Canelo Alvarez Is Drawing Huge Crowds and Rave Reviews

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ON THE ‘MONEY’: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. PROVES HE’S STILL THE KING

CANELO ALVAREZ IS DRAWING HUGE CROWDS AND RAVE REVIEWS

ABNER MARES NEW POUND-FOR-POUNDER HAS EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

JAMiE McDoNNELL LATEST BRITISH TITLEHOLDER IS LITTLE IN SIZE BUT BIG IN ABILITY

LARRY HoLMES FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP REVEALS THE ‘BEST I’VE FACED’ AUGUST 2013 MANNY PAcquiAo $8.95 A MATCHUP WITH SLUGGER BRANDON RIOS PROMISES FIREWORKS

CANELO: Juan Mejia/Jam Media/LatinContent/Getty Images; LANGFORD: THE RING MAGAZINE © FEATURES COVER PHOTO BYLANG/BOxING By DonStradley DANCE CARD? WHO WLL FILLOUTMAYWEATHER’S 72 By RonBorges ROBERT GUERRERO FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.SCHOOLS 64 By NormFrauenheim NECESSARYSUCCEED TO ABNER MARESDOES WHATEVER IS 58 By BernardFernandez FOR PROSUCCESS AMATEUR PEDIGREENOT CRUCIAL 52 By BartBarry MASSES STIRRING THE SAUL “CANELO” ALVAREZ IS 46 COVER STORY NEXTUp UNTOUChABLE MR. RESOURCEfUL dIffERENTpAThS STAR ATTRACTION dON’T fORGETTO fOLLOW USON: contents By Gareth A Davies PROMOTER AT52 U.K.’S MIRANDACARTER BECAME A 92 Hauser By Thomas 10-POINT-MUST SYSTEM A COMMON-SENSELOOK AT THE 86 By DonStradley INTRIGUING RIVALRY SAM LANGFORD AND JACKJOHNSON’S 80 By MichaelRosenthal SHOULD BEFUN MANNY PACQUIAO VS. BRANDONRIOS 76 www.facebook.com/RingTV ACALLING ONSCORING STUffOfLEGENdS pACQUIAO-RIOS 46 @Ringmagazine AUGUst 2013 THE ring magazinE /aUgUST2013 dEpARTmEnTS 30 Greisman ByDavid 27 23 ByMikeCoppinger 20 ByAnsonWainwright 18 JabsandStraight Writes 13 10 5 4 ly/10pKHi1 orscantheQRCode. on May4(PartI).GO TO: http://bit. ly/10U84jM orscantheQRCode. up withhimforachat. GO TO: http://bit. Center inBrooklyn, N.Y. THE RINGcaught AT RINGTV.COM 114 112 110 108 102 ByGareth A Davies 98 38 ByTomGerbasi 36 ByScottLaFee 33 OpENINGShOTS RINGSIdE OUTSIdEThEROpES REAdY TO GRUMBLE RINGCARdGIRL NEWfACES: JESSIEMAGdALENO BESTI’VEfACEd: LARRY hOLMES ROLLWIThThEpUNChES COMEOUTWRITING LETTERSfROMEUROpE RINGRATINGS pACKAGE WOMEN’SBOXING SWEETSCIENCE by Thomas Hauser by Thomas AT ThEfIGhTS fROMThEARChIVE COMINGUp WORLdWIdERESULTS RINGSIdEREpORTS victory over RobertGuerrero victory following hisimpressive Mayweather Jr. hadtosay Hear whatFloyd MAYWEAThER VIdEO on July13atBarclays defend againstKaroMurat titleholder isscheduled to The IBFlightheavyweight Q&A: BERNARdhOpKINS TheRingDigiTaL 3 RINGSIDE By michael Rosenthal ENTERTAINMENT VALUE IS IN EYE Volume 92, No. 8 | AUGUST 2013

OF BEHOLDER FouNDeR Nathaniel Fleischer (1888-1972) ’m always amused when of them do their thing, though. Isomeone says or writes The great fghts are almost eDitoR that anyone who believes always marked by ebbs Michael Rosenthal Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s style and fows, by dramatic, perhaps ASSoCiAte eDitoR is boring is not a “real boxing unexpected events that create Douglass Fischer fan.” One writer quoted Floyd drama. Mayweather’s fghts Mayweather Sr. to make are generally devoid of drama. CoNtRibutiNg eDitoR his point: If you’re bored It’s the same thing round after Brian Harty by Junior, “You don’t know round, a great fghter toying (expletive) about boxing.” with his overmatched prey until ARt DiReCtoR That’s utter garbage. one-sided scorecards are hand- Lamar Clark If you do know (expletive) ed to the ring announcer who about boxing, you must rec- tells us what we already know. CoVeR DeSigN ognize that Mayweather is Impressive? Yes. Fun to ANYoNE™ CoLLECTIVE an exquisite boxer. That is an watch? Not for long. RiNg CARD giRlS CooRDiNAtoR unassailable truth. He proved it I was at ringside for May- Heather Shanholtz again in a blowout over Robert weather-Guerrero. I’m telling Guerrero on May 4. you: The life was sucked out CoNtRolleR However, to imply that you’re of the MGM Grand Garden Deborah L. Harrison a lesser fan or ignorant of the Arena by the third or fourth CiRCulAtioN DiReCtoR sport’s fner points because you round, when it became clear Kenneth J. Gudaitis don’t fnd the long-running that Guerrero had no chance. Mayweather Show entertaining In other words, people were is both unfair and arrogant. bored even if they were able to ADVeRtiSiNg iNQuiRieS Robert Gasparri I’ve been a devotee of boxing appreciate Mayweather’s skills. 213-233-2952 since the frst Muhammad Ali- To be fair, Mayweather did [email protected] Joe Frazier fght, 42 years ago. pick up the pace in an effort While I couldn’t train a boxer, to put Guerrero away toward SubSCRiPtioN iNQuiRieS I’ve gained some knowledge the end of their fght but pulled SPoRtS AND eNteRtAiNmeNt PubliCAtioNS of the sport’s intricacies over back because of what he said P.o. Box 433122 more than two decades as a was a hand injury. I believe Palm Coast, FL 32164-3122 boxing writer. him. I also believe the knockout 1-800-846-6438 And, generally, I fnd May- is not central to who he is; I [email protected] weather’s style a cure for believe he’s a hit-and-not-be-hit bACk iSSueS insomnia. Yes, I respect his pro- guy through and through. 215-643-3087 oR oNLINE AT found ability to land punches Yes, that ultimately is the RINGTV.CoM without taking them. I even feel most direct path to victory fortunate to have seen him do - hit and not be hit - and no DigitAl eDitioN iNQuiRieS his thing – often up close – for active fghter does it better [email protected] so many years. I felt the same than Mayweather. I’d just rath- SeND eDitoRiAl CommeNtS to: way about Pernell Whitaker. er watch Lucas Matthysses and [email protected] That doesn’t mean it was or Mikey Garcias and Gennady or P.o. Box 251753, is thrilling to watch either one Golovkins out there. Los Angeles CA, 90025

THE RING (ISSN: 0035-5410), Vol. 92, No. 8 (August 2013), is published monthly by Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC, Po Box 90254 Brooklyn, NY 11209. Periodicals postage paid at Blue Bell, PA 19422 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 $78.70 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. PHOTOGRAPHED BY NAOki FukuDA OPENING SHOTS

KNOCKDOWN MACHINE: Peter Quillin (right) put Fernando Guerrero down four times en route to a seventh-round knockout on April 27, giving Quillin 10 knockdowns in his last two fghts.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 5 CELEBRATION: Lucas Matthysse (right) was well aware that his stunning third-round knockout of Lamont Peterson on May 18 was a signifcant moment in his career.

6 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 Naoki Fukuda 8 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 Naoki Fukuda by decision. competitive. Garcia won make thefghtbrutally 27 butsurvivedthemto Danny Garcia onApril hard shotsagainst Judah (right)tookmany RESILIENCE: Zab Zab COME OUT WRITING

AnotHeR sURPRIse, that this is what boxing is all about. MoDeRn MARVeL sURPRIse We don’t need lights, theatrics and The American boxing community Canelo Alvarez surprised a lot of leopard-print outfts to make boxing should appreciate another dominat- people with his defense against Aus- appealing; all we need is four cor- ing performance from a modern day tin Trout, who admitted that he “was ners, a ref and two warriors willing great on May 4. He is coming to the prepared for a totally different fght- to put on a show. Boxing is not just end of his Hall of Fame career and er” on April 20. This shows just how about money, boxing is about pride fans should enjoy him while he’s well Canelo planned and performed. and passion, sportsmanship and still in the ring performing to such a Like Trout, I don’t think fght fans discipline. Boxing is about having high standard. I am talking about Dr. were prepared to see the defensive fun. Thank you to the local amateurs Steelhammer, Wladimir Klitschko, the performance. Some might’ve miscon- who helped me to remember this. heavyweight champion of the world strued that as Trout bullying Canelo Hank Lukyn who made the 14th successive defense around the ring. Therefore, Trout Prince George, British Columbia, of his title against Francesco Pianeta. was deemed the winner by at least Canada We can all bemoan the state of the di- some of those who enjoy busier fght- vision, the lack of top American talent ers. Luckily, the offcial judges got it InteRestInG and fnd other reasons to discredit the correct. Canelo planned for Trout’s stoRY man, but the fact remains – we are in attack and executed that plan, not “The Alchemy of Boxing” (June the Klitschko era, and have been for by running from his opponent or 2013 issue) is well written and very some time now. In years to come I be- swinging without purpose, but by interesting. I agree that the styles of lieve he will be looked upon fondly by boxing. There are exciting Rios-Al- “Evander Holyfeld and Shane Mos- fans, but it would be nice if the great varado-type fghts that can fulfll the ley are diffcult to defne” but I’d like fans of the sweet science, especially needs of fans who prefer busier fght- to take a crack at it. I categorize Mos- those in the United States, gave him ers. I enjoy those slugfests as much ley as a Puncher. He and his father re- his due right now and appreciated a as anyone. Nevertheless, I am excited ferred to his style as “power boxing.” master at work. Remember, this is all about Alvarez’s future fghts. I would Mosley was a fne all-around fghter about “hit and don’t get hit,” and very like to see Floyd Mayweather Jr. fght but often fought to take the other guy few in the game are better at it than Alvarez but Mayweather will stall out. I thought De La Hoya won their Wladimir Klitschko. until the clamor passes, as it did in second bout. Mosley concentrated Kurt Ward the case of Manny Pacquiao. on landing hard blows throughout Essex, England Jeff Crockett the contest. Evander Holyfeld has Baltimore given us so many exciting ring wars MAYWeAtHeR’s that it’s hard to say he’s a “boxer.” MAsteRPIece BAcK to I think he’s a boxer-puncher with a Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s performance tHe BAsIcs bit of pressure fghter thrown in the against Robert Guerrero on May 4 was With no major pay-per-view fghts mix. Holyfeld was often relentless in superb. Guerrero has good punching happening on a recent weekend, I de- attacking his opponent; I don’t think power and usually will fnd his oppo- cided to attend a local amateur event anyone ever really looked forward nent during the fght. Mayweather’s way up in Prince George, British to going through hell and back fght- defense was a masterpiece. The ability Columbia. It was exciting to see the ing him. Thought-provoking pieces to completely avoid trouble against fundamentals of the sweet science be- like this one examining “styles make a top-caliber fghter like Guerrero ing utilized – a rangy boxer establish- fghts” are one reason I enjoy THE is a great accomplishment. He still ing his range and keeping his shorter RING. Keep up your style of giving has amazing speed. Mayweather and power-punching opponent glued to readers fresh angles on long-held Canelo Alvarez would be the fght of the end of his jab, or a smaller, faster boxing axioms. the year. Alvarez is so strong and still boxer using his footwork and quick Jonathan Keller improving. His defense is dramatically combinations to pick apart his big- Tulsa, Okla. better, as he demonstrated against Aus- ger, stronger foe. The hometown fans tin Trout. Mayweather’s boxing skills really got behind the local fghters WRITE TO THE RING! are second to nobody right now. It and willed them on to victory. The Come Out Writing, The Ring might be in Mayweather’s best interest card culminated with an entertaining P.O. Box 251753, Los Angeles, CA 90025 [email protected] to get on this fght now, considering his main event, as the hometown boy age and Canelo’s drawing power. pulled out a split-decision victory E-mailed letters will include a writer’s e-mail address unless a city and state of Richard Abe over a tough kid from Tacoma, origin is provided. Letters may be edited Carpinteria, Calif. Wash. It struck me as I watched for reasons of space and clarity.

10 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013

Naoki Fukuda they saw. everyone likedwhat April 13butnot Nonito Donaire on an easytimewith Rigondeaux had Guillermo BY THOmAsHAusER STRAighT STRAighT WRItes jAbS OF APROFESSIONAL WHAT’S EXPECTED EXPECTED WHAT’S FIGHTER &

thorny issue. Radio CityMusicHallraises a Rigondeaux on April 13at Nonito DonaireandGuillermo title unifcationboutbetween the juniorfeatherweight When Frank Sinatra graced THE ring magazinE /aUgUST2013 but itwasn’t effective aggres- Rigondeaux. Hetriedtoengage Those fawsshowedagainst cal giftsbutistechnicallyfawed. he’s anartistatwork. perior tacticalskills. At hisbest, work, adequatepowerandsu- boring.”was “very was “boring.” Intwowords, it Rigondeaux. Inaword, thefght Sinatra didn’t seeDonaire- is “the citythatneversleeps.” Hall, hesangthatNew York the stageatRadioCityMusic Donaire hasprodigiousphysi- Rigondeaux hassuperbfoot- of aserioussport the lighterside 13 ROll WITH THE PUNCHES

Pernell Whitaker wasn’t an action fghter but he was a busy one, unlike Guillermo Rigondeaux.

sion. All of his shortcomings the fans were angry. There was ly unsatisfying was that Rigon- came back to haunt him. He was sustained booing for much of deaux (unlike Pernell Whitaker, unable to cut off the ring, failed the night. who was praised as a defensive to set up his punches effective- The only issues were whether master) didn’t throw jabs as he ly and over-reached on power Rigondeaux would tire (he did, moved. There were long periods shots, which left him vulnerable but not much) and what would of time when he all but ran away to counters. happen if Donaire hit Guillermo from the action. Trying to hit him After three moderately enter- fush on the chin. That eventu- was like trying to hit a moving taining rounds in which Rigon- ality came to pass in Round 10, nail with a hammer. Fighting like deaux got off frst with straight when Rigondeaux went down that might play well in the ama- lefts and crisp right hooks up from a left hook. But he got up. teurs but not in the pro ranks. It’s top, he proceeded to stink out This writer scored the bout one of the reasons virtually no the joint ... run out the clock ... 115-112 for Rigondeaux. The one in the United States watches go into a four corners offense ... judges favored him by scores of amateur boxing anymore. choose your metaphor. Before 116-111, 115-112, 114-113. Donaire was gracious after the long, Donaire was frustrated and What made the fght particular- fght. “There’s no excuse,” he

14 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 WHITAKER: Al Bello /Allsport; THE RING MAGAZINE © versity of Arkansas Press. has justbeenpublishedbythe Uni- Sports: RememberingtheJourney recent book( email [email protected]. Hismost Thomas Hausercanbereached by them on April 13. than GuillermoRigondeauxgave “champion” owesthefansmore used himat The Gardenagain. True tohisword, Brennernever Garden again.” fghting, he’llneverfghtat The trainer, “If yourguydoesn’t start the fghter’s cornerandtoldhis through thebout, Brennervisited more andrestless. Midway while adisgruntledcrowdgrew round afterinthebank ting-hit-at-any-cost boxerput watched astylishavoid-get- Madison SquareGardenand Brenner oncesatringsideat fght againisalowpriority. the righttosaythatseeinghim network executivesandfanshave he wantedtofght. Buttelevision his prerogativetofghttheway rules andwonthefght. Itwas anyone inboxing.” there wouldbenomoneyfor fghter foughtlikeRigondeaux, for thesport,” hesaid. “If every money thatrealfghtersgenerate he makesanotherone. Music Hall, notthefghters.” to bethedancersatRadioCity ing. The Rockettesaresupposed chant. “It’s prizefghting, notbox- boxing, notfghting, isn’t it? won thefght. The sportiscalled not gethit. Rigondeaux’s tactics object ofthegameistohitand the beautifulboxinghegaveme.” have respectforRigondeauxand said. “He beatmetonight. Ionly So, what’s theproblem? The A fghterwhocallshimselfa The pacifstwoneveryround. matchmaker TeddyFamed Rigondeaux foughtwithinthe Agreed. “Rigondeaux wasskimmingthe Merchant hasapoint. And then “No!!!” thunderedLarryMer- Thomas Hauser on Thomas Hauseron ) chAmpion (picTUREd) wiTh ThE chAmpion (picTUREd)wiThThE A FoRmERwoRldlighThEAvywEighT 1. And lAqUAndAlAndERS? 3. FoR moREThAn15RoUndS? chAmpionShip FighTTobESchEdUlEd 2. FighTS. whowAS iT? mEAgER ToTAl oF18 knockoUTSin289 QUICK QUIZ ThE Ring REcoRd book cREdiTS ThE RingREcoRdbookcREdiTS who ARE ApRil FowlER, TEElA REEcE whoAREApRilFowlER,TEElA REEcE whAT wAS ThElASTwoRld THE ring magazinE /aUgUST2013 1. “Slapsie” Maxie Rosenbloom, who reigned from 1930 to 1934; 2. On who reigned from 1930 to 1934; 2. Rosenbloom, Maxie “Slapsie” 1. 15 QUIcK QUIZ AnsWeRs QUIcK QUIZ AnsWeRs Louis twenty-round bout against Joe Louis defended his title in a scheduled Bob Pastor. 1939, 20, Sept. pro debut opponents and Landers were the Reece, Fowler, 3. won by knockout in the eleventh round; and had two fghts in her pro career Fowler Foreman. and Freeda Jacqui Frazier Ali, respectively for Laila Reece also had two professional fghts and was stopped time. was knocked out in the frst round each was knocked out in and fght (against Landers had only one pro Foreman) both times in the frst round. the second round. rollroll withwith thethe punchespunches advanced

DEGREES What boxers are into outside the sport Degrees of separation between fghters By Anson Wainwright of today and their predecessors. This month: Eddie Perkins, the frst junior welterweight recognized as champion JUAN MANUEL by the WBA and WBC, to current WBA LOPEZ and WBC titleholder (and RING champi- Featherweight contender on) Danny Garcia. Perkins held his titles between 1962 and 1965. Music: I like salsa and my favorite singers are Marc Anthony and Victor Manuelle. Also I like reggaeton and my favorite singers are Don Omar, Tito El Bambino, Wisin y Yandel and Daddy Yankee. H car: I owned a Dodge Challenger SRT8 that I liked so much, but I want to have a Lamborghini. I like those cars. H Food: My favorite dish is rice and beans with pork chops. H TaTToos: I have one tattoo with gloves and the names of my children, Juanma and Beliza, and one of the Juanma Lopez logo. H aThleTe (ouTside boxing): Michael Jordan, for his great career, defnitely the best player in the history of the NBA. Movie: All of the Fast and Furious series, and also Men of Honor. video gaMe: Fight Night.

eddie Perkins MIKKEL KESSLER fought … Super middleweight contender

Nicolino Locche, who fought … PERKINS: THE RING MAGAZINE ©; GARCIA: LOPEZ: Bob Levey/Getty Images; HOPKIN S: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images; Jeff Bottari/Getty Images Music: My favorite band is Volbeat. “A Warrior’s Call” is Antonio Cervantes, who fought … my walk-in song. We recorded it together. It was No. 1 in the U.S. charts [Billboard’s Active Rock list] and a huge Wilfredo Benitez, who fought … hit all over Europe. H car: I currently own an Audi Q7, but I’m actually into very fast cars. I really like the Lamborghini Aventador. H Food: I only eat organic food. Sugar Ray Leonard, who fought … A healthy lifestyle is very important for me and gives me additional power in the ring. I even have my own company, Eco Protein, which (makes) organic protein Hector Camacho, who fought … bars for athletes. H TaTToos: I love tattoos. I have a lot of them. They do not have a special meaning, but I always liked Vikings and the mythology. H aThleTe Julio Cesar Chavez, who fought … (ouTside boxing): I like Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki. We’re good friends. And Michael Maze, European table tennis champion. H Movie: Shawshank Kostya Tszyu, who fought … Redemption. H video gaMe: I’m old school so I have to go with Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour. I love strategy games. Zab Judah, who fought … danny garcia BERNARD HOPKINS iBF light heavyweight titleholder

Music: Jazz, R&B. H car: Old school cars. I have two. I’ve got a 1967 covertible Chevy Chevelle, and I have a 1966 hardtop, black red interior Lincoln Continental with side doors. H Food: Pasta, Italian. No white wine, though! H TaTToos: No, none. I don’t like needles. H aThleTe (ouTside boxing): Jim Brown. H Movie: The Godfather. H video gaMe: Any boxing game.

16 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 tenA monthly boxing list: The besT and worsT in boxing from The pasT monTh By Michael Rosenthal This month: Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s most important victories.

GOOD GENARO HERNANDEz, TKO 8, Oct. 3, 1998: The announcement came about a half Stopped respected champion to win frst title. century too late but it is a positive step nonetheless. Cuban au- thorities have decided to lift a ban on professional boxing EMANUEL AUGUSTUS, TKO 9, Oct. 21, 2000: by allowing their fghters to take part in the semipro World Mayweather calls this his toughest fght. Series of Boxing. The communist nation will be represent- DIEGO CORRALES, TKO 10, Jan. 20, 2001: ed in the 12-team league, which is administered by AIBA. Corrales came in undefeated and feared. The fghters stand to make between $1,000 and $3,000 JOSE LUIS CASTILLO I, UD 12, April 20, 2002: each month. There is no indication whether Cubans will Mayweather had to dig deep to win. ultimately be allowed to compete freely in the professional ranks but our fngers our crossed. Great fghters like Teoflo JOSE LUIS CASTILLO II, UD 12, Dec. 7, 2002: Stevenson had no hope of testing their abilities against the Another close fght against his rival. best in the world. Maybe soon his countrymen will have ARTURO GATTI, TKO 6, June 25, 2005: that opportunity. Mayweather’s frst pay-per-view main event. zAb JUDAH, UD 12, April 8, 2006: Some thought Judah had the skills to test Mayweather. BAD OSCAR DE LA HOYA, SD 12, May 5, 2007: I applaud Floyd Mayweather Jr. for decid- ing to fght Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on Sept. 14 in what will be Went up in weight to face sport’s biggest star. a tremendous event. He could’ve selected a safer foe and RICkY HATTON, TKO 10, Dec. 8, 2007: still walked away with a fortune. I’m not as crazy about Undefeated Hatton was major star in UK. Mayweather’s demand that the fght take place at a catch MIGUEL COTTO, UD 12, May 5, 2012: weight of 152 pounds. Mayweather originally said the fght Most recent test against future Hall of Famer. would have to take place at 147; 152 is much preferable to that. Still, I would’ve liked to see Mayweather fght Alvarez when the Mexican is at his best, which is at 154 pounds. And Mayweather wouldn’t be seen as seizing an advantage, which refects poorly on him. After all, ‘Money’ does hold a 154-pound belt. A MONTHLY POLL OF OUR RINGTV.COM READERS Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s dominating victory over Robert Guerrero on May 4 had people asking once WORSE again: Can anyone compete with this guy? Well, we I could spend all day every day lamenting the state of the heavyweight division. Joe Louis had know who the fans want to be the next one to try. We his “Bum of the Month Club,” a string of unworthy oppo- asked simply: Who should Floyd Mayweather Jr. fght nents he generally dispatched with ease. I think Wladimir next? Here are the results. Klitschko’s club is at least as dire, at least over the past fve THE PERCENTAGES: years. No one in his last nine fghts has given him anything Saul “Canelo” Alvarez ...... 68.1 resembling a challenge, the last victim being Francesco Amir Khan ...... 12.3 Pianeta on May 4. The Ukrainian’s fghts are clinical Adrien Broner-Paulie Malignaggi winner ...... 11.2 demonstrations of utter dominance, not competitive sport. Erislandy Lara-Alfredo Angulo winner ...... 4.3 No drama whatsoever. And that doesn’t fgure to change. Devon Alexander ...... 4.1 Alexander Povetkin? No. Tyson Fury? Ha. Deontay Wilder? Too soon. Why even pay attention? Note: 10,697 readers voted. Also, the poll was posted before the Broner-Malignaggi and Lara-Angulo fghts took place.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 17 bEST I’VE FACED

larry Holmes might be Despite being overshadowed LARRY the most underappreciated by his predecessor, though, no heavyweight of the past half one can question Holmes’ cre- century. dentials as one of the all-time HOLMES His timing wasn’t good. greats. He defeated Ken Norton Holmes became the division’s in the summer of 1978 to win By Anson Wainwright standard bearer immediately fol- his frst heavyweight title and lowing the sport’s greatest icon, reigned atop the division for Muhammad Ali, who dominated seven long years, making 20 suc- The Golden Era of heavyweights cessful defenses. in the 1970s. Only Joe Louis and Wladimir

18 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 plished heavyweights during a career that spanned parts of four Best BoXeR decades, including Ali, Earnie I don’t know. I was so good, Shavers, Gerry Cooney, Michael they were all the same. Spinks, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfeld. Best JAB Holmes’ perfect record and Carl “The Truth” Williams championship reign ended when and Michael Dokes he was beaten by Michael Spinks I did not fght Michael Dokes. in September 1985. The Easton He had a good jab. I worked Assassin, who took his nickname with him in the gym. It was a from his hometown in Penn- very good jab. Carl Williams he sylvania, would try four times had a very good jab, too. What to regain a major title – against made it so good? It was like Spinks, Tyson, Holyfeld and Oli- mine! ver McCall – but failed each time. However, those who understand Best DeFense what he accomplished in the ring Carl Williams will always remember him as one I would say outside of me, Carl of the best who ever lived. Williams had a good defense. THE RING recently caught up He was hard to hit. with Holmes. He was asked to share with us the best he faced in Best cHIn 10 key categories. Everybody I hit, they went! I respect everyone’s chin. H Best PUncHeR Best oVeRALL Earnie Shavers Ken Norton If he hits you, he knocks you The best I ever fought was out. He mostly knocked every- Kenny Norton because he was body out that he hit. I had a big, strong and determined, a good defense but he knocked lot of ability, punches hard. Ken the s--t out of me a lot of times Norton was the best, I would and it hurt. Earnie Shavers hurt say. You got Earnie Shavers, you if he hit you. Muhammad Ali, of course, and there’s a lot of great fghters FAstest HAnDs Carl Williams Muhammad Ali’s who I can’t remember the skills had declined names of right now. and Muhammad Ali by the time he fought I never had a problem seeing Larry Holmes (left) them but they were the fastest. in 1980 but Holmes said The Greatest still had quick hands. FAstest Feet Carl Williams I don’t know. Maybe Carl Wil- Klitschko have held at least one liams because he was more a major heavyweight title longer boxer like me. and only Louis had more defenses than Holmes. sMARtest Holmes (69-6, 44 knockouts) I really don’t know. I never used a legendary jab and excep- looked at it that way. tional all-around ability to build a record of 48-0, one victory shy stRonGest of Rocky JimMarciano’s Lxmpley career total Nobody stood out as being of 49-0, by the mid-1980s. And Holmes (right) said Ken Norton was exceptionally strong, though the best overall fghter he ever faced.

