That’s Pope Francis, also of Argentina, speaking with

ASSOCIATED PRESS ASSOCIATED Martinez at the Vatican. 1.14 / ringTV.COM 5 Ruslan Provodnikov’s past two performances – a close, entertaining loss to Timothy Bradley and a knockout of Mike Alvarado (pictured here) – have made him a signifcant fgure in boxing. Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Doug Pensinger/Getty

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Bryan Vera (left) gave an overweight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. more trouble than anyone – including Chavez – expected on Sept. 28. Naoki Fukuda Naoki Fukuda

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COME OUT WRITING

SCORE ONE FOR six times in his career is stupid. service, and I love boxing. I just MARQUEZ Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Bradley gave up a Saturday afternoon I watched Timothy Bradley vs. Juan was much more controversial, and of good college football to Manuel Marquez live in Sweden. Pacquiao was gracious in defeat. watch Wladimir Klitschko- The Swedish commentator Roger He showed how a true sportsman Alexander Povetkin. What I saw Pettersson, who was an outstanding should carry himself. Marquez says was a taller, slimmer, smarter amateur, believed Marquez won the decision was bad for boxing, but grandmother lean on a short clearly. As did I. Yes, it was a close I think the poor sportsmanship he grandmother while a possible fight, but saying Bradley won clearly displayed was worse. professional wrestling referee makes me wonder if people have Victor Rivero looked on. No wonder HBO gone blind to make this guy a star. Pacifca, Calif. seldom shows Klitschko fghts. Marquez landed the harder punches. P.S.: Archie Moore refereed Why no credit for that? Bradley GARCIA my last fght, which I lost, in moved around laterally and landed INJUSTICE? Oakland, Calif., in 1958. jabs while Marquez cut off the ring Ron Schmucker with little movement. Palm Coast, Fla. Stefan Arvidsson Vendel, Sweden SHAME ON BOXING GOOD DECISION Allowing Billy Smith and his First of all, I’m a staunch supporter of brother, Ernie, to absorb beating Juan Manuel Marquez. So for me to after beating after beating (“Billy say that Timothy Bradley won their Smith and the Case Against fght fair and square quite frankly Boxing,” November 2013) was means a lot. In Marquez’s previous clearly unconscionable. Boxing fght, I believe Manny Pacquiao was should not be built upon a on his way to a TKO or unanimous foundation of human punching decision. So in short: It’s time for bags. Some boxers need to be Marquez to retire. protected from themselves. And Frank Santos they should be. San Diego Richard Haglund Mound City, Kan. WRONG How do you guys not have Danny APPROACH? Garcia in the Top 10 pound for FOR THE I don’t think Juan Manuel Marquez pound? He is the undefeated RECORD understands that boxing defensively champion of one the most As the result of a production and only with counterattacks often competitive divisions in the sport. error, the Manny Pacquiao- brings you to defeat. I think Marquez Compare his resume to that of Brandon Rios analysis in the lost clearly on points against Timothy Adrien Broner (No. 8 pound for December 2013 issue included Bradley. The judges have to reward the pound) or Canelo Alvarez (No. 9) the wrong text. For the correct boxer who attacks and looks to put and then do the right thing. version of the article, please go on a show. Joey Salande to bit.ly/182n3KZ or scan the Marcel Coromines Rierola New Orleans QR code. Barcelona, Spain THE RING NO FAN OF regrets the POOR KLITSCHKO error. SPORTSMANSHIP I am an 81-year-old man with a Juan Manuel Marquez often speaks 12-1 amateur record while in the of intelligence when talking about his fghts. However, saying he was robbed in his fght against Timothy Bradley WRITE TO THE RING! makes him sound the complete Come Out Writing, The Ring, P.O. Box 251753, Los Angeles, CA 90025 opposite of intelligent. He lost fair and [email protected] square. Claiming he has been robbed 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.

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the lighter side of a serious sport

The Fab Four were no match for The Greatest when they met in 1964.

jabs & straight writes By Thomas hauser COME The Beatles were introduced to America on The Ed Sullivan Show on Feb. 9, TOGETHER 1964. Virtually everyone in the United States knew that

Hulton Archive/Getty Images WHEN THE BEATLES MET CASSIUS CLAY the telecast was coming.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 13 roll with the punches

No one had a VHS player and says, ‘Are these mother- the dressing room opened and or DVR. The experience of ----s what all the people are there was a collective gasp.” watching and listening to the screaming about? My dog The Beatles had charisma. band perform live was shared plays drums better than that Clay had CHARISMA. simultaneously by 73 million kid with the big nose.’” “Hello there, Beatles,” Clay people in 45 percent of all Two day later, on Feb. 18, said. homes with a television set. Conrad arranged for the Then the Beatles and Clay That night, John Lennon, Paul Beatles to meet Cassius Clay. went to the ring and cavorted McCartney, George Harrison, “He didn’t know who they around, posing for photos, and Ringo Starr exploded into were,” Conrad said. “He had the most famous of which American culture and entered some idea they were rock stars shows the young men from the consciousness of a nation. from England, but that’s all.” Liverpool lined up and Clay Two days later, the The meeting took place at hitting Harrison with a jab, Beatles traveled by train the 5th Street Gym in Miami after which all four Beatles fell to Washington, D.C. Three Beach, where Clay was down like dominoes. thousand screaming fans training for the upcoming “I didn’t know it at the were there when the train fght. Robert Lipsyte, then time,” Lipsyte said. “None of arrived at Union Station. a young sports reporter for us could have. But The ’60s There was a reception in the The New York Times, was were blooming right there in Beatles’ honor at the British climbing the stairs to the front of me.” embassy and a sold-out second-foor gym when he As was often the case, concert at the 18,000-seat became aware of a commotion Lennon had the last word. Washington Coliseum. behind him. He turned and “They were all up in the Next, the Beatles returned saw four similarly-dressed ring together, talking about to New York for two young men about his age how much money they made,” performances at Carnegie Hall climbing the stairs in his wake. Conrad said. “Cassius pulled (the frst rock ’n’ roll shows It was the Beatles. out a line he used all the time. ever at that site). After that, At the entrance to the gym, He looked at them and said, they few to Florida, where the Beatles were told that Clay ‘You guys ain’t as dumb as The Ed Sullivan Show had hadn’t arrived yet. you look.’ Lennon looked him relocated to the Deauville “Let’s get the f--- out of right in the eye and told him, Hotel for one night. As they’d here,” Lennon said. ‘No, but you are.’” done a week earlier, the band Two security guards herded The Beatles returned to performed two sets. the group into a dressing room London on Feb. 22. Arriving Heavyweight champion and barred the door behind home, McCartney was asked Sonny Liston was in the them. Lipsyte was pushed in at Heathrow Airport about audience. Publicist Harold with them and recounts what the fans in America. Conrad had brought him happened next. “We expected them to be to The Deauville to be “The Beatles were in a foul very different,” he answered. introduced during the telecast mood,” he said. “The dressing “But they weren’t at all. The as a way of garnering publicity room was small and smelly, accent was the only thing.” for Liston’s Feb. 25 title and they didn’t want to be The Beatles had conquered defense at the Miami Beach there. I introduced myself America. Convention Center against with great self-importance as Two nights later, Cassius 7-to-1 underdog Cassius Clay. a reporter for The New York Clay knocked out Sonny “A couple of minutes after Times. John shook my hand Liston to claim the the Beatles started singing,” and told me he was Ringo, heavyweight championship of Conrad later recalled, “Sonny Paul said that he was John, the world. sticks an elbow in my ribs and so on. Then the door to “The ’60s” had begun.

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University of Arkansas Press. Arkansas of University historical record. historical compelling, is film The

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Ali (seated, second from left) in this photo? this in left) from second (seated, Ali Do you know the men who surround Muhammad Muhammad surround who men the know you Do rollroll withwith thethe punchespunches advaNCed What boxers are into outside the sport DEGREES By Anson Wainwright Degrees of separation between fghters of the past and their counterparts today. This month: The great Mickey Walker, who started SERGIO his career in 1919 and fought as light as 139 MARTINEZ pounds, to current heavyweight king Wladimir RING aNd WBC mIddleWeIGht klitschko – in only eight steps! tItleholdeR fRom aRGeNtINa MUSIC: calle 13. H CAR: chevrolet MIcKEy camaro zl1 (owns one). H FOOD: argentine-style steak. H TATTOOS: Dragon on his left arm. WALKER “resistencia” and “victoria” on each of his forearms. H FAVORITE fought ... ATHLETE OUTSIDE BOXING: soccer player lionel Messi. H MOVIE: El Expreso de Medianoche (Midnight Express). H VIDEO MAx GAME: “i don’t play video games.” SchMELING, who fought ... JOE LOUIS, who fought ... WILLIE ROcKy NELSON MARcIANO, JuNIoR mIddleWeIGht CoNteNdeR who fought ... fRom ClevelaNd MUSIC: r&b. H CAR: “i own a ARchIE 2004 chevy impala.” Doesn’t have MOORE, a dream car. H FOOD: Macaroni and cheese. H TATTOOS: 13 who fought ... of them. boxer on right arm holding up two belts, under which it says “sweat and blood.” angel with wings and his parents’ names on right shoulder, “my guardian angels watching over me.” H ATHLETE OUTSIDE BOXING: lebron James, kobe bryant, rajon rondo and Michael vick. H MOVIE: The Lion King. H VIDEO MUhAMMAd GAME: ALI, Resident Evil, Tekken. who fought ... TREVOR BERBIcK, SRISAKET who fought ... SOR hASIM RAhMAN, RUNGVISAI who fought ... WBC JuNIoR BaNtamWeIGht tItleholdeR fRom thaIlaNd MUSIC: clash (Thai rock band). “i like their style; they can be WLAdIMIR both aggressive and soft.” H CAR: “i own a honda car, and i am KLITSchKO planning to get a nice truck soon.” H FOOD: “i love som tum (papaya salad) in sisaket— very spicy and tasty.” H TATTOOS: “i have none. not my style.” H ATHLETE OUTSIDE BOXING: “somluk kamsing, the frst Thai to win an olympic gold medal and a genius Muay Thai fghter. he is still looking sharp in his 40s.” H MOVIE: Yam Yasothon, a Thai comedy. H VIDEO GAME: “i don’t

play any video games.” MuaysiaM rungvisai: fukuDa; naoki iMages; nelson: Jeff boTTari/geTTy iMages; MarTinez: Dennis groMbkoWski/bongarTs/geTTy The ring Magazine; kliTschko: Walker:

16 ringTV.COM / 1.14 A monthly boxing list:

This month: History’s best two The besT and worsT in boxing from The pasT monTh heavyweights from the same family. By Michael Rosenthal

101. Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko Good (106-5, 92 KOs): Brothers 2. Former heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis had a little fun recently Max and Buddy Baer (117-20-0, 98 KOs): Brothers when he suggested he might come out of retirement at 48 to face one of the Klitschko brothers, a fantastic notion that some British 3. Leon and Michael Spinks journalists took too seriously. Russian promoters reportedly had (57-18-3, 35 KOs): Brothers offered him $50 million. Lewis said that he’d do it for $100 million but was joking. He tweeted: “A hypothetical answer to 4. Joe and Marvis Frazier a hypothetical question does NOT equal reality #NoComeback. (51-6-1, 35 KOs): Father, son … I’m not stepping back in the ring but I AM looking for 5. Buster Mathis and Buster Jr. the next crop of new talent!” The latter part of the tweet was (51-6, 28 KOs): Father, son a reference to a new gym he plans to open in London. Lewis wants to develop fghters, not be one. I always admired Lewis 6. Muhammad and Rahman Ali for retiring after his hard-earned victory over Vitali Klitschko in (70-8-1, 44 KOs): Brothers 2003 and never looking back. The same with Joe Calzaghe, who 7. left the sport undefeated. More fghters should follow their lead. Tony and Nate Tubbs (65-14-0, 39 KOs): Brothers 8. Jack and Brian London Bad (132-60-6, 78 KOs): Father, son 9. Jerry and Bobby Quarry I have all the respect in the world for Juan Manuel Marquez, who has (62-21-6, 38 KOs): Brothers carved out a Hall of Fame career and remains elite at 40. That’s why I was so disappointed that he and trainer Nacho Beristain reacted 10. Tom and Peter McNeeley the way they did after Marquez lost a split decision to Timothy (84-21-0, 64 KOs): Father, son Bradley on Oct. 12. Most people thought the winner was Bradley, who seemed to get more work done. I had it 116-112 Note: Combined records are for all weights at which for Bradley. Marquez and Beristain saw it differently. “We came the two boxers fought. to win, and we did. The judges saw something else,” Marquez said immediately after the fght. Said Beristain: Marquez “made Bradley look ridiculous.” Such comments are acceptable if a fghter is clearly robbed, which obviously wasn’t the case here. At best, it was a close fght. The right thing to do was simply congratulate Bradley on a good fght. A MONTHLY POLL OF OUR RINGTV.COM READERS When we went to press, Floyd Mayweather Jr. had yet to select his next opponent. We were curious to see Worse what you thought. Thus, we asked: What fghter not The death of a fghter is always tragic. It is even more so when it named Manny Pacquiao would you like to see might’ve been prevented. Mexican Francisco Leal, 26, died on Oct. Floyd Mayweather Jr. face in his next fght? Here 22 in a San Diego hospital after he collapsed during a fght against is how you responded. Raul Hirales in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. That wasn’t the frst time Leal was taken from the ring on a stretcher. He was removed in the same manner after he was viciously knocked out by Evgeny THE PERCENTAGES: Gradovich in March 2012. He recovered from that trauma and Gennady Golovkin 25.6 Adrien Broner 5.4 returned to the ring, winning three of his four fghts leading up Sergio Martinez 19.5 Miguel Cotto 5.0 to his meeting with Hirales. Perhaps that means he was perfectly Timothy Bradley 18.7 Devon Alexander 1.0 healthy going into the fght that killed him. Perhaps he wasn’t. Danny Garcia 8.0 Peter Quillin 0.8 Perhaps damage suffered in the Gradovich fght played some Amir Khan 8.0 Brandon Rios 0.6 role in his demise. The point is this: We always wonder whether Ruslan Provodnikov 6.9 Marcos Maidana 0.5 we do enough to take care of the brave fghters. I wonder that about Leal. Note: 10,017 readers voted

11.13 / THE1.14 ring / ringTV.COm magazinE 17 BEST I’VE FACED MIKE TYSON

By Anson Wainwright

ike Tyson is remembered as one of the most feared M heavyweights of all time, a force of nature who at 20 became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. “Iron Mike” went on to unify all the titles within a year and become the king of boxing in the late 1980s, punctuating his monumental run with his historic knockout of then- unbeaten but terrifed Michael Spinks in 91 seconds. “The Michael Spinks fght was my best performance,” Tyson recently told THE RING. “I kept moving forward and threw a couple of great three-punch combinations. When I fnally caught him on the ropes, I remember turning southpaw in order to throw my right hand to the body and right uppercut.” Tyson’s reign didn’t last long. He was only 23 when 42-1 underdog

Mike Tyson said that the only man who beat him twice was the best he ever faced.

18 ringTV.COM / 1.14 The Ring Magazine than anyofuscould’veimagined obviously isinabetterstateofmind he continuestobattledemonsbut business ofpromotingf ghts. Mike Tyson He hasanew TV showcalled Undisputed Truth recent years. Hisone-manstageshow, himself asakinder, gentlersoulin the lastwe’dseeofhim. career thatsomebelievedwouldbe ignominious endingtoaremarkable him inhislastf ght, in2005, an Journeyman KevinMcBridestopped him apariahintheeyesofmany. behavior outsidetheringmade term andcrude, sometimesirrational off aportionofHolyf eld’s ear. as Tyson wasdisqualif ed forbiting infamous momentsinboxinghistory, following yearprovidedonethemost Holyf eld in1996. The rematchthe body titlesbeforelosingtoEvander route toregainingtwosanctioning- fanfare, settingboxoff ce recordsen in prison. of rapein1992andspentthreeyears bottomed outwhenhewasconvicted life spiralledoutofcontrol. Tyson of Tyson’sinvincibility. knockout in1990todestroythemyth of thecentury, scoring a10th-round Buster Douglaspulledofftheupset He returnedin1995togreat And itgotworsefromthereashis Tyson recentlyacknowledgedthat It wasn’t. Tyson hasreinvented That combinedwithhisprison . And hehasenteredthe , hasbeenasuccess. Being: Larry HolmeseventhoughIdidwin Larry Holmes: BEST DEFENSE keep from gettingtagged. I hadtobecertainslipwell Tucker: BEST JAB very toughtohitclean. excellent jab,movedwellandwas Tony Tucker: BEST BOXER demeanor. determination, workethic, Great champion,chin,heart, HolyfEvander eld: BEST OVERALL he facedin10keycategories. to speak THE RINGaboutthebest the other.” end tothediscussion–onewayor puncher. Iwouldhavelikedtoputan who wonderedwasthebigger RING. “There havebeenmanyfans George Foreman,” hetold THE boxing career? my partner, GarryJonas.” f ghters whoaresigningwithmeand what isbestforeachofthetalented said, “and Iamdedicatedtodoing when hewasathisworst. Tyson (50-6, 44knockouts)agreed “I wouldhavelikedtof ght Does hehaveanyregretsinhis “I havebeenthroughitall,” Tyson Tony Tucker (left). very goodboxing skillsof Tyson acknowledged the Onceagain,Tony Tucker. Hehadan Ihavetosay

inside thedistance.Hewasvery the clinches. toe withme.Hewasverystrong in Ribalta: STRONGEST a championforsevenyears. smartest ofall.Itcomeswith being Holmes: SMARTEST big shots. tough tosetupnearhimandthrow had thefastestfeet.Itwasvery Mitch Green: FASTEST FEET afraid tothrow them. combinations. Andhewasnot how quickheletgowiththose the fastesthands.Iwassurprised Tony Tubbs: FASTEST HANDS bad intentions. shots withbothhandsand Holyf eld: BEST PUNCHER for more. everything andkeptcomingback with everything,andhetook Jose Ribalta: BEST CHIN tough tohitcleanly. JoseRibaltastoodtoeto Larry Holmeswasthe Hethrew terrif c Tony Tubbs had IhitJoseRibalta I thinkMitchGreen 1.14/ RINGTV.COM 19

CARDCARD GIRL GIRL OF OFTHE MONTH BY HEATHERTHE MONTH SHANHOLTZ BY HEATHER SHANHOLTZ

Stephanie Ann Cook Height: 5 feet 6 inches Weight: 115 pounds Measurements: 34-26-34 Stance: Orthodox Favorite Boxer: Muhammad Ali Hometown: Rockford, Ill. Current Location: Las Vegas Where you’ve seen her: Corona ring girl for Showtime events, including Floyd Mayweather Jr. f ghts Booking Info: Please email crowned1sac@ yahoo.com or go to facebook.com/ stephanieanncook89 for bookings Dave Alan

THE RING MAGAZINE1.141.14/ / AUGUST / RINGTV.COM 2013 212121 Stephanie Ann Cook Dave Alan

1.14 / ringTV.COM 23 Dave Alan

THE RING CARD GIRL OF THE MONTH BY: HEATHER SHANHOLTZ

WWW.HEATHERSHANHOLTZ.COM | WWW.TWITTER.COM/HSHANHOLTZ | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MODELHEATHER DO YOU WANT TO BE A RING CARD GIRL OF THE MONTH? 24submitRINGTV.COM photos and / 1.14 bio to [email protected] READY TO GRUMBLE

Wladimir Klitschko (left) and Alexander Povetkin got to know each other a little too intimately during their Oct. 5 fght.

uhammad Ali once described his fabled M third fght with Joe CLUTCH Frazier as being the “closest thing to dying that I know of.” Some 38 years later, PERFORMER nearly to the date, two of the three best heavyweights of today WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO WAS produced 12 rounds of pain and TYPICALLY DOMINATING AGAINST suffering – but only for the fans. Wladimir Klitschko’s win ALEXANDER POVETKIN BUT over Alexander Povetkin will HIS LEANING AND HOLDING MADE nevertheless go down in history, FOR A HIDEOUS FIGHT though solely for being one of the worst heavyweight bouts of By David Greisman an era that hasn’t exactly been lacking in that category. It was a forgettable fght. If only that

ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images meant we could actually erase it

1.14 / ringTV.COM 25 READY TO GRUMBLE

from our memories. go for 36 minutes. didn’t perform poorly; he just Klitschko has been brutal, wasn’t able to do as well as often yet boringly so, in his reign as H as Bradley. champion. That’s not his fault. It’s At least Marquez doesn’t want just his style and his opponents’ If you’re wondering why the only to become a banker – he’s not lack of substance. The difference two Wladimir Klitschko fghts one for extending credit. between what he can do and that HBO has broadcast in recent what they cannot is so signifcant years were his wins over Povetkin H that he could essentially win with and David Haye, then you must one hand tied behind his back, not have seen those fghts. The silver lining to the cloud that is so long as he still has his jab and And if you haven’t seen them, the cold war between Top Rank left hook. He bludgeons from a don’t. and Golden Boy: distance, setting up his occasional So long as the promoters aren’t sledgehammer of a right hand. H working together, we won’t get He knocks the resistance out of a rematch between Bradley and his opponents, then knocks most According to Juan Manuel Devon Alexander. of them out. Marquez, he’s been robbed nearly That wasn’t what we got in as many times as 50 Cent has H October in Moscow. Klitschko- been shot. Povetkin was merely fguratively The rapper took nine bullets. Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar brutal, thanks to Klitschko The boxer is referencing six Chavez Jr. have lots in common. pulling out his old trick (one also bouts: decision losses to Freddie They built up sizable used by Lennox Lewis) of using Norwood, Chris John, Manny Mexican and Mexican- his height as a tool to lean his Pacquiao (twice), a draw with American fan bases on the weight atop Povetkin while on Pacquiao, and now the short end basis of promotional gimmicks the inside. Perhaps it was because of a split verdict against Timothy – Alvarez is red-headed and Povetkin had more speed and Bradley. freckle-faced, Chavez Jr. is the posed more of a threat than most In one way, they do resemble namesake son of his famous of Klitschko’s foes. robberies: Marquez put his hands fighter father. They are The Klitschko’s clinching was up and left with nothing. Hair and The Heir. offensive, in both defnitions of Several of those six fghts They turned pro while still the term. It was excessive and were close, though, and teenagers, building up gaudy effective. At times, he literally could have gone either way. records but becoming good reached out to grab and lean It’s understandable that his enough (if there’s such a thing) on Povetkin. He wore Povetkin competitive nature and pride to win world titles. They each down. He shouldn’t have mean that he cannot accept the were undefeated with more been allowed to. Nor should idea that someone else was better than 40 victories when they he have needed to. Klitschko than him. took huge steps up from their very well could have won with That’s not to say that Marquez previous level of competition, his athleticism and skills and doesn’t have a case in some of challenging the best fighters in intelligence. Instead, this bout those losses for being the victor their division. They each lost was more insult than assault. rather than the victim. Yet one-sided bouts. There wasn’t excitement, just whenever he’s not the winner, It doesn’t matter much excrement. he becomes a whiner. For a that Chavez scored a hard I plant my tongue frmly in man who wants to become an knockdown in the final round cheek when I say this: Klitschko accountant, Marquez did a poor against Sergio Martinez. held onto the title with a gripping job of keeping track of how many Martinez outboxed him for performance. rounds he actually won clearly a majority of the previous 11 Klitschko’s professional against Bradley. rounds. Nor do the scorecards accomplishment coincided with Bradley boxed smart against for Alvarez’s fight with Floyd Ethan Miller/Getty Images a personal one: He got engaged the ultimate smart boxer, using Mayweather Jr. indicate reality. to his actress girlfriend, Hayden his speed, movement, activity Mayweather clearly won. Panettiere. After he proposed, she and awkward style to dart and Yet while Alvarez wasn’t hugged him, and he wouldn’t let deliver and dodge. Marquez embarrassed against

26 ringTV.COM / 1.14 Juan Manuel Marquez has an infated opinion of his performance against Timothy Bradley.

Mayweather, it’s Chavez who and enough of the physical tools carries currency. continues to embarrass himself. necessary to succeed. Yet he Chavez could still go on It’s Alvarez who appears drove drunk, tested positive once to face super middleweight to continue to be working to for a banned diuretic and another champion Andre Ward. improve and contend. His fans time for marijuana, ballooned in Alvarez will soon return frst focked to him because of his weight, forced multiple changes against other top junior gimmick. They’ve remained with to the weight limit for his bout middleweights. him because they believe in him. with Bryan Vera and then Beyond that, it’s likely only It’s Chavez, meanwhile, who benefted from being heavier in Alvarez still has a future seemingly spends more time his controversial decision over in the sport. Chavez would being a train wreck than he does Vera. And he gets away with have much less of one if not training. He has the genetics all of this because his name still for his father’s past.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 27 OUTSIDE THE ROPES By Brian Harty

This is the tall and short of Steelhammer.” Those two are in who had attracted media attention for it: Wladimir love! And they made it offcial in being openly gay, lost the fght but Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere October, four days after Klitschko wore the trunks. The sun successfully are in love. hugged his way to a different sort of rose the next morning. win against Alexander Povetkin, when Panettiere showed up on Live Cruiserweight Guillermo Jones was With Kelly and Michael with her fnger stripped of his title and retroactively adorned with a diamond the size of suspended by the WBA for a positive a Corn Nut (or Grape-Nut, if you’re diuretic test following his May 17 win Wladimir) and confrmed that they are over Denis Lebedev in Russia. A engaged to be married. A date hadn’t rematch is in the works, but Lebedev yet been set. will get the title in the meantime. …

Middleweight champ Sergio Junior featherweight Francisco Martinez presented Pope Francis “Frankie” Leal died of his injuries in with an honorary WBC belt and later a San Diego hospital three days after sat down for a private audience being knocked out by Raul Hirales with the pontiff in Vatican City – on Oct. 19 in Mexico. The Hirales the frst pro boxer to do so since fght was the ffth since Leal had been Muhammad Ali met with Pope taken from the ring on a stretcher John Paul II in 1982. Beforehand, after another brutal KO, at the hands Martinez called the meeting with his of Evgeny Gradovich in Texas. Leal A COMPELLING fellow Argentine a dream come true, was 26. and said he hoped to discuss his MATCHUP campaigns against childhood bullying In Norway, where professional and domestic violence, as well as ask boxing has been outlawed since et’s be frank. When we look for “blessings and spiritual protection 1981, incoming government electees at Wladimir Klitschko to all of those who enter the ring.” say they intend to lift the ban, L and Hayden Panettiere though bouts will be limited to 12 standing next to each other, we all Producer Anthony Lawrence Dash minutes and fighters will be required think about one thing. lost his $150,000 copyright lawsuit to wear headgear. Panettiere is 24 and Klitschko against Floyd Mayweather Jr., in is 37. That’s not so unusual. which he claimed Mayweather had And staying in Scandinavia for Panettiere is a successful all- stolen a beat for his walk-in music an update: Swedish star Frida American actress and Klitschko is a during a WWE matchup with the Big Wallberg announced via Facebook successful Ukrainian prizefghter. It’s Show in 2008. in late September that she had an unlikely duo, maybe, but they’re gotten “spaghetti legs” and collapsed both bright, famous, good looking Miguel Cotto also came up short in during rehabilitation exercises. The and seem like nice people, so again, court, which might’ve had something former junior lightweight titleholder not all that weird. to do with the rage he unleashed on was knocked out by Diana Prazak What splits us between awe and Delvin Rodriguez a few days later. in June and was immediately taken alarm is the obvious: Panettiere, who Evangelista Cotto, Miguel’s uncle to the hospital, where she spent the started in soap operas and went and former trainer, was dismissed next day in a coma following surgery mainstream after her role in the TV from the fghter’s camp following a for a cerebral hemorrhage. Though series Heroes, is very small. Petite. brawl in 2009 but sued for a portion her boxing career is over, Wallberg Anywhere from 5 feet, ¼ inch to of his nephew’s earnings and was said she’ll continue to train under her 5-foot-2, depending on who’s telling. awarded $2 million in 2012. Miguel doctors’ advice, albeit at a slower Klitschko, the reigning RING, WBA, lost the appeal. pace. IBF and WBO heavyweight champion, As a heartening footnote, female

is a giant man-tank. Together they Cotto offered his support, however, to MMA star Ronda Rousey rallied her Jemal Countess/Getty Images resemble a ventriloquism act. It just Orlando Cruz, who angered some Armbar Nation with an auction that makes you imagine ... stuff. fans when he announced his plans raised more than $2,000 to support But get your mind out of the to wear a rainbow-ized Puerto Rican Wallberg’s recovery. gutter! That’s all private between fag on his trunks for the fght with See? MMA and boxing can get Hayden and “Dr. ... (ahem) ... Orlando Salido on Oct. 12. Cruz, along.

28 ringTV.COM / 1.14

For period ending RATINGS PACKAGE oCT. 20 fighter of the month | ratings analysis | pound-for-pound | the ring ratings

Timothy Bradley was in control of his fght against Juan Manuel Marquez enough to showboat a little.