The Ring Magazine/Getty Images he fought a who’s who of accom- Earnie Shavers was strong.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 19 new faces

“He’s pretty much got all the champ was set to fght in his fnal Jessie tools,” continued Trampler, who eight-rounder on June 8, against was inducted into the Interna- journeyman Carlos Fulgenico, tional Boxing Hall of Fame in after which he’ll step up to better MAGDALENO 2010. “He’s a good boxer, pretty competition. To this point, he fair puncher; as far as I know has proven to be a solid body he takes a punch. … He’s a kid puncher who presses the fght. He who wants to be a world cham- certainly has the killer instinct, pion. I don’t mean he just says with seven frst-round stoppages he wants to be. He has the burn- on his ledger. ing desire to be a champion, and While Jessie remains undefeat- you don’t see that in every fght- ed, big brother Diego lost for the er. Fighters pay lip service, but frst time in a title fght against he really lives it.” Roman Martinez in April. After While we don’t know much the defeat, Diego parted ways about Jessie as a pro, we’re with long-time trainers Pat Barry bound to fnd out soon. The 2009 and Augie Sanchez but Jessie re- U.S. Amateur National champi- mains at the Barry Boxing Gym. on and National Golden Gloves He says it was the right choice to Jeff Bottari/Getty Images By Mike Coppinger

Matchmaker Bruce THE ESSENTIALS Trampler said that Age: 21 prospect Jessie Magdaleno (left) “has Weight class: Junior featherweight all the tools.” Height: 5-foot-4 Stance: Southpaw Nickname: Pitbull Hometown: Las Vegas Record: 14-0 (10 knockouts)

The brothers Klitschko (Wladimir and Vitali) and Marquez (Juan Manuel and Rafael) compose perhaps the two greatest brother tandems of all time. Certainly, no other active pair compares. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t others to keep an eye on. Brothers Jessie and Diego Mag- daleno, from the fght capital of Las Vegas, are climbing the ranks. And while it’s Diego who is rated by THE RING (at 130 pounds), Jessie might be the one with the greatest potential. Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler says Jessie “has a zest for fghting (and) seems to really enjoy it.”

20 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 stay with the man (Pat) who has history and be brothers who THRee guided him since he was a child. make it,” Jessie said. “He’s taught “Pat’s like a father fgure to me pretty much everything that me; Augie’s like an older broth- I know. He taught me how to MORe TO er,” said Jessie, whose younger move around. … He’s more of a brother Marco is a top amateur boxer-puncher. … I’m more of an WATCH as well. “We’re just like a nice, all-around fghter.” unique, strong family together. Jessie hopes to avoid the same Miguel Cotto (left) I’ve learned a lot from Augie fate as Diego and win a title in isn’t the fghter at 154 (who is Pat’s son-in-law). He the near future. He says he’s “get- poundseleideR that he was AlvARez, was a real slick fghter back in ting closer and closer.” LIGHTat lower weights, HEAVyWEIGHT which became the day. Still to this day he puts “Sky’s the limit. I want it all,” (12-0,obvious when8 KOS) he a little bit of his moves on me Jessie said. “I know we’re still in foughtAlvarez Austin is Trout. a big puncher and it surprises me. He always the beginning, but in 2013, I’m who is on the cusp of a has me on my toes.” gonna put myself on the map meaningful hometown fght Though they no longer train and let everyone know who I in fght-crazed Montreal. The together on a regular basis, the am. 2013 is my year. I’m going 29-year-old Colombian has brothers remain as close as ever. to show everyone what I’m ca- knockout power in both hands “I think we’ll come down in pable of.” and stalks his opponents from the onset. He is promoted by Yvon Michele’s GYM. Jesse HART, SuPEr MIDDLEWEIGHT (6-0, 5 KOS) Jesse Hart is the son of 70’s middleweight contender Eugene Hart, who was named to THE RING’s list of 100 Greatest Punchers in 2003. The 23-year- old Philadelphian compiled a reported amateur record of 85-11 en route to multiple national titles in 2011. Thus far, Jesse seems to have inherited his father’s punching prowess. He is promoted by Top Rank.

HugO CenTenO, JuNIOr MIDDLEWEIGHT (18-0, 9 KOS) Centeno went the 10-round distance for the frst time in his last outing, a decision victory over undefeated KeAndrae Leatherwood. The victory cemented Centeno, 22, as a bona fde prospect. Centeno had a reported 90-9 record as an amateur. He is promoted by Golden Boy.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 21

CARD GIRL OF THE MONTH BY HEATHER SHANHoLTz

Frankie Gomez knocksoout Pavel Miranda of Mexico in the frst round during a Welterweight fght at Los Angeles Sports Arena on December 15, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Dave Alan Amanda Paris

Height: 5-foot-3 Weight: 110 pounds Measurements: 34-24-36 Stance: Orthodox Favorite Boxer: Sugar Ray Leonard Hometown: Chicago Current Location: Chicago Booking Info: [email protected]

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 2323

Amanda Paris Dave Alan

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 25 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? submit photos and bio to [email protected] READY TO GRUMBLE

Floyd Mayweather Jr. proved against Robert Guerrero that he still has what has made him one of the best MAYWEATHERfghters of his era.

CAN STILL Floyd Mayweather Jr. is rather self-centered and ridiculously self-confdent, but those typically negative traits of narcissism and arrogance have BACK brought him success, made him prosperous and kept him victorious. He can still be thin-skinned: Witness the shouting matches on TV with Brian Kenny and on the radio UP THE with R.A. the Rugged Man, and recall that he once boycotted this magazine because of how it ranked him. Any insecurity only pushes him to keep his BRAVADO place in the sport secure. He is a tough nut to crack because he does not want to be proven wrong. Robert Guerrero promptly found out how tough it Challenger Robert Guerrero never is to crack Mayweather, being disarmed as effective- really had a chance on May 4 ly as he had been during his gun possession arrest weeks beforehand at a New York airport. He soon Naoki Fukuda Naoki Fukuda By David Greisman learned how big a difference there is between Andre Berto and Mayweather. Berto merely attempted the shoulder-roll defense, while Mayweather long ago

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 27 READY TO GRUMBLE

Mayweather is perfected it. Beating Berto raised as clever in the Guerrero in the rankings, which decisions he makes leading up in turn only allowed Mayweather to a fght as he is to give him a spanking. in the ring. Guerrero believed he had the style to catch Mayweather and that he was catching Mayweather at the right time, that Mayweath- er was slowing down at 36 and would be further hampered by a yearlong layoff, including two months in jail. Guerrero had forgotten why Mayweather picked him: because he was good enough to compete in this pay-per-view main event, but Mayweather was still great enough to keep him from being competitive. Mayweather prefers betting slips over stock tips and is a high- stakes gambler when it comes to other sports. He is of a far different mind, however, regarding his own career. Instead, he is a businessman whose rewards are maximized and guaranteed, with the amount of risk left nearly completely in his own hands rather than those of his opponent. While a smart gambler still needs luck, a wise businessman leaves nothing to chance. May- weather still dedicates himself to training hard and sparring even harder, recognizing that he needs to keep his skills sharp if he wants to rely on them. And to keep his stock from crashing

on fght night, he knows better Mayweather: Naoki Fukuda; Trout: via Getty Images Boy Donald Miralle/Golden Boy/Golden than to be caught trading in the wrong exchanges. That’s because he’s in the mar- ket for nine fgures’ worth of paychecks before he retires. His brash personality got him recognized by the mainstream audience, who then saw his brilliant talent. At least a million people paid to see him, and not Guerrero, either rooting for him to win or hoping he would lose. If at some point in his next fve bouts we see him in a fght in which we think he could be defeated, it will be because that

28 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 view main event later in the year, perhaps against Mayweather or Miguel Cotto. Martinez, meanwhile, brought tens of thousands in his native Argentina to watch him defend his middleweight championship. A lucrative rematch with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was being mulled for the not- too-distant future. If these are the kinds of opportunities Trout and Murray desire, then they need to dig deeper and show why they deserve them. Trout had toiled in relative an- onymity while other 154-pound fghters got more television time and bigger fghts. Trout’s win over Cotto last December changed that Austin Trout (pictured) and landed him this fght with and Martin Murray Alvarez. This loss sends him back were competitive against Saul Alvarez further than he had been before. and Sergio Martinez Trout still doesn’t have a big but failed down name, and now that he has no the stretch in their title belt, there’s even less reason respective fghts. for a contender or beltholder to face him. He must hope that his is the best deal that can be made. WBC’s “open scoring” system advisor, the infuential Al Hay- It won’t be from the current crop was allowed, which meant they mon, comes through for him one of junior welterweights and wel- learned the scores every four more time. terweights, no matter how deep rounds. They were fortunate that Murray might yet get another those divisions are, not so long as the judges somehow saw them chance, given the number of note- Mayweather remains a superla- so clearly ahead in what seemed worthy fghters in his division tive superstar. to be competitive bouts against who will need opponents. He These fve fghts will preserve Austin Trout and Martin Murray, wouldn’t have to wait, however, his record and his riches, which respectively. had he earned the bargaining chip give him two reasons he doesn’t And they were fortunate that of being the lineal champion and need to prove anything else to Trout and Murray didn’t (or a world titleholder. anyone else. The only way he will couldn’t) push the action in the Given the arguments that came face even bigger challenges is for fnal four rounds of the fght, that afterward over the scoring for Al- even bigger paychecks — and that they wouldn’t work for the win varez-Trout and Martinez-Mur- is all the motivation he will need despite knowing that they were ray, both losers could say that to be fully prepared to conquer behind, and despite the fact that they were three judges’ debatable and then cash in. each desperately needed a victory cards away from victory, from to advance his career. being closer to the promise of H Trout and Murray were clearly TV dates and the guaranteed the B-sides in against A-list at- windfall from lucrative paydays Some would say Canelo tractions. Alvarez drew almost that tend to be reserved for the Alvarez and Sergio Martinez 40,000 people to a stadium in well-connected, well-represented got lucky. It would be more Texas. The fght gave Canelo a or well-accomplished. appropriate to describe them chance to prove himself against It’s harder to complain about as fortunate. a legitimate challenger at junior being robbed, though, when you They were fortunate that they middleweight. A win would can see it coming and nevertheless were fghting in places where the potentially land him a pay-per- don’t do anything to stop it.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 29 OUTSIDE THE ROPES By Brian Harty

Deontay Wilder became the latest pugilist Swim announced that it is building a to sign with advisor Al will add a show featuring reputation for “The Golden Goose” Mike Tyson to its lineup: his power but recently was in Haymon. “Armed with a magical the news for the tattoo on his face and a wrong reasons. Following the Mayweath- trusty associate by his er-Guerrero card, mid- side – a talking pigeon – if dleweight “Money Team” you have a problem that member J’Leon Love, needs solving, Iron Mike who won an iffy split-de- is in your corner.” The cision over Gabriel show will feature live-ac- Rosado on the under- tion appearances by Ty- card, tested positive for son and will appropriately a banned diuretic called be called Mike Tyson hydrochlorothiazide. He’ll Mysteries. now face a hearing to de- termine any suspension Johnny Bos, the fam- or other penalties, in- boyant New York match- cluding having the victory maker who helped devel- switched to a no-contest. op the careers of Tyson, Paulie Malignaggi, Speaking of unusual sub- Gerry Cooney and Ja- stances, Jägermeister meel McCline, among WILDER donated $50,000 to the many others, died on May fedgling Nevada Boxing 11 at the age of 61. Hall of Fame. The gift FINDS was an extension of the The three-story Philadel- liquor company’s latest phia building that once ad campaign featuring housed Joe Frazier’s TROUBLE International Boxing Hall Gym, as well as the of Fame trainer Freddie heavyweight icon himself, Roach. was added to the Na- eavyweight as “an acquaintence tional Register of Historic H Deontay (who) could not be de- Former welterweight Places. The gym’s name Wilder, who scribed as a paramor” of champion Ricardo May- is still clearly visible even has yet to experience the the married fghter and orga (a man who needs though a furniture gallery wonders of Round 5 in somewhat cryptically ex- no licorice-favored help is now housed there.

his boxing career, was plained in another report to be crazy) made his Also, Lawrence J. WILDER: ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty PACQUIAO: Images; PAUL BERNALDEZ/AFP/GettyImages arrested while in Las Ve- that “Deontay instinctive- MMA debut in Nicaragua Nowlan was chosen as gas to watch the Floyd ly acted under the false against Wesley Tiffer. the artist who will create Mayweather Jr.-Robert impression that someone Mayorga reportedly wel- a sculpture of Frazier for Guerrero fght. was stealing from him.” comed Tiffer at the airport the city. It will stand out- Police arrived at a hotel Patterson also said the with a barrage of insults, side the Xfnity Live! com- on the Strip around 7:30 victim had accepted came in 20 pounds over- plex near Philadelphia’s a.m. on May 4 to fnd a Wilder’s apology. weight and then kneed three sports stadiums, woman bearing injuries, in- Even so, it remained his opponent in the back hopefully by spring 2014. cluding a possibly broken unclear at press time to get a TKO win. The nose and marks on her whether the charge would move was later deemed Oh, and Sports Illustrated neck, and charged Wilder preclude Wilder from illegal and the result is projecting Floyd May- with felony domestic vi- traveling for his sched- changed to a no-contest. weather Jr. to be the olence-strangulation. His uled June 15Thz bout fxmboyxnt against But in his defense, he is highest-paid athlete in the attorney, Paul Patterson, Dereck Chisorapromotzr in Don Ricardo Mayorga. world again this year. He described the woman to London. In theKing meantime, xlso hxs x apparently makes a lot of TheSweetScience.com “The Bronzechxrming Bomber” sidz. Cartoon Network’s Adult money. Who knew?

30 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 A TALE OF TWO PARTIES

or anyone who saw the recent VICE doc- F umentary on HBO about the perilous nature of politics in the Philippines – reports of more than 1,200 political assassinations in the past decade – a tale that starts with rice and ends with a fst fght probably sounds pretty shrug-worthy. And it should be noted that “truth” was still a work-in-progress at press time. Still, this “he said- he said” involves an old friend, so here goes: The frst account came from the barangay (dis- Manny Pacquiao trict) chairman of San Jose in General Santos City, recently found himself Alfredo Belgica. He told The Manila Times that in the middle of a Manny Pacquiao, who readers may remember as nasty war of words with a rival politician. a very popular welterweight who made a fortune fghting in the United States in the early 21st century, rolled into San Jose with a fve-car convoy full ippines, threw rocks and even fred shots at the con- of rice and bodyguards. The rice, along with cash voy, breaking windows and injuring nine people. and other goods, was handed out to “encourage” In this version, it was akin to a political drive-by, local voters to pick Pacquiao’s friend, Ronnel Ri- with Belgica repping his Achievement with Integri- vera, as their new mayor. The bodyguards, Belgica ty Movement (AIM) party by squeezing off a few said, were present to “discourage” anyone from rounds at the rival Peoples’ Champ Movement suggesting otherwise. (PCM). Sort of like when, a few days earlier, 10 Belgica, who supports the incumbent mayor, PCM supporters had been arrested for destroying wasn’t discouraged, though – maybe because Pac- AIM posters. Par for the course, really. quiao’s convoy only had fve cars (the VICE corre- Gacal seemed unimpressed by it all. He said the spondent traveled with a politician who used 50) story about buying votes was just an attempt to – and threatened to fle vote-buying charges. That, discredit Pacquiao and gain support for AIM. As he he said, is when Pacquiao and his bodyguards beat told ABS-CBNnews.com, “It’s election season, and him into an approximation of Antonio Margarito the candidates supported by Pacquiao are leading circa Nov. 14, 2010. (Google the photos if your in pre-election surveys. Let us wait for the paraffn memory needs a jog.) test, and you’ll see that I am right.” According to Belgica, Pacquiao was arrested and Pacquiao has reportedly fled a complaint against taken to the local police station, but was never Belgica for the harrassment, while Belgica has questioned because his lawyer, Geng Gacal, quickly vowed to pursue the charges against Pacquiao. arrived and evacuated him. This was an injustice, As an aside, Gacal is running for councillor in said Belgica. General Santos City, Pacquiao is running unop- Now for the other side. posed for re-election as a congressman for the According to Gacal, Belgica was the only one ar- Sarangani province, his wife, Jinkee, is running rested. Pacquiao went to the police station himself for vice-governor of Sarangani, and his youngest after hearing on the radio that Belgica had attacked a brother, Rogelio, is also running for a House seat. group of employees who were delivering rice to their All of which means that Pacquiao’s “distractions” headquarters in San Jose. The overzealous chairman, will once again be a storyline in the build-up to his as related in a report by GMA News TV in the Phil- Nov. 23 fght against Brandon Rios in Macau.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 31

SWEET SCIENCE THE ROAD(WORK) TO SUCCESS By Scott laFee

utside of, say, notably O well-rounded boxers like Eric “King of the 4-Rounders” Esch, otherwise known as “Butterbean,” boxing has traditionally demanded that its practitioners be reasonably ft and well-conditioned. In other words, while a good boxer doesn’t necessarily run around a lot in the ring, it’s generally assumed they’ve run plenty outside it. But how essential is running to boxing? The image of the sweats-clad boxer-in-training out for a long, morning run is proverbial pugilism. It may also be misleading. Fundamentally, boxers run to improve cardiovascular function, to build suffcient stamina and strength so that they can fght effectively from frst round to last. Not unlike weight-lifting, running done right is about extending physiological limits, specifcally lung capacity and circulatory eff- ciencies so that more oxygenated blood reaches muscles in need. That much seems self-evident. A right uppercut with the kick of a mule is half-assed if the puncher’s oxygen-depleted legs and body are weak and wobbly. For generations, amateur and professional boxers alike have Running is an sworn by the value of doing the integral part of requisite “roadwork.” The U.S. boxing training – as Military Academy at West Point’s Wladimir Klitschko boxing manual says if boxers are demonstrates – but opinions vary as limited to just one form of work- to how to get the out, it should be running. The maximum beneft from

Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images late “Smokin’” Joe Frazier (1944- road work. SWEET SCIENCE

2011), whose storied professional career included a victory over Muhammad Ali in 1971’s “Fight of the Century,” claimed roadwork was the most important thing a boxer could do. OK, let’s assume every boxer runs. The question then becomes, “How much running is enough?” The recommended distance varies by expert and boxer, but a general rule-of-thumb seems to be fve miles a day, three to fve days a week. Speed isn’t generally considered to be as important as maintaining a pace that suffciently elevates heart and breathing rates. For many “old-school” trainers, according to strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, that’s usually where the conver- sation ends. “You do the hard surface roadwork and then back to the gym,” he said. But Ariza, who specializes in training boxers like Manny Pacquiao (though recently he worked with sore-kneed An- drew Bynum of the Philadelphia 76ers), says plain vanilla running is utterly inadequate to the actual aerobic requirements of the ring. “Running tends to produce a consistent pace and conditioning demand. Boxing is up and down, with highs and lows,” Ariza said. “It seems very obvious that you have to create a training program that is relevant to what boxers actually experience.” Ariza and others argue that training runs should mimic boxing matches: Two or three minutes of frenetic activity followed by one minute of rest. Repeat 12 to 15 times. For a footloose boxer, this approach might translate into a series of short, heart-racing timed sprints interspersed within a longer, slower run. Darryl Hudson, a Southern California-based trainer who ran track at San Diego State University in the mid-1980s, com- bines interval training with hill running and resistance drills – all intended, he says, to improve how a boxer taps his strength and energy resources. “When a boxer throws a punch, he’s holding his breath,” said Hudson. “People don’t realize it, but we all do it. Think about when you have to twist open a tight jar of peanut but- ter. You pinch your mouth closed, stop breathing and exert yourself. Boxers do that hundreds of times in a match, so their bodies need to be effcient in how they use energy.” Varied running regimes help keep boxers engaged in their training, though Ariza said they often drop or reduce the exercise after a fght. That’s understandable. Few boxers actually enjoy running. If they did, they’d be runners. And after weeks of intense preparation and a night of punishment (given and taken), most fghters need time to decompress and recuperate. However, Ariza and Hudson both say it’s best if boxers don’t give up running – or at least take up an alternative aerobic activity. (The 5-foot-7 Pacquiao reportedly favors basketball.) Staying on track with their running makes it easier to prepare for the next fght, said Hudson. “Everybody worries about over-training, but I don’t think you can,” he said. “Running and aerobicizing helps keep your weight down, muscles lean and blood circulating. You can’t over-do that.” © howaRd schaTz © howaRd

December 31, 2013 WOMEN’S BOXING SUE FOX: STANDARD BEARER Former fghter is the pied piper of women’s boxing By thomas Gerbasi

Sue Fox created and runs Women Boxing Archive Network, the go-to website for any and all things relating to women’s boxing.

t may be hard to believe, said. “So that would be a big pos- and owner of the Women Boxing given her status as a sibility, yes.” Archive Network (WBAN) web- women’s boxing pioneer and And why not? Women’s MMA site – womenboxing.com – from Iadvocate for the sport years is growing by the day and is fea- tirelessly trying to build a sport after she hung up the gloves, tured regularly in national maga- and support its fghters at a time but Sue Fox may have chosen a zines and on television. Women’s when they need her the most. different combat sports path if boxing can’t say the same, with “I feel that the female boxers she were competing today: mixed TV dates scarce, major promoters need an advocate,” said Fox, a martial arts. unwilling to sign female fghters former police offcer. “There are “I actually preferred what we to serious long-term contracts things that happen in the sport called ‘full contact,’ and that and media apathy keeping it out that I do not like, and I’m very was probably what I was best in of the public eye. vocal. I looked at the big pic- because I was undefeated as a But that hasn’t stopped Fox, ture, and all the female fghters full-contact karate fghter,” she a pro boxer from 1976 to 1979 needed some kind of support in

36 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 POUND the media. And I could care less Lilly,” who competed in around if it was a Laila Ali or if it was a a dozen pro and exhibition bouts fghter who had one fght. I tried before calling it quits to pursue FOR not to ever put one fghter over her career in law enforcement. another when I was doing cov- And if you think things are rough erage. It was just for the women.” for women in the sport today, it’s POUND The website, which Fox Camelot compared to what Fox launched in 1998, is the only and her peers endured. game in town for comprehensive “When I got out of boxing, I 1. CECilia BraEkhUS, Norway coverage of women’s boxing, hated boxing,” she said. “I no- 22-0 (6 kOs) whether it’s news, fght reports, ticed that when I frst got into the Welterweight profles, interviews or records. sport, I fought scientifcally and But her role in women’s boxing more like a martial artist. I tried 2. MEliSSa hErNaNDEz, U.S. extends beyond that, as she’s reg- not to get hit. And towards the 18-3-3 (6 kOs) ularly approached for advice by end I found that I became more Featherweight fghters who are seeking answers of just a brawler. I had my jaw only someone who has been in knocked to the side three times 3. ava kNight, U.S. their shoes can provide. sparring with guys because you 12-1-3 (5 kOs) “I feel that they (the fghters) didn’t spar with too many wom- Flyweight are afraid to say things, so I’ll en. And I noticed that I was start- step in and I’ll talk about what’s ing to take a punch for a punch 4. aNNE SOPhiE MathiS, happening in the sport because and I didn’t like that. So I decided nobody can hurt me,” she said. to get out of the sport before I France “They can’t buy me off and I scrambled my brain.” 26-3 (22 kOs) don’t manage fghters, so I didn’t Nearly two decades later, she Junior middleweight have any particular fghters that rediscovered the sport during I’m trying to push. I just wanted Martin’s heyday and found out 5. layla MCCartEr, U.S. to stay there for them.” that most of the information on 35-13-5 (8 kOs) The roots of this endeavor were the internet regarding the history Junior middleweight planted when Fox made the move of women’s boxing was inaccu- from karate to boxing in 1976. rate. You can guess what hap- 6. yESiCa yOlaNDa BOPP, Before Christy Martin, before pened next. argentina Lucia Rijker and before Laila Ali, “The history was absolutely 24-0 (11 kOs), there was Fox, known as “Tiger incorrect and I knew it because Flyweight I was a fghter then,” she said. “That’s what gave me the idea to 7. FriDa WallBErg, Sweden “I feel that do a historical women’s boxing 11-0 (2 kOs) website, never even thinking that Junior lightweight the female I would end up covering it with all the current fghters.” 8. EriCa aNaBElla FariaS, boxers need But here she is, still fghting the argentina an advocate. good fght, this time not with her 16-0 (9 kOs) fsts but with her keyboard and Lightweight There are the knowledge that this game still has something to offer, not just to 9. ChriStiNa haMMEr, things that the fans, but to the fghters. “I’m a positive person, and I’m germany happen in the always hoping for the fghters 14-0 (7 kOs) that there is a light at the end of Middleweight/Super middleweight sport that I the tunnel for them,” she said. “Being on the net since 1998, I’ve 10. MariaNa JUarEz, Mexico do not like, seen the fght game go up and 36-7-3 (16 kOs) and I’m very down, and if we can get it con- Junior bantamweight sistently going up, there will be a vocal.” — SUE FOX light.” Through fghts of May 19

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 3737 For period ending RATINGS PACKAGE MAY 19, 2013 fighter of the month | ratings analysis | pound-for-pound | the ring ratings

FIGHTER OF THE MONTH It was business as usual for Floyd Mayweather Jr. FLOYD against Robert Guerrero on May 4 – MAYWEATHER JR. another dominating victory.

By Michael Rosenthal

Those who appreciate the artistic side of boxing had to love what they saw on May 4 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather Jr. painted a masterpiece. Robert Guerrero, his opponent that night, is a very good, proven veteran with uncommon mental toughness. And Mayweather (44- 0, 26 knockouts) made him look like a clueless newbie. That’s how good Mayweather was. And it wasn’t just his defensive skills, for which he is renowned. Yes, he was as elusive as ever. Guerrero barely touched him, landing only 19 percent of his punches. Mayweather also picked apart his prey in clinical fashion, landing a ridiculous 60 percent of his power punches to win nine of the 12 rounds on all three cards (117-111). It was beautiful to watch even if his dominance precluded any signifcant drama and frustrated some fans, who craved a competitive fght or at least some action. And it seemed to quash any notion that the 36-year-old had lost a step, which seemed to be the case in a tougher-than-expected unanimous-decision victory over Miguel Cotto in his previous fght. If Mayweather isn’t as good as ever, he’s still light years ahead of the competition. He said at the post-fght news conference that he plans to fght fve more times. Enjoy him while you can. He’s a once-in-a-genera- tion gem.

38 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 POUND FOR POUND: Abner Mares en- Jr. was elevated from No. 1 to cham- athan Romero to enter at No. 10. Two tered the list at No. 5 on the strength pion status after his cruise-control voids were created by the departure of of his victorious featherweight debut victory over Robert Guerrero, who fell Mares (No. 2 last month) and Hozumi against Daniel Ponce de Leon. Rob- from No. 3 to No. 7. Some other mi- Hasegawa (No. 8 last month), who ert Guerrero (No. 8 last month) was nor moves were made to restructure hasn’t truly fought at or below 122 dropped after his loss to No. 1 Floyd the list, and Argentine Luis Abregu since 2010. They were flled by unde- Mayweather Jr., and Nonito Donaire stepped into the No. 10 spot. feated contender Leo Santa Cruz (No. (No. 10 last month) was dumped to 9) after he rose from bantamweight make way for Saul Alvarez. JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS: Another shuffe to score a ffth-round knockout of Al- took place at 140 following a weekend exander Munoz (unrated) and veteran HEAVYWEIGHTS: Chris Arreola (unrated that saw division champion Danny Fernando Montiel (No. 10). last month) was wearing a crimson Garcia winning a decision over Zab Ju- mask by the end of a unanimous-de- dah (No. 4 last month) and Amir Khan BANTAMWEIGHTS: Santa Cruz’s rise to cision loss to Canadian Bermane (No. 2 last month) outpointing unrated 122 gave everyone from No. 4 down- Stiverne, who as a result cracked the Julio Diaz. Khan won but struggled and ward a lift, and then-contender Jamie ratings at No. 10. thus fell to No. 3, while Judah slipped McDonnell of the U.K. moved into to No. 5. In the process, Lamont Pe- the No. 10 spot. The following week, CRUISERWEIGHTS: Guillermo Jones terson (No. 3 last month) and Brandon McDonnell handed Julio Ceja (No. 7 at (unrated last month) gave the cruisers Rios (No. 7 last month) both gained a the time) his frst loss to become the a rare moment in the sun with an all- rank, and No. 6 Mike Alvarado gained IBF titleholder. McDonnell rose to No. 8 out war against Denis Lebedev. Jones two as absentee Juan Manuel Marquez as Ceja and Ryosuke Iwasa (No. 8 last scored an 11th-round knockout to take was demoted from No. 5 to No. 7. month) were dropped to Nos. 9 and the WBA title and the No. 4 spot from Marquez, who looks to be a dedicated 10, respectively, while Joseph Agbeko Lebedev, who dropped to No. 5. No. welterweight now, was dropped en- was elevated from No. 9 to No. 7. 10 Rakhim Chakhkiev departed. tirely two weeks later, and undefeated Canadian Dierry Jean was added at JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS: Unrated LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS: No change. No. 10 after a fourth-round knockout of Thai fghter Srisaket Sor Rugvisai’s Cleotis Pendarvis (unrated). Finally, No. upset knockout of Yota Sato (No. 2 SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS: No change. 1-rated Lucas Matthysse proved he is at the time) re-arranged the middle of every 140-pounder’s worst nightmare the list as Sato fell to No. 6 and Sor MIDDLEWEIGHTS: Champion Sergio by making quick work of Peterson, Rungvisai entered at No. 5. Martinez once again touched the can- who dropped from No. 2 to No. 4. vas but survived to outpoint British FLYWEIGHTS: Edgar Sosa (No. 8 last challenger Martin Murray, who held LIGHTWEIGHTS: No change. month) rose to No. 5 after he out- his spot at No. 7. Peter Quillin (No. 6 pointed the unrated but always tough last month) rose to No. 4 to match the JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS: Undefeated Giovani Segura. number of times he dropped Fernando Aussie Will Tomlinson replaced Ser- Guerrero (unrated) en route to a sev- gio Thompson at No. 10 following a JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS: Kompayak Porpra- enth-round stoppage. The previous unanimous decision over Malcolm mook (No. 7 last month) was dropped No. 4, Dmitry Pirog, was dropped from Klassen (unrated). after moving up in weight to KO un- the list for inactivity. Also, Sam Soliman rated Jean Piero Perez at 112. His (No. 10 last month) was offcially sus- FEATHERWEIGHTS: Abner Mares made a departure moved Nos. 8-10 up a notch pended for a failed drug test and the smashing debut at 126, stopping Dan- and created a home at the bottom for result of his upset win over Felix Sturm iel Ponce de Leon in nine to take the Peruvian Alberto Rossel. No. 5 Kazuto (No. 8 last month) in February became No. 2 spot from his friend, who fell to Ioka and No. 4 Adrien Hernandez then a no-contest, so Soliman was dropped No. 5 after the loss. Robinson Castella- switched places after Ioka’s body-shot and Sturm returned to No. 3. All the nos (No. 10 last month) was pushed off KO of unrated Wisanu Kokietgym. shuffing and dropping left two vacant the list as a result of Mares’ arrival. spots, which were flled by Darren STRAWWEIGHTS: WBA titleholder Ryo Barker (No. 9) and Brian Vera (No. 10). JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS: Alexander Miyazaki (No. 6 last month) stopped

Naoki Fukuda Bakhtin (No. 4 last month) announced a hard-charging Carlos Velarde (un- JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS: No change. his retirement, which allowed everyone rated) in fve rounds and swapped below to move up a spot and made ranks with No. 5 Mario Rodriguez as WELTERWEIGHTS: Floyd Mayweather room for undefeated Colombian Jon- a result.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 39 AS OF MAY 19, 2013 FOR WEEKLY UPDATED RING RATINGS, GO TO RINGTV.COM

Lucas Matthysse’s knockout of Lamont Peterson (right) might’ve set up a showdown with RING 140-pound champ Danny Garcia.

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

40 THE RING MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2013 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: for 18 months (even if he f ghts at another weight); 5. The Cham- 1. THE RING’s Nos. 1 and 2 contenders f ght one another; 2. If the pion does not schedule a f ght with a Top-5 contender from any Nos. 1 and 2 contenders chose not to f ght one another and either weight class for two years; 6. The Champion retires. of them f ghts No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5, the winner may be awarded THE RING Ratings Chairman Chuck Giampa considers input THE RING belt if the Editorial Board deems the contenders worthy. from the Ratings Panel of boxing journalists from around the world A champion can lose his belt in six situations: 1. The Cham- but has f nal say on all changes. That applies to both the pound- pion loses a f ght in the weight class in which he is champion; 2. for-pound and divisional ratings. The 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 Champion does not schedule a f ght at his championship weight

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 41 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 | 17-3-0 (9 KOs) 1. ANSELMO MORENO 1. OMAR NARvAEZ 1. JUAN ESTRAdA 1. ROMAN gONZALEZ Panama | 33-2-1 (12 KOs) Argentina | 38-1-2 (20 KOs) Mexico | 24-2-0 (18 KOs) Nicaragua | 34-0-0 (28 KOs) 2. SHINSUKE yAMANAKA 2. SURIyAN SOR RUNgvISAI 2. BRIAN vILORIA 2. dONNIE NIETES Japan | 18-0-2 (13 KOs) Thailand | 26-5-1 (10 KOs) u.S. | 32-4-0 (19 KOs) Philippines | 31-1-3 (17 KOs) 3. KOKI KAMEdA 3. JUAN CARLOS SANCHEZ JR. 3. HERNAN MARQUEZ 3. MOISES FUENTES Japan | 30-1-0 (17 KOs) Mexico | 15-1-1 (8 KOs) Mexico | 35-3-0 (26 KOs) Mexico | 16-1-1 (8 KOs) 4. MALCOLM TUNACAO 4. CARLOS CUAdRAS 4. MORUTI MTHALANE 4. KAZUTO IOKA Philippines | 32-3-3 (20 KOs) Mexico | 28-0-0 (23 KOs) S. Africa | 29-2-0 (20 KOs) Japan | 12-0-0 (8 KOs) 5. HUgO RUIZ 5. SRISAKET SOR RUNgvISAI 5. EdgAR SOSA 5. AdRIAN HERNANdEZ Mexico | 31-2-0 (28 KOs) Thailand | 19-3-1 (18 KOs) Mexico | 49-7-0 (29 KOs) Mexico | 27-2-1 (16 KOs) 6. PAULUS AMBUNdA 6. yOTA SATO 6. TOSHIyUKI IgARASHI 6. JOHNRIEL CASIMERO Namibia | 20-0-0 (10 KOs) Japan | 26-3-1 (12 KOs) Japan | 17-2-1 (10 KOs) Philippines | 18-2-0 (10 KOs) 7. JOSEPH AgBEKO 7. TEPPARITH SINgwANCHA 7. MILAN MELINdO 7. RyOICHI TAgUCHI Ghana | 29-4-0 (22 KOs) Thailand | 23-3-0 (13 KOs) Philippines | 29-0-0 (12 KOs) Japan | 18-1-1 (8 KOs) 8. JAMIE MCdONNELL 8. RyO AKAHO 8. JUAN CARLOS REvECO 8. FELIX ALvARAdO u.K. | 21-2-1 (9 KOs) Japan | 19-1-2 (12 KOs) Argentina | 30-1-0 (16 KOs) Nicaragua | 15-0-0 (12 KOs) 9. JULIO CEJA 9. OLEydONg SITHSAMERCHAI 9. ROCKy FUENTES 9. PEdRO gUEvARA Mexico | 24-1-0 (22 KOs) Thailand | 48-1-1 (17 KOs) Philippines | 35-6-2 (20 KOs) Mexico | 19-1-1 (13 KOs) 10. RyOSUKE IwASA 10. ARTHUR vILLANUEvA 10. LUIS CONCEPCION 10. ALBERTO ROSSEL Japan | 14-1-0 (9 KOs) Philippines | 21-0-0 (11 KOs) Panama | 28-3-0 (21 KOs) Peru | 30-8-0 (13 KOs)

STRAWWEIGHTS weighT limiT: 105 lBs

10. SAUL ALVAREZ Mexico | 42-0-1 (30 KOs) | JR. MIddLEWEIGHT

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 A boxer who is dropped also may be reinstated if the testing agency provides 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. four

Brian Viloria is the lightest American rated by THE RING. WELL REPRESENTED

No country has a f ghter rated in more than 12 of the MAYWEATHER: Naoki Fukuda; THOMPSON: Alex Livesey/Getty Images 17 weight classes. Which countries have at least one in the most divisions? Here’s a look (including divisions).

UNITED STATES – 12 (HEAVYWEIGHT, 175, 168, 160, 154, 147, 140, 135, 130, 126, 122 AND 112) MEXICO – 12 (160, 154, 147, 135, 130, 126, 122, 118, 115, 112, 108 AND 105) UNITED KINGDOM – 10 (HEAVYWEIGHT, 200, 175, 168, 160, 147, 140, 135, 122 AND 118) JAPAN – 7 (130, 122, 118, 115, 112, 108 AND 105) PHILIPPINES – 7 (147, 122, 118, 115, 112, 108 AND 105) RUSSIA – 6 (HEAVYWEIGHT, 200, 175, 168, 154 AND 140) ARGENTINA – 5 (160, 147, 140, 115 AND 112) CUBA – 5 (200, 154, 135, 130 AND 122)

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 43 Note: These lisTs were compiled Through fighTs as of may 23, 2013.

THE RING staff members’ current champions in the original eight weight classes. Our guest this month is regular RING contributor Bernard Fernandez.

MICHAEL ROSENTHAL RING MAGAzINE EdITOR HEAvywEIgHT: WLAdIMIR KLITScHKO LIgHT HEAvywEIgHT: ANdRE WARd MIddLEwEIgHT: SERGIO MARTINEz wELTERwEIgHT: FLOYd MAYWEATHER JR. LIgHTwEIgHT: AdRIEN BRONER FEATHERwEIgHT: GuILLERMO RIGONdEAux BANTAMwEIgHT: ANSELMO MORENO FLywEIgHT: ROMAN GONzALEz

dOUg FISCHER RINGTV.cOM EdITOR HEAvywEIgHT: WLAdIMIR KLITScHKO LIgHT HEAvywEIgHT: ANdRE WARd MIddLEwEIgHT: SERGIO MARTINEz wELTERwEIgHT: FLOYd MAYWEATHER JR. LIgHTwEIgHT: AdRIEN BRONER FEATHERwEIgHT: cHRIS JOHN BANTAMwEIgHT: ANSELMO MORENO FLywEIgHT: ROMAN GONzALEz

LEM SATTERFIELd STAFF WRITER HEAvywEIgHT: WLAdIMIR KLITScHKO LIgHT HEAvywEIgHT: ANdRE WARd MIddLEwEIgHT: SERGIO MARTINEz wELTERwEIgHT: FLOYd MAYWEATHER JR. LIgHTwEIgHT: AdRIEN BRONER FEATHERwEIgHT: ABNER MARES BANTAMwEIgHT: ANSELMO MORENO FLywEIgHT: ROMAN GONzALEz

BERNARd FERNANdEZ BOxING WRITER HEAvywEIgHT: WLAdIMIR KLITScHKO LIgHT HEAvywEIgHT: ANdRE WARd MIddLEwEIgHT: SERGIO MARTINEz wELTERwEIgHT: FLOYd MAYWEATHER JR. LIgHTwEIgHT: AdRIEN BRONER

FEATHERwEIgHT: GuILLERMO RIGONdEAux Images Boy/Getty Boy/Golden How/Golden Harry BANTAMwEIgHT: ANSELMO MORENO FLywEIgHT: ROMAN GONzALEz

Note: This is how the weights break down: heavyweight includes cruiserweight, light heavyweight includes super middleweight, all divisions middleweight Guillermo Rigondeaux through fyweight include the “junior” versions, and claimed his place among fyweight also includes strawweight. the best in boxing when he dominated Nonito Donaire.

44 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has the diffcult-to-defne ability to attract fans.

46 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 CANELO ALVAREZ ATTRACTED ALMOST 40,000 FANS TO THE ALAMODOME, A STRONG INDICATION THAT A MAJOR STAR HAS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE aul “Canelo” Alvarez decisioned By Bart Barry Austin Trout to become THE RING junior middleweight champion before 39,247 Speople (36,420 paid) on April 20 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, providing rebuttals for each of his critics’ camps. For those who believed he was a Mexico-only attraction whose American drawing power was promotional hot air, he delivered a larger crowd than any of his contemporaries but Manny Pacquiao. For those who believed

Naoki Fukuda “Canelo Mania” was the result of

the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 47 a protected darling bludgeoning look like an American’s con- of authenticity to a personage only the weak, old or frail, ception of a Mexican, with his some Mexicans might otherwise Alvarez delivered a close, fair f oral-white skin, freckles and f nd overwrought. decision over a full-sized fellow burnt-orange hair. To see his “Always, there are those peo- titlist in the prime of his career. mouth barely moving as he enun- ple who want to give ... mmm,” Alvarez, at only 22, is now ciates words in a language that is said Alvarez, choosing his words a commodity, not a novelty, not English can look odd to an slowly in his native tongue, “less and a world champion, not a American; he should be speaking merit to one’s triumph, no? Those belt-holder. English with a Boston accent or that wish to minimize one’s tri- “Listen, if anybody could f g- Irish lilt, but not Spanish. umph. It is like that here, and in ure out …,” matchmaker Don To Mexicans, he is one more all of boxing.” Chargin said and then stopped. anomaly from Guadalajara, a Before Alvarez was a champi- “I’ve seen it with some f ghters, city of Mexico’s beautiful and on of any sort, before he’d done but never like it is with Canelo. often privileged youths, those more than beat up good local tal- I think you go back to that ‘it.’ whom fellow Mexicans call ent in his home state of Jalisco or What is it that causes one f ght- “fresas (strawberries).” Alvarez neighboring Nayarit, he was a lo- er to draw and make people go is strawberry-complected but cal celebrity. And the nature of ce- crazy and another f ghter, who not strawberry-raised, born on a lebrity is this: If everyone knows might be better, nobody gets ex- horse farm in a tiny town whose you where you are, however small cited about? name, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, that area, it prepares you for a “There’s that ‘it.’ What the hell ties even Mexican tongues. His time when everyone knows you is it? It can drive you crazy.” demonstrated equestrianship, not wherever you are. Alvarez has the Alvarez remains, to casual box- mounting a pony at birthday par- practiced presence of a man ac- ing fans and even some serious ties but handling dressage colts customed to being admired. ones, an enigma. He does not with practiced form, lends a note “He was like 18 years old, and

48 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 Alvarez’s convincing victory over Austin Trout gave him added credibility in terms of and I saw him with this reporter, satisfaction of his embarrass- his fghting ability. and she is very known by the me- ment. Alvarez does not insult, or dia and the fans. She used to be even mildly taunt, his opponent in the magazines. And so I think, before a fght. He describes his ‘This kid, he’s fying high.’ opponent in respectful terms and “So he brought his car, and he focuses on the host city and his uses his own rules, and he was gratitude to its denizens, and in driving very fast. So I was scared. San Antonio, they were many But I was noticing that at every and grateful indeed. stop it was, ‘Eh, Canelo!’ ‘Cane- “Mexico’s main highway to the lo,’ ‘Canelo!’ At every stop.” U.S. is through Laredo and San Alvarez understands there Antonio, and we’re getting a lot are responsibilities to fans – he of Mexicans coming for holidays signed item after item at the news here,” said Mike Battah, of Leija/ conference to kick off the Trout Battah Promotions, the man most promotion in San Antonio, often responsible for bringing Alvarez shrugging off Gonzalez’s gentle to the Alamodome. “I wanted to warnings that television folks open the gate to 60,000. were growing impatient – but he “I didn’t think it was a gamble understands equally that his obli- at all. … I said, at the most, if gation is to be present, and show anything goes wrong, I might presence, more than say anything lose a couple hundred thousand. provocative. In interviews, both I was very positive that I could pre-fght and post-fght, he would sell that place.” rather say nothing than say the Lent the energy of a bursting wrong thing. arena, Alvarez allowed his natu- “Before, he was so quiet,” said ral fearlessness – a product of his Gonzalez of early press tours with age, yes, but equally a product Alvarez. “He didn’t smile, like he of his fghting 277 professional doesn’t have muscles in the face. rounds without a defeat – to we went to Guadalajara for a But now he understands.” overwhelm what apprehension fght,” said Ramiro Gonzalez, The Mexican tradition is one every prizefghter feels at opening public relations director for Gold- that comprehends a proportion bell. Against Trout, he was reck- en Boy Promotions and the man that American fght promoters less, oblivious of consequence, most often seen at Alvarez’s side sometimes do not: The more two when he threw his right hand, in the United States. “We went combatants say to one another a commitment captured inade- down to Guadalajara – as a mat- before a fght, the fewer chanc- quately by television. ter of fact it was Tepic, a small es they will take when combat “Nobody expects it,” Alvarez town in Mexico. At that time he commences because neither said. “I know how to control was dating a Televisa reporter, wishes to provide his enemy the myself very well in those CHASING GREATNESS SAUL “CANELO” ALVAREZ, only 22, is just getting started. He has won two major world titles in one division, junior middleweight. That means he has a long way to go to catch the most-accomplished Mexican boxers. Here are the fghters Alvarez is chasing:

ERIK MORALES JULIO CESAR MARCO ANTONIO JUAN MANUEL RUBEN OLIVARES RICARDO LOPEZ 7 TITLES IN CHAVEZ BARRERA MARQUEZ 8 TITLES IN 4 TITLES IN FOUR DIVISIONS 7 TITLES IN 7 TITLES IN 5 TITLES IN TWO DIVISIONS TWO DIVISIONS Titles: WBC junior THREE DIVISIONS THREE DIVISIONS THREE DIVISIONS Titles: RING ban- Titles: WBC featherweight, WBO Titles: WBC junior Titles: WBO junior Titles: IBF feath- tamweight (twice), strawweight, WBO junior featherweight, lightweight, RING featherweight (three erweight, WBA WBA bantamweight strawweight, WBA WBC featherweight lightweight, WBA times), RING feather- featherweight, WBC (twice), WBC ban- strawweight and IBF (twice), WBC junior lightweight, WBC weight, WBC feath- junior lightweight, tamweight (twice), junior fyweight. lightweight, IBF lightweight, WBC erweight, WBC junior WBA lightweight and WBA featherweight junior lightweight junior welterweight lightweight and IBF WBO lightweight. and WBC feather- Note: THE RING and WBC junior (twice) and IBF junior junior lightweight. weight. doesn’t acknowledge welterweight. welterweight. “interim” titles. Donald Miralle/Golden Boy/Getty Images moments. We had planned to mere patronym does, to some- show other things, but as the thing legitimate, a man worthy of boxer, I have to do what is consideration as the world’s best most comfortable for me. We junior middleweight. knew Austin Trout was fast and “I always go back to one story,” intelligent, but we knew we were said Don Chargin. “They brought faster and more intelligent.” Canelo and his manager to Ve- Subtleties of other f ghters, too, gas before he’d had f ghts here, are missed by television: Manny when they were negotiating the Pacquiao is faster on the way in, signing (or a recent f ght). At the Floyd Mayweather Jr. is more weigh-in, there was a big Mexi- elusive, Sergio Martinez is nearer can crowd there, and this guy, the an opponent. And Alvarez is more second they saw him, the people ferocious, less interested in elud- left. They were watching the ing punches as delivering them in weigh-in, they turned away from a personal way that sounds f atter the weigh-in, and this guy was and harsher at ringside and puts just swamped. his opponents on the defensive “And I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ quicker than planned. I’d heard how popular he was in Alvarez is known for his What was noticeable to all Mexico, but this really, really sur- red hair but who watched him against Austin prised me.” obviously has a Trout was that Trout’s jab was In San Antonio, no one doubt- lot more going ineffective. What was especially ed Trout’s merits the way they for him. noticeable for those at ringside, doubted Alvarez’s previous op- though, was that those Trout jabs ponents – Alfonso Gomez (career that did connect with Alvarez, welterweight), Kermit Cintron zalez. “Because every month, they the ones he did not slip or parry, (former welterweight titlist), put (on) Canelo. Every month. the ones that caught him square Shane Mosley (40 year old on a He was so often on TV.” in the face, did not make Alvarez three-f ght winless streak), Jose- Alvarez is not merely a draw pause and took almost nothing sito Lopez (career junior welter- for macho male sports-fans, a off his right hands. Alvarez, his weight). Trout was a man who demographic as likely to dep- large thighs his greatest asset, made his professional debut in recate a handsome Jalisciense powered through the well-placed the junior middleweight division as celebrate him, but Mexico’s jabs of a fully developed and and defeated Miguel Cotto before housewives, too. His life is cov- accomplished 154-pound prize- a partisan Puerto Rican crowd ered with a soap-operatic tem- f ghter in a way few predicted he at Madison Square Garden f ve plate, like a telenovela in which would be able to do. months before. Trout was the Canelo plays a complicated role: “The whole f ght, we did what exact test American af cionados a good-looking young man from we worked on,” said Alvarez. want their champions to pass, a humble beginnings who practic- “But the truth is, I felt a little ag- man who presented considerably es the brutal craft of separating itated because inactivity weighed more peril than acclaim for the men, often fellow Mexicans, from on me. It had been (eight months) spotless record of a blossoming their consciousness, while wear- without f ghting, and I wasn’t ac- phenomenon like Canelo. ing dark suits and saying little. customed to so much time pass- The Mexicans, meanwhile, just “Canelo is a 22-year-old guy, ing between f ghts.” wanted him to make a brave sophisticated, incredibly well This is how Alvarez gained a showing, come what may. Cane- dressed, just like one of those level of credibility previously lo is a masterwork by Groupo ‘rebelde (rebel)’ characters,” said denied him by American af ciona- Televisa, Latin America’s largest Mauricio Salvador, editor of dos; this is how Canelo improved mass-media company, a Mexi- Esquina, a Mexico City boxing from red-haired-horseman co-based broadcaster that trades periodical. “A mixture of rude- novelty, a guy’s whose coif and on the New York Stock Exchange ness, because he is a boxer, and complexion appeared to drive under the simple symbol: TV. these high-class mannerisms so Mexico’s maniacal fan base the “Televisa did a hell of a job hot today. same way Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s with Canelo,” said Ramiro Gon- “With Mexicans, just like they