Timothy Bradley just wants FIGHTER to be considered one of the best OF THE TIMOTHY fghters in the world. He earned that distinction on Oct. 12. MONTH Bradley received backlash, not Ethan Miller/Getty Images credit, after he outpointed Manny Pacquiao in a fght most people BRADLEY believe the Filipino star won in June 2012. And while his victory over By Michael Rosenthal Ruslan Provodnikov this past March

30 ringTV.COM / 1.14 was immensely entertaining, it POUND FOR POUND: Timothy Bradley Ukrainian Max Bursak entered at No. 10. was Bradley’s resilience more than (No. 8 last month) has been telling us his ability that stood out. all along how good he is. He illustrated JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS: Miguel Cotto Against Juan Manuel Marquez, the point beautifully with a split-decision (No. 4 last month) swapped spots with Bradley simply outboxed THE win over Juan Manuel Marquez on Oct. No. 3 Erislandy Lara after knocking out RING’s No. 3-rated fghter pound 12. Marquez gave up his No. 3 spot to Delvin Rodriguez (unrated) less than nine for pound to claim without Bradley and fell to No. 6, while Manny minutes after the opening bell. controversy a split-decision Pacquiao (No. 6 last month) and Adrien victory and his place among the Broner (No. 7) both dropped a notch. WELTERWEIGHTS: Bradley (No. 4 last best in the business. month) earned the No. 1 spot and a lot Bradley (31-0, 12 knockouts) HEAVYWEIGHTS: Wladimir Klitschko of overdue credit with his skillful decision used his jab and quick feet (champion last month and every month win over Marquez. Marquez, Pacquiao to control most of the fight, since June 2009) crushed Alexander and Kell Brook (Nos. 1-3 last month) moving in and out to land Povetkin (No. 1 last month), literally, on each dropped a spot. scoring blows and keep Marquez his way to a tedious UD win. Povetkin (55-7-1, 40 KOs) off balance. dropped to No. 2, pushing David Haye JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS: Ruslan Then, when Marquez adjusted down a notch, and Kubrat Pulev (No. Provodnikov (No. 6 last month) showed and became more effective, 3 last month) became the new No. a zest for demolition in his 10th-round Bradley got enough done to 1. Ruslan Chagaev replaced Tony TKO of an all-heart Mike Alvarado (No. 3 preserve the victory. Thompson at No. 10 after a decision win at the time). Provodnikov jumped to No. And it defnitely wasn’t over Jovo Pudar (unrated). 2 and Alvarado fell to No. 4 behind Amir controversial even if you were one Khan. of the few who believe Marquez CRUISERWEIGHTS: Unrated Russian eked out a victory. Patricia Morse Grigory Drozd knocked out Mateusz LIGHTWEIGHTS: No change. Jarman and Robert Hoyle scored Masternak (No. 6 at the time) in the it 116-112 and 115-113 for 11th round and took his spot in the JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS: No change. Bradley while Glenn Feldman had ratings. Masternak dropped to No. 10, it 115-113 for Marquez. ousting Thabiso Mchunu. Panamanian FEATHERWEIGHTS: No change. The following Monday, Bradley Guillermo Jones (No. 3 last month) was jumped from No. 8 to No. 3 on dropped from the list after the WBA JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS: Scott Quigg the pound-for-pound list. offcially stripped him for a positive drug dropped from No. 5 to No. 8 after a “I feel that I’m fnally going test following a May victory over Denis draw with unrated Cuban Yoandris to get my just due,” Bradley Lebedev (No. 5 last month) in Russia. Salinas, which moved Vic Darchinyan, said afterward. “I feel that I am Lebedev claimed the No. 3 spot (and the Kiko Martinez and Victor Terrazas up fnally one of the best fghters title), raising Nos. 6-10 one notch each a spot each. Carl Frampton (No. 3 last in the world. And the fact that and leaving room for Mchunu to return. month) rose to No. 2 with a sixth-round everybody thought that I won the knockout of unrated Frenchman Jeremy fght, that’s fantastic.” LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS: Division champ Parodi. Of course the future has never Adonis Stevenson showed he has been brighter for the “Desert more than just a big punch, thoroughly BANTAMWEIGHTS: No change. Storm,” a nickname derived from outboxing and then stopping Tavoris his hometown of Palm Springs, Cloud, who fell from No. 3 to No. 5. JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS: No change. Calif. Up next could be the winner of Pacquiao-Brandon Rios SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS: No change. FLYWEIGHTS: Juan Carlos Reveco (No. 8 or Provodnikov again or even last month) rose to No. 7 after defending Floyd Mayweather Jr. if the rival MIDDLEWEIGHTS: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. his WBA title with a shutout eight-round promoters can somehow come to (No. 6 last month) was dropped after he technical decision over Ricardo Nunez an agreement. proved himself unable to make even 168 (unrated). All of the above big-money pounds against Bryan Vera. Everyone fghts would be compelling in below him moved up a notch, and New JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS: No change. part because Bradley, a legitimate Yorker Curtis Stevens flled in at No. 10. pound-for-pounder, would be one Later, Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (No. 9 last STRAWWEIGHTS: No change. of the principals. month) was removed for inactivity, and

1.14 / ringTV.COM 31 AS OF OCT. 20 FOR WEEKLY UPDATED RING RATINGS, GO TO RINGTV.COM

Sometimes it seems as if Bernard Hopkins is from a different planet. Here, “The Alien” is making his ring walk for his f ght against Karo Murat.

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

32 RINGTV.COM / 1.14 MIDDLEWEIGHTS JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS WELTERWEIGHTS JR. WELTERWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 160 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 154 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 147 LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: 140 LBS

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

HOW OUR RATINGS ARE COMPILED

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

1.14 / RINGTV.COM 33 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 AKIRA YAEGASHI C VACANT Japan | 18-3-0 (9 KOs) 1. ANSELMO MORENO 1. OMAR NARVAEZ 1. JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA 1. ROMAN GONZALEZ Panama | 34-2-1 (12 KOs) Argentina | 40-1-2 (21 KOs) Mexico | 25-2-0 (18 KOs) Nicaragua | 36-0-0 (30 KOs) 2. SHINSUKE YAMANAKA 2. JUAN CARLOS SANCHEZ JR. 2. BRIAN VILORIA 2. DONNIE NIETES Japan | 19-0-2 (14 KOs) Mexico | 17-1-1 (9 KOs) U.S. | 32-4-0 (19 KOs) Philippines | 31-1-4 (17 KOs) 3. KOKI KAMEDA 3. CARLOS CUADRAS 3. HERNAN MARQUEZ 3. MOISES FUENTES Japan | 31-1-0 (17 KOs) Mexico | 28-0-0 (23 KOs) Mexico | 36-3-0 (26 KOs) Mexico | 18-1-1 (9 KOs) 4. MALCOLM TUNACAO 4. SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI 4. MORUTI MTHALANE 4. KAZUTO IOKA Philippines | 33-3-3 (20 KOs) Thailand | 22-3-1 (20 KOs) S. Africa | 29-2-0 (20 KOs) Japan | 13-0-0 (9 KOs) 5. HUGO RUIZ 5. TEPPARITH SINGWANCHA 5. EDGAR SOSA 5. ADRIAN HERNANDEZ Mexico | 33-2-0 (29 KOs) Thailand | 24-3-0 (14 KOs) Mexico | 49-7-0 (29 KOs) Mexico | 28-2-1 (17 KOs) 6. JOSEPH AGBEKO 6. RYO AKAHO 6. TOSHIYUKI IGARASHI 6. JOHNRIEL CASIMERO Ghana | 29-4-0 (22 KOs) Japan | 20-1-2 (13 KOs) Japan | 18-2-1 (11 KOs) Philippines | 18-2-0 (10 KOs) 7. JAMIE MCDONNELL 7. ARTHUR VILLANUEVA 7. JUAN CARLOS REVECO 7. PEDRO GUEVARA U.K. | 21-2-1 (9 KOs) Philippines | 23-0-0 (13 KOs) Argentina | 32-1-0 (17 KOs) Mexico | 20-1-1 (13 KOs) 8. JULIO CEJA 8. OLEYDONG SITHSAMERCHAI 8. MILAN MELINDO 8. FELIX ALVARADO Mexico | 25-1-0 (23 KOs) Thailand | 50-1-1 (17 KOs) Philippines | 29-1-0 (12 KOs) Nicaragua | 18-0-0 (15 KOs) 9. TOMOKI KAMEDA 9. FELIPE ORUCUTA 9. ROCKY FUENTES 9. ALBERTO ROSSEL Japan | 28-0-0 (18 KOs) Mexico | 28-2-0 (23 KOs) Philippines | 35-6-2 (20 KOs) Peru | 31-8-0 (13 KOs) 10. PAULUS AMBUNDA 10. DAIKI KAMEDA 10. LUIS CONCEPCION 10. NAOYA INOUE Namibia | 20-1-0 (10 KOs) Japan | 29-3-0 (18 KOs) Panama | 30-3-0 (22 KOs) Japan | 4-0-0 (3 KOs)

STRAWWEIGHTS WEIGHT LIMIT: 105 LBS

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. Molina: Chris Trotman/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images by country rated fighters uZbekistan uganda spain romania peru namibia malaWi kaZakhstan jamaica indonesia ghana finland denmark congo colombia china cameroon bulgaria puerto rico panama armenia poland 3 nicaragua dominican republic australia ukraine thailand canada south africa germany cuba argentina russia philippines japan united kingdom mexico united states (welterweight andlightweight). and welterweight) Adrien Broner Mayweather Jr. (juniormiddleweight * Includestwo ratings forFloyd

31 * 10 16 18 29 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 9 1 1 1 1 them only in their primary divisions. them onlyintheirprimary in two divisionsatpress time. However, wecounted Note:Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Adrien Bronerwererated total straWWeights junior flyWeights flyWeights 0 junior bantamWeights bantamWeights uirfahregt 1 junior featherWeights featherWeights junior lightWeights lightWeights uirWleWihs 2 junior WelterWeights WelterWeights 3 junior middleWeights middleWeights super middleWeights light heaVyWeights cruiserWeights heaVyWeights DIVISION compare, dividedby theMississippiriver. large numberofgoodfghters.Here’s how theregions coast, withastrongboxingtradition, outa alsoturns Las Vegas stillthecityofbigfghts.However, theEast u.S., withLos Angeles producingmanyelitefghtersand the West coastappearstobethehubofboxingin east Vs. West 30 ormore united states nicaragua canada mexico panama

argentina 20 -29 ET EAST WEST 5 14 15 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 3 1 0 0 1 cuba united kingdom puerto rico dominican republic germany south africa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 2 2 0 3 0 0 10 -19 dOMiNaNCe diVisiON breaks down. divisions? nocontest.It’s Mexico. Here’s how it tied forthemost)inhighestnumberof hasthemostrated fghters(or Which country 1 1 1 1 3 4 4 7 ThaIland (115) (200) russIa poland(200) GerMany(200) Japan (130, 118 and 105) u.s. (175, 154, 147 and 140) u.K. (heavyweIGhT, 168, 160 and 122) MexICo(135pounds, 130, 126, 122, 115, 112 middleweight division. Mexico inthejunior Carlos Molinarepresents New IBFtitleholder poland and 108) 5 -9 thailand ukraine armenia austrailia 1.14 /ringTV.COM russia 2 -4 philippines japan 35 THROUGH FIGHTS OF OCT. 20

FOCUS ON …

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS 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 f ghters on the cusp of breaking through. This weight classes. Aging Sergio month: the 168-pounders. Martinez is hanging onto his old-school position on two of our three lists.

MICHAEL ROSENTHAL RING MAGAZINE EDITOR HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: ANDRE WARD MIDDLEWEIGHT: SERGIO MARTINEZ WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. LIGHTWEIGHT: TAKASHI UCHIYAMA FEATHERWEIGHT: GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX BANTAMWEIGHT: ANSELMO MORENO FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ

DOUG FISCHER RINGTV.COM EDITOR HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: ANDRE WARD James DeGale is a MIDDLEWEIGHT: GENNADY GOLOVKIN relative newcomer to the super WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. middleweight ratings. LIGHTWEIGHT: MIGUEL VAZQUEZ FEATHERWEIGHT: CHRIS JOHN BANTAMWEIGHT: ANSELMO MORENO MOST WEEKS RATED: LUCIAN BUTE 392 FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ FEWEST WEEKS RATED: JAMES DEGALE 20

OLDEST: CARL FROCH 36 Degale: Martinez: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images; Al Bello/Getty Images LEM SATTERFIELD STAFF WRITER YOUNGEST: THOMAS OOSTHUIZEN 25 HEAVYWEIGHT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO MOST FIGHTS: MIKKEL KESSLER 49 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: ANDRE WARD FEWEST FIGHTS: DEGALE 17 MIDDLEWEIGHT: SERGIO MARTINEZ BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE: (TIE) WARD, GEORGE GROVES, EDWIN RODRIGUEZ 100 PERCENT WELTERWEIGHT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. WORST WINNING PERCENTAGE: SAKIO BIKA 82 PERCENT LIGHTWEIGHT: MIGUEL VAZQUEZ MOST KOS: KESSLER 35 FEATHERWEIGHT: CHRIS JOHN FEWEST KOS: DEGALE 11 BANTAMWEIGHT: ANSELMO MORENO LONGEST WINNING STREAK: KESSLER 39 FIGHTS FLYWEIGHT: ROMAN GONZALEZ ON THE POUND-FOR-POUND LIST: WARD NO. 2 Note: This is how the weights break down: Heavy- WARD (RING, WBA), FROCH (IBF), BIKA (WBC) AND ROBERT TITLEHOLDERS IN THE TOP 10: weight includes cruiserweight, light heavyweight STIEGLITZ (WBO) includes super middleweight, all divisions mid- ON THE CUSP (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER): ANDRE DIRRELL, BRANDON GONZALES, EZEQUIEL dleweight through f yweight include the “junior” MADERNA, MARCO ANTONIO PERIBAN AND MAXIM VLASOV versions, and f yweight also includes strawweight.

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#74 #48 #95 ALEXANDER/QUILLIN/GOLOVKIN/LARA: NAOKI FUKUDA; CRUZ: HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES; DONAIRE: AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES; HUCK: KARINA HESSLAND/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES; CHAVEZ: JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES; FRAMPTON/BUTE: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES; SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES; FRAMPTON/BUTE: IMAGES; CHAVEZ: KARINA HESSLAND/BONGARTS/GETTY AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES; HUCK: HOW/GETTY IMAGES; DONAIRE: HARRY NAOKI FUKUDA; CRUZ: ALEXANDER/QUILLIN/GOLOVKIN/LARA: We know who the best boxer is. It’s Floyd Mayweather Jr., who has been atop or near the top of the sport for years. Selecting the best 100 f ghters for the annual RING 100 takes a lot more time for discussion and debate. After all, there are 17 weight classes, four major sanctioning bodies and bouts taking place year-round on six continents. Fortunately, technology has made it easier to watch the f ghts, to know more about who’s who and what happened. And fortunately, there are faithful f ght fans who enjoy everything between strawweight and heavyweight, watching matches airing from every corner of the globe. This year, writers David Greisman, #25 #42 Martin Mulcahey and Anson Wainwright took on what amounted to an extended water-cooler conversation, with nearly two months of argument and agreement about who they felt the Top 100 f ghters are OUR ANNUAL RANKING and what order they should be in. Every week brought more f ghts OF THE BEST FIGHTERS and more changes. And even after the RING 100 was wrapping up, there IN THE WORLD was still debate about everything Compiled By David Greisman, Martin Mulcahey and from how high a ranking Wladimir Anson Wainwright. Written By Greisman. Klitschko deserves to where in the rankings Mike Alvarado and Ruslan Provodnikov needed to be moved to after their f ght. Alvarado-Provodnikov and the various results up until Oct. 20 #19 #68 were the cutoff for this year’s RING 100. It’s a subjective list, of course. Left alone, Greisman and Mulcahey and Wainwright would have different rankings. What you have in front of you is a good look at this sport’s numerous champions, titleholders, contenders and prospects, with many on their way up and others making their way out. We expect a mix of argument and agreement from you. After all, that is one of the fun things about making a list like this.

Note: The RING 100 was produced by con- tributors separately from the off cial RING Ratings. Thus, the Top 10 doesn’t match the off cial RING pound-for-pound list.

1.14 / RINGTV.COM 39 100 THROUGH FIGHTS OF OCT. 20

1. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. The Rundown: Welterweight/junior middleweight with the RING and WBC titles at 147 and RING, WBA and WBC titles at 154 ★ Record: 45-0 (26 knockouts) ★ Last year’s ranking: 1 The Reasons: Countless f ghters have successful runs. None has won for as long a period of time at such a high level. It’s not just about Mayweather’s refrain of “45 have tried and 45 have failed.” Rather, it’s the 19 wins over current and former world titleholders, the belts he’s picked up from 130 through 154 and the fourth lineal championship he earned with September’s majority decision victory over Canelo Alvarez. At the age of 36, he’s still head and shoulders above younger opponents and capable veterans — and each win pads his bank account further for the day he f nally hangs up his gloves. The Future: If history is any indication, Mayweather will headline on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas on a Showtime pay-per-view.

Selecting the No. 1 f ghter in the world was easy. That wasn’t the case for much of the rest of the list.

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2. ANDRE WARD The Rundown: Super middleweight with the RING and WBA titles ★ Record: 26-0 (14 KOs) ★ Last year: 3 The Reasons: Ward promptly staked his claim to super middleweight superiority at the outset of the “Super Six” when he beat Mikkel Kessler, then cemented it by winning all of his tournament bouts and topping Carl Froch in the f nale. That made him the best at 168, and a year later he beat the man then regarded as the best light heavyweight, Chad Dawson, who was coming down from 175. Ward is seen as having the complete package of skills and smarts. The Dawson f ght showed he not only is adept at defense but also at dissecting his foes and then disposing of them. The Future: Ward was scheduled to face Edwin Rodriguez on Nov. 16 in his f rst f ght in more than 14 months, the result of a severely injured shoulder suffered in sparring.

3. TIMOTHY BRADLEY ★ ★ MAYWEATHER COURTESY OF SHOWTIME; WARD: EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES; BRADLEY: KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/GETTY IMAGES; MARTINEZ: JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MARQUEZ: AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES. The Rundown: Welterweight with the WBO title Record: 31-0 (12 KOs) Last year: 8 The Reasons: Bradley has held world titles at junior welterweight and welterweight for more than f ve years now, defeating Junior Witter and Kendall Holt, outperforming Lamont Peterson, outpointing Devon Alexander and then taking a highly controversial split decision over Manny Pacquiao and a debated unanimous decision over Ruslan Provodnikov. It’s a very good run, but respect eluded him. The Alexander f ght was panned for its ugly clash of styles. Few felt he deserved the nod against Pacquiao. And his war with Provodnikov came because he disregarded his game plan. He was out on his feet and f ghting on pure instinct and guts during the bout. Yet his skills and a smart strategy brought him a big win against Juan Manuel Marquez in October, a performance that demands respect and aff rms his placement among the sport’s best. The Future: Bradley’s next opponent had not yet been decided.

4. SERGIO MARTINEZ The Rundown: Middleweight with the RING and WBC titles ★ Record: 51-2-2 (28 KOs) ★ Last year: 4 The Reasons: Martinez has excelled even though he’s smaller than the other top middleweights and older than the other titleholders and contenders. He has now been champion and made more successful defenses than the two previous claimants to the 160-pound throne, Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor. Since outpointing Pavlik in 2010, Martinez has knocked out Paul Williams, Sergei Dzinziruk, Darren Barker and Matthew Macklin, and won decisions over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Martin Murray. He became better with age, though the wear and tear of years in the sport have begun to show in the form of injuries. The Future: Martinez took the remainder of 2013 off after reinjuring his left hand and right knee against Murray. The middleweight division continued on without him, with the power-punching Gennady Golovkin anointed as a potential future opponent and heir apparent. A bout with Miguel Cotto is another possibility.

5. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ The Rundown: Welterweight ★ Record: 55-7-1 (40 KOs) ★ Last year: 6 The Reasons: His pursuit of Manny Pacquiao, and of the popularity that eluded him while Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera became icons, forced him to become a more entertaining f ghter and made him an established attraction. He scored knockouts and captured world titles while following Pacquiao up in weight. He lost disputed decisions in the second and third Pacquiao bouts but emphatically turned the tables on his rival in the fourth f ght with a single right hand. Even his defeats over the past decade, including a robbery against Chris John and a one-sided loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr., haven’t diminished his legacy. Marquez’s career path has paralleled the way his f ghts go: He adjusted and found a way to win. He couldn’t f nd a way to beat Timothy Bradley in October, though, dropping a split decision against a very good, skilled opponent. The Future: Marquez’s next step, should his career continue, hadn’t been announced.

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6. MANNY PACQUIAO The Rundown: Welterweight H Record: 54-5-2 (38 KOs) H Last year: 2 The Reasons: You wouldn’t expect a fghter who lost two in a row to still be rated in this spot. Pacquiao, however, remains highly regarded despite the defeats thanks to the spectacular seven-year streak of victories that preceded them and the manner in which he lost (and to whom). Going into 2012 he had won 15 in a row, eight of those by knockout, capturing RING championships at 130 and 140 and sanctioning-body titles at 135, 147 and 154, and vaulting deservedly toward the top of pound-for-pound lists. Then came a highly controversial split-decision defeat to Timothy Bradley, followed by a one-punch knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez. The Future: Pacquiao was scheduled to face Brandon Rios at welterweight on Nov. 23.

7. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO The Rundown: Heavyweight with the RING, IBF, WBA and WBO titles H Record: 61-3 (51 KOs) H Last year: 7 The Reasons: Long gone are the days of watching Klitschko’s fghts and waiting for the one shot that would bring him toppling down in failure once again. Rather, we recognize Klitschko’s reign, one that has seen him go undefeated for nearly a decade. He has pummeled his way to 19 straight victories over titleholders, contenders and sacrifcial lambs, and he has made 15 consecutive successful defenses of his sanctioning body belts, including a dominant (though even more aesthetically displeasing than usual) decision over Alexander Povetkin in October. This is the Wladimir Klitschko Era, though he’d gladly say that he shares the throne with his older brother, Vitali. The Future: Klitschko’s next fght had not yet been set.

8. GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX The Rundown: Junior featherweight with the RING, WBA and WBO titles H Record: 12-0 (8 KOs) H Last year: 17 The Reasons: It didn’t take long for the acclaimed amateur and two-time Olympic gold medalist to make a splash once he fnally entered the pro ranks. Rigondeaux won a world title in his ninth bout and successfully defended it twice before stepping way up in level of opposition to face Nonito Donaire. He took a clear win over 2012’s Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year, displaying defensive skills and boxing ability that will prove diffcult against anyone intent on challenging him. The Future: Rigondeaux is expected to return against Joseph Agbeko on Dec. 7.

9. CARL FROCH The Rundown: Super middleweight with the IBF title H Record: 31-2 (22 KOs) H Last year: 12 The Reasons: Froch has fought one of the toughest slates of opponents over the past fve years, beginning with a decision over Jean Pascal and continuing through the Super Six tournament and the two years since his loss in the fnale to Andre Ward. His only losses have come against Ward and Mikkel Kessler, the latter avenged in a rematch last May. He has also topped Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Arthur Abraham, Glen Johnson and Lucian Bute. Froch is a rarity: a face-forward brawler who is smarter and more skilled than he looks, and who still succeeds at a high level at the age of 36. The Future: Froch was scheduled to face George Groves on Nov. 23.

10. NONITO DONAIRE The Rundown: Featherweight H Record: 31-2 (20 KOs) H Last year: 5 The Reasons: Donaire is not only recovering from shoulder surgery but also from a loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux, whose style often stymied him. Rigondeaux had Donaire looking nothing like the explosive puncher who just two days before had received his BWAA Fighter of the Year award for 2012. Losing to one of the world’s best fghters shouldn’t take too much away from a run that began with a 2007 knockout of Vic Darchinyan, a highlight-reel stoppage of Fernando Montiel in 2011 and world titles at 112, 118 and 122. The Future: Donaire was scheduled to make his featherweight debut on Nov. 9 in a rematch against Darchinyan. PACqUIAO: JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; W.KLITSCHKO: MARTIN ROSE/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES; RIGONDEAUx: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GETTYIMAGES; FROCH: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES; DONAIRE/M. SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GETTYIMAGES; FROCH: IMAGES; RIGONDEAUx: ROSE/BONGARTS/GETTY MARTIN W.KLITSCHKO: JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; PACqUIAO: MIGUEL GUTIERREZ/AFP/GETTY IMAGES. IMAGES; MORENO: JEFF BOTTARI/GETTY AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES; GONZALEZ: D.GARCIA: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/GETTYIMAGES; V.KLITSCHKO: FUKUDA; NAOKI GARCIA:

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11. DANNY GARCIA The Rundown: Junior welterweight with the RING, WBA and WBC titles H Record: 27-0 (16 KOs) H Last year: 31 The Reasons: Garcia’s rapid ascent has culminated in deserved acclaim. In 2011, he was still a prospect appearing as an undercard afterthought, going the distance with Nate Campbell and Kendall Holt. In 2012, he won a vacant title over an aged Erik Morales, unifed the belt with a knockout of the chinny Amir Khan, then wrapped up his year by stopping Morales, who was even more done than he’d been in their frst tilt. Whatever troubles he had with a motivated Zab Judah in early 2013 were promptly forgotten when he took a clear win over his division’s bogeyman, Lucas Matthysse, in September. The Future: Garcia’s team would like to move from pay-per-view co-feature underneath Floyd Mayweather Jr. into a main event against him. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

12. VITALI KLITSCHKO The Rundown: Heavyweight with the WBC title H Record: 45-2 (41 KOs) H Last year: 9 The Reasons: A hand injury hasn’t been the only reason for Klitschko’s inactivity. Politics have also taken precedence over pugilism. While he has been busy in the political arena in Ukraine, he’s now been gone from sports arenas for more than a year since his September 2012 stoppage of Manuel Charr and isn’t expected to return until April at the earliest. Klitschko won a world title in 2008 in his frst fght back from a four-year layoff and has successfully defended that belt nine times. He’s 42 now, though, and might just have one bout left before he retires again, this time for good. The Future: Klitschko’s mandatory challenger is Bermane Stiverne. There’s no guarantee that Klitschko will face Stiverne in his frst and perhaps fnal fght back. 13. ROMAN GONZALEZ The Rundown: Flyweight H Record: 36-0 (30 KOs) H Last year: 23 The Reasons: The kind of punching power Gonzalez has shown is relatively rare for the lightest weight classes in boxing, yet it’s clearly there, and that has helped bring more attention to “El Chocolatito.” Gonzalez won his frst world title as a strawweight in 2008, the frst and only person to stop longtime beltholder Yutaka Niida, who never fought again. Gonzalez moved up to 108 three years ago and has defended his title there a handful of times, including a decision win over Juan Francisco Estrada in a battle that looks even better in hindsight given Estrada’s accomplishments since. The Future: Gonzalez was expected to move to fyweight for a fght with Oscar Blanquet on Nov. 10.

14. ANSELMO MORENO The Rundown: Bantamweight with the WBA title H Record: 34-2-1 (12 KOs) H Last year: 10 The Reasons: Despite Moreno’s 2012 loss to Abner Mares, he’s still seen as one of the best boxers in the sport. He captured his bantamweight title in 2008 and has held it for 5½ years, defending it successfully 12 times, including a 2011 decision over Vic Darchinyan. The Panamanian has shown a willingness to travel and an ability to win on the scorecards in hostile territory, including France, Germany and Venezuela. He went to California and to 122 pounds for the Mares loss, then came back to his home country and division this past August, outpointing William Urina. The Future: Moreno’s passport might get another stamp should negotiations for a fght with Koki Kameda end up sending him to Japan. 15. MIKEY GARCIA The Rundown: Junior lightweight with the RING featherweight title H Record: 32-0 (27 KOs) H Last year: 40 The Reasons: Sometimes a high ranking is based on one big win that followed a string of victories over lesser foes. That’s the case with Garcia, who looked good as he transitioned from prospect to contender, scoring eight straight knockouts between 2010 and 2012. Then he showed he truly has the goods with his early 2013 win over Orlando Salido, knocking Salido down twice in the opening round and four times in total. The fght ended on a head butt while Salido was battling back, but Garcia earned the technical decision, a world title and the RING championship at featherweight. Garcia lost his title at the scales before his next bout, a demolition of Juan Manuel Lopez. The Future: Garcia was scheduled to face Roman Martinez on Nov. 9 for Martinez’s junior lightweight title.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 43 44 scheduled foroct26. challenger karoMurat mandatory against hopkins hadabout The Future: 48-year-old aworldtitle. andearnedthedawson dethroned bychad still belongedafterbeing hecloud winshowed and tavoriscloud. the pavlik, jeanpascal do: antoniotarver,kelly this oldmancouldstill what underestimated among thosewhohave champion.heavyweight become thetruelight taylor, hehastwice two lossestojermain after alongreignand middleweightleaving on histerms. since 25-year careerwillcome done, theendofhis that keeps provinghe’s not never literally. yet he counted out, though hopkins keepsgetting The Reasons: Last year:25 (32 KOs) Record: 53-6-2 with theIBFtitle Light heavyweight The Rundown: HOPKINS bErnard 16.

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CHRIS JOHN GENNADY LUCAS KAZUTO The Rundown: GOLOVKIN MATTHYSSE IOKA Featherweight with The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: the WBA title H Middleweight with Junior Junior fyweight Record: 48-0-3 the WBA title H welterweight H with the WBA belt (22 KOs) H Record: 27-0 Record: 34-3 H Record: 13-0 Last year: 14 (24 KOs) H (32 KOs) H (9 KOs) H The Reasons: Last year: 29 Last year: 26 Last year: 68 The testament to The Reasons: The Reasons: The Reasons: John’s longevity is that Power is a universal Matthysse’s rise to Ioka was just 6-0 when in the 9½ years he currency in boxing, and prominence earned him he stopped Oleydong has held a world title, Golovkin has put the the brightest possible Sithsamerchai to win nearly 30 other men middleweight world spotlight: a fght against a world title at 105 have captured belts at on notice. It’s been 5½ the other top junior pounds, which he featherweight, none of years since an opponent welterweight on the successfully defended them holding their titles was able to last the undercard of the biggest three times and unifed for anywhere near as distance, and only pay-per-view in years. in a fantastic fght with long as John has. He has three of his wins have Yet after knocking Akira Yaegashi. Yaegashi successfully defended come by decision. After out Humberto Soto, has since gone on to his title 18 times, with building a cult following Olusegun Ajose, Mike become the fyweight 15 wins and three among the sport’s Dallas Jr. and Lamont champion. Ioka, draws (two of those hardcore, Golovkin Peterson, Matthysse’s meanwhile, went up to draws ending early after has built a broader fan run came to a halt 108, and has won three heads clashed). He has base with beatdowns of against Danny Garcia. times, all by knockout. not lost once in his 51 Grzegorz Proksa, Gabriel Matthysse dropped a A battle with power- fghts, and his résumé Rosado and Matthew close but clear decision punching beltholder includes a victory over Macklin on HBO, and to Garcia, who absorbed Roman Gonzalez hasn’t Juan Manuel Marquez. a one-punch knockout Matthysse’s power and come to fruition, but The trouble with John’s of Nobuhiro Ishida that stymied his offense. it remains just one longevity is that he has made the rounds on Matthysse’s two other potential pairing that not faced a single one of YouTube. This run has losses were debatable connoisseurs of these those other titleholders, vaulted him into the No. split decisions against lower weight classes nor has he faced a 2 spot at 160. talented opponents: would salivate over. single top opponent Zab Judah in 2010 and The Future: The Future: in recent years. Also, Devon Alexander in the Marquez win is Golovkin was scheduled 2011. Ioka beat Kwanthai considered by nearly all to face Curtis Stevens on Sithmorseng in to have been a robbery. Nov. 2. The Future: September. His next Matthysse was resting in The Future: outing had not yet been the weeks immediately set. John’s next fght had after the Garcia loss. not been scheduled His return had not yet several months after been set. he’d suffered a bad cut in his technical draw with Satoshi Hosono. His team said in 2012 that the plan was for John to Adrien Broner’s No. retire after his 50th win. 17 position was in jeopardy going into his fght with Marcos Maidana (left).

1.14 / ringTV.COM 45 46 junior lightweight. to beeyeingamove rematch. he’s also said up facingMaresina gonzalez couldend The Future: leon. nishioka andPonce de Penalosa, gerry toshiaki israel vazquez, against career. the otherscame wereearlyinhisdefeats Johnson. Four ofhis an oldMark “too sharp” Fernando Montieland 118, withwinsover had twotitlereignsat Ponce deleon. healso before losingittodaniel defenses ofhisbelt making foursuccessful 126,one priorreignat titleholder. gonzalezhad overatop a bigvictory over abner Mareswas winfrst-round stoppage with knockouts. his worldtitlesand capture rebound fromdefeat gonzalez continuesto The Reasons: Last year:47 (47 KOs) Record: 55-8 the WBCtitle Featherweight with The Rundown: GONZALEZ Jhonny 22.