50 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 CANELO: Josh Hedges/Getty Images; METTA WORLD PEACE/HOWARD: Donald Miralle/Golden Boy/Golden Boy very shortperiod oftime.” four years. “But forCanelo, it’s a company promotedMarquez for develop,” saidGonzalez, whose and 2012Fightofthe Year. participation inboththe2009 tories, 13worldtitlef ghts and quez inDecember–after55vic- stowed onJuanManuelMar- star. Itwasanhonoralsobe- in thelastdecadeasatelenovela f xture of Televisa programming Angelica Rivera, washerselfa Enrique PenaNieto, whosewife, of the White House, byPresident nos, Mexico’s palatialequivalent at ResidenciaOf cial delosPi- over Trout, Alvarez wasreceived Within 10daysofhisvictory contrived ifnotbaldlyscripted. sa inaformatthatoftenfeels covered breathlesslyby Televi- gant rulingclass.” the boxerhero, andheistheele- both inthesameperson. Heis to havevillains. And Canelois love toheroes, theyalsolove “It tooksolongforMarquez to Alvarez’s romancesare recent yearsandevidenceofAlvarez’s starpower. Herearefve f ghts intheU.S. – modome onApril20, oneofthebiggestcrowds toseeafght intheUnitedStates The fght betweenSaul “Canelo” Alvarez andAustinTrout drew39,247totheAla- MONSTER 27,000 41,734 45,368 50,994 59,995 all featuringthebiggestfgures inthesport–witnessedbylargecrowds. the Alamodome. the largecrowd at Howard were partof (left) andDwight Metta World Peace Lakers teammates ...... Manny Pacquiao-JoshuaManny Clottey Oscar DeLaHoya-Patrick Charpentier Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito, Julio CesarChavez-Pernell Whitaker De LaHoya-Steve Forbes, CROWDS took, andcontinuesto take, they arenegativepeople.” say becausetheyarenegative, what (BeristainandMarquez) made, and itdoesnotinterestme to demonstratefromwhat I am and Iaminmine. And Iamgoing lows a(developmental)process, not knowthateveryboxerfol- Nacho andJuanmaMarquez, do gan, “that peopleinboxing, like animated reply: provoked anuncharacteristically more thanachievement, and upon him, arankingofpotential ing Sulaiman’s WBC bestowed varez didnotdeservetherank- Marquez statedplainlythat Al- dent JoseSulaimanand Alvarez. er NachoBeristain, WBC Presi- that includedMarquez, histrain- bunal TD a different Televisa program, ning witha2011appearanceon timid aboutaddressing, begin- ognition Marquezhasnotbeen It isadoublestandardofrec- The resentfultoneMarquez “It isoddtome,” Alvarez be- Cowboys Stadium, Cowboys Arlington, Texas , Stadium, Cowboys Arlington, Texas Home DepotCenter, Carson, Calif. , avia-satellitepanel , Alamodome,SanAntonio , SunBowl, ElPaso, Texas Tri- THE RING MAGAZINE /AUGUST2013 With (Canelo)itisdifferent.” “But itwasn’t thesamething. champions he’s accompanied. lez, referringtootherMexican (Erik) Morales,” saidGonza- (Marco Antonio) Barrera, with Chavez Sr., withMarquez, with to explain.” just visualizeit. Butit’s hard you. Icanseethething, Ican it,” Charginsaid. “It recognizes is knownas “Canelo Mania.” acclaim thatnowcomposeswhat prizef ghters deniedafractionthe many accomplishedMexican anomaly. Marquezspeaksfor about Alvarez, though, isnotan It wouldplease me.” said. “And tobreakthatrecord? me toreturnthere,” Alvarez Battah said. years laterasdef nitive. ker. Itisamarkthatstands20 for hisf ght withPernell Whita- sold 59,995atthe Alamodome could sellit.” people wereaskingfor. Ithink the pressureofotherticketsthat Battah said. “I feltitfromall Alamodome. number nexttimeheisatthe Alvarez willdothatsame 60,000-70,000 people.” seum, (hecould)probablydraw Chargin said, “in theL.A. Coli- eyes wide: an 85-year-old matchmaker’s potential itshowed, makeseven Antonio, andtherevenue the U.S. HisshowinginSan Pacquiao asaticket-sellerin active prizef ghter butManny doing sohesurpassedevery expected tobeathim. And in a fellowtitlistmanyinsiders “I waswith(JulioCesar) “You don’t havetorecognize “If Godwishes, itwouldplease “We’re goingtobeatit,” In 1993, JulioCesarChavezSr. “I thinkIcouldsell70,000,” If MikeBattahhashisway, “This guy, believeme,” Alvarez hasnowdefeated 51 RIGONDEAUX: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages; ALVEREZ: Donald Miralle/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images ALVEREZ: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages; RIGONDEAUX:

52 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 FIGHTERS WITH AN ABUNDANCE DIFFERENT OF AMATEUR EXPERIENCE (RIGONDEAUX) AND PATHS TO THOSE WITH LITTLE (ALVAREZ) CAN END UP AT THE SAME PLACE

RICHES By Bernard Fernandez

f boxing is, as many believe, Ian art form, then great f ghters’ expressions of their artistry can be as wide-ranging as the masterpieces hanging in the world’s more prestigious museums. Do you prefer, say, the Analytic Cubism or the Blue Peri- od of experimental genius Pablo Picasso? The soft, dappled colors of French Impressionist Claude Monet or the splashy, abstract imagery of Jackson Pollock? In the ring, on a different kind of canvas, highly accomplished f ghters use their strokes to create vivid images on their opponents’ faces in shades of blood-red and bruise-purple. Their gloved f sts are their brushes, and they work from a palette that ranges from brute power to technical exper- tise to balletic movement. A trip to the arena for any big-time boxing card can offer as many styles to study and appreciate as a visit to the Louvre. “Styles make f ghts” is one of boxing’s hoariest truisms, but nowhere is the divide between accepted approaches wider than could be found from 1992 and 2012, when Olympic-style amateur boxers were routine- ly steered into a compartment Saul “Canelo” that rewarded the restrictions of Alvarez is an computerized scoring more than example of a f ghter the individualized preferences of who has carved those notoriously free-form pro- out a successful professional career fessionals. even though he had The computer will be scrapped

XX few amateur f ghts. at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de

the ring magazine 53 DIFFERENT PATHS TO RICHES

Manny Pacquiao didn’t have an extensive amateur career – he turned pro at 16 – but that didn’t seem to hurt him in the long run.

Janeiro, Brazil – it has already level, comes out of the amateurs, to the pros? There are cele- been tossed onto the junk heap there are things he has to change brated Olympic gold medalists in international competition, as in going pro because that indoc- who have, with no problem, mandated by AIBA reformers – trination in the computer scoring transferred that success into the but it probably will take years system can cause problems. There punch-for-pay ranks. There are for gold-medal-dreaming kids to is always a period of adjustment. other amateur legends who have make all the adjustments from “My frst world champion, struggled when asked to remove the amateurs’ paint-by-numbers Virgil Hill (a silver medalist at their headgear, fght more rounds blueprint of the past couple of de- the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics), than they’re accustomed to and cades to the mishmash that marks didn’t fght when they had the to rely on the gut reactions of the pro version of the fght game. computer so he didn’t have as ringside judges rather than the “Even with the new rules, many bad habits to break as my twitchiness of their button-press- which defnitely are a step in the next Olympian, Brian Viloria. ing fngers. And don’t forget, right direction, I believe it’ll take Brian had been taught from an there are fghters enshrined in the world a while to catch on,” early age to beat the computer, so the International Boxing Hall of said Freddie Roach, a fve-time I had to change him from that to Fame, or who someday will be, winner of the Boxing Writers As- a more productive pro style.” who turned pro with zero ama- sociation of America’s Eddie Fu- All of which raises a question: teur experience or close to it. tch Award as Trainer of the Year. Just how diffcult – or not – is The answer, of course, is that “When a fghter, even at the elite the transition from the amateurs there is no surefre method of

54 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images ney frommedals tomoneyshort- said isdesignedtomakethe jour- Series ofBoxing, which Trampler in somethingcalledthe World es forsomeeliteamateursto fght petition). Itwassadtosee.” single medalist(inthemen’s com- to 2012, whenwedidn’t havea worse anduntilwegot returns (fortheU.S.)havegotten every fouryearshowthemedal the desiredeffect. We’ve allseen dorsed byUSA Boxing)dohave by AIBA andenthusiasticallyen- How coulditnot? punch, italtersyourapproach. counts thesameasaknockdown version ofthesportwhereajab “When you’recompetingina matchmaker for Top Rank. Trampler, theHallofFame professional boxing,” saysBruce become aseparatesportfrom amateur bout. so muchasasinglesanctioned and allthreeturnedprowithout the IBHOFinCanastota, N.Y., pros. All threeareenshrinedin will haveamajorimpactinthe ness ofattemptingtopredictwho are furtherproofofthefoolish- and DwightMuhammadQawi round asapro). knocked outby Tyson inone at theOlympic Trials, butwas pics whooutpointedMike Tyson at the1984Los Angeles Olym- Henry Tillman (agoldmedalist world championasapro)or Montreal Olympics, butnevera Outstanding Boxeratthe1976 is aHowardDavisJr. (named a ducklingtakestowater, there adapted totheprosasreadily or SugarRayLeonard(174)who bouts), Devon Alexander (310) mo Rigondeaux(412amateur attempted. ForeveryGuiller- make itoncethattransitionis determining whowillorwon’t AIBA evenhasmadeallowanc- “I hopethesechanges(adopted “Amateur boxingalmosthas Benny Leonard, JoeyGiardello dine (four). All wonworldtitles. Rahman (10)and Anthony Mun- (none, turned proat15), Hasim Chandler (two), SeanO’Grady career, turnedproat15), Jeff raphy referstoa “brief” amateur (four), RobertoDuran(hisbiog- (12 bouts), RockyGraziano at all, includeRockyMarciano scant amateurresumes, ornone few usefultipsfromhisfather. as youmighthaveheard, hegota before goingproat17, although, Jr. hadonlytwoamateurfghts weight titlistJulioCesarChavez bouts. Former WBC middle- 15 afterloggingjust20amateur instance, madehisprodebutat champion Canelo Alvarez, for mid-teens. Juniormiddleweight countries, toturnprointheir larly thosefromLatin American rarity forsomefghters, particu- enlightened age. Itisn’t reallya is takenevenintoday’s more route totheprosthatsometimes streets orbehindprisonwalls, a tools oftheirfuturetradeonthe clothes. They learnedsomeofthe as innocentbabesinswaddling wasn’t asiftheyenteredthepros offcial amateurexperience, it ard, GiardelloandQawihadno Hall ofFamerslikeBennyLeon- or evenneededtobe. Although pler refershasalwaysexisted, that thebridgetowhich Tram- and proboxing.” between pureamateurboxing gloves. That wassortofabridge out headgearwithregular-sized licensed bouts, theyfoughtwith- mission andFightFax. They were according totheCaliforniacom- They wereactuallyprofghts, year’s Olympians, foughtinthat. pro, includingagroupoflast of theguyswhoarenowturning ifornia,” Trampler noted. “A lot er andlessarduous. But itwouldbeincorrecttosay “It’s mostlybeentestedinCal- While itmight besaidthatthe Other familiarnameswith the ring magazine /aUgUSt2013 skills, intheamateurs. … What their experience, aswelltheir many boxersreceivedmostof acquiring 100amateurbouts, turn proatalaterage. Often rience intheamateurranksand Boxers begantogetmoreexpe- fght clubvenuesbegantoclose. the 1960s, manyprofessional that “from themid-1950suntil Benny Leonard’s career, noted the greatlightweightchampion of somesort. there probablyalwayswasagap boxing historianssuggestthat during thecomputerera, some and proswasatitswidestpoint chasm separatingtheamateurs in theMay31, 1976, issueof Leonard inastorythatappeared parents. Bud Greenspanquoted dable opponentswerehisown of thelightweightdivision.” array ofchallengersinthe annals to ruleoverthemostformidable pion ineverysenseoftheword, Leonard hadtobearealcham- extraordinary showman. Benny brilliant ringstrategistandan cent boxer, adeadlypuncher, a of THE RINGasa “magnif- sey JonesintheJuly1947issue 15, wasdescribedbywriterJer- sary forsurvivalonthestreet. because, well, itwasaskillneces- many kidswholearnedtofght Manhattan, wherehewasoneof ghetto onthelowereastsideof raised inNew York City’s Jewish Benjamin Leiner)wasbornand he arose. Leonard(birthname: en thetimeandplacefromwhich interesting buthardlyuniquegiv- attack in1947, hasatalethatis when hediedofamassiveheart dictable andrigid.” defensive skillshadbecomepre- in boutsoveralloffensiveand was oncefuidityandadaption Mike Hunnicut, inacritiqueof Two ofLeonard’s mostformi- Leonard, whoturnedproat Benny Leonard, whowas51 Sound familiar? 55 DIFFERENT PATHS TO RICHES

Sports Illustrated. “I was a Joe had to marvel at the beast taxing the crossover, it probably mama’s boy,” Leonard related. that was Duran. Asked if Duran isn’t as diffcult as being thrown “When I was 15, I began fghting reminded him of anyone, Frazier into the deep end of the pool and in local clubs, but I didn’t want replied, “Yeah, he reminds me of being asked to splash furiously to my folks to know. So I changed Charles Manson.” avoid drowning. my name from Benny Leiner to The personable Chandler had a But there are exceptions to Benny Leonard, after the famous more approachable demeanor out every rule, and the potential for minstrel man Eddie Leonard. of the ring than Duran, but he debate is endless. How would “One night I came home after a was no less formidable inside the a prime-on-prime matchup of fght and my mother was crying. ropes. The former bantamweight Marciano, who was just 8-4 She had found out. My father champion turned pro at 19, after as an amateur, and three-time came in and started shouting only two amateur fghts, for the Olympic champion Teoflo Ste- at me. ‘Viper, tramp,’ he yelled. simplest of reasons – he needed venson of Cuba, who never had a ‘Fighting, fghting, fghting – for cash in his pocket. pro bout but was 302-22 during what?’ I took out the $5 I had “I fought on a Friday and his storied amateur career, have earned and handed it to him. He a Monday in the amateurs,” turned out? Both were pulveriz- looked at it, smiled and put his Chandler recalled. “I turned pro ing punchers who could turn out arms around me. ‘That’s all right, after that fguring, ‘Why fght for the lights on any opponent with a Benny,’ he said. ‘When are you nothing?’” single shot. going to fght again?’” But while many fghters go pro There are those – Roach, Lou If Leonard wasn’t the best early for love of money, one – Duva and the late, great Eman- 135-pounder ever to lace up a Giardello – did so for love and uel Steward – who expressed pair of gloves, a case can be made money. The former middleweight their belief that the most com- that Roberto Duran was. And titlist, who was 78 when he died mon-sense method of blending while the slums of El Chorrillo, in 2008, was a gifted raconteur the amateur and pro versions of Panama, were markedly different who could enthrall listeners with boxing is to allow accomplished from New York’s Jewish ghetto stories about his colorful past. pro trainers increased access to in some respects, there also were Giardello (real name: Carmine top amateurs. If nothing else, some striking similarities. Other Tilelli) enlisted in the Army at that might help the U.S. avoid desperate Panamanian children 16, using the birth certifcate of another embarrassment like survived by singing or dancing a friend’s older cousin to circum- the men’s medal shutout it was on street corners or becoming vent the military’s minimum-age obliged to endure at the 2012 adept at picking pockets, but requirement. A Brooklyn native, London Games. Duran seemed to understand that he turned up in South Philadel- Roach, who had been named his fsts were the tools through phia to visit an Army pal when a consultant to USA Boxing for which he might fashion a way he fell hard for a local girl, Ro- the presumed purpose of helping out. He began sparring with ex- salie Monzo, who in short order American kids maximize their perienced boxers when he was became his wife. medal chances, didn’t accompa- just 8 years old. “I had to do something, right?” ny the team to London because Over the years, America – and Giardello said of his immediate he felt his contributions weren’t the world – developed a torrid prospects for providing for his really welcomed. He spoke of the love-hate affair with a man who new bride. “So I went to the gym frustration in learning his role at once embodied all that was and took up boxing. I had never was, in fact, mostly ceremonial. beautiful and barbaric in boxing. fought before, at least in the ring, “The amateur coaches need It was this Duran, arrogant, abu- but I was in a lot of fghts, if you to let the pro guys who want to sive and a master of mind games, know what I mean. I got me a help to actually help,” Roach said who outfought and outpsyched manager and started fghting.” from his Wild Card Boxing Club Sugar Ray Leonard to capture the Assemble a panel of knowledge- in Hollywood, Calif. “I brought WBC welterweight championship able boxing people and the con- four of my pros to the Olympic on June 20, 1980, in the frst act sensus probably would be that training center. (Lightweight of their classic trilogy. Former the likelihood of pro success is champion) Adrien Broner’s train- heavyweight champion Joe Fra- enhanced if the preparation pro- er (Mike Stafford) brought four zier also was renowned for his cess includes a lengthy amateur of his pros, too. We tried to make relentlessness, but even Smokin’ apprenticeship. No matter how those kids better fghters by pro-

56 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 Allsport UK /Allsport when heshowed upatthe1996 in somanywords, tobuttout Hall ofFametrainer, was told, familiar one. Duva, another there, was absoluteB.S.” it is, orat leastwaswhenI to curbtheirattitude. The way at all. home. They didn’t wantmethere home?’ Hesaidyeah, sowewent you wantmeandmyguystogo said, ‘So whatdoyouwant?Do it afterwedidallthework.’ I you’re goingtogetallthecred- said, ‘If wewinagoldmedal, the kids, Ithought. It wasareallygoodsituationfor grade ofopponenttosparwith. viding themwithamuchbetter professional. might’ve doneasa amateur fghts) (more than300 Teoflo Stevenson how Cubanstar We’ll neverknow But Roach’s experienceis a “These amateurcoachesneed “But thenoneofthecoaches the eyeof beholder. so andMonet, beautyisalwaysin another? As isthecasewith Picas- listic artsisalwayspreferable to if acertainvariationofthe pugi- the sameinboxing? Who’s tosay by takingdifferentroutes. Isn’t it to arriveatthesamedestination are theysoafraidof?” ateur boxingorsomething. What “They actlikewe’reruiningam- product,” Duvasaidatthetime. interests to ‘contaminate’ their doesn’t wantprofessionalboxing lishment’s positionisthatit been assisting. fve Olympichopefulshehad whatever assistancehecouldto in Oakland, Calif., toprovide U.S. OlympicBoxing Trials “The amateurboxingestab- When traveling, thereareways the ring magazine /aUgUSt2013 Titles: WBCmiddleweight Pro record: Amateur fghts: JULIO CESARCHAVEZ JR. middleweight Titles: Pro record: Amateur fghts: CANELO ALVAREZ AMATEUR EXPERIENCE LITTLE ORNO separate roads. don’t. Here are fvewhotookthese and others(Saul“Canelo”Alvarez) (example: GuillermoRigondeaux) great dealofamateurexperience Some championsstartoutwitha world titlesasaprofessional boxer. There ismore thanonepathto SUCCESS ROADS TO middleweight Titles: Pro record: Amateur fghts: ANDRE WARD featherweight Titles: Pro record: Amateur fghts: GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX Titles: Pro record: Amateur: GENNADY GOLOVKIN Titles: Pro record: Amateur fghts: YURIORKIS GAMBOA Titles: Pro record: Amateur: LUCIAN BUTE EXPERIENCE EXTENSIVE AMATEUR fyweight Titles: Pro record: Amateur fghts: GIOVANI SEGURA Titles: Pro record: Amateur fghts: ANTONIO DEMARCO Titles: Pro record: Amateur fghts: GUILLERMO JONES RING,WBCandWBAjunior RING,WBCandWBAsuper RING,WBAandWBOjunior WBAandIBFfeatherweight RING,WBAandWBOjunior WBA middleweight IBF supermiddleweight WBC lightweight WBA cruiserweight 350 250 42-0-1,30KOs 26-0,14KOs 29-3-1,25KOs 28-3-1,21KOs 46-1-1, 32KOs 12-0, 8KOs 26-0, 23KOs 22-0, 16KOs 31-1, 24KOs 39-3-2, 31KOs 2 20 119 250 About40 About15 24 412 57

NO LIMITS

ABNER MARES, or Abner Mares, the 1,300 miles HARDENED BY between Guadalajara, Mexico, and Los Angeles is more than a highlighted ADVERSITY AND F route on a map. Mares did more than EXPERIENCE, just trace it. From one city to the other and back, HAS EXCEEDED he traveled it in a quest that serves as a timeline THE EXPECTATIONS for a fghter who grew up crossing a real border several times and continues to cross symbolic ones OF MANY in a resourceful style that makes some traditional By Norm Frauenheim limits look imaginary. It’s getting hard to say where it will take Mares. His career path has raced past modest expectations and beyond some adversity that seemed to dictate an early end. At frst glance, he appeared to be a competent little guy and good B-side fller for undercards featuring a star he never fgured to be. But appearances are little bit like a GPS screen full of step-by-step directions. Go right. Go straight.

Abner Mares has had a string of important victories, none bigger than his knockout of Daniel Ponce de Leon on May 4. Jeff Bottari/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images; Inset: Naoki Fukuda Jeff Bottari/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images; Inset:

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 59 Mares’ demeanor in the ring matches the forbidding scarf he wears as he walks into it. no limits

Go left. Go where everybody else know if I’m going to box, or a 7-year-old when he arrived in has gone. It’s a reliable way to get ju-don’t know if I’m going to Los Angeles and a neighborhood there. But it’s only one way. brawl. But you do know that I’m known as Hawaiian Gardens, a Mares has found several ways going to win.’” community that is neither island in the fght to separate himself After he fulflled his promise nor garden and only a paradise from a crowded rush to a desti- with a TKO victory, controversial for the kind of unregulated vio- nation where there is room for low blows in 2011 against Joseph lence celebrated by gangbangers. only a few. Agbeko were almost forgotten. Mares slept on the foor and did Against Daniel Ponce de Leon At that time, some were calling some dumpster diving when he in a featherweight fght that stole Mares a dirty fghter, a modern got hungry. some thunder from Floyd May- version of Harry Greb, a 1920s After his dad, Ismael, joined weather Jr.’s one-sided decision middleweight and light heavy- the family in Southern Cali- over Robert Guerrero on May 4, weight whose punches were legal fornia, he took his son to the Mares stepped up in weight and only when he wasn’t throwing gym, maybe to get off the mean into the pound-for-pound debate them. Yeah, Mares can still fght streets or maybe to learn some in at least two ways. There was a that way if necessary. On display self-defense. Whatever the moti- well-practiced left that knocked against Ponce de Leon, however, vation, Mares took to it. He felt down Ponce de Leon in the was the ongoing evolution of at home amid familiar rhythms second round. And in the ninth a fghter already profcient in that regulate the daily regimen there was a spontaneous right many skills, yet still on a learning at any gym. His father, after all, thrown from a twisting, almost curve. That’s no joke. had been a boxer, too. acrobatic angle that fnished the “He gets through tough For eight years, Mares fought fght and further embellished situations, no matter how as an amateur and on the streets. Mares’ reputation for improvisa- tough,” Mares trainer Clemente When he was 15, his dad sent tion and versatility. Medina says. him back to Guadalajara, where Before the Ponce de Leon bout, He does. Mares would pursue his dream Mares hinted at newfound ability Always has. of fghting in the Olympics. By with a joke. It’s not so much his own tough- then, he was more American than “I actually added something ness, although there’s plenty of Mexican. Even today when he different to my training camp,” that. Ask Agbeko. Instead, there’s speaks, there’s no hint of a Mex- Mares said a couple of days a combo of fexibility and instinc- ican accent. He sounds like a kid before opening bell at Las tive know-how that allows Mares who grew up in California. But Vegas’ MGM Grand. “It’s called to get a quick, accurate read on he fought for Mexico at the Ath- ‘Mexican Judo.’ It’s ‘ju-don’t who he faces. What he faces. ens Games in 2004, losing a con- “That’s what makes him an ex- troversial preliminary to a Hun- “I actually added ception,” said manager Frank Es- garian southpaw, Zsolt Bedák, pinoza, who found himself in an at an Olympics remembered for something awkward spot on May 4 because Andre Ward’s gold medal and different to my he also manages Ponce de Leon. Amir Khan’s silver. “It’s what makes Abner special. In hindsight, that forgettable training camp. It’s He’s smart and very shrewd.” loss, or at least its aftermath, was called ‘Mexican Eventually, Mares might have a signifcant milestone in Mares’ exhibited the smarts in some compelling emergence. He cried. Judo.’ It’s ‘ju-don’t other pursuit. He also might have Oscar De La Hoya’s wife, Millie, know if I’m going been born with the shrewd edge saw the tears during an interview of knowing when to talk, when on Mexican television. Mares’ to box, or ju-don’t to act and how to capitalize. But honest emotion won her over. She know if I’m going it’s also an instinct he developed talked her husband into taking in a family with seven kids. Only another look at Mares as a pos- to brawl. But you the shrewd survive. sibility for his fedgling company, do know that I’m Born in 1985 in Guadalajara, Golden Boy Promotions. Mares crossed the border into De La Hoya was convinced. going to win.’” the U.S. in 1992 with his mom Mares has been with Golden Boy — Abner Mares Naoki Fukuda and fve of his siblings. He was ever since signing a few months

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 61 NO LIMITS

A left hook from Mares similar to this one put Ponce de Leon down in the second round. Another knockdown in the ninth ended matters.

after the closing ceremonies in bering lesson for an ambitious a sixth-round TKO of Jonathan Athens. Mares was – is – the 22-year-old who had a wife and Perez on May 2, 2009, in Las Ve- counter argument to critics who child to support. Yet, Mares nev- gas. But there was a difference. dismissed Golden Boy’s ability er gave up on his belief that he Mares went back to work with- to develop its own talent. He is somehow would recover. Night out some of the illusions he’d Golden Boy’s frst major cham- after night, he walked the halls had before a torn retina almost pion. That would have been at a nearby school as a security detached him from what had enough for any press release and guard. Day after day, he visited been a kid’s dream. Hard lessons, probably enough to keep him in the doctor, hoping for some good he said, forced him to see things the front offce for as long as he news. 24/7, he dreamed about with a maturity that too many wanted to be in boxing without answering another opening bell. fghters don’t attain until it’s too having to step through the ropes. After almost a year away from late. He looked at himself differ- Yet even before he won his frst the ring, he did. ently. And he wanted everybody major title in a 2010 upset of Vic A few weeks after undergo- around him to see that difference. Darchinyan by split decision, it ing surgery, the doctor told him Hence, the look that identifes looked as if he was fnished. Late that the healing process had him when he enters the ring these in 2008, he was diagnosed with progressed in a way that maybe days: From the bottom of his a detached retina. Continue to he could fght again. Mares was eyes to his chin, a bright bandan- fght, the ophthalmologist told cleared to train, initially at Na- na covers his face with the fear- him, and you’ll be half blind for cho Beristain’s gym in Mexico some image of a skull. the rest of your life. It was a so- City. Then he fought and won “It represents a different, mean-

62 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 er Abner,” Mares said. “When pulled off the triple faster than For the next year to 18 they told me I couldn’t fght any any other. At 26, Julio Cesar months, there are enough op- more, I was mad. When I got the Chavez had won titles at 130, portunities to keep Mares busy green light to return about a year 135 and 140 pounds. enough to keep him in the later, I wanted to come back to Chavez, Morales and Mares pound-for-pound debate. He’s my beloved sport a little differ- are the top of a list that is prob- No. 5, according to THE RING’s ent, a lot meaner. ably meaningful only in Mexico, latest ranking. For the near “I don’t know if it scares where boxing still matters. Nev- future, Robinson Castellanos anybody.” ertheless, it adds up to celebrity looms as the WBC’s mandatory It doesn’t have to. That ban- and opportunity that has eluded challenger in a fght that looks danna is not a mask so much as Mares on the American side of as if it could turn into a Mexi- it is a refection of an uncompro- his hyphenated nationality. De- can homecoming for Mares. mising commitment to a brutal spite Mares’ career as a Mexican Then, there’s a possible re- business. It’s in his bones. It’s also amateur, he has yet to fght as a match with Ponce de Leon. a stark, perhaps ruthless, expres- pro in the country of his birth. There was mild controversy sion of a fearless streak. To win, “With his intelligence and cha- about referee Jay Nady’s stop- Mares will do what he has to, risma, yes, we’d like to expose page on May 4. Some argued which he has done at a rate that him more with fghts in Mexico,” it was premature, although a has already placed him alongside Espinoza said. “No doubt. I could Mares victory appeared to be some legends. see him fght one day at 130. But only a matter of time after he At 27, Mares has won three for now I think there are a lot of dropped Ponce de Leon, a long- titles at three different weights – good fghts at 126, and some of time friend and occasional spar- 118, 122 and 126 pounds. On a those could be in Mexico.” ring partner, for a second time. list of Mexican greats, that ties Mares still lobbies for a shot at “With that controversy, yeah, him for second with Erik Mo- Nonito Donaire, who was hon- we could do a rematch,” Espinoza rales, who at 27 had won at 122, ored in April as the 2012 Fighter said. “But not in the next fght.” 126 and 130 pounds. Eight years of the Year by the Boxing Writers The biggie appears to be Mares later, a 35-year-old Morales won Association of America only to against rising star Leo Santa a fourth title at 140. lose to Guillermo Rigondeaux at Cruz, a 118-pound champion There’s not much surprise junior featherweight a couple of who, on May4 in his frst fght at about which Mexican legend nights later in New York. Rigon- 122, scored an impressive ffth- deaux is also on Mares’ list. But round stoppage of Alexander Mares in a fght with either one Munoz. Within the Golden Boy “With his of them looks about as likely as offce, there’s been some talk that intelligence and world peace. Donaire and Rigon- the 24-year-old Santa Cruz has deaux are Top Rank fghters. So, the potential to beat Mares. charisma, yes, too, are Mikey Garcia and Juan Santa Cruz throws body punch- we’d like to expose Manuel Lopez. Mares is a Gold- es with a rapid ferocity not often en Boy client. For as long as there seen, much less endured. What’s him more with is a Top Rank-Golden Boy feud, more, Santa Cruz and Mares have fghts in Mexico. Mares’ opportunities are limited. similar backgrounds. Like Mares, “There are a lot of good fghts Santa Cruz was born in Mexico No doubt. I could at 126, but here’s the thing: So before emigrating north to Los see him fght one many of the best at the weight Angeles. For now, however, it’s a are with Top Rank, which sucks,” fght before its time. Let it mari- day at 130. But Mares says in a tone as matter- nate for a while, Espinoza says. for now I think of-fact as it is forthright. “I know “That could be a big, big fght Donaire lost, but I still want that for L.A.,” Espinoza said. “But not there are a lot fght. I’m even willing to go down now. Maybe next year.” of good fghts at in weight for the chance. There That’s enough time for Mares are other possibilities out there. to learn a few more tricks as he 126, and some of But there’s some unfnished busi- continues on a path certain to those could be in ness between me and Donaire. present more challenges, unhin- That’s why he’s still at the top of dered by the borders he has al-

Naoki Fukuda Mexico.” — Frank Espinoza my list.” ready crossed.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 63 GRAND

FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.’S REUNION WITH DAD CREATED MAGIC AGAINST ROBERT GUERRERO BUT LEFT SOME FANS UNFULFILLED By Ron Borges

loyd Mayweather Sr. was back in his son’s corner on May 4 at F the MGM Grand Garden Arena with predictable results – Floyd Mayweather Jr. was almost unhittable and nearly unwatchable. The undefeated WBC welterweight champion had all his ducks in a row, boxing beautiful- ly through 12 nearly uncontested rounds while easily outpointing a frustrated and overmatched Rob- ert Guerrero to lift his record to 44-0. Long ago his father taught him the mysteries of the shoulder roll, footwork, timing and, most of all, avoidance, and his son has

64 THE ring magazinE XXNaoki Fukuda Floyd Mayweather Jr. calmly and coolly picked Robert Guerrero apart.

taken those very real skills to the ring, someone with an under- wore Guerrero down, it also highest level. standing of space to rival Frank wore down a restless crowd of When prepared by his father, Lloyd Wright, who has a Euclid- 15,880 increasingly bored fans. If Mayweather Jr. becomes a Grand ian grasp of angles and their pre- they wanted to see a dancing act, Illusionist, someone who can cise relationship to his well-being. there were far more curvaceous make himself disappear again These are the well-honed skills ones available up and down the and again just at the moment his that have made him the best pure Las Vegas Strip. They had come unsuspecting opponent launches boxer of his time. to see a f ght and didn’t even see leather in his direction. On May Few f ghters could or should be an argument break out. 4, that often resulted in Guerrero compared defensively with Willie By the midway point of a bout punching the ropes rather than Pep or Pernell Whitaker but the Mayweather would win by iden- his ghostly adversary. On one oc- Mayweather who so thoroughly tical 117-111 scores on all three casion it sent him falling through outmaneuvered Guerrero is that judges’ cards, those patrons began those ropes, his head shooting rare person. That, too, is likely to boo and a noticeable number toward the crowd like a jack-in- to become his problem if the simply got up and walked out. the-box while Mayweather stood training relationship with his fa- Those boos persisted for the rest behind him, grinning. ther continues. of the evening, intensifying once In such a circumstance May- As the rounds wore on and the bout was over and both f ght- weather Jr. is commander of the Mayweather’s defensive mastery ers raised their hands in search of

66 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 applause that did not come. er was adamant the day before The problem with the approach the fght that he would be in the Mayweather took against Guer- corner on fght night. He was not, rero upon his father’s return to and Mayweather admitted in the his corner for the frst time in 13 days before facing Guerrero that years is that boxing is more than after defeating Miguel Cotto in sport. It is also entertainment, and his last outing a year ago he felt unless you were an afcionado of he’d taken too much punishment. the Sweet Science (which, let’s be Mayweather Jr. was hit more honest, most viewers these days that night than in any fght of are not) there is little perceived his career, his bloody lip and entertainment value in watching a nose wearing the crimson proof fghter box as if he’s an insurance of that as the crowd roared its agent considering the risk-reward approval. He still won clearly but ratio before every punch. had gone fat-footed a number of On a night in which he was times, exchanging with Cotto in a utterly dominant, Mayweather way he later said was designed to threw an average of only 39 please the crowd. punches per round, according He achieved that goal but ap- to CompuBox statistics. More parently later decided pleasing damning, he landed an average the crowd is not his obligation of barely 16 despite connecting nor his interest, at least not if he on 60 percent of his power shots has to leak some plasma to do it. (a loosely used phrase to describe “After the Cotto fght I knew any punch but a jab). I was getting hit too much and I Even when he clearly hurt needed my father,” Mayweather Guerrero in the eighth round, said after his hand was raised for cutting him and rocking him with the 21st straight time in a world lead right hands fush to his am- title fght. “My father would help ple chin whiskers, Mayweather me get hit less. I was really happy refused to come forward and try to be back with my father. to close the show as he’d begun “My defense was on point. He to do more and more under the just told me ‘Stick with your de- direction of his uncle, former fense. The less you get hit the bet- two-time world champion Roger ter. Just box smart.’ Robert was Mayweather, who was replaced a tough warrior but there really “After the Cotto for this fght by his older brother wasn’t much he could do.” fght, I knew I was and, frankly, training rival. That’s true and it’s also the The two could not have a more point: Since Guerrero was help- getting hit too different approach to the sport. less, why didn’t Mayweather do much and I needed The elder Mayweather was a more than content himself with safety-frst fghter and adopted ducking and dodging his way to my father. My the same training approach. His victory while seemingly able to father would help brother was bolder in the ring land a lead right hand to the face and more successful but also whenever he wanted to throw it? me get hit less. I took more punishment during his It is diffcult to know why, espe- was really happy own career, and it shows. cially when a 36-year-old fghter Mayweather Jr. claimed he was is coming off a victory in which to be back with my re-installing his father as chief he admits he felt he’d been hit father.” — Floyd Mayweather Jr. second even while still working too much. Many theorized that the mitts with his uncle because the Cotto fght had revealed the Roger’s ongoing battle with dia- frst signs of slippage in May- betes had begun to affect his vi- weather, a warning that his legs

Naoki Fukuda sion. Perhaps this is true but Rog- no longer moved as swiftly as

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 67 Mayweather had in his corner his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., whose guidance made the f ghter all but unhittable against Guerrero.

“I made Floyd Jr. aware of moving his head (again). We were still having a dispute over that (with Roger). I told him ‘We ain’t going to take no more punches.’ Offense was (Roger’s) No. 1 thing. I didn’t want my son doing that.” — Floyd Mayweather Sr.

68 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 they once had and his ref exes happened. I’m the head coach ed (not to mention compensated). had begun to dull. whether (Roger’s) there or not. But appreciation does not de- None of that was in evidence Floyd is back. The real Floyd.” mand blindness. against Guerrero but then again That is the long-term dilemma, Second, he is also, at least neither was the warrior men- for it was also the boring Floyd, when his father is in charge of tality fans demand, especially the safety f rst (and often sec- his preparation, a safety f rst, when being asked to pay $70 on ond) Floyd, the Floyd who failed risk-averse boxer throwing 39 pay-per-view and hundreds, if to inspire much of a following punches per round; someone not thousands, to sit in the arena earlier in his career when Floyd doing enough with his speed and and watch. Sr. had him under his direction. agility to make a monkey of 7-1 Boxing is a blood sport wheth- His father never wanted his son underdogs like Guerrero (who er we care to acknowledge it or to be hit and to avoid it he cre- was never considered a “good” not. That doesn’t mean a great ated a defensive genius who at opponent but rather an earnest tactician like Mayweather should times seems to simply f oat away guy trying to make a living for sacrif ce himself or his defensive from other men’s bad inten- his wife and kids) but taking no skills totally just to please the tions as if he were reading their risks to do it in the way a Sugar crowd, but the truth of the matter minds. It is a brilliant strategy if Ray Leonard or Roberto Duran is the way he boxed against Guer- longevity is your primary desire. would have. rero is exactly why he was not a But if entertainment is part of When asked about f ghting box off ce hit until he decided to the equation, too, which it has again in September, for exam- change his approach the past few to be when you are guaranteed ple, Mayweather said that was years and take more risks. $32 million per f ght, there is a his intention but it would be Not risks like going over Niag- balancing act required between the shortest span between f ghts ara Falls in a barrel or walking defensive brilliance and confron- for him in 13 years if he does. across the Grand Canyon on a tation avoidance. He mentioned to a crowd of tightrope without a net. Simply While those devotees who see reporters at the post-f ght press risks like opening up offensively the manly art of self-defense conference that he’d injured his and attacking from time to time as the art of hitting without right hand at some point in the once an opponent has been stuck being hit found Mayweather f ght, showing the puff ness that and gored enough to be ready for Jr. brilliant, he paid a price for frankly did not appear to be all f nal destruction. taking the safest road to his that unusual for men who throw To be careful is wise in payday (in addition to the $32 punches for a living. boxing. To f ght like Winky million, he also gets 90 percent Yet when asked if that next Wright is to be unwise, at least of the prof ts from pay-per-view opponent might be the highly if you want to keep packing the sales): the vocal displeasure of regarded Mexican Saul “Canelo” house. Still, Mayweather’s old f eeing customers. Alvarez, who recently dropped new trainer had his reasons for The booing and criticism led Austin Tout while winning the the return to reticence. Showtime Vice President for RING championship and uni- “With Roger, offense def nitely Programming Stephen Espinoza fying the WBC and WBA junior got him in trouble (during his to muse to the New York Times middleweight titles, he imme- own career),” Floyd Sr. said after after the decision was announced diately began to slip and slide, the f ght. “I didn’t see the Cotto that, “There is an under-apprecia- again operating the way he likes f ght but I was told my son got hit tion of him, and I don’t quite get best – on the defensive. quite often. It ain’t about taking it. When he wins convincingly, “I’m closer to 40 than 21,” punches. Ali took a good punch. people revise history and say he Mayweather said. “I’m in a posi- No disrespect but look at him.” didn’t f ght a good opponent. He tion to take some time off. Cane- “I made Floyd aware of moving can’t win for winning.” lo Alvarez is a hell of a f ghter his head (again). We were still This is what men in suits who but he’s a young guy. I thought having a dispute over that (with have never worn boxing boots his f ght with Trout was a much Roger). I told him ‘We ain’t going but have committed millions of closer f ght (than the judges saw to take no more punches.’ Of- their company’s money to one it). I’ve earned my stripes.” fense was (Roger’s) No. 1 thing. I f ghter say, but it was far from In other words, “Hell no.” Still, didn’t want my son doing that.” the truth in this case. First, May- Golden Boy Promotions CEO

Jed Jacobsohn/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images “I came back and you saw what weather Jr. is very well appreciat- Richard Schaefer said two days

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 69 Mayweather received a Lil support from a well-known hip hop artist – Lil Wayne – as he made his way to the ring to face Guerrero. (Below) Mayweather was gracious afterward. REPORT after the fght he continued to frustration from the corner after hope the match could be made the fght: “He ran like a chicken!” for Mexican Independence Day That isn’t quite how it went, CARD weekend, insisting, “When I talk but he didn’t crow like a roost- FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. with boxing fans, especially the er or fght like a hawk either. UD 12 ROBERT GUERRERO Mexican fans, that’s the fght Instead he did what he could May 4, 2013, MGM Grand, Las VeGas they ask about. do safely, which was mesmerize “For a long time it was May- Guerrero. Mayweather wrapped THE MAin EvEnT weather-Pacquiao but, as we him in a defensive fog so thick it Those who appreciate a know, that fght didn’t happen. left Guerrero hesitant to throw B- sublime demonstration of the Now when I’m in a crowd they after the frst few rounds, embar- fner points of boxing loved it. Those who holler ‘Come on, Schaefer. Make rassed, it seemed, by his inability crave action didn’t. Canelo and Mayweather.’ That’s to hit his target and thus less MAYWEATHER what I’m hoping to do.” and less willing to try. Only A-? The only faw in Perhaps it will happen, but In his two previous fghts as A- a wonderful exhibition of if it doesn’t before the end of a welterweight – against more boxing was Mayweather’s inability to put Mayweather’s 2½-year Show- cooperative and less fuid Selcuk away his helpless prey. time contract that has fve fghts Aydin and Andre Berto – Guer- GUERRERO left expires, it would mean that rero averaged 71 punches per We shouldn’t be too hard on somehow the best fghter of his round. Against Mayweather he D Guerrero, who was given a era managed to miss his two big- was down to 48 and that pro- near-impossible task. We expected more than that, though. gest challengers – Pacquiao and duction slowed considerably in Alvarez. There is a price to pay the second half of the fght. That FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR. for that. sluggish output was a direct re- (Mayweather’s trainer) When Mayweather’s father was sult of Mayweather’s defensive A Junior seemed to be more asked about facing Alvarez next prowess, because he doesn’t vulnerable to punches than usual against Miguel Cotto. He brings in he said, “Did you see what hap- just blocks punches – he makes dad. Problem solved. pened tonight? Did you see what you feel stupid for bothering to happened to him with Trout? If throw them. RUBEn GUERRERO Floyd takes that fght, it will be That is a valuable skill, yet (Guerrero’s trainer) easy. Any guy who throws (wide) one not appreciated much in the Guerrero seemed to be C+ prepared and tried to adjust punches like that can’t hit me marketplace. If you think oth- during the fght. He simply didn’t have and he won’t hit Floyd either. He erwise ask Whitaker or Wright, the tools to compete. showed a little defensive moves who were both considered to himself but there is so much stuff be audience killers for much of THE JUDGES The unanimous score of 117- Floyd can hit him with. their careers despite superior de- A 111 somehow seems too close “He might be a little tough fensive fortresses. in an obvious rout but Guerrero did win a or he might not be nothing. “If he called that running, that few rounds. From what I’ve seen I didn’t see man must be blind,” Mayweath- nothing. I’m being honest with er Sr. countered when told of REFEREE I couldn’t remember that you. It would be easy for Little the chicken allegation. “My son A Robert Byrd was the referee, Floyd if he did what he did made his son hit the ropes. Alva- which is a good sign. He kept the focus tonight – get up on his toes and rez will run into the ropes too. on the fghters. pop, pop, pop.” Floyd just made his son look like THE ATMOSPHERE Of course there was far more a fool all night.” The fans created electricity Floyd on his toes than Floyd pop, True as that assessment of B early on but became frustrated pop, popping against Guerrero. Guerrero’s fate was, Floyd May- and quiet – other than boos – once the There were few left hands com- weather Sr. missed one salient rout was on. ing behind those sizzling right point: A signifcant portion of THE UnDERCARD leads, the younger Mayweather the audience at the MGM Grand Knockout victories by Abner refusing to take any chance that got up and walked out of the B+ Mares and Leo Santa Cruz Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KO) might arena before the fght was over, were both impressive and entertaining. counter him. Guerrero’s volcanic feeling the same way Robert — Michael Rosenthal

Jed Jacobsohn/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images trainer/father, Ruben, hollered his Guerrero did.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 71 KHAN

ALVAREZ M A Y W E

ALEXANDER

‘MONEY’ WILL FACE GARCIA CANELO ALVAREZ ON

SEPT. 14. WHO ELSE Jeff Bottari/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images MAYWEATHER: WILL HE FIGHT? By Don Stradley

72 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 Floyd Mayweather Jr. has a pool of prominent f ghters from which to choose his next opponent.

A T H E R LOTTERY

udging by the jeering that went on during the late J rounds of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s win over Robert Guer- rero, and with pay-per-view buys for the event falling a bit short of what Showtime might have hoped for, the good folks responsible for Mayweather’s future had some serious tasks in front of them. They clearly needed to put together something special for his next outing. Mission accomplished. It was announced on May 29, as THE RING was going to press, that Mayweather will face RING junior middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on Sept. 14 in Las Vegas in a mega-matchup of two of the sport’s most-popular f gures. It will take place at a catch weight of 152 pounds and will unify the WBA (Mayweather) and WBC (Alvarez) 154-pound titles. “I chose my opponent for September 14th and it’s Canelo Alvarez,” Mayweather wrote on his Twitter account. “I’m giving the fans what they want. It will be at the MGM Grand.” That leaves four more opponents to complete Mayweath- er’s massive six-f ght contract. For now, the search for foes who will not only give Mayweather a f ght but help create interest is on hold. He must concentrate on Alvarez. The search, or at least a discussion, probably will resume on Sept. 15. Here is a look at the Mayweather-Alvarez matchup and four possible future opponents (and odds they MARTINEZ will face Mayweather at some point):

the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 73 the mayweather lottery

DAte oDDS oDDS SEPT. 14 3-1 7-1 SAUL “CANELO” ALVAREZ AMIR KHAN DANNY GARCIA Record: 42-0-1, 30 KOs Record: 28-3, 19 KOs Record: 26-0 (16 KOs) Last Three Fights: UD 12 Shane Mosley; Last three fghts: TKO 4 by Danny Last Three Fights: TKO 4 Amir Khan; KO 5 Josesito Lopez; UD 12 Austin Trout Garcia; TKO 10 Carlos Molina; UD 12 KO 4 Erik Morales; UD 12 Zab Judah Julio Diaz Why it’s a good matchup: When a Why it’s a good matchup: Garcia recent poll at Ringtv.com asked readers Why it’s a good matchup: How has been Mr. Excitement lately. His to select an opponent for Mayweather, can Floyd not like fghting a guy who straightforward slugging style, com- Alvarez grabbed nearly 70 percent of the is chinny and erratic, yet has a large bined with his father’s penchant for votes. Not only has Alvarez captured the following in England? Floyd could trash talk, could make him a fun and imagination of fans, he’s also improved take Showtime on the road. The net- interesting challenger for Mayweather. considerably over his last few fghts. He’s work’s All Access program was very Even if he misses every punch, he’ll a huge star in Mexico, so he wouldn’t be predictable leading up to the Guerrero throw 700 or so. Garcia will make it an too concerned about the hurricane of pub- bout, but against Khan we could see action fght. licity that comes with fghting Mayweather. Mayweather visit England, jaw with Brit Why it’s not: This is another case of a Alvarez, THE RING junior middleweight fans, visit Buckingham Palace and f- fghter simply not being in Floyd’s class. champion, also has youth on his side. nally consider himself an “international This could be Guerrero all over again. Why it’s not: Alvarez has improved, star.” Meanwhile, Khan, for all of his faws, is a classic boxer-puncher and Odds it will happen at some point but he’s not a great fghter. Mayweather (and why): 7-1. Like Devon Alexan- might go into his defensive mode and win moves very well. If Khan is focused, this could be a very interesting fght. der, Garcia is promoted by Golden Boy, a snorer on points. Two snorers in a row which makes this an easy one at the would be bad for business. Why it’s not: Khan’s chin might invite negotiating table. Plus, Mayweather Why did Mayweather chose Alvarez? Floyd to try for the KO. Floyd isn’t a saw that Zab Judah buzzed Garcia a One reason is money. No matchup, with big puncher, but if you have a bad chin few times in their recent bout, so he the possible exception of Mayweath- he’ll fnd it. Also, Khan is new at wel- may feel Garcia is a vulnerable fghter. er-Manny Pacquiao, could generate as terweight, and Floyd might be stronger Still, even Garcia’s camp would admit much cash as this one. And Mayweather than the Brit realizes. This could be their man is not quite ready. Garcia undoubtedly wanted an opponent with a a disaster for Khan. We picture him said after the Judah fght that he still higher profle than Robert Guerrero. Alva- hitting the canvas a bunch of times, as had things to learn. If you are still rez fts the bill. Mayeather also probably Diego Corrales did against Floyd many learning, you don’t need to fght May- doesn’t perceive Alvarez as a serious years ago. weather just yet. However, with Show- threat. The Mexican looked good against Odds it will happen at some point time looking for fve opponents, Garcia Austin Trout but his skills aren’t on par (and why): 3-1. Mayweather probably could be penciled in as a potential No. with Mayweather’s. sees Khan as a non-risky opponent. 4 or 5. KHAN: Scott Heavey/Getty Images; ALVEREZ: Josh Hedges/Getty Images; GARCIA: Elsa/Getty Images; ALEXANDER/MARTINEZ: Al Bello/Getty Images ALEXANDER/MARTINEZ: Elsa/Getty Images; Josh Hedges/Getty Images; GARCIA: ALVEREZ: Scott Heavey/Getty Images; KHAN:

74 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 LONG SHOTS

These fve opponents are probably not in the running, but one never knows.