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JUAN ADONIS SHINSUKE TAKASHI OMAR FRANCISCO STEVENSON YAMANAKA UCHIYAMA NARVAEZ ESTRADA The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: Light heavyweight Bantamweight with Junior lightweight Junior H Flyweight with the with the RING the WBC title with the WBA title bantamweight with H WBA and WBO and WBC titles Record: 19-0-2 H Record: 20-0-1 the WBO title H H titles H Record: Record: 22-1 (14 KOs) (17 KOs) H Record: 40-1-2 H 25-2 (18 KOs) H (19 KOs) Last year: 62 Last year: 55 (21 KOs) H Last year: 98 Last year: The Reasons: The Reasons: Last year: 59 unranked The Reasons: Yamanaka has shown If you asked a hardcore The Reasons: The Reasons: Stevenson took an ability to box when boxing fan who he Narvaez has held a After a competitive power with his own he needs to, and he has wanted Adrien Broner to world title for more defeat against highly power, seizing the shown power no matter face during his brief stay than 11 years and regarded 108-pound light heavyweight what round he throws at junior lightweight, in two divisions. He titleholder Roman championship in June his hands. He won his the fan might have picked up a fyweight Gonzalez, Estrada moved with a one-punch world title two years mentioned Uchiyama. belt in 2002 in what up to fyweight and technical knockout of ago by an 11th-round Nearly four years ago, was just his 12th pro scored a split decision Chad Dawson. That stoppage of Christian Uchiyama stopped Juan fght, then successfully over Brian Viloria to established him as a Esquivel, made his frst Carlos Salgado in the defended it 16 times capture two world titles force to be reckoned defense with a decision fnal seconds of their over the course of in that division. He with, though some win over Vic Darchinyan, fght to capture his seven years (with 15 has since successfully wondered whether that then scored knockouts world title. Since then, wins and one draw). defended them with yet win was a fuke because in Round 7 against he has successfully He then won a world another entertaining Dawson might’ve been Tomas Rojas, in Round defended seven times, title in the 115-pound performance, outpointing irreversibly damaged 12 against Malcolm recording six knockouts division in 2010 and Milan Melindo on his in his 2012 loss to Tunacao and in Round and one technical draw has successfully second undercard Andre Ward. Stevenson 1 against Jose Nieves. (thanks to a clash of defended it eight times. appearance in Macau. helped his cause by Though multiple stars heads). His record and His lone loss over His only losses are to looking great in his frst have moved up from some of the highlights his 13-year career Gonzalez and Juan defense, a seven-round bantamweight to other are beftting of his “KO came when he moved Carlos Sanchez Jr., beatdown of former divisions, Yamanaka Dynamite” moniker. This up to bantamweight who recently was a beltholder Tavoris Cloud. is among those giving big puncher just needs a to challenge Nonito titleholder at 115. These victories were boxing fans good reason big name to join him in Donaire in 2011. The These defeats aren’t signifcant in what were to pay attention to the ring. lingering question is tremendous steps up what’s happening at necessarily a sign of The Future: whether he’d have from his previous level 118. suffered other defeats, Estrada’s limitations but Uchiyama was awaiting of opponents. or earned big wins, rather show promise The Future: his next challenger for had he faced other top that he belongs in with The Future: Yamanaka was what would be just his talents over these years. the best of these lighter Stevenson’s next fght scheduled to face second fght of 2013. weight classes. is expected to come Alberto Guevara on Nov. The Future: The Future: against mandatory 10. Narvaez defeated Estrada’s next challenger Tony Bellew Hiroyuki Hisataka in appearance had not on Nov. 30. August. His next outing yet been set, though a had not yet been set. December date was one possibility.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 47 48 erislandy lara. erislandy return Dec. 7against expected tomakehis alvarez, butheis canelothe lossagainst the monthsfollowing left trout inactivein a promotionaldispute The Future: with moretoprove. leaves setback that trout canelo in2013wasa However, thelossto the topofrankings. launching trouttoward jr., mayweather floyd just aftercotto’s lossto His winovercottocame bigger-name opposition. he wouldfareagainst was uncertainjusthow was clearly skilled, butit Delvin rodriguez. He frank loPorto and lopez, David defeated brother rigoberto, then canelo’swhen hebeat trout’s ascentbegan canelo alvarez tobe. goodyoubelievehow trout him—and beat thetimestill wasat you thinkmiguelcotto gooddepends onhow good austintroutis overhow the debate The Reasons: Last year:56 (14 KOs) Record: 26-1 middleweight Junior The Rundown: TROUT austIn 32.

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33. Ismayl sillakh. come nov. 30against defense isexpectedto kovalev’s frsttitle The Future: be watching. but itdoesmeanwe’ll mean kovalev willgofar, doesn’tnecessarilythat lasted thedistance. of hisopponentshave nor literally. onlytwo – neitherfguratively cannot betakenlightly hispower isthat shown kovalevwhat has cleverly isnocalzaghe, while it’s truethat time theywereright. cleverly. nathan this kingdom tochallenge totheunitedtraveled when sergeykovalev the britishtitleholder puncheroverpower theunprovenfavored yet theyonceagain calzaghe. andjoe lacy wouldknockout jeffpredicted that whentheyyears ago learned theirlesson boxingwritershadthat you thought wouldhave The Reasons: unranked Last year: (20 KOs) H with theWBOtitle Light heavyweight The Rundown: KOVALEV sergey Record: 22-0-1 H

34. yet beenset. losshadnotmayweather fght backsincethe guerrero’s frst The Future: division’s rankings. he trulybelongsinthat uswhereto himshow welterweight,at it’s up guerrerobelongsknow though. we that now lost tomayweather, has in 2013;everyone He losttomayweather war with andre berto. aydin andwinninga 147, outpointingselcuk himself tobeviableat guerrero showed 138 pounds. butthen fought ashigh lightweightandat and 130, campaigned 126He’d wontitlesat weightclass.in that guerrero hadyettofght was awelterweightand mayweather given that jr., mayweather floyd guerrero frstcalledout scoffedwhenmany The Reasons: Last year:18 (18 KOs) Record: 31-2-1 Welterweight The Rundown: GUERRERO robert H

H ago hewasdefeated ago nearly fouryears he hasfacedbefore. viloria isinasituation The Reasons: Last year:16 (19 KOs) Record: 32-4 Flyweight The Rundown: VILORIA brIan 35. been setyetfor viloria. no comebackfghthad The Future: lighter divisions. oldfortheis relatively in his30snow, which in twodivisions, buthe during histhreereigns goodopponents very someviloria hasbeaten as theroundswenton. himfading saw war that estrada, anothertough loss tojuanfrancisco 2013 split-decision viloria willdoafterhis it. It’s uncertainwhat unifyingtitle andlater anotherworldcapturing in weight, eventually lossbymovingupthat able toreboundfrom carlos tamara. Hewas withgrueling battle thestretchinadown H H

36. mayweather jr.mayweather anda boxerinfloyd great losses in2012toa The Reasons: Last year:11 (31 KOs) Record: 38-4 middleweight Junior The Rundown: COTTO mIguel over what’s next. cotto’s teamismulling The Future: margarito.damaged ricardo mayorgaanda successfully onlyagainst foreman anddefended was wonagainst yuri had lessmeaning;it 154but hisbeltat Pacquiao.and manny margarito of antonio the formidablehands of titlereignsendingat welterweight, withapair remained successfulat successful defenses. He for twoyearsandsix he heldaworldtitle welterweight, where junior at but powerful see. cottowasyoung him. we’llrejuvenated freddie roachhas with Halloffame trainer workingcotto feelsthat with agrainofsalt, shouldbetaken victory rodriguez.that while Delvinwin against a one-sidedstoppage inoctoberwithshowed done, though, ashe its end. He’s notyet sport wasreaching one ofthebestin cotto’sthat timeas trout seemedtosignify good boxerin austin H

trout: elsa-getty; kovalev: scott Heavey/getty Images; guerrero-jeff bottarI-getty; vIlorIa: jay DIrecto/afP/gettyImages; cotto: freDerIc j. brown-afP; alvaraDo anD ProvoDnIkov: Doug PensInger/getty Images; ProvoDnIkov: kevork DjansezIan/getty Images. 32-37 37.

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV The Rundown: Junior welterweight with the WBO title / welterweight H Record: 23-2 (16 KOs) H Last year: unranked The Reasons: Provodnikov had about as good a 1-1 year as possible. The loss, which came against welterweight titleholder Timothy Bradley in March, had meant more for his career than any of his prior wins did. Though it was Bradley who made a strategic Ruslan Provodnikov error in coming out (left, in his victory over aggressively against Mike Alvarado) went from being unranked Provodnikov, it still last year to No. 37 after took a fghter with an eye-catching 2013. Provodnikov’s power and ability to make Bradley pay for the mistake. And then Provodnikov proved that the Bradley fght IN AND OUT was no fuke by putting Fighters who entered the RING 100 this year and those ranked last year who departed. a beating on Mike Alvarado in October. That IN (THIS YEAR’S 76. Kubrat Pulev OUT (2012 77. Toshiyuki Igarashi win came over a tough RANKING) 77. Denis Shafkov RANKING) 78. Takahiro Ao junior welterweight 79. Edgar Sosa 79. Ola Afolabi warrior and earned 27. Juan Francisco 27. Toshiaki Nishioka 80. Evgeny Gradovich 80. Gabriel Campillo Provodnikov a world title Estrada 35. Andre Berto 84. Adrian Hernandez 82. Andre Dirrell at 140. 33. Sergey Kovalev 41. Victor Ortiz 86. Khabib Allahkverdiev 83. Celestino Caballero 37. Ruslan Provodnikov 45. Juan Manuel Lopez The Future: 87. Argenis Mendez 84. Joan Guzman 46. Akira Yaegashi 46. Tavoris Cloud Provodnikov’s team 88. Takashi Miura 86. Hozumi Hasegawa 49. Darren Barker 54. Kelly Pavlik will seek a big fght 89. Hekkie Budler 87. Pongsaklek 56. Carlos Molina 61. Tepparith Singwancha for him at either 90. Roman Martinez Wonjongkam 61. Robert Stieglitz 64. Denis Lebedev junior welterweight or 92. Ryo Miyazaki 88. Juan Carlos Salgado 64. Martin Murray 65. Jorge Arce welterweight. 93. Johnriel Casimero 89. Tomasz Adamek 67. Edwin Rodriguez 66. Billy Dib 95. Carl Frampton 92. Denver Cuello 69. Donnie Nietes 70. Erik Morales 96. Terence Crawford 93. Cornelius Bundrage 71. Moises Fuentes 72. Giovani Segura 97. Nicholas Walters 95. Mario Rodriguez 73. Ray Beltran 74. Yota Sato 98. Tomoki Kameda 96. Joseph Agbeko 75. Keith Thurman 75. Matthew Macklin 99. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai 97. Steve Cunningham

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BRANDON MIKKEL LEO MIGUEL ERISLANDY RIOS KESSLER SANTA VAZQUEZ LARA The Rundown: The Rundown: CRUZ The Rundown: The Rundown: Junior Super The Rundown: Lightweight with Junior welterweight/ middleweight H the IBF title H middleweight H Junior welterweight H Record: 46-3 Record: 33-3 Record: 18-1-2 featherweight with Record: 31-1-1 (35 KOs) H (13 KOs) H (12 KOs) H the WBC title H (23 KOs) H Last year: 34 Last year: 37 Last year: 44 Record: 25-0-1 Last year: 30 The Reasons: (15 KOs) H The Reasons: The Reasons: The Reasons: Kessler was the No. 2 Last year: 69 Since picking up a Lara’s career has been Rios is the quintessential 168-pounder when Joe The Reasons: vacant title in 2010, like a game of snakes brawler: a fghter who Calzaghe was around, Vazquez has won seven and ladders, with Santa Cruz will be a doesn’t necessarily carry No. 1 once Calzaghe times, with fve defenses moves forward and tough assignment for one-punch knockout left the division and a yielding decision wins. backward, with some any of his opponents. power but has enough Top 5 fghter during and Two other victories came of those setbacks of his He throws close to 100 thud in his fsts to wear after the “Super Six” in bouts where his belt own doing and others punches per round, and his opponents down tournament. Despite his was not on the line. being out of his control. that activity isn’t just – and enough chin record of 9-3 in world Vazquez isn’t pretty, but The former acclaimed quantity but quality. The and heart to withstand title fghts, he’s been he is effective. That’s amateur had a draw pop in his shots can whatever it takes to very good but not great. why he belongs in a list against Carlos Molina break his opponents get to them. That is He lost to Calzaghe, of the best fghters at in 2011 that easily down, while the rest are the formula he used as then lost his top spot 135, but it’s also why could’ve been a win for forced to dig deep just a lightweight, where to Andre Ward in the those fghters at 135 Molina. Lara followed to make it to the fnal he dethroned Miguel tournament’s frst round. haven’t been in any that up with a very good bell. This formula helped Acosta and successfully Though he bounced rush to face him. His performance against Santa Cruz emerge on defended his title back from that defeat one chance, a planned Paul Williams that ended the scene in June 2012 against Urbano Antillon with an entertaining win bout with Ricky Burns with the judges robbing with a bantamweight and John Murray. It’s over Carl Froch – the in 2013, was called him of a victory. In late title win over Vusi also how he dispatched biggest win of Kessler’s off. Those losses on 2012 he fought to a Malinga and then Mike Alvarado in their career – Froch avenged his record? They came technical draw with three more successful frst fght. Alvarado with a clear victory in earlier in his career at Vanes Martirosyan, defenses to end the year, was able to outbox him 2013. There’s not too higher weight classes then scored a technical including a headline enough in their rematch much shame in those against familiar names: knockout over Alfredo appearance on network to win a close decision. losses, though Kessler’s Canelo Alvarez (twice) Angulo in a good battle television. 2013 brought That gave Rios his frst wins in between have and Timothy Bradley. this past June. Lara two more victories, one defeat, though many largely been against deserves an opportunity on the Mayweather- The Future: feel he lucked out with lower-tier opponents. at the top 154-pounders, Guerrero undercard, A rematch with Ammeth his split decision over but instead he has The Future: the other a knockout of Diaz, scheduled for Oct. Richar Abril in 2012. watched while his Kessler’s latest attempt 122-pound beltholder 26, was canceled days promoter puts more The Future: at rebuilding had not yet Victor Terrazas. before it was to take effort into other junior Rios was scheduled been set. The Future: place. to move up to 147 for middleweights. Santa Cruz’s frst a Nov. 23 fght with The Future: defense of his new title Manny Pacquiao. Lara is expected to face is expected to be against Austin Trout on Dec. 7. Cesar Seda on Dec. 14. RIOS: HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES; KESSLER: MARTIN ROSE/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES; CRUz:JEFF BOTTARI/GOLDEN BOY/GOLDEN BOY VIA GETTY IMAGES; VAzQUEz: MARK RALSTON-AFP; LARA: MARK RALSTON-AFP; LARA: VAzQUEz: VIA GETTY IMAGES; BOY BOY/GOLDEN IMAGES; CRUz:JEFF ROSE/BONGARTS/GETTY BOTTARI/GOLDEN MARTIN HOW/GETTY IMAGES; KESSLER: HARRY RIOS: BORIS STREUBEL-BONGARTS-GETTY. JANEK SKARzYNSKI-AFP; HERNANDEz: WLODARCzYK: ROSE-BONGARTS-GETTY; MARTIN GAMBOA: JOSH HEDGES-GETTY; ALVARADO: STEIN-GETTY; HOLLY

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MIKE YURIORKIS KRZYSZTOF AKIRA YOAN PABLO ALVARADO GAMBOA WLODARCZYK YAEGASHI HERNANDEZ The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: Junior Junior lightweight/ Cruiserweight with Flyweight with the Cruiserweight with welterweight H lightweight H the WBC title H RING and WBC the RING and IBF Record: 34-2 Record: 23-0 Record: 48-2-1 titles H Record: titles H Record: (23 KOs) H (16 KOs) H (34 KOs) H 18-3 (9 KOs) H 27-1 (13 KOs) H Last year: 81 Last year: 19 Last year: 90 Last year: Last year: 51 The Reasons: The Reasons: The Reasons: unranked The Reasons: A year ago, Alvarado Nearly all of the Wlodarczyk has The Reasons: The earlier years of showed that he was momentum that Gamboa been a fxture of the Yaegashi is a little guy Hernandez’s career good enough to go to once had is gone. It cruiserweight division who received a large brought several wins war with Brandon Rios was bad enough that a for years, with his best amount of attention over the second but not good enough to planned featherweight run coming after he won following a pair of and third tier of win that kind of battle. fght with Juan Manuel a vacant world title in wars: a 10th-round cruiserweights, those For all the pride that Lopez fell out when 2010 by knocking out knockout of Pornsawan victories bookending a Alvarado has – his Lopez lost to Orlando Giacobbe Fragomeni. Porpramook in 2011 that loss that came when fan-friendly approach Salido. It was worse He has made fve won him a world title at he stepped up to face in wins over Breidis when Gamboa signed successful defenses 105 pounds, and then a former titleholder Wayne Prescott and Mauricio to face Brandon Rios since then, including decision loss to fellow Braithwaite in 2008. Herrera are what got at lightweight and trips to Australia to top beltholder Kazuto Ioka in Braithwaite summarily him the Rios fight in the then proceeded to go Danny Green and to 2012. Both were among dispatched him in three first place – he was also AWOL. His career was Russia to stop Rakhim the best fghts of their rounds. Hernandez smart enough to change put on hold during a Chakhkiev as well respective years. Since moved toward the top his game plan for their dispute with promoter as a pair of decision then, Yaegashi’s jumped of his division when rematch. He mixed Top Rank, and he hasn’t wins over contender up two divisions to he defeated Steve battling with boxing, been overly active Francisco Palacios. This fyweight and defeated Cunningham, capturing sticking to that strategy since signing with 50 is Wlodarczyk’s second Toshiyuki Igarashi in and successfully en route to a close, Cent. He returned from time with a world April to become the defending a world unanimous and still very a 15-month layoff to title; the frst came true champion at 112, title via back-to-back entertaining decision defeat Michael Farenas when he beat Steve though not necessarily decisions in 2011 win. Yet that strategy in December 2012, then Cunningham in 2006 by the best fghter in his and 2012. Hernandez didn’t work in October topped Darleys Perez in a controversial decision. weight class. His frst defended his belt once against the emergent a boring bout in June Cunningham got an defense, a decision over more with a win over Ruslan Provodnikov, 2013. The talent might immediate rematch and Oscar Blanquet, came in Troy Ross in September who battered Alvarado still be there, but his got revenge. August. 2012, then suffered until he’d had enough. a hand injury that lack of business acumen The Future: The Future: sidelined him for much The Future: has gotten in the way. Wlodarczyk is scheduled Yaegashi’s next of 2013. Alvarado’s frst Being connected to a to face Fragomeni on defense is expected to bout back from the clinic that distributed Dec. 6 in their third come against former The Future: Provodnikov loss had not performance-enhancing match against each 108-pound titleholder Hernandez was yet been set. drugs hasn’t helped his other. Their frst bout, in and current fyweight scheduled to return image either. 2009, ended as a split contender Edgar Sosa on on Nov. 23 against The Future: draw. Dec. 6. Alexander Alekseev. Gamboa’s next fght had not yet been set.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 51 52 oct. 26. face Gabrielrosadoon quillin wasscheduledto The Future: Fernando Guerrero. title, andaknockoutof gothimthen’Jikam that Hassann’damagainst decisionwinknockdown Wright, six- anenjoyable comebacking Winky a over with hisvictory quillin leaves that usually fghtoverseas. talents inhisdivision oftheothermany on HBo. meanwhile, are beingfeatured Golovkin,Gennady sergio martinezand major middleweights, while twooftheother tied toshowtime to wait. after all, quillin’s names. Hemighthave come fromfacingbigger wouldof respectthat to getmuchintheway division, buthehasyet in the160-pound earned himrecognition quillin’s worldtitle The Reasons: Last year:99 (21 KOs) Record: 29-0 the WBOtitle Middleweight with The Rundown: QUILLIN pEtEr 48.

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49. Felix sturmondec. 7. face formertitleholder Barker isscheduledto The Future: and aworldtitle. closevery splitdecision knockdown, toclaim a from abody-shot thelastmomentrising at valiantly,Barker battled danielGeale.in against victories beforestepping notching apairofearly afterward,aggressive Barker becamemore knockout.to alate succumbedultimately sergio martinezand middleweight champion fought cautiouslyagainst case withBarker, who scenarioisthelatter order togetbetter. that him tomakechangesin in thepants, motivating with aproverbialkick will provideafghter defeat sometimes that thought hewas. and not asgoodhe he’s himthat showing with arealitycheck, will provideafghter sometimes aloss The Reasons: unranked Last year: (16 KOs) Record: 26-1 the IBFtitle Middleweight with The Rundown: BARKER darrEn H

50. not yetbeenset. Geale’s nextfghthad The Future: defeat). Geale’s onlyother (avenging past January mundinethisanthony 2012 andthentopping over Felix sturmin with asplitdecision two years, unifyingit had heldhistitlefor win toBarker. Geale giving thesplitdecision the judges’scorecards, deciding roundononeof provedtobethethat it forBarkerinstead. but twojudgesscored gonetoGeale,have easilycould round very thecount.beat the 12th and Barkerjustbarely shot,sixth withabody foored Barkerinthe and-forth bout. Geale afunback- following fght todarrenBarker august, droppingaclose title. beltin Helostthat still holdingaworld fromand onepointaway Geale wasonesecond The Reasons: Last year:22 (15 KOs) Record: 29-2 Middleweight The Rundown: GEALE daniEl H

the frst. Hisfrsttitle world titles. koki was wonbrothers tohave kameda isoneofthree The Reasons: Last year:48 (17 KOs) Record: 31-1 Bantamweight The Rundown: KAMEDA koki 51. anselmo moreno. top bantamweight expected tochallenge son onnov. 19, he’s fght, Jung-oh against if kamedawinshisnext The Future: controversial decisions. fghts withclose or as he’s multiple escaped hasn’t beendefnitive, bantamweightrun at outing. kameda’s recent Wonjongkam inhisnext lost topongsaklek didn’t lastlong;kameda distinctionpounds. that 112lineal championat naito madehimthe 2009 winoverdaisuke weight. kameda’s before movingupin beltdefense ofthat then hadonesuccessful fyweight in2006. He juniorwin cameat H

kotelnik in2009, then to andreas decision He lostaclose split maidana ishitandmiss. The Reasons: Last year:58 (31 KOs) Record: 34-3 Welterweight The Rundown: MAIDANA marcos 52. on dec. 14. Broner titleholder adrien challenge welterweight maidana isexpectedto The Future: opponents. than somerespectable himself tobebetter best foes, hehasshown hisgood enoughtobeat maidana hasn’tbeen lopez.Josesito While soto karassand he hasstoppedJesus trainer robertGarcia, toand sinceswitching alexander. sincethen, manhandled bydevon early 2012, onlytobe up towelterweightin win. maidanamoved a majority-decision before comingoutwith Erikmoralesan aging timeswithstruggled at one fghtlater, he lost onthescorecards. to fnishhimoffand 2010 boutbutfailed intheirdecemberlate He rocked amir khan fold inathrillingwar. ortiz making victor upby that followed H

quillin: Elsa/GoldEn Boy/GoldEn Boy via GEtty imaGEs; BarkEr: scott HEavEy/GEtty imaGEs; GEalE: FriEdEmann voGEl/BonGarts/GEtty imaGEs; kamEda: GEtty; maidana: mark ralston-aFp; daWson: al BEllo-GEtty; mayWEatHEr/canElo: naoki Fukuda. 48-53 53. The welterweight division, led by Floyd Mayweather Jr. (left), has the most fghters – 15 – in the RING 100. CHAD RING 100 BY DIVISION DAWSON The number of ranked fghters in each of the 17 weight classes The Rundown: Heavyweight Welterweight Featherweight Light heavyweight 7. Wladimir Klitschko 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 10. Nonito Donaire H Record: 31-3 12. Vitali Klitschko 3. Timothy Bradley 18. Chris John (17 KOs) H Last 54. David Haye 5. Juan Manuel Marquez 22. Jhonny Gonzalez year’s ranking: 13 55. Alexander Povetkin 6. Manny Pacquiao 23. Abner Mares 76. Kubrat Pulev 17. Adrien Broner 60. Orlando Salido The Reasons: 26. Devon Alexander 70. Daniel Ponce De Leon Dawson is ranked this Cruiserweight 34. Robert Guerrero 80. Evgeny Gradovich high after consecutive 24. Marco Huck 37. Ruslan Provodnikov 97. Nicholas Walters losses because of who 45. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk 38. Brandon Rios he lost to and how. 47. Yoan Pablo Hernandez 52. Marcos Maidana Junior In September 2012 66. Amir Khan featherweight he dropped down to Light heavyweight 75. Keith Thurman 8. Guillermo Rigondeaux 168 to take on the 16. Bernard Hopkins 81. Paulie Malignaggi 40. Leo Santa Cruz champion, Andre Ward, 28. Adonis Stevenson 82. Kell Brook 95. Carl Frampton one of the best fghters 33. Sergey Kovalev 83. Antonio DeMarco in the sport. Ward 53. Chad Dawson Bantamweight demolished Dawson, 58. Jean Pascal Junior 14. Anselmo Moreno fooring him three times 68. Lucian Bute welterweight 29. Shinsuke Yamanaka in the process. Dawson 74. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 11. Danny Garcia 51. Koki Kameda then returned to light 78. Nathan Cleverly 20. Lucas Matthysse 65. Juan Carlos Sanchez Jr. heavyweight to defend 37. Ruslan Provodnikov 98. Tomoki Kameda his RING championship Super middleweight 38. Brandon Rios in June against Adonis 2. Andre Ward 43. Mike Alvarado Junior Stevenson and was 9. Carl Froch 62. Lamont Peterson bantamweight promptly dethroned by 39. Mikkel Kessler 66. Amir Khan 31. Omar Narvaez the frst clean, powerful 61. Robert Stieglitz 77. Denis Shafkov 99. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai left hand that landed. 67. Edwin Rodriguez 83. Antonio DeMarco Dawson had a good run 68. Lucian Bute 86. Khabib Allakhverdiev Flyweight at 175 pounds years 74. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 91. Zab Judah 13. Roman Gonzalez ago, beating Tomasz 100. Arthur Abraham 27. Juan Francisco Estrada Adamek to capture a Lightweight 35. Brian Viloria title in 2007 and adding Middleweight 17. Adrien Broner 46. Akira Yaegashi two victories apiece 4. Sergio Martinez 41. Miguel Vazquez 59. Moruti Mthalane over Glen Johnson and 19. Gennady Golovkin 44. Yuriorkis Gamboa 79. Edgar Sosa Antonio Tarver. His only 48. Peter Quillin 63. Richar Abril 85. Hernan Marquez notable win since then 49. Darren Barker 72. Ricky Burns came in 2012, when he 50. Daniel Geale 73. Ray Beltran Junior fyweight outpointed then-champ 57. Felix Sturm 77. Denis Shafkov 21. Kazuto Ioka Bernard Hopkins. The 64. Martin Murray 96. Terence Crawford 69. Donnie Nietes other loss came in 2010 71. Moises Fuentes against Jean Pascal, Junior Junior lightweight 84. Adrian Hernandez making Dawson 2-3 with middleweight 15. Mikey Garcia 93. Johnriel Casimero one no-contest in his 1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. 30. Takashi Uchiyama past six appearances. 25. Canelo Alvarez 44. Yuriorkis Gamboa Strawweight The Future: 32. Austin Trout 87. Argenis Mendez 89. Hekkie Budler Dawson hadn’t yet 36. Miguel Cotto 88. Takashi Miura 92. Ryo Miyazaki announced any 42. Erislandy Lara 90. Roman Martinez comeback plans. 56. Carlos Molina Note: 110 fghters are listed here 94. Vanes Martirosyan because 10 who straddle two divisions are included in both.