Manny Pacquiao: It seems silly to still be thinking ODDS ODDS about it, but if Manny does well in his upcoming bout with Brandon Rios and rival promoters can 8-1 10-1 cooperate with one another, people would still buy into Mayweather- SERGIO MARTINEZ DEVON ALEXANDER Pacquiao. Record: 51-2-2 (28 KOs) Record: 25-1 (14 KOs) Juan Manuel Marquez: Last Three Fights: Matthew Macklin Last Three Fights: UD 10 Marcos It might be hard to sell Mayweather- TKO 11; Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. UD 12; Maidana; UD 12 Randall Bailey; TKO 7 Marquez II, but Marquez has been on Martin Murray UD 12 Lee Purdy a roll. If he beats Tim Bradley in their Why it’s a good matchup: Martinez, Why it’s a good matchup: May- upcoming bout, he might be recycled the middleweight champion, might be weather would like to beat another as an opponent. He could always say the only legitimately great fghter on youngster while he’s in the sort of he was uncomfortable at 147 when this list. He has a tendency to fght all form he showed against Guerrero. He he frst fought Mayweather, and has 12 rounds, rarely tires and has the kind likes the idea of being an older fghter since grown into the weight. of offbeat style that could be diffcult beating young men. As for Alexander, for Mayweather. he’s won some titles, he has some Timothy Bradley: Why it’s not: Martinez is 38, he’s been skills and after blowing the biggest Bradley would be in the running for in a lot of wars and he’s been hobbled bout of his career against Timothy a bout with Mayweather if he beats lately with hand and knee injuries. It Bradley, he is aching for redemption Marquez. Rival promoters, networks might be too late for him. on a big stage. and the usual boxing politics could Odds it will happen at some point Why it’s not: Alexander isn’t in May- prevent it, though. (and why): 8-1. Mayweather might weather’s class or well known. like a shot at the middleweight title, Odds it will happen at some point Adrien Broner: and Martinez is a smallish middle- (and why): 10-1. Alexander is a This is an interesting one, with weight. Also, Martinez has looked Golden Boy fghter and a highly rated Broner at times resembling vulnerable recently, which might welterweight, which makes things a younger, stronger version make him seem more attractive to easy. Also, the folks behind May- of Mayweather. But now that Mayweather. Martinez might want it, weather’s megadeal with Showtime Mayweather and Broner have too, for he has yet to make a mega need a fghter they can lowball. The become buddies, we may not see it. payday, and the window of opportunity idea is for Mayweather to make the is closing. He might even agree to fght money, not his opponent, and Alexan- Andre Ward: The super at 154, which he has talked about in der would probably take the fght just middleweight champion is on the past. Working against this fght are for the exposure and the opportunity. record saying he will drop down to two things: Mayweather might not like What might prevent it from happening 160 to meet Mayweather at a catch Martinez’s style, and Martinez, who has is that Alexander will be a hard sell. weight. It’s a fascinating idea, but struggled in his last two bouts, might He’s certainly not pay-per-view ma- simply want a soft opponent as he terial. Mayweather might as well fght not likely. heads toward retirement. “Chop Chop” Corley again.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 75 ‘ONE HELLUVA FIGHT’ PACQUIAO- Manny Pacquiao selected an RIOS ISN’T THE e didn’t get the opponent perfectly BIGGEST POSSIBLE Manny Pacquiao- suited to his style W Floyd Mayweather in Brandon Rios. MATCHUP BUT Jr. f ght of the century, which HAS TREMENDOUS would’ve set records for ENTERTAINMENT income and viewership. We POTENTIAL didn’t get the f fth installment of Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Michael Rosenthal By Marquez, which would’ve been another important event. And there will be no immediate rematch with Timothy Bradley. Instead, we’re left with what is merely an enticing matchup: Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios on Nov. 24 in the resort of Macau, China. And that’s all boxing fans want more than anything else – entertainment. Pacquiao-Rios won’t threaten pay-per-view records but it will do well because it promises action. Rios, the former lightweight titleholder, is an angry bull who lives to destroy. And, of course, that will suit an aging Pacquiao just f ne. He’ll most likely wait for Rios to enter his danger zone and then tear him apart. The f ght might not last long but it will be tremen- dously compelling as long as it does because Pacquiao and Rios know no other way. “It’s going to be a very good f ght,” Rios said. “We

76 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 Rios might not be a serious threat to Pacquiao but he should make things interesting. PACQUIAO: Al Bello/Getty Images; RIOS: Naoki Fukuda Al Bello/Getty Images; RIOS: PACQUIAO: ‘ONE HELLUVA FIGHT’

both like to fght. We both hardly back down. We both throw a lot of punches in bunches. So it’s going to be one helluva good fght.” Why Rios? Pacquiao reportedly pursued Bradley and Marquez, who handed him consecutive losses for the frst time in his career – Bradley by a disputed decision in June of last year and Marquez by one monumental punch in December. Alas, they ended up signing a deal to fght one another instead of Pacquiao. Another possibility was Mike Alvarado, who became a major player by outpointing Rios in their March rematch. However, promoter Bob Arum, who handles all of the fghters mentioned above except Mayweather, reportedly said a hand injury removed Alvarado from the running. Just as likely, Pacquiao and Pacquiao chose Co. simply believe Rios’ style is Rios as his next better suited to Pacquiao than opponent for that of Alvarado, who is the su- several reasons, including the fact perior pure boxer of the two. To that prospective be clear: Pacquiao must win and foe Mike Alvarado look good doing it if he is to re- had a hand injury. main near the apex of the sport. Rios’ style and limitations will help Pacquiao realize his goal. pound-for-pound Top 10.” cent in Macau. Plus, Rios makes sense from a The site of the fght – the Vene- Let’s say Pacquiao earns $30 business standpoint. He is not a tian Macao Resort Hotel in the million before taxes. In Las Ve- superstar but a series of blood- former Portuguese colony – also gas, he would walk away with and-guts victories over the past is of particular intrigue. about $18.1 million. In Macau, few years and a fearsome perso- Arum staged the pro debut of that fgure would be $26.4 mil- na have earned him many fans, Chinese amateur star Zou Shim- lion, or a difference of $8.3 mil- certainly more than Alvarado. It ing there in April, the frst step lion. That’s a lot of cash even by will be easier to sell Pacquiao-Ri- in what he hopes will become a the ridiculous standards of Pac- os than Pacquiao-Alvarado successful venture in Asia. The quiao, who doesn’t have many “Rios is a good fghter who fght between Pacquiao, a Filipi- more fghts in him. fghts well in the pocket, but no icon, and Rios is sure to add Of course, neither the site he’s more hittable,” said Fred- to the momentum. nor the earnings mean much die Roach, Pacquiao’s longtime And Pacquiao, apparently tired to most fans. Those in the U.S. trainer. “I want to see Manny of paying high taxes in the U.S., will tune in to the pay-per-view with a good performance. I think relishes the opportunity to keep telecast in prime time, as the he can knock this guy out, and more of the money he earns. He fght will take place during the this guy is one of the new gener- stood to lose 39.6 percent of his day in Macau to accommodate ation of fghters coming up. purse if he fought in Las Vegas, American television. “It’s a fght that if he wins which refects the new U.S. tax And they’ll very likely get what

it, would keep Manny in the rate. He’ll give up only 12 per- they paid for – a great fght. Photo by Harry How/Getty JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images; Images RIOS: PACQUIAO:

78 THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013

THE RIVALRY BETWEEN SAM LANGFORD AND JACK JOHNSON IS EQUAL PARTS FACT, FICTION AND INTRIGUE By Don Stradley

Did Sam Langford (above) really give Jack Johnson hell in their only encounter? …

80 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 The Ring Magazine reports suggest? Langford, assome dominate Or didJohnson brutish heavyweights –Sam bouts againstaquintetof fought morethan70ofhis career asalightweight, Langford, whobeganhis bout withStanleyKetchel. Walcott andano-decision a drawwiththeoriginalJoe Joe GansandJackO’Brien, victories oversuchgreatsas decision bouts, itincludes 128 knockoutsand61no- mammoth 179-30-40, with from amountaintop. At a S if announcingitself itself butroars, as not onlyspeaksfor am Langford’s record The STuff Of Legend

McVey, Joe Jeanette, Harry bout, Johnson gave Langford a the fght was written many years Wills, Jim Barry and Jeff Clarke hiding comparable to the one giv- after the fact by Boston journal- – winning far more than he lost. en to the Germans at Stalingrad. ist Doc Almy. Writing for The During the slushy winter of his “It was a one-sided fght,” report- Veteran Boxer in 1947, Almy career, at age 39 with failing ed the Boston Morning Journal. described a dramatic battle but vision, Langford scored a two- The Boston Post concurred that his account reads as if it was em- round KO of future middleweight Johnson had been dominant but bellished. By the time Almy wrote champion Tiger Flowers. noted Langford’s courage: “It his piece, his memory may have Yet, perhaps as much as any of was a wonder that he could stand been faulty, if he had even been at his victories, a loss to Jack John- the beating that Johnson handed Chelsea at all. Writers like Almy son in April 1906 helped create him.” Such comments are harmful may also have been swept away Langford’s legacy. The story goes to the longstanding myth that by the growing tide of Langford that Johnson beat Langford over Langford had been robbed in nostalgia that had begun with 15 rounds in Chelsea, Mass., Chelsea, a myth that still breathes Laney’s article. “We have let sen- but Langford had given Johnson heavily on the necks of historians. timent sway us,” promoter Joe such a hard time that Johnson The Johnson-Langford bout Waterman once grumbled to The refused to entertain thoughts of took place at the Lincoln Athletic Associated Press. “The myth of a rematch. When Johnson won Club, a rickety fre trap that held Langford’s greatness has grown the heavyweight championship in approximately 2,000 and would with the years. It isn’t true.” But December of 1907, Langford be- go up in fames two years later. Waterman was in the minority. gan a desperate pursuit of John- Johnson had arrived in nearby The goodwill around Langford son that took him around the Boston claiming he would take grew, and the Johnson-Langford globe like Ahab chasing Moby on two opponents in one night. bout was ripe for mythmaking. Dick. According to the lore, John- Langford answered the call alone. Even Johnson had done his son let Langford rot on the vine. Enjoying advantages in height share to glorify the 1906 match. But did Johnson really avoid and weight, Johnson was sim- In Mes Combats, a French au- Langford? Langford is from the ply too much for Langford. The tobiography published during same hazy neighborhood as Babe smaller man went to the canvas his championship reign, Johnson Ruth and Jesse James, a foggy twice in the sixth round and, offered the surprising revelation realm where fact and fction often according to various sources, ref- that Langford had knocked him collide. Undoing the knots in his eree John J. Flaherty gave Lang- down. “It was all I could do,” story has left more than one bi- ford a deliberately slow count. wrote Johnson, “just to get back ographer dizzy. The Johnson saga Flaherty may have been favoring on my feet just as the referee was is a perfect example. the local fghter or he may have about to count ‘Ten!’” This was The idea that Johnson ducked been thinking of the smart money a shocker, for Johnson had said Langford certainly fts into the that had been placed on Lang- at other times that he’d had an design of Langford’s life. Lang- ford lasting at least 10 rounds. easy time with Langford and held ford ended up blind, broke and Strangely, a report from the Ken- back under the advisement of the forgotten until sportswriter Al nebec Maine Daily Journal added arena’s management. Stranger Laney discovered him living that Langford rose from the sec- still, Johnson barely mentioned alone in a Harlem rooming ond knockdown and battled back Langford in his 1927 American house. Thanks to Laney’s con- ferociously until Johnson “was in memoir, In The Ring And Out. cern and the donations of fans, as bad a way as Langford.” Clay Moyle, author of Sam Langford lived his fnal years in The notion of such a round is Langford: Boxing’s Greatest Un- relative comfort. Still, Johnson’s mind-boggling. Langford goes crowned Champion, can’t explain rebuff was the engine that drove down twice and then has John- why Johnson recalled a knock- the Langford legend. Poor old son going at the bell? And why down that hadn’t been reported. Sam was proof that even the best such an explosive round would “I don’t know why Johnson fghters could be victims in the be mentioned in a Maine paper would say that if it didn’t dark, corrupt world of boxing. but not the Boston papers is one happen,” Moyle said. “But, if There is a hiccup in the story, of the many mysteries surround- it actually happened, you’d though. According to the few ex- ing the bout. think that one of the Boston isting ringside reports of the 1906 The most vivid description of newspapers would have

82 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 LEGENDARY RIVALRIES The top black f ghters of the early 20th century often fought one another repeatedly for lack of opportunities against top white f ghters because of their skin color. Sam Langford was in the thick of these rivalries. Here is a look at how he and Jack Johnson did against other elite black f ghters, each of whom is in the Interna- tional Boxing Hall of Fame.

Joe Jeannette

LANGFORD (179-30-40) Vs. Sam McVea: 7-2-6 Vs. Harry Wills: 2-13-2 Vs. Joe Jeannette: 8-3-4

JOHNSON (54-11-9) Vs. Sam McVea: 3-0-0 Vs. Joe Jeannette: 5-1-1

Note: Johnson outpointed Langford in their only meet- ing and never fought Wills. The Galveston Giant refused to face his main black rivals once he beat Tommy Burns to win the heavyweight title Johnson called in 1908. Langford (pictured) “the toughest little son of a bitch that Source: boxrec.com The Ring Magazine ever lived.”

THE RING MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2013 83 The STuff Of Legend

In the end, Langford called Jack Johnson mentioned it. Yet, I have articles (pictured) “the from at least fve different best boxer I faced Boston newspapers concerning in the ring.” the fght and not one mentions Sam knocking Johnson down.” THE RING founder Nat Fleischer, whose father in law had been at the Chelsea bout, threw a different light on this alleged knockdown. Fleischer wrote in Black Dynamite that Langford’s manager Joe Woodman intended to arrange a rematch for Lang- ford and started a “ballyhoo campaign,” sending piles of copy to the newspapers stating that Langford had been robbed of the decision in Chelsea. “Woodman even went so far as to assert that Johnson had been dropped for a count of nine,” wrote Fleischer, “all of which was purely the bunk, for no such thing ever happened. Yet Woodman’s startling fction tale took a grip on the public fancy and the majority of sports writers, without search- ing out the facts, backed up the Woodman dope.” A 1909 booklet called The Life & Battles of Sam Langford included the knockdown story, possibly because of Woodman’s in- fuence. But why would Johnson mention it in a French memoir? “Bottom line,” Moyle said, “I don’t believe there is any defn- itive proof that Johnson was in fact knocked down by Sam, but there remains some question about that to this day.” A rarely mentioned detail in the Johnson-Langford story is that shortly after their bout in Chelsea, they fought an exhibition in a Boston theater to raise money for survivors of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Lang- ford would describe it as “the wildest nine minutes of fghting I ever was mixed up in during 23 years of war.” “There wasn’t any ring on the stage of that theatre,” Langford the air. On another night, Lang- old rival Joe Jeanette over 20 told the Halifax Herald in 1924. ford spotted Johnson in a Balti- rounds for the world heavy- “It was just a stage, no ropes, more nightclub and threatened weight title as recognized in no nothing. We battled from to beat him right there. France. It was small consolation. one side of it to the other, The accepted reason for the “Jack just didn’t want to back to the curtains, forward rematch never happening is that associate with me anymore,” to the footlights, fghting like Johnson didn’t want to lose the Langford said in one article. “I two tigers. I was out to knock championship to another black coaxed that boy and I begged Johnson cold, if I could, and fghter. Johnson once told the that boy and I said nasty, nas- he was trying to fnish me. We press that he wouldn’t fght ty things to him, but he just punched, wrestled, mauled, Langford because he was “draw- wouldn’t mess around with me.” hauled and did everything but ing my own color line,” as many What would have happened knock down the building. white fghters had done. There had Johnson fought Langford a “Before the frst round was was also a rumor that the fric- second time? After 1910, John- over we had upset the water tion between Johnson and Lang- son was in physical decline. buckets and our chairs, knocked ford stemmed from their having Langford, too, was putting on over the referee and timekeeper, once been involved with the weight, but Johnson’s dissipation broken about ten electric bulbs same woman. Gunboat Smith, was greater. Langford might’ve in the footlights and twice, in the who fought Langford twice and won. It is fun to imagine Lang- cyclonic stuff we were doing, al- once served as Johnson’s spar- ford as the heavyweight cham- most fell into the orchestra pit.” ring partner, told author Peter pion; he was colorful, he was a It’s a good story, but it’s hard Heller in 1970 that the rivalry puncher, and the press was fond to imagine a ring technician like was uglier than the public knew. of him. Perhaps, if he’d won the Johnson involved in such a crazy “They hated one another title, Langford would’ve fought brawl. Still, such tales inspire like rat poison,” Smith said, less often and spared himself those who feel Johnson avoided describing an incident in 1910 getting punched into blindness. Langford during his title reign. in which Johnson sped past All we can be certain of is that “My personal belief is, yes,” Langford in his car, his wheels Johnson and Langford, despite Moyle told THE RING. “He felt churning mud into Langford’s the bad blood between them, ad- Langford was an extremely dan- face. “If Sam Langford had a mired each other. gerous man to fght and there gun, he’d have killed him “I learned many boxing tricks was just as much money to be right there.” fghting with Johnson,” Langford made fghting men who were less Various promoters attempted said. “Jack Johnson was the best dangerous. And Sam was clearly to make the rematch during the boxer I faced in the ring.” the No. 1 contender for at least next few years, with London, In a 1929 story, Johnson a couple of years during John- Paris and Sydney mentioned praised Langford. “I can still son’s title reign.” as possible locations. Johnson hear the wind whistling as his After his historic 1910 win reportedly signed papers on right hand passed by my face,” over James J. Jeffries in Reno, more than one occasion to meet Johnson told the Saskatoon Nev., Johnson said he would Langford, but he told The Los Star-Phoenix. “He had the great- meet Langford provided Lang- Angeles Times in 1914, there’d est right cross the ring ever saw, ford agreed to a side bet of be “no glory in defeating Lang- past or present, and when he $20,000. The two bantered in ford for I have already done the laid it in, the party was all over.” print, and there was even an im- trick.” Meanwhile, Langford Johnson was more succinct years promptu summit at Boston’s Ar- hurt his own cause by fghting later when he met New England mory Athletic Association, when so frequently. Fighting 10 to 12 Sports Museum trustee Kevin both happened to be on hand times per year meant Langford Aylwood in a Boston nightclub. for a bout between Jimmy Walsh occasionally lost; Johnson held “Sam Langford,” Johnson al- and Young Britt. Demonstrating these losses against him. legedly told Aylwood, “was the their fair for the dramatic, John- In December 1913, after toughest little son of a bitch that son and Langford stepped into French offcials had tired of ever lived.” the ring and glared at each other, Johnson’s inactivity and stripped From such quotes are legends

The Ring Magazine Johnson waving a wad of bills in him of his status, Langford beat made.

the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 85 COMMON- SENSE

86 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 COMMON- SENSE

Ed Mulholland/WireImage

SCORING are trulyeven. rounds 10-10ifthey have adutytoscore believes judges Harold Lederman HBO commentator Former judgeand By OTHERWISE RING DICTATE EVENTS INTHE ROUNDS 10-9IF TO SCORE FEEL BOUND SHOULDN’T JUDGES on agivenhole. take thesamenumberofstrokes points inaquarter. Golfers often teams scorethesamenumber of inning. Football andbasketball the samenumberofrunsin an in sports. Baseballteamsscore about theconceptof “even” accurately? round infavoroftheotherguy. scoring thenextextremelyclose can alwayseventhingsoutby round infavorofonefghter, he judge scoresanextremelyclose say withastraightfacethat, ifa fghters. These samepeopleoften which tochoosebetweenthe be, there’s alwaysabasison matter howclosearoundmight A There’s nothinginherentlyevil Why notscorerounds Thomas Hauser

Their viewisthat, no score aroundeven. that ajudgeshouldn’t lot ofpeoplethink the ring magazine 87 COMMON-SENSE SCORING

A fght can be scored a draw. So why shouldn’t an individual round be scored even? This doesn’t mean that a judge should go overboard. Angelo Poletti, in an act of monumental indecision, scored 10 even rounds in the frst fght between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran en route to a 148-147 scorecard in Duran’s favor. But a judge’s scorecard is supposed to accurately refect that judge’s view of the fght. It under- mines the integrity of the scoring system if a judge who is uncer- tain as to who won a particular round makes a decision based on a mental coin fip. Every round in boxing starts out even. The generally-used cri- teria for scoring each round are 1. clean punching; 2. effective ag- gression; 3. ring generalship, and 4. defense. “In the current climate,” said commentator Larry Merchant, “judges are pressured to identi- fy a winner of each round. But once you get past the issue of who’s dictating the terms and landing the most punches and doing the most damage, there are rounds that neither fghter deserves to win or lose. If I can’t decide who won a round, I’m not going to make it up. I’ll call the round even.” HBO’s “unoffcial ringside judge” Harold Lederman is in accord. “Judges are paid to make hard decisions on close rounds,” Lederman said. “But some rounds are dead even. If a judge is really undecided and can’t pick the winner of a round, he should call it even. Anything else is unfair to the fans and unfair to the fghter that he decides against.” Making an arbitrary decision as to who won a round that’s too close to call has the same

effect as deducting a point for a AFP/GettyImages

88 the ring magazine Judge Angelo Poletti brought indecision to an epic level in the frst Sugar Ray Leonard- Roberto Duran fght, scoring 10 rounds even. COMMON-SENSE SCORING

Tim Bradley’s frst-round trip to the canvas against fght. One of the main objectives Ruslan Provodnikov was in the sport is to knock an oppo- ruled a slip, but that didn’t nent off his feet. preclude the judges from But just because a fghter scores scoring the round 10-8 for Provodnikov. a knockdown doesn’t mean that he’s entitled to a swing of three points (from 9-10 to 10-8). If Fighter A dominates a round and is felled by a fash knockdown, shouldn’t that be a 10-9 round in favor of the fghter who scored the knockdown? Or maybe even 10-10? Here the thoughts of Greg Sirb, executive director of the Pennsyl- vania State Athletic Commission and former president of the Asso- ciation of Boxing Commissions, are instructive. “You have to score the whole round,” Sirb said. “Common sense has to come into play. You can’t automatically throw away 2 minutes, 55 seconds of good foul; only in this case, the judge ee to call a knockdown to score work because a knockdown oc- is penalizing a fghter for no a round 10-8,” added Nevada’s curred. If I’m dominating a round good reason. dean of boxing judges, Duane and you score a fash knockdown, Another issue: Just because Ford. “When Tim Bradley fought how can anyone fairly say that there hasn’t been a knockdown Ruslan Provodnikov, the TV peo- you’re entitled to a 10-8 round? doesn’t mean that a round ple made a big thing about how, Do you really think that the judg- shouldn’t be scored 10-8. in their view, the referee missed es should totally disregard the A fghter can win a round in a knockdown and that cost Pro- other 2 minutes, 55 seconds?” a manner that’s characterized vodnikov a point. But each judge Showtime Boxing analyst Al as 1. close; 2. decisive, or 3. had the option of scoring that Bernstein agrees and suggests, dominating. round 10-8 based on the overall “Let’s assess intelligently how “You don’t need a knockdown action in the round if he thought much damage is being done. Let’s for a 10-8 round,” said Show- that a 10-8 score was warranted. distinguish between knockdowns time boxing analyst Steve Far- If one of the fghters is scoring that do serious damage and hood. “Suppose Fighter A edges effectively with power punches, knockdowns where a fghter’s Fighter B by three jabs to one. hurting his opponent, and dom- glove barely touches the canvas It’s a 10-9 round. Now suppose inating the round, I’m fne with or the fghter goes down and Fighter A kicks Fighter B’s butt 10-8.” bounces back up. Let’s also ask all over the place but doesn’t Or phrased differently: If a whether a knockdown was the knock him down. Most judges hair’s breadth difference equates result of a solid punch or a fght- will also score that a 10-9 round, to a 10-9 round, shouldn’t a dom- er going down because he was hit which tells you right there that inating round be worth more? when he was off balance.” the 10-point-must scoring system That leads to a third issue: The Too many judges are scared to is fawed in the way it’s imple- notion that a fghter is automat- turn in a scorecard that looks mented. When one fghter clearly ically entitled to a 10-8 round different from those of the oth- dominates another and hurts the simply because he knocked his er judges and members of the other guy, even if there hasn’t opponent down is fawed. media. But it’s foolish to have been a knockdown, that round Knockdowns are an import- a 10-point-must scoring system should be scored 10-8.” ant part of boxing and should and put arbitrary limits on the “A judge doesn’t need the refer- be weighed heavily in scoring a judges’ options.

90 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013

Miranda Carter decided at 52 that it was time to become a boxing promoter. FOR The LOVe OF BOXING BRITISH CIVIL SERVANT MIRANDA CARTER FOLLOWS IN A SELECT LINE OF PASSIONATE FEMALE PROMOTERS By Gareth A Davies

iranda Carter is side of it, management, condi- a high-fying civil tions, processes. M servant in the Brit- Her growing knowledge of how ish home service the sport was run, and what was by day, a small-hall boxing pro- required, was to be tested to the moter by night. Six years ago, full. She saw a load more shows, having felt a burning desire for then went for her license in front years to follow a mission inside of a panel from the Boxing Board. her, she embarked on becoming “The interview with the Board a promoter. She was 52. was weird,” she said. “Robert “My husband will remind me it Smith was deputy secretary of the was in June round about six years Boxing Board. I walked into the ago. It was a summer’s morning. interview with a group of hatch- I said ‘that’s it, I’m going to be- et-faced men peering at me. But come a boxing promoter.’ Nine after a thorough line in question- months later I was ringside at my ing, they gave me the license.” frst show.” They asked Carter why she “There I was sitting front row was not just going into putting at York Hall with my husband on amateur shows; she wanted sitting behind me in a state of to be a professional promoter, shock,” explained Carter, a small, she countered. elegant lady. “I think they were suspicious “The process was twofold,” she of me. They’re very, very risk … said. “There was a lot of ‘compa- averse. They like things to hap- ny’ stuff I had to do, but mostly I pen how it’s always happened,” started investigating boxing, go- she mused. “To be perfectly hon- ing to lots of small-hall shows.” est, I think the issue was more So off she went. “I saw the about me being middle-class British middleweight Darren than female. A combination of Barker box, I went to Frank the two wasn’t great from their Maloney shows. Then I began point of view.” the process of trying to talk to “But to be fair to them, they the Boxing Board about what I did give me the license. There needed to do to.” was also the sense that they want When she fnally spoke to Rob- to test you. Promoting isn’t easy. ert Smith, at the time the head of And you do need to be quite re- the southern area Board and the silient in boxing.” She found she Deputy Secretary of the British had that quality in droves. Boxing Board of Control, she What dawned on her was that had a list of questions the length the panel in front of her just of her arm about what she needed persuading that she was needed to do about the medical for real. “Actually, they were

the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 93 FOR the LOVE OF BOXING

testing my understanding of the rulebook. You have to know it backwards. I can remember one horrendous night before my son’s fnal school exam. I was testing him on Charles V of France, and he was testing me on the Board of Control rulebook.” She was off and running. Yet, in reality, Carter’s inception as a female promoter on the British boxing scene was not new. Cath- erine Morrison, the daughter of long-serving Scottish promoter Alex Morrison, was a licensed promoter from 1992 until her permit lapsed in 2011, according to the Boxing Board’s records. In 2011, Olivia Goodwin, the daughter of Steve Goodwin, a small-hall promoter in England, gained her license. She was 20 years old, but had been working on his shows through her teen- age years. But these women might look to the example of Aileen Eaton, the most famous woman promoter of them all. Eaton was a formidable char- acter – loved, hated and feared in equal measure. She staged fghts for 50 years at the Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium and she promoted the superstars of her era. Sugar Ray Robinson, Mu- hammad Ali, George Foreman, Floyd Patterson, Joe Frazier and Ken Norton were all among the men who came under her re- gime. Today, Rebecca Margel in Leeds and Jane Wilton, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, have had din- ner boxing shows in the past few years. Yet even further back, the wives of boxing managers were often licensed as promoters, because the men were not allowed to play both roles under the rules. In the ’50s, Tommy Conroy and his wife ran shows. Tommy managed, and his better half, Annette, had the promoter’s license. The setup of husband-and-wife teams

94 the ring magazine Carter poses with Matt McCarthy, one of was not unusual. her young fghters. One of the most renowned husband-and-wife pairings in the U.S. was Don Chargin and his wife, Lorraine, while Main Events is under the charge of Kathy Duva, the late Dan Duva’s wife from the family dynasty long involved in the sweet science. “I suppose it’s baffing to everyone really, that I just woke up one morning with a conviction that I could be a boxing promoter. But it had been there a long time,” Carter said. “It was really my father. He’d always boxed as a young man and boxed in the Navy, so I’ve always thought boxing for a man was a really good thing to do. A really good, exciting sport.” The drama of boxing had always captured Carter, who attended a private girls’ school in Dulwich, a swanky area in South London, before going up to Ox- ford University to study politics, philosophy and economics. “I was very passionate about politics so I spent about 10 years working for the Trade Union movement, frstly as a negotiator of the shop foor and then as a general treasurer of the Trade Union. It was a very complex time politically in the early ’80s. Boxing is like politics.” “I don’t know whether boxing’s in my blood, or my DNA, but I just seemed to slot it in like nothing else. Perhaps the work in politics prepared me for it. But nothing really surprised me about it and I do feel like a fsh going into water.” Music and boxing also equate in Carter’s mind. “I go to the Opera, but I like open-air opera in London, like in Holland Park because it’s very small, very inti- mate. I like the closeness to the action.” Small-hall boxing shows, she reckons, have the same tight,

XX old school feel.

the ring magazine 95 FOR THE LOVE OF BOXING

“But as a person I just feel happy to be part of the industry and the excitement of when a bout comes together and just explodes and goes crazy. It’s just ‘a feeling.’ I don’t know if I can convey it.” —Miranda Carter

Carter brings intensity to ringside.

96 THE RING MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2013 “The opera and boxing are “It’s 45 [British pounds; a little toes, that you meet people you actually quite similar. When under $70] for ringside seats, 65 really, really respect and I really David Haye fought Enzo Mac- for front row, and 35 everywhere respect some of the boxers and carinelli a few years back, and else. I need to do that to make it some of the trainers, some of the David jumped into the ring, and work. It’s expensive to have the managers and promoters.” knocked Enzo out, it was like an York Hall, with the security and “But as a person I just feel hap- aria. You’ve got the musicians, ambulance, the doctors from the py to be part of the industry and and the notes, and the tune leads Boxing Board, and so on.” the excitement of when a bout you to an ending that you’re an- Looking back, she now feels comes together and just explodes ticipating.” The music is an inter- there were years wasted. “I wish and goes crazy. It’s just ‘a feeling.’ esting comparison: In the drawing I’d started doing this 20 or 30 I don’t know if I can convey it.” room of Carter’s Edwardian years ago, oh yeah.” Would she Carter offciated at the home in north London are a pia- have been a rival to Frank War- David Haye-Dereck Chisora no and a harp. ren? “I would have liked to have fght last year, as one of the Carter’s matchmaker is the bloody well boxed,” she said. ringside supervisors. “I saw the veteran, vastly experienced Jim “But I suppose that wouldn’t scale of that stadium show, and Evans. Carter describes him as have happened 20 or 30 years I’ve always respected Frank “unbelievably wonderful.” ago. If I’d have started early, Warren because he’s like the Carter has now put on just I would have had a lot more Colossus in British boxing. But over twenty shows, roughly knowledge and understanding. It being close to the fght, and four each year. What she has was a very steep learning curve at seeing how the promotion was her eye on next represents the the beginning. I don’t know if it put on, was so impressive.” Holy Grail for promoters: “I’d is anymore.” Of Warren himself, Carter love to secure some kind of TV One of the fghters who fea- said, “I’ve only met him on a deal,” she said. “We put some of tured on her bills, Ashley Theoph- couple of occasions. He was com- the good fghts up on YouTube ane, became British junior welter- pletely charming.” and so forth, and some of them weight champion. “Ashley was on Her events are a family affair. really get good viewing fgures. our frst show and ever since then Husband, children, cousins all But then if you go on television, we have collaborated. It’s diffcult get roped in to run the event. you have to be prepared and to get the quality of opponents on “It’s me, my husband, Dick able to put on a regular number my show that he needs, but I’ve Mason, who just does whatever of shows, and I’m running four got him out there and got the ex- I need, my daughter, who’s 26, shows a year at the moment, perience he needed. Then he went sells programs, my son, who’s which is enough given that I also to the States and got really good. 23, televises and flms it. They have a full-time occupation.” I don’t know what they did with help out on the day and they Her current day job, doing him in the States, but he came have a much better understand- the consultation work on de- back very good.” ing of boxing. Then my daugh- veloping a high-speed train line Carter is suddenly off talking, ter’s boyfriend does the Green to run between London, Leeds again, of her love of boxers. “My Room, and my cousin sometimes and Manchester, is complex, favorite was Steve Collins because helps front of house.” high-pressure work. But so, too, he was absolutely unstoppable in “It’s in my gut and in my soul, is the promoting. some ways. I spoke to Ojay Abra- and I can’t stop. There’s a mo- “I must’ve had several ham, one of the boxers on one ment sometimes in a show when hundred boxers on my shows of my frst nights at ringside, and I fnd it just absolutely comes now, which are generally never he said if you hit Steve Collins it alive and people are yelling and set up for less than 32 rounds of was like hitting granite. I liked shouting and your corner’s alive boxing. I have lots of youngsters those really rugged, stands-their- and that’s what it’s all about for coming through.” ground, showy fghters. I’m still a me. Somehow, things mesh and it “But I’m tough as a promoter. big fan of Chris Eubank; I think becomes bigger than all the parts I tell them the deal, and if they’re he’s extraordinary as a person.” and it’s just amazing.” not going to sell any tickets, they “But overall, what people don’t Miranda Carter might not be probably won’t be on my show – realize outside boxing is that it Aileen Eaton quite yet, but there unless we can do this, this or this. makes you think differently about is no doubting her passion for the The books must balance.” life, that it keeps you on your sport she loves.

the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 97 LetterS frOM eUrOPe JAMIE McDONNELL: PROMOTER’S GAMBLE PAYS OFF

By Gareth A Davies, The Telegraph, London Scott Heavey/Getty Images Scott Heavey/Getty

98 THE RING maGazINE / aUGUST 2013 he little fella On May 11, Matchroom-pro- Jamie McDonnell moted Ricky Burns was due to became Britain’s defend his World Boxing Orga- T fourth incumbent nization lightweight title against world champion mandatory challenger Jose Gon- on a memorable night in Don- zalez on Sky. caster. McDonnell, 118 pounds Hearn, meanwhile, responded wringing wet, a plasterer by to the accusation when I caught day, gym rat by night, might just up with him. “Since the start of have put himself in a very lucra- our new contract a little over six tive position. months ago, we have worked Signifcantly, he propelled with a number of promoters and himself into the mix as the we intend to keep that trend,” he only prominent European in a said. “Last October we provided division dominated by Japanese, the opportunity and platform African and Hispanic fghters for Dennis Hobson when Jamie after winning the vacant In- McDonnell boxed in an IBF fnal ternational Boxing Federation eliminator on a Kell Brook show, bantamweight world title against and only last Saturday [March Julio Ceja of Mexico on May 11. 30] on our show in Liverpool, McDonnell fought both intelli- Ricky Hatton’s Jazza Dickens gently and with great pride; he fought for the English junior was hurt in the 11th round, but featherweight title, and Dave quite brilliant in the fnal stanza Coldwell’s Derry Matthews when it really mattered. It was challenged Ricky Hatton’s a world title victory which will Anthony Crolla in a fght-of-the- live long in the memory. year rematch.” His promoter Dennis Hobson “It’s not about taking control – who oversaw several of Ricky – it’s about delivering a quality Hatton’s world title fghts from product for our broadcaster, and junior welterweight to welter- I’m talking to a number of pro- weight – certainly thinks so. moters about working with them Hobson had pulled off a mas- and their fghters.” terstroke by winning the purse In a sense, though, Hobson had bid to stage the fght in McDon- the last laugh. He put the fght on nell’s hometown, 4,000 fans a pay-per-view channel, flmed it thrilled as they descended on the himself, and the following week- Keepmoat Stadium, base of both end, the McDonnell-Ceja fght the local professional soccer and was shown in its entirety as the rugby league clubs. Not even the prelude to the fght night from drizzle could dampen spirits. Atlantic City, N.J., featuring Lee Hobson had contacted me Purdy in a failed welterweight almost six weeks earlier, railing title shot at Devon Alexander. against Matchroom Sports, whom Yet, McDonnell might also he felt had alienated his man learn a trick or two. He disap- by not placing the event on Sky peared the day after the fght to Sports, one of the major broad- sun himself in Turkey on hol- casters of boxing in the U.K. iday, and deserving as he was Hobson went on to say that it of a break, a round of media was a quasi-monopoly, criticizing commitments would have served the fact that other promoters had him well. Hobson will drum that to go through Eddie Hearn to get aspect of life into him. But the Jamie McDonnell their fghters onto the Sky plat- Sheffeld promoter was thrilled. became Britain’s form. Hobson had been hopeful “Jamie showed how clever fourth current world titleholder when he of getting a Sky date through he is,” he said. “It was like a outpointed Julio Ceja Matchroom, but the timing of the matador against a bull. Jamie on May 11. fght has conspired against them. can box a fghter, and fght

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 99 LetterS frOM eUrOPe

a boxer.” Ceja, still just 20, be left forlornly chasing air as had come to Yorkshire with Klitschko disappears into the u.K. TOP 10 a reputation as a wrecking sunset a very wealthy man, or it machine at the weight, with a may leave the heavyweight divi- Gareth A Davies’ monthly record of 24-0 (22 knockouts). sion wide open thereafter. pound-for-pound list for Look around the world. At the Haye, of course, was widely British boxers. time of going to press, the WBC ridiculed for blaming the loss of 1. CARL FROCH champion was Shinsuke Ya- the World Boxing Association manaka, the WBA currently has belt to Wladimir Klitschko in 2. AMIR KHAN Anselmo Moreno, while Paulus July 2011 on a broken little toe. 3. DAVID HAYE Ambunda holds the WBO title. After a self-imposed retire- 4. RICKY BURNS Moreno, although his last effort ment, with Wladimir and Vitali was a failed title bid against Klitschko refusing to offer world 5. KELL BROOK Abner Mares at 122, remains the title redemption, Haye resolved 6. NATHAN CLEVERLY world No. 1 in the division. to work his way into becoming “It was a gamble, but it paid mandatory challenger to the four 7. CARL FRAMPTON off,” said Hobson. “But being in world titles held by the Ukrainian 8. TYSON FURY front of a home crowd gave him brothers. It may all be coming a that extra 15 percent.” little too late. 9. SCOTT QUIGG 10. JAMIE MCDONNELL H H Through f ghts of May 19 DAVID HAYE RICKY BURNS he enforced postponement here are two ways of look- T of David Haye’s comeback T ing at the way in which bout, scheduled for June 29 in Ricky Burns retained his World Manchester against Manuel Boxing Organization lightweight Charr, was followed by a title in Glasgow against Jose great deal of chatter. Talk of a Gonzalez, who retired at the end Tyson Fury f ght in the autumn of the ninth round on his stool is in the air, though this is yet to with a damaged left wrist. be conf rmed. Burns showed the true heart Regardless, the call-off was and desire of a champion, which seen in many quarters as a is unquestionable – but he was setback for Haye’s attempt to also outboxed for the f rst seven par with the great world light- become a two-time world heavy- rounds of the f ght. weight champion Ken Buchanan, weight champion. A convincing The Puerto Rican challenger to whom comparisons had been victory over the Germany-based was three rounds ahead on all drawn. But in a contest which Syrian would have been an ideal three cards – 87-84 – when he ignited from the f fth round on- platform for relaunching himself failed to stand at the bell for the wards, Burns showed again why on the world stage. 10th, suffering his f rst defeat he deserves high praise. With Alexander Povetkin in his 23rd contest, as Burns The seventh round was a having dealt imperiously with advanced his record to 36 wins thrilling spectacle as the two Andrzej Wawrzyk and his over- and just two defeats after this, men fought each other to a blown 27-f ght unbeaten record, his eighth world title bout. standstill, both caught by hooks, a mega payday for Wladimir Outboxed for long periods both exhausted and both Klitschko awaits. The Ukrainian of the contest, heart and steeli- in trouble. will share the spoils – to the tune ness and the will to win carried The right punch from either of $17 million – of a mammoth the champion Burns through a f ghter could have brought a purse bid of $23 million being f ght in which he was made to f nish. Remarkably, the Satur- put down by Povetkin’s manage- look pedestrian at times. The day after defending his world ment team. ring rust of three training camps title, Burns was back in the By the time that contest is and no f ght since September sports shop where he works in done and dusted, it could go one clearly showed. his hometown of Coatbridge, in of two ways for Haye. He may This was no performance on a Scotland. Talk about humble.

100 THE RING maGazINE / aUGUST 2013 David Haye (left) was scheduled to fght Manuel Charr on June 29 but the fght was called off after Haye injured his hand.

DAVID PRICE laxed with his feet and punches, sional boxer. British boxing, and lsewhere, David Price, who and stay focused on his defense.” all its stars, had united for him E rematches his nemesis Tony There is also the mental side. in a collective cause. Thompson on July 6, spent time “When we start off our pro His mother, Tracey, revealed in Canada under the tutelage of career, we knock out a few that he has been asked by doc- former undisputed world heavy- opponents, and we think we can tors to give up boxing. “Scans weight champion Lennox Lewis. knock out all the guys quick, and have shown movement in the Lewis told me he had looked we get focused on the power. It’s reconstructed bone. As you can to get Price’s feet moving a little all about softening your oppo- imagine, Jamie is devastated as he more, and insists that the Liver- nent up.” eats, sleeps and breathes boxing. pudlian still has a major future in It’s what saved his life.” the division. Let’s hope so. H “As a mother I don’t want him “The division is very open right to box, especially after having his now. Father Time is catching up JAMIE WOOD face rebuilt and all that he’s been with the Klitschkos. David is a inally, sad news for Jamie through. I’ve told him no mat- great listener, and learner. We F Wood, whom I reported on ter that he’s not won any titles have been going over the basics. in this column a year ago. The or belts, he’s a champion in our Hopefully I can impart things to teenager, a boxing fanatic, had eyes. He won the hardest fght him which will help him achieve fought cancer and harrowing ever against cancer and not many his goal. I’m trying to make him reconstructive facial surgery in people win that fght.”

Scott Heavey/Getty Images a little more relaxed, more re- an attempt to become a profes- Too right. Cheers.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 101 rINGSIDe rePOrtS

Danny Garcia got past Zab Judah but not before weathering some stormy moments.

DANNY GARCIA UD 12 everybody forget about what Garcia’s dad matured into a likable f ghter with heart and ZAB JUDAH said, what Judah alleged and what the poise sadly absent a decade ago. Date: April 27, 2013 feuding camps nearly did to each other after “Regarding the bad blood,” Garcia said at Site: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. Judah crashed an event that Garcia staged the post-f ght news conference. “It’s gone. Division: Junior welterweight as a meet-and-greet chance for fans. … It’s a respect.” Weights: Garcia 139; Judah 140 Peace was declared with skill, tenacity Mutual respect emerged from an Ring Rating (going into the and blood from each f ghter throughout 12 emotional cauldron that off cials feared f ght): Garcia Champion; Judah No. 4 rounds of regulated violence at Barclays might spill over into a riot. Tensions ran so Network: Showtime Center. The unbeaten Garcia (26-0 16 high that Golden Boy Promotions decided knockouts) prevailed on all three scorecards the two would not appear together at the H For a while, it looked as if the best f ghts – 116-11, 115-112 and 114-112 – but it f nal news conference. The face-off ritual Naoki Fukuda would happen before the opening bell. wasn’t easy against the 35-year-old Judah was eliminated from the usual theater But Danny Garcia and Zab Judah made (42-8, 29 KOs), who in middle age has expected at a weigh-in. In a f ght-night

102 THE RING maGazINE / aUGUST 2013 solid blows. There was no knockdown, cards by the same score, 115-112, despite although it was scored a 10-8 round on suffering a knockdown from an overhand one card. In the eighth, another right hand, right in the eighth round. straight as a fast ball, dropped Judah onto Then, there was referee Massimo the seat of his trunks. Judah got up, but Barrovecchio, who said Martinez slipped blood was falling from a cut under his in the 10th. Video replay showed it to be a right eye. It looked as if the end of the knockdown. If it had been ruled that way, fght and perhaps his career was near. Martinez’s trip home might have been Yet, somehow, Judah hung on, frst to a draw. Not as bad as Wolfe might have Garcia and then to some intangible source predicted. But not worth the journey. of willpower. Still, boxing without home-cooking would “I thought the scores were closer than be like mom without chicken noodle soup. they actually were,” Judah said. “You’re It’s expected. It’s also not as if Martinez going to see me fght again. Why would didn’t work for the edge with a gritty display I quit?” in weather that would have led to a rain-out Why, indeed. in baseball. Martinez survived, much to the Judah, a Brooklyn native, recovered in delight of fans huddled beneath umbrellas the 10th, hurting Garcia with his feared and dressed up in everything but an ark. left hand. In the 11th, Judah followed a left A knee injury suffered in a dominating hand with a right that surprised Garcia, who decision over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on was suddenly weary. In the 12th, a head Sept. 15 proved problematic. Martinez butt left both Judah and Garcia bloodied. had undergone surgery later that month “It was a helluva fght,” said Garcia, who and there were questions about whether now might face a helluva challenge in seven months was time enough for it to Lucas Matthysse. heal. Chicago Bulls playmaker Derrick – Norm Frauenheim Rose missed an entire NBA season after undergoing knee surgery last April. SERGIO MARTINEZ UD 12 But Argentina called. In his frst fght MARTIN MURRAY at home in a decade, the middleweight Date: April 27, 2013 champ looked tentative, perhaps because Site: Estadio Jose Amalftani, Buenos Aires he was worried about a canvas slick from Division: Middleweight rain, or out of uncertainty about the knee. Weights: Martinez 159.4; Murray 159.6 Whatever it was, the knee and Martinez Ring Rating (going into the were vulnerable. fght): Martinez Champion; Murray No. 7 “His knee is going to need another Network: HBO surgery,” Martinez’s promoter Lou DiBella said at the post-fght news conference. H Sergio Martinez’s homecoming included “He’s never going to be 100 percent again. rain, a bad knee, a broken left hand and an But when a superstar needed to step up and scene not witnessed since Lennox Lewis- English middleweight as underrated as he close the show in the championship rounds, Mike Tyson in 2002, a wall of security was unknown. They surrounded Martinez, he did.” guards stood between the fghters when like elements gathering for a perfect storm. But at what cost? DiBella said Martinez, they entered the ring and introductions Each seemed to say that author Thomas who also broke his left hand during the were made. Wolfe was right-on with that old warning action, won’t fght again this year. At 38 Early on, it looked as if the 25-year-old about going home: Don’t do it. But Martinez years old, his career seems to be drawing Garcia would make Judah look like an had other ideas. to a close, which means a few fghts for old man. For a commanding four rounds, For Martinez, home is where the heart as much money as possible. Was Floyd Garcia landed hard shots at will. Then in is and he displayed plenty of that in a Mayweather Jr. watching? Unlikely is a the ffth, a right hand to the head shook unanimous decision over Martin Murray at rematch with Murray (25-1-1, 11 KOs), who Judah. In the sixth, it looked as if Garcia an Argentine soccer stadium. Home also is didn’t complain about a loss that won him a would fnish the task. He landed another where friendly offcials often are. Martinez spot in the middleweight mix. right and followed with a succession of (51-2-2, 28 KOs) won on each of the judges’ - Norm Frauenheim

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 103 rINGSIDe rePOrtS

Abner Mares cracked THE RING pound-for- pound Top 10 after stopping Daniel Ponce de Leon.

ABNER MARES TKO 9 Oscar De La Hoya, said a couple of days of a crowd that wanted more. There’s DANIEL PONCE DE LEON before they fought each other for money a good chance that’ll happen. Mares and Date: May 4, 2013 for the f rst time on the undercard of Floyd Ponce de Leon have the same manager, Site: MGM Grand, Las Vegas Mayweather Jr.’s one-sided decision over Frank Espinoza. They have the same Division: Featherweight Robert Guerrero. promoter. Now, they have an audience. Weights: Mares 126; Ponce De Leon 126 De La Hoya might have been getting They also have similar backgrounds. Ring Rating (going into the ahead of himself. Then again, maybe not. Both are Mexican Olympians, Ponce de f ght): Ponce De Leon No. 2; Mares No. 2 Here’s why: Mares’ impressive victory in Leon in 2000 and Mares in 2004. Both Junior featherweight his f rst bout at 126 pounds came about are immigrants now living in Southern Network: Showtime because of a judgment call by referee Jay California. Above all, there is loyalty Nady. Nady ended it at 2:20 of the ninth. forged by rounds in the gym and years H Close friends, like brothers, Too early, some argue. of pursuing a livelihood in the same aren’t supposed to f ght each other. But “I want a rematch,” Ponce de Leon, (44- game. They are friends transformed into Abner Mares and Daniel Ponce de Leon 5, 35 KOs) said after he lost his acronym- business partners. don’t live according to the Klitschko Code, sponsored version of the title. “The ref Put it all together, and it would be a which is a promise from heavyweight stopped the f ght too quickly. He stepped surprise if they don’t f ght again. Espinoza brothers Wladimir and Vitali to never in too fast.” wants to wait. If there were boos for the engage in civil conf ict. Moments before Nady interceded with stoppage on May 4, there’s a good chance For Mares and Ponce de Leon, boxing a TKO, Mares (26-0-1, 14 KOs) scored that there will be an increasing demand is fundamental to a friendship. It’s how his second knockdown of the bout with for an encore later on. The promise of they express themselves. It’s what a beautiful right hand. Ponce de Leon, a dramatic rematch is there, assuming they do best. Can just one be enough? down in the second from a left, appeared Mares’ improvement doesn’t continue at Probably not, especially after Mares won to be shaken. Turns out, he was. Mares such an astonishing rate. a ninth-round TKO over Ponce de Leon in followed with about a dozen punches, “Abner dropped me,” Ponce de Leon a bout that sets the stage for at least one including three successive rights. said. “But I was very conscious.’’ rematch. Scattered boos at the MGM Grand Very aware, too, of what a rematch or “I can smell a trilogy,” their promoter, Garden Arena had the unmistakable sound two could do. - Norm Frauenheim

104 THE RING maGazINE / aUGUST 2013 LUCAS MATTHYSSE tactic appeared to unnerve Peterson, who me sometimes. This is my year.” TKO 3 LAMONT PETERSON confrmed as much in the post-fght news Date: May 18, 2013 conference. NO. 2 AMIR KHAN UD 12 Site: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, N.J. “The beginning plan was to keep boxing,” JULIO DIAZ Division: Junior welterweight he said. “Sometime in the second round, April 27, Sheffeld, England (Showtime) Weights: Matthysse 140; Peterson 141 I got hit in the back of the head and got Ring Rating (going into the a little upset. I got a little more reckless H Amir Khan’s shaky chin gave way once fght): Matthysse No. 1; Peterson No. 2 and wanted to bang. I could feel the fght more but this time it didn’t cost him. The Network: Showtime heating up. I kind of abandoned the plan a former junior welterweight titleholder was little bit and I paid for it.” dropped hard by Julio Diaz in the fourth H Lucas Matthysse got more than a new Paid big time. round and was hurt several more times but passport. He got an explosive victory Matthysse dropped Peterson with a left hung on to win by unanimous decision. that validated his power, enhanced his to the temple in the second. Peterson, The scores were 114-113, 115-112 and international marketability and stamped him displaying characteristic resilience, got 115-113. as a fghter with credentials that could allow up. But his unsteady feet foretold what The fght seemed destined to be a stay- him to travel to the top of the marquee. was about to happen. In the third, two busy exercise for Khan but Diaz, a sizeable It’s safe to say that Matthysse’s restored more Matthysse lefts scored two more underdog, had other ideas. Khan (28-3, 19 passport, needed after the old one was knockdowns. Peterson got up at the count KOs) easily won the frst three rounds before defaced during a break-in at his home in of seven after the second, but referee Steve he was caught by a big left hook that sent Argentina, didn’t refer to him as the next Smoger had seen enough, ending it at 2:14 him to the canvas. Diaz (40-8-1, 29 KOs) Manny Pacquiao. Golden Boy Promotions of the round. pressed the fght and caught Khan with CEO Richard Schaefer did that. Argue all you “Now we all know who the best several more hard shots, but Khan boxed want about the Pacquiao parallel, but there’s 140-pounder is,” Matthysse said well under duress down the stretch to have little doubt about the possibilities suggested In a loaded division, there should be his hand raised. in Schaefer’s celebration of Matthysse’s plenty of chances to test that theory. It wasn’t a good showing for Khan – swift stoppage of Lamont Peterson. - Norm Frauenheim Diaz’s best days were at 135, and he isn’t With doubts about whether Pacquiao can known for his power – but he survived and come back from the Juan Manuel Marquez DEONTAY WILDER TKO 1 is slated to return in December. For Khan, fght that sent the Filipino face frst onto the AUDLEY HARRISON the old boxing axiom holds true: “Win this canvas and with Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s April 27, Sheffeld, England (Box Nation) time, look good next time.” career down to perhaps fve fghts, a star search is underway. Canelo Alvarez? Andre H It was a familiar sight for British boxing NO. 6 PETER QUILLIN Ward? Nonito Donaire? Mikey Garcia? Abner fans: Audley Harrison stopped on his feet. TKO 8 FERNANDO Mares? Gennady Golovkin? Danny Garcia? This time it was at the hands of perhaps GUERRERO Matthysse (34-2, 32 KOs) put himself the best American heavyweight prospect, April 27, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Showtime) on the list, if not in the lead, of potential Deontay Wilder. successors with a dynamic display of the Wilder (28-0, 28 KOs) bullied Harrison H Peter Quillin has frmly established one commodity that sells more than any: (31-7, 23 KOs) into the ropes before he himself as one of the biggest punchers in Knockout power moves the meter. Despite a connected with a booming overhand right the sport. crowd that appeared to be about half of the that stunned Harrison. Wilder sensed the After scoring six knockdowns of announced 4,215, Matthysse’s demolition moment and began to swing wildly with Hassan N’Dam in October to win the WBO of Peterson (31-2-1,16 KOs) promises both fsts, landing chopping overhand rights middleweight title, Quillin successfully to have staying power on YouTube and and clubbing lefts on the defenseless Brit, defended it with four more knockdowns and wherever else it can be watched again. before Harrison succumbed to the offensive a seventh-round TKO of Fernando Guerrero. And again. Nothing virtual about it. It’s real, and dropped into a heap in the corner. Guerrero (25-2, 19 KOs), moving up from frighteningly so for Peterson and perhaps Harrison, 41, beat the count but referee 154, was considerably smaller than Quillin Garcia, whose seat at ringside allowed Terry O’Connor concluded Harrison was and never really got into the fght. He was him to witness what he might encounter unft to continue and waved it off at 1:10 of dropped twice in the second round and against Matthysse, possibly on Sept. 7 in Round 1. The 2000 Olympic gold medalist badly hurt, but he survived. Washington, D.C. seemed fne, though. He said he had “his After Quillin foored Guerrero twice more Matthysse, whose arrival in Atlantic City senses about [him], the fght wasn’t over, in the seventh, referee Harvey Dock waved was delayed by the passport issue, wasted the fght was just starting.” the bout off at 1:30. little time. He roughed up Peterson with Wilder, 27, called out Tyson Fury Quillin (29-0, 21 KOs) is clearly one of the