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DAVID HAYE ALEXANDER CARLOS FELIX JEAN The Rundown: POVETKIN MOLINA STURM PASCAL H Heavyweight The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: Record: 26-2 Heavyweight H Junior Middleweight H Light heavyweight (24 KOs) H Record: 26-1 middleweight with Record: 38-3-2 H Record: 28-2-1 Last year: 49 (18 KOs) H the IBF title H (17 KOs) H (17 KOs) H The Reasons: Last year: 52 Record: 22-5-2 Last year: 71 Last year: 39 H Haye is clearly talented The Reasons: (6 KOs) The Reasons: The Reasons: but maddeningly Last year: Years after Povetkin Nearly a decade has It’s been a rough past inactive, and that’s not unranked was originally supposed passed since Sturm lost few years for Jean just in reference to his to challenge Wladimir The Reasons: a controversial decision Pascal. He had just putrid performance Klitschko, they fnally He’s often ugly to watch, and a world title to Oscar become THE RING’s against Wladimir fought on Oct. 5. The but Molina is effective De La Hoya. He’s long champion at light Klitschko in 2011. result, a decision win for enough to be in the since been back among heavyweight in 2010 That description also Klitschko full of clinching mix and hold a world the top middleweights, with his win over Chad applies to his time and holding, proved title in a crowded junior capturing world titles Dawson when he was in the heavyweight that Povetkin is not the middleweight division. It twice more, with his held to a draw by division. Haye became best heavyweight in the didn’t always seem as if last and longest reign Bernard Hopkins a few the true cruiserweight world — not for now, that success and respect lasting from 2007 to months later. A rematch champion in 2007 by at least. The Olympic would come. Nearly 2012 and including 10 in 2011 would prove stopping Jean-Marc gold medalist showed eight years ago, he wins and two draws even worse for Pascal, Mormeck, demolishing promise earlier in his fought a developing Julio in his defenses. Those as Hopkins topped him Enzo Maccarinelli in his career when he beat Cesar Chavez Jr. twice, fnal bouts included to take over the throne. sole defense and then Chris Byrd and Eddie those bouts ending in a controversial win Injuries then sidelined jumping up in weight. Chambers, but then a draw and a Molina over Matthew Macklin Pascal for a year and In late 2009, a year he treaded water for loss, decisions that and a draw against a half; he returned in after his heavyweight years and avoided a many questioned. He Martin Murray. Sturm December 2012 with debut, he beat Nikolay Klitschko fght he’d won also dropped a majority dropped his belt in a a decision win over Valuev by decision for the right to have. His decision to then- split decision to Daniel Aleksy Kuziemski. This a world title, defended recent pre-Klitschko prospect Mike Alvarado Geale in late 2012. He past September, Pascal it successfully against run saw him top Ruslan in 2007. Yet Molina lost again early in 2013 stopped George Blades, John Ruiz and Audley Chagaev in 2011, kept fghting and kept against Sam Soliman; keeping busy after Harrison for his 2010 then score knockouts improving. Some felt he that was overturned the postponement of campaign, and then met of two old, faded deserved to win a 2011 after Soliman’s post- a long-discussed bout Klitschko in July 2011. fghters and one young, draw with Erislandy fght drug test came up with fellow Montreal star Alas, Haye was all talk unproven prospect, Lara. He also was ahead positive for a banned Lucian Bute. and very little action. plus one controversial late on the scorecards substance. Sturm got Klitschko won, and Haye The Future: majority decision over against James Kirkland back in the win column retired months later. He Pascal-Bute is cruiserweight titleholder in 2012 when he in July, when he stopped came back in July 2012 scheduled to take place Marco Huck. Povetkin was controversially unbeaten Predrag to dispose of Dereck on Jan. 18. still has time to prove disqualifed. But 2013 Radosevic. Chisora, then returned to himself, but he’ll have has been Molina’s the sidelines once again. The Future: to wait until Klitschko’s breakthrough year. He Sturm is scheduled to The Future: time in the sport is over. beat Cory Spinks in challenge Darren Barker Haye’s fght with The Future: February to win a title on Dec. 7 for the world prospect Tyson Fury, shot, then won a belt in Povetkin’s post-Klitschko title Barker won from originally scheduled for September with a split plans had not yet been Geale in August. Sept. 28, was postponed decision over Ishe Smith. made. because of a cut Haye The Future: suffered very late in Molina’s frst title training camp. The new defense hadn’t been set. date for their bout could be Feb. 8, 2014. HAYE: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES; POVETKIN: VASILY MAXIMOV/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MOLINA/SALIDO: ETHAN MILLER-GETTY; STURM: JUERGEN SCHWARz-BONGARTS-GET- STURM: ETHAN MILLER-GETTY; MAXIMOV/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MOLINA/SALIDO: VASILY IMAGES; POVETKIN: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY HAYE: AL BELLO-GETTY. IMAGES; PETERSON: RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/GETTY NAOKI FUKUDA; STIEGLITz: IMAGES; MTHALANE/ABRIL: CLARY/AFP/GETTY A. TIMOTHY PASCAL: TY;

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MORUTI ORLANDO ROBERT LAMONT RICHAR MTHALANE SALIDO STIEGLITZ PETERSON ABRIL The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: Flyweight with the Featherweight with Super Junior Lightweight with IBF title H the WBO title H middleweight with welterweight H the WBA title H Record: 29-2 Record: 40-12-2 the WBO title H Record: 31-2-1 Record: 18-3-1 (20 KOs) H (28 KOs) H Record: 46-3 (16 KOs) H (8 KOs) H Last year: 76 Last year: 20 (26 KOs) H Last year: 28 Last year: 94 The Reasons: The Reasons: Last year: The Reasons: The Reasons: unranked Mthalane has done Salido’s technical The rollercoaster ride It was questionable pretty well for himself knockout of Orlando The Reasons: that is Peterson’s career judging that kept Richar since losing on cuts to Cruz in October earned Years ago, Stieglitz came to an abrupt halt Abril from scoring Nonito Donaire back him a vacant world looked as if he’d never in May, when Lucas a decision win over in 2008. A year after title and showed that belong in the world Matthysse steamrolled Brandon Rios back in that defeat, Mthalane he’s still at a higher title picture at super over him, knocking April 2012. But it is captured a vacant level than a certain middleweight, not after him down three times Abril’s style that has fyweight world title tier of featherweights. he’d been knocked and scoring a third- kept him from being with a unanimous It remains to be seen out in three rounds by round stoppage. The much more than a decision over Julio just how he will fare Alejandro Berrio in 2007 loss ended any hope lightweight titleholder Cesar Miranda, who against today’s top and stopped in eight Peterson might have who few want to fght soon went on to win a 126-pounders. Salido’s by Librado Andrade in had for belonging at the and few want to see. belt himself. Mthalane’s two wins over Juan 2008. Yet here Stieglitz top of the 140-pound His style might also made four successful Manuel Lopez are now is, a two-time titleholder division. Since his 2009 explain why those three defenses since, stopping somewhat in the past, who won his frst belt in decision loss to Timothy blemishes on his record undefeated prospect having happened in 2009, then defended it Bradley, Peterson had are split decisions: Zolani Tete, scoring 2011 and 2012. Of successfully six times fought Victor Ortiz to Breidis Prescott in a technical knockout more recent history is before losing to Arthur to a draw, knocked 2008, Henry Lundy in of Johnriel Casimero his fght with Mikey Abraham in 2012. out Victor Cayo, won 2010 and Rios. Abril has (who has since become Garcia this past January. Stieglitz got emphatic a controversial split earned a pair of big wins a titleholder at 108) Garcia dropped Salido revenge this past March, decision over Amir Khan, in the past couple years, and then traveling into four times early, though hammering Abraham, admitted months later outpointing Miguel Italy and Panama and Salido was battling back stopping him early to having synthetic Acosta in 2011 and knocking out foes in when the bout ended in and regaining his title. testosterone in his Sharif Bogere in 2013, hostile territory. He then the eighth round as a He has defended it system during the Khan the latter victory coming entered an inactive result of an accidental successfully twice since. fght (his camp claimed on Showtime. stretch, having last head butt. Salido’s a With that said, Stieglitz’s it was for legitimate The Future: fought in September tough, gritty vet. Eight wins still haven’t shown medical reasons), had Abril was scheduled to 2012. of his losses came early that he’s on the same the Khan rematch face Jorge Linares on in his career. The rest level as the top three canceled, sat on the The Future: Nov. 10. came against Garcia, at 168: Andre Ward, shelf for 14 months, Mthalane’s next fght Yuriorkis Gamboa in Carl Froch and Mikkel then returned with a win had not yet been set. 2010, Cristobal Cruz Kessler. over Kendall Holt. in 2008 (avenged The Future: The Future: later) and Juan Manuel Stieglitz’s next fght had Peterson’s return hasn’t Marquez in 2004. not been set. been announced. The Future: Salido could end up defending his title in early 2014 against highly touted two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko.

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MARTIN JUAN MURRAY CARLOS The Rundown: SANCHEZ Middleweight H JR. Record: 25-1-1 (11 KOs) H The Rundown: Last year: Bantamweight H unranked Record: 17-1-1 H The Reasons: (9 KOs) Last year: 91 Murray came up short in title challenges The Reasons: twice in the span of This former 115-pound a year and a half, but titleholder is winning his performances gave in the ring but losing indications of where the the battle of the scale. British middleweight Sanchez’s lone defeat might just belong in the came when he was 160-pound division. He 19, a knockout loss to traveled to Germany in fellow prospect Daniel 2011 to face Felix Sturm, Rosas. He has gone leaving with a draw. And on to outpoint future this past April he went fyweight titleholder to Argentina to face Juan Francisco Estrada RING champion Sergio in 2011 and pick up Martinez, knocking a belt of his own at him down but losing a junior bantamweight unanimous decision in with a 2012 win against a close fght. Those are Rodrigo Guerrero. the only bouts Murray Sanchez made two has failed to win in his successful defenses six-year career, though before coming in slightly those also represented overweight for his signifcant steps up in June decision win over level of competition. He Roberto Sosa. That left should feel encouraged his belt vacant, and to challenge himself Sanchez moved up. Yet once again. he failed to make weight The Future: again for a bout in September, coming in at Murray is expected to 119 pounds, two pounds face Garth Wood on over the contractual Dec. 11. limit. The Future: Sanchez was scheduled to face Zolani Tete on Nov. 2. Amir Khan has the talent to be high on the list but several disappointments have kept him down.

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AMIR KHAN EDWIN LUCIAN DONNIE DANIEL The Rundown: RODRIGUEZ BUTE NIETES PONCE DE Junior The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: LEON welterweight/ Super Super Junior fyweight welterweight H The Rundown: middleweight H middleweight/light with the WBO title Record: 28-3 Featherweight H Record: 24-0 heavyweight H H Record: 31-1-4 (19 KOs) H Record: 44-5 (16 KOs) H Record: 31-1 (17 KOs) H Last year: 32 (35 KOs) H Last year: (24 KOs) H Last year: Last year: 38 The Reasons: unranked Last year: 36 unranked The Reasons: Khan’s physical gifts The Reasons: The Reasons: The Reasons: got him to where he Ponce De Leon has been Rodriguez made a It wasn’t too long Nietes hasn’t lost is, but all of his talent a fxture at 122 and big statement in July, ago that Bute was a bout since 2004, hasn’t been enough to 126 for several years obliterating Denis considered one of the when he traveled to overcome his inherent and has captured world Grachev in less than best fghters at 168 and Indonesia and dropped MURRAY: ALEx GRIMM-BONGARTS-GETTY; RODRIGUEZ: EMILY HARNEY; KHAN (LEFT AND ABOVE)/BUTE: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES; NIETES: JAY DIRECTO/AFP/GETTYIMAGES. faws and defensive titles in both divisions. a round. It was by far a glaring omission from a split decision to Angky liabilities. Khan’s great Yet he has lost every the best performance Showtime’s “Super Six” Angkotta, who was not speed was key during time he’s stepped up. yet for a prospect tournament. He held only the hometown his run as a junior His frst defeat came in who’d previously been a world title starting fghter but was six welterweight titleholder, 2005 against Celestino seen on HBO against in 2007, making nine pounds overweight as which began in 2009 Caballero. Ponce De Donovan George and successful defenses well. Since then, Nietes with a win over Andreas Leon won a vacant belt Jason Escalera, and through the end of went on to capture a Kotelnik and continued at junior featherweight on Showtime getting a 2011. It seemed as if vacant strawweight for two years and fve later that year, making too-wide decision over the troubles Bute had world title in 2007 successful defenses, six successful defenses Will Rosinsky. With that faced at the end of his by outpointing then- including victories (including a too-wide win said, Grachev is far from frst bout with Librado undefeated Pornsawan against Marcos Maidana over Gerry Penalosa). the level of Rodriguez’s Andrade were far behind Porpramook. He and Zab Judah. That That reign ended in next opponent, super him. Then he fought Carl made four successful all ended with a close 2008, in the frst round middleweight champion Froch, who clobbered defenses, including and controversial loss against Juan Manuel Andre Ward. Still, Bute around the ring en a win over Mario to Lamont Peterson in Lopez. Ponce De Leon Grachev was coming route to a ffth-round Rodriguez, before late 2011, followed by gave Adrien Broner a off wins over Ismayl stoppage in May 2012. moving up to 108. a stoppage loss against close fght in 2011, then Sillakh and Zsolt Erdei, Bute didn’t exactly Nietes won a belt there Danny Garcia in 2012. lost a technical decision as well as a loss to impress in his comeback in late 2011, defended Khan’s comeback to Yuriorkis Gamboa. He Lucian Bute, and no win against Denis it successfully once in under new trainer Virgil picked up a world title one had ever done to Grachev later that year, 2012 and then with a Hunter has also been at featherweight in 2012 him what Rodriguez either. He hasn’t fought draw to Moises Fuentes shaky; his April win against Jhonny Gonzalez did. That big statement since, and one wonders this past March. over Julio Diaz saw the and lost it one fght later, earned Rodriguez a big whether his upcoming resurfacing of his long- The Future: via technical knockout to opportunity. bout with Jean Pascal known combination of Nietes’ next fght had Abner Mares. The Future: will bring redemption open chin and shaky not yet been set. or a cashing-out of his The Future: whiskers. Rodriguez was scheduled to challenge career. Ponce De Leon’s frst The Future: Ward on Nov. 16. The Future: fght back from the After a long-negotiated Mares loss had not yet Bute’s fght with Pascal bout with welterweight been set, though it could is scheduled to take titleholder Devon involve a move up to place on Jan. 18. Alexander fell apart, junior lightweight. Khan seems to be positioning himself as a candidate for a bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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MOISES RICKY RAYMUNDO JULIO CESAR KEITH FUENTES BURNS BELTRAN CHAVEZ THURMAN The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: JR. The Rundown: Junior fyweight H Lightweight with Lightweight H Welterweight H The Rundown: Record: 18-1-1 the WBO title H Record: 28-6-1 Record: 21-0 Super (9 KOs) H Record: 36-2-1 (17 KOs) H (19 KOs) H middleweight/light Last year: (11 KOs) H Last year: Last year: heavyweight H unranked Last year: 53 unranked unranked Record: 47-1-1 The Reasons: The Reasons: The Reasons: (32 KOs) H The Reasons: Fuentes began 2013 by The past two fghts have Beltran was long known Last year: 50 Thurman’s relative moving from 105 to 108 been tough for Burns. as a tough journeyman success has been The Reasons: and taking on Donnie He was losing on the who had been a regular somewhat unexpected Chavez had one round Nietes in Nietes’ home scorecards to unbeaten sparring partner to to those who questioned nearly bring him to glory, country and exiting challenger Jose Manny Pacquiao. Of late, his debut appearance on followed by one year with a draw that has Gonzalez in May before however, Beltran has premium cable less than of inactivity. His return since led to talk about a Gonzalez quit late, citing sought to prove himself a year and a half ago. A reminded us of why rematch. Fuentes’ lone an injury. And then in as more than that. fghter who appeared to so many dislike him. loss came on a split September, Ray Beltran After suffering close be a limited slugger has Chavez essentially had decision in early 2011. broke Burns’ jaw, decision losses to Sharif been showing signs of his amateur career in Before that year was out, knocked him down and Bogere in 2011 and improvement, though. the pro ranks, starting as he had a strawweight appeared to have done Luis Ramos Jr. in early Thurman retired Carlos a lightweight teen and world title belt around enough for the victory – 2012, Beltran has been Quintana in late 2012, growing ultimately into a his waist. Fuentes only for the bout to end on a good run. He won outpointed former world middleweight titleholder. defended it successfully as a draw instead. Burns three in a row, including titleholder Jan Zaveck There were questionable twice. The last defense had won a world title at decisions over Henry this past March, then decisions along the way, came against Ivan 130 by beating Roman Lundy and Ji-Hoon Kim, knocked out unbeaten both from the judges Calderon, the longtime Martinez in 2010, before stepping in with prospect Diego Chaves (against Carlos Molina) 105- and 108-pound making three successful lightweight titleholder in July. He has power, and from Chavez himself titleholder who Fuentes defenses before moving Ricky Burns. Beltran and he has personality, (he used a diuretic sent into retirement with up to 135. He has held broke Burns’ jaw early but it’s still to be prior to one fght, was a ffth-round technical a belt at lightweight for and scored a knockdown determined whether he arrested for driving knockout. about two years, though later, but could only has the goods. it’s proper to wonder if leave with a draw. drunk before another). The Future: The Future: recent performances Chavez was outboxed After the Nietes draw, The Future: A fght with Jesus Soto show his time with the by champion Sergio Fuentes fought again in Beltran’s team was Karass is expected to title to be running out. Martinez for 11 rounds June and September. He attempting to get a before dropping him in take place on Dec. 14. is expected to return to The Future: rematch with Burns. the 12th. He lost, though, the ring again soon. Burns is expected to and tested positive for return in early 2014, marijuana afterward. He either against mandatory came in much heavier challenger Terence than initially agreed Crawford or perhaps in a upon against Bryan rematch with Beltran. Vera in September, and then escaped with a controversial decision win. The Future: Chavez could be headed toward a rematch with Vera. BURNS: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES;NAOKI CHAVEZTHURMAN: FUKUDA; JR./GROSS-GETTY; JEFF GRADOVICH: PULEV-MARTIN IMAGES. ESTRELLA/AFP/GETTY ALFREDO SOSA: BRUNSKILL-GETTY; ROSE-BONGARTS-GETTY;CHRIS CLEVERLY: RANK; TOP SHAFIKOV:

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KUBRAT DENIS NATHAN EDGAR EVGENY PULEV SHAFIKOV CLEVERLY SOSA GRADOVICH The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: Heavyweight H Lightweight/junior Light heavyweight Flyweight H Featherweight Record: 18-0 welterweight H H Record: 26-1 Record: 49-7 with the IBF title H (9 KOs) H Record: 33-0-1 (12 KOs) H (29 KOs) H Record: 17-0 Last year: (18 KOs) H Last year: 73 Last year: (8 KOs) H Last year: unranked Last year: The Reasons: unranked unranked The Reasons: unranked For a time, we heard The Reasons: Pulev has fnished the The Reasons: Cleverly call out some Five of Sosa’s seven The Reasons: phase of nearly every Shafkov is poised to of the bigger names in losses came within “The Mexican Russian” up-and-coming fghter’s make moves after nearly the light heavyweight his frst 17 fghts. won his frst world title career that includes wins three dozen pro fghts, division, particularly That makes him 37-2 against an Australian in over designated fall guys most of which have Bernard Hopkins. Those during the past decade, Connecticut, and since and measuring-stick been in his native Russia dreams were washed including victories then he’s been boxing out opponents. His past and in Finland, where away dramatically over nine former world of the Chinese gambling three appearances have he’d been signed to a and emphatically in titleholders. Sosa won destination of Macau. brought him stoppage promoter. He made his August, when Sergey a belt at 108 pounds Gradovich ironically victories over fellow U.S. debut in August after Kovalev beat Cleverly so in 2007 with a win has not fought either prospects Alexander signing with Top Rank, badly that the referee over Brian Viloria, then in Russia or Mexico Dimitrenko and Alexander and he’s been training was seen helping the successfully defended it as a pro. But what he Ustinov, as well as a out of the famed Wild Welshman back to his 10 times in a very active has done under trainer unanimous decision over Card Boxing Club. Some corner after he was 2½-year stretch. He lost Robert Garcia is beat Tony Thompson. Though of his notable recent knocked down twice in the belt to Rodel Mayol Billy Dib via split decision Thompson is in his early wins came against the third round. The fght in 2009, a second-round for a belt in March, then 40s, he had just come Alisher Rahimov (who’d ended soon after in the stoppage precipitated defend it successfully off two straight technical beaten Rustam Nugaev fourth, simultaneously by a bad head butt. His against Mauricio Munoz knockouts of David Price. and Sergio Thompson), ending a reign that only other defeat since in July. He’s enjoyable That placed Pulev into Albert Mensah (who included fve successful then came at fyweight to watch, and that’s no position to challenge topped Michael Katsidis) defenses. Cleverly does in 2011 against then- surprise, given that the heavyweight titleholder and Brunet Zamora (in hold victories over Tony champion Pongsaklek “Mexican” part of his Wladimir Klitschko. a rematch of an earlier Bellew and Karo Murat, Wonjongkam. Sosa nickname came from the way he fghts in the gym. The Future: draw). but the Kovalev defeat remains in contention is the most recent and Pulev’s next fght had not The Future: at 112 pounds and has The Future: most memorable event scored recent wins over yet been set. Shafkov’s next fght Gradovich was in his career. Ulises Solis and Giovani hadn’t been set yet. scheduled to make his The Future: Segura. second straight Macau The frst step in Cleverly’s The Future: appearance in a Nov. 23 attempt at rebuilding had Sosa’s next fght is rematch with Dib. not yet been set. expected to come against fyweight champion Akira Yaegashi on Dec. 6.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 59 60 fttingly inBrooklyn. zab Judahondec. 7, Brooklynite to facefellow isscheduled Malignaggi The Future: even morecredit. believes hedeserves would, thoughhelikely everexpectedhe many accomplished morethan to adrien Broner. Hehas lost itinasplitdecision over Pablo cano, then controversially withawin world title, defendedit senchenko forhissecond vyacheslav beat and toukraine traveled a welterweight, Paulie khan.titleholder amiras him getstoppedby welterweight fghtsaw Malignaggi’s fnaljunior decision intheirrematch. Juan diaz, thenwona for hisfrstfghtwith thejudging railed against in2008.ricky Hatton He 140-pound champion butlostitagainst later a worldtitleyear cotto in2006. Hewon toMiguel in adefeat stand shot wasabrave Malignaggi’s frstbig ability butlittlepower, Blessed withboxing The Reasons: Last year:57 (7 KOs) Record: 32-5 Welterweight The Rundown: MALIGNAGGI Paulie 81.

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on oct. 26. scheduled totakeplace Brook vs. senchenkowas The Future: in2012. Hatton then re-retiredricky Paulie and Malignaggi titleholder wholostto senchenko isaformer technical knockout. past July, winningvia this in theirrematch a farbetterperformance in2012;Brookhad battle Brook intoagrueling saldivia. Jonespulled carson JonesandHector Hatton, Matthew against come biggest winshave before.” it’s true. Brook’s ever beeninwith he’sbeyond anything senchenko,as “levels opponent, vyacheslav describes hisnext hispromoter far that Brook’s oppositionso it saysalotabout The Reasons: Last year:85 (20 KOs) Record: 30-0 Welterweight The Rundown: BROOK kell 82. H

H not yetbeenset. deMarco’s nextfghthad The Future: weight class soon. into the140-pound and couldendupsettling the welterweightlimit a poundandhalfunder returned thispast august divisions.for heavier He then he’s madeamove 135,best at andsince deMarcowasn’tthe that the Bronerfghtshowed valero inearly2010. edwin against defeat to histechnicalknockout recent years, back dating loss fordeMarcoin it wasonlythesecond him intheeighthround. stopped and ultimately picked deMarcoapart november 2012, Broner Broner. nightin onthat the talentsof adrien into theringagainst a thingwhenhestepped John Molinadidn’tmean of frst-round stoppage Jorge linaresandhis for hisupsetwinagainst deMarco hadreceived all oftheacclaim that The Reasons: Last year:33 (22 KOs) Record: 29-3-1 welterweight welterweight/ Junior The Rundown: DEMARCO antonio 83. H

H second runwitha Hernandez isinhis The Reasons: unranked Last year: (17 KOs) H with theWBCtitle Junior fyweight The Rundown: HERNANDEZ adrian had notyetbeenset. Hernandez’s nextdefense The Future: august. early inhiswinthispast to comeoffthecanvas knockout. Hernandezhad and onebytechnical two winsbydecision defended hisbeltwith own. since then, hehas scored aknockoutofhis 2012, though, and Porpramook inoctober with got arematch Porpramook. Hernandez knockout tokompayak decembervia it that defense andthenlost made onesuccessful up abeltin 2011,april combined. Hepicked less thantwoyears lasted reigns have pounds, thoughhis 108 world titleat 84. Record: 28-2-1 H

but insteadwoundup in thefyweightdivision to unifytwoworldtitles Marquez hadachance The Reasons: Last year:63 (26 KOs) Record: 36-3 Flyweight The Rundown: MARQUEZ Hernan 85. for nov. 2. segura wasscheduled Marquez vs. giovani The Future: with concepcion. inarematch stoppage frst-round an emphatic year, that later including two successfuldefenses luis concepcion, making 2011fghtwith april world titleinathrilling thetime).at Hewona donaire (a115-pounder andnonito a rematch) in beat (who helater richieMepranum against camein2010 defeats estrada. Marquez’s other titleholder JuanFrancisco challenge 112-pound positionto mandatory put thewinnerintoa his nextboutlikelyto has wontwofghts, with and sincethenMarquez 2012, wasinlate that knockout toBrian viloria. 10th-round technical with none, losingvia H H

Malignaggi/Marquez/Mendes: naoki Fukuda; Brook: scott Heavey/getty iMages; deMarco: ezra sHaw/getty iMages; Hernandez: Mario vazquez de la torre/aFP/gettyiM- ages; allakHverdiev: valery HacHe/aFP/getty iMages; Miura: tosHiFuMi kitaMura/aFP/getty iMages; Budler: aFrican ring; Martinez: alex livesey/getty iMages 81-90 86. 87. 88. 89. 90.

KHABIB ARGENIS TAKASHI HEKKIE ROMAN ALLAKHVERDIEV MENDEZ MIURA BUDLER MARTINEZ The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: Junior Junior lightweight Junior lightweight Strawweight H Junior lightweight H welterweight with the IBF title H with the WBC title Record: 23-1 with the WBO title Record: 19-0 Record: 21-2-1 H Record: 26-2-2 (6 KOs) H H Record: 27-1-2 H (9 KOs) (11 KOs) H (19 KOs) H Last year: (16 KOs) H Last year: Last year: Last year: unranked Last year: unranked unranked unranked The Reasons: unranked The Reasons: The Reasons: The Reasons: Budler doesn’t have The Reasons: Allakhverdiev is on the Mendez had been on the Miura’s most recent much in the way of Martinez’s frst run with outside looking in, or verge of grabbing a world loss came back in early power, with only six a world title at 130 rather looking on as title at junior lightweight 2011, when he knocked knockouts overall and pounds had been based the other top junior before. He had topped down titleholder Takashi just three knockouts in on knockouts. His second welterweights pair off Cassius Baloyi in early Uchiyama early but got his past 20 victories. That run hasn’t brought easy against each other. After 2011 to win a shot at stopped later on due to means a lot of decision victories. Martinez’s knocking out Kaizer a belt, only to lose a a cut. This past April, wins, and a lot of split title win over Miguel Mabuza and then giving decision to titleholder Miura picked up a belt of decisions. Nevertheless, Beltran Jr. in September Joan Guzman his frst Juan Carlos Salgado later his own after knocking he has found success, 2012 came out of an pro loss (via a split that year. But Mendez Gamaliel Diaz down his lone loss coming as, entertaining battle that technical decision), beat Martin Honorio four times and scoring you guessed it, a split the judges saw as a Allakhverdiev was poised in 2012 and received a technical knockout. decision in 2011. After split decision. This past to make his HBO debut another shot at Salgado, He made a successful that, Budler dropped January, Martinez was this past March against and this time he scored defense in August, a from 108 pounds to fortunate to escape Breidis Prescott. But a knockout and a place tough fght with Sergio 105 and hasn’t lost with a draw against when he suffered an toward the top of the Thompson that saw both since. His latest victory Juan Carlos Burgos in a injury in training camp, 130-pound division. His men hit the canvas but was perhaps the most bout that observers felt Allakhverdiev was sole defense so far was ended with Miura getting noteworthy one yet, Burgos deserved to win. replaced by Terence in August, a draw with a close decision win. a controversial split And in April, Martinez Crawford, who went on to Arash Usmanee. The Future: decision over Nkosinathi topped previously impress against Prescott Joyi (who holds a recent undefeated Diego The Future: Miura’s next title defense and has appeared win over strawweight Magdaleno, again by split Mendez’s next title had not yet been set. on HBO twice since. beltholder Katsunari decision. His frst title defense had not yet been Allakhverdiev returned to Takayama). reign lasted from March the ring in July, stopping scheduled. The Future: 2009 to September 2010, Souleymane M’baye. He ending with a decision Budler was scheduled to still awaits a shot at the loss to Ricky Burns. big names in the division. face Hugo Verchelli on Nov. 9. The Future: The Future: Martinez was scheduled Allakhverdiev’s next fght to defend against Mikey had not yet been set. Garcia on Nov. 9.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 61 100 91. 92. 93. 94. 95.

ZAB JUDAH RYO JOHNRIEL VANES CARL The Rundown: MIYAZAKI CASIMERO MARTIROSYAN FRAMPTON Junior The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: H welterweight Strawweight with Junior fyweight Junior Junior H Record: 42-8 the WBA title H with the IBF title H middleweight featherweight H H (29 KOs) Record: 20-0-3 Record: 18-2 Record: 33-0-1 Record: 17-0 H Last year: 67 (11 KOs) H (10 KOs) H (21 KOs) (12 KOs) H The Reasons: Last year: Last year: Last year: 100 Last year: Judah keeps getting unranked unranked The Reasons: unranked big fghts despite The Reasons: The Reasons: Martirosyan’s rise The Reasons: the many times he When Kazuto Ioka Casimero’s two losses through the ranks has Frampton has gone from has fallen short. He’s and Akira Yaegashi came back-to-back, a been a gradual one. The prospect to contender someone who you left the 105-pound split-decision defeat in 2004 Olympian turned after about four years of can still picture being division behind in Mexico against Ramon pro in 2005 and was professional prizefghting, competitive against the favor of campaigning Hirales in 2010 followed scheduled to fght for making himself yet top tier. This remains in heavier weight by a stoppage loss to his frst world title after another name to watch true after his decision classes, it was Ryo fyweight titleholder more than 8½ years. He in the 122-pound loss this past April to Miyazaki who became Moruti Mthalane in 2011. has turned down major division. His win over Danny Garcia, a bout the latest strawweight Casimero returned to fghts, which delayed Kiko Martinez this past in which Judah, once world titleholder from junior fyweight within a his ascent. Perhaps February is perhaps his derided as a frontrunner Japan. He won his belt year, scoring a technical that’s one reason it’s most notable victory, who fades late, instead by beating Pornsawan knockout over former diffcult to fnd a truly particularly as Martinez gave Garcia trouble Porpramook by split beltholder Luis Lazarte signifcant win on his went on to capture a in the later rounds. decision in December to capture an interim record. Martirosyan did world title in August. Given Garcia’s rise to 2012. In his frst defense, title — a win that led beat Kassim Ouma and Frampton handled 140-pound champion, Miyazaki was tied on to Lazarte’s unhappy Joe Greene in 2010, and himself well against Judah’s performance the scorecards against Argentine fans rioting he fought to a technical Martinez, ultimately that night speaks well Carlos Velarde after four in the venue. Casimero draw with Erislandy Lara scoring a ninth-round for him, and it means rounds but scored a was soon made a “full” in 2012. Nevertheless, technical knockout. Prior another major bout for technical knockout in the titleholder and returned Martirosyan is a Top 10 to that fght, Frampton a fghter whose sole ffth. And in September, in hostile territory, though junior middleweight who stopped two-time big win in recent years Miyazaki edged Jesus comparatively less so. appears to have talent. (but lightly regarded) was a split decision Silvestre via majority He won a split decision And he’ll fnally have a titleholder Steve Molitor. over Lucas Matthysse in chance to prove that in decision. in Mexico over Pedro The Future: 2010. His other losses Guevara in August 2012 his next bout. The Future: Frampton’s next fght came against Amir Khan, and then outpointed Luis The Future: Joshua Clottey, Miguel Miyazaki’s next fght had had not yet been set. Rios in Panama this past Martirosyan was Cotto, Floyd Mayweather, not yet been set. March. scheduled to face Carlos Baldomir, Cory Demetrius Andrade for Spinks and Kostya The Future: a vacant world title on Tszyu. Casimero was scheduled to return home to the Nov. 9. The Future: Philippines for his next Judah is scheduled to fght, an Oct. 26 bout face Paulie Malignaggi in against Felipe Salguero. the main event of a Dec. 7 card. JUDAH/FRAMPTON: SCOTT HEAVY-GETTY; MIYAZAKI: STR/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MARTIROSYAN: AL BELLO-GETTY; CRAWFORD: JOSH HEDGES; WALTERS: MARYSE ABRAHAM; TOMOKI KAMEDA: JIJI PRESS-AFP; SOR RUNGVISAI: MUAYSIAM; ABRAHAM: RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES. IMAGES. RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/GETTY ABRAHAM: MUAYSIAM; JIJI PRESS-AFP; SOR RUNGVISAI: TOMOKI KAMEDA: ABRAHAM; MARYSE WALTERS: JOSH HEDGES; CRAWFORD: AL BELLO-GETTY; STR/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; MARTIROSYAN: MIYAZAKI: SCOTT HEAVY-GETTY; JUDAH/FRAMPTON:

62 ringTV.COM / 1.14 91-100 96. 97. 98. 99. 100.

TERENCE NICHOLAS TOMOKI SRISAKET ARTHUR CRAWFORD WALTERS KAMEDA SOR ABRAHAM The Rundown: The Rundown: The Rundown: RUNGVISAI The Rundown: Lightweight H Featherweight H Bantamweight with Super The Rundown: Record: 22-0 Record: 22-0 the WBO title H middleweight H H Junior (16 KOs) (18 KOs) H Record: 28-0 Record: 37-4 bantamweight with Last year: Last year: (18 KOs) H (28 KOs) H the WBC title H unranked unranked Last year: Last year: 60 Record: 22-3-1 The Reasons: unranked The Reasons: (20 KOs) H The Reasons: Crawford gambled by Walters is an undefeated The Reasons: Last year: Abraham has spent a stepping in on short up-and-coming The youngest of the unranked long time near the top notice and stepping up featherweight who three Kameda brothers, of the middleweight The Reasons: to 140 pounds to face has scored technical Tomoki picked up his and super middleweight Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is Breidis Prescott in March knockouts in eight of his belt in August with divisions without ever not to be confused with on HBO, but he seized last nine appearances, a a decision win over making it to the top his unrelated promotional the opportunity extended run that culminated in a undefeated Paulus spot. That time appears stablemate, Suriyan Sor to him and has benefted seventh-round stoppage Ambunda. Kameda has to be reaching its end. Rungvisai, who held a from that decision. His of Daulis Prescott in shown a willingness to Abraham was knocked world title at 115 pounds performance against December 2012. He then fght outside of Japan; 16 out early in a rematch before losing it to Yota Prescott earned him didn’t fght for much of of his bouts have come with Robert Stieglitz this Sato in 2012. In turn, Sor further appearances 2013, though that seems in Mexico, compared to year, and he didn’t look Rungvisai fought Sato on the network as a primed to change now 11 in his home country, good in his subsequent this past May and won lightweight; he stopped that Walters is being co- with the Ambunda victory win over Willbeforce the belt via technical Alejandro Sanabria in promoted by Top Rank. taking place in the Shihepo. Abraham held a knockout. Sor Rungvisai June and outpointed The promoter has several Philippines. Though he world title at 160 in the has fought three times Andrey Klimov in October. name fghters in and shares the division with eras of RING champions since then, though none He has skills and the around the 126-pound his brother Koki, that Jermain Taylor and of those bouts were title backing of network division, which could won’t keep Tomoki from Kelly Pavlik, a reign that defenses. He hasn’t lost executives, and now mean major opportunities fnding big fghts among lasted from 2005 to since early in his career, he has a mandatory will soon be there for a deep pool of talent at 2009 and included 10 when he went 1-3-1 in title shot at 135-pound Walters. 118 pounds. successful defenses. his frst fve fghts, losing titleholder Ricky Burns. He then moved to 168 The Future: The Future: his frst two pro bouts by The Future: for the “Super Six” Walters was scheduled Kameda’s frst title knockout, with his career tournament, knocked out Crawford’s next to fght on Nov. 9 against defense had not yet been debut coming against Taylor, was disqualifed appearance hadn’t yet Alberto Garza. set. future RING champion against Andre Dirrell and been set. Akira Yaegashi. was outboxed by Carl The Future: Sor Froch and Andre Ward. Rungvisai was scheduled He won a belt from to make his frst title Stieglitz in 2012 in their defense against Hirofumi frst bout. Mukai on Nov. 15. The Future: Abraham’s second fght since the loss to Stieglitz was scheduled for Oct. 26 against Giovanni De Carolis.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 63 64 the validityofoutcomes. public’s dwindlingconfdencein ways butnonemorethanthe manifest themselvesinmany itself. The problemsthiscreates of protectingthesportfrom charged withthediffculttask itself becausethereisnoone a businessthatregularlyattacks as anutterlyunregulatedoutlier, alone amongprofessionalsports and “making thefght” meanif how muchdoeswadingforward much doesdefensecountand landed apunch. person’s conclusiontheguynever aggressiveness meansisanother person’s viewofwhateffective is another’s running. One person’s defensivebrilliance event isdiffcultonitsface. One B OPINION What isringgeneralship?How Subjective judgingofanathletic AGAINST BOXING? CARDS STACKED By SCORING AVOID HORRIBLE AN EFFORT TO MAKE MOREOF POWERS THAT BE IT’S TIMETHE ringTV.COM /1.14 RonBorges there issomuchofit. probably because respond tocriticism, oxing doesn’t often Prizefghting stands a lotofcompany. recently butithashad worst decision might’ve beenthe Pacquiao (left) victory overManny Timothy Bradley’s

JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages when they do so they seldom land? How much does power factor into scoring blows? Those things alone make judging a boxing match diffcult, a recent example of that being Timothy Bradley’s split-decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez. According to CompuBox statistics, the two landed nearly an identical number of punches (168 by Bradley, 153 by Marquez) at a nearly identical connect rate (34 percent Marquez, 30 percent Bradley). Marquez landed what CompuBox defnes as power punches (everything other than a jab) more often (115-86) but was outjabbed by a wide margin (82- 38 landed, 337-169 thrown). So who won? Depends on how you look at it. Even so there are far too many scores in major fghts that SICKENING most well-informed observers conclude are so far off they bear DECISIONS no resemblance to reality. Over We didn’t have to go back too the last few months there was far – only 1½ years – to come up C.J. Ross’ outrageous scoring with seven decisions (or individual of the Floyd Mayweather Jr.- cards) that didn’t refect reality. Canelo Alvarez fght, a card so Here is the list. (Try to keep your lunch down.) bad it allowed her counterparts’ questionable scoring to go unnoticed when she concluded a landslide for Mayweather was actually a draw. TIMOTHY Soon after journeyman Bryan BRADLEY-MANNY Vera had the night of his boxing PACQUIAO life stolen from him by 80-year- old Gwen Adair, whose 98-92 Date / location: card was so far from the reality June 9, 2012 / Las Vegas of what happened in Vera’s fght Winner: Bradley SD Scores: 115-113 Bradley with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. it (Duane Ford), 115-113 Bradley might have been laughable had (C.J. Ross), 115-113 Pacquiao it not made you want to cry. (Jerry Roth) Once again Adair’s unsightly The injustice: Many consider this one of the worst decisions ever when (literally) performance allowed the magnitude of the fght is taken into the incompetence of her ringside consideration. Pacquiao wasn’t brilliant colleagues, 79-year-old Marty but he clearly outworked Bradley, who Denkin (97-93) and Carla Caiz barely touched the Filipino star. One journalist collected the scores of 55 (96-94), to go unnoticed, but colleagues afterward: 52 had Pacquiao they got it wrong too. winning. A year ago, Bradley was

1.141.14 // ringTV.COMringTV.COM 65 SICKENINGCARDS STACKED DECISIONS AGAINST BOXING?

Most people thought Ricky Burns (left) was given a hometown awarded a split-decision victory because, well, they’re organized. decision over over Manny Pacquiao on a night Boxing is a mishmash of Raymundo Beltran. when the only people who felt fefdoms. Every state has its that way were either named own commission and its own Bradley or ringside judges Duane offcials with various levels of Ford and C.J. Ross (there’s competency and experience. If that name again). And just to Texas, for example, were run like make plain this is not simply an the NFL, Van Hoy would have American problem (although been suspended for some time it damn sure is in Texas any after his disgraceful card in 2009 time the vision-challenged Gale that had local hero Juan Diaz Van Hoy is in a judge’s chair) a beating Paulie Malignaggi 118- recent WBO light welterweight 110 in a fght all but three Texas title fght between Ricky Burns judges felt Malignaggi won. and Raymundo Beltran at the “Boxing is full of s---,” Scottish Exhibition Centre in Malignaggi memorably said. “I Glasgow, Scotland, was called a used to love the sport. Boxing is draw on a night when Burns’ jaw full of s---. The only reason I do was broken, he was dropped in it is for a good payday. the eighth round and pummeled “You don’t see too many good by Beltran, who threw many decisions in Texas, with out-of- more punches and kept Burns on towners against Texas fghters. the defensive all night. I put my two cents in before. This led Beltran’s disgusted I said, ‘I don’t want Gale Van manager, Steve Feder, to remark Hoy and I don’t want Raul sadly, “This is one of those nights Caiz.’ Raul had it pretty close. I where we have to leave it up to thought I won the fght, but at the writers and the fans to try the least he had it close. But there is case. You can’t bring in new fans no way anyone won that fght if they feel that there is some 118-110. corruption going on. I’m not “Gale Van Hoy just flled out talking about money or moving his scorecard, on purpose, to things around. Corruption. (expletive) Paulie Malignaggi. I Look it up. We’re corrupting a don’t know how Gale Van Hoy beautiful sport. When it’s done keeps getting jobs.” right it is beautiful, but tonight That night Malignaggi landed tarnished it.” 191 punches to Diaz’s 178, That is the real danger to according to CompuBox, and boxing of repeatedly suspect outthrew him 949-663. There judging. The more these types were no knockdowns or other of decisions occur, the more mitigating factors but Diaz’s zIP the word corruption rather code. Van Hoy’s card remains led Molina’s promoter, Leon than incompetence is used and among the most outrageous in Margules, to issue a press the further the sport slips into recent years. release that read in part: “Gale disrepute. Anyone can have a bad night Van Hoy’s scorecard is a pretty Referees in the NFL are closely of course, but Van Hoy has had clear indication that he’s not monitored each week by a many. Another came when he physically capable of judging supervisor of offcials. They are saw Texas-based fghter James fghts anymore.” Yet Van Hoy graded each Monday and gain Kirkland ahead of Carlos Molina continues to work. or lose top assignments based on 86-85 while his counterparts Initially Nevada State Athletic those grades. They get sat down Dave Moretti (88-83 Molina) Commission executive director for particularly egregious errors and David Sutherland (87- Keith Kizer gave knee-jerk in rulings or judgment. The same 84 Molina) apparently were support to Ross, but her card is true in other organized sports watching another fght. That in Mayweather-Alvarez could

66 ringTV.COM / 1.14 Scott Heavey/Getty Images whole world was watching. That said,Alvarez, “The promotes Schaefer, whosecompany Promotions CEORichard indefnite leaveofabsence. was anex-judgeaftertaking an what sheis,” itbecameclear. She sputtering angrily “I don’t know corrupt orincompetentbefore Atlas sayingRosswascriminal, media insultsandESPN’s Teddy not beerased. After daysof That nightevenGoldenBoy DECISIONS SICKENING RAYMUNDO RICKY BURNS- differently. The judges, particularlyPaolillo, it saw No one, itseemed, hadMartinezwinning. Burgos betweennineandsevenrounds. on Ringsiders andthosewatching TV gave the beltholderformostoffght. 130-pound title, outboxedandoutlanded totake Martinez’sattempting WBO The injustice: (Tony Paolillo) Signorile), 116-112Martinez (Waleska Roldan),114-114(John Scores: Winner: Jan. 19,2013/NewYork Date /location: MARTINEZ BURGOS-ROMAN JUAN CARLOS ripped intothejudges. analyst Teddyincluded TV That Atlas,who thedecision.present werestunnedat Friday NightFights thereafterinthefrstand dominated had imposedhiswillbythemiddlerounds better boxer, startedquicklybutUsmanee The injustice: 116-112 (Valerie Dorsett) 116-112 (Richard Green) and Scores: Winner: Jan. 4,2013/Miami Date /location: BARTHELEMY RANCES ARASH USMANEE- stole itfromhim. WBO lightweighttitle. Alas, thejudges including aknockdown, totakeBurns’ believed Beltrandidmorethanenough, aroundtheworld–others watching majority ofScotsonhand–andmany fans arestunnedbyit. Indeed, thevast bad decisionwheneventhehometown The injustice: Beltran (Andre Van Grootenbruel) (Richard Davies),115-113 (Carlos OrtizJr.), 114-114 Scores: Winner: Scotland Sept. 7,2013/Glasgow, Date /location: BELTRAN Draw BarthelemyUD Draw 117-111Burgos 115-113(RicBays), 115-112 Burns 115-112Burns cardoftheyear. Those Barthelemy, the You it’s know a Burgos,

how itwaslastnight. close rounds. That’s prettymuch gave fghterB, theywerereally him easily, andthesixrounds she gave fghter A, shegavethemto fghter, butthesixroundsshe a judgehassixroundsforeach whole waseven. Itcouldbethat necessarily thoughtthefghtasa up evendoesn’t meanthejudge because ajudge’s scorecardends defended Rosssaying, “Just it goingtohappenagain?” answer. Howcanthathappen?Is Pacquiao isnotaquestionIcan after thedecisionofBradleyand that judgecouldbeappointed scorecard wasadisgrace. How to formallyobject, and changes will beempoweredinNevada representatives andpromoters and goingforwardfighters’ commission. Butforthatfight were rubberstampedbythe the officialsandhisselections director generallyappointed offcials becreated. that anewselectionprocessfor ordered beforeMarquez-Bradley who inresponsetothedebacle was NSAC chairmanBillBrady, was listening. Inthiscase, it boxing butasignsomebody otherwise. That isararityin Ross waswiseenoughtoknow discipline wasnotwarranted, belief. Although Kizersaid off theboxingworld’s accepted score asetnumberofcardswell the system. Buthow? answer isthescoringsystem.” how canyouhaveadraw? The certainly thebetterfghter, so and thinkMayweatherwas people thinkoftheentirefght why there’s criticism, because did equallywell. Iunderstand that judgethoughtbothfghters on thescorecarddoesn’t mean Apparently not. Kizerinitially In thepast, theexecutive First disciplineoffcialswho If itis, whichIdoubt, change “Because onejudgehaditeven 1.14 /ringTV.COM 67 SICKENING to formally object, and changes DECISIONS will be made. For Marquez- Bradley, two judges and a referee were rejected. FLOYD “They’ve always had the MAYWEATHER JR.- opportunity to raise objections, CANELO ALVAREZ but now our chairman (Brady) Date / location: has decided to make it more Sept. 14, 2013 / Las Vegas structured,” Kizer said. Winner: Mayweather MD In the wake of the Ross Scores: 116-112 Mayweather (Dave Moretti), 117-111 controversy, Brady spoke with Mayweather (Craig Metcalfe), Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval 114-114 (C.J. Ross) after the governor made clear he The injustice: The story here is was concerned about the negative not the result – the right man won the fght – but Ross’ horrendous score. Everyone publicity in a state based on with their eyes open saw that Mayweather gaming. While that is the frst dominated the fght. Thus, Ross’ score was suggestion for improvement, it greeted with a storm of criticism and she should not be the last. subsequently stepped down. At least there Atlas has long campaigned for was some justice. a national boxing commission to control the sport nationwide. The TOMASZ UFC has avoided these type of ADAMEK-STEVE problems because it has a central authority with the power to act. CUNNINGHAM Boxing needs something similar. Date / location: Dec. 22, 2012 / Bethlehem, Pa. “Part of the problem with our Winner: Adamek SD industry is that the offcials are Scores: 115-113 Adamek not held accountable for their (Debra Barnes), 115-113 actions,” said Vera’s promoter, Cunningham (Tom Miller), 116- 112 Adamek (Dave Greer) Artie Pelullo. “There is no The injustice: Cunningham’s suspension in place. No fnes. goal was to avenge his split-decision loss No review. All the commissions to Adamek at cruiserweight in 2008. And stand by their offcials right or he appeared to do more than enough, controlling the fght with his consistent wrong, which is wrong. jab and avoiding the Pole’s heavier shots. “I’m a licensed fght promoter. Adamek did come on in the later rounds Should I make a mistake, should but it seemed too little too late. It wasn’t. of consequences for their actions there be a problem, there are leads to little self-refection and repercussions for me, but there’s possible corruption. nobody who holds the offcials JULIO CESAR “Bad judging is a disgrace accountable. Very few times does CHAVEZ JR.- and embarassment [sic] to the anybody say ‘Hey, you were BRYAN VERA sport, the commissions and wrong. You’re suspended. You’re Date / location: people involved, and the state,” fned.’ That’s the basic problem of Sept. 28, 2013 / Carson, Calif. Gagliardo’s petition read. the offciating because they’re not Winner: Chavez UD “It can completely change a Scores: 98-92 (Gwen Adair), held accountable to anybody.” 96-94 (Carla Caiz), 97-93 fighter’s career and life, as well One action taken by fght fan (Marty Denkin) as turn fans away from the Anthony Gagliardo after the The injustice: Most of those sport which will end up creating Kirkland-Molina fght was a who watched scored it for the scrappy a loss of revenue. No boxer Vera but the fght was fairly close. petition posted on the political However, a closer look at the cards is should have their hard work website Change.org, suggesting disturbing. Adair had Chavez winning thrown out and their life altered that offcials involved in highly eight of 10 rounds, Denkin seven of 10. due to a poor judging decision. questionable calls be punished Didn’t happen. And Caiz gave Chavez the The boxers must do their job fnal six rounds. Also didn’t happen. Vera as offcials in other sports are. deserved better. correctly and the boxing judges

Atlas agrees, believing the lack should do theirs. Naoki Fukuda

68 ringTV.COM / 1.14 CARDS STACKED AGAINST BOXING?

Floyd Mayweather Jr. beat Canelo Alvarez “Every one of these judges round to be won by a wider easily but one judge needs to retire,” Shields told margin than 10-9? Instead of apparently wasn’t USA Today and anyone else the automatic 10-9 score in paying attention. who would listen. “It wasn’t an non-knockdown rounds, judges easy fght for Bryan, but come should be encouraged to actually on! Bryan won at least seven or score based on what happens. eight rounds.” Judges should be told that they That’s one possibility. can award many more 10-8 Two more are “open” and and even 10-7 scores without “consensus” scoring. The knockdowns if one fghter is problem is that the former, which widely superior. is used in Mexico and some Work has also begun by the other places, could lead fghters Australian Institute of Sport and with sizeable leads to run in the the Commonwealth Scientifc and fnal rounds. And the latter, in Industrial Research Organization which each round is decided by on developing an automated the equivalent of a majority vote, scoring system to end corruption doesn’t account for incompetence in amateur boxing. Although past or worse. efforts to “computerize” scoring Here are a few other have not avoided controversy, suggestions. this is at least worth exploring. First, have judges rotate seats Although totally taking out the either every round or every few human element in judging seems rounds. It is often argued where unwise, perhaps both could you sit can give a false viewpoint be used and a more accurate on a fght. To avoid that, why not consensus then reached. rotate the judges every round? Lastly, as Top Rank CEO Bob That would give them different Arum suggests, there should be angles to view the boxers as the a pool of judges and referees fght progresses and avoid the deemed most qualified for the perception that being stationary biggest fights, as there is in can skew your point of view. other sports. Experience and a A more novel solution to the proven track record of being viewpoint issue was proposed by right, fair and unmoved by who Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez has the more powerful promoter “Throughout the history in the November 2012 issue of or spot in the marketplace of boxing, the sport has been THE RING: Put the judges in should be paramount. plagued by terribly poor elevated seats where they can see As Stephen Espinoza, decisions that can be looked better, like tennis umpires. Showtime’s executive vice at as no other than a robbery. Second, require judges to turn president and general Ignorance, bias, and corruption in with their fnal card the name manager for sports and event have all played a part in these of the fghter they believe won. programming, put it after bad decisions. … Robberies and If it too often doesn’t coincide Mayweather-Alvarez: “Other bad decisions have unfortunately with their score, questions can major sports such as the NFL, become a large part of boxing be asked. such as in college basketball but that should not be an excuse Third, more clearly defne ring use their best offcials for their and can certainly be changed generalship, effective aggression, biggest events. That’s something with some effort.” clean punching and the value boxing should incorporate, and After the decision in Vera- of defense. They are, at best, I don’t see that being taken into Chavez was loudly booed despite nebulous criteria at the moment account. You’d hate for Ross’ the fact the California crowd that mean different things to score be the deciding factor.” was flled mostly with Chavez different judges. Until something changes supporters, Vera’s trainer, Ronnie And, lastly, why is a radically, too many times it will Shields, had an idea. knockdown required for a be.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 69 Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (left) made a mockery of weight regulations before his fght against Bryan Vera.

70 ringTV.COM / 1.14 Jeff Gross/Getty Images P LIMIT THE BEYOND for thefght. Chavez weighed172.4pounds setting thenumberat173, for the Weight.” After fnally Arum advisedfansto “Wait right uptothefnalweigh-in. along withtheguessinggame on hispromoter’s capandplayed weights forthefght, Arum put through aseriesofcontracted heavyweight? …fght. super middleweight…erlight Vera inamiddleweight…uh Chavez, whohadagreed to As Chavezcontinuedtoblow By THE SPORT THAT PLAGUES OF APROBLEM LATEST EXAMPLE IS ONLY THE WEIGHT MAKE INABILITY TO CHAVEZ JR.’S JULIO CESAR TIM SMITH Jr. recentlymetBryan Julio CesarChavez heavy situationbefore tried tomakelight of a Bob Arum romoter to playseven innings. We’re not a lotofgames;we’reonlygoing say, ‘My guyshavebeenplaying hard andnotgettingapayday. don’t relish theideaoftraining money. And undercard boxers aren’t inthebusinessoflosing live boxingprograms. Promoters networks aren’t fondofcanceling entire promotion. Cable TV limit boxercanjeopardizean the boxers. An over-the-weight- which isthehealthandsafetyof to theproblem, nottheleastof sport. There aremanyfacets that continuestoplaguethe his actionshighlightaproblem he’s notgoingtobethelast. But weight foraboxingmatch, and who failedtomakeacontracted of acontractedweightlimit. fact thatChavezmadeamockery the realdisgraceoffght: decision, whichovershadowed size ofacruiserweight. stepped intothering, hewasthe the ruse. BythetimeChavez upward. But Vera alsopaidfor continuing toshifttheweight Vera aportionofhispursefor rescheduled, wasrequiredtopay original 162-poundmatchupwas a limitof168poundsafterthe Chavez isn’t thefrstboxer Vera lostbyacontroversial “In abaseballgameyoudon’t Castillo failedtomakeweight A thirdmatchwasscheduled. knocked outinthefourthround. Corrales wasbatteredand highly anticipatedrematch. an overweightCastillointheir Shaw allowedCorralestofght Corrales, whomShawpromoted. for matchesagainstDiego Castillo failedtomakeweight promotions inwhichJoseLuis He wasinvolvedintwo boxers notmakingweight. deal withtheconsequences.” weight andforceeveryoneelseto saying whentheydon’t make said. “That’s whatboxersare veteran promoterGaryShaw going toplaynineinnings,’” grossly overweight. typically boxersdon’t comein Athletic Commission, said director oftheNevadaState of histitle. organizations willstripaboxer overweight, thoughsanctioning because aboxercomesin Rarely arematchescanceled higher weightlimitforthematch. contract rewrittentorefecta normally theywillhavethe for missingtheweight, but commission mightfneaboxer $600,000. Mayweather paidMarquez Rather thanlosetheweight, against JuanManuelMarquez. contract weightforhisfght two poundsoverthe144-pound with thematch. his opponentdecidestogoahead to thepurseofhisopponentif comes in. That moneyisadded pounds overtheweightlimithe his pursebasedonhowmany generally losesapercentageof primarily fnancial. The boxer boxer fornotmakingweightare forward withthematch. again, andCorralesrefusedtogo Shawhasseenhisshareof Keith Kizer, theexecutive In somecasesaboxing Floyd MayweatherJr. camein The penaltiesleviedagainsta 1.14 /ringTV.COM 71 BEYOND THE LIMIT

Arturo Gatti reportedly had weigh-in Gatti jumped on and off a 15-pound the scale before it could be clearly advantage when determined whether he actually he brutally stopped Joey Gamache in met the weight requirement. 2000. Gamache The New York State Athletic never fought again. Commission failed to make Gatti get back on the scale, certifying that he weighed 141. In an unoffcial pre-fght weigh-in done on HBO’s scales, Gatti weighed 160 pounds and Gamache weighed 145 pounds. Gatti drilled Gamache, knocking him out in the second round. Gamache suffered a career- ending head injury and spent several days in the hospital. He successfully sued New York, claiming the commission had failed to properly conduct the weigh-in. Gamache, who is a trainer now, did not want to comment on the weight issue for this article. Sean Monaghan, a light heavyweight contender from Long Island, N.Y., said fghting a boxer over the contracted weight makes “a huge difference.” He was contracted to fght Roger Cantrell at 176 pounds. Before the weigh-in, Monaghan got a call from his matchmaker saying Cantrell couldn’t make 176 and asked to move the contract weight to 178. Monaghan agreed. He won an eight-round unanimous decision, but it wasn’t easy. “When we got to the weigh- “It’s very rare for a guy to it would be a danger to his in, he was 186, which was 10 miss weight, but when he does, opponent. He said anything pounds over what we started at,” it’s usually a half pound or a over three pounds is a red fag Monaghan said. “Supposedly, pound over,” Kizer said. “In at lower weight classes, and they sent a guy with a scale to his those situations, you never know they would take a close look at room the next day and he was what’s in a guy’s mind as to why canceling the match. almost 210. I was looking at it as he didn’t make the weight. My Joey Gamache, a former junior a good thing, because he looked personal opinion is that they welterweight champion, was sloppy. I remember before the didn’t care about the fne. They involved in one of the most fght when he was 30 feet away tried to make the weight, but egregious over-the-weight-limit from me (I was) thinking, ‘Damn, they couldn’t do it.” matches ever. Gamache was that guy looks big.’ Kizer said the commission supposed to fght Arturo Gatti at “Then I remember in the first would cancel a fght if a boxer a weight limit of 141 at Madison round, the guy hit me with a

came in so overweight that Square Garden in 2000. At the jab and my nose got crunched. Al Bello /Allsport

72 ringTV.COM / 1.14 HEAVIEST I just said, ‘Damn, this guy can and it was given to Escobedo. punch.’ I remember going in Escobedo lost to Broner by a GUILT there, and my shots didn’t affect ffth-round TKO. He has lost him like they usually would. I his two subsequent fghts by was hitting him with good, hard knockout. These fghters are among the shots, and he was just absorbing “I think from a physical worst offenders when it comes to them. I remember thinking, standpoint, he was OK. It could failing miserably to make weight. ‘This is something different have had a psychological effect. here. It’s like I’m fighting a Broner was not affected by his JOSE LUIS CASTILLO heavyweight tonight.’” punches,” Arellano said. Several observers have called Castillo and Rolando Arellano, a long- Shaw said larger fnancial Joan Guzman the “poster boys” for failing to time boxing manager, said penalties are the only language make weight. Castillo came in 3½ pounds over the limit for his rematch with Diego Corrales, it is a delicate balancing act that boxers understand when it after which one of his cornermen was fned when advising a boxer to go comes to making weight. and suspended for tampering with the scale. through with a match against “Pulling the fght off TV and Castillo stopped Corrales in four rounds, a boxer who comes in over the everybody suffering is probably avenging a KO loss in their frst fght. Castillo contracted weight. the solution that will straighten came in overweight again for the rubber match, this time by 4.5 pounds. Corrales “What you do is you meet and everything out,” Shaw said. “That refused to fght him. confer with your team. You tell will change the contracts that them the facts and the situation. promoters make with fghters. JOAN GUZMAN This is what happens if the … Promoters have money at risk Guzman is known more for missing weight than fght goes on, and this is what until that bell rings. Therefore his accomplishments. The blotter: 1. He was 3.5 happens if we don’t go through the promoter will start making a pounds over for a lightweight bout against Nate with it,” Arellano said. different type of contract with the Campbell in 2008. Too drained, Guzman pulled He had to have that fghter that calls for real penalties out. That cost Campbell $300,000. 2. He came in nine over for a fght against Ali Funeka for a conversation with his client, if the fght doesn’t come off. vacant 135-pound title. They fought, Guzman Vincente Escobedo, when Adrien The only thing that most people won a split decision and the title remained Broner came in overweight for understand is money.” vacant. 3. He was 3.5 over before he beat their junior lightweight match in Financial penalties Jason Davis in 2010 and then tested positive 2012. The event was in serious notwithstanding, Arum thinks for a diuretic. His promoter dumped him. 3. And this past June, he missed by 8.2 pounds jeopardy because Broner was 3½ the solution to the problem for a 140-pound fght with Vicente Mosquera. pounds over the 130-pound limit comes with boxers being more Guzman wasn’t allowed to fght. at the weigh-in. vigilant with regard to their “Is the fghter doing it because nutrition and more realistic FRANCISCO SIERRA he doesn’t give a s---, and he’s about their best boxing weight. OK, you probably don’t know who Sierra is. not professional, and he’s got “What happens is these However, his transgression was so great that all these forces backing him? Or fighters are used to making (a we would’ve been remiss to not include him is it a legitimate case of the kid certain) weight,” Arum said. “As here. Sierra had agreed to face Farah Ennis at 169 pounds in April. His offcial weight? A that is just growing and can’t get they grow or get older making whopping 186.5 pounds, 17.5 over the limit. down to that weight no more,” weight is different from the way That made Sierra a cruiserweight. Of course, Arellano said. “It’s a delicate it has been. Jose Luis Castillo Ennis wouldn’t go through with the fght. One balance. Most of those kids who had no trouble making 135 question remains. Sierra had to know he was are 25 years old and they’ve until he had trouble making 135 well beyond the weight limit. Why did he bother to weigh in? been at that weight for three and couldn’t get his body to do or four years, then they’re just it. He could have avoided that SHAWN ESTRADA unprofessional.’’ if he had a conditioning coach The 2008 U.S. Olympian outdid Sierra. Estrada All the forces came to bear on and nutritionist measuring him was scheduled to face Terrance Woods in Arellano and Escobedo – HBO, every day.” February of last year at 172 pounds. He came Broner’s management and the It’s a weighty issue, to be sure, in at 196, 24 over the limit. Woods also failed to Cincinnati arena, which had and there are no quick, easy make weight, coming in at 177. Still, the fght sold the tickets. They agreed to solutions. As long as there are actually took place. According to offcials in Texas, Estrada later the same day weighed 192. go through with the fght after divisions, there will be boxers The 15-pound difference was apparently within Broner forfeited $30,000 (10 who can’t (or won’t) make the the rules for a cruiserweight fght in Texas. percent of his $300,000 purse) weight. Estrada won a unanimous eight-round decision.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 73 74 ringTV.COM /1.14

Scott Heavey/Getty Images ! PATH OF DESTRUCTION DEONTAY WILDER, A ONETIME BASKETBALL HOPEFUL WHO IS INSPIRED BY HIS BRAVE DAUGHTER, IS ON AN EPIC RUN OF KNOCKOUTS By Norm Frauenheim

Punching power, fascinating as it is frightening, identif es Deontay Wilder. It’s even there, in the f rst four letters of his last name. Twenty-nine f ghts, 29 knockouts, including 17 in the f rst round. Wild. Wild, too, perhaps is what we have yet to see. The relatively inexperienced heavyweight’s raw power is a marketable commodity that has fashioned dramatic stoppages but doesn’t answer questions about what might happen when that big punch lands on his chin in an inevitable test of what he can — or can’t — withstand. Questions are part of a game full of opponents with critical trainers and cynical promoters who always look for the flaw, the Achilles’ heel, in any perceived advantage. Deontay Wilder is The International Boxing Hall spreading the word with of Fame is full of fighters who his f sts, not his mouth, that he is a heavyweight are there because of collective to be feared. doubts and the motivational

1.14 / RINGTV.COM 75 PATH OF DESTRUCTION

chip that they become. Wilder seems to understand that, almost instinctively. “Doubt me, and I’m going to Audley Harrison ended up in the same position prove you wrong,” said Wilder, as all of Wilder’s whose uninterrupted string previous opponents. of stoppages before facing Nicolai Firtha on Oct. 26 on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J., ranked tied for No. 7 all- time on the list of longest KO streaks. “It never fails, because that’s what’s going to make me work the hardest.” Doubt is a little bit like that power. It’s been with him for almost as long as Wilder can recall. If anything, the signature power in his right hand might have remained an unrealized resource if not for a daughter, Naieya, born with spina bifda, a developmental disorder in the spinal cord. Wilder was a 19-year-old with plans to play junior college basketball in his hometown, Tuscaloosa, Ala. At Tuscaloosa Central High School, he dreamed about playing for the city’s perennial college football giant, Alabama. He was a wide receiver, but poor grades and a high-school coach skeptical of his football potential forced him to enroll at Shelton Community College with dreams of playing power forward for the Crimson Tide. His dad had played basketball. Boxing was something he saw on HBO or Showtime or heard about through stories about Muhammad Ali. He never thought he’d ever answer an opening bell, much less make a career out of it. But then physicians told him and his girlfriend that their baby might never walk because of a defect that can impair motor skills, hearing and sight. Physicians told the couple that a termination of the pregnancy was an option. No, said Wilder.