Naoki Fukuda rabbit punches and stubborn pressure. The afterward and said, “[My] power, it scares best middleweights in the world. Guerrero

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 105 rINGSIDe rePOrtS

Francesco Pianeta joined a long list of heavyweights who have taken a beating from Wladimir Klitschko.

was once a highly touted prospect, but after of Haiti, who lived in Canada but now career at the moment might be the a major upset loss to Grady Brewer in 2011 f ghts out of Las Vegas, certainly did far milestones he’s approaching. He has made and now this setback, it’s unclear where he more with his second HBO appearance. 19 successful title defenses over two reigns, goes from here. His f rst outing on the network was an behind only Joe Louis’ 25 and Larry Holmes’ unimpressive win over Ray Austin. He’s 20 among heavyweights. And Klitschko has BERMANE STIVERNE now the mandatory challenger to the WBC held at least one major title for a total of UD 12 CHRIS ARREOLA belt held by Vitali Klitschko. about nine years and seven months, second April 27, Ontario, Calif. (HBO) to Louis’ 11 years and nine months. CHAMPION WLADIMIR And, as Pianeta will tell, Klitschko H The f ght turned out to be the savage KLITSCHKO TKO 6 shows no signs of slowing down even at heavyweight slugfest fans were hoping for. FRANCESCO PIANETA 37 years old. In the process, North America may have May 4, Mannheim, Germany found a new hope for boxing’s glamour SRISAKET SOR division in Bermane Stiverne. H Another Wladimir Klitschko f ght, another RUNGVISAI TKO 8 Stiverne (23-1-1, 20 KOs) dropped non-competitive f ght. Even Klitschko said NO. 2 YOTA SATO Arreola at the end of the third round with after he stopped the German-based Italian May 3, Si Sa Ket, Thailand a monstrous right hand that also broke that he’s bored. Arreola’s nose. The injury limited the former The giant Ukrainian put Pianeta (28- H Thailand is once again home to a title challenger greatly, restricting his ability 1-1, 15 KOs) down in each of the f nal champion boxer. The country hasn’t had a to breathe. Arreola (35-3, 30 KOs) showed three rounds. He was able to get to his major titleholder since future Hall of Famer great heart, though, and f nished the f ght feet in the sixth but the referee decided to Pongsaklek Wonjongkam lost his RING with blood gushing from his nostrils. But save him from unnecessary punishment, championship last year. he couldn’t cope with Stiverne’s skills and giving Klitschko (60-3, 51 KOs) his 18th Srisaket Sor Rungvisai f lled the void, dropped a unanimous decision, losing by consecutive victory over eight-plus years. scoring an eighth-round stoppage over Yota scores of 117-110, 118-109 and 117-110. The CompuBox numbers provided further Sato before a raucous hometown crowd to Stiverne displayed a good jab, a evidence of Klitschko’s domination: He out- win the WBC’s 115-pound belt. commitment to body punching and set his landed Pianeta 116-24 in total punches. Sor Rungvisai (19-3-1, 18 KOs) completed

punches up nicely with feints. The native The most interesting aspect of Klitschko’s an impressive career revival: He made his DANIEL ROLAND/AFP/Getty Images

106 THE RING maGazINE / aUGUST 2013 pro debut in 2009 and was 1-3-1 in his frst time dispatching Thai southpaw Wisanu H Devon Alexander (25-1, 14 KOs) was fve fghts. But he hasn’t lost since and has Kokietgym in nine rounds. slated to fght the U.K.’s Kell Brook on kept a torrid schedule, with fve fghts in Ioka (12-0, 8 KOs) dominated the fght three occasions but settled for Brook’s 2012 and three in 2013. from the onset before ending matters countryman Lee Purdy, who accepted the It was an entertaining fght, but Sato with an explosive right hand to the body bout on four weeks’ notice. Purdy (20-4-1, faded down the stretch. In the eighth, Sor that rendered the veteran fat on his back. 13 KOs) was game but clearly was not in Rungvisai pushed him into a corner and Referee Mark Nelson reached the count Alexander’s class. unloaded, forcing referee Guido Cavalleri of 10 at 2:51 of Round 9, while Kokietgym The Briton elected to cover up rather to step in at 1:26. The Thai fghter was well (43-9-2, 13 KOs) lay writhing in pain for than attempt to mount any sustained ahead on all three cards at the time of the minutes after. offense. Alexander, who said he suffered a stoppage: 79-72, 79-71 and 79-72. Prior to the fght-ending shot, Ioka buzzed broken hand in Round 1, drove through his Sato (26-3-1, 12 KOs) was defending his Kokietgym with a straight right and then target with lead right hooks and uppercuts belt for the third time. followed with a power combination in to infict a ton of punishment. He almost the same round. Kokietgym hung tough doubled Purdy’s output, throwing 625 LEO SANTA CRUZ TKO 5 and was throwing back but was clearly shots to just 336 by Purdy. ALEXANDER MUNOZ overmatched. Following the seventh round, Purdy’s May 4, Las Vegas (Showtime Pay-per-view) It was Ioka’s frst successful defense of corner wisely threw in the towel. An his WBA 108-pound belt. He had previously emotional Purdy vehemently protested, H Former bantamweight titleholder Leo held the unifed strawweight title. but he did little in the fght to match his Santa Cruz is known as a devastating display at the conclusion. body puncher but seems to do damage NO. 3 RICKY BURNS Alexander’s IBF belt wasn’t on the line wherever his punches land. Alexander TKO 9 JOSE GONZALEZ because Purdy missed the welterweight Munoz will testify to that. May 11, Glasgow, Scotland (Boxnation) limit. Golden Boy, which promotes Amir Santa Cruz, making his junior Khan and Alexander, said it’s possible the featherweight debut, overwhelmed Munoz H Just three more rounds. That was pair will meet in December. (36-5, 28 KOs) with his size and prolifc all Jose Gonzalez needed to shock the power punching to the head and body on world and upset Ricky Burns to win the SHANE MOSLEY UD 12 the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Robert Guerrero WBO lightweight title in his opponent’s PABLO CESAR CANO card at the MGM Grand. Santa Cruz put backyard. The largely unknown mandatory May 18, Cancun, Mexico (Fox Sports) the former two-time junior bantamweight challenger was ahead 87-84 on all three titleholder down in Rounds 3 and 5, cards and had befuddled Burns the whole H The future Hall of Famer is in the twilight the second time prompting Munoz’s fght. But then something inexplicable of his career but evidently he’s not shot, as cornermen to end the slaughter. happened: Gonzalez quit. he scored his frst victory in four years. Munoz got in his licks but couldn’t Gonzalez (22-1, 17 KOs) later cited a “Sugar” Shane Mosley ended a short- handle Santa Cruz’s strength. “I have to broken left wrist for retiring on his stool lived retirement and traveled to Mexico go down in weight,” Munoz said. “His after the ninth round. If he had stood on to slug it out with Pablo Cesar Cano in weight was too much for me. Santa Cruz his feet the remainder of the rounds, he an entertaining bout with many ebbs and is very good, but he has room to improve, most likely would’ve emerged with at least fows. In the process, the 41-year-old because I landed a lot of punches.” a draw. The Puerto Rican drilled Burns veteran demonstrated that he can still pull Santa Cruz (24-0-1, 14 KOs) wouldn’t with power shots all night and hurt his foe the trigger. argue with that assessment. “I wanted to in the ffth and sixth rounds. Burns rallied Mosley (47-8-1, 39 KOs) unloaded give fans a good fght,” he said. “I need to in the seventh, however, and stood toe- with overhand rights and couldn’t miss, work on my defense a little bit, my head to-toe with Gonzalez to produce a surefre buckling the 23-year-old near a corner in movement. Sometimes I get carried away Round of the Year candidate. Burns (36-2, Round 6. Cano (26-3-1, 20 KOs) returned and I just want to bang.” 11 KOs) then clearly won Rounds 8 and 9, the favor in Round 9, but Mosley was able as Gonzalez seemed to be exhausted and to catch his foe with power shots that NO. 5 KAZUTO IOKA KO a beaten man. fended him off. 9 WISANU KOKIETGYM When referee Russell Mora waved it Mosley stung Cano again in Round 10, May 8, Osaka, Japan off, Burns surely knew that he’d dodged a only to be rocked once more in Round 11, big bullet. when Cano sent his mouthpiece fying with H Kazuto Ioka isn’t showered with the a big left hook. The former three-division same praise as other top young fghters, NO. 6 DEVON ALEXANDER titleholder dug deep in the 12th, though, but the 24-year-old from Japan is simply TKO 7 LEE PURDY and edged Cano on the cards by identical one of the best. He proved it again, this May 18, Atlantic City, N.J. (Showtime) scores of 115-113.

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 107 fighT resulTs through May 19, 2013

HEAVYWEIGHTS Peter Quillin TKO 7 Fernando Guerrero Magomed Abdusalamov TKO 1 Sebastian Ceballos Daniel Jacobs KO 4 Keenan Collins Deontay Wilder TKO 1 Audley Harrison Akio Shibata TD 9 Makoto Fuchigami Eric Molina UD 12 Tony Grano J’Leon Love SD 10 Gabriel Rosado Bermane Stiverne UD 12 Chris Arreola Jarrod Fletcher TKO 6 Philip Kotey Lucas Browne UD 12 James Toney John Tompson UD 8 Giovany Rodriguez Kevin Johnson TKO 10 Solomon Haumono Andy Lee TKO 1 Darryl Cunningham Mike Perez UD 10 Travis Walker Lamar Russ UD 8 Russell Jordan Wladimir Klitschko TKO 6 Francesco Pianeta Garth Wood TKO 2 Virgil Kalakoda Alexander Petkovic UD 12 Timo Hofmann Karim Achour UD 10 Damien Bertu Vinny Maddalone TKO 3 Richard Carmack Dmitry Chudinov TKO 3 Grady Brewer Tor Hamer TKO 3 Maurenzo Smith Anthony Ogogo UD 6 Edgar Perez Mark de Mori TKO 5 Adnan Buharalija Alexander Povetkin TKO 3 Andrzej Wawrzyk JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS Krzysztof Zimnoch UD 8 Oliver McCall Anderson Clayton TKO 2 Sebastien Madani Kelvin Price UD 10 Danny Williams Guido Nicolas Pitto SD 12 Jack Culcay Michel Soro UD 10 Frederic Serre CRUISERWEIGHTS Michael Oliveira TKO 3 Francisco Cordero Ivica Bacurin TKO 2 Vaclav Karafat Janer Gonzalez UD 10 Fernando Castaneda Firat Arslan UD 10 Varol Vekiloglu Navid Mansouri UD 10 Tyan Booth Daniel Ammann UD 10 Kane Watts Shawn Porter UD 10 Phil Lo Greco Braimah Kamoko TKO 6 George Tevdorashvili Jeremy Ouanna UD 10 Gabriel Lecrosnier WELTERWEIGHTS Stephen Simmons TKO 3 Michael Sweeney Luis Abregu UD 10 Antonin Decarie Guillermo Jones KO 11 Denis Lebedev Amir Khan UD 12 Julio Diaz Luis Collazo TKO 5 Miguel Callist LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS Antonio Orozco TKO 7 Jose Reynoso Juergen Braehmer TKO 2 Tony Averlant Ramon de la Cruz Sena KO 9 Elias Vallejos Oleksandr Cherviak TKO 10 Dustin Dirks Floyd Mayweather Jr. UD 12 Robert Guerrero Anthony Dirrell UD 8 Don Mouton Lanardo Tyner TKO 12 Tyrese Hendrix Timy Shala MD 12 Tomas Adamek Vernon Paris UD 10 Manuel Perez Medzhid Bektemirov UD 12 Randy Grifn Jhonny Navarrete UD 10 Francisco Reza Lionell Tompson UD 8 Yathomas Riley Sirimongkol Singmanasak TKO 6 Patrick Bois SD 10 Jonathan Profchet Mohamadreza Hamze Nadjib Mohammedi KO 3 Shalva Jomardashvili Konstantin Ponomarev UD 8 Sergei Melis Tomas Williams Jr. UD 8 Otis Grifn David Avanesyan TKO 3 Bogdan Protsyshyn Teerachai Kratingdaenggym UD 12 Behzod Nabiev SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS Shane Mosley UD 12 Pablo Cesar Cano Francis Cheka KO 10 Tomas Mashali Devon Alexander TKO 7 Lee Purdy (F) Christina Hammer UD 10 Zita Zatyko Badou Jack TKO 3 Michael Gbenga JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS Geard Ajetovic UD 12 Przemyslaw Opalach Silverio Ortiz UD 12 Armando Robles Alejandro Berrio TKO 3 Jose Hilton Dos Santos Eddie Gomez UD 8 Luis Hernandez Rocky Fielding KO 1 Michal Nieroda Danny Garcia UD 12 Zab Judah Phillip Benson TKO 7 Maxell Taylor Mauricio Herrera UD 10 Ji-Hoon Kim James DeGale KO 2 Sebastien Demers (F) Monica Acosta TKO 4 Darys Pardo Vladine Biosse UD 8 Latif Mundy Albert Mensah TKO 6 Ben Odamattey Balazs Kelemen UD 10 Said Mbelwa Dierry Jean TKO 4 Cleotis Pendarvis Javier Prieto KO 9 Cesar Soriano MIDDLEWEIGHTS (F) Holly Holm UD 10 Mary McGee Nick Brinson UD 10 Jose Medina Patomsuk Pathompothong TKO 7 Jonas Segu Sergio Martinez UD 12 Martin Murray Anthony Peterson TKO 2 Dominic Salcido Anthony Ogogo TKO 2 Kieron Gray Lucas Matthysse TKO 3 Lamont Peterson

108 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 LIGHTWEIGHTS Raul Hirales UD 8 German Meraz Haskell Rhodes SD 10 Yakubu Amidu Vic Darchinyan TKO 4 Javier Gallo Terry Flannigan TKO 4 Nate Campbell Rendall Munroe TKO 1 Laszlo Fekete Raymundo Beltran UD 10 Alejandro Rodriguez (F) Katy Castillo TKO 7 Zenny Sotomayor Winston Campos SD 10 Moises Castro Miguel Gonzalez UD 10 Miguel Acosta BANTAMWEIGHTS Sergio Gonzalez W 10 Juan Lencina Suriyan Sor Rungvisai UD 10 Jilo Merlin Stephen Ormond TKO 2 Laszlo Balogh Juan Carlos Payano TKO 2 Jhon Alberto Molina Yoshitaka Kato UD 12 Motoki Sasaki Pungluang Sor Singyu TKO 2 Juma Fundi Nihito Arakawa KO 2 Pakphum Tor Pornchai Christian Esquivel KO 7 Ricardo Roman Cornelius Lock UD 10 Lonnie Smith Stuart Hall UD 12 Sergio Perales Robert Toomey TKO 8 Ty Gilchrist Jamie McDonnell MD 12 Julio Ceja Ricky Burns TKO 9 Jose Gonzalez Cesar Seda UD 8 Miguel Tamayo Ghislain Maduma UD 10 Saul Carreon Eduard Troyanovsky KO 2 Luis Zambrano JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS Robert Manzanarez TKO 3 Oscar Arenas (F) Riyo Togo TKO 1 Mariana Juarez Sergio Tompson KO 4 Gustavo Sandoval Jose Salgado UD 12 Humberto Morales Srisaket Sor Rungvisai TKO 8 Yota Sato JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS Melvin Gumban UD 10 Fernando Ocon Kaewfah Tor Buamas UD 12 Cristian Abila Liborio Solis MD 12 Kohei Kono Ezequiel Fernandez UD 10 Onalvi Sierra Petch Sor Chitpattana UD 10 Ma Wu Ling Emmanuel Tagoe MD 12 Ronald Pontillas Oleydong Sithsamerchai UD 6 Falazona Fidal Dante Jardon TKO 8 Akinori Kanai Tepparith Singwancha UD 12 Jecker Buhawe Gary Sykes UD 10 Jon Kays Manuel Vides KO 3 Carlos Osorio Michael Farenas TKO 1 Gerardo Zayas David Carmona SD 12 Danny Flores Xolisani Ndongeni UD 12 Godfrey Nzimande Josenilson Dos Santos UD 12 Carlos Rodriguez FLYWEIGHTS Takashi Uchiyama KO 5 Jaider Parra Ardin Diale TKO 11 Cris Paulino John Simpson UD 12 Choi Tseveenpurev Kompayak Porpramook TKO 6 Jean Piero Perez Matt Garlett UD 12 Sipho Taliwe Felix Alvarado KO 1 Carlos Melo Will Tomlinson UD 12 Malcolm Klassen Nawaphon Por Chokchai KO 2 Rodel Tejares Espinos Sabu KO 1 Kaenpetch Sithpoopetch FEATHERWEIGHTS Edgar Sosa UD 12 Giovani Segura Bualuang OnesongchaiGym UD 12 Rodynie Rafol (F) Shindo Go UD 10 Renata Szebeledi Marcos Martinez TKO 7 Gabriel Ovejero Oktay Takalak UD 10 Bastien Rozeaux JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS Hozumi Hasegawa KO 3 Veerapol Sor Chantasith Carlos Buitrago TKO 1 Yader Escobar (F) Dahiana Santana UD 10 Claudia Lopez Kazuto Ioka KO 9 Wisanu Kokietgym Jhonny Gonzalez TKO 4 Akihiko Katagiri Adrian Hernandez UD 12 Yader Cardoza Andrey Bogdanov UD 12 Carlo Magali Jerson Mancio TKO 5 Robel Villegas Eusebio Osejo UD 10 Eliecer Lanzas Abner Mares TKO 9 Daniel Ponce De Leon STRAWWEIGHTS (F) Hyun-Mi Choi UD 10 Shannon O’Connell (F) Su-Yun Hong TKO 5 Buangern OnesongchaiGym Alexander Miskirtchian KO 2 Andras Varga Ryo Miyazaki TKO 5 Carlos Velarde Jhonatan Arenas TKO 3 Javier Coronado Karluis Diaz SD 11 Gabriel Mendoza Joel Brunker TKO 4 Maxsaisai Sithsaithong (F) Nancy Franco UD 10 Ana Arrazola Adrian Young UD 10 Sylvester Lopez Gamalier Rodriguez TKO 3 Alicio Castaneda

JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS Tyson Cave UD 10 Jose Saez Rey Vargas KO 2 Seizo Kono Leo Santa Cruz TKO 5 Alexander Munoz

THE ring magazinE / aUgUST 2013 109 PREDICITIONS ARE MADE BY RING STAFF MEMBERS COMING UP MICHAEL ROSENTHAL, DOUG FISCHER AND LEM SATTERFIELD.

JUNE 14 – Bryant Jennings vs. Franklin Lawrence, heavyweights, Bethlehem, Pa. (NBC Sports Net)

JUNE 15 – Hekkie Budler vs. Nkosinathi Joyi, strawweights, Johannesburg

JUNE 21 – Rances Barthelemy vs. Fahsai Sakkreerin, IBF junior lightweight eliminator; Donovan George vs. Caleb Truax, middleweights, Minneapolis (ESPN2)

JUNE 22 – Krzysztof Wlodarczyk vs. Rakhim Chakhkiev, for Wlodarczyk’s WBC The Paulie Malignaggi (left)- cruiserweight title, Moscow Adrien Broner promotion overheated at a news JUNE 28 – Grzegorz Proksa vs. conference the week of the Sergio Mora, middleweights, Jacksonville, Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Robert Fla. (ESPN2); Xiong Zhao Zhong vs. Guerrero fght. Denver Cuello, for Xiong’s WBC strawweight title, Dubai

JUNE 29 – Gavin Rees vs. Anthony JUNE Sakio Bika vs. Marco Antonio Periban, Crolla, lightweights; Lee Selby vs. TBA, MIKEY GARCIA vs. super middleweights featherweights, Bolton, England JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ Signifcance: Malignaggi (32-4, 7 Date: June 15, 2013 KOs) is an underdog even though he holds Location: the title. The excellent but light-punching JULY American Airlines Center, Dallas boxer is 5-0 since he was stopped by Amir TONY THOMPSON vs. Division: Featherweights (for Garcia’s Khan. The gifted and powerful Broner (26- DAVID PRICE RING and WBO titles) 0, 22 KOs) has six consecutive knockouts Date: July 6, 2013 TV: HBO in his run to stardom. Location: Echo Arena, Liverpool, Watchability rating Prediction: Rosenthal – Broner KO England (up to fve stars): H H H H H 6; Fischer – Broner UD; Satterfeld – Division: Heavyweights Also fghting: Terence Crawford vs. Broner SD. Watchability rating (up to Alejandro Sanabria, lightweights fve stars): Signifcance: Garcia (31-0, 26 GENNADY GOLOVKIN H H H H KOs) has looked spectacular against VS. MATTHEW MACKLIN Also fghting: increasingly good opposition, making him Date: June 29, 2013 David Hamilton vs. Adil Anwar, for a fast-rising star. Lopez (33-2, 30 KOs) fell Location: Mashantucket, Conn. Hamilton’s British junior welterweight title from pound-for-pound status with two KO Division: Middleweights (for Signifcance: losses to Orlando Salido (who Golovkin’s WBA title) The 41-year-old Thompson (37-3, 25 KOs) lost to Garcia) but the Puerto Rican TV: HBO stunned Price (15-1, 13 KOs) and British remains dangerous. Watchability rating (up to boxing fans by scoring a second-round Prediction: Rosenthal – Garcia KO 7; fve stars): H H H H knockout in February. Price, who had been Fischer – Garcia KO 7; Satterfeld – Also fghting: Thomas rising quickly, will try to exact revenge and Garcia KO 9. Oosthuizen vs. Brandon Gonzalez, super rebuild some of his lost momentum. middleweights; Willie Nelson vs. Luciano Prediction: Rosenthal – Price UD; PAULIE MALIGNAGGI Cuello, junior middleweights Fischer – Price SD; Satterfeld – Price SD. vs. ADRIEN BRONER Signifcance: Golovkin (26-0, Date: June 22, 2013 23 KOs) has stopped 13 consecutive BERNARD HOPKINS Location: opponents, the main reason he is vs. KARO MURAT Barclays Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. becoming an attraction, but probably faces Date: July 13, 2013 Division: Welterweights (for his biggest test against Macklin (29-4, 20 Location: Barclays Center, Malignaggi’s WBA title) KOs). The Briton lost to Felix Sturm and Brooklyn, N.Y. TV: Showtime Sergio Martinez but gave both signifcant Division: Light heavyweights (for Watchability rating (up to problems. Hopkins’ IBF title) fve stars): H H H H Prediction: Rosenthal – Golovkin TV: Showtime Also fghting: Johnathon Banks KO 10; Fischer – Golovkin KO 10; Watchability rating (up to vs. Seth Mitchell, heavyweights; Satterfeld – Macklin SD. fve stars): H H H Jeff Bottari/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images

110 the ring magazine / aUgUSt 2013 his frst title on an emotional Also fghting: night. Molina (21-5-2, 6 KOs), Gary Russell Jr. vs. TBA, coming off a one-sided decision featherweights over Cory Spinks, is getting his Signifcance: Hopkins overdue frst title shot. (53-6-2, 32 KOs) will be a year Prediction: Rosenthal – and half shy of his 50th birthday Molina UD; Fischer – Smith SD; when this fght takes place Satterfeld – Molina SD. and is still going strong, having outpointed tough Tavoris Cloud Visit THE RING’s JULY 6 – Zaurbek in March. Murat (25-1-1, 15 Baysangurov vs. Demetrius new YouTube channel ... KOs) is a solid boxer but has Andrade, for Baysangurov’s had mixed results against top- WBO junior middleweight title, fight foes. TheRingDigital Kiev, Ukraine Prediction: Rosenthal – Hopkins UD; Fischer – JULY 13 – Denis Hopkins UD; Satterfeld – Grachev vs. Edwin Rodriguez, Hopkins KO 11. light heavyweights, Monte Carlo; Kell Brook vs. Carson ISHE SMITH vs. Jones, welterweights, and ING C CARLOS MOLINA IZ OM Luke Campbell vs. TBA, AN M G IT Date: July 19, 2013 bantamweights, Hull, England R T O E Location: Las Vegas E S Division: Junior JULY 27 – Zou Shiming R ( B E

middleweight (for Smith’s vs. Jesus Ortega, fyweights, X C

O ) IBF title) Evgeny Gradovich vs. Mauricio B BOC Watchability rating Munoz, for Gradovich’s IBF • • (up to fve stars): featherweight title, and Juan H H Estrada vs. Milan Melindo, F Signifcance: Smith for Estrada’s WBO and WBA O 8 U 9 8 (25-5, 11 KOs), who had all fyweight titles, Macau, China N D E D 1 but given up on his career and (HBO2); in San Antonio, Andre himself not long ago, outpointed Berto vs. Jesus Soto Karass, Cornelius Bundrage to win welterweights (Showtime) Boxers Organizing Committee (BOC)

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112 THE RING maGazINE / aUGUST 2013 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.

PRECOCIOUS PUNCHER: Knockout sensation Mike Tyson (right) became the youngest heavyweight champion ever when, at 20, he stopped Trevor Berbick to win the WBC belt on Nov. 22, 1986, in Las Vegas. Tyson would make nine successful defenses and become unifed champ before traveling to Tokyo to face Buster Douglas in what was expected by many to be just another walkover on Feb. 11, 1990. AT The fighTs

1. Miguel Nahuat (left) with Gennady Golovkin in Carson, Calif. 2. Tony Penecale Sr. (right) with Vinnie Paz in Brockton, Mass. 3. Ty Allen (right) with Ricky Hatton in Brisbane, Australia. 4. Anthony Decoteau (right) with Andre Ward in Oakland, Calif. 5. Petty Off cer Third Class Jose Jaen, U.S. Navy, with Zab Judah. 6. Driul Ewuirhuefn (holding THE RING’s year-end issue) with Fighter of the Year Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas. 7. Albert Nava and son Issac Nava with Sugar Ray Leonard. 8. Ethan Perez (left) with Jesse James Leija in San Antonio. 3. 4. 6.

7. WaNt tO See YOUrSeLf IN rING MaGaZINe? Send us your photos from a f ght 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 f ght attended, 8. and your contact information. See you at the f ghts!

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