76 ringTV.COM / 1.14 His baby deserved a chance, unknowns, disappointments and in Phoenix. he said. Wilder quit school and burnouts. Wilder, who knocked out basketball. He worked day shifts Consider his two opponents the 41-year-old Harrison in at Red Lobster and night shifts before Firtha. Audley Harrison, 70 seconds and Liakhovich in at a Mercedes-Benz assembly a 2000 Olympic gold 103 seconds, is hardly the frst plant. He drove a Budweiser medalist for the U.K., never to have benefted from careful truck. He did whatever he could fulflled the potential he matchmaking. It’s part of to pay medical bills he knew displayed at the Sydney Games. marketing. For Wilder, however, were coming for a child born Sergei Liakhovich held the it’s also part of a blueprint prematurely on March 5, 2005. WBO heavyweight title before designed to get Wilder the work The baby was so tiny that Wilder Shannon Briggs abruptly he missed during those days says he could hold her in the ended his reign and credibility when he dreamed about running palm of a right hand so feared with a walk-off punch in the pass routes or grabbing rebounds eight years later. fnal second of a crazy fght for the Crimson Tide. “She’s made me work so much “He knows he’s still learning,” harder,” Wilder said. said lead trainer Mark He watches tapes of Tommy KO STREAKS Breland, a former welterweight Hearns, the legendary The numbers vary a bit depending champion and a 1984 Olympic welterweight and middleweight on the source, but everyone would gold medalist. who had Wilder’s broad agree that Deontay Wilder’s streak of Wilder didn’t undergo the shoulders, long body and leverage 29 consecutive knockouts going into long amateur apprenticeship behind his punches. Like so many his Oct. 26 fght against Nicolai Firtha that prepared some of the heavyweights in his generation, ranks among the longest in boxing great heavyweights for their Ali is his favorite champion. He history. Here are the top 18 according championship careers. He has been compared to Hearns. to Boxrec.com. walked into co-trainer and co- Ali is a role model. But Naieya’s manager Jay Deas’ Tuscaloosa name is tattooed across his chest 41 LaMar Clark (1958-60) gym, Skyy Boxing, three days and above his heart. She is his 41 Don Steele (1994-97) before his 20th birthday in heroine, his favorite fghter. 36 Billy Fox (1943-46) 2005. Without basketball, he After all, Naieya, now 8, has 35 Dario Azuaga (1994-1996) still had an interest in sports. He been winning the biggest fghts. 32 Wilfredo Gomez (1974-81) also saw boxing as a potential When she was born, physicians 31 Rodolfo Gonzalez (1959-1961) way to augment his income. told Wilder she would need a 30 Jimmy Adamick (1936-1937) “It was just kind of my last respirator. But she defed that 30 Bob Allotey (1958-63) shot at a sports career,” Wilder expectation and began breathing 29 Alfonso Zamora (1973-77) said. “I thought maybe I could on her own. Then there were 29 Acelino Freitas (1995-2001) make a living as a journeyman, surgical procedures at the 29 Deontay Wilder (2008-present) just as a journeyman. That’s all I University of Alabama and, for a 28 Jesus Pimentel (1961-64) was thinking.” while, walking braces. 28 Carlos Zarate (1974-78) Wilder also knew he could “Now, she’s a gymnast,” Wilder 27 Henry Armstrong (1937-38) fght a little. At 6-foot-7, he was said during a telephone interview 27 Earnie Shavers (1970-72) known for a quick temper that that included a hello from his 27 Miguel Julio (1990-95) often led to fying elbows and daughter, who was at her father’s 27 Vitali Klitschko (1996-99) fsts during pickup games on side in Tuscaloosa. 27 Edwin Valero (2002-10) asphalt courts in and around “Hi,” Naieya said. Tuscaloosa. “She’s amazing,” Wilder said. Notes: Don Steele and Dario Azuaga each “At frst, I wasn’t sure what to “Just amazing.” had a no-contest in his streak; they were not think,” said Deas, who is part of Amazing, too, has been her considered interruptions here. If they were, a Wilder management team that father’s eye-catching emergence the streaks would be 39 and 27 knockouts, includes Shelly Finkel and adviser as the most dangerous prospect respectively. George Gunther is credited Al Haymon. “But I’d watch him in the heavyweight division. by many sources with a streak of 41 KOs when he was alone in the gym. between 1899 and 1905, but records from At this point, calling him a It was evident that he liked it a the time are sketchy. contender might be stretch. lot. With nobody else around,

Scott Heavey/Getty Images His record has been built on he’d work and work hard. That

1.14 / ringTV.COM 77 78 PATH OFDESTRUCTION Wilder emergedwith America’s for adysfunctionalU.S. team, reasonable prediction. bouts. An earlyexitwastheonly fve, sometimes 10timesasmany feld ofseasonedamateurs with fghts onhisresume. Hewasina in Chinawithonly20amateur Olympic qualifers. Hearrived stoppages inU.S. Trials and right handthatscoredandforced 2008 BeijingGameswiththe virtually unknown, reachedthe unexpected.became Wilder, uncommon.” think hemighthavesomething was thefrsttimethatIbeganto doesn’t alwayshappen. That In anOlympicsremembered Three yearslater, uncommon ringTV.COM /1.14 that, fornow, hasgenerated hint atwhat’s tocomeina career noteworthy. Itmightprovidea might bemorethanjust over thelasttwoOlympiads American boxerwithamedal to winoneinLondon. Olympic medal. The U.S. failed last American boxertowinan the improbable Wilder is the Athens Games. As itturnsout, light heavyweightatthe2004 and lostto Andre Ward asa the 2012LondonOlympics Italian whoalsowonsilverat Clemente Russo, anexperienced to eventualsilvermedalist after losinginthesemifnals only medal, abronzeheclaimed Wilder’s status as theonly level bytheir 29th profght. had alreadyfoughtatthehighest Most ofthegreatheavyweights factors. First, there’s history. rooted inatleastacoupleof predictable asanentourage, is into thegym. detected whenhefrststepped of thatuncommonqualityDeas what toexpectormaybebecause perhaps becausehedidn’t know Yet, Wilder wasnever distracted, or focusforthetaskathand. opening bell, therewasnoenergy boxers andtheirfathers. At the happened betweencoaches, the Americans, mostofthefghting tore aparttheU.S. team. Forthe some skepticism. In2008, feuds But theskepticism, as

Jeff Gross/Getty Images Wilder doesn’t have the amateur pedigree title defense against James wonder whether I can take of trainer Mark Breland “Bonecrusher” Smith. a punch,” Wilder said. “But (left). He’s learning as So far, there’s nobody on boxing’s first rule is to hit and he goes. Wilder’s record who compares to not be hit. I’m not going into any of those names. At the same the ring just to prove I have a time, Wilder’s resume doesn’t chin. I’m not going to just let include the lengthy amateur somebody hit me. If I can end education that turns fundamental it early, I will. I’m doing this skill into habit and instinct. Ali, to make some money for my Frazier, Louis, Holyfeld and family, my future. I’m doing this Tyson began fghting in their for my daughter.” early to mid-teens. Wilder also hopes to create Deas and Breland have enough wealth to pursue preached patience and sought another interest: Acting. It’s some late schooling for Wilder, no coincidence, perhaps, that the potential late-bloomer, Breland has also worked as an in sparring with Wladimir actor, including a role in The Klitschko, the best heavyweight Lords of Discipline, a flm about of this era. Wilder worked with life as cadet at The Citadel. Klitschko at his training camp For Wilder, however, there’s in Austria before a unanimous still much to learn. In the ring. decision over Mariusz Wach And out of it. On the weekend in November 2012. He also of May 5, there was a red flag. has sparred with David Haye, He went to Las Vegas for Floyd Tomasz Adamek and Tony Mayweather Jr.’s victory over Thompson. Robert Guerrero at the MGM “The camps have been the best Grand. He was arrested on a thing we’ve done,” Deas said. battery charge and released on “Anybody fghting a Klitschko $15,000 bond. It’s not clear needs to get some tall sparring. exactly what happened. His So, we’d go. That sparring has attorney and Deas said the really helped a lot.” alleged altercation happened But it still hasn’t answered when Wilder thought a woman that question about what was stealing from him. Wilder, Ali had beaten Sonny Liston happens when Wilder gets hit who has admitted he has a twice and was making a ninth on the button by a heavyweight short temper, apologized. He defense of the RING title when punch in a real fght instead told reporters in the U.S. and he went 29-0 against Zora of a sparring session. What U.K. that he would learn from Folley. Joe Frazier had already about his chin? The discovery the incident. beaten Ali in their famous 1971 that Seth Mitchell’s could not “Defnitely a reality check, a fght when he went 29-0 against withstand that power, frst in wakeup call,” said Wilder, who Ron Stander. Joe Louis, the best a loss to Johnathon Banks and was still allowed by British fghter born in Alabama, had then in a crushing defeat to authorities to travel to the U.K. already beaten Max Baer and Chris Arreola, leaves Wilder with for sparring with Haye ahead lost to Max Schmeling when he the title as America’s greatest of a Tyson Fury fght that was went 28-1 against Eddie Simms. heavyweight hope. But Mitchell’s later postponed from Sept. 28 to Evander Holyfeld, the second- quick elimination in an ongoing Feb. 8 because of a cut suffered best fghter born in Alabama, game of musical chairs has left by Haye. “It’s dying down now. had already beaten George questions about whether Wilder I’m just looking forward to the Foreman and Buster Douglas will be the next to go. After all, future. It’s going to make me a when he went 28-1 in a loss to Wilder doesn’t have much more better person.’’ Riddick Bowe. Mike Tyson had experience than did Mitchell, a At his side, there’s a daughter already beaten Trevor Berbick former Michigan State linebacker. who reminds him of that future when he went 29-0 in his frst “Yeah, I know a lot of people every day.

11.13 / THE1.14 ring / ringTV.COm magazinE 79 STEWARD WOULD BE PROUD

ADONIS donis Stevenson’s STEVENSON sudden surge toward boxing stardom would FULFILLED not have happened had HIS LATE TRAINER’S A his original trainer not PROPHECY BY suggested he take a fateful fight two years ago. STOPPING CHAD From the moment Montreal DAWSON AND trainer Tiger Paul began working TAVORIS CLOUD. with the powerful southpaw when he was a raw teenager, Paul believed AND HE IS JUST Stevenson could electrify fght GETTING STARTED fans against top opposition. The late-blooming boxer just needed By Keith Idec an expert’s assistance, the type of technical help Paul thought only Emanuel Steward could provide. After Stevenson stopped Aaron Pryor Jr. in the ninth round of their December 2011 fght in Canada, Stevenson made the trip to Steward’s famed Kronk Gym in Detroit. He clicked quickly with the Hall of Fame trainer and Steward’s nephew, Javan “Sugar” Hill, who has been Stevenson’s full-time trainer since Steward died in October of last year.

80 ringTV.COM / 1.14 Vincent Ethier / GYM last twofghts. his vastpotentialin seems tohaverealized Adonis Stevenson 1.14 /ringTV.COM 81 Stevenson made an enormous statement with one punch against Chad Dawson.

They immediately went to work they began working together. beat both guys, and you’ll be a on Stevenson’s technique and “It gives me a lot of motivation superstar in boxing.’ After he footwork, confdent all along because Emanuel believed in passed away, I wanted to prove that they were molding a future me,” said Stevenson, who moved what he said. I wanted to prove star even though Stevenson from his native Haiti to the to everybody Emanuel was not was already 34. Stevenson and Montreal area when he was 5. wrong, that this was a true story. Steward also spent many hours at “He saw the potential in me. I proved that.” Steward’s suburban Detroit home I didn’t see that. He saw that Stevenson needed just one studying footage of such legends and Sugar saw that. They know perfectly placed left hand and as Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, boxing. Some people can talk barely a minute to stop Dawson Ray Robinson and Mike Tyson. about how they know boxing, and produce perhaps the most The heavy-handed Canadian but Emanuel was a walking bible stunning knockout of the year on considers those tutorials vital to of boxing. He knew talent. He June 8 in Montreal. Destroying his transformation from little- told me before he passed away Dawson to win THE RING’s known super middleweight that I would be a superstar, that light heavyweight championship contender into boxing’s lineal I would be a world champion. made Stevenson an instant star, light heavyweight champion. He gave me a lot of motivation. a fghter HBO Sports executives With impressive knockout “He told me that if I had eagerly put back on the network victories over former light the opportunity to fght Chad against Cloud on Sept. 28. heavyweight champions Chad Dawson or Tavoris Cloud, jump The 36-year-old Stevenson Dawson and Tavoris Cloud in on it because I could beat both proved against Cloud, a former back-to-back bouts, Stevenson guys. He said that to me, my 175-pound titleholder who had has justifed Steward’s confdence promoter [Yvon Michel] and lost only to Bernard Hopkins, in him. And that confdence is Sugar. He said, ‘If Tavoris Cloud that demolishing Dawson (31-3, what still drives Stevenson (22-1, or Chad Dawson want to fght 17 KOs) wasn’t an aberration. He 19 KOs) to attain the greatness Adonis, jump on it. Don’t wait. thoroughly outboxed Cloud (24-

his mentor saw in him as soon as Jump on it. You’re going to 2, 19 KOs) before the fght was Vincent Ethier / GYM

82 ringTV.COM / 1.14 STEWARD WOULD BE PROUD

stopped after seven rounds as a Dawson fght attracted. He has out of the ring. result of the Floridian’s cuts. gained so much momentum as a Once Stevenson gained the “That was huge for (Stevenson) ticket-seller in Quebec this year, international experience he because he even admitted himself Stevenson has joined Jean Pascal sought as an amateur, he turned that Chad put down his hands, and Lucian Bute as bona fde pro at 29 in 2006. Seven years which gave him the opportunity stars north of the border. later, Stevenson soon could fght to throw that punch,” said Gary “I think he can be a huge for seven fgures in front of an Shaw, whose company promotes star,” Shaw said. “He’s already adoring hometown crowd. Dawson and co-promoted the becoming a bigger star in “It gives me a lot of motivation Stevenson-Cloud card with Canada.” when my fans and my people Michel. “In the Cloud fght, An appreciative Stevenson come to watch me fght,” said although he did try to put Cloud never thought he’d occupy such Stevenson, who went 33-5 as an away with one big shot, when a prosperous position. He didn’t amateur. “I had 10,000 fans to that didn’t happen he switched start taking amateur boxing support me when I fought Cloud. and he boxed a lot more. That seriously until he was 24, after When you grow up in a place, gave him confdence to know spending four years in prison and you fght there, it’s amazing. that he can go in and outbox on convictions for pimping and I love that.” someone who was a big puncher assault that stemmed from gang- At press time for this issue, in his own right. He knows now related activities when he was 18. Stevenson was scheduled to make that he doesn’t have to deliver Stevenson declined to discuss a mandatory defense of the WBC that one punch that he delivered his legal ordeal with THE RING, light heavyweight title against against Chad. That’s what but the father of two young girls England’s Tony Bellew (20-1-1, starts changing someone into a and an infant boy acknowledged 12 KOs) on Nov. 30 in Quebec complete fghter.” that immersing himself in City. The Stevenson-Bellew bout Stevenson’s victory over boxing after his incarceration was paired with another light Cloud also drew a crowd of changed his life. The sacrifces the heavyweight title fght between nearly 10,000 to Bell Centre, sport requires made him more Russia’s Sergey Kovalev (22-0-1, about 4,000 more fans than the disciplined and helped him in and 20 KOs), the WBO’s 175-pound

Against Tavoris Cloud, Stevenson showed off his boxing skills. STEWARD WOULD BE PROUD

EXCLUSIVE CLUB Held title: 2002-04 (retired) six months later. Pascal hasn’t done Background: Lewis was born in much since. He is scheduled to f ght When he knocked out Chad Dawson in England, moved to Canada when he was Lucian Bute on Jan. 18 in Montreal. June, Adonis Stevenson joined a select 12 and won a gold medal for his adopted Did you know? Pascal has fought group of f ghters with strong Canadian country in 1988. Lewis was named RING outside the province of Quebec only ties who have won a RING championship. champion in 2002, shortly after the twice, when he defeated Omar Pittman Here’s the list (in chronological order): magazine reinstituted its championships. by a one-sided decision in 2008 in JIMMY McLARNIN He defeated Mike Tyson and Vitali Hollywood, Fla., and was outpointed by Klitschko in defense of the belt and Carl Froch in Nottingham, England, in his Hometown: Vancouver then retired. Lewis, who held one title next f ght the same year. Division: welterweight or another for all but two years between Held title: 1933-34, 1934-35 1992 and 2004, was inducted into the ADONIS STEVENSON Background: McLarnin was born in Hall of Fame in 2009. Hometown: Montreal Ireland, moved to Canada as a toddler Did you know? Lewis competed for Division: Light heavyweight and became a U.S. citizen as an adult. Canada at 18 in the 1984 Olympics, Held title: 2013- “Baby Face” was named the f rst RING losing in the second round to eventual Background: Everyone knew Stevenson welterweight champ in 1933. He then lost gold medalist Tyrell Biggs. was good – particularly in terms of the title, won it back and then lost it again punching power – even if his resume to rival Barney Ross all by decisions in a JEAN PASCAL was relatively thin. Still, the events of one-year period. McLarnin is considered Hometown: Laval, Quebec June 8 took most people by surprise. one of the best f ghters of all time. He was Division: Light heavyweight Stevenson put Dawson down and out inducted into the International Boxing Hall Held title: 2010-11 with a single left to the side of head only of Fame in 1991 Background: Pascal has a lot in 1:16 into their f ght, giving the then-35- Did you know? McLarnin beat fellow common with Stevenson. He also is year-old upstart the RING championship. Hall of Famers Tony Canzoneri and Lou from Haiti, from where he emigrated He proved that victory was no f uke and Ambers in consecutive f ghts in 1936 to Canada as a child, and beat Dawson that he was a more complete f ghter and never fought again. to win the RING championship. Pascal than many believed by outboxing Tavoris LENNOX LEWIS defeated Dawson by an 11th-round Cloud in his f rst defense. technical decision after Dawson was cut Did you know? Stevenson avenged his Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario to win the vacant RING title. He drew only loss – a second-round knockout (London in England) with Bernard Hopkins in his next f ght against Darnell Boone in 2010 – by Division: heavyweight but lost the rematch and the RING belt stopping Boone in six in March.

champion, and Ukraine’s Ismayl Stevenson seems most interested fought Stevenson in 2014. The Sillakh (21-1, 17 KOs) as part in facing Hopkins, a legend who’s premium-cable battle between of an HBO doubleheader well known to Canadian f ght HBO and Showtime also could designed to generate interest in fans from his two f ghts against complicate matters because HBO a Stevenson-Kovalev showdown Pascal in 2010 and 2011. Sports president Ken Hershman sometime in 2014. “It’s a big, big f ght,” Stevenson has publicly stated that for the Stevenson said he’d eventually said. “Bernard Hopkins is foreseeable future the network welcome a light heavyweight a champion. Plus, he beat won’t work with Golden Boy unification fight against everybody, and he’s a big name at Promotions, in which Hopkins is Kovalev. He cautioned, however, light heavyweight. In Montreal, a partner. that Kovalev, who dismantled everybody knows Bernard Regardless, Stevenson has Wales’ Nathan Cleverly to Hopkins. It’s history. It’s pressure plenty of options he didn’t win the WBO title by fourth- versus the technician. It’s Bernard possess prior to beating Dawson round technical knockout on Hopkins, the old man, vs. the and Cloud. A year ago, the Aug. 17, needs to defeat former young man. Who’s going to win then-super middleweight champions on the level of the f ght? This is a big, big f ght.” contender couldn’t land a Dawson and Cloud before the Stevenson believes a Hopkins 168-pound title f ght against matchup could be justified. f ght could draw a crowd in England’s Carl Froch even after According to Shaw, Stevenson excess of 20,000 somewhere defeating Donovan George by also is contractually obligated in Quebec. Nevertheless, 12th-round technical knockout to a rematch with Dawson. Hopkins would be 49 if he in an IBF elimination match.

84 RINGTV.COM / 1.14 Vincent Ethier / GYM seeing weaknesses andopenings thinker andveryexceptional at charts. He isavery, verygood more. … HisboxingIQisoffthe watching himlearnmoreand getting betterandbetter. I’m time weareincamp, heis a lotbetter,” Hillsaid. “Each different fghtersincethen. Stevenson hasevolvedintoa earlier inSalisbury, Md., but their frstfghtnearlythreeyears round technicalknockoutin a carelessStevensonbysecond- round knockdownsandupset round. Boonesurvivedtwofrst- Darnell Booneinthesixth by knockingoutjourneyman Stevenson avengedhisloneloss While waitingforabiggerfght, the righttojumpforjoy. Stevenson hasearned “His boxingskillshavegotten celebrity and enabled himto that hasmadehimaCanadian enjoying therecentsuccess in, aslong ashegetsthem.” matter whichordertheycome belt inthatdivision. Itdoesn’t championship. Hewantsevery unify thelightheavyweight thing: Adonis doeswantto Hill said. “I knowone [Kovalev] orifit’s Bernard,” good opponent, whetheritis we shouldfacewouldbea he encounters. any lightheavyweightopponent assures Hillhisfghterwillbeat makes, andhecapitalizesonit.” and mistakesthattheopponent Stevenson’s development Meanwhile, Stevensonistruly “Anybody thattheyfeel Record, Keith Ideccoversboxingfor grateful. Emanuel Steward.” Gym, man. And mytrainer was I canbox. I’mfromtheKronk fght anymore. It’s notlikethat. six roundsI’mtiredandIcan’t knockouts andafterfour, fve, who throwsjustonepunchfor People thinkI’mthekindofguy knockout againstDawson. that itwasn’t justaone-punch showed peoplethatIcanbox, and stayingfocused. ButI said. “I’m juststayinghumble his children. better toprovidefor For that, Stevensonisforever “I’m reallyhappy,” Stevenson of Woodland Park, N.J. 1.14 /ringTV.COM The 85 Olympic boxing team. “Mike, USA Boxing does not have the money to match your FLASH offers (a reported $30,000 to Lubin). If you have money, you should donate it for athlete stipends to support the training of these boxers to help your POINT country regain its prominence on the medal podium. You should not be taking them from us. U.S. AMATEUR ERICKSON LUBIN’S If they win a medal for their country, you can bid for them DECISION TO SIGN WITH at that time. … Mike, you have MIKE TYSON RATHER THAN PURSUE been blessed and we appeal to OLYMPIC GOLD COULD HAVE you to do the right thing.” Tyson replied to Dr. Butler’s FAR-REACHING RAMIFICATIONS open letter with one of his own, By Bernard Fernandez published in the New York Post, which challenged the notion that he was somehow unpatriotic and thereby exploiting Lubin and anyone else who wanted to mateur boxer as potentially the same sort grab some green now instead Erickson Lubin of pied piper that celebrated of gambling on gold three years might not know gold medalists Sugar Ray down the road: A it, but he one Leonard (1976) and Oscar De “Your organization never day might be La Hoya (1992) were. That’s attempted to contact me directly remembered as a pioneer. why USA Boxing president to discuss this matter. Had you Lubin, whom many had tabbed Dr. Charles Butler publicly done so, perhaps you would as a potential gold medalist urged Tyson to refrain from have had a better understanding at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro going after Lubin and other of my love for amateur boxing Olympics and as a bright hope prospective members of the and my commitment to protect for the revitalization of USA 2016 U.S. Olympic boxing fghters by giving them the Boxing, signed a professional team. Dr. Butler’s open letter best possible opportunities this contract with Iron Mike to Tyson, released to various business can offer. Productions on Oct. 1, his 18th media outlets the same day that “Many of these boxers are like birthday and the frst day he was Tyson’s company signed Lubin me in that they are from poverty- eligible to do so. and a lesser Olympic prospect, stricken communities and boxing Maybe Lubin understood bantamweight Dennis Galarza, is their only way to a better life. the signifcance of his actions. appealed to the two-time They have obligations beyond Maybe he didn’t. But there heavyweight champion’s sense your personal vision for them. can be no denying that his of patriotism: No one has the right to question decision to go pro now will “These young athletes are the path a fghter chooses in have ramifcations that are far- forgoing their Olympic hopes pursuit of their American dream.” reaching both in the U.S. and and the hopes of our nation for Now that Erickson Lubin has very possibly beyond. Indeed, a professional boxing contract. been cast in the role of such

there appears to be no going You are offering these athletes other antsy sports pioneers as Marano/Getty Images Larry back to the way things were. pennies on the dollar of what basketball’s Spencer Haywood Lubin, who fights at 140 they would be worth with an (signed with the ABA as an pounds, was not only widely Olympic medal, or even for underclassman before he was regarded as his country’s best being just an Olympian. You are eligible to do so with the NBA), hope for glory in Rio, but also destroying the next United States football’s Herschel Walker

86 THEringTV.COm ring magazinE / 1.14 / 11.13 Is Erickson Lubin’s decision to forsake the Olympics and turn pro the start of a trend?

12.13 / ringTV.COM 87 FLASH POINT

(signed with the USFL when he was off-limits to the NFL) and baseball’s Andy Messersmith (the frst free agent to switch teams), the only question seemingly to be answered is this: How fast and how wide will the foodgates open? It is the contention of Dr. Butler and other nervous offcials with USA Boxing that their version of the sport is not like basketball, tennis and other Olympic disciplines that already have cast off the hypocritical veneer of simon- pure amateurism. But there is a marked difference between boxing, in which established, premier pros fght only one to three times a year for huge USA Boxing more purses, and basketball, in or less begged new which members of quadrennial promoter Mike Tyson not to sign the U.S.’ NBA “Dream Teams” are in top amateurs. their off-seasons during the Olympics, and tennis, which holds tournaments around the globe nearly every week anyway. The IOC dictates to the USOC, is ludicrous. You see a guy Can anyone really imagine which in turn dictates to USA from Japan drop a guy from Floyd Mayweather Jr. putting Boxing, which also is answerable Azerbaijan seven times and he aside his lifestyle of the rich to AIBA, the much-maligned still loses the fght. … I mean, and famous for the better part international governing body for come on. You can’t even watch of a year so that he can beat up Olympic-style boxing. That’s a it after a while. How do you some frightened and dreadfully lot of decision-making done at defend a sport like that? overmatched teenager from, say, other levels before Dr. Butler gets “The computer scoring was Belize in a preliminary round? a chance to add whatever input nothing more than robbery Olympic boxing has been he can. without leaving fngerprints. under fre for quite a while, Teddy Atlas, who was NBC’s They pretended they were and there was and is talk that voice of Olympic boxing in eliminating the human element, the International Olympic Sydney (2000), Athens (2004), but they didn’t. Like I said on Committee has considered Beijing (2008) and London the air, it’s become fencing with eliminating it from its roster. (2012), has said that the changes gloves. If you turn boxing into Such was the case with wrestling, that will be in effect in Rio – fencing with gloves, the audience which was scheduled to be the removal of headgear and is going to dissipate even more. excised from the 2020 Tokyo a return to manual instead of And the audience isn’t very big Games until an impassioned computer scoring – are too little to begin with these days.” effort led by the legendary Dan and too late to save a sport To Atlas’ way of thinking, the Gable gained it a reprieve. But drowning in a sea of corruption main villain in the continuing there doesn’t appear to be a and incompetence. erosion of Olympic boxing is not Gable-type leader in boxing “Olympic boxing has become Mike Tyson or other promoters Ethan Miller/Getty Images who can forge that kind of a joke,” Atlas said when asked who will now swoop in to sign consensus, not with boxing a to assess the long-term future the cream of the amateur and wind-whipped willow that bends of Olympic boxing. “It’s not quasi-amateur crop, but AIBA, to the whims of many masters. relevant anymore. The scoring which believes it not only can

88 ringTV.COM / 1.14 have it both ways, but somehow there’s some purity to Olympic benefits of those investments. is entitled to do so. boxing, some detachment from We were with Whitaker, not so AIBA, whose president is Dr. the pros,” Atlas said. “It’s a much with Biggs and Breland. Ching-Kuo Wu of Chinese Tapei, chance for kids to represent Holyfield turned out to be the launched AIBA Pro Boxing in their country. Afterwards, they guy we made the most money the fall of 2012, which was can make a choice whether to with, and we invested nothing heralded as something that go professional. in him prior to his turning pro, would “revolutionize” the “People see some of these although we did give him a sport. Its stated intent was to guys signing (with AIBA) signing bonus. open the Olympics to pros for before their medal matches, “There was one guy in whom the frst time, as long as they and they’re getting their we invested well into six were pros under the AIBA Pro hands raised on controversial figures. We even paid for his Boxing banner. Boxers, including decisions. Everybody saw the mother’s funeral. Then when current pros with fewer than 15 fight and knows who won. it came time for him to turn fghts, were eligible to sign up But the AIBA guys who don’t pro he said, ‘Well, if you give for the program, which would deserve to win keep getting me a million-dollar bonus, I’ll provide monthly salaries and their hands raised. Is it a sign with you. If not, I’ll sign prize money, so long as they coincidence? I don’t think so.” with these other guys who are were at least 19 years of age Kathy Duva was a publicist for offering me a million.’ My and committed themselves for a Main Events when she saw the husband said … well, I’d rather period of two years prior to an frm evolve from a mom-and-pop not say what he said. Olympiad and for at least two company into a major player “Let’s just say I don’t think years afterward. with the signing of such medalists the old system was particularly That AIBA would attempt to at the 1984 Los Angeles good. We have not signed an impose a form of monopoly in Olympics as Evander Holyfeld, Olympic kid directly out of the procurement of talent was Meldrick Taylor, Pernell the amateurs since 2000, and never going to fly, at least not Whitaker, Mark Breland and we’ll never do it again. You without staunch resistance. Tyrell Biggs. But Duva, who in can’t sign up these kids forever. The move by Tyson’s fledgling 1996 succeeded her late husband, Signing amateurs, giving them company was almost to be Dan Duva, as Main Events’ a lot of money and hoping they expected. If Lubin’s pro career president, said that it’s always a win Olympic medals, it’s like takes off like a rocket, the folks crapshoot when you sign even playing the lottery.” at Iron Mike Productions are the most heralded amateurs. Iron Mike Productions has going to look very smart. And if “We invested a ton of money purchased its Power Ball ticket it doesn’t, well, the investment in those guys before the in the person of Erickson made will have been for a lot Olympics, to bring them into Lubin. USA Boxing is singing less than would have been the pro camps so they could train the blues over his departure, case had Lubin taken gold in with the pros and learn under but maybe the gold-medal star Rio before putting his services good managers,” Kathy Duva that emerges in Rio after the on the open market. said. “It’s part of the reason embarrassing medal shutout in But the image of American they were so freakin’ good. London is some late bloomer kids fighting almost solely for “Pernell Whitaker was in our not yet on anyone’s radar. No the privilege of representing camps years before we signed one knows for sure because in their country may soon be as them. So was Mark Breland. boxing, as in everything else, anachronistic as a Norman We used to bring those fighters the only thing that is always Rockwell painting from the in almost as a public service, certain is uncertainty. 1940s. In the new world order to move them along and teach Will there be Olympic boxing of boxing, young wannabes them what they needed to learn in 2024 and beyond? Who’s heading to the gym will be to succeed in the Olympics to say? But when push comes doing so with visions of bling- and beyond. But the world to shove, here’s hoping that bling dancing in their heads was different then. We put a someone with the galvanizing more than the quaint notion of lot of money up, we didn’t get strength of Dan Gable comes upholding national pride. all of it back. We had to be along to keep that flickering “People want to at least think wildly successful to reap the flame from going out.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 89 LETTERS FROM EUROPE

Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight prospect Anthony Joshua has many positive inf uences.

90 do it after that. He wasn’t the same, he’d lost the desire, and KEEPING his injuries dragged him down mentally. I was there on that last night that Gary died. (Gary) was talking about turning pro, and I was trying to persuade him to GOOD stay in the amateurs and go for the Olympics.” “Darren wouldn’t mind me saying this, but Gary was more naturally gifted. We both agreed COMPANY he should try to get an Olympic place. What Darren has hauled ANTHONY JOSHUA IS SURROUNDED BY himself back from, emotionally THE RIGHT PEOPLE AND SOAKING IT ALL IN and mentally, is incredible.” Mitchell also is in the stable. A Gareth A Davies By live wire. I can remember going to interview him in his fat 10 years ago. His girlfriend was The heavyweights have Sims told me: “We’ve seen so pregnant. There were snakes. been in the news on this side of many fghters go off track. He’s We talked sharks. Mitchell had The Pond. The manner in straightforward. When kids have said that one day, when he was which Wladimir Klitschko been doing it 10 or 12 years, rich enough, he’d have a shark defended his heavyweight crown since the age of 10 or 11, they tank in his house. He felt like against Alexander Povetkin in get cheesed off. But it’s all brand a predator when he fought. Moscow was shockingly poor. new to him. He’s in the right Mitchell is getting back on track It drew stinging criticism from place at Matchroom Sports; he after a topsy-turvy few years in many quarters, heightened by has a good team around him.” his life and in his career. the extraordinarily vast $23.3 What Joshua has around him Eddie Hearn aims for Joshua million purse. Lennox Lewis and in the gym, in Hainault, are to have been in the ring three others weighed in on it. More on seasoned pros who are plying times before this year is up. that later. their trade in the gym down a “Obviously, the ultimate goal On the same night in London, side alley on an industrial estate with Anthony Joshua is for a young man following in the surrounded by car salesrooms him to become heavyweight footsteps of Klitschko and and factories. World titleholder champion of the world. We Povetkin who also had lifted Barker, a rejuvenated Kevin don’t want to scream from the Olympic gold took his frst Mitchell and others, they rooftops, but he has the physical bow on a professional canvas. all mingle and share stories. and mental attributes, in my Anthony Joshua may be more Joshua is like a sponge with view, to go all the way. than just physique, but it will be all of them, soaking up any “And if he does, he’s the kind a long, hard road ahead. information he can. of individual who will be a Joshua is already espousing a The lightning rod for Sims huge, crossover superstar at the brand of level-headedness that right now is Barker, whose same time.” is reassuringly mature. He’s in 19-year-old brother, Gary, was Joshua openly admits that the a good place. He spoke in East killed in a car crash in 2006. “It training is all about focusing his London of his trust in Tony Sims, was a great moment for Darren raw strength and power. “I get the trainer who recently guided winning the world title. He has frustrated and want to use my Darren Barker to a world title. had to work hard for everything brute force, but you’ve got to Scott Heavey/Getty Images Scott Heavey/Getty “The trainer is the third eye in he has. His brother Gary didn’t. stay focused, disciplined. I still those tough rounds,” Joshua He was so gifted, so naturally have so much to learn.” Having told me just days before he gifted. It was a sad, sad tragedy. been there, seen the place, and dispatched Emanuele Leo to the It really knocked Darren when its sights and senses, he’s in the canvas inside three minutes. Gary died. I didn’t think he’d right environment.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 91 LETTERS FROM EUROPE

Lennox Lewis (right) believes that Joshua has the raw talent to succeed but must be developed properly.

★ so it’s a retraining, a relearning. U.K. TOP 10 You learn what the judges are 1. CARL FROCH LENNOX LEWIS looking for … that hard shot, 2. AMIR KHAN ewis has plenty to say looking as if you are taking 3. DAVID HAYE Labout Joshua, incidentally. over and in command of the 4. KELL BROOK “He’s a young man, and it was ring, all these things that are important for him to get that points for you in the eyes of the 5. CARL FRAMPTON f rst f ght under his belt,” Lewis judges and things that you have 6. RICKY BURNS told me a few days after Joshua to remember. 7. TYSON FURY had fought. “That f rst f ght was “He has the raw talent, but 8. SCOTT QUIGG basically just popping his cherry. it depends on his development, 9. DARREN BARKER You can’t really see anything whether they move him along in 10. MARTIN MURRAY from the f rst f ght. You just need the correct fashion. He’s a pretty to get that f ght out of the way. smart kid, and he knows what he

Five more (in alphabetical Images Scott Heavey/Getty order): Jamie McDonnell, Paul “The important part is the wants, and he’s with some people Butler, Nathan Cleverly, George development aspect, especially right now who can help him, so Groves and Matthew Macklin. when you first start as a we are going to have to see what THROUGH FIGHTS OF OCT. 20 professional. You are the best happens in the future.” amateur but not the best pro, Joshua has visited Lewis in

92 RINGTV.COM / 1.14 Jamaica during the last year. of heavyweight boxing, and it investigation from the British They sat together, and they needs to be improved. Boxing Board of Control. talked. “I basically told him “If somebody gave me 10 about my career, what was years back, I would defnitely go H successful for me. He loved back in there and get rid of the listening to the stories, and guys who are there right now KHAN- he’s a sponge, and he took and show them what I mean by MAYWEATHER everything in, and at the end of imposing your will on another f the biggest boxing stories the day, he’s the one who has to heavyweight, trying to knock Iover the last month were make his decision.” them out. actually true, Europe would be Having seen Wlad Klitschko’s “Everybody is head gearing up right now for two last fght, Lennox feels he needs hunting right now, there is no of the biggest fghts in history. to go on a mission. “I’m going body punching, there is no Instead, it was mostly hype. to clean up the heavyweight combination punching and no Amir Khan reportedly was division in the sense of educating … sweet science. I was the last about to be involved in a multi- the fghters who need a lot of man to use the sweet science, million dollar fght with Floyd developing. They are missing out and nobody’s really doing that Mayweather Jr., which drew on it. any more. Not even the (Mike) strong denials. And Lennox “What they are really going Tyson phenomenon is there any Lewis was reported to be coming for is running for the money and more, with heavyweights going back to face a Klitschko for taking a couple of fghts from in there trying to knock out $100 million. Same newspaper, promoters because they need it. their opponent.” same reporter. But they are not going through However, there is some truth in the right training sequence to H the words of Stephen Espinoza, help them be successful. the head of Showtime boxing, “Looking at the Klitschko- TYSON FURY the network which has four more Povetkin fght last week, I ewis was also dismissive of fghts with Mayweather on his realized there’s something LTyson Fury, which led to a six-fght contract. lacking in heavyweight boxing now familiar Twitter rant from I spoke to Espinoza after the … the skill. I’m going to go in the young heavyweight against Mayweather-Canelo Alvarez there and really try and re- Lewis and David Haye. Fury will fght outside the cavernous vitalize the grassroots. It starts face Haye in a rescheduled bout press room at the MGM Grand from training. on Feb. 8. Garden Arena. Espinoza told me: “So I’m going to develop a “The way I look at it,” said “Amir Khan is a very interesting website and put notice out there Lewis, “Tyson Fury is just talk opponent (for Mayweather) for young boxers who want to right now. He needs to prove because of his speed. What we be successful, who want to be himself, as a boxer. It’s funny, saw against Saul Alvarez is that trained right, who want to be because all he talks is a lot of strength alone is not going to do managed right and promoted fuff. I’m saying, ‘Who is Tyson it against Floyd Mayweather, so right. We want them to put Fury?’ His name does not even when you talk about hand speed out a message, send a video ring a bell, especially in the and foot speed, then you start of themselves so me and my boxing fraternity right now. He talking about two guys – Amir training team can go through it hasn’t proven himself. Once you Khan and Adrien Broner. And and see if they are prospects or prove yourself, then you can talk whether or not Amir Khan lost not, and eventually invite them and try and get me back. to Danny Garcia ... Amir Khan to come training. “Why would you want (to is one of the fastest fghters out “You could tell with fght) me right now? I’m an old there in the world. It’s a real Klitschko vs. Povetkin, it was man, and you know what, even if possibility, and as a matchup, I basically a man against a boy. I did put on my gloves right now, like it a lot.” It was a terrible fight for fans, I’d probably knock him out – All fne and dandy. Khan most and it was a terrible fight for inside a round.” likely is being considered among a boxer like myself seeing that The long Twitter assault from a few potential opponents. But type of talent, and no skill Fury, some of it homophobic, is Khan ready for Mayweather? being used. It makes a mockery drew criticism and prompted an Not yet. It really doesn’t

1.14 / ringTV.COM 93 94 LETTERS FROMEUROPE F FRANK MALONEY fght promoterDanDuva.” must gotothelate American people, but aspecialmention the tradefromsomegreat reaching thedecision. Ilearned lot moreateasewithmyself by for mepersonally, andIfeela afforded toomuchpower. no moneyintothesportare trainers whogivetimebutinvest to thelastpersontheymeet, and he said. “So manyboxerslisten much overthelastfewyears,” to Tony Thompson. but Pricelostconsecutivefghts same dreamwithDavidPrice, He hadwantedtocompletethe him ahighstandinginthesport. international championsgave Commonwealth, Europeanand promoted dozensofBritish, Tyson fghtandthefacthe role intheJuliusFrancis-Mike Lewis. A periodwithHaye, a world heavyweightchampion in the1990swhenhemanaged rival DonKing, madehisname midget’ and ‘pugilistic pygmy’by sport thatIlovedsomuch.” my heartisnolongerinthe searching overthesummer, and been missing. Ididmuchsoul boxing, andmypassionhas gradually fallenoutoflovewith sport. “For thelastyear, Ihave manager andmentorinthe after 30yearsasapromoter, of course–istheobjective. fght –notagainstMayweather, times inOctoberthataDecember the ringfor13months. welterweight afterbeingoutof Mayweather inhisfrstfghtat stack upthathewouldface Maloney told methathe “It hasalsobeenatoughtime “The sporthaschangedso Maloney, coined ‘the mental Khan’s teamtoldmeseveral ringTV.COM /1.14 from boxinginOctober rank Maloneywalkedaway H A what I’lldo.” heart andsoulinit, andthat’s champion again. Iwillputmy give itago, it’s tobecomeworld another crack. It’s nottojust on, andwe’re goingtogiveit I’m goingtobasemyfuture those inclinationsbehindyou. getting backtorealityandleave the endofbreakyoustart Welshman. “Bit bybittowards just enjoyingmyself,” saidthe away fromboxingabitand in August.Kovalev heavyweight titletoSergey when helostthe WBO light for thefrsttimeinhiscareer cruiserweight afterbeingstopped considering amoveto CLEVERLY NATHAN but alwayswantedtogoto.” to lotsofplacesI’venevervisited and headingoutacrossEurope, car, gettingmytwodogsinthere I’ll beputtingsomeclothesinthe making arodformyownback. I saidwhatwantedto, I’dbe “I havetoomuchtosay, andif interviews onleavingthesport. decided nottodoafanfareof He wenton: “I’ve beenfve “Those inclinationsarewhat “It wasamatterofjustgetting Sergey Kovalev. his disastrous lossto to cruiserweightafter considering amove Nathan Cleverlyis Nathan Cleverlyis fter aperiodofrefection, H C that he’s notscaredoffghting of myselfinhimthesense with him. “I seeverymuch Ricky Hattonisveryimpressed FRAMPTON AND CARL RICKY HATTON be theweight.” that snap. Socruiserweightcould the lastcoupleoffghtsI’velost at lightheavyweight. Ijustfeel But Ifeltmaybelostthatsnap naturally mybodyhasgrown. since Iwas20yearsofage, so years atlightheavyweightnow, Telegraph Correspondent for Gareth A DaviesisBoxing often. should ishappeningfartoo Fighters notmeetingwhenthey happening.” promoters, Ireallydon’t seeit because they’rewithdifferent Frampton iftheyfought. But I wouldslightlyedgeittoCarl Frampton hasmoreaggression. he’s verytechnical, butIthink Scott Quiggisvery, verygood, body callsits “world” title]. having wonwhatthesanctioning Quigg ranksbelowtheCuban, WBA’s “super world” titleholder; Guillermo Rigondeauxisthe WBA equivalent[Editor’s note: and ScottQuiggjustwonthe Martinez justwontheIBFtitle, become aworldchampion. Kiko featherweight title. to retainhisEuropeanjunior Jeremy Parodiinsixrounds before Framptondispatched champion,” Hattonsaidtheday Martinez, who’s acurrentworld out, he’s alreadybeatKiko anyone. He’s calledScottQuigg Cheers. That wouldbeagreatpity. “Carl willmostdefnitely rising forceontheseshores. arl Framptonisbecominga , London. H The Daily The

Cleverly: Michael Steele/Getty Images; Morrison: The Ring Magazine SWEET SCIENCE

It was the way he lived – and died. As best anyone can determine, the 44-year-old Morrison died of AIDS or complications of the disease. It’s not entirely clear because Morrison, who tested positive for the human immunodefciency virus (HIV) in 1996, spent the rest of his life loudly disputing the diagnosis. Indeed, he publicly doubted the existence of HIV in his body, blamed steroids and claimed that rival promoters (perhaps even the government) were conspiring to keep him from fghting. “It was denial, pure and simple, and he died of it,” said Dr. Joe Estwanik, president of the Association of Ringside Physicians. In at least one simple and undeniably sad way, it’s easy to understand Morrison’s refusal to accept the facts. Prior to his positive HIV test, Morrison had been a rising star. In 1989, the then-undefeated prospect was tabbed by Sylvester Tommy Morrison Stallone to star in Rocky V, denied he had the playing the role of Tommy “The HIV virus for much Machine” Gunn, a talented of his life even though he tested protégé of Rocky Balboa. The positive for it. role didn’t make Morrison a movie star, but it certainly elevated his boxing career. He got high-profle bouts against fellow LEARNING undefeated heavyweight Ray Mercer (Morrison’s frst loss) and subsequent victories over OPPORTUNITY two-time world title challenger Carl “The Truth” Williams and the inimitable George Foreman, BOXERS SHOULD BE hen heavyweight against whom he won the vacant AWARE AFTER TOMMY boxer Tommy WBO title in 1993. MORRISON’S LOSING Morrison died in Morrison soon lost the title BATTLE AGAINST AIDS W early September, it in an upset to Michael Bentt, was neither his sterling record as fought back over the course of By Scott LaFee a pro – 48-3-1 (42 knockouts) several bouts to hook up against – nor the claim for a time that Razor Ruddock, whom he bested he was the next “Great White by TKO, and earned a much- Hope” that people remember anticipated 1995 fght against most about him. WBC champ Lennox Lewis.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 95 SWEET SCIENCE

Lewis knocked out Morrison most don’t pay much attention. in the sixth round, but the “I don’t think they really think fghters evenly split the $16 about it,” she said. “These are million purse. There were plans guys who usually don’t even for a rematch and $10 million have health insurance. There’s purses for both men. Then a certain naiveté, which maybe came the HIV test. With the extends to ring personnel as results, Morrison’s career was well – the judges, referees, even effectively over. the journalists and folks sitting In 1996, no boxer in his right at ringside. I can tell you when mind would (or could) fght I attended fghts as a physician, another boxer who was known I always had blood on me or believed to be infected by somewhere – on my clothes, in HIV. The virus is transmissible my hair. You don’t know what by blood. “And boxing is might be getting inside your obviously a blood sport,” mouth or nose.” said Dr. Margaret Goodman, To be sure, the risk of HIV a former veteran ringside transmission is relative and physician and neurologist. “No wildly varied. A tainted blood one knows how easily it might transfusion puts the risk of be transmitted in the ring. I infection at roughly 9,000 per don’t think there are any proven 10,000 exposures, according cases of transmission between to a 2011 study by The boxers, but the perception back Cochrane Collaboration and then was that it was simply Centers for Disease Control too dangerous, and when you (CDC). But shared drug needles consider the risk, that perception and some sexual activities hasn’t changed.” have a risk in the fve-to-70 Decades of public education per 10,000 exposures range. and medical advances have The risk of HIV infection from somewhat improved the general biting, spitting or thrown body perception of HIV/AIDS. It is fuids (blood and saliva) is no longer considered to be an deemed negligible. automatic death sentence. With Both Goodman and Estwanik access to the right cocktail of say there’s a greater infectious antiretroviral drugs and early, scourge that threatens boxers. rigorous treatment, an HIV It’s hepatitis, which is caused infection can be treated much by a group of viral strains that like a chronic, but manageable, assault the liver and are a major condition. Basketball superstar risk factor for hepatocellular Magic Johnson tested carcinoma, or liver cancer. positive for HIV in 1991 and Hepatitis is generally immediately announced his transmitted in ways similar to retirement from the National HIV. It is contagious for one or Basketball Association, but he more weeks before symptoms remains active as a businessman, appear, and often symptoms celebrity and part-owner of the are not apparent until the Los Angeles Dodgers. infection is well advanced. The view from the ring According to the CDC, from and gym isn’t quite so rosy, 1999 to 2007, more Americans according to Goodman and died of hepatitis C (15,000) Estwanik. Though boxers are than HIV (13,000). decidedly more at risk from HIV “Hep C is far more infection than the ordinary man transferable than HIV,” said on the street, Goodman suspects Estwanik. “It kills, too.”

December 31, 2014 new faces

doing, I’m doing. get me on the correct shows,” EDDIE “I’m trying to go all out and said Gomez, who is fuent in above to make sure I’m more Spanish. “They get me the correct than ready for fght night. … And opponents. … Everybody that’s GOMEZ once fght night comes, Golden Spanish is following me.” By Mike Coppinger Boy (Promotions) sees that.” Gomez’s power jab and Just 21, Gomez still lives educated footwork have given THE ESSENTIALS with his mother and father – opponents fts. While most of his Age: 21 Honduran immigrants – in his recent bouts have taken place at Weight class: Welterweight native Bronx, N.Y. But as he catchweights between 147 and Height: 5 feet 7 inches moves into more meaningful 154, Gomez plans to campaign Stance: Orthodox fghts, he plans to buy his own as a welterweight as he moves Hometown: Bronx, N.Y. “low-key” place outside of the toward more meaningful dates. Record: 15-0 (10 knockouts) hubbub of New York. “I can do things in the ring Biggest Strengths: Make no mistake, though: that I don’t think myself I can Impressive athlete H Heavy-handed Gomez is a New Yorker at heart. do in the ring. It’s crazy,” said fghter with one-punch power H “E-Boy” got his start in boxing Gomez, who likes to study fght Decorated amateur background. as an 8-year-old at Juan LaPorte’s flms in his free time. “It’s like Biggest question marks: Boxing Gym in the Bronx. He your mind playing tricks on you. Relies too much on athleticism at times was advanced for his age and I’m still learning my own style as H Chin hasn’t been tested H began sparring with pros at 12 I go myself.” Impact of his relatively short stature years old. Gomez made his way As soon as he secures a and reach (74 inches). through the New York amateur big payday, Gomez plans to boxing system all the way to buy his parents a house in winning the 2010 Golden Gloves. the “homeland,” as he calls Sometimes when Eddie Gomez caught the eye of top Honduras. He hopes to have that Gomez can’t sleep, he goes for promoters and eventually signed mission completed in the next a run. These late-night jaunts with Oscar De La Hoya’s outft two to three years. (between fve and seven miles) while in high school. Gomez might come at 3 or 4:30 a.m., an turned pro at 18 years old and ungodly time for anyone to work. quickly demonstrated his athletic It’s this tireless drive and gifts and explosiveness in the ring. dedication to his craft that has Many of his early fghts took made Gomez one of the top place in Puerto Rico, but Golden prospects in the sport. Boy has been showcasing him on If anyone questioned Gomez’s the New York market following legitimacy as a fghter to watch, their exclusive deal with Barclays he left no room for doubters Center in Brooklyn. after his performance in August Gomez fought in his home against veteran Steve Upsher state for the frst time as a pro Chambers. Gomez picked in 2011, a frst-round TKO of Chambers apart and scored a Marcus Hall at the Paradise fourth-round stoppage. Theater in the Bronx, the main Chambers, cruiserweight Eddie event of Solo Boxeo. Chambers’ younger brother, had After that eye-catching never been stopped before. performance, Gomez fought a “I’m a hungry fghter, I push few more times in Puerto Rico myself more than I’m supposed and other locales, but all of his to,” Gomez said. “ … I’m just a bouts since September 2012 different fghter. The things that have taken place in New York as other fghters aren’t doing, I’m Golden Boy continues to build doing. The things that a fghter him into a local attraction. that is supposed to be … getting “Golden Boy plays a big,

ready for a major fght is not big part in making sure they Al Bello/Getty Images for Golden Boy Promotions

98 ringTV.COM / 1.14 Eddie Gomez has both the natural gifts THRee and work ethic it takes to succeed. MORe TO WaTCH

TRevOR McCuMby, ligHT HeavyWeigHT (13-0, 10 KOs) McCumby has displayed fght- ending power in both hands and has the marketable good looks promoters love. The 21-year-old from Glendale, Ariz., reportedly compiled an amateur record of 138-11. He is signed to Top Rank. OsCaR valdez, feaTHerWeigHT (6-0, 6 KOs) The 22-year-old two-time Olympian for Mexico and world youth amateur champ already fghts like a seasoned pro. Valdez, managed by Frank Espinoza and promoted by Top Rank, is an accurate-punching pressure fghter with heavy hands and a good body attack. CalluM sMiTH, super middleWeigHT (8-0, 6 KOs) The super middleweight from Liverpool, England, has solid fundamentals from his amateur background and good physical tools, including heavy hands – which have resulted in six consecutive frst-round KOs – and the tall, rangy frame of a light heavyweight. He’s a bit raw.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 99 WOMEN’S BOXING PRIMED FOR PRIME TIME?

THE WOMEN SEEM TO HAVE SOME HOPE OF RETURNING TO TELEVISION By Thomas Gerbasi

ou DiBella wasn’t always a believer L in women’s boxing. Despite routinely putting female fghters like Melissa McMorrow, Sonya Lamonakis and Keisha McLeod on his Broadway Boxing cards, and recently signing unbeaten Heather Hardy to a long-term deal, the former HBO Boxing czar and current promoter needed to be sold on the viability of women in the ring. “Look, I didn’t always defend the sport,” said the always frank New Yorker. “When I was at HBO, I didn’t put women’s boxing on the air. When I frst promoted, I didn’t do cards that had women on them. But the quality of the talent pool has increased dramatically, and the fghts that I have matched with women often turn out to be among the best fghts on the card. The women are very offensive- The powers that be, who minded, they put on a show, and once embraced fghters they have fan bases that are as like Mia St. John, would strong or often a little stronger consider showcasing women again. than the men.”

With an open mind, as well as Images HECTOR MATA/AFP/Getty

100 ringTV.COM / 1.14 POUND one that dictates “if it sells, you as swing bouts to start. And put it on,” DiBella is one of the though the other side of boxing’s rare promoters at the higher level premium cable street isn’t as FOR of the sport who has made a bold with their immediate commitment to women’s boxing. plans, HBO isn’t dismissing the That’s one major hurdle for the idea of televising women in the POUND ladies to overcome. future either, telling THE RING The biggest? Getting on through a company spokesman, television. “Women’s boxing is still very 1. CeCilia BraekhUs, Norway “Boxing is supposed to be in young. The grass-root programs, 23-0 (7 kOs) the entertainment business,” said the Olympic Games and the Welterweight DiBella. “And when you can professional ranks are still very put on a strong fght between early in development, and we’re 2. aNNe sOPhie Mathis, two women who have local monitoring the progress.” France followings and put people in the It’s as positive a development 27-3 (23 kOs) seats, I see no reason whatsoever as the sport has seen in years. Junior middleweight why they’re not being televised.” And with fghters such as RING But with the days of Mia pound-for-pounders Cecilia 3. ava kNight, U.s. St. John and Christy Martin Braekhus, Jelena Mrdjenovich, competing on major Top Rank Ava Knight, Layla McCarter and 12-1-3 (5 kOs) and Don King pay-per-view cards Melissa Hernandez – as well as Flyweight gone, and ESPN’s heyday of Kaliesha West – there is plenty airing bouts featuring Ann Wolfe, of talent out there suited for 4. JeleNa MrDJeNOviCh, Bridgett Riley, Yvonne Trevino, boxing’s biggest stages. And as Canada Laila Ali and others a thing of Espinoza points out, if women’s 30-9-1 (15 kOs) the past, the women’s side of the boxing can fnd its equivalent Featherweight sport has suffered. of the stars who have recently That’s the bad news. The good energized women’s MMA, it 5. layla McCarter, U.s. news? There may be a light at the could be the tipping point for 35-13-5 (8 kOs) end of the televised tunnel that the sport. Junior middleweight isn’t a train. “In my opinion, boxing is “Women’s boxing as a whole largely star-driven, and we really 6. JessiCa Chavez, Mexico is as strong as it’s been in recent haven’t had, at least in the recent 19-3-2 (4 kOs) history,” said Stephen Espinoza, past, that perfect storm of a Junior fyweight executive vice president of Ronda Rousey or a Gina Carano, sports and event programming who has the charisma, the star 7. yesiCa yOlaNDa BOPP, for Showtime. “Obviously the power, and the fghting skills,” argentina addition of the Olympic program he said. “You can certainly argue 25-1 (11 kOs), is a big step, and I really think that those athletes are out there; Junior fyweight that the international fghters they just haven’t been discovered. have really come on strong in And that’s one way to look at 8. eriCa aNaBella Farias, the last few years. So, we’ve it. But in any event, whether it’s argentina got talent spread all over the through coincidence or simply world, and not just American lack of looking, we haven’t had 18-0 (9 kOs) fghters. It’s defnitely a goal of that female star in the recent Lightweight mine to get women’s boxing on past, and I think that’s why there Showtime. We’ve had a pretty hasn’t really been a spotlight on 9. Melissa herNaNDez, U.s. crowded schedule lately, so it’s the sport lately.” 18-5-3 (6 kOs) probably going to look like You can almost hear a brigade Featherweight 2014, but it’s something that I’ve of fghting females running an always had on my list of things extra mile in the morning or 10. DiaNa Prazak, australia that I want to get back to.” doing another round or two on 12-2 (8 kOs) DiBella also plans to pitch the heavy bag in the hope that Junior lightweight ESPN on having women back they will be the ones who break on the network, even if only through. Through fghts of Oct.20

1.14 / ringTV.COM 101

ringside reports

Wladimir Klitschko mixed in more than enough punching with his holding and leaning to dominate Alexander Povetkin.

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO predictable. The decision was unanimous. Povetkin. Whatever it was, the criticism will UD 12 ALEXANDER So was the criticism. eventually fade. Klitschko’s record will not. POVETKIN Klitschko’s pushing and clinching drained In beating Povetkin, he has another Date: Oct. 5 whatever anticipation there was for a title successful title defense. It’s at 22 over two Site: SC Olimpiyskiy Arena, Moscow fght in Povetkin’s home country. Boos from reigns and counting. He’s tied for second Division: Heavyweight Russians, who had hoped to cheer their with Muhammad Ali on a heavyweight Weights: Klitschko 241.6 pounds; 2004 Olympic gold medalist, began seconds list led by Joe Louis at 25. Klitschko is Povetkin 225.75 after the opening bell. Whatever chance alongside legends. Ring rating (going into the Povetkin (26-1, 18 knockouts) had was He kept himself in the chase to overtake fght): Klitschko C; Povetkin No. 1 suffocated by Klitschko (61-3, 51 KOs), a Louis by making sure that Povetkin Network: BoxNation 1996 gold medalist from Ukraine. never could put together a counterattack. Klitschko simply would not take a chance. Klitschko would clinch and lean on H Wladimir Klitschko’s reign has reached a Perhaps that was wise, especially when a Povetkin, who often found himself almost critical point. It’s not if anymore. It’s how. hometown decision was feared. Maybe it doubled over at the waist from the weight Alexander Povetkin fgured to fall. And he was a business decision. Klitschko collected Klitschko placed on the back of his did, hitting the canvas four times – once $17,499,997, or most of the $23.3 million neck and shoulders. Referee Luis Pabon in the second round and three times in the Russian promoters paid for rights to the penalized Klitschko a point in the 11th. By seventh – from tactics that were more take- fght. Maybe legacy was more important then, however, it was too late to make a

ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images down than boxing. Klitschko’s victory was than a risky attempt at a stoppage of difference. Klitschko was a 119-104 winner

1.14 / ringTV.COM 103 Miguel Cotto seemed to turn back the clock in a dominating victory over Delvin Rodriguez.

on all three cards. to the predictable victories. scores similar to Trout’s upset of Cotto Povetkin didn’t dispute the decision, but - Norm Frauenheim about six months later. What mattered, he asked for a rematch. Good luck with that. however, was the way in which Cotto won. For Klitschko, the task is to fnd an MIGUEL COTTO TKO 3 The familiar body attack was there, opponent who allows him to continue DELVIN RODRIGUEZ especially in a frst round punctuated by winning while making him look good. Date: Oct. 5 paralyzing left hooks. Then, the predatory It’s a dilemma, in part because he didn’t Site: Amway Center, Orlando, Fla. instinct kicked in. Late in the second, Cotto leave fans asking for an encore. It’s also a Division: Junior middleweight (38-4, 31 KOs), sensing that Rodriguez problem because of Klitschko’s many titles. Weights: Cotto 153.2 pounds; (28-7, 16 KOs) was hurt, struck with a His alphabet collection – IBF, WBO and Rodriguez 154 staggering combo. Not even the break WBA – means mandatories, which could Ring rating (going into the between rounds could save Rodriguez continue with Kubrat Pulev, who became the fght): Cotto No. 4; Rodriguez not rated. from the inevitable. Cotto swarmed him in No. 1 contender in THE RING’s ratings after Network: HBO the opening seconds of the third, rocking Povetkin’s fall. Rodriquez with an uninterrupted assault An intriguing possibility has surfaced H Miguel Cotto reaffrmed his credentials that ended with a left hook. At 18 seconds in unbeaten American Deontay Wilder, and his popularity. of the round, Rodriguez was down. Referee whose 29 knockouts in his frst 29 fghts The credentials were always there, Frank Santore Jr. had seen enough and are hard to ignore. Wilder might be a way although there was doubt after successive stopped it. for Klitschko to re-enter the U.S. market. losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and then Punch stats probably provided the Klitschko talked about Seth Mitchell before Austin Trout. An intriguing change arrived in best way to measure Cotto’s comeback. Mitchell’s weak chin was exposed by Cotto’s corner with offensive-minded trainer According to CompuBox, Cotto landed Johnathon Banks, who became Klitschko’s Freddie Roach, who helped the Puerto 47 power shots. More than half were trainer after Emanuel Steward died. In Rican rediscover feared skills that left a to the body. That’s the Cotto everybody comments to Eastern European reporters, mark on Mayweather and many others. remembers. Klitschko mentioned Wilder. Rodriguez was dismissed as a credible “We were able to get back to basics,” Against Wilder, perhaps in 2014, Klitschko opponent, although he also lost a Cotto told ringside reporters.

might be able to add some critical acclaim unanimous decision to Trout in 2012, by Reapplication of those basics means Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

104 ringTV.COM / 1.14 ringside reports

Cotto is still a serious player, instead of decision on being a good guy. potential rematch with Provodnikov, who a faded legend on a farewell tour. But The controversy about his career stopped Mike Alvarado in an eye-opening power and placement of those punches continued with his split decision over victory on Oct. 19. are just part of it. He also scored a Marquez, who left no doubts in his own Whichever route Bradley takes, it’s safe victory at the box office. HBO reported victory over Pacquiao with a sixth-round to say there’s more controversy in the cards an audience of 1.555 million for the non- knockout. The debate wasn’t as noisy or as awaiting him. pay-per-view fight, the highest in 2013. long as the one that raged after Bradley’s - Norm Frauenheim It was also the second best in Cotto’s split decision over Pacquiao in 2012. Still, career, behind the 1.597 million for his it was there at a news conference marked NO. 2 ROMAN 2010 victory over Yuri Foreman. by bitter objections from Marquez and his GONZALEZ He’s a proven draw. That means Canelo trainer, Nacho Beristain. KO 7 FRANCISCO Alvarez and/or Sergio Martinez will come “In his heart, Timothy Bradley knows he RODRIGUEZ JR. to the negotiating table for a chance at lost,” Beristain complained. Sept. 21, Managua, Nicaragua big money generated by Cotto. Both were There was no news on whether Beristain mentioned after he beat Rodriguez. watched HBO’s replay. If he had, it would H Roman Gonzalez, forever searching for “I am not closing any doors on a fght be interesting to hear if his own heart big fghts and meaningful challenges, found with Alvarez, but there will have to be some had undergone any change. Yes, it was a neither in a one-sided fght against Francisco discussions with Top Rank,” Cotto said in a close. What Bradley fght isn’t? Even his Rodriguez Jr. in Gonzalez’s hometown. reference to the Top Rank-Golden Boy feud unanimous decision in March over Ruslan The longtime strawweight and junior that keeps so many fghts from happening. Provodnikov in a Fight of the Year contender fyweight titleholder was fghting at fyweight, The most likely option might be Martinez, was controversial. where he fgures to settle sometime soon. the 160-pound champion who is tied to Against Marquez, judges Glenn Feldman, Rodriguez, a southpaw from Mexico, didn’t neither Top Rank nor Golden Boy. He’s Robert Hoyle and Patricia Morse Jarman provide much resistance as Rodriguez cruised promoted by Lou DiBella. agreed on only fve rounds – the second, to an easy victory. The ending was strange. But Roach also had his eye on a Cotto ffth, sixth and seventh for Bradley and the Rodriguez (11-2, 9 KOs) seemed to be in good rematch with the pound-for-pound king, ninth for Marquez. Along press row, there shape when the fght was stopped – 1:10 into who has yet to fght the Roach-trained was talk that six of the rounds could have the seventh round – but the outcome seemed Manny Pacquiao. been scored even. inevitable. “Miguel told me that if he were in the Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs) gained an edge Gonzalez (36-0, 30 KOs) is scheduled to shape that he’s in right now, he would have in those middle rounds with a quick jab face Oscar Blanquet on Nov. 10 in Tokyo but won that fght,” Roach said. “So I’m sure he that kept Marquez off balance and unable obviously has his sights on bigger game, would defnitely welcome a rematch.” to alter the momentum with his counter. possibly against big-name Japanese fghters Yeah, wouldn’t we all. Hoyle and Jarman scored it for Bradley, like RING champ Akira Yaegashi. - Norm Frauenheim 115-113 and 116-112, respectively. On Feldman’s card, it was 115-113 for JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ TIMOTHY BRADLEY Marquez, who was staggered by a left in JR. UD 10 BRYAN VERA SD 12 JUAN MANUEL the fght’s closing seconds. Sept. 28, Carson, Calif. (HBO) MARQUEZ “That win is my ticket to the Boxing Date: Oct. 12 Hall of Fame,” Bradley said. “I beat a H There are no excuses at the opening bell, Site: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas great champion. I jabbed over and over. unless you’re Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Division: Welterweight He couldn’t touch me. I gave him a Chavez behaved as if he’ll always be a Weights: Bradley 146; Marquez 144.5 boxing lesson.” Jr. and never a grown-up in a decision over Ring rating (going into the But not one that Marquez (55-7-1, 40 Bryan Vera. First, he couldn’t make weight. fght): Bradley No. 4; Marquez No. 1 KOs) would accept. He talked about retiring. But, hey, when you’re the son of Mexico’s Network: HBO “It’s a diffcult decision,” Marquez said. greatest fghter, you’re entitled to extra He then asked reporters what they pounds. Right? H When it’s time to judge Timothy Bradley’s thought he should do. He was told he might Chavez let everybody know he wouldn’t career, it might be defned by split decisions. have few more fghts left in him. make 168. A mockery of weigh-in tradition He’ll certainly be remembered for two of “I don’t think so,” he said as he walked and regulation followed. Promoters made them. First, there was the split scoring in his out of Thomas & Mack and into an it up as they went along. Chavez (47-1-1, decision over Manny Pacquiao. Then, there uncertain future. 32 KOs) weighed in at 172.5 pounds; Vera was Juan Manuel Marquez. Bradley’s future isn’t exactly clear either. was 171.25. Super middleweight became Split decisions are controversial by A rematch with Pacquiao might be there if something else. Twelve rounds became 10. defnition. But the redundancy is worth Pacquiao prevails against Brandon Rios on Was that a light heavyweight bout or a SNL repeating when it applies to Bradley. It Nov. 23. Rios is also a possibility, especially skit? seems as if he can only get a unanimous if he upsets Pacquiao. Then there’s a To top it off – surprise, surprise –

1.14 / ringTV.COM 105 ringside reports

Jr.’s unanimous victory on the cards also has two draws. Ricky Burns’ WBO lightweight title. was controversial. “I stuck to the plan, felt in control all the One problem, though: Burns suffered a “It made me sick to my stomach,” way through, and I’m gutted I didn’t get the broken jaw in his controversial victory over Vera said. win,” Quigg (26-0-2, 19 KOs) told the BBC. Raymundo Beltran in September. There’s Enough said. “He’s a world-class fghter, and I’ve proved no telling when the Scot will be ready to I belong at world level. Maybe I should have fght again. CHAMPION ADONIS put the gas on a round earlier.” You can be sure Crawford will be ready STEVENSON TKO 7 NO. 3 if and when it happens. TAVORIS CLOUD GRIGORY DROZD Sept. 28, Montreal (HBO) TKO 11 NO. 6 MATEUSZ NO. 3 ORLANDO MASTERNAK SALIDO KO 7 ORLANDO H Emanuel Steward is gone, but the late Oct. 5, Moscow CRUZ trainer’s promise about Adonis Stevenson Oct. 12, Las Vegas (HBO) continues to unfold. H Grigory Drozd, a Russian who turned There was no interruption in Stevenson’s pro in 2001, apparently is coming into his H Orlando Cruz had the heart and boxing ascendancy to stardom with a thorough own at 34. skills but not the punching power, which defense of his RING light heavyweight The longtime cruiserweight contender led to his demise. championship against Tavoris Cloud, who stopped then-unbeaten and No. 6-rated Orlando Salido walked through his quit before the eighth round with cuts over Mateusz Masternak 53 seconds into the opponent’s offense to land one hard both eyes. 11th round before home-country fans punch – including that crazy overhand Stevenson (22-1, 19 KOs) dedicated the on the Wladimir Klitschko-Alexander right – after another. Cruz, brave but victory to Steward, who began training the Povetkin card, the biggest victory in ill-equipped, absorbed many of the Canadian before his death in October 2012. Drozd’s career. shots but was ultimately broken down. Stevenson said Steward told him that, if Drozd (37-1, 26 KOs) controlled the The ending was brutal. Cruz’s back was he got the chance, he’d knock out Chad fight from the second round on, hurting against the ropes when Salido landed a Dawson and Cloud. Masternak (30-1, 22 KOs) on several hard right to his neck and followed with Dawson lasted 76 seconds in a stunner occasions and opening a cut over his left a left uppercut, which sent Cruz to his last June. It took longer against Cloud (24- eye. Drozd then forced the referee to end knees unable to continue. The fight was 2, 19 KOs), but it proved Stevenson is no matters by pummeling Masternak in a stopped at 1:05 of the round. one-punch wonder. Cloud was exhausted corner in the 11th round. Salido (40-12-2, 28 KOs) won the WBO by a stubborn assault to the body from The Russian’s only loss came by fifth- 126-pound title Mikey Garcia lost on the Stevenson, whose display of newfound round knockout against Firat Arslan in a scales against Juan Manuel Lopez. Garcia versatility should make him the favorite title eliminator in 2006. He has won 12 defeated Salido by an eighth-round against Tony Bellew on Nov. 30. fights since. technical decision in January 2012. Cruz (20-3-1, 10 KOs) made headlines NO. 2 SCOTT QUIGG NO. 10 TERENCE by announcing before the fight that he is D 12 YOANDRIS SALINAS CRAWFORD UD 10 gay. He was fighting for a major title for Oct. 5, London ANDREY KLIMOV the first time. Oct. 5, Orlando, Fla. H There is no shame in drawing with a VASYL LOMACHENKO slick, well-tuned product of the Cuban H Terence Crawford had no trouble KO 4 JOSE RAMIREZ system. That doesn’t mean much to Scott whatsoever with previously undefeated Oct. 12, Las Vegas Quigg, though. Andrey Klimov, winning every round on The hard-punching junior featherweight all three scorecards on the Miguel Cotto- H Vasyl Lomachenko lived up to his from Bury, England, got off to a slow Delvin Rodriguez card. unfathomable amateur record of 396-1, start against Yoandris Salinas (20-0-2, Klimov (16-1, 8 KOs) is a decent boxer stopping an overwhelmed Jose Ramirez in 13 KOs) but seized the momentum and who beat John Molina in his previous the fourth round of a scheduled 10-round fnished strongly in front of his countrymen. fght but couldn’t match the speed and featherweight bout on the Timothy Bradley- However, he apparently should’ve picked skills of Crawford, a former amateur star Juan Manuel Marquez card. up the pace earlier. The scores were 115- from Nebraska who seems destined for The two-time Olympic champion from 113 for Quigg, 114-114 and 114-114, a success. The Russian landed only 57 Ukraine appears to have it all – great speed majority draw. punches, according to CompuBox. and refexes, sharpshooting offensive skills, It was Quigg’s second draw in four Crawford (22-0, 16 KOs) probably didn’t slick defensive moves and good power, as fghts, although he avenged the frst one by make any fans because the fght was well as uncommon poise for a fghter still stopping Rendall Munroe in November of boring. However, the thorough victory transitioning into the pro ranks.

last year. Salinas, a one-time amateur star, made him the mandatory challenger for It was all too much for Ramirez (25-4, Ethan Miller/Getty Images

106 ringTV.COM / 1.14 Orlando Salido (left) overwhelmed Orlando Cruz to regain the WBO featherweight title.

15 KOs), who twice went down from body nearly stopped, was no fuke. Provodnikov Romero to win the belt. shots. That included the knockout blow, presumably will be a candidate to take on “I feel great,” Frampton told Box Nation which sent the Mexican to all fours, and he the winner of the Manny Pacquiao-Brandon after the Parodi fight. “Every super was unable to get up. The end came at 2:59. Rios fght. bantamweight in the world, I am coming Lomachenko could face WBO titleholder Alvarado (34-2, 23 KOs) was coming off a for you.” Orlando Salido in what some are calling unanimous-decision victory over Rios in their his second pro fght. In fact, before he met rematch, but he has now lost two of his past JUAN DIAZ UD 10 Ramirez, he was paid to fght six times in the three fghts. JUAN SANTIAGO World Series of Boxing. Oct. 19, Denver (HBO) NO. 3 CARL FRAMPTON NO. 6 RUSLAN KO 6 JEREMY PARODI H Juan Diaz left boxing in 2010 after losing PROVODNIKOV KO 10 Oct. 19, Belfast, Northern Ireland three of four fghts because, he said, he NO. 3 MIKE ALVARADO needed a break. The former lightweight champ Oct. 19, Denver (HBO) H Carl Frampton, the Irish junior seems to be fully rested. featherweight, could be one step away from The aggressive Diaz (38-4, 19 KOs) took H Ruslan Provodnikov is a born destroy-or- winning his frst world title. it to journeyman Juan Santiago (14-11-1, 8 be-destroyed warrior who is willing to take The Belfast lad didn’t get much resistance KOs) as he has to so many opponents in his two or three punches (or four or fve) to give in a title eliminator from Frenchman successful career, winning an easy 10-round three or four (or fve or six). Mike Alvarado Jeremy Parodi, who lost every round and decision on the Ruslan Provodnikov-Mike learned that frsthand. was stopped by a body shot in the sixth Alvarado card. The Russian ripped into the tough round before Frampton’s hometown fans at The Houstonian is 3-0 since returning from hometown boy – debilitating body shots, hard Odyssey Arena. an almost three-year hiatus, although he has combinations to the head – until he had gone The offcial ending came with one second eased back into boxing against little-known down twice in the eighth round and, his face remaining in the round. opponents to shake off any rust from the a swollen mess and stomach aching, had no Frampton (17-0, 12 KOs) is now in long layoff. choice but to call it quits after the ninth. position to face the winner of the Dec. 21 Diaz, 30, now appears to be ready to Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KOs) took Alvarado’s fght between IBF titleholder Kiko Martinez take a step up in opposition. And his name WBO 140-pound title, his frst major belt. He and Jeffrey Mathebula. Frampton stopped recognition – as well as pleasing all-action also proved that his close loss to Timothy Martinez in nine rounds in February 2012, style – should lead to an important fght Bradley in March, in which Bradley was six months before Martinez KO’d Jhonatan against a top 135-pounder sometime soon.

1.14 / ringTV.COM 107 fight results Through ocT. 20 (chronological order)

HEAVYWEIGHTS JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS Dereck Chisora TKO 5 Edmund Gerber Daniel Dawson UD 12 Alex Bunema Wladimir Klitschko UD 12 Alexander Povetkin Liam Smith UD 12 Erick Ochieng Ruslan Chagaev UD 12 Jovo Pudar Marcello Matano W 10 Francesco Di Fiore Joseph Parker TKO 2 Afa Tatupu Daniel Sandoval UD 8 Richard Gutierrez Jason Bergman KO 1 John L. Smith Glen Tapia TKO 5 Elco Garcia Manuel Charr TKO 6 Denis Bakhtov Nkululeko Mhlongo TKO 6 Tebogo Malose Johann Duhaupas KO 4 Jarno Rosberg Stanyslav Skorokhod TKO 5 Igor Fanian Krzysztof Zimnoch UD 8 Art Binkowski Sasha Yengoyan TKO 4 Frank Horta Navid Mansouri D 1 Matthew Mallin CRUISERWEIGHTS Miguel Cotto TKO 3 Delvin Rodriguez Francisco Antonio Mora TKO 9 Rodrigo Benech Jermell Charlo TKO 10 Jose Angel Rodriguez Daniel Bruwer KO 8 Sofane Sebihi Torben Keller UD 10 Bradley Pryce Danie Venter KO 1 Shawn Cox Omar Chavez UD 10 Joachim Alcine Kevin Lerena TKO 2 Ibrahim Labaran Grigory Drozd TKO 11 Mateusz Masternak WELTERWEIGHTS Rakhim Chakhkiev KO 10 Giulian Ilie Teerachai Kratingdaenggym TKO 1 Randy Suico Tony Conquest UD 10 Wadi Camacho Sirimongkol Singmanasak KO 3 Ronnel Esparas Ruben Angel Mino TKO 4 Nestor Insaurralde Juan Jose Dias UD 12 Victor Velazquez Krzysztof Glowacki TKO 4 Richard Hall Frankie Gavin UD 12 David Barnes Ronald Cruz KO 10 Alberto Morales LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS Breidis Prescott UD 10 Edinson Garcia Leon Senior W 10 Dan Woodgate Karim Mayfeld KO 8 Christopher Fernandez Isidro Ranoni Prieto TKO 6 Jorge Olivera Tsiko Mulovhedzi UD 12 Nthuthuko Memela Adonis Stevenson TKO 7 Tavoris Cloud Sadam Ali UD 8 Jay Krupp Eleider Alvarez UD 10 Edison Miranda Cesar Barrionuevo UD 12 Ramon de la Cruz Sena Jean Pascal TKO 5 George Blades Suyon Takayama UD 10 Cobra Suwa Harry Simon UD 12 Geard Ajetovic Bethuel Ushona UD 12 Kaizer Mabuza Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. UD 10 Bryan Vera Jessie Vargas UD 10 Ray Narh Nadjib Mohammedi UD 10 Patrick Bois Timothy Bradley SD 12 Juan Manuel Marquez Sean Monaghan TKO 3 Anthony Smith Vivian Harris SD 10 Danny O’Connor Blake Caparello UD 12 Allan Green Ceferino Rodriguez TKO 7 Stefano Castellucci Erik Skoglund UD 12 Lolenga Mock Rafal Jackiewicz UD 8 Michal Zerominski Dominic Boesel MD 10 Mirko Ricci JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS Selcuk Aydin TKO 4 DeMarcus Corley Samy Anouche W 8 Hugo Kasperski Mauricio Herrera UD 8 Miguel Angel Huerta Zac Dunn KO 2 Mirko Manquecoy Humberto Soto UD 12 Mahonri Montes Rocky Fielding TKO 1 Mohammed Akrong Ramiro Alcaraz W 8 Antonio Lozada Jr. Callum Smith TKO 1 Patrick Mendy Michael Perez UD 10 Miguel Zuniga Robert Stieglitz UD 12 Isaac Ekpo Viktor Postol UD 12 Ignacio Mendoza Alberto Mosquera SD 12 Erick Bone MIDDLEWEIGHTS Jose Lopez TKO 4 Miguel Angel Lopez Les Sherrington UD 12 Shigetaka Yonezawa Ricardo Alvarez TKO 5 Humberto Martinez Ronny Mittag UD 12 Andrei Abramenka Leandro Mendes Pinto TKO 10 Juan Alberto Rios Max Bursak UD 12 Nick Blackwell (F) Alejandra Oliveras TKO 7 Lely Luz Florez Billy Joe Saunders UD 12 John Ryder Czar Amonsot KO 10 Stevi Ongen Ferdinandus Caleb Truax TKO 4 Cerresso Fort Roberto Ortiz UD 12 Reyes Sanchez David Lemieux UD 8 Marcus Upshaw Patrick Lopez UD 10 Alejandro Heredia Matt Korobov UD 8 Grady Brewer Ruslan Provodnikov TKO 10 Mike Alvarado Paul Mendez TKO 6 Rahman Mustafa Yusubov Marat Kulumbegov UD 10 Mikheil Khutsishvili LIGHTWEIGHTS Marcos Reyes MD 12 Rogelio Medina Mark Davis UD 10 Carlos Vinan Eamonn O’Kane UD 12 Kerry Hope Stephen Ormond TKO 1 Adam Mate Fernando Carcamo KO 2 Vicente Escobedo

108 ringTV.COM / 1.14 Abdiel Ramirez TKO 2 Jose Angel Apodaca Gavin McDonnell UD 12 Josh Wale Oliver Flores UD 9 Marcos Mojica Edgar Monarrez UD 12 Ricardo Proano Derry Mathews TKO 4 Curtis Woodhouse Jorge Lara TKO 1 Oscar Ibarra Walter Estrada UD 10 Jose Zuniga Scott Quigg D 12 Yoandris Salinas Diego Magdaleno UD 10 Edgar Riovalle Roman Morales UD 10 Roberto Castaneda Masayuki Ito TKO 10 Jefrey Arienza Jessie Magdaleno TKO 3 Raul Hidalgo (F) Erica Anabella Farias UD 10 Mary McGee Shingo Wake TKO 3 Jhunriel Ramonal Yoshitaka Kato UD 12 Rey Labao Raul Hirales KO 8 Francisco Leal Paulus Moses TKO 7 Leonardo Esteban Gonzalez Carl Frampton KO 6 Jeremy Parodi Kevin Mitchell TKO 6 Marco Lopez Terence Crawford UD 10 Andrey Klimov BANTAMWEIGHTS Sipho Taliwe UD 10 Takalane Dangala Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat UD 12 Alvin Bais Stephen Ormond UD 10 Adam Dingsdale Juan Carlos Sanchez Jr. TKO 7 Darwin Zamora Roy Mukhlis UD 12 Weng Haya Alexis Santiago TKO 9 Alex Rangel Rod Salka UD 10 Ryan Belasco Karim Guerf MD 12 Stephane Jamoye Kirk Goodings UD 10 Paul Truscott Christian Esquivel TKO 2 Javier Franco Alejandro Luna TKO 6 Daniel Attah Pungluang Sor Singyu KO 3 Zun Rindam Juan Diaz UD 10 Juan Santiago Tepparith Singwancha TKO 5 Chuang Zhu Zhong Felipe Orucuta TD 5 Javier Gallo JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS Marvin Mabait KO 1 Johnny Garcia Edgar Puerta SD 10 Guadalupe Rosales Julio Ceja TKO 10 Juan Jose Montes Rene Bestudio UD 10 Jonel Alibio Ernesto Saulong SD 10 Alie Laurel Mzonke Fana W 12 Takalani Ndlovu Liam Walsh MD 12 Joe Murray JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS Devis Boschiero UD 12 Guillaume Frenois Angelito Merin UD 10 Rene Dacquel Adrian Estrella TKO 4 Cesar Vazquez Paul Butler UD 12 Miguel Gonzalez Rendall Munroe W 10 Andy Townend David Carmona UD 10 Antonio Tostado Garcia Jose Felix Jr. KO 1 Joseph Laryea Matthew Villanueva TKO 8 Daniel Lozano Jack Asis D 10 Hirohito Fukuhara Srisaket Sor Rungvisai KO 2 Petch Pitigym Oscar Gonzalez UD 10 Hector Velazquez Ivan Morales UD 10 Cesar Javier Gandara Carlos Diaz Ramirez UD 8 Sergio Nunez Jamie Conlan TKO 1 Walter Rojas Masao Nakamura KO 1 Fahsai Sakkreerin FLYWEIGHTS FEATHERWEIGHTS Roman Gonzalez TKO 7 Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Robinson Castellanos KO 6 Derrick Wilson Ardin Diale TKO 5 Jefrey Cerna Jimmy Paypa UD 10 Jason Redondo Doctor Ntsele UD 12 Motswaki Moselesele Adeilson Dos Santos TKO 2 Marcos Martinez Nawaphon Por Chokchai KO 3 Wilber Andogan Josh Warrington UD 10 Ian Bailey Juan Alejo KO 2 Erik Ramirez Jonathan Victor Barros KO 2 Isaias Santos Sampaio Iain Butcher KO 1 Gabor Molnar Gottlieb Ndokosho KO 4 Feliciano Dario Azuaga Juan Carlos Reveco TD 8 Ricardo Nunez Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo TKO 3 Yon Armed Luis Concepcion KO 10 Carlos Ruben Dario Ruiz Lee Selby UD 12 Ryan Walsh Jayson Velez UD 10 Dat Nguyen JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS Juan Carlos Olvera TKO 3 Juan Manuel Valdez Mario Rodriguez SD 10 Odilon Zaleta Orlando Salido KO 7 Orlando Cruz Alberto Rossel MD 12 Jose Alfredo Zuniga Vasyl Lomachenko KO 4 Jose Ramirez Ramon Garcia Hirales TKO 3 Jose Antonio Jimenez Hisashi Amagasa UD 12 Ryol Li Lee Erick Flores TKO 9 Mercedes Concepcion Matias Rueda TKO 6 Diego Tejerina Marc McCullough TKO 9 Willie Casey STRAWWEIGHTS Ronelle Ferreras UD 12 Jerson Luzarito JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS Lewis Pettitt W 10 Jamie Speight Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. UD 12 Guillermo Avila Rafael Vazquez KO 9 Leon Moore Edivaldo Ortega TKO 6 Carlos Jacobo

1.14 / ringTV.COM 109 Predictions Are MAde BY rinG stAFF MeMBers COMING UP MicHAeL rosentHAL, doUG FiscHer And LeM sAtterFieLd.

Nov. 16 – David Tua vs. Alexander Ustinov, heavyweights, Hamilton, New Zealand Nov. 23 – Yoan Pablo Hernandez vs. Alexander Alekseev, cruiserweights (for Hernandez’s RING and IBF titles), Bamberg, Germany Nov. 30 – Johan Perez vs. Paul Spadafora, junior welterweights, Chester, W.Va. Nov. 30 – Dereck Chisora vs. Matteo Modugno, heavyweights, London Nov. 30 - Adonis Stevenson vs. Tony Bellew, light heavyweights Manny Pacquiao (left) (for Stevenson’s RING and WBC titles), Quebec City, Canada (HBO) returns to the ring against Brandon Rios on Nov. 23 Nov. 30 - Sergey Kovalev vs. Ismayl Sillakh, light heavyweights in Macau, China. (for Kovalev’s WBO title), Quebec City, Canada (HBO) DECEMBER NOVEMBER PAULIE MALIGNAGGI vs. MANNY PACQUIAO vs. ZAB JUDAH BRANDON RIOS Date: Dec. 7 Date: Nov. 23 Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. Location: Venetian Resort, Macau, China Division: Welterweights Division: Welterweights TV: Showtime TV: HBO Pay-per-view Watchability rating (up to fve stars): H H H H Watchability rating (up to fve stars): H H H H H Also fghting: Devon Alexander vs. Shawn Porter, for Also fghting: Evgeny Gradovich vs. Billy Dib, featherweights. Alexander’s IBF welterweight title, Erislandy Lara vs. Austin Trout, Signifcance: Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) must prove he junior middleweights; Sakio Bika vs. Anthony Dirrell, for Bika’s remains an elite fghter after Juan Manuel Marquez stopped him WBC super middleweight title. with one punch last December, his second straight loss. Rios (31- Signifcance: The matchup of fellow New Yorkers isn’t for a 1-1, 23 KOs) is coming off a loss to Mike Alvarado in their rematch. title but their personalities and name recognition, as well as the (See our preview package in the November 2013 issue). fact they’re fghting in the Big Apple, make this intriguing. The Prediction: Rosenthal – Pacquiao UD; Fischer – Pacquiao KO winner will take a nice step to bigger and better things. The loser 10; Satterfeld – Pacquiao KO 9 could be in trouble. Prediction: Rosenthal – Malignaggi SD; Fischer – Malignaggi CARL FROCH vs. GEORGE GROVES MD; Satterfeld – Malignaggi UD. Date: Nov. 23 Location: Phones 4U Arena, Manchester, England DARREN BARKER vs. FELIX STURM Division: Super middleweights (for Froch’s IBF title) Date: Dec. 7 TV: Sky Box Offce Location: Porsche Arena, Stuttgart, Germany Watchability rating (up to fve stars): H H H H Division: Middleweights (for Barker’s IBF title) Also fghting: Anthony Crolla vs. Martin Gethin, lightweights. TV: Sky Sports Signifcance: Froch (31-2, 22 KOs) is one of the top Watchability rating (up to fve stars): H H H fghters in the world, with a strong performance in the Super Six Signifcance: Barker (26-1, 16 KOs) is coming off his breakthrough tournament and consecutive victories over Lucian Bute, Yusaf victory, a decision over favored Daniel Geale in August that gave Mack and Mikkel Kessler. Groves (19-0, 15 KOs) is young, strong him his frst world title at 31. Sturm (38-3-2, 17 KOs) was a long- and well schooled but is taking a considerable step up. reigning titleholder but, with mixed results in recent fghts, he’s Prediction: Rosenthal – Froch UD; Fischer – Froch MD; trying to remain an elite fghter at 34. Satterfeld – Froch UD. Prediction: Rosenthal – Sturm UD; Fischer – Sturm SD; Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Satterfeld – Barker SD. Nov. 16 – Andre Ward vs. Edwin Rodriguez, super middleweights (for Ward’s RING and WBA titles), Ontario, Calif. (HBO). ADRIEN BRONER vs. Nov. 16 – Tomasz Adamek vs. Vyacheslav Glazkov, MARCOS MAIDANA heavyweights, Verona, N.Y. (NBC) Date: Dec. 14 Location: Alamodome, San Antonio

110 ringTV.COM / 1.14 Division: Welterweights (for Broner’s WBA title) TV: Showtime Watchability rating (up to fve stars): H H H H Also fghting: Leo Santa Cruz vs. Cesar Seda, junior featherweights (for Santa Cruz’s WBC title); Keith Thurman vs. Jesus Soto Karass, welterweights; Alfredo Angulo vs. Jorge Melendez, junior middleweights; Beibut Shumenov vs. Tamas Kovacs, light heavyweights (for Shumenov’s WBA title); Victor Ortiz vs. Alfonso Gomez, junior middleweights. Signifcance: Broner (27-0, 22 KOs) had some trouble with Visit THE RING’s slick Paulie Malignaggi in his most recent fght, a split-decision new YouTube channel ... victory. Maidana (34-3, 31 KOs) doesn’t have the skill set of Malignaggi but he has the power the “Magic Man” doesn’t. That TheRingDigital could make things interesting. Prediction: Rosenthal – Broner UD; Fischer – Broner UD; Satterfeld – Broner UD.

Dec. 6 – Krzysztof Wlodarczyk vs. Giacobbe Fragomeni, cruiserweight (for Wlodarczyk’s WBC title), Chicago (ESPN3.com). Dec. 6 – Akira Yaegashi vs. Edgar Sosa, fyweights (for IZING COM AN M Yaegashi’s RING and WBC titles), Tokyo G IT R T O E E Dec. 7 – Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Joseph Agbeko, junior S R ( B featherweights (for Rigondeaux’s RING, WBA and WBO titles), E

O X

Atlantic City, N.J. (HBO) C

O ) Dec. 7 – James Kirkland vs. Glen Tapia, junior middleweights, B BOC

Atlantic City, N.J. (HBO) • • Dec. 7 – Matthew Macklin vs. Willie Nelson, middleweights, F Atlantic City, N.J. (HBO) O 8 8 U N 1 9 Dec. 21 – Kiko Martinez vs. Jeffrey Mathebula, junior D E D featherweights (for Martinez’s IBF title), Spain Boxers Organizing Committee (BOC)

Paul Johnson Executive Director

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THE RING will select a photo from its vast archive each month to publish in the magazine. For more archive photos, go to our website — RingTV.com — or scan the QR code. The Ring Magazine

112 ringTV.COM / 1.14 NOT TO BE For a moment, it appeared as if Archie Moore might become the oldest heavyweight champ when he took on titleholder Rocky Marciano before a reported 61,574 at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 21, 1955. Moore, 41 at the time, put Marciano down with a right in the second round but couldn’t follow up. The Old Mongoose ended up going down fve times himself and was stopped in the ninth round. Marciano, 32, never fought again, ending his career with a record of 49-0. Moore fought an impossible 42 more times and captured the world light heavyweight title before calling it quits in 1963. at the fights 1.

2. 3.

1. Benno Nelson (left) with Vic Darchinyan in Glendale, Calif., where Darchinyan was preparing for his rematch with Nonito Donaire. 2. Mike Sabato (right) with Thomas Hearns during the Shawn Porter-Julio Diaz card on Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand. 3. Richard Fineo (left) with Jhonny Gonzalez before Gonzalez stopped Abner Mares in Carson, Calif. 4. (Left to right) John Moloney, cruiserweight contender Ola Afolabi, Simon Gildea and Jeff Samson. 5. Melvin Garcia (right) visiting the camp of Danny Garcia (center) and father/ trainer Angel Garcia. 6. Armand Samuels (left) with Deontay Wilder the night Wilder stopped Kertson Manswell in Mobile, Ala. 4.

6. want to see yourself in ring magazine? Send us your photos from a fght with you posing next to a celebrity, athlete, or other famous person and we will consider it for publication in the magazine. Send photos to [email protected]. Make sure to include your name(s), celebrity name(s), the fght attended, and your contact information. See you at the fghts!

114 ringTV.COM / 1.14 CELEBRATE A NEW SEASON

